GringoPaul

English Verb Tenses Demystified for Mexican Business Professionals

Part One: The most essential grammatical tenses:

The sentences in part one have been selected to show how the most common verb tenses are used in English and Spanish. As you’ll see, it is possible to use most of the verb tenses in the same or similar ways in English and Spanish. However, Spanish usually has more than one way to form these sentences whereas in English we usually only have one way to express these tenses.
The most common verb tenses in English are:
· The present simple,
· Present continuous
· Present perfect
· Present perfect continuous
· Past simple
· Past continuous
· Future simple (going to, will, and present continuous)
· Used to.

Example Sentences:

(1) ¿Qué haces? Leo un libro
What are you doing? I am reading a book

Note: In English we use the present continuous (to be + ing) for actions we are doing right now and the simple present for actions we do habitually. In Spanish, you can use both the present and the present continuous for actions you are doing right now.

In Spanish, this phrase “Qué haces? Leo un libro.” and the phrase “¿Qué estás hacienda? Estoy leyendo un libro” have the same meaning. In English, that is not true. We can’t say “What do you do? I read a book”. We can however, use the simple past if we add something to show that the action is habitual. For example, “What do you do every Tuesday? I read a book.”

(2) ¿Crees en fantasmas?
Do you believe in ghosts?

Usually, you use the present continuous for what you are doing now, but there are some verbs that do not work with the present continuous (or the present perfect continuous). These verbs are called “stative verbs” and include most verbs related to thoughts, emotions, senses, and possession.

Verbs that are not “stative verbs” are usually referred to as “action verbs”. “Action verbs” describe actions taken by the subject of the sentence in the present or past.

Usually, in Spanish “stative verbs” in the past tense take the “imperfecto” tense and “action verbs” in the past usually use the “preterito” tense.

Some of these verbs such as “like, live, feel, and have” can be used in either the present simple and the present continuous tense depending on what you are trying to convey. For example, “I have a cold/I am having a bad day”. “I see you/He is seeing you” (this means that he and you are going on dates together).


(3) ¿Alguna vez visitaste a Francia?
Have you ever been to France?

Note: In English certain words in sentences often trigger the use of the present perfect instead of the simple past. The most common of these words are “for, ever, since, already, and yet”. In this case “alguna vez” translates as “ever” and sentences with this word will usually be in the present perfect (have + participle) tense.
The sample sentence in Spanish can be translated as either: “Alguna vez visitaste a Francia” or “Has visitado Francia alguna vez”. “Has visitado Francia alguna vez” is basically a direct translation of the sample English sentence.

However, in English, you could not translate the sentence as “Did you ever visit France?” (the direct translation of “Alguna vez visitaste a Francia?”). We can only use the simple past in English to signify something that happened in the past and is now done. Often, the simple past is also used with sentences that include some indication of when the action was finished. In this case, we would use the simple past in a question like “Did you visit France last winter?"


(4) Vivo en Mexico desde hace 30 años
I have lived in Mexico for thirty years
I have been living in Mexico for thirty years

The word “for” in this sentence requires that the sentence be in the present perfect (see above) or the present perfect continuous tense.

The present perfect continuous tense is used to show that the action happened in the past, is happening now, and will continue in the future. The present perfect tense is used to show that the action happened in the past and is happening now. We cannot use the present perfect continuous tense when we use words that show that the action will not continue in the future. For example, “Have you taken your pill today?”. Today tells us that the sentence has no future implications and therefore we can’t use the present perfect continuous tense.

(5) Voy a ir a Ensenada en Febrero.
I am going to go to Ensenada in February
I am going to Ensenada in February.
(I will go to Ensenada in February).

Since we know when you are flying (in February), the most common and acceptable translation of this sentence would be either “I am going to go to Ensenada in February” or “I am going to Ensenada in February”. However, so many people use “will” for planned actions that it is OK to use it as well. That said, in formal written English (or when taking an exam like TOEFL) it is better to use “will” only when the future time is not already known.

Note: You can only use the present continuous (I am visiting France in February) when you indicate the time when you will be in France in the future. Otherwise, the present continuous implies that you are in France right now. “What are you doing now? I am visiting France.”

(6) Voy a visitar a Francia algún día/ Iré a México algún día
I am going to visit France someday.
I will visit France someday.

