Common English Teaching Terms Explained

Do you ever find yourself in an English class and hearing words like ‘analogy’, ‘metaphors’, and ‘present tense’ and wondering what on earth they mean?

You are not alone! The English language is full of terms and phrases that can be difficult to understand. But don’t worry, as English teachers we love to help with these common English terms.

We are here to help! In this blog post, I will explain some of the most common phrases and terms used by English teachers when teaching English. From analogies and metaphors to present tense and past tense, I will break down the jargon and help you master the lingo.

Understanding these common English terms will help you move forward quicker with your English!

 

Learning English Can Also Improve Your Confidence & Self-Esteem.

 

Analogies and Metaphors

Analogies and metaphors are powerful tools that English teachers use to help students understand complex concepts. You may have heard these terms in your English class and wondered what they meant. Well, wonder no more! Let me break it down for you. Let’s attack these two common English terms right now!

An analogy is a comparison between two things that are similar in some way. It helps us understand an unfamiliar concept by relating it to something more familiar. For example, if I were to say that “time is like a river”, I am using an analogy to explain that time flows and cannot be stopped, just like a river.

On the other hand, a metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to something it is not literally applicable to. It is used to create a vivid image or describe something in a unique way. For example, if I were to say that “the world is a stage”, I am using a metaphor to suggest that life is like a play, with different characters and roles.

Analogies and metaphors bring language to life, making it more colorful and expressive. By understanding these terms, you can unlock a whole new level of meaning in literature and enhance your own writing skills. So, next time you come across an analogy or metaphor, embrace it with open arms and let your imagination soar!

Perfect Your Communication in Hospitality with the Past Continuous Tense

Common English Tenses: Present, Past and Future

When it comes to learning English and common English tenses, understanding tenses is crucial. Tenses help us express when an action is happening or has happened in relation to the present, past, or future. So, let’s dive into the world of tenses and demystify their meanings.

The present tense is used to talk about actions happening now or situations that are true in the present. For example, “I am writing this blog post” or “She teaches English.”

The past tense is used to talk about actions or situations that have already happened in the past. For example, “I went to the store” or “They studied for their exams.”

The future tense is used to talk about actions or situations that will happen in the future. For example, “I will visit my family next week” or “She is going to start a new job.”

Understand the continuous tense here. 

Understanding tenses is essential for effective communication. By using the appropriate tense, you can convey your ideas accurately and clearly. Whether you’re telling a story, writing an essay, or having a conversation, using the correct tense will make a significant difference in how your message is understood.

So, the next time you hear your English teacher mention present tense, past tense, or future tense, don’t panic! Embrace the opportunity to strengthen your language skills and master the art of expressing time with precision.

Present Perfect: Usually Simple, But Can Be Tricky

 

Make Progress With Your English Today Easily & Correctly A1 to C2

 

Common English: Homophones and Puns

Homophones and puns may sound like fancy terms, but once you understand them, you’ll realize they’re actually a lot of fun! Let’s dive into the world of wordplay and word sounds and explain these common English terms.

Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. For example, “write” and “right” sound identical, but they have distinct meanings. This can lead to confusion, but it also creates opportunities for clever wordplay and puns.

Puns are a form of wordplay that exploit multiple meanings of a word or words that sound similar. They often result in humorous or witty play on words. For example, “I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough dough” is a pun that plays on the word “dough” by using its literal meaning as well as its slang meaning for money.

Understanding homophones and puns can enhance your language skills and make your writing and conversation more creative and engaging. They add a touch of humor and playfulness to your communication.

So, the next time you encounter homophones or come up with a pun, embrace it and have fun with it. It’s a chance to show off your linguistic creativity and have a good laugh. Just remember, in the world of wordplay, anything goes!

Common English: Adjectives and Adverbs

Adjectives and adverbs are like the spice and seasoning of the English language. They add flavor and depth to our descriptions and make our writing more vivid and interesting. But what exactly are adjectives and adverbs, and how do they work?

Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns or pronouns. They provide additional information about the noun or pronoun they are describing.

For example, in the sentence “The tall tree swayed in the wind,” the word “tall” is an adjective that describes the noun “tree.” Adjectives can describe qualities such as size, color, shape, or opinion. They allow us to paint a picture with our words and bring our writing to life.

On the other hand, adverbs are words that describe or modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They provide information about how, when, where, or to what extent something happens. For example, in the sentence “She sings beautifully,” the word “beautifully” is an adverb that describes how she sings. Adverbs can modify verbs by indicating manner, frequency, time, place, or degree. They add detail and precision to our sentences and help us express ourselves more precisely.

