Learn English as a Second Language and Get Up to Speed

You Think English is Easy???

Can you read these right the first time?

1) The bandage was wound around the wound.
2) The farm was used to produce produce .
3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
4) We must polish the Polish furniture.
5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.
6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present .
8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
10) I did not object to the object.
11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row .
13) They were too close to the door to close it.
14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.
15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.
16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.
18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.
19) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

Let's face it - English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France . Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat. We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig. And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth, beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indices? Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it? If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell? How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which, an alarm goes off by going on. English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race, which, of course, is not a race at all. That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible.

PS. - Why doesn't "Buick" rhyme with "quick" You lovers of the English language might enjoy this . There is a two-letter word that perhaps has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that is "UP." It's easy to understand UP , meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP ? At a meeting, why does a topic come UP ? Why do we speak UP and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report ? We call UP our friends. And we use it to brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, we warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and some guys fix UP the old car . At other times the little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses. To be dressed is one thing but to be dressed UP is special. And this UP is confusing: A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP . We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night. We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP ! To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP , look the word UP in the dictionary. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4th of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions. If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP , you may wind UP with a hundred or more. When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP . When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP . When it rains, it wets the earth and often messes things UP When it doesn't rain for awhile, things dry UP . One could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP , for now my time is UP, so......... Time to shut UP ! Oh...one more thing: What is the first thing you do in the morning & the last thing you do at night? U-P

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Learn English as a Second Language in a Heartbeat

Idiom for the Day

……in a heartbeat..……

Heartbeats are quick and common so if someone does something in a heartbeat, they do it quickly. You should be very happy when someone tells you it will be done in a heartbeat for that means that it will be done very quickly.

Example: My father said he would get me the money in a heartbeat.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language and Start Now

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – begin, commence, initiate

Examples: The program will begin with a prayer.
When the audience is seated, the play will commence.
The Senator will initiate the legislation.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language without a Shy Eye

Pronunciation Practice
Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.
share-air
shy-eye
shake-ache
shape-ape
shawl-all

We all share the air.
Close your eye if you’re shy.
Shake if you ache.
She has the shape of an ape.
The shawl is for all.

Don’t forget to go back and practice the old pairs.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language and Use Ellipticals

The Language Communicator will help you practice your sentence structure for a better understanding of the language. The Language Communicator can be found at www.languagecommunicator.com. The webmaster will help you out at info@languagecommunicator.com. Some sentences in English require experience with the language for complete understanding because some words are left out. These sentences are elliptical. These might be mistaken for sentence fragments, but they are not fragments which are unacceptable grammatically. These elliptical sentences are often responses to questions where the left out words are understood because they are present in the question. Look at the following example. When did you eat lunch? When I was at the mall. The answer would be a fragment if appeared alone, but it isn’t because it is the answer to a question. Revise your writing to eliminate sentence fragments but don’t worry about elliptical sentences.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language But.....

Sentence fragments – some of them will pass for the real thing for the untrained eye. Unfortunately, most writers have to submit their work to trained eyes. Some pros even want to use sentence fragments for the effect. That’s okay if they know what they are doing. You can even begin a sentence with but if you know what you are doing and you are looking for a special effect. Never do this if you are going to submit the paper to a stickler. As a writer, in most cases, you need to use the connecting work to make connections. The Language Communicator is the website that will help all writers complete their sentences properly. Learn English as a Second Language by going to www.langugagecommunicator.com. The webmaster will be happy to help you. Contact him at info@languagecommunicator.com. Be a perfect communicator by connecting to this great website.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language but Don't be a Copycat

Idiom for the Day

……copycat..……

If you are a copycat, you steal or copy the work of others. Almost no one loves a copycat and these culprits often get caught. Copycats duplicate the best student in the class to use the so they get the best grades in the class.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with Enthusiasm

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

ill-fill
oh-foe
ox-fox
ale-fail
shower-hour

The ill man cannot fill the drill.
Oh! The foe is fierce
The ox and the fox are in the pen.
Drink ale without fail.
Don’t shower for an hour.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language for Maximum Money

Pronunciation Practice
Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.
ill-fill
oh-foe
ox-fox
ale-fail
shower-hour

The ill man cannot fill the drill.
Oh! The foe is fierce
The ox and the fox are in the pen.
Drink ale without fail.
Don’t shower for an hour.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with Coordinators

All writers should be checking their sentences now to make sure that their writing is perfect. Please get some practice at www.languagecommunicator.com and further information at info@languagecommunicator.com. The last post listed the subordinating conjunctions that often lead to sentence fragments. Coordinating conjunctions such as and, but, or can also lead to incomplete sentences. These conjunctions are joining words and these are usually used to connect words or groups of words that are equal. Example: The boy ran and the girl walked. Look at the sentence and you will see that the groups of words on either side of and are equal. Each side contains a subject and a verb. On either side of the word and are enough words for a complete sentence. The boy ran. The girl walked. To show the connection between the two, they are joined by and. Rarely should a writer begin a sentence with and. Those writers with great skill who want to write creatively might use and at the beginning of sentence but they are creative writers. And the boy walked. The sentence still contains the ingredients of a complete sentence but once and is placed in the sentence some words or groups of words should be connected. So unless you are a creative writer making the big bucks for your creativity, don’t use and at the beginning of a sentence.

Regards,
Barbara92106
www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language without Sentence Fragments

Post #20

Language Communicator can help writers practice complete sentences while helping them with pronunciation as well. The address www.languagecommunicator.com and further information available from the webmaster as info@languagecommunicator.com. Sentence fragments trouble many writers and many times careful revision can help writers eliminate these troublesome group of words. Subordinating conjunctions are often a clue that the group of words is a fragment rather than a complete sentence. In the last post, the example sentence began with although and this is one of the conjunctions that often lead to sentence fragments. Some other words to look for in this category include after, before, while, when, because, wherever, since and several others. Make sure that these subordinating conjunctions that begin subordinate clauses have an independent clause for completion of the sentence.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language without Beating Around the Bush

Idiom for the Day

……beat around the bush..……

If you beat around the bush, you do not get straight to the point of your conversation or speech. Your boss might beat around the bush if you ask for a raise and he or she does not want to disappoint you, but the raise is beyond the budget. Your mother might beat around the bush is your ask to have friends over for a party. Anyone who does not answer a question directly is beating around the bush.

Example: My boss usually beats around the bush in our meetings.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language Unless You are Infirm

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – sick, ill, infirm

Examples: A sick worker can infect the entire office.
I hate to miss school but I was really ill.
My grandmother was never infirm until she was over eighty years old.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language Unless You are Infirm

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – sick, ill, infirm

Examples: A sick worker can infect the entire office.
I hate to miss school but I was really ill.
My grandmother was never infirm until she was over eighty years old.

