The Big Blockbuster Blog Page

16-04-2025

Green Business Terms: Test Your Knowledge!

Green business terms are increasingly valuable for professionals in every sector. Understanding and using these terms helps you communicate effectively...

04-04-2025

10 Common Business English Mistakes

Even fluent speakers mess up their Business English from time to time. Let’s explore 10 common Business English mistakes with...

18-03-2025

100 Phrasal Verbs for Business English

Complete Phrasal Verb Lesson With Definitions and Examples In this post, we share 100 common phrasal verbs for Business English...

14-03-2025

How to Improve Your Presentation Skills Fast

Do you have to give a presentation soon? Wondering how to improve your presentation skills fast? In this blog post...

07-03-2025

Pronunciation for ESL

Struggling with English pronunciation? This big guide to Pronunciation for ESL (English as a second language) discusses tricky English sounds...

04-03-2025

Pronounce English Word Endings

Pronouncing English word endings is confusing, but it's important! It's confusing because English is not a phonetic language, and it's important...

26-02-2025

Pronounce the Schwa Sound

How to pronounce the schwa sound in English? The most common, essential sound in our unphonetic English language is the...

12-02-2025

i carry your heart with me

A poem for Valentine's Day by E.E. Cummings Our selected poem for Valentine's Day 2025: "i carry your heart with...

06-02-2025

English Words to Know for Nederlanders Vocabulary List B1-C1

This English-Dutch Vocabulary List B1-C1 presents 75 commonly used words at three CEFR levels (25 words per level): B1 Intermediate,...

26-01-2025

Bedrijfs Engels

Waarom Privé Bedrijfs Engels Training de Slimste Keuze is voor Nederlanders Wat is Bedrijfs Engels? Bedrijfs Engels (soms ook Zakelijk...

24-01-2025

Who vs. Whom

Who vs. Whom—Which Word Should You Use? Many English learners, even native speakers, struggle with choosing between who and whom....

22-01-2025

Business English Conversation Tips

20 Practical Tips With Example Phrases. Business English conversation skills are essential for building relationships, networking, and making a positive...

16-01-2025

Advanced Business English Training

Advanced Business English Training: Speak Like a Leader Table of contentsWhy Advanced Business English Matters for Non-Native SpeakersKey Skills to...

03-01-2025

Funny English Mistakes Dutch Speakers Make

In this post, "Funny English mistakes Dutch speakers make," we examine a few of the most common examples of Dunglish,...

30-12-2024

English Training in Amstelveen

Finding the right location for your English course is important. With English training in Amstelveen, you will experience a combination...

18-12-2024

How Can I Improve my Business English Fast?

This article provides some answers to the questions: "How can I improve my Business English fast, and Is now the...

09-12-2024

History of Business English

In 2024, proficiency in Business English is no longer a professional plus, it's a career must! Whether closing international deals,...

03-12-2024

Speak Posh English

Speak like a Queen with Received Pronunciation. So you want to speak posh English? Well, let's get on with it,...

03-12-2024

Business English Vocabulary

Five pro tips to help build the right vocabulary The world of business English is powered by words. Reports, meetings,...

26-11-2024

How to Speak English Fluently

10 Practical Tips to Build Your English Fluency Would you love to speak English fluently? Do you want to feel...

20-11-2024

Zelfverzekerd Engels Spreken

Is zelfvertrouwen belangrijker dan perfectie? Als Business English docent hoor ik het mezelf vaak zeggen: een vloeiende uitspraak en zelfvertrouwen...

12-11-2024

Online English Course

12 Reasons to Choose Quality Online English Estimated reading time: 9 minutes Hello there, language learner! Are you thinking about...

07-11-2024

Diplomatic English for Business

10 Tips to Improve Your Diplomatic English It’s widely known that the Dutch are, in general, very direct – and...

01-11-2024

Engelse Woordenschat Verbeteren: Retentie

9 Tips voor het Verbeteren en Behouden van je Engelse Woordenschat We weten allemaal dat je een taal niet kunt...

29-10-2024

Speak Business English with Confidence

Is speaking with confidence as important as accuracy? As a Business English teacher, I often tell clients that spoken fluency...