Note: Since someday does not show that your plan is certain, many experts say that it is better to use “I will visit France someday.” However, like Spanish, native English speakers usually use these sentences interchangeably.

You can’t, however, use the present continuous (I am going to France someday) in this case since you don’t have a definite plan to go to France.

(7) Leía un libro cuando el ladrón llegó

I was reading the book when the thief arrived.

The imperfect tense in Spanish does not exist in English. The imperfect tense usually is formed with the verb root plus -ia o -aba (some examples include: iba, andaba, salía, bebía, hablaba). In English we generally use either the past continuous verb tense or “used to” verb tense in place of the imperfect tense.

In both English and Spanish, we have many sentences that indicate that two actions are happening at the same time. Normally these sentences have one clause in the imperfect (Spanish) or the past continuous tense (English) followed by another clause in the preterit (Spanish) or simple past (English). Generally, these clauses are connected with the word “cuando or when”.

In Spanish, you can form these sentences in the same way as you do in English. However, in English, we only have one option for the first part of the sentence: the past continuous. In Spanish, you have two: the past continuous and the imperfect.

For example, in the sample sentence you could use either of these sentences in Spanish: “Leía un libro cuando el ladrón llegó” or “Estaba leyendo un libro cuando el ladrón llegó”. In English, we only have one way to say this sentence: I was reading a book when the thief arrived. If I were to translate this sentence literally into Spanish it would be “Estaba leyendo un libro cuando el ladrón llegó”. We have no direct translation of the sentence “Leía un libro cuando el ladrón llegó” in English, because the imperfect verb form does not exist in English.

(8) Hablaba con mi madre cada día, pero ahora no hablo con ella nunca.

I used to talk to my mother every day, but now I don’t ever (or I never) talk to him.

In English, “used to” is used to indicate that an action took place repeated in the past. “Used to” translates as “solía” in Spanish.
However, “solía” is very rarely used in Spanish. Instead, Spanish speakers almost always use the imperfect tense to express an action happened repeatedly in the past. In English, since we don’t have the imperfect tense, we frequent use the words “used to” instead.

“Used to” can confuse Spanish speakers because it can also mean that you are not accustomed to do something: “Estoy acostumbrado de”.

Here are some examples:

Fumaba dos cajetillas de cigarro por día.
I used to smoke 2 packs of ci******es a day.

I am not used to the hot weather in Mérida
No estoy acostumbrado del clima caliente de Merida

If you could have the perfect English course what would it look like? What are your best and worse experiences learning English?

Empowering Mexican Business Professionals in North America: A Journey of Excellence in Technology and Innovation
Introduction
As a seasoned professional who has witnessed the remarkable transformation of Mexico over the past five decades, I find it essential to explore Mexico's evolution from a perspective that resonates with Mexican business professionals living in the US and Canada. Having called Merida home for the past eight years, I've had the privilege of studying Mexico's vibrant culture and its global imprint, specifically tailored for Mexican business professionals making strides in North America.
The Globalization of Mexican Culture
Mexican cuisine, once a regional delight, has now become a global sensation. Today, Mexican food is celebrated internationally, with discussions about tequila, mezcal, and tacos becoming commonplace. This culinary revolution is particularly relevant for Mexican professionals residing in North America, where an
appreciation for diverse cultures is paramount.
Beyond cuisine, Mexican culture in various forms has captured the hearts of people worldwide. Mariachis, telenovelas, and renowned musicians like Carlos Santana and Natalia Lafourcade have become global icons, reflecting the rich tapestry of Mexican traditions. For Mexican business professionals in the US and Canada, these cultural elements serve as a bridge connecting them with their roots while thriving in a multicultural environment.
STEM Achievements in Mexico
While celebrating cultural achievements is vital, it's equally important to recognize Mexico's contributions to science and technology. Mexican innovations in agriculture, the synthesis of the contraceptive pill, breakthroughs in astronomy, and advancements in medical research highlight Mexico's commitment to scientific progress. Mexican professionals in STEM fields can take pride in their country's role as a formidable player on the global stage.
Mexico's Prominence in the Global Economy
Mexico's economic contributions are diverse, extending beyond cultural and scientific achievements. Its role in the worldwide beer industry, advancements in logistics and on-time delivery technology, and historical innovations in technology, such as color television, underscore Mexico's standing as a global economic leader. This is particularly relevant for Mexican business professionals in North America, contributing to the understanding of Mexico's multifaceted influence on the global stage.
STEM Education in Mexico
For Mexican professionals pursuing careers in STEM, Mexico boasts prestigious institutions like Tecnológico de Monterrey, UNAM, IPN, CINVESTAV, INAOE, and CIMAT, offering world-class education and fostering future innovators. These institutions contribute to Mexico's reputation as a hub for STEM education and research, preparing graduates to excel in global STEM careers.
The Future of Mexican Business Professionals
Looking ahead, Mexican business professionals are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the global tech industry. With a focus on nearshoring, the high level of skills and training displayed in Mexican professionals' LinkedIn profiles is impressive. Opportunities, such as those provided by Mexico City's Office of Technology (ADIP), demonstrate Mexico's commitment to technological progress, providing exciting prospects for Mexican business professionals in North America.
Conclusion
As Mexican business professionals in the US and Canada, the time is now to seize the opportunity and be at the forefront of Mexico's ascent in the global tech industry. Embrace the changes, be the creators and implementors of new technology solutions, and showcase Mexico's boundless potential. The world is watching, and you, the skilled and trained business professionals, hold the key to unlocking Mexico's future as a global technological leader.
P.S. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your specific goals, feel free to contact me anytime. I'm here to support your growth and success.

