How To Speak Good English

Proper Use of Parallel Structure and Examples

Parallel structure, or parallelism, means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more words or ideas are of equal importance. Words and phrases should not only match in structure, but also in tense. Writers use parallel structure to add clarity to their writing and to make it easier to understand. It also adds value to a writer's overall composition and shows that their writing is structurally and grammatically correct.

Writers use parallel structure in the words and phrases in their sentences. This grammatical form can be used with a variety of structures including infinitives, words, clauses and lists. Parallel structure should be used when you connect clauses with a coordinating conjunction such as: for, and, nor, or, but, so, or yet.
Some examples of this include:

*Correct: Every morning, we make our bed, eat breakfast and feed the dog.

*Incorrect: Every morning, we make our bed, eating breakfast and feed the dog.

*Correct: I will not sing a song, nor will I dance.

*Incorrect: I will not sing a song, nor dance.

-In addition to coordinating conjunctions, parallel structure is also used with correlative conjunctions such as: either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also.

Some examples of this use include:

*Correct: They argued not only about the article, but also about the review.

*Incorrect: They argued not only about the article, but they argued also about the review.

*Correct: Either she likes to see him or she doesn't like to see him.

*Incorrect: Either she likes to see him or doesn't like seeing him.

- Parallel structure should be used with infinitives.

Some examples of parallel structure with infinitives:

*Correct: Ashley likes to ski, to swim and to jump rope.

*Incorrect: Ashley likes to ski, to swim and jump ropes.

*Correct: She likes to dance and to sing songs.

*Incorrect: She likes dancing and to sing songs.

- Be consistent and use parallel structure with words that end in -ing.

Some examples of parallel structure of words that end in -ing:

*Correct: Joe likes running, walking and being active.

*Incorrect: Joe likes running, walking and outdoor activities.

*Correct: We enjoy relaxing and sitting out in the sun.

*Incorrect: We enjoy relaxing and like to sit out in the sun.

- Parallel structure should be used when writing clauses.

Some examples of clauses using parallel structure are:

*Correct: The teacher told them that they need to study and that they should practice their words every night.

*Incorrect: The teacher told them to study and that they should practice their words every night.

*Correct: My parents said get a good education and do not settle for less.

*Incorrect: My parents said to get a good education and not settle for less.

Some more examples of parallel structure include:

*Correct: Mary wanted to make sure that she made her presentation creatively, effectively and persuasively.

*Incorrect: Mary wanted to make sure she made her presentation creatively, effectively and persuaded others.

*Correct: Tim was considered to be a good employee because he was always on time, he was very motivated and he was a good leader.

*Incorrect: Tim was considered to be a good employee because he was always on time, he was very motivated and led the team well.

This is only the proper use of the PARALLEL STRUCTURE. I will come next with further details

Thanks ! 😊

Here are the details of the 14 methods for Improving Your Spoken English without a Speaking Partner

1. Think in English.

Sometimes the difficult thing about talking in a new language isn’t the language itself, but how you think about it.
If you think in your native language and then try to speak English, you’ll always have to translate between languages. Translating isn’t an easy thing to do! Even people fluent in two or more languages have trouble switching between languages.
The solution is to think in English.
You can do this anywhere, anytime. Try to use English when you’re thinking about your day, or when you’re trying to decide what food to order. Even try to use an English to English dictionary to look up words. That way you never have to use your native language and translate words. You’ll notice that when you think in English, it’s easier for you to speak in English.

2. Talk to yourself.

Whenever you’re at home (or alone somewhere else) you can practice your English with your favorite person: yourself.
If you’re already thinking in English, try speaking your thoughts out loud. Read out loud, too. Practice is practice, and even if you don’t have anyone to correct your mistakes, just the act of speaking out loud will help you become more comfortable speaking English.

3. Use a mirror.

Whenever you can, take a few minutes out of your day to stand in front of the mirror and speak. Choose a topic, set a timer for 2 or 3 minutes and just talk.
The point of this exercise is to watch your mouth, face and body language as you speak. It also makes you feel like you’re talking to someone, so you can pretend you’re having a discussion with a study buddy.
Talk for the full 2 or 3 minutes. Don’t stop! If you get stuck on a word you don’t know, try expressing your idea in a different way. You can always look up how to say that word after the 2-3 minutes end. This will definitely help you find out what kinds of words or sentences you have trouble with.