24-10-2024

12 Onmisbare Soft Skills voor Leidinggevenden

Inleiding: Engels Soft Skills voor Leidinggevenden In de dynamische en snel veranderende werkvloer van vandaag zijn soft skills voor leidinggevenden...

21-10-2024

Vocabulary Retention

9 Tips for ESL Vocabulary Acquisition and Retention We all know you can’t speak a language without knowing the right...

15-10-2024

12 Essential Business English Soft Skills for Effective Communication

Business English Soft Skills for Executives In today’s dynamic business landscape, the value of soft skills for executives cannot be...

09-10-2024

Sollicitatie in het Engels Tips

Top "job interview" tips van onze trainers Heb je een sollicitatie in het Engels in het vooruitzicht, maar ben je...

07-10-2024

Eating the Cats Parody 2024

Let me start by saying I am a longtime cat lover. This playful post was inspired by two things: Our...

30-09-2024

English Job Interview Training

Top trainer tips for non-native speakers Recently, we asked three of our English job interview trainers: Steph, Eva, and Natasha,...

20-09-2024

What will I learn in my intensive English course?

We've put together 27 answers for you! What will I learn in my B1-C2 private intensive English immersion course? Many...

10-09-2024

Is een intensieve spoedcursus Engels iets voor jou?

Ben je benieuwd of een intensieve spoedcursus Engels dé cursus voor jou is? De cursisten van onze spoedcursus Engels willen...

06-09-2024

Is an intensive English course right for me?

Is an intensive English course right for me? Is it a good fit? Most people choose an intensive English language...

23-08-2024

Netwerken in het Engels

Uitgebreid artikel met tips & tricks voor netwerken in het Engels. Inclusief handige zinnen lijst. Tips & Tricks (en een...

21-08-2024

Engels Accent Verbeteren

Leer Engels spreken als een near-native ‘Steenkolen Engels’ is niet voor niets een begrip in de Nederlandse taal. Een Nederlander...

20-08-2024

Business English Speaking Course

How to speak English at a networking event– Pro tips + phrase bank! Networking events are like speed dating. In...

12-08-2024

Job Search in the Netherlands

Navigating the Job Search Process in the Netherlands Arriving in Amsterdam from Argentina in October 2023 filled me with excitement...

09-08-2024

Intensieve Engelse Cursus voor Gevorderden

Privé Engelse taaltraining: voor professionals, door professionals! Maak kennis met onze intensieve Engelse cursus voor gevorderden – privé training, op...

02-08-2024

Improve English with TV Series, Films & Podcasts

TV Series, movies & podcasts: A fun, easy way to improve your English. CEFR Level: intermediate to advanced For this...

30-07-2024

Intensive English Course for Adults

Private English Language Training for Adults You’re not a kid anymore. Learn Like a Grownup! In this post, we’ll introduce...

22-07-2024

Engelse Les Amstelveen

Onze Top 5 Engelse Cursussen in Amstelveen Wil je je Engelse vaardigheden verbeteren en woon je in Amstelveen? Dan ben...

11-07-2024

Spoedcursus Zakelijk Engels Amsterdam

Een Dag met The English Center Wil je je zakelijke Engelse vaardigheden snel verbeteren? Onze spoedcursus zakelijk Engels in Amsterdam...

11-07-2024

Intensive Business English Amsterdam

A Day With The English Center Welcome to A Day With TEC: Intensive Business English Amsterdam! Do you want to...

05-07-2024

Praktische Grammatica Zakelijk Engels

Welkom bij deze crash course Praktische Grammatica Zakelijk Engels, speciaal afgestemd op de zakelijke wereld. Of je nu e-mails opstelt,...

18-06-2024

Wanneer gebruik je één komma in het Engels?