Here are some great quotes about language learning. What do you think about these quotes?

“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.”
Ludwig Wittgenstein

“A special kind of beauty exists which is born in language, of language, and for language.”
Gaston Bachelard

“Change your language and you change your thoughts.”
Karl Albrecht

¨Language is wine upon the lips.“
Virginia Woolf

“Language is to the mind more than light is to the eye.”
William Gibson

“Language is a city to the building of which every human being brought a stone.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Language is a process of free creation; its laws and principles are fixed, but the manner in which the principles of generation are used is free and infinitely varied. Even the interpretation and use of words involves a process of free creation.”
Noam Chomsky

“Everybody laughs the same in every language because laughter is a universal connection.”
Yakov Smirnoff

“Our language is the reflection of ourselves. A language is an exact reflection of the character and growth of its speakers.”.
Cesar Chavez

“When I read great literature, great drama, speeches, or sermons, I feel that the human mind has not achieved anything greater than the ability to share feelings and thoughts through language.“
James Earl Jones

“Losing the language means losing the culture. We need to know who we are because it makes a difference in who our children are.”
Dottie LeBeau

“It is astonishing how much enjoyment one can get out of a language that one understands imperfectly.”
Basil Lanneau Gildersleeve

“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.”
Frank Smith

“Do you know what a foreign accent is? It’s a sign of bravery.”
Amy Chua

“I love commuting between languages just like I love commuting between cultures and cities.”
Elik Safak

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”
Nelson Mandela

“To have another language to possess a second soul.“
Charlemagne

“You can never understand one language until you understand at least two.”
Geoffrey Willans

“A different language is a different vision of life.”
Federico Fellini

“Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things.”
Flora Lewis

“Knowledge of languages is the doorway to wisdom.”
Roger Bacon

“With languages, you are at home anywhere.”
Edward De Waal

“A foreign language is like a frail, delicate muscle. If you do not use it, it weakens.”
Jhumpa Lahiri

“We should learn languages because language is the only thing worth knowing even poorly.”
Kató Lomb