4. Focus on fluency, not grammar.

When you speak in English, how often do you stop?
The more you stop, the less confident you sound and the less comfortable you become. Try the mirror exercise above, but challenge yourself to speak without stopping or stammering (taking pauses between your words) the entire time.
This might mean that your sentences won’t be grammatically perfect, and that’s okay! If you focus on speaking fluently instead of correctly, you’ll still be understood and you’ll sound better. You can fill in the correct grammar and word rules as you learn them better.
5. Try some tongue twisters.

Tongue twisters are series of words that are difficult to say quickly. One example is: “The thirty-three thieves thought that they thrilled the throne throughout Thursday.” Try saying this a few times! It’s not easy.
Word games like this will help you find the right placement for your mouth and tongue, and can even help your pronunciation.

6. Listen and repeat.

Do you watch TV shows or YouTube videos in English? Use them to improve your fluency. Choose a short part of a show and repeat it line by line. Try to match the tone, speed and even the accent (if you can). It doesn’t matter if you miss a few words; the important thing is to keep talking. Try to sound just like the native speakers on the show.

7. Pay attention to stressed sounds.

English uses stresses in words and sentences. That means you’ll need to stress, or emphasize, certain words and syllables (sounds) to give words and sentences different meanings.
Listen to where native speakers place the emphasis when they speak. Try to repeat it the same way.
This won’t only help you speak well, it might even reduce misunderstandings. Sometimes the placing the stress on the wrong syllable completely changes the word. The word ADdress, for instance, isn’t the same as the word adDRESS. ADdress refers to a physical location where someone lives, and adDRESS means to formally speak to a group of people.
Learn to hear the difference!

8. Sing along to English songs.

Singing along to your favorite English songs will help you become more fluent.
Once you can sing along to Taylor Swift and Jason Mraz, you can test your skills with something a bit more difficult: rap!
Rap is a great way to practice English because often the words are spoken like regular sentences. However, the rapper uses a stronger rhythm and faster speed. Some of the words might not make sense, but if you can keep up with the rapper then you’re on your way to becoming fluent!

9. Learn word forms with new words.

Some practice comes before you even open your mouth. Make speaking easier by learning the different forms of any words you learn. You should do this when you’re learning new vocabulary. For example, if you just learned the word write, you should also learn some other forms like wrote and written.
Knowing the correct way to use a word in any kind of sentence is important. This knowledge will help you while speaking. You won’t have to stop and think of different words—you’ll know exactly when you need to use that word while speaking.

10. Learn phrases, not words.

An even better idea is to learn word phrases, not just words.
You might be using correct grammar and vocabulary, but it’s still not how a native speaker would say it.
For example, you can say “how do you feel today?” but a native speaker might say “how’re you doing?” or “what’s up?” instead. Phrases and expressions can be helpful for sounding more natural when you speak.

11. Learn your most common sayings.

Take some time to really notice how you speak in your native language.
What words and phrases do you use the most often?
Learn how to say your most commonly used phrases and words in English. Knowing them in English will help you speak as well in English as you do in your native language.

12. Prepare for specific situations.

Are you learning English for a specific reason? For example, are you learning English so you can get a job in an English-speaking company? In that case, practice English that will help you in an interview. Are you learning English so you can make friends in America? Then you would need a different kind of English.
Before you go to a place where you have to speak English, you can practice what you might have to say. If you’re preparing to go to a restaurant, what might conversations in a restaurant sound like? Answer the questions a waiter might ask you. Try talking about food and menus.
You’ll feel more confident if you’re prepared!

13. Relax!

You can be your best helper or your worst enemy when learning to speak fluently! We know it’s hard, but you should try not to worry about how you sound when you speak. Just relax!
If you get stuck or confused, just take a big breath and start over. Speak slower if you have to. Take time to pause and think about your next sentence.
Do whatever it takes to become more comfortable with speaking English.