De Engelse kommaregels uitgelegd Komma’s maken duidelijk wat precies met een zin bedoeld wordt. Dit doet ze door pauzes aan...

28-05-2024

Crash Course English Grammar

Grammar Rules for Business English That You Can Master Right Now Welcome to your Crash Course English Grammar, tailored specifically...

27-05-2024

Shakespeare – 10 Favoriete Citaten & een Exceptioneel Excuus

William Shakespeare wordt universeel beschouwd als de grootste Engelse toneelschrijver aller tijden. Zijn woorden hebben schrijvers wereldwijd en door de...

15-05-2024

English Comma Rules

Master English Comma Rules: Simple Tips for Clear Writing Commas clarify meaning by indicating pauses and separating elements within a...

06-04-2024

Essential Business English Terms

Compact vocabulary of common business terms: Intermediate & advanced level Vocabulary is the number one task for language learners. This...

26-01-2024

How to Disagree Diplomatically

25 Diplomatic Phrases for Respectful Business English How to disagree diplomatically and respectfully in Business English: A lesson with 25...

19-12-2023

A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens

Bah Humbug! The (Ghost) Story of Scrooge. A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens (1812–1870), is perhaps the most beloved of...

09-11-2023

Business English Training Budget

Do you have an "opleidingsbudget?" Have you asked your HR department about funding your Business English Training? Don’t let your...

30-09-2023

Presenteren in Engels: Tips en tools

In dit artikel over presenteren in het Engels duiken we in de vaardigheden die bijdragen aan succesvolle en boeiende presentaties...

13-09-2023

Accent Reduction Training

Your Path to Clearer English Pronunciation What is Accent Reduction Training or Pronunciation Training? Let's start by answering the question,...

13-09-2023

Business Presentation Skills

In this business presentation skills article, you'll take a deep dive into English business presentations, looking at the soft skills...

31-08-2023

100+ Werkwoorden Zakelijk Engels met zinnen

Zakelijke Engelse Werkwoorden: Een uitgebreide lijst met essentiële werkwoorden, duidelijke definities en praktische voorbeeldzinnen voor vergaderingen, presentaties en gesprekken met...

30-08-2023

Bijles Engels

Bijles Engels voor tieners: Op maat privé begeleiding Engels voor scholieren. Locaties in Amsterdam, Den Haag, cursus Engels Amstelveen en...

25-07-2023

30 English Pronunciation Tips

The first English pronunciation tip is simply this: Start where you are. The journey to a better English accent has...

11-07-2023

Amerikaans-Engelse Uitspraak

Tips & tricks: zo nail je dat Amerikaanse accent Heb je altijd al willen klinken als een echte Amerikaan, zoals...

01-07-2023

Zomer Cursus Engels

Spoedcursus Engels zomer 2024 Wil je deze zomer je Engels verbeteren? Onze Zomer cursus Engels biedt een unieke kans om...

28-06-2023

Summer Course English

Intensive Summer Course English 2025: Looking for updated summer course information? Go to our Summer English Course 2025: Amsterdam, Den...

24-05-2023

Spoken Business English Course in Amsterdam?

Find your Business English Voice with a 1, 2 or 3 week Spoken Business English Course such as our Business...

13-02-2023

Romeo and Juliet

A love story that's 428 years young As I write this post, Valentine’s Day is almost here, and in honour...

06-09-2022

Diplomatic Phrases – Big Blog

Diplomatic Phrases for HORECA: Be less direct and achieve more The language of diplomacy is a cultural construct that tells...

20-07-2022

Prepare for Your English Test 18 Tips

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR ENGLISH TEST or ESL EXAM. Remember, test success is not just about English. Do you...

04-05-2022

Zakelijk Engels Woordenlijst 50

Zakelijk Engels woordenlijst met audio: 50 Business English vocabulaire woorden die je al kent In deze zakelijk Engels woordenlijst vind je...