Regards,
Barbara92106

http://www.languagecommunicator.com/

Learn English as a Second Language Unless You are Infirm

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – sick, ill, infirm

Examples: A sick worker can infect the entire office.
I hate to miss school but I was really ill.
My grandmother was never infirm until she was over eighty years old.
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language and Speak with Spark

Pronunciation Practice
Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.
in-fin
air-fair
oar-four
ace-face
eat-feet

The fin is in the bedroom.
The air is fair today.
The four will oar in the race.
His face showed shock at the ace.
He will eat on his feet.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with Effective Revisions

Complete sentences are the goal of every writer and as noted in the last post, writers can get some great practice at www.languagecommunicator.com. Further information is available at info@languagecommunicator.com. The two errors most common are sentence fragments and run-on sentences. This post will focus on sentence fragments and hopefully writers will pay careful attention to their writing to eliminate these problems. Sentence fragments are punctuated as sentences with the visual signs – a capital letter at the beginning and a period at the end. The sentence fragment usually has those visual signs and a subject and a verb. These errors are usually caused by the absence of one complete thought. Let’s look at some examples of sentence fragments. Although he loved his dog. In this group of words, there are the visual signs of a capital letter at the beginning and a period at the end. There is a noun and a verb used as a subject and predicate. Unfortunately, this is not a complete sentence because it is not a complete thought. Something is missing. This is a perfect example of a subordinate clause punctuated as if it were a sentence. The writer needs to complete the thought with an independent clause. Although he loved his dog, he had to give it to his brother. Check your sentences to make sure you don’t have a dependent clause punctuated as a sentence.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language by Becoming a Bookworm

Idiom for the Day

……bookworm..……

A bookworm is someone who loves to read and usually spends a good portion of their waking hours reading a book. Most bookworms are special for their teachers and parents who often urge other students to follow the example of the bookworm.

Example: Most of the bookworms in our class get good grades.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with Flying Colors

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – dirty, filthy, grubby

Examples: His dirty shirt was unacceptable for a job interview.
My mother was really annoyed because my filthy dog ruined her carpet.
Get your grubby hands off of my clean tablecloth

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language for Farms and Fairs

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

eye-pie
eel-peel
air-chair
arm-farm
eel-feel

They’ve got their eye on a pie.
The eel ate the peel.
Feel the air in the chair.
She broke her arm on the farm.
The swimmer feels an eel in the pool.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with Careful Revision

Good writers compose complete sentences. That sounds easy but many writers end up composing sentence fragments or run-on sentences that they punctuate as sentences. The visual signs of a complete sentence is a capital letter at the beginning and a period at the end. These visual signs do not make a group of words a complete sentence although many writers are satisfied with these elements. A complete sentence must be a complete thought. A sentence fragment is less than a complete sentence, and a careful writer will revise their compositions to add the necessary elements to complete their work. A run-on sentence is more than a complete sentence and again, careful revision should eliminate these mistakes. Language Communicator is a great place to practice basic sentence structure. Check it out at www.languagecommunicator.com. Further information is available from the webmaster at info@languagecommunicator.com.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with Complete Sentences

The key to good writing is composing effective sentences. The clearer a sentence the better the communication in both speaking and writing. Most speakers and writers of the English language know a good sentence when they see one or hear one. Composing the best sentence for each situation is not always a simple task. A missing word or incorrect word can alter the meaning considerably. A sentence can consist of one word such as go or stop, but a sentence can also be made of many words. The definition of a sentence usually reminds a student that a sentence must be a complete thought. Students must be careful to make sure that each group of words punctuated as a complete sentence should be a complete thought. Most sentences include both a subject and a verb although in the one word sentences, the subject is understood. A great place to learn the structure of sentences is Language Communicator which can be accessed at www.languagecommunicator.com. Further information can be obtained with a simple email to info@languagecommunicator.com.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language and Avoid Pernicious People

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – harmful, pernicious, destructive

Examples: The fumes from the chemical might be harmful.
Her actions showed that she had pernicious intentions.
The destructive twister tore down many homes

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language and Check with the Bean Counter

Idiom for the Day

……bean counter...……

The bean counter in an organization is the person who watches over all the financial matters. This is another word for the accountant. The bean counter keeps track of the money in the bank, the invoices that must be paid and the payments to the employers.

Example: The bean counter had an office near the boss because the chief always depended on her advice.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language and Communicate Concisely

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

soil-oil
sour-hour
us-bus
ape-tape
out-shout

There is oil in the soil.
Meet us on the bus.
The ape took the tape.
He will shout if he’s out.
The milk is sour after an hour.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language and Learn the Rules Later

Although the first lessons anyone has in English are usually devoid of grammar concerns, the need for knowledge of the grammar rules soon become evident. Practical exercises for when you want to learn English as a Second Language are available at the Language Communicator website www.languagecommunicator.com. Further information is available with the webmaster info@languagecommunicator.com. The grammar at Language Communicator is not presented using a set of rules but the practice is realistic. Rather than learning the rules of the tenses, the Language Communicator has practice for students to use these rules. As a baby, you didn’t learn your first language by memorizing rules and with Language Communicator you can learn English as a Second Language without memorizing the rules. Students will not have to learn terms although these are important later. The Language Communicator presents visual and audio tools to practice the important rules without tedious memorization or tests. The Language Communicator is the best place to start and the purchase price is reasonable.
b
Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language but Don't Count Your Chickens before they Hatch

Idiom for the Day

……count your chickens before they hatch...……

It’s fun to hope that you will have great rewards in the future, but sometimes these hopes do quite work out. If you figure out that your work will pay off before you finish the job, you are counting your chickens before they hatch. People who count their chickens before they hatch are often disappointed.

I was very disappointed when I didn’t win the lottery, but I learned that I should not count my chickens before they hatch.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language in the Comfort of your Home

Language Communicator is a great place to learn English as a Second Language. Go to www.languagecomunicator.com to start your first lesson. Your first language starts day one shortly after birth and is effortless at first. You literally listen and learn. Good news – no one expects an infant to respond with words so you can cry a little to get what you want while you learn English as a Second Language. At the early stages, an infant doesn’t worry about grammar and structure, but they learn it anyway. An infant learns their first language without terms like nouns, verbs, adverbs and adjectives. But they learn how these words fit into these structures and they hear the different types of words. Infants don’t have to learn while sitting in an uncomfortable chair or staring at a computer screen. They learn English as a first language while snug as a bug in their cribs. Learn English as a Second Language with appropriate visuals on the website with a different kind of ease. For more information contact the webmaster info@languagecommunicator.com.

Learn English as a Second Language to Embellish your Prose

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – decorate, embellish, adorn

Examples: The firm will decorate the offices.
The writer will embellish the prose with fancy words.
The tree for the holidays will be adorned with special lights.

Regards,
Barbara92106

http://www.languagecommunicator.com/

Learn English as a Second Language for a Better Future

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

seal-eel
seat-eat
sad-add
soak-oak
sold-old

The seal and the eel are in their tanks.
Don’t eat in that seat.
If you can’t add, you’ll be sad.
The gardener will soak the oak.
The old man sold the car.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language for Clear Communication

Language Communicator is the website for the best place to learn English as a Second Language especially for those who want to communicate effectively. The tenses of the verbs are designed to communicate time. The speaker or the writer of English wants to tell their listeners or their readers when an action is performed. Did the writer run yesterday or will they run tomorrow? Did the speaker drive today earlier or are they driving presently? Sometimes the smallest change in a word can communicate a wealth of information. Add ed to walk and the time changes to the past. I walk changed to I walked – the ed changes the time from the present to the past. Speakers and writers want to understand the tenses well so they can communicate effectively when they write or speak. Go to www.languagecommunicator.com to try out this great site that will help students understand and use the tenses properly. Further information can be obtained by going to info@languagecommunicator.com.

Regards.
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with Ease

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

air-care
old-cold
aim-came
ill-kill
arm-calm

Take care of the air.
I’m too old for the cold.
He came with an aim.
My sister was calm when she broke her arm.
Don’t kill if you’re ill.

Don’t forget to practice the previous sets as much as possible.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language to Help Your Career

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – help, assist, aid

Examples: The nurse helps all of the patients.
Will you assist me with my homework?
The aid to the earthquake victims will arrive soon.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with Clear Combinations

Students should be annoyed that they have not had any practice lately. Sorry!! Here are some sentences for practice combining. Don’t forget to use these techniques in all of your writing. It’s great practice and your writing will be better.

