Shakespeare – Ten Favorite Quotes and a Beautiful Apology
Updated May 2024, 2026
William Shakespeare is universally revered as the greatest English playwright of all time. His words have influenced authors across the globe and across time. Shakespeare's plays are full of irony and word-play that have earned him a preeminent place in history. Here are ten of our favorite quotes from the marvelous plays of the man universally known as "the bard," Mr. William Shakespeare.
(As You Like it, Act 2, Scene 7)
With these lines, Shakespeare tells us a little about how he sees the world. He believes that, like actors, we play many parts/roles and pass through seven stages of life, from “mewling” infant to “mere oblivion” (death). This quote reminds us that, in our own lives, we are mere performers playing the roles we are given. Perhaps the playwright is reminding us that we should not take our own dramas too seriously.
(Julius Caesar, Act 2, Scene 2)
This quote, originally spoken by Julius Caesar in the play by the same name, shows the stark difference between cowardice and bravery. With this line, Shakespeare tells us that a cowardly man will let the fear of death stop him from truly living. The coward dies many “small deaths.” every time he lets the shackles of fear stop him from doing something. The courageous man, on the other hand, lives his life to the fullest and dies but once, when death comes to claim him.
(The Merchant of Venice, Act 3, Scene 1)
This quote is part of a monologue by Shylock the Jewish moneylender, in which Shylock displays his humanity while defending his right to revenge. In the play, he is cheated out of collecting the debt that he is owed. He has been wronged, and as described in the old testament, he wants revenge. It does not end well and Shylock loses it all. Despite the tragic outcome, this monologue was a bold move from Shakespeare – challenging the strong anti-semitism of his time.
(Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 2)
The story behind this quote is one of my favorites. Within Hamlet, there is another play that is created by Hamlet to point out the wrongdoings of his mother, the queen. In the play within the play, the queen vows to love her husband forever, and to never remarry (which the real queen has done). When asked what she thinks of the play, this quote is the real queen’s commentary on the character (which is based on her). Important note: In Shakespeare’s time, the word “protest” meant to vow or promise. The real queen feels that the queen in the play loses her credibility by making such lavish promises.
(The Tempest, Act 4, Scene 1)
According to Shakespeare, life is fleeting, and our greatest accomplishments and fondest relationships will one day be nothing more than a memory, like something we remember from a dream. This “little life” will one day be completed by what many call the endless sleep, or death, leading us to wake from this world.
(Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1)
This quote is commonly assumed to have a double meaning. It is spoken by Hamlet to Ophelia, but truly seems to be directed at all women, and his mother in particular. If Hamlet means a nunnery – as we know it now – it points to the fact that then Ophelia can’t bear vile men who are cruel to others. On the other hand, in Elizabethan England, the word “nunnery” was slang for brothel! If the latter was Hamlet’s real meaning, he is criticizing Ophelia for being unchaste.
(Julius Caesar, Act 3, Scene 1)
This quote is in Latin and loosely translates as ‘Even you, Brutus?’ In the play, these are Caesar’s last words when he is killed by the conspirators. Their leader, Brutus, is a long-time friend of Caesar, who saw the danger of Caesar’s ambitions and felt he needed to be stopped. This quote lives in our memory because it symbolizes ultimate betrayal by a trusted and beloved friend.
(Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 5)
Romeo and Juliet. Their very names conjure fantasies of passionate, romantic, tragic love.
This warning is spoken to Romeo by Friar Lawrence. Romeo responds to the friar that he doesn't care if he lives or dies, so long as Juliet is his. The friar feels that a love that burns as hot as theirs is likely to be consumed by its own flame and passion. With this quote, Shakespeare is no doubt evoking both meanings of “violent” – the common meaning of rough and brutal, as well as the somewhat less common meaning of rushed, impetuous and hotheaded.
(Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 3)
In Hamlet, Polonius gives this advice to his son, Laertes. Despite Shakespeare’s inclination towards irony, this line feels honest and sincere. Exquisite in its simplicity, these timeless words tells us how to live a true and authentic life.
(Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1)
This is probably Shakespeare’s most famous quote. It is part of a monologue in which Hamlet, in a state of emotional desperation, questions whether or not to end his life. According to Hamlet, to live is to have no power in what befalls you. The only way to fully claim your power is to choose death, where there is safety from life’s many torments.
Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets have certainly left a massive mark on the English language. With hundreds of words and phrases attributed to our most famous English writer, you are probably quoting William without even realizing it! But if I perchance did not quote your favorite lines here, please accept my humble apology.
And speaking of apologies 😉 to conclude this article, please enjoy Shakespeare's most famous (and beautiful) apology, from A Midsummer NIght's Dream.
(Act 5, Scene 1)
"If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended,
That you have but slumber'd here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend:
if you pardon, we will mend:
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck
Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue,
We will make amends ere long;
Else the Puck a liar call;
So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends."
In this beguiling speech, Puck asks to "restore or "make amends." He also asks to be "pardoned." What vocabulary can we pull from this speech, and what insights can we gain about the act of apologizing, in Shakespeare's time.... and today!
Today, we still use some of the same words to apologize. We say, "pardon me" and I want to "make amends." We can say, "I hope I did not offend you", and we can shake hands ("give me your hand") to show that there is no ill will between us.
And that's our happy ending!
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1. “All the world's a stage” Watch the video here.
3. “If you prick us, do we not bleed?” Watch the video here.
4. “The lady doth protest too much, methinks” Watch the video here.
5. “We are such stuff as dreams are made on” Watch the video here.
6. “Get thee to a nunnery.” Watch the video here.
8. “These violent delights have violent ends” Watch the video here.
9. “This above all: to thine own self be true” Watch the video here (begin viewing at 0.50 min).
10. “To be or not to be, that is the question” Watch the video here.
And...A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act 5, Scene 1 Watch the scene here.
June 2019
Isabelle Tomlow
PR and Communications Intern
The English Center
Updated February 2021, 2024, 2026
If you love Shakespeare, you love English! Read this next Shakespeare blog post with more Shakespeare Quotes from Romeo & Juliet.
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Sometimes improving your English fast feels impossible. You’ve been taking classes for a long time, but you don’t feel like you’re improving. Sound familiar?
Don’t give up! We’ve lined up 10 useful tips to help you improve your English fast.
But one thing that you must remember is that there are four core tasks in language learning; reading, writing, speaking and listening. You cannot truly know English (or any language) until you have mastered all four of these. I know this can seem daunting, but trust me. Once you get started, it will be easier, and more fun, than you expected.
Pro tip! Of course, the very fastest way to improve your English is with an intensive course, also known as a speed course. If that might be a good choice for you, check out our intensive English course page, where you can learn about our General English and Business English intensive courses.
We know you want to learn English fast, but learning a language takes time and dedication. People often believe that going to class is enough but if you really want to improve your English fast, you need to practice everyday. We’ve found that the best way to stay on track is to set a goal and make a schedule. Plan time to do a little something every day. If you don’t know where to start, ask your teacher for recommendations on what resources to use. Test yourself, do online exercises, immerse yourself in English, and just keep practicing.
Watch English movies (with subtitles in English), use audio books or listen to podcasts. Intermediate and advanced students can try Stitcher or Ted Talks. Or get a Netflix subscription. These platforms help give you a sense of authentic spoken English, learn new words and improve your pronunciation. And for the fastest improvement, be sure to try our Language Lab App for total, interactive English immersion. This program provides thousands of hours of speaking and listening opportunities with instant feedback for, yes, fast English improvement. In fact, we guarantee one CEFR level with just 3 months of correct use.
Keep track of new words or phrases that you learn – and then use them. Capture your new English words quickly, before they fade from your memory. This way, you will remember them because you have moved the language from “reception” (passive learning) to “production” (active learning). Word retention without production is nearly impossible. For recording, use the free voice recorder in your smartphone. And for you Nederlanders, draw pictures or make notes with “donkey bridges :-)” These memory devices can really help with retention.
Use column A for the new word or phrase, column B for the translation, and column C for sample sentences, expanded definition, part of speech, notes, etc.