03-05-2022

Zakelijk Engels Woordenschat Vergroten? NL

Zakelijk Engels Woordenschat: 5 Pro Tips De wereld van zakelijk Engels wordt aangedreven door woorden. Rapporten, vergaderingen en e-mails kunnen...

26-04-2022

How to Have Better Conversations

In this very engaging TEDx video, Celeste Headlee – journalist, author and public speaker – shares her 10 Tips for...

22-04-2022

Business Email Tips

In this article we will answer the question, "How to write a business email." We'll review some common English email...

06-04-2022

20 Idioms for Business English, Lesson 4

This Business English Idiom Lesson (Chapter 4) contains definitions and examples of common idioms used in the workplace. Mastery of...

07-02-2022

Shakespeare’s Language of Love

14 Romantic quotes from Shakespeare Every year on February 14, love is in the air. It’s a time for romance,...

20-12-2021

Christmas Movies: English Center Favorites

Christmas Movies: Our Short List December, 2021 Christmas movies are the perfect way to enjoy some quiet time at home....

30-11-2021

24 Business English Idioms, Lesson 3

24 more business English idioms to help you "get ahead" in business English communications. This third-in-our-series list will enrich and...

18-11-2021

Grammaticaregels voor e-mails NL

Bent u op zoek naar een cursus zakelijk Engels of een cursus academisch schrijven? Wilt u een gratis English Center...

26-10-2021

Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven

The Raven, by Edgar Allan Poe, is one of American literature's best known poems. Poe (1809–1849) is a revered author...

08-09-2021

39 Business English Idioms, Lesson 2

Business English idioms improve and enrich professional communications with "tried and true" expressions that "pack a big punch." This alphabetical...

18-08-2021

20 Business English Idioms, Lesson 1

Business English idioms are fixed phrases (collocations) used to communicate something in a nonliteral way. Idiomatic phrases are often visual,...

09-06-2021

Business English Training Options: In-person & online

Would you like to take a free business English test? Would you like a free online consultation appointment with a...

19-05-2021

50 Zakelijk Engelse woorden die je al kent

Questions about business English courses? Call +31 20 823 0569⁠. We are happy to speak with you in English or...

20-04-2021

Happiness Vocabulary

21+ Advanced Words and Phrases for Describing Happiness Brenda de Jong-Pauley, April 2021 Feeling words are important. We use them...

28-03-2021

The Easter Bunny: A Curious Case

Would you like to take a free English level test? Would you like a free consultation appointment with a native-speaker...

16-02-2021

What is Business English?

Business English is a category of English communication that includes the language skills used at work. These language skill categories...

08-02-2021

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Intro: We recorded Robert Frost's award winning poem, "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," deep in December, deep in...

29-12-2020

Learn English with Netflix: 10 Series We Love

Brenda de Jong-Pauley Amsterdam, 29 December 2020 Would you like to test your English level free online? Or would you...

24-12-2020

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas

Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020 Read this poem aloud to someone you love on Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas! Scroll to the...

10-11-2020

How to Look Great in Virtual Meetings: 10 Tips

Reading Level: intermediate B1 to advanced C2. Not sure of your level? Take our free test. Do you like classic...

09-10-2020

Halloween! 31 Words, History & Films

Halloween! 31 Words, History & Films Level: Intermediate and Advanced (B1–C2) Have you noticed that most people love to be...

23-09-2020

English Accent? Rhoticity Rules.

Are you looking for an English accent course? Read about our English accent training classes. Would you like a free...

11-08-2020

English & Business English Test Finder

English and Business English Test Finder Take the Business English Test now and get instant results and course advice. This...

28-07-2020

7 Easy-Breezy Tips: Better Spoken English

Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA The English Center 2020 As you get better at English, you may want to focus a...

28-07-2020

7 Tips to Improve Your Spoken English

As you get better at English, you may want to focus a bit less on grammar and more on your...

20-07-2020

Write Better English: Six Easy Tips

24-10-2019

Grammar Rules for Emails. Send it!