Combine the following sentences into one, smooth, glorious sentence.

1. The airplane was flying to Dallas.
The pilot was experienced.
Dallas is an exciting city.

2. The announcer describes the action.
The announcer is in the pressbox.
The announcer is from Spain.

3. My dog is cute.
My dog is a German Shepherd.
My dog is frisky.
My cat is ugly.
My cat is fluffy.
My cat is lazy.

4. The group sings ballads.
The group is all male.
The Blenders is my favorite group.
The Blenders are British.

5. Journalists attended the meeting.
The journalists were from the New York Times.
The journalists are brilliant.
The New York Times is a famous newspaper.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language but Don't Go Back to the Drawing Board

Idiom for the Day

……back to the drawing board...……

Hours, days, months or years of hard work could be lost if the work had some flaws. In order to complete an assignment you might have to start all over or go back to the drawing board. Starting all over or going back to the drawing board are usually unwelcome moves by any group.

Example: The architects had to go back to the drawing board because of faulty design.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language without Fail

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – fall, slip, slide

Examples: The children will fall on the ice.
Don’t slip on the wet floor.
A car might slide off the road in a bad snow storm.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language to Stay on the Cutting Edge

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – fall, slip, slide

Examples: The children will fall on the ice.
Don’t slip on the wet floor.
A car might slide off the road in a bad snow storm.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language for Worldwide Communication

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

eye-high
air-hair
old-hold
eel-heel
are-heart

The air blew his hair.
The old man is on hold.
The eel bit my heel.
My hearts are in art.
The eye is high.

Don’t forget to practice the previous sets as much as possible.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language For Work and Play

As noted before, there are so many meaningful words in the English language and far, far fewer connecting words to show the relationships of the words. Students of English as a Second Language only need about five hundred words to appear completely fluent if they know the right five hundred words. However, students of English as a Second Language will soon find out that they need many synonyms to understand everyone that they speak with in ordinary activities. The important words in the last statement are ordinary activities. Students of English of a Second Language who have decided to study academic subjects in English will find that there are many words that are not used in ordinary activities that they will need to know. Students of chemistry for example will learn English words that they would never use in ordinary activities. A great place to start by anyone intent on Learning English as a Second Language is the Language Communicator that can be found at www.languagecommunicator.com. Information on signing up for the website can be obtained at info@languagecommunicator.com. Good luck on your study of English as a Second Language.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language but Don't Shrink your Savings

Some new synonyms for the day – shrink, dwindle, decline

Examples: My cousin will shrink your clothes if you let her wash them.

My savings has dwindled to almost zero in the last month.
Her health declines when she doesn’t exercise.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language but Don't Break a Leg

Every student in this group should now be able to define nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs. They should also be able to use nouns, verbs and adjectives. Hopefully, all have accessed the Language Communicator website to practice their skills at www.languagecommunicator.com or contacted the webmaster at info@languagecommunicator.com. The focus turns to adverbs in this post. An adverb is a word that is used to describe a verb. Hopefully, everyone got that. Let’s add more to the definition while focusing on adverbs. An adverb describes a verb, an adjective or another adverb. The adverb has more duties that the other three in the group. Let’s look at the use of adverb. These words describe verbs – run, jump, think, drive. What words could be used to describe think – clearly, quickly, carefully, profoundly. Put these together like you can on the Language Communicator website. Run quickly, think profoundly, drive carefully. Use these words carefully and your writing will be better than ever before.

Learn English as a Second Language without Bending Over Backwards

Idiom for the Day

……bend over backwards...……

If you bend over backwards, you could get a pain in the back. But if you bend over backwards figuratively, you make a super effort to help someone. Each person has probably bent over backwards for a friend or family member when they needed help. When you bend over backwards, you usually help someone greatly.

Example: My mother bends over backward for all of her children.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with Serious Study

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

moo-move
car-card
eye-high
air-hair
old-hold

The card is in the car.
Her hair is high.
The old man can hold the pan.
Suzi had her eye on the pie.
Hold on to your hat.
The cow will moo on the move.

Don’t forget to practice the previous sets as much as possible.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with Descriptive Words

In the last post, adjectives and adverbs were the focus and in this post, the focus will be even more intense. Pay careful attention to the use of adjectives and go to the Language Communicator website www.languagecommunicator.com to get some extra practice before using these important words in real life. The webmaster will also be able to answer any questions posed at info@languagecommunicator.com. Follow along now for more information on adjectives used to describe nouns. A review – nouns are the names of people, places and things. Adjectives describe nouns. Let’s look at a noun – building. What words can be used to describe a building – modern, tall, old, beautiful, dilapidated, ugly. All of these words are adjectives. Put them together with the noun – the tall building, the modern building. Get the idea. Let’s try another noun – mother. What words can be used to describe a mother – devoted, careless, old, wonderful, effective. These words are adjectives that can be used to describe a mother. A careless mother, a wonderful mother, an effective mother.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language to Reap Rewards

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

sow-soap
owl-out
bee-beech
pie-pile
row-road

You can’t sow soap.
The owl is out.
The bee is in the beech.
Pile up the pies.
The road is next to the row.

Don’t forget to practice the previous sets as much as possible.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with Meaningful Words

Language Communicator has satisfied customers who have been learning English for some time. Please go to the website at www.languagecommunicator.com to read some of the testimonials from satisfied customers. Any questions can be directed to the webmaster at info@languagecommunicator.com. A careful look at the nouns – people, places and things, - and the verbs – action words happened in the last posts. Today, let’s look at the other types of words that add meaning to sentences in the English language – adjectives and adverbs. These words have specific roles in the English language and a thoughtful look at the use of these words can make a difference in writing skills. Adjectives are words that describe nouns while adverbs are the words that are used to describe verbs. Make sure that you use the right type of word in the right places and your writing will have perfect descriptions. The Language Communicator is a great place to practice using these words properly.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language without an Axe to Grind

Idiom for the Day
……axe to grind...……

If you have ever had a dispute or argument with someone, you have had an axe to grind. The argument could be intense or petty, but it is probably annoying. Most people with an axe to grind resolve the problem, but some of these disputes go on forever.

Example: I didn’t speak to my sister for many years because I had an axe to grind.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Proficient People Learn English as a Second Language

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – expert, skillful, proficient

Examples: The expert fixed all of the computers in the school.
A skillful physician heals many patients every day.
The manager was proficient and his skills showed in the bottom line.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language and Say it Aloud

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

low-load
high-hide
see-seat
shoe-shoot
she-sheep

The low made the car low.
It’s too high too hide.
I can’t see the seat.
The boy shot his shoe.
She was petting the sheep.

Don’t forget to practice the previous sets as much as possible.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language through Action Words

Language Communicator is the place to learn English as a Second Language. The last post had information about the use of nouns in adding meaning to the sentence each writer constructs to communicate. Hopefully, members and guest have gone to the website at www.languagecommunicator.com. The webmaster is a great source of knowledge as well so please contact him at info@languagecommunicator.com. In this post, let’s look at the second type of word that adds meaning to the language – verbs. Most people who are in the process of learning English as a Second Language have heard the definition of verbs. Verbs are words that express action or being. Of course, think about it. There are lots of different actions. These make life interesting – no one would want to be doing only one thing. Some of the numerous actions include the following – run, jump, eat, listen, learn, play, reply. Yeah, there’s lots to do. Every sentence must have a verb to make it complete, but writers have plenty of choice to make their writing interesting. Have you checked out the great website yet? I hope so.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language to Float a Loan

Idiom for the Day

……float a loan...……

You don’t have to be out at sea to float a loan – this is usually done in banks but it could be at the family dinner table as well. When a bank floats a loan, the officials provide people with funds that they must eventually pay back.