Or you can go with the old fashioned alternative of a dedicated vocabulary notebook. There is some research that handwriting creates stronger memories than typing; but the spreadsheet wins out, in my opinion, for ease of editing, searching, organizing, and formatting.
To be able to communicate in English, you need to be able to articulate what you are thinking. You can practice this skill on your own by journaling in English. In your own words, write about what you know. Simple, everyday things are fine subjects. When writing, try to mentally formulate each sentence – in English – before writing it down. Write your emails and text messages in English. Then edit to improve your structure and spelling. DO use digital tools, but track the recommended changes so you learn from your mistakes. And watch out for direct translation. That is a no-no!
No language is based solely on words. You need to be able to put words in sentences and use them. The easiest and fastest way to get a head start on English idiom is by learning phrases and sentences. Be sure that your new English sentences / word order are truly English and not just a word for word restatement from your native language. And ask your teacher to use Whatsapp Voice Messaging to instantly send you the new phrases from each day’s lesson. That way, you immediately have the sound and “music” of your new phrases right in your hand!
Talk about everything to everyone! If you don’t have a speaking partner, talk to yourself in the mirror. Don’t worry about making mistakes. The important part is fluency and getting your point across. Grammar will improve with time, and a confident yet humble attitude will compensate for technical errors. You do not have to speak fast or use a lot of fancy words, just keep going. And when you get tired, ask questions! Most people love to talk about themselves, eh?
The fastest way to find out if you actually understand the grammar is by explaining it to someone else. If they understand it, you do too! Start with the basic concepts and from there move on to more complex structures. Our favorite grammar books are from Raymond Murphy (Cambridge). Check out Raymond’s #1 best-selling English Grammar in Use. Or get Raymond’s mobile grammar app in the Google Play store. Finally, we recommend the website Grammar Girl. Check out her “top ten grammar myths” and find the answers to all your tough grammar questions, free and easy, online.
Starting a conversation or keeping one going in a new language is hard. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do it. To help yourself along, create. a cheat sheet. Come up with 10 conversation starters or topics you are familiar with. This keeps the conversation moving and makes it a little less hard.
A good way to sound good (and be understandable to others) is by doing tongue twisters. Everyone struggles with these, but these silly texts are a good way to refine your accent and master the sounds of the English language. View videos of people doing tongue twisters and copy them. Watch the way their mouths moves and make sure you articulate. Ar-tic-u-late! As you get stronger, you will be able to say the twisters faster and faster.
Listening is often the hardest part of learning a language, especially when there is background noise, like at a party, or when many people are speaking. Another challenge is people who speak too fast, people who mumble (do not articulate), and people with strong, unfamiliar accents. But perhaps the hardest thing about listening is accepting that the language is not spoken the way it is written. In most social English (or any language) native speakers de-emphasize, replace, or totally omit certain sounds. Consider the common casual greeting, “Hey, how is it going?” What we actually say and hear is something like, “howz't goin'?” Another common, casual question is, “What are you doing?”, but the sound of that phrase is more like, “whacha doin'?” Decoding what you hear is a tough challenge, and test results typically show lower scores for listening than for reading. Thus my advice is to listen to videos with synchronized English subtitles. We highly recommend our favorite LEARN ENGLISH APP. It will help your brain connect the sounds of English with the written words. And that’s the magic of language!
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As hard as it sounds, the best way to improve your English fast is by working at it daily. But don’t do it alone. Take a course, challenge yourself, and trust your teacher. Here at the English Center, our teachers are all native speakers who will use their expertise to help YOU be your BEST in English. If speed is important to you, consider an intensive course. One, two or 3 weeks to achieve the fast English results you want.
June 2019
By Isabelle Tomlow
PR and Communications Intern
The English Center
Updated: Brenda de Jong-Pauley MA, September 2024
Duizenden tevreden leerlingen gingen je sinds 2009 voor
Wat onze studenten van ons vinden: Bezoek TrustPilot voor geverifieerde beoordelingen.
My Conversation with the Real Soldier of Orange
6 minute read
One of the most memorable English conversations I've ever had was over dinner with a charming group including the famous Nederlander, Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema. Erik was a real life hero and is the character portrayed in the Academy Award winning film – and more recently the play –Soldaat van Oranje. When we met in 2003, he was in Chicago on an international book tour to promote his biography, “In Pursuit of Life.” It’s a great read about an extraordinary life.