14. Tell a story from your language in English.

Here’s a fun way to test how well your spoken English has developed: choose a story that you know really well and tell it in English.
Remember to think in English as you’re telling your story. Focus on speaking fluently instead of correctly. Say every sentence out loud to yourself.
Even if you have nobody to talk to in English, you can still build confidence and master fluency on your own time.

In some ways, practicing speaking is even easier by you!

Best Regards!

These are some methods for Improving Your Spoken English without a Speaking Partner

How can you practice speaking English without anybody else to help you?

Writing, reading, listening—these skills can all be practiced alone. Easy.
Well, you can already write beautiful sentences. You memorized hundreds of vocabulary words.
But when you open your mouth to speak, nothing comes out!
All the books, websites and apps in the world can’t help you learn how to speak English fluently.
To improve your spoken English, the best thing to do is to talk with a native speaker.
Sometimes we don’t have that option though! What if you don’t know anyone who speaks English? What if you don’t have time? What if you simply don’t feel confident enough yet to practice with a native?
Don’t worry. You can still improve your spoken English, even without a speaking partner.
We’re going to explain how. No speaking partner? No problem!

How do you practice speaking English?

1. Think in English. Sometimes the difficult thing about talking in a new language isn't the language itself, but how you think about it. ...
2. Talk to yourself. ...
3. Use a mirror. ...
4. Focus on fluency, not grammar. ...
5. Try some tongue twisters. ...
6. Listen and repeat. ...
7. Pay attention to stressed sounds. ...
8. Sing along to English songs.
9. Learn word forms with new words.
10. Learn phrases, not words.
11. Learn your most common sayings.
12. Prepare for specific situations.
13. Relax
14. Tell a story from your language in English.

Keep these methods and we will give some more details about the 14 points in the next post
Thanks for your trust

Foreign Language Words

English is the most dominant language in the world today, but, throughout history, it has borrowed heavily from other languages, particularly Latin and French. Below is a list of words which have been borrowed from other languages but have become part of our day to day English vocabulary.

TEN COMMONLY USED ENGLISH WORDS OF ARABIAN ORIGIN

Algebra
Assassin
Harem
Mattress
Safari
Sofa
Sultan
Sherbet
Tariff
Zero

TEN COMMONLY USED ENGLISH WORDS OF INDIAN ORIGIN
Bungalow
Cheetah
Dacoit
Guru
Jungle
Khaki
Loot
Pundit
Pyjama
Thug

TEN COMMONLY USED ENGLISH WORDS OF CHINESE ORIGIN

Chi
Chow
Feng Shui
Gung Ho
Ketchup
Kung Fu
Lychee
Silk
Tea
Tofu

TEN COMMONLY USED ENGLISH WORDS OF AFRICAN ORIGIN

Banana
Chimpanzee
Cola
Dengue
Jamboree
Jumbo
Mumbo Jumbo
Voodoo
Zebra
Zombie

TEN COMMONLY USED ENGLISH WORDS OF SPANISH ORIGIN

Adios
Cigar
Guerrilla
Hurricane
Lo**ta
Macho
Platinum
Ranch
Siesta
Vanilla

TEN COMMONLY USED ENGLISH WORDS OF ITALIAN ORIGIN

Artisan
Balcony
Cartoon
Dome
Gallery
Graffiti
Medal
Replica
Saloon
Villa

EN COMMONLY USED ENGLISH WORDS OF GERMAN ORIGIN

Blitz
Frankfurter
Hamburger
Kaput
Kitsch
Kindergarten
Lager
Pilsner
Wanderlust
Zeitgeist

TEN COMMONLY USED ENGLISH WORDS OF DUTCH ORIGIN

Booze
Cookie
Cruise
Decoy
Excise
Iceberg
Measles
Smuggler
Yacht
Yankee

TEN COMMONLY USED ENGLISH WORDS OF PORTUGESE ORIGIN

Breeze
Cashew
Cobra
Coconut
Commando
Mosquito
Potato
Samba
Tank
Teak

Small Talk part 3 and Final: Conversation Starters

Talking about the weather

* Beautiful day, isn't it?
* Can you believe all of this rain we've been having?
* It looks like it's going to snow.
* It sure would be nice to be in Hawaii right about now.
* I hear they're calling for thunderstorms all weekend.
* We couldn't ask for a nicer day, could we?
* How about this weather?
* Did you order this sunshine?