Example: The banks will start floating loans soon.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language to Acquire Knowledge

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – buy, purchase, acquire

Examples: The shoppers will buy new clothes for school.
The realtor helped her client purchase a beautiful home.
The stockbrokers will acquire the entire company.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language and Pronounce Words Properly

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

hoe-hope
play-plane
car-calf
pea-peep
shoe-shoot

There is hope if you hoe.
Don’t play in the plane
The calf is on the car.
He wore a shoe to shoot.
Eat your peas without a peep.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language Filled with Meaning

Language Communicator is a great place for those who want to learn English as a Second Language because it helps people learn to use the connecting words to join the important meaning in a sentence. Let’s have a look at the types of words that add the meaning to any communication in English. There are four types of words that add the most meaning to the language. First are the nouns and many students who want to learn English as a Second Language remember the definition of a noun. A noun is the name of a person, place or thing. Think about some of these names: Susan, mother, teacher, city, San Francisco, the library, dog, cat, Spike, hamburger, a guinea pig. These words change the meaning of a sentence dramatically. Look at some examples. Although Susan ate a hamburger, she wasn’t hungry. Although Susan ate a guinea pig, she wasn’t crazy. The city is beautiful and the city is full of crime. The teacher is smart and she is efficient. There are millions of these words that add significant meaning to each sentence. Have a look at a great website www.languagecommunicator.com or contact the webmaster, info@languagecommunicator.com if you have any questions.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language and Don't Judge a Book by its Cover

Idiom for the Day
……you can’t judge a book by its cover...……
Many people judge others by their clothing, their hairstyle or their beauty. People should be judged by their character rather than their appearance.

Example: Don’t judge a book by its cover or a new acquaintance by their appearance.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language and Become Gregarious in Two Languages

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – friendly, gregarious, sociable

Examples: The Student Council President was friendly to all of the new students.
People invite Sheila to many parties because she is gregarious.
A sociable person usually has many friends.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language to Shine on the Line

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

sign-fine-shine
sell-fell-shell
tea-team
tie-tide

The sign looks fine with that shine.
He will sell the shell.
The teacher fell on the shell.
The team drank tea.
The surfer will tie his shoes before the tide goes out.

Don’t forget to practice the previous sets as much as possible.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with Meaning and Glue

Language Communicator is available for all to learn English quickly and properly. In the last post, readers got a lesson on words of substance and words of glue.

In other words, some English words add meaning to the language and the other words connect the meaning. English as a Second Language learners should understand that they will not learn all of the words of the English language quickly, but a focused English as a Second Language student should concentrate on the connector words and the most common words that add meaning to the language. The connectors are very limited when compared to the words that add meaning. The connectors include words such as and, but, although, in, the.

Language communicator helps a student of English as a Second Language learn most of the connectors and a useful number of words that add meaning. All students of English as a Second Language should check out the website at http://www.languagecommunicator.com/ or contact the webmaster at info@languagecommunicator.com. Hope you love the website.

Regards,
Barbara92106

http://www.languagecommunicator.com/

Learn English as a Second Language with Synonyms

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – thin, slim, svelte

Examples: A famous lady said it is best to be very thin.
A slim person is usually in better health than their fat friends.
Fashion models are usually svelte and beautiful.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with All Ears

Idiom for the Day
……all ears...……

If you are all ears, you are listening very carefully. Students should be all ears when their teachers talk, and children should be all ears when their parents talk. People, in general, should be all ears when there is an important discussion around them.

Example: The students were all ears as the teacher reviewed for the important test.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language Properly and Precisely

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

gash-dash
grip-drip
grab-drab
groan-drone
gate-date

There’s a gash is the dash.
The drip lost his grip.
Don’t grab the drab coat.
The drone will groan soon.
Meet your date by the gate.

Don’t forget to practice the previous sets as much as possible.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with a Keen Mind

Idiom for the Day……tongue in cheek...……
People who make a comment tongue in cheek are not serious about what they are saying. They might be saying this to inject humor or to chide a friend. People might say something with tongue in cheek for many reasons, but they are never serious about what they are saying if it is tongue in cheek.
Example: The students were all ears as the teacher reviewed for the important test.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language Properly

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – fat, chubby, obese

Examples: The fat boy struggled to fit into his desk.
The chubby little girl was so cute.
Obese people often die very young
.
Regards,Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Pronunciation Practice to Learn English as a Second Language

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.
got-dot
guy-die
guide-died
sort-fort-short
sore-four-shore

That guy will die on the dot.
The guide was sore on the shore.
He’s got a dot on the spot.
The four are sore on the shore.
The guide died at the fort.

Don’t forget to practice the previous sets as much as possible.

Regards,Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language by Learning the Basics

Hopefully, everyone has gone to the website, Language Communicator, to see the methods and procedures. If you haven’t, don’t forget the address www.languagecommunicator.com. If you have any questions, please add them to this blog or send them to the webmaster info@languagecommunicator.com. Every language has nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs. These provide the substance of communication in that language. The other words, prepositions, conjunctions and articles are connectors. These don’t add meaning to the sentence, but they connect the meaning and provide the glue to attach the most meaningful words. The connecting words are used in different ways in different languages. These connecting words are also used in different patterns in the same language. Variety is the spice of life, and each language has plenty of variety.

Start Learning English as a Second Language Now

The Language Communicator works to provide a great foundation for language learning. Currently, only a program for learning English as a Second Language is available, but other programs are coming soon to provide instruction in other foreign languages. A few chosen few in the global world we live in are raised speaking two languages equally well so the second language that people learn is usually described as a foreign language. The organizers of the Language Communicator hope to add Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Turkish and Farsi. Although these languages come from different “families”, they do have the common ingredients of all languages – sentence structures, tenses and vocabulary. The Language Communicator uses the common denominators as the foundation for the instruction of all of the language programs. In the global world, the Language Communicator is an efficient and affordable tool for those intent on learning a foreign language. Contact the webmaster at info@languagecommunicator.com if you have questions or check out the website at www.languagecommunicator.com. Hope to see you there.

Learn English as a Second Languge One Step at a Time

Hopefully, readers have looked at the Language Communicator and tried the demo. The readers who have tried the demo saw the first pieces of the foundation put into place. The first word is the beginning of an important journey in learning. The text on the opening page of the Language Communicator provides a description of the materials available when accessing the entire program. The pictures and the sounds together provide and audio-visual introduction to each and every word, phrase and sentence. The video and audio images should be soaked up by the brain of each student and ready for use in normal activities. For students who have not had the chance to access these wonderful materials, please go to www.languagecommunicator.com. Give the program a try and leave questions or comments on this blog. Questions and comments can also be sent to info@languagecommunicator.com.

Lend All Ears to Learn English as a Second Language

Idiom for the Day
……all ears...……

If you are all ears, you are listening very carefully. Students should be all ears when their teachers talk, and children should be all ears when their parents talk. People, in general, should be all ears when there is an important discussion around them.Example: The students were all ears when the teacher reviewed for the important test.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with Persistence

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – continue, endure, persist

Examples: The school will continue the free lunch program next year.
Their love endures although they have had many problems.
The student will persist in her pursuit of excellence.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with More Pronunciation Practice

Pronunciation Practice
Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

gig-dig
go-doe
game-dame
gust-dust
gum-dumb

I dig that gig.
The doe will go soon.
The dame will play the game.
There was a gust of dust.
The dumb don’t chew gum.