By understanding the difference between adjectives and adverbs and knowing how to use them effectively, you can take your writing to the next level. Adjectives and adverbs give you the power to create vivid images and convey your ideas with clarity.

So, the next time you want to describe something or add some flair to your writing, don’t forget to sprinkle in some adjectives and adverbs. Your words will come alive, and your readers will be captivated by your descriptive prowess.

 

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Common English: Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Idioms and phrasal verbs are like the secret code of the English language. They add depth and flavor to our conversations and make native speakers sound like they have a special language of their own.

But don’t worry, I’m here to let you in on the secret and explain what idioms and phrasal verbs are all about. With these tips you will understand these two common English terms.

Idioms are expressions that have a different meaning than the literal words used. They often come from cultural references, historical events, or common experiences. For example, if someone says “break a leg” before a performance, they’re not actually wishing harm upon you. It’s an idiom that means “good luck”.

Understanding idioms can be tricky, but it’s essential for becoming fluent in English and fully understanding native speakers.

Phrasal verbs, on the other hand, are a combination of a verb and a particle (typically a preposition or adverb) that together have a unique meaning. Phrasal verbs can be challenging because the meaning often isn’t apparent from the individual words.

For example, if someone says “put up with”, it means to tolerate or accept something, even if it’s not pleasant. Knowing phrasal verbs will greatly enhance your English skills and help you speak like a native.

So, the next time someone says “it’s raining cats and dogs” or “break the ice”, you’ll know exactly what they mean. Embrace the world of idioms and phrasal verbs, and soon you’ll be speaking English with the fluency and confidence of a native speaker.

Why You Must Learn Idioms For Better English

 

Parts of Speech: Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs, Pronouns and Conjunctions

If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head in an English class when your teacher starts talking about nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, and conjunctions, you’re not alone.

These common English terms are essential to understanding the building blocks of the English language, and once you grasp them, you’ll have a solid foundation for effective communication.

Nouns are the words we use to identify people, places, things, or ideas. They can be common, like “dog” or “book,” or proper, like “London” or “John.” Verbs, on the other hand, are action words.

They show us what someone or something is doing or experiencing. Examples of verbs include “run,” “eat,” “sleep,” and “think.”

Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns. They give us more information about the noun they are paired with. Adverbs, on the other hand, describe or modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They provide details about how, when, where, or to what extent something is happening.

Pronouns are words that take the place of nouns. They help us avoid repetition and make our sentences flow more smoothly. Examples of pronouns include “he,” “she,” “it,” “we,” and “they.”
Conjunctions are words that join words, phrases, or clauses together. They help us connect ideas and create relationships between different parts of a sentence. Examples of conjunctions include “and,” “but,” “or,” “because,” and “although.” If this is tricky to understand these common English terms please check some of our other articles.

Understanding these parts of speech is essential for constructing meaningful sentences and expressing our thoughts clearly.

By mastering these terms, you’ll have the tools you need to become a confident and effective English speaker and writer. So, embrace the world of nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, and conjunctions, and let your language skills soar to new heights!

 

Common English Expressions and Vocabulary

Now that you have a good grasp of some of the essential terms and concepts used in English teaching, it’s time to dive into some common English  expressions and vocabulary that you’re likely to encounter in your English classes.

First up, we have expressions such as “butterflies in your stomach” or “break a leg”. These are idiomatic expressions that have a figurative meaning different from their literal interpretation.

Understanding these expressions can help you navigate conversations with native speakers and add a touch of fluency to your language skills.

Next, let’s explore some common vocabulary that is frequently used in English classrooms. Words like “literature,” “grammar,” “vocabulary,” and “comprehension” are crucial to understanding and discussing various aspects of the English language.

Building a solid foundation of vocabulary will enable you to communicate effectively and express yourself with precision.

Additionally, there are specific phrases and expressions that are unique to the English language, such as “how do you do,” “raining cats and dogs,” or “it’s a piece of cake”.

Learning these phrases will not only enhance your understanding of the language but also allow you to communicate naturally and authentically with native English speakers.

By familiarizing yourself with these common expressions and vocabulary, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the intricacies of the English language.

Whether you’re studying literature, writing essays, or engaging in conversations, these terms and expressions will help you express yourself with confidence and fluency. So, embrace the world of English expressions and vocabulary, and let your language skills shine!

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