Talking about current events

* Did you catch the news today?
* Did you hear about that fire on Fourth St?
* What do you think about this transit strike?
* I read in the paper today that the Sears Mall is closing.
* I heard on the radio today that they are finally going to start building the new bridge.
* How about those Reds? Do you think they're going to win tonight?

At the office

* Looking forward to the weekend?
* Have you worked here long?
* I can't believe how busy/quiet we are today, can you?
* Has it been a long week?
* You look like you could use a cup of coffee.
* What do you think of the new computers?

At a social event

* So, how do you know Justin?
* Have you tried the cabbage rolls that Sandy made?
* Are you enjoying yourself?
* It looks like you could use another drink.
* Pretty nice place, huh?
* I love your dress. Can I ask where you got it?

Out for a walk

* How old's your baby?
* What's your puppy's name?
* The tulips are sure beautiful at this time of year, aren't they.
* How do you like the new park?
* Nice day to be outside, isn't it?

Waiting somewhere

* I didn't think it would be so busy today.
* You look like you've got your hands full (with children or goods).
* It looks like we are going to be here a while, huh?
It looks like we are going to be here a while, huh?
* I'll have to remember not to come here on Mondays.
* How long have you been waiting?

"Thanks for your Time my dear friends"

Small Talk part 2: Who, What, Where, When, Why

WHO makes small talk?

People with many different relationships use small talk. The most common type of people to use small talk are those who do not know each other at all.

WHAT do people make small talk about?

There are certain "safe" topics that people usually make small talk about. The weather is probably the number one thing that people who do not know each other well discuss. Sometimes even friends and family members discuss the weather when they meet or start a conversation. Another topic that is generally safe is current events. As long as you are not discussing a controversial issue, such as a recent law concerning equal rights, it is usually safe to discuss the news. Sports news is a very common topic, especially if a local team or player is in a tournament or play-off or doing extremely well or badly. Entertainment news, such as a celebrity who is in town, is another good topic. If there is something that you and the other speaker has in common, that may also be acceptable to talk about. For example, if the bus is extremely full and there are no seats available you might talk about reasons why. Similarly, people in an office might casually discuss the new paint or furniture. There are also some subjects that are not considered acceptable when making small talk. Discussing personal information such as salaries or a recent divorce is not done between people who do not know each other well. Compliments on clothing or hair are acceptable; however, you should never say something (good or bad) about a person's body. Negative comments about another person not involved in the conversation are also not acceptable: when you do not know a person well you cannot be sure who their friends are. You do not talk about private issues either, because you do not know if you can trust the other person with your secrets or personal information. Also, it is not safe to discuss subjects that society deems controversial such as religion or politics. Lastly, it is not wise to continue talking about an issue that the other person
does not seem comfortable with or interested in.

WHERE do people make small talk?

People make small talk just about anywhere, but there are certain places where it is very common. Most often, small talk occurs in places where people are waiting for something. For example, you might chat with another person who is waiting for the bus to arrive, or to the person beside you waiting to get on an aeroplane. People also make small talk in a doctor's or dentist's waiting room, or in queues at the grocery store. At the office, people make small talk in elevators or lunchrooms and even in restrooms, especially if there is a line-up. Some social events (such as a party) require small talk among guests who do not know each other very well. For example, you might talk to someone you do not know at the punch bowl, or at the poolside. It is called "mingling" when people walk around in a social setting and talk to a variety of people.

WHEN do people make small talk?

The most common time for small talk to occur is the first time you see or meet someone on a given day. For example, if you see a co-worker in the lounge you might say hello and discuss the sports or weather. However, the next time you see each other you might just smile and say nothing. If there is very little noise, that might be an indication that it is the right time to initiate a casual conversation. You should only spark up a conversation after someone smiles and acknowledges you. Do not interrupt two people in order to discuss something unimportant such as the weather. If someone is reading a book or writing a letter at the bus stop it is not appropriate to initiate a conversation either. Another good time to make small talk is during a break in a meeting or presentation when there is nothing important going on. Finally, it is important to recognize the cue when the other person wants the conversation to stop.