Don’t forget to practice the previous sets as much as possible.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language by Building on a Foundation

The Language Communicator is modeled on the natural way of learning a language and uses pictures and sounds to teach vocabulary, sentence structure and the use of tenses. Students of the website will start with one word. Then the students will add two or three more words to make a simple sentence. The first word is the first piece of the foundation, and the rest of the sentence adds to that foundation. Once the student at the Language Communicator learns and reviews those words and sentences, he or she is ready to add another layer to the foundation. When learning English as a Second Language, many students want to hurry the process. The Language Communicator is available for students who want to do more than one lesson a day, but the course is designed to learn Englis at a steady but firm pace. Try out the Language Communicator by going to www.languagecommunicator.com. Questions and comments can be sent to the webmaster at info@languagecommunicator.com. English as a Second Language instruction is great at the Language Communicator.

Learn English as a Second Language by Starting with a Solid Foundation

The Language Communicator is designed for people just beginning their study of the English language or for those in need of review. The website starts with simple but necessary words and sentences right from the beginning. The foundation is built on a vocabulary of the five hundred important words in the English language. Although the language has millions of words, most people use about five hundred words for ordinary activities. The Language Communicator is designed to provide this foundation. The lessons provide practice with about five hundred different words used in a variety of circumstances. The website is available at http://www.languagecommunicator.com. Please have a look and contact this blog or the webmaster at info@languagecommunicator.com if you have any questions.

Learn English as a Second Language without a Dry Run

Idiom for the Day

……dry run...……

A dry run is a rehearsal or a practice of some activity. Usually, people have a dry run of an activity that will attract a large or important crowd. They will have a dry run for a complex or difficult activity to test their program before an audience arrives.

Example: The director called for an extra dry run because the cast of the school musical were not ready on time.
Regards,
Barbara92106


www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language Before your Dry Run

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – almost, nearly, approximately

Examples: The children had almost enough money to buy some candy.The boss was nearly late for an important meeting.I have approximately one thousand dollars in the bank.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language and Pronounce Your Words Properly

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

cap-tap
key-tea
call-tall
corn-torn
gaze-daze

The key fell in the tea.
Call the tall boy.
The corn is in the cap.
The kid will tap the tea.
The torn cap was next to the tea.
Gaze in a daze at the sunset.

Don’t forget to practice the previous sets as much as possible.


Regards,
Barbara92106

http://www.languagecommunicator.com/

Learn English as a Second Language before You Are Down to the Wire

Idiom for the Day

……down to the wire...……

If something goes down to the wire, it is settled at the latest possible time. The current election for the President seems to be going down to the wire so no one will know the name of the winner until late in the evening of election day. Example: When the race cars headed for the finish line, they were tied so the crowd knew it would be down to the wire.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language from a Charming Teacher

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – charm, charisma, appeal

Examples: The hostess was popular because of her charm.
The politician won many elections because of her charisma.
The Senator had a lot of appeal for the voters.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with Focused Practice

The members who submitted their work did really well. Below are some more sentence groups for additional practice. If you have any questions, please let me know

1. The carpenter made the cabinets.
The cabinets were for the kitchen.
The cabinets were made from oak wood.

2. The politicians were from Ireland.
The politicians traveled for a meeting.
The meeting was important.
The meeting was in India.

3. The announcer broadcast the information.
The information was about a baseball game.
The Boston team played in the game.
The Dallas team played in the game.

4. Los Angeles has many attractions.
Children love the attractions.
Tourists come to Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is a huge city.

5. The maid works at a hotel.
The hotel is very expensive.
The maid works hard.
The maid works in the evenings.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language to Avoid Puerile Behavior

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – childish, immature, puerile

Examples: The high school teacher will not tolerate childish behavior in the classroom.
Many teenagers are immature until they graduate from high school.
Barry’s puerile behavior cost him the election.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language without Water Under the Bridge

Idiom for the Day

……water under the bridge...……

Water under the bridge is an event or problem that is finished and irreversible. People often fret about water under the bridge and their friends often tell them that they should not worry about water under the bridge. It is a waste of time because there is nothing that can be done about water under the bridge.

Example: My sister told me to forget about the bad grade I got on the test because it was water under the bridge.

Regards,
Barbara92106

http://www.languagecommunicator.com/

Learn English as a Language and Stay Cool as a Tool

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

car-tar
core-tore
cape-tape
cub-tub
cool-tool

The car is cool.
The cub is in the tub.
Don’t get tar on the car.
The apple core is tore.
The tool is cool and the cape is taped.

Don’t forget to practice the previous sets as much as possible.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language By Understanding Synonyms

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – elegant, regal, majestic

Examples: All of the ladies at the gala ball looked elegant in their finery.
The regal monarch opened the Parliament.
The queen is a majestic figure.

Regards,
Barbara92106
www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language so You Don't Have to Pipe Down

Idiom for the Day

……pipe down...……

You’re probably talking too loud if someone tells you to pipe down. This idiom is used to tell someone that they are making too much noise. Often people instruct others to pipe down if they don’t like what they are saying.
Example: Will you please pipe down for you are hurting my ears.
If you don’t pipe down, you will wake up the baby.

Regards,
Barbara92106
www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language for a Better Future

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

jaw-law
jump-chump
jest-chest
gin-chin
Jess-chess

Jess plays chess.
There’s gin on his chin.
Jump chump!
His jaw is open in jest.
The gin is in the chest.
Jess will jump on the chest.

Don’t forget to practice the previous sets as much as possible.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English Concisely and Quickly

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

dim-tim
jeer-chee
joke-choke
jeep-cheep
Jane-chain

Jane bought a chain.
The jeep is cheep.
Tim is dim.
Don’t choke on the joke.
The crowd will jeer and cheer.

Don’t forget to practice the previous sets as much as possible.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with Perfect Practice

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

dim-tim
jeer-chee
joke-choke
jeep-cheep
Jane-chain

Jane bought a chain.
The jeep is cheep.
Tim is dim.
Don’t choke on the joke.
The crowd will jeer and cheer.

Don’t forget to practice the previous sets as much as possible.

Regards,
Barbara92106

http://www.languagecommunicator.com/

Learn English as a Second Language and Buy a Baker's Dozen

Idioms

.....a baker’s dozen….

A dozen has twelve pieces, but a baker’s dozen has thirteen.

Example: If you buy a baker’s dozen, you will get a bargain.
A baker’s dozen has more pieces than a regular dozen.

Synonyms

Some new synonyms – smart, intelligent, brainy

Examples: The teacher gave the smart students more difficult work.
Susan is the most intelligent student in the class.
The boy at the computer is brainy so he understands computer programming.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with Practice, Practice, Practice

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

doll-toll
door-tore
doze-toes
dent-tent
dead-Ted

The doll is at the door.
Ted is dead.
There’s a dent in the tent.
The doll will doze near the door.
He tore the tent.
Don’t doze on your toes.

Don’t forget to practice the previous sets as much as possible.

Regards,
Barbara92106

http://www.languagecommunicator.com/

Learn English as a Second Language and Use the Tenses Wisely

The Past Perfect Tense

The tenses communicate information that can make a big difference in meaning. The big difference is sometimes made with a tiny change. For example, add ed to walk and you only add two small letters, but you change the meaning. The past perfect tense is used to provide information that the action was completed before the moment of speaking or writing but it also took place before another action in the past. See an example for a better explanation.

Time = now
2nd action happened yesterday.
1st action happened three days before.