“Speak a new language so that the world will be a new world.”
Rumi

“Learn a language, and you’ll avoid a war.“
Arab Proverb

“Learn a new language and get a new soul.”
Czech Proverb

“To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.”
Chinese Proverb

In January, I started to write a script for a YouTube video I wanted to produce about false cognates for Mexican professionals with advanced English skills.
False cognates are words that look like they should be similar in English and Spanish but aren't. False cognates are probably the most common errors that I hear my students, and other people with advanced English, make.
Yet, while there are videos and websites with information and exercises for Basic and Intermediate-level English and Spanish students about false cognates, there aren't any videos or websites with a discussion of typical false cognate problems that Mexicans with a high level of English language typically make.
I spent hours just writing the script and then faced what seemed to me to be a daunting challenge: making a video. After thinking about it, I realized that I don't enjoy anything that goes into the making of videos or catchy posts that are designed to be "clickbait".
Therefore, from now on, I will continue to do posts but will only do ones that are both easy for me to produce and potentially useful for Mexican professionals with intermediate and advanced-level skills who need to learn English.
So in that spirit, I am sharing the script that I developed about false cognates instead with you. Here it is:
False Cognates: The Most Common Mistake Mexican Professionals Make When Speaking English
Host (On-Screen): Welcome, everyone! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of false cognates—those tricky words that look similar in Spanish and English but have entirely different meanings. Now, you might be thinking, "I've seen videos about false cognates before," but hold on! This one's special. Most videos cover common mistakes made by beginners, but we're targeting advanced English speakers, particularly Mexican business professionals.
As someone deeply involved in language education, I've observed a common pitfall among advanced English learners: false cognates.
These are words that seem innocent at first but can lead to humorous, awkward, or even confusing situations.
The inspiration behind this video? Necessity is the mother of invention. Unable to find a comprehensive video addressing the nuances Mexican professionals might encounter, I decided to create one myself.
So, let's explore some of the most commonly misused false cognates by advanced English speakers, unraveling the subtleties that might catch even the most proficient language learners off guard. Now, imagine consulting a dictionary, confidently selecting a word that seems familiar, only to discover that using its apparent English counterpart results in sentences that sound stilted, comical, or, at times, entirely off. It's a linguistic maze that requires finesse to navigate.
Host (On-Screen - Additional Commentary): Let me share a personal anecdote. Back in 2012, during my time in Mexico, I encountered political signs proclaiming politicians' "compromiso" to the people. My initial reaction was a chuckle, as in English, this would imply a compromise, an agreement reached after hard negotiation. Little did I realize that the intended meaning was a commitment to the people.
Similarly, seeing signs stating that someone was "comprometido" to deliver something sparked confusion. In English, this could be interpreted to mean that a politician is compromised by someone, implying some questionable dealings. The beauty is that, even when our use of false cognates sounds stilted or comical, the message often still gets across.
Section 2: Lectura and Sanidad: Cognates that Have No Similarities in English and Spanish
That said, while some false cognates, like "comprometido" and "compromiso" are complicated, others are fairly easy because they have completely different meanings in English and Spanish. Two advanced English examples snapped quickly to mind: lectura and sanidad.
Lectura:
Host (On-Screen): "Lectura" means reading in Spanish, but in English, a lecture is a "conferencia" or "una clase".
Example - Spanish: Host (On-Screen): Me gustan la lectura, pero no me gustan las conferencias. (I enjoy reading but do not like lectures.)
Sanidad:
Host (On-Screen): "Sanidad" means health or public health in Spanish. In English, "sanity" is translated as "cordura" or "razón mental."
Example - English: Show relevant image or animation Host (On-Screen): Maintaining your sanity is crucial when you work in public health. (Mantener tu cordura es crucial cuando trabajas en la sanidad pública.)
Section 3: The Most Common Mistaken False Cognate Used by Mexican Professional: Compromiso y Comprometido
Probably a couple of times a month, I hear either my students or someone in the business world in Mexico use the English words "comprise" and "comprised" incorrectly. Here is an explanation that will clear up how to use these words correctly.
Compromiso:
Host (On-Screen): "Compromiso" is not a compromise; instead, it is a commitment in Spanish. A compromise in English is an agreement reached between two parties after negotiation.
Example - English: Host (On-Screen): Business negotiations require a compromise between two parties, not just a commitment to getting what you want. (Las negociaciones comerciales requieren un esfuerzo para llegar a un acuerdo, no solamente un compromiso de hacer algo.)
Comprometido:
Host (On-Screen): "Comprometido" usually means engaged to be married or committed in Spanish.
However in English, like Spanish, "compromised (comprometido)" can also mean having doubts about someone's trustworthiness or the weakened security of a situation.
Example #1 - Engaged: Host (On-Screen): Estoy comprometido a mi novio. Vamos a casarnos en Junio. (I am engaged to my fiancé; we are going to get married in June.)
Example #2 - Compromised: Host (On-Screen): The spy was not compromised by the enemy; he was committed to his country. (El espía no fue comprometido por el enemigo; estaba comprometido con su país.)
Section 4: Cognates with Both Similar and Different Meanings in Spanish and English
Manifestación:
Host (On-Screen): "Manifestación" in Spanish usually refers to a demonstration or rally. However, it also has a similar meaning to the English "manifestation" in the sense of an event, action, or object that embodies something, such as a theory or an abstract idea.