Erik's English was perfect, but it was his social intelligence and superb conversational skill that made him so compelling. Here are my 14 rules of good English conversation. I dedicate them to the memory of an extraordinary Nederlander!
1. Take turns. In 44 BC, Cicero said that good conversation requires alternating speakers. Just as children must take turns and share toys, adults should take turns and share “airtime.”
2. Do not interrupt. Nothing is more irritating than the partner who takes your first millisecond pause as a chance to complete your thought for you, contradict you, or change the subject.
3. A conversation is not a lecture, so be aware of time. Do not become didactic or go on too long without allowing your partner to speak.
4. Be considerate about volume (loudness). Speak at an appropriate volume. Being shouted at is no fun, and listening to someone who whispers is a lot of work.
5. Really listen, and show that you are listening. Show your partner that you are listening with the look on your face, your gaze (eye contact) and body language. Show your partner that you are listening by giving them some reflection or restatement of what they said. Do this even if you want to disagree when it is your turn to speak!
6. Do not use the time that you partner is speaking to mentally prepare your response. Your partner will quickly pick up on this. You must truly listen to connect to what they say in order to smoothly carry the conversation forward. Trust the process. Listen, then respond!
7. Preface disagreement with a connecting comment by saying something like, “Yes, I see your point about the dangers of GMO foods, but in the article I just read in the New York Times, blah, blah...."
8. Credit your sources and provide context. We all appreciate context. If you are talking about an impersonal subject, briefly mention where you got your info.
9. Be careful with the use of present simple tense in English. When you state things as facts (for which we use present simple tense), your opinion sounds like accepted fact. Thus if you say, “Putin is a maniac who is bent on destroying the world,” it sounds like, one, you are an expert, or two, this is a well-known fact. Such “factual” statements can make the listener feel that if she does not agree, he must be crazy, stupid or at the least, uninformed. And, maybe even worse, it can make the speaker sound like a pompous windbag. So if your statement is your opinion, it is best to identify it as such! This will create less resistance in your conversation partner. After all, a conversation is cooperation, not a battle, right?
10. Edit yourself for unnecessary detail. Too much detail is, in general, boring. Do not bore your partner!
11. Do not always be the hero of your own story. Celebrate others in your story to show that you are not a diva.
12. Talk about something that is of interest to both parties. Just because I love 13th century music that does not mean that you do too! Watch your partner’s eyes, face and body language to know when you are boring them.
13. Ask questions. Show interest in your partner’s life and opinions. The most charming people in the world do this very well. When I had dinner with the real Soldier of Orange, Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema, he asked me lots of questions about my life. No one had more heroic, fascinating stories than Erik, and yet he wanted to know about me! He was a brilliant conversationalist: charming, witty and interested in others.
14. Finally, be kind. Conversation is not war. It is an art. And even great soldiers know that!
Photo credit Patricia Steur
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Go to Soldier of Orange Music Theatre.
Good Pronunciation Begins with a GOOD IDEA.
English pronunciation is difficult primarily because English spelling does not consistently predict English phonemes. Syllable stress is also tricky – what part of the word should you stress? (hold longer and say louder). So-called rules are riddled with exceptions. Even short, common words can be tricky.
And now for an example.... the common little word "idea." It looks simple, right? You have been saying it for years and you don't have to think about it... or do you? Sorry, but if you are Dutch, you may be saying this word incorrectly.
The key to pronouncing this word is to break it down. First consider the syllables. There are three, so you will need three recognizable units of sound to say this word. Like in ge-zel-lig. Three syllables. I-de-a. One-two-three.
Now begin with the I. That is the long English I as in iPhone and iPad. Got that? OK. Then say the alphabet letter D. It rhymes with these words (me, we, see, tree, three). Finally, say the A. This A has the sound we use to make these words: bus, but, under, cup, sun and love. When you say these words, be sure the vowels rhyme.