The past perfect tense is formed by combining had + the past participle (ed or en form of the verb or an irregular form).

I had packed my suitcases two days before I left for the airport.

First action = I packed my suitcases. Second action = I left for the airport.

My mother had ironed my clothes before the electricity went out.

First action = My mother ironed my clothes. Second action = The electricity went out.
Try some exercises. I will provide one action. Add another action in either the past perfect or the past tense. Each sentence you submit must have one sentence in each tense.

1. I had eaten my lunch.
2. I ran to the fire station.
3. I had left my homework at home.
4. The pilot lifted the plane into the air.
5. The professor had lectured the class on European history.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language but Never Cry Wolf

Idiom for the Day

……cry wolf...……

The first time you cry wolf you will probably get some help from concerned citizens. These same people will probably help you a second time, but the third time, like the boy in the original story, you probably won’t get any help. Hopefully, you won’t need any help the third time like the boy in the story. When you cry wolf, you ask for help or suggest that you need help when you don’t. People quit responding to people who cry wolf or ask for help when they don’t need it.

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – crumble, decay, perish

Examples: The old building crumbled immediately during the earthquake.
The decay in his teeth was due to excessive chocolate consumption.
The food will perish if not properly refrigerated.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with Pronunciation Practice

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

hit-hiss
coat-coach
deer-tear
die-tie
din-tin

The coach hit the coat.
The deer didn’t die.
The din hid the hiss.
The tear fell on the coach.
The tin hit the coach.

Don’t forget to practice the previous sets as much as possible.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language to Become the Apple of my Eye

Idiom for the Day

……the apple of my eye...……

If you are the apple of your mother’s eye, you are her favorite and get special treatment. The apple of my eye is very lucky in deed. The apple of my eye always get preferential treatment. Remember this is an idiom so it has nothing to do with fruit or vegetables. And, this doesn’t expand to other fruits and vegetables. If you are the carrot of someone’s eye, this person probably does not know English very well.

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – dull, drab, colorless

Examples: The audience snoozed while the politician gave his dull speech.
The drab clothing of the mourners showed their grief.
A colorless home is often uncomfortable.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Perfectly Practiced Pairs to Learn English as a Second Language

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

late-lace
hut-hush
mat-match
road-rose
head-hedge

It’s too late for the lace.
There was a hush in the hut.
Win the match on the mat.
The road rose to a hill.
Don’t put your head in the hedge.

Don’t forget to practice the previous sets as much as possible.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Avoid Return to Square One When You Learn a Second Language

Idiom for the Day

……back to square one...……

Only losers have to go back to square one, so don’t let it happen to you. If you are only on square two, it’s not so bad, but if you have made a great deal of progress, going back to square one is definitely lamentable. Going back to square one means starting over again from the beginning.

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – humble, modest, tolerant

Examples: Although she won a Nobel Prize, Dr. Smith is very humble.
The speaker was modest when detailing his biography.
My uncle is tolerant of average people even though he is most distinguished.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with Perfect Practice

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

search-church
rat-rash
out-ouch
write-rice
cat-catch

The cat will catch the rat.
The search for a church will end.
The rat has a rash.
The cat and the rat catch the mouse.
Ouch! The cat bit my mitt.
He will write in the night.

Don’t forget to practice the previous sets as much as possible.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with Additional Practice

Some devoted and very smart students sent in some sentence combinations from yesterday. I hope everyone will try to remember these techniques in the writing that you do every day. I have some more sentences for practice today that I hope will provide good practice. See below. I forgot to remind everyone that an appositive should be set off from the rest of the sentence by commas.

Try the following ~

1. Greenwich Village is a popular section of New York City.
Greenwich Village attracts many young people.

2. Samantha Simms is a talented actress.
Samantha Simms lives and works in Hollywood.

3. The English language has some inconsistent spelling.
The English language is popular.

4. The German capital is Bonn.
Bonn is a very beautiful city.

5. Tide detergent is a powerful cleaner.
Tide detergent is inexpensive.

Don’t forget the commas.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language and Use Appositives

I hope everyone is using sentence combining techniques in all the work they submit. Following is information on another sentence combining technique using appositives. An appositive is a noun or pronoun that follows another noun or pronoun and explains or defines it.

Her brother Joe is a physician. Her brother = noun, Joe= noun, Her brother Joe= appositive

The tourists drove to Albany, the capital of New York.
Albany=noun, the capital of New York = noun (and its modifiers),
Albany, the capital of New York=appositive.

Examples of sentence combining using appositives

The Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the world. The Mississippi River is 100 miles long.
The Mississippi River, one of the longest rivers in the world, is 100 miles long.

Combine these sentences using appositives.

1. The Golden Gate Bridge is a magnificent structure.
The Golden Gate Bridge is in San Francisco, California.
2. Disneyland is an amusement park.
Disneyland attracts people from all over the world.
3. The Pittsburg Steelers is a great football team.
The Pittsburg Steelers won the championship.
4. Dr. James Jones is a microbiologist.
Dr. James Jones won the Nobel Prize.
5. My fifth grade teacher was a brilliant woman.
Mrs. Applebee was my fifth grade teacher.

Hope this is clear.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with the Best Buzz Words

Idiom for the Day

…….buzz words..……

Offices around the world buzz with buzz words constantly. These are words that are very trendy or fashionable currently. Buzz words might not be popular forever and they might even be slang that will one day become a permanent part of the language. Globalization and cutting edge are some buzz words that are currently popular. Listen in on conversations to see if you can hear some other buzz words.

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – thin, slim, slender

Examples: A famous lady once said that you can’t be too thin.
The slim cheerleader jumped higher than the players on the court.
If you want to be slender, exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.
The employee of the month won the contest and a nice reward.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language with Guided Practice

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

sat-chat
sill-chill
soak-choke
Sue-chew
silly-chilly

Sue will chew and choke.
Sue sat on a chair and she will choke on the joke.
The brats were chilly and silly.
Don’t chat with that brat.
The window sill let in the chill.
Soak the dishes and don’t be silly.

Don’t forget to practice the previous sets as much as possible.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language Pronouncing Minimal Pairs

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

two-chew
sore-chore
sum-chum
sip-chip
sick-chick

The chick is sick today.
I’m sore from that chore.
My chum did the chore.
The sum is two.
They chew the chip and sip the soda.
His chum will chew if he isn’t sick.

Don’t forget to practice the previous sets as much as possible.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language Without a Backseat Driver

Idiom for the Day

…….a backseat driver..……

A backseat driver does not always sit in the backseat. A backseat driver is someone who tries to direct the actions of many people around them. They could be in a car in the backseat or the front seat, but wherever they sit, they try to tell the driver how to drive and where to go. They don’t limit their comments and directions to drivers. A backseat driver might try to give many tidbits of advice to many different people.

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – competition, conflict, contest

Examples: Ellen was the spelling competition on television.
The conflict started in the lunchroom and ended with bloody noses.
The employee of the month won the contest and a nice reward.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language and Pronounce Words Properly

Pronunciation Practice

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

ticks-chicks
tiled-child
tip-chip
tips-chips
tore-chore

The child finished his chore.
The ticks and the chicks were in the yard.
The child gave a tip for a chip.
The wild man tiled the floor.
Tips and chips are available inside.
He tore the floor with his feet.

Don’t forget to practice the previous sets as much as possible.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language by Correcting Combinations

Congratulations to the group members who submitted the practice combining sentences. For the group members who did not get to do the exercise, some examples are below. With sentence combining, there is not one perfect way to accomplish the task so if you have any questions, let me know.

