#LearningTips

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Dear English learners! Below there is one mistake in each sentence. Can you find and correct them all? 1. This is beginning of the project. 2. We're having a new manager. 3. They have meetings often. 4. Do you go to lunch with your colleges? 5. I feel myself unhappy. Feel free to 'correct' the sentences on this post or share your ideas in the comments below. Did you find this too hard? Check out the correct answers and learn more about how to avoid these types of mistakes: https://www.italki.com/en/post/cN06rfLq4978Ho4s3YjSQ0?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=product_marketing

How do you ideally divide you time for optimized language learning? Let's say you have these constituents: Speaking (with your partner, roommates or colleagues) Listening (to podcasts, TV, movies with or without subtitles) Reading (books, news articles) Writing (diary, writing tasks) Flashcards Studying (watching tutorials etc.) Tutoring (with your favourite italki tutor) Now, let's make it a bit easier. Let's divide this into three categories: Comprehensible input (listening, reading) Challenging output (speaking, writing) Studying (flashcards, tutorials, grammar) In my experience, a high focus on input, and a small, but efficient focus on studying is a great balance. So if you have one hour of studying per day, I would give 10 minutes of studying, 30 minutes of listening and 20 of writing/speaking. I hope that helps! P.S Your tutoring hour should reflect this as well, however with a slightly higher proportion of output (letting you speak).

5 Common English Grammar Mistakes and How to Fix Them Today, let's explore five common mistakes that many non-native English speakers of ALL levels make and how to avoid them. > Article Usage Mistake: "This is beginning of the project." Correction: "This is THE beginning of the project." Articles are often used differently in other languages or don't exist at all, which can be especially challenging. TIP: Practise using articles in different contexts to help train your memory. > Verb Tenses Mistake: "We’re having a new manager." Correction: "We HAVE a new manager." Common mistakes include using the wrong past tense form, confusing the present perfect and simple past tense, or using the present continuous tense when the simple present tense is more appropriate. TIP: Identify the tense that you most struggle with and focus only on that one for a while. > Word Order Mistake: "They have meetings often." Correction: "They OFTEN have meetings." Most often you may struggle with word order due to the differing sentence structures of your native language. TIP: Read extensively in English to expose yourself to natural word order patterns. > Spelling Mistake: "Do you go to lunch with your colleges?" Correction: "Do you go to lunch with your COLLEAGUES?" There are many words that sound or are spelled similarly, so mistaking one or two letters might change the meaning completely! TIP: Make use of spell-checking tools and search in a dictionary (or just google it!) when you're not sure if it's the correct word. > Reliance on Translation Mistake: "I feel myself unhappy." Correction: "I feel unhappy." When you rely heavily on direct translations from your native language, you're more likely to use unnatural and sometimes nonsensical expressions in English. TIP: Train yourself to think in English and begin to construct a sentence from scratch rather than translating in your head. P.S. Which type of mistake do you often make?

Smartphone apps often have mistakes in their Kiswahili programs. 😱 For example, one of the most popular language learning apps teaches "Ninasema Kiingereza" (I say English) 🙄 rather than the correct "Ninaongea Kiingereza" (I speak English). Learning these mistakes early can be difficult to correct later. 😪 And finding quality learning materials for Kiswahili is not easy when starting out. 📲📚For example, most apps and books fail to teach colloquial, everyday Kiswahili. One example: the subject marker is sometimes contracted (fused) with the tense marker. Most frequent is: NI + NA = NA. So, "Ni-na-soma" becomes "Na-soma." Remember: in FIRST PERSON, PRESENT TENSE, just combine NA + VERB STEM: "Nasoma" (I read), "Nafanya" (I do), etc. 🤓 Constantly saying, for example, "Ninasoma" or "Ninafanya" will advertise that you are either a tourist or don't know Kiswahili. 🙃 It would be like speaking English without ever using contractions! 😱 People would understand, but they would know that you are still struggling to speak conversationally. 🫠 All languages have colloquial, or conversational, speech. Kiswahili has a long oral tradition. It is a high-context, social language based in verbal communication. You wouldn't want to speak Kiswahili like a walking textbook or Duolingo Owl. Check out my quizzes to "up your street cred" when greeting in Kiswahili. 😎 Or, book a $5 Trial Lesson with me for 1-hour. We will use real-life, conversational Kiswahili beginning with the first lesson. 🗣️💬 Karibu!

Do you struggle to express yourself clearly in English? If you're an ESL speaker, you have undoubtedly experienced the struggle to: - find the right words, - structure your sentences in a way that makes sense to others, and - convey your thoughts with the same nuance and impact Many non-native English speakers share your pain. The ability to communicate effectively in English is crucial for success in the business world, yet it can be one of the most difficult aspects of adapting to a new work environment. But don't despair! There are practical steps you can take to overcome this challenge and become a confident and articulate communicator in English. Let's take a look: > Simplicity is key Avoid complex sentence structures and jargon-filled language. Instead, opt for straightforward language that is easy to understand. Remember, your goal is to convey your message effectively, not to impress with your vocabulary knowledge. > Using the active voice Instead of saying, "The report was completed by me," try, "I completed the report." This shift in emphasis adds clarity and reinforces your role in the action. > Every word counts Business communication demands brevity. Eliminate unnecessary words and phrases that clutter your message. For instance, instead of saying, "In my opinion," simply say, "I think." > Seek feedback Ask experienced colleagues to review your written and spoken communication, providing constructive criticism on grammar, clarity, and overall effectiveness. Their insights can be invaluable in refining your communication skills. > Regular exposure Read business articles, watch English-language news programs, and engage in conversations with native speakers. Surround yourself with the language, and you'll gradually absorb its nuances and expressions. Remember, effective communication is a journey, not a destination. So keep practicing!

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