Leonard: I couldn't agree more!
Alisha: Wait, you don't agree with me?
L: No, I said, I couldn't agree more. That means I completely agree with you.
A: What? Then why did you say you couldn't agree with me!

I think we can all relate with Alisha. There are so many indirect ways of saying something so simple and direct. We use such structures to add nuance to our meaning!

But it 'can' be confusing for a language learner.

In this series on the Confusing Structures in the English Language, we will discuss these very structures so that the next time Leonard says 'he couldn't agree more,' or 'he couldn't care less' or some such phrase, you'd know exactly what he is saying. 

All Things English

Confusing Structures in the English Language - Introduction

This is China.

A Brief History

Natural Nihongo Chat

労うと労る

here is  your daily Reading part :) Enjoy!

About us
You don't want just a gym membership. You want a membership that means something. And that means you need support, expert help and a community.

Best Body Fitness isn't just a gym: it's a full-service fitness membership made for you.

Here's how it works:

STEP ONE: Your assessment
We begin with an assessment session. This is a chance for you to see what we do at Best Body. Our assessment plans are no-cost and no-risk. We'll also make a training plan specifically for you.

STEP TWO: Your training
When you decide to become a Best Body member, we show you what to do, how to do it and why you are doing it. After a few sessions with an expert private trainer you will feel comfortable working out on your own. But don't worry, we'll always be nearby if you have questions.

STEP THREE: Your membership
Membership works on a month-to-month basis. There are no sign-up fees and no cancellation fees. Start and stop whenever you want. And the best part? Our fees are the most competitive in the whole downtown area.

STEP FOUR: Your community
At Best Body Fitness, we see everyone as part of a big team. And when you work with a team, you can do great things. Join any of our specialised classes, led by expert instructors. Come to our nutrition classes. Participate in our regular social events. Everything is included in your fee.

Finally, we wanted to share with you some reasons why our members say that they have chosen us over any other fitness centre in the city.

It's so EASY
Easy to start, stop, cancel or refund a membership
Easy to access – we're open 24/7, we never close
Easy to do exercise – we have lots of equipment, no long wait
Easy results – our trainers and equipment give you success, fast
Easy to find – in the centre of town, near public transport and with parking
It's WONDERFUL
Wonderful members
Wonderful trainers and staff
Wonderful equipment
Wonderful energy
Wonderful location
Come and visit us for a personal tour!

The Habits of Professionals Growing Into Strong, Confident English Communicators

A flyer for a gym reading episode 

Learn about some of the history and purpose behind writing letters to editors. 

The Wandering and Wondering Writers Club

Letter to an Editor

In this episode, students will discover Tokyo, the vibrant capital of Japan. They will listen, answer questions, and learn vocabulary related to urban living. 🎧🌆

Famous Places 🌍🏛️ 

Tokyo 🇯🇵 

みなさん、昨日の夕飯（ゆうはん、夕ご飯）は何でしたか。
我が家は、白いご飯、お味噌汁、牛肉のチャプチェ、ほうれん草のお浸(ひた）しって感じです。牛肉のチャプチェは、韓国料理ですね。でも日本風にアレンジしています。味付けは、酒、しょうゆ、みりんがベースです。だから、日本風の味になっています。
ほうれん草のお浸しは、ほうれん草を湯（ゆ）がいて、しょうゆと鰹節（かつおぶし）をかけて食べます。うん、日本の家庭料理ですね。
お味噌汁（みそしる）はネギと豆腐が具材です。白いご飯にはお味噌汁が必要だとついつい思ってしまう私です。
でも、毎日お味噌汁を飲み続けると、さすがに少し飽（あ）きます。なので、中華スープ、ミネストローネ、チキンスープなどなど、一応色んな種類のスープを作るようにしています。まさに、主婦の努力です。
お味噌汁の具材（ぐざい）は、たいていは冷蔵庫の残り物です。うー、強いて味噌汁の具材ランキングを言うなれば、一位油揚げ、2位ネギ、3位豆腐って感じでしょうか。
みなさんは、どんなお味噌汁が好きですか。私は、味噌汁が好きというか、味噌汁を飲むと安心する、ホットするという感じです。味が特別好きかと言われると、そうではないのです。不思議ですね。これが日本の味なのでしょうか。
みなさんも、食べるとホットする国の料理はありますか。
ぜひ教えてください。

【言葉をチェックしよう】
強いて：あえて
言うなれば：言ってみれば


「のぞみ」の日記

昨日の夕飯

Comida de las ánimas. 
La profe yucateca Mercy Santiago me cuenta cómo se celebra el Hanal Pixán en su estado natal.

Mercy:
https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/8356156