ESL Unlocked

ESL Tip: "Make" vs. "Do" — Do you know the difference?
This is one of the most common mistakes English learners make — even at intermediate level! Here's a quick rule:
✅ Use MAKE when you're creating or producing something:
→ Make a coffee. Make a plan. Make a decision.
✅ Use DO when you're talking about a task or activity (often with no specific result):
→ Do the dishes. Do homework. Do your best.
🧠 Quick test: Can you complete these?

She _____ a mistake.
He _____ the laundry every Sunday.
(Answers in the comments!)

Learning small distinctions like this is exactly what we focus on at ESLUnlocked. 👉 Try your first lesson free at www.eslunlocked.com

ESL Tip: Stop saying "I am agree" — here's why!
We hear this one a lot, and it's a really easy fix. 😊

❌ I am agree with you.
✅ I agree with you.
"Agree" is already a verb — it doesn't need "am/is/are" in front of it.
Same goes for:
❌ I am understand.
✅ I understand.
❌ She is know the answer.
✅ She knows the answer.
The rule: one verb per sentence (unless you're using a helping verb like can, will, should).
Small fix, big improvement in how natural you sound! 🙌
Want to learn more tips like this every week? Our self-study lessons land right in your inbox — first module is free! 👉 www.eslunlocked.com

ESL Tip: The silent letters that trip everyone up! 🤫

English spelling can be frustrating — we know! Here are some common words with letters you DON'T pronounce:
🔇 K is silent before N:
→ know, knee, knife, knock
🔇 W is silent before R:
→ write, wrong, wrap, wrist
🔇 B is silent after M:
→ climb, bomb, thumb, lamb
🔇 H is silent in some common words:
→ hour, honest, heir
🗣️ Pro tip from our Canadian teachers: The best way to fix pronunciation is to hear the correct version and repeat it out loud — not just read it.
That's exactly why our live group classes on Zoom are so effective. Real conversation, real correction, real progress. 👉 Your first class is free — www.eslunlocked.com

ESL Tip: Sound more natural with these 5 everyday English expressions! 🗣️
Textbook English is fine — but natural English is what you really want, right? Here are 5 expressions native speakers use all the time:

"Give it a shot" = try something
→ "I've never cooked Italian food, but I'll give it a shot!"
"I'm swamped" = extremely busy
→ "Sorry I didn't reply — I've been totally swamped this week."
"It's up to you" = you decide
→ "Do you want pizza or pasta?" "It's up to you!"
"Cut to the chase" = get to the point
→ "Let's cut to the chase — what's the price?"
"Under the weather" = feeling sick
→ "I can't come in today, I'm feeling a bit under the weather."

💡 Save this post and try to use one of these expressions today!
At ESLUnlocked, we teach real English — the kind people actually speak. 👉 www.eslunlocked.com

ESL Tip: Writing professional emails in English? Avoid these 3 common mistakes! 📧

Whether you're writing to a client, a colleague, or a hiring manager — your English emails make an impression. Here's what to watch out for:
❌ Too informal:
"Hey!! Can you send me the report ASAP thanks"
✅ Better:
"Hi [Name], could you please send me the report at your earliest convenience? Thank you!"
❌ Too aggressive (even if unintentional!):
"You have to fix this problem."
✅ Better:
"Would it be possible to look into this issue? I'd really appreciate your help."
❌ Vague subject lines:
"Question"
✅ Better:
"Follow-up: Project Deadline — Thursday 3 May"
🎯 Professional English opens doors — in interviews, promotions, and international business.
Chiara's Business English group classes on Zoom run Monday to Friday and are just €30/month. 👉 First class is free at www.eslunlocked.com

We're Valentina and Chiara — two Canadian sisters, two certified ESL teachers, and one shared mission: make great English instruction accessible to everyone, everywhere.
At ESLUnlocked.com we believe that quality English learning should fit your life, not the other way around. That's why we offer two flexible ways to learn:
📧 Self-Study Courses — Structured lessons delivered to your inbox, one per week, at your own pace. No fixed schedule required.
💻 Live Online Group Classes — Daily Zoom classes Monday to Friday with a certified native teacher. Everyday English with Valentina, or Business English with Chiara — from just €30/month.
Every learner is different, and every learner deserves a teacher who believes in them. Whether you're a complete beginner or a professional looking to sharpen your business English, we're here to help you make real progress, build real confidence, and speak real English.
🎁 Your first class or self-study module is always free — no credit card, no pressure.
👉 Visit us at www.eslunlocked.com or send us a message — we'd love to hear from you!

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