1. A good teacher is encouraging and knowledgeable

2. The tourists went to Paris but not Berlin.

3. John Smith is an author and professor.

4. My professor likes to go to Tio Leo’s restaurant for he likes Mexican food.

5. The actress is talented, but she is also tempermental.

6. My schedule doesn’t include music or art.

7. The little boy went to bed early for he was tired.

8. My neighbor doesn’t know how to drive or swim

This is great practice. Please try – it’s not too late.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language and Think Outside the Box

Idiom for the Day

…….thinking outside the box..……

If you are capable of thinking outside the box, many companies will want to hire you because you are creative and inventive. An original thinker usually comes up with new ideas and companies need innovations in order to compete successfully in this global marketplace.

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – creative, original, inventive

Examples: Elizabeth has a great career in advertising because she is creative.
The original thinking of the scientists led to new medical procedures.
The energy companies are looking for inventive employees.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language by Pronouncing Minimal Pairs

Practice the pairs and sentences below for better pronunciation.

tear-chair
tease-cheese
tin-chin
top-chop
talk-chalk

Chop the cheese and the chop.
Did the boy talk or tease his brother?
The character had a tin chin.
The teacher took the chair and the chalk.
The top chop is not on the chair.
Cheese and chops should not be on the chair.
The coach gave a talk chalk.

Don’t forget to practice the pairs and sentences from previous lessons.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language Unless You Are Under the Weather

Idiom for the Day

…….under the weather..……

When you are under the weather, you should stay away from school or the office because you are not well. You might not be violently ill or sick, but sometimes a rest helps you recover more quickly.

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – smell, odor, scent

Examples: The smell of my grandmother’s spaghetti sauce drew me to the kitchen.
The skunk left a distinct odor which sent the party guests into the house.
The saleswoman sprayed a wonderful scent on each of the customers.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language in Combinations

I promised to get back to sentence combining exercises and I always keep my promises. Here are some new sets of sentences to combine into one perfect sentence. Please use one of the following words to combine the sentences: and, but, or, for, yet. Please use each of these words at least once.

1. A good teacher is encouraging.
A good teacher is knowledgeable.

2. The tourists went to Paris.
The tourists did not go to Berlin.

3. John Smith is an author.
John Smith is a professor.

4. My professor likes to go to Tio Leo’s restaurant.
My professor likes Mexican food.

5. The actress is talented.
The actress is tempermental.

6. My schedule doesn’t include music.
My schedule doesn’t include art.

7. The little boy went to bed early.
The little boy was tired.

8. My neighbor doesn’t know how to drive.
My neighbor doesn’t know how to swim.

This is great practice. Please try.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English as a Second Language in Newspapers and Magazines

Let’s try some more corrections. Below is a paragraph with some errors. Please make corrections and submit to the group.

Newspaper and a magazine have many interesting articles. Most newspapers have several section. The front page usually had the latest news from the world and the national. There is section that is focus on the local news with informations about the problems of the city or towns in the area. Some readers opened the paper to the sports page and they don’t always reading the other parts of the paper. Other people look at the comics and many of these people likes a favorite cahacters.
Magazine often have a spaicila type of reader and the article are written for these people. There are magazines for fishermen and others interested in fashion. Popular magazines have information on the worlds news. One magazine did have articles on health and fitnes in the monthly edition.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Don't Be Poky When You Learn English as a Second Language

Idiom for the Day

…….as slow as molasses in January..……

January is cold in many places and molasses thickens in the cold weather so it moves slowly if at all. If you are as slow as molasses in January, you are very slow moving.

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – slow, sluggish, poky

Examples: Slow traffic can trigger anger in some drivers.
Sluggish movement on the stock market annoys traders.
Poky people do not usually succeed.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

English as a Second Language Might Drive You Up a Wall

Idiom for the Day

……..drive someone up the wall.……

Annoying people drive others up the wall. If someone has annoying or irritating habits or actions, they will probably drive you up the wall. Ignore them.

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – far, distant, remote

Examples: The travelers decided to rest for the night because they had traveled far in one day.
The astronomers needed a giant telescope to study the distant celestial bodies.
Campers often look for remote destinations to escape their busy lives.

Regards,
Barbara92106

http://www.languagecommunicator.com/
http://www.englishasasecondlanguage.wordpress.com/

English as a Second Language Idioms and Synonyms

Idiom for the Day

……all thumbs...……

Please never give an important task to someone who is all thumbs. Think about it. If you had all thumbs and no fingers, you would have great difficulty doing anything with your hands. People who are all thumbs probably perform badly doing anything that requires manual dexterity.

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – awkward, clumsy, maladroit

Examples: The awkward carpenter could not close the drawers he had built.
The clumsy consumer dumped all the tomatoes on the floor of the grocery store.
Don’t let that guy inside. He is often maladroit, and he might ruin the new décor.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Especially for English as a Second Language Students

Idiom for the Day

……knee jerk reaction...……

A knee jerk reaction is a quick and immediate response. Usually, a knee jerk reaction is dangerous because the action is started without much thought. In some circumstances, a knee jerk reaction can be helpful.

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – brave, courageous, foolhardy

Examples: The brave paramedics rescued people from the waters of the tsunami.
Courageous firefighters extinguish fires daily.
Only a foolhardy person would try to take a gun from a madman.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

More Practice to Learn English Properly

Practice the pairs and sentences below. Do a review practice of the words and sentences from yesterday.

tail-tool
tail-tell
tile-tool
tool-tell

Tell him the tool is taken.
The tail was hit with the tool.
The vet tells the truth about the tails.
The tile is underneath the tail.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English Properly by Reading Stories

Try to read the following passage and write a short summary.

She was one of those pretty and charming girls born, as though fate had blundered over her, into a family of artisans. She had no marriage portion, no expectations, no means of getting known, understood, loved, and wedded by a man of wealth and distinction; and she let herself be married off to a little clerk in the Ministry of Education.
Her tastes were simple because she had never been able to afford any other, but she was as unhappy as though she had married beneath her; for women have no caste or class, their beauty, grace, and charm serving them for birth or family. Their natural delicacy, their instinctive elegance, their nimbleness of wit, are their only mark of rank, and put the slum girl on a level with the highest lady in the land.
She suffered endlessly, feeling herself born for every delicacy and luxury. She suffered from the poorness of her house, from its mean walls, worn chairs, and ugly curtains. All these things, of which other women of her class would not even have been aware, tormented and insulted her. The sight of the little Breton girl who came to do the work in her little house aroused heart-broken regrets and hopeless dreams in her mind. She im- agined silent antechambers, heavy with Oriental tapestries, lit by torches in lofty bronze sockets, with two tall footmen in knee-breeches sleeping in large arm-chairs, overcome by the heavy warmth of the stove. She imagined vast saloons hung with antique silks, exquisite pieces of furniture support- ing priceless ornaments, and small, charming, perfumed rooms, created just for little parties of intimate friends, men who were famous and sought after, whose homage roused every other woman's envious longings.
When she sat down for dinner at the round table covered with a three- days-old cloth, opposite her husband, who took the cover off the soup tureen, exclaimed delightedly: "Aha! Scotch broth! There's nothing bet- ter," she imagined delicate meals, gleaming silver, tapestries peopling the walls with folk of a past age and strange birds in faery forests; she imagined delicate food served in marvellous dishes, murmured gallantries, listened

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English Properly

Idiom for the Day

……you can’t take it with you...……

When you die, you can’t take anything with you so it is better to enjoy life every day as much as possible.
Uncle Joe never enjoyed life, and when he died, he had millions of dollars in the bank. Too bad, but you can’t take it with you.