Using the common little verb “send” can actually be quite tricky, both because it is an irregular verb and because...

04-08-2019

Business English Tests Quick Scan

Would you like to take our free business English test online right now? OK, let's do this! Take the English...

30-07-2019

11 English Idioms – Sound Like a Native!

Idioms are important to many languages – and especially to English. Idioms are commonly defined as phrases that have a...

18-07-2019

Teaching Survivors of Human Trafficking

"Slavery is theft – theft of a life, theft of work, theft of any property or produce." – Kevin Bales,...

01-07-2019

Shakespeare 10 Favorite Quotes & a Beautiful Apology

Shakespeare – Ten Favorite Quotes and a Beautiful Apology Updated May 2024 William Shakespeare is universally revered as the greatest...

14-06-2019

Ten Ways to Improve Your English Fast

Sometimes improving your English fast feels impossible. You’ve been taking classes for a long time, but you don’t feel like...

24-09-2018

The Fine Art of English Conversation

My Conversation with the Real Soldier of Orange 6 minute read One of the most memorable English conversations I've ever...

24-09-2018

Can You Correctly Pronounce This Common Little Word?

Good Pronunciation Begins with a GOOD IDEA. English pronunciation is difficult primarily because English spelling does not consistently predict English...

24-09-2018

You’re Fired

Being fired is almost always bad news, but does this message have a silver lining? Termination training compensation can be...

15-09-2018

TH: Master the Vibrated TH Sound (pronunciation)

Master the Vibrated TH Sound Relax and learn how to make the voiced (vibrated) TH sound. This sound is produced...

15-09-2018

Comma Quiz: 12 Questions with Answers. Test Yourself :-)

Business English Comma Quiz Instructions: Copy and paste the 12 sentences into a word doc. Add commas as needed. Then...

15-09-2018

Get Help with Some of the Most Confusing English Words

15-09-2018

Telephone English Help: Spell with the NATO Alphabet

Telephone English Made Easy: The NATO Alphabet The NATO Alphabet: 26 little words to make your telephone English life much...

15-09-2018

Commonly Confused Words are not Boring

Which word should you use? Boring, bore or bored. You guessed it. The word word you choose depends on the context....

15-09-2018

Pronounce TH Extended Tongue Twister Exercise

Pronounce TH with our Silly TH Story The Theodore Thurston Story Pronounce TH Theodore Thurston was an athletic, aesthetic, thirty-three...

15-09-2018

It’s on the Tip of My Tongue: Pronounce TH

"It's on the Tip of my Tongue" Pronounce the English TH There are two English THs – voiced and unvoiced....

17-08-2018

Fear of Speaking English

Conquer Your Fear of Speaking English at Work with Private Training According to linguists, our language is intimately connected with...

16-08-2018

17 Tips for Business Storytelling

Storytelling is a hot topic these days. Leaders, change makers, sales people and entrepreneurs all need to tell stories. Stories...

01-08-2018

Learn English in Amsterdam

What cities do you think of when you think of an English course? London? New York? Miami? Those are all...

15-07-2018

How to Prepare for an English Job Interview If You’re Not a Native Speaker

Job interviews are tough, and when you have to do it in your second language, the stress can be hard...

15-07-2018

How Can I Become a Confident English Speaker?

What does it mean to have confidence? To feel confident? It means a belief in yourself. A feeling of security...

15-07-2018

Tips to Improve English Grammar Mistakes

One of the most common English grammar mistakes is incorrect use of the present simple simple tense. If you are...

15-07-2018

Common Mistakes in English Writing

Here are some of the most common mistakes we see in English writing. Wordiness: Using unnecessary words to express something...

15-07-2018

How Can I Learn English Quickly?

Do you want to learn English quickly? Do you need to improve your English for you job? Do you have...

15-07-2018

How to Improve My English Speaking?

Do you want to improve your English speaking without spending a lot of money? Are you too busy for a class?...