Finally, put in the stress. It goes in the middle on the D. So now try it. Say i-D-a. That's it. This word is shaped like a little pyramid, with the high point in the middle. iDa.
If you find yourself saying I.D. (which means identification as in driver's license or passport) or ideer, just pause and try it again.
Now practice with typical phrases like–
What a great idea.
I have no idea.
That idea stinks. 🙁
That's an innovative idea.
That's a bright idea.
(For you grammar nerds, the sound at the end of idea is called the schwa sound and is usually symbolized in a dictionary by an upside down e.)
The English Center specializes in pronunciation support and accent reduction. Read more about private English lessons.
Do you like to take tests? Many of our English tests are free and online. Our test overview page includes the English Center Test of Spoken English (ECTSE) and the Spoken English Assessment (SEA). Plus our popular free level test.
Or just call us at +31 020 823 0569 and make an appointment for a FREE TRIAL lesson. We are happy to speak with you!
Being fired is almost always bad news, but does this message have a silver lining? Termination training compensation can be used for business English courses. It's employer-funded training to help you transition to the next job or career
There are many English phrases associated with termination:
No matter how it's said, it feels pretty rotten. Bur there may be some good news. If you will receive a "termination compensation and training" package, those funds can be used for Business English and job interview training.
Many workers preparing for job interviews choose a combination of the courses below to professionalize their English.
If you have not been in the job market recently, you may not realize how necessary good English has become and how often job interviews include an English component. And of course, once re-employed, your daily tasks will likely include frequent speaking, emailing and meeting – in English.
The intent of termination compensation training is to help employees successfully transition to new jobs. If your English is "not the best," English training will be a very good way to use that money. And please note that this sort of educational/professional training is btw free, which means you can use the full amount of the compensation.
Would you like to speak with us about an English boost for the next chapter of your career? Contact us.
You can read about our Private English Course and our Job Interview Prep Pack
We have powerful, personalized training options to get you ready for the next stage of your career.
Call us at +31 20 823 0569. We are happy to speak with you in English or Dutch.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley, 2018 & 2020
Master the Vibrated TH Sound
Relax and learn how to make the voiced (vibrated) TH sound. This sound is produced by placing the tip of the tongue gently between the front teeth. The lips are relaxed and passive. As the air passes the tongue and teeth, a vibration is produced. You should feel the vibration on your tongue and in your throat.
This vibrated TH sound often appears at the beginning and middle of English words. It occasionally appears at the end.
Start with these combinations
THO
THEE
THA
THE
THI
If you can produce the vibrated TH's above, go on to this word list
This, these, that, those
Tip: Give yourself enough time. Relax and s-t-r-e-e-e-e-e-t-c-h out the words to give your tongue enough time to retract from the extended TH position into the correct position for an S, T or Z sound.
Here is the vibrated TH in the middle of some words
Mother, brother, father, feather, weather, whether
And here are some vibrated TH sentences
Their mother was gathering the clothes together
They’ve had a lot of bother with the weather
They’d rather gather those berries with their mother
There’s their brother, together with their father
Therefore they’d rather go together
(from EnglishisaPieceofCake.com/pronunciation)
Here are some words with the vibrated TH at the beginning
that
than
the
they
their
them
these
they’d
they’ll
they’re
they’ve
this
those
though
themselves
therefore
thee
thy
thou
therein
Here are some words with the vibrated TH in the middle
feather
weather
together
bathing
father
mother
clothing
brother
weatherman
either
gather
other
worthy
another
rather
soothing
smoothest
leather
tether
Here are some words with the vibrated TH at the end (Grammar geeks should note that these are all verbs!)
breathe
lathe
seethe
teethe
bathe
loathe
(Thanks to "Home Sweet Home" for the 3 lists
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Business English Comma Quiz
Instructions: Copy and paste the 12 sentences into a word doc. Add commas as needed. Then check the answers below.
In each of these sentences, insert commas where appropriate. (More than one comma may be needed per sentence.)
1. Erika got a job as an assistant to a graphic design company CEO.
2. Like most people she knew that graphic designers work in the commercial sphere and design such things as logos house styles and web graphics.
3. After getting the job Erika researched the field further.
4. She found out that some designers specialize in websites and she learned that for some professionals print work is still an area of specialization.