Example - English: Host (On-Screen): The conservative Republicans had a big demonstration to protest the college professor's insistence that the melting of the ice caps at the North pole is a manifestation o global warming. (Los republicanos conservadores tuvieron una gran manifestación para protestar contra la insistencia del profesor universitario de que el deshielo de los casquetes polares en el Polo Norte es una manifestación del calentamiento global.)
Importante:
Host (On-Screen): While "importante" usually means the same as "important," there is a nuanced difference. In Spanish, "importante" can also be used in the sense of something grave or large.
Example - English: Host (On-Screen): Es una herida importante. Necesitas ir al hospital. (That is a serious, grave, or considerable wound. You need to go to the hospital). You could not say that is an important wound in English, in this case.
Una Carrera:
Host (On-Screen): In English, "una carrera" does not refer to something you study at a university or college like it does in Spanish. We usually call what we study in a University or College a degree. "Una carrera" in Spanish can also mean a race or run in English
Example - Host (On-Screen): ¿Quieres participar en una carrera conmigo en abril? Do you want to enter a race with me in April?
What was your degree in college? ¿Qué carrera estudiaste en la universidad? (Note: If you asked: "What career did you study in college?", you are asking "What profession did you study for in college?" ).
In the US, we usually study for a profession (like, for example, a police officer or cosmetologist) in a community college for two years.
We study for a degree in a 4-year or more program in a university or college. A degree (oftentimes more than 4 years of studying) is required to enter many professions that require certification like a
CPA, a doctor, a lawyer, etc.
A degree can also be awarded for a field of study, like history or anthropology, that does not lead to a position in that profession. For example, I have a Bachelor's degree in Geography but I spent my career administering grant programs for the development of subsidized housing.
Un Colegio:
Host (On-Screen): "Un colegio" in Spanish means a secondary school. In English, a "college" is usually a type of university in the US that does not offer many professional career programs or a specific campus (facultad) within a University.
Example - English: Host I studied at Whittier College and in the College of Public Administration and Urban Planning at the University of Southern California. (Estudié en el Whittier College (o universidad pequeña) y en la Facultad de Administración Pública y Urbanismo de la Universidad del Sur de California.)
Un Profesor:
Host (On-Screen): "Un profesor" is not the same as a professor. A professor in English only refers to a teacher at a university or college level. Anyone who teaches at a high school level or lower is simply called a teacher.
English: Host (On-Screen): My high school teacher inspired me to pursue a career in science, not my college professor (Mi profesor de secundaria me inspiró para seguir una profesión científica, no mi profesor de universidad.)
Demanda:
Host (On-Screen): "Demanda" in Spanish refers to a legal suit or complaint. In English, "demand" is equivalent to "exigir" in Spanish. However, "demanda" and "demand" share a common meaning in the economic sense of supply and demand.
Example - English and Spanish: Host (On-Screen): The company filed a lawsuit against the consultant because he did not factor in the demand for the product into his calculations. (La empresa presentó una demanda contra el consultor porque no tuvo en cuenta la demanda del producto en sus cálculos.)
Conductor and Chofer:
Host (On-Screen): In both Spanish and English, "conductor" is commonly used for the person who operates a train. However, in English, when referring to someone driving a car or bus, we typically use the term "driver."
Example - English and Spanish: Host (On-Screen): He's a train conductor, not an orchestra conductor. Es un conductor de tren, no un director de orquesta.
In Spanish, a "chofer" can mean any person driving some type of transportation. In English, a chauffeur is a professional driver hired to drive a car, often for luxury transportation.
Mermelada:
Host (On-Screen): "Mermelada" in Spanish means jam. In English, "marmalade" is a specific type of jam made from oranges. Any other type of "mermelada" in Spanish is simply jam. Example - English and Spanish: Show relevant image or animation Host (On-Screen): We don't like marmalade as much as we like strawberry jam. (No nos gusta la mermelada de naranja tanto como la mermelada de fresa.)
Pretender:
Host (On-Screen): Let's explore the word "pretender," a false cognate that often leads to subtle linguistic slips for advanced English speakers. In English, "pretend" is the equivalent of "fingir" in Spanish. However, "pretender" can mean pretend in English in a few select instances.
When someone says, "Pretendo mejorar mi inglés" in Spanish, it generally translates to "I intend to improve my English" in English. However, if you say I am pretending to study English, you are saying: "I am faking the act of improving my English” or "As a joke, I am acting like I am improving my English".
Jubilación:
Host (On-Screen): "Jubilación" means retirement in Spanish. In English, "jubilation" means joyfulness. However, "joyful" can be translated as "jubilado" or more commonly "alegre" in Spanish. Example - English and Spanish: Host (On-Screen): The jubilant crowd was filled with new retirees. (La multitud alegre (o jubilada) estaba llena de nuevos jubilados.
Conclusion:
Host (On-Screen): Well, there you have it, a journey through the intricate world of false cognates, tailored for advanced English speakers, particularly our Mexican professionals striving for linguistic excellence. As we navigate the linguistic maze together, let's embrace the subtle nuances that make language learning both challenging and enriching.
Remember, language is a dynamic, living entity, evolving with cultural influences and individual experiences. So, whether you're maneuvering through the delicate dance of "compromisos," mastering the fine art of "lectura," or simply enjoying the jubilation of learning, let this be a resource to enhance your linguistic prowess.
In the spirit of genuine commitment to education, I'm leaving you with this script, not for fame or attention, but as a sincere contribution to the collective journey of language mastery. May these insights serve as stepping stones for you, Mexican professionals, as you continue to elevate your English proficiency.
Happy learning, and may your linguistic adventures be both enlightening and joyous! Until next time, this is [Your Name], signing off