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – crazy, inane, foolish

Examples: Albert goes crazy every time he collects his paycheck and spends every penny.
When the professor made an inane remark, the class was shocked.
The drunken driver made a foolish move because he was intoxicated.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English Properly With Minimal Pairs for Pronunciation Practice

Learn English Properly With Minimal Pairs for Pronunciation Practice

Some group members have requested pronunciation practice, and I would like to offer some exercises for all to practice. Below are some minimal pairs – these are carefully chosen pairs that sound almost the same. These pairs have one or more sounds that are exactly the same and one sound that is totally different. Practice saying these ten or fifteen times until you feel that you have mastered the different sounds. Following the minimal pairs there are sentences using the words. Practice those the same way.

coat-coot
coat-cot
The coat is on the cot.
The coot ha a coat.
The coat and the coot are on the cot.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Don't Learn English from a Loose Cannon

Idiom for the Day

……loose cannon...……

Stay away from people who could be described as a loose cannon. These people can be dangerous and unpredictable.

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – strong, mighty, powerful,

Examples: A strong man pulled the victims out of the fire.
A mighty wind tore tall trees up by the roots.
The powerful politician convinced the others to vote with her.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English By Making Corrections

Here are the correct answers from yesterday. See if you got them all correct.

1. I visited my grandmother on August 15, 2008.
2. I have visited my friends since last year.
3. I flew to Chicago this morning.
4. My partner has flown to Chicago for fifteen years.
5. I got an A on my test last Saturday.
6. I have gotten great grades recently. (or)
I have got great grades yesterday.
7. The teachers met last Tuesday.
8. The student council has met since school started.
9. Some children ate their lunch at noon yesterday.
10. Mr. Jones has eaten hamburgers since he was very young.

Regards,
Barbara92106

http://www.languagecommunicator.com/

Learn English to Read the Lemon Law

Idiom for the Day

……buy a lemon...……

If you buy a lemon, you will not drive very far. A lemon is a car that breaks down. In the United States, there is a “lemon law” that provides for replacement of a lemon under certain conditions.

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – ordinary, prosaic, common

Examples: The human resource department viewed many ordinary resumes daily.
The speaker was usually eloquent so everyone was disappointed by his prosaic address.
Confusing homonyms is a common mistake for student writers.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Today, we will look more closely at the use of the present perfect tense. Don’t worry – we’ll get back to sentence combining.

The present perfect tense is used to express an action that took place at an indefinite time in the past.

The neighbors recently sold their house.

Notice that recently shows a past time but nothing definite.
Compare this to a sentence that requires the use of the past simple tense.

The neighbors sold their house last Tuesday.

The present perfect is also used to express an action that started in the past and continues into the present and the future.

My sisters have driven for fifteen years.
They started in the past and they are still driving.

Try these practice sentences. Rewrite each sentence using the verb in parentheses properly.

1. I (visit) my on August 15, 2008.
2. I (visit) my friends since last year.
3. I (fly) to Chicago this morning.
4. My partner (fly) to Chicago for fifteen years.
5. I (got) an A on my test last Saturday.
6. I (got) great grades recently.
7. The teachers (meet) last Tuesday.
8. The student council (meet) since school started.
9. Some children (eat) their lunch at noon yesterday.
10. Mr. Jones (eat) hamburgers since he was very young.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Even Southpaws Need to Learn English Properly

Idiom for the Day

……a southpaw...……

A southpaw is left handed. This term is used especially in baseball where southpaws are often valuable assets against powerful right handed batters.

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – decorate, adorn, embellish

Examples: The entire family met to decorate the Christmas tree.
The bride will adorn the room with lilies for her wedding.
The candidate embellished his plan with many promises.

Regards,
Barbara92106
www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English to Avoid a Slap on the Wrist

Idiom for the Day

……slap on the wrist...……

A slap on the wrist is a very mild punishment. Criminals would be very happy to get a slap on the wrist instead of several years in jail. A businessman would be happy to get a slap on the wrist after making a serious error that cost his company a significant sum of money.

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – cheerful, vivacious, lively

Examples: Jessica is the most popular girl in school because she is vivacious and friendly.
The socialites in town invite my sister to their parties because she is cheerful.
The businessman made a lively presentation that attracted many clients.

Regards,
Barbara92106

http://www.languagecommunicator.com/

Learn English Without Commotion

Idiom for the Day

……tie the knot...……

When you tie the knot, you get married.

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – commotion, brouhaha, pandemonium

Examples: There was commotion in the terminal when weather caused delays.
Pandemonium filled the hall when the successful candidate entered.
When the pitcher hit the batter, a brouhaha erupted on the pitcher’s mound.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English Writing and Grammar

Greetings to All Group Members,

As a dunce who only speaks one language, I am in awe of the members who can write even their name in a second language. Actually at one time, I could write my name in Arabic, but that’s about the measure of my second language skills. Writing any language well is not a piece of cake, but the ability to write in a second language is a true sign of dedication and intelligence. I have two groups that I have started in order to provide language instruction. I would like to dedicate one of my groups, the “Learn English Properly Group”, to grammar and structure, and the “Language Communicator Group” to writing.

Student editorial or critique groups are one activity that I have found effective in a real classroom. I would like to turn the “Language Communicator Group” into a rustic, virtual classroom by using online editorial groups. The theory – if you have to proofread the work of others, you proofread your own work more effectively. Many people can correct their own mistakes if they proofread.

I would like to add reading and listening comprehension exercises to the groups soon. I think we will start soon with a discussion of one of my favorite poems. If anyone would like to take advantage of these activities, please let me know and I will send you an invitation to join one or both of these groups.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English Because the Ball Is in Your Court

Idiom for the Day

……the ball is in your court...……

If the ball is in your court, it is time to take action or make a decision. It is your turn to do something.

Example: My partner told me that she had been making all the decisions about the business, but now the ball was in my court because she was going on vacation.

Synonyms for the Day

Some new synonyms for the day – unclear, vague, evasive

Examples: The written directions were unclear so many people failed the test.

On the way to their home, we got lost because their directions were vague.
While playing hide and seek, Fiona took evasive action so no one could find her.

Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com

Learn English By Combining Ideas

Some excellent practice yesterday! I believe that the sentence combining was most helpful. Let’s take some time to look at some specific tools useful for sentence combining and some of the rules involved.

Some great combining words should be familiar to all – and, but, nor, or, for, yet

These are combining words that should have equal on either side. If you have the name of one person before these words you should have the name of one person on the other side.

John became the President.
Janie became the President.
John and Janie became the President.

If you are joining two complete sentences, then you should have a complete sentence on one side and a complete sentence on the other side.

Janie became President.
John became Vice-President.
Janie became President, and John became Vice-President.

Janie was sworn in as President on January 20, 2010.
John became Vice-President on January 20, 2008.
Janie became President on January 20, 2010, but John became Vice-President on January 20, 2010.

Try combining the following pairs of sentences with the word in parentheses.

1. (and)
The trainer at the animal park fed the snakes.
The zookeeper washed the elephants.

2. (and)
The reporter arrived at the scene of the crime minutes after it happened.
The police rescued the man from a terrible robber.

3. (for)
The teacher was annoyed with the principal.
The principal cancelled the special lunch.

4. (yet)
The scientist is famous.
We don’t know much about the life of the scientist.

5. (for)
The doctor must prescribe the medicine.
The patient must recover.

6. (or)
The weather will get better.
The baseball game will be cancelled.

Regards,
Barbara92106

www.languagecommunicator.com