5. However Erika’s new firm is all online and involved in non-profit work.
6. The company is at work on youth outreach and training projects for girls.
7. Erika’s new boss Susan is currently overseeing the construction of a new learning management platform so she frequently deals with the project principals.
8. Erika finds her work very exciting and her boss Susan is pleased with her performance.
9. In fact she has offered to send Erika to school to take courses in business management coding and design.
10. Confident about her future Erika hopes to move up quickly with the company.
11. Yesterday Erika told me “I am the happiest assistant in Amsterdam.”
12. Erika’s future at least according to me is looking very promising.
Now check your answers.
ANSWERS
The English Center Business English Mini Quiz
Punctuation / Commas
1. Erika got a job as an assistant to a graphic design company CEO.
2. Like most people, she knew that graphic designers work in the commercial sphere and design such things as logos, house styles, OPTIONAL COMMA and web graphics.
3. After getting the job, Erika researched the field further.
4. She found out that some designers specialize in websites, and she learned that, for some professionals, print work is still an area of specialization. CORRECT BUT TOO MANY COMMAS FOR GOOD FLOW.
5. However, Erika’s new firm is all online and is involved in non-profit work.
6. The company is busy with youth outreach and training projects for girls.
7. Erika’s new boss, Susan, is currently overseeing the construction of a new learning management platform, so she frequently deals with the project principals.
8. Erika finds her work very exciting, and her boss Susan is pleased with her performance.
9. In fact, she has offered to send Erika to school to take courses in business management, coding, OPTIONAL COMMA and design.
10. Confident about her future, Erika hopes to move up quickly with the company.
11. Yesterday Erika told me, “I am the happiest assistant in Amsterdam.”
12. Erika’s future, at least according to me, is looking very promising.
Would you like to improve your English writing? How about a private writing course?
Confusing English Words: Help with a few pesky English words – especially for Nederlanders
Copyright 2016 Brenda de Jong-Pauley
A or An
A door. A book. An elephant. An insect. Easy, right?
But we also say “an hour” and “a university.” Why? Because the rule that controls A or AN is sound-based, not spelling-based.
The rule: If the next word sounds like it starts with a consonant sound–if it has a medeklinker klank–use A. Otherwise, use AN.
A university.
A united front.
An honest man.
An hour.
Advice, Advise
Advice is a noun. Advise is a verb.
She gave me some good advice. (noun)
I will advise her to carefully study the document. (verb)
All ready, already
All ready means “klaar.”
Already means “al.”
We are all ready to have lunch.
Oh no! We’re late and they already started the meeting.
Affect and effect
Affect is most commonly used as a verb. But in psychology, it can also be used as a noun to refer to emotions.
Effect is noun and refers to a result.
The weather always affects the equipment. (verb)
Her affect was flat (noun)
The effect of the speech was immediate. (noun)
Because and Since
These two words are sometimes used interchangeably, but because since can also refer to a moment in time (I have known her since I was a kid), I recommend because.
Bring and Take
These are always used from the perspective of the speaker. You bring something here and you take something there.
Please bring the paper to me and take the stapler to her.
Capital, capitol
Capital is a noun referring to money. It also refers to the principal governmental city in a state or country.
A capitol is the official building for government meetings.
Do you have enough capital for the new company?
The capital of the USA is Washington, D.C.
The dome on the capitol building is very beautiful.
Fun and funny
Fun refers to an amusing activity or entertainment. Funny refers to something humorous or strange.
After the roller coaster ride, “Wow, that was fun!”
That was a very funny joke you told.
OMG! Don't eat that. It smells funny.
Farther and further
Farther refers to literal distance. Further refers to continuing an action or figurative distance.
Let’s not drive any farther today.
Let’s not speak of this any further.
Its and it’s
Its shows possession. It’s is a contraction (short form) of “it is.”
Its limbs were damaged in the storm. (Refers to the limbs of the tree.)
It’s going to explode! (It is going to explode!)
Learn and teach
Teachers teach, learners (students) learn.
I learned a lot from that professor. He teaches so well!