I teach all my students a list of somewhere between 50 and 200 common English idioms. While sometimes students wonder why I emphasize idioms, I know that native English speakers use idioms frequently in business conversations and sometimes it is much easier to explain a concept using idioms than any other way. One of my favorite sources for the idioms I teach comes from a weekly series from the Voice of America called "English in a Minute". These are one-minute shows where they discuss one idiom and do a short skit to illustrate the use of the idiom contextually, Here is a list of 50 of the idioms discussed on "English in a Minute" and a link to the show. After we study a group of idioms from "English in a Minute", I do several exercises with my students to help them learn the idioms and contextualize the use of the idioms.

Straight from the horse’s mouth – Get information directly from the person involved rather than via rumors.
Put something on hold – Delay something until later.
Back to square one – Start over from the beginning (from a board game).
Food for thought – Make someone think carefully about something.
Fly by the seat of one’s pants – Do not have a clear plan of how to do something, use your instincts to figure out how to resolve a problem.
(Another one) bites the dust -- something is no longer able to be repaired (also means that someone died)
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – Two people in a family resemble each other.
Poker face – Never show your emotions. Don’t show any reaction to a situation.
(160)
Up the creek (sh*t’s creek) without a paddle – Be in a really bad situation that can’t be resolved easily.
Blow off steam – Do something to get rid of a bad feeling, relax
Know the ropes – Be very familiar with something.
Keep your eyes peeled (pelado) – Watch carefully for something or someone.
Fair weather friend – Someone who is only a friend when they need something but is not available to help you when you have problems.
Call someone’s bluff (el bluff, acantilado, o farol) – From poker, do something to someone you think is lying to force them into telling the truth.
Clear the air – Make issues and concerns public to resolve the problem.
Back seat driver – someone who constantly complains about or gives advice to someone driving a car
Barking (ladrando) up the wrong tree — Put attention on the wrong thing.
Apple of one´s eye – A person or thing that is loved by another person.
As the crow flies – The distance between two places by air, doesn’t include any impediments or natural features that make a trip longer.
Get on my nerves – Something that really bothers or annoys (molestar) someone.
Piece of cake (It´s a cakewalk)– Something that is really easy to do.
Miss the point – Don’t understand something.
It’s up to you – It’s your decision.
Go with the flow (corriente, fluir) – Easily fit in to or agree to a certain situation (opposite: go against the flow)
Burned out – very tired, lose interest in something repetitive.

EIM: English in a Minute Learn common American English idioms!