Loose and Lose
Loose is an adjective. It means not tight or unattached.
Lose is a verb that means to fail. To lose is the opposite of to win.
Lose also means to misplace something.
Pronunciation tip: The words start the same. but loose is pronounced with an s sound and lose is pronounced with a z sound.
Stands
Unlike NL, you cannot say that something stands in the text. Use is or is found or can be found.
That passage is on page 100 in the text. The poem can be found on page 200.
Use “stands” to talk about a person, coat rack or tree.
They're, there and their
Pronunciation tip: They are all pronounced the same.
1. They’re is a contraction of they are
They’re almost ready.
2. There is used for a location and also like “er zijn” in NL.
There are some cookies on the table.
3. Their is used to show plural possession. It tells us who owns something. Their coats are in the closet, but their shoes are in the hall.
Late and too late
Too late does not mean very late. It means that you have missed something because you were late. One can be late and still not be too late.
I was late for the appointment but she still met with me.
I was too late for the concert. The doors were locked. I totally missed it.
Shall and should
In modern English, shall is most often used in a polite question when one hopes or expects to get agreement; “Shall we conclude the meeting?”
Should is much more common, and is used to express opinion or give advice.
You should include this information in your report.
Emigrate and Immigrate
Emigration is about leaving. Immigration is about arriving.
Emigrate: to permanently leave one’s own country.
Immigrate: to permanently move to another country.
Read, read, read
Pronunciation tip: Both words refer to reading. Just be sure to pronounce the past and perfect tense versions so that it rhymes with red.
I read the newspaper every day.
Yesterday I read (sounds like red) the newspaper.
He has read (sounds like red) the newspaper every day this week.
Rare
Rare means uncommon. Rare also means undercooked.
This is a rare example of an ancient coin.
That steak is too rare. You should send it back.
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Telephone English Made Easy: The NATO Alphabet
The NATO Alphabet: 26 little words to make your telephone English life much easier – and more accurate!
If you ever get confused between B and D and E and I, this international system is your answer. Memorize this list – or at least print it – and keep it close to your desk when you are speaking with internationals on the telephone.
A Alpha
B Bravo
C Charlie
D Delta
E Echo
F Foxtrot
G Golf
H Hotel
I India
J Juliet
K Kilo
L Lima
M Mike
N November
O Oscar
P Papa
Q Quebec
R Romeo
S Sierra
T Tango
U Uniform
V Victor
W Whiskey
X X-ray
Y Yankee
Z Zulu
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Which word should you use? Boring, bore or bored.
You guessed it. The word word you choose depends on the context.
• Use bored to describe a feeling. Use it with linking verbs -- am, is, are, was, feel, felt: I am bored. I feel bored.
• Also use bored as a past tense verb: His story bored me.
• Use the -ing word in present continuous form to say what is happening now: You are boring me with your bad jokes.
• Use the -ing word as an adjective to describe a noun (a person, place, animal or thing): This is a boring TV show, a boring book, a boring movie.
• Use the infinitive form as a verb / action: That teacher bores her students with too many grammar lessons. But I promise, I will never bore you!
More words with similar usage
Frustrate
I feel very frustrated because this exam is so frustrating. These exams frustrate me with confusing questions. These frustrating exams are really too much!
Excite
I feel excited on these slopes because the ski trails are very exciting. The challenge excites me. The most exciting ski slopes are in Colorado.
Interest
I am interested in this book because the cover looks very interesting. This author always interests me with unique characters. This very interesting book is all about history. Note: interest can also be a noun.
Also please, disappoint, surprise, stimulate, intrigue, terrify and shock
Examples
I am bored now. I felt bored. We were bored. They felt bored.
This is a disappointing book. When I read it, I felt very disappointed.
He shocks me. I feel shocked when he makes those outrageous comments.
They were intriguing him with unique stories. He felt intrigued listening to those old stories.
This boring lesson is stupid. I am so bored! I feel totally bored.
This magazine is surprising. I am really surprised by this magazine!
I am interested in jazz but I am not interested in politics. He is interested in cooking.
This war is terrifying. I feel terrified. I am terrified by war.
That class frustrates me. This class is frustrating.
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