WHY do people make small talk?

There are a few different reasons why people use small talk. The first, and most obvious, is to break an uncomfortable silence. Another reason, however, is simply to fill time. That is why it is so common to make small talk when you are waiting for something. Some people make small talk in order to be polite. You may not feel like chatting with anyone at a party, but it is rude to just sit in a corner by yourself. After someone introduces you to another person, you do not know anything about them, so in order to show a polite interest in getting to know them better, you have to start with some small talk.

...To be continued

Small Talk in English

In most English-speaking countries, it is normal and necessary to make "small talk" in certain situations. Small talk is a casual form of conversation that "breaks the ice" or fills an awkward silence between people. Even though you may feel shy using your second language, it is sometimes considered rude to say nothing. Just as there are certain times when small talk is appropriate, there are also certain topics that people often discuss during these moments.

Read through the Who, What, Where, When, Why page to gain a better understanding of small talk. The hardest part about making small talk is knowing how to start a conversation. Review the conversation starters and practise them with a friend. Finally, take the time to see how much you have learned about small talk by taking the Small Talk Quiz. And remember, in an English-speaking environment it is often better to make a few mistakes than to say nothing at all!

... To be Continued

English is the International Common Tongue

There are several factors that make the English language essential to communication in our current time. First of all, it is the most common foreign language. This means that two people who come from different countries (for example, a Mexican and a Swede) usually use English as a common language to communicate. That’s why everyone needs to learn the language in order to get in touch on an international level. Speaking it will help you communicate with people from countries all over the world, not just English-speaking ones.

Let the English language teaching to be continued

Learning effective conversation skills ranks as one of the most significant social abilities.

Conversation Game Suggested Rules:
Positive Topics:

If you could spend a day with anyone, whom would you choose?

If you had to name a clever thing that you have done, what would it be?

If you wanted to reward yourself what might you do to celebrate?

What is one thing about your life that you would not change?

What are you not spending enough time doing?

What is one of your strengths?

If you are feeling unmotivated, who helps you get yourself going?

What subject in school turned out to be your favorite?

If you could magically do one thing, what would you do?

What always makes you feel good about yourself?

If you won a five-minute shopping spree at any store, where would you choose?

If you won a million dollars, what might you change about your life?

How might people improve their self-esteem?

What group would you like to be a part of?

What is a goal you have and how will you achieve it?

What honor have you received in the past that you are proud about?

If you learned you only had six months to live, how would you spend your time?

Show listening with eye contact, nodding, summarizing and asking questions afterwards.

Playing this game with a partner can develop good skills and give mutual enjoyment.

Thanks dear brothers & sisters

"Telling the Time"

There are two ways of telling the time in English:

1)- Hour first, then minutes. For example 06:45 – six forty-five
2)- Minutes first, then hour. ‘Past’ is used for minutes 01 through 30, and ‘to’ is used for minutes 31 through 59. For example:

06:15 – fifteen minutes past six

06:45 – fifteen minutes to seven

‘Quarter past’ is a term that is often used in place of ‘fifteen minutes past.’

06:15 – quarter past six

‘Half past’ is a term that is often used in place of ‘thirty minutes past.’

06:30 – half past six

‘Quarter to’ is a term that is often used in place of ‘fifteen minutes to.’

06:45 – quarter to seven

Note:

1 - 12 pm is also known as ‘noon’.
2 - 12am is also known as ‘midnight’.
3 - ‘o’clock’ is only ever used at the full hour.

08:00 – eight o’clock

to the previous post

‘But’ is a conjunction used to show something contrasting or opposing to the earlier clause in the sentence. Nowadays the word ‘but’ often has a negative connotation implying that there is a hidden catch to something or it simply negates the clause you made before it to the listener/reader.

Here are some alternatives to using ‘but’

It is a great idea but, it is beyond our budget.

· It is a great idea however, it is beyond our budget.

· It is a great idea though, it is beyond our budget.

· It is a great idea yet, it is beyond our budget.

· It is a great idea nevertheless, it is beyond our budget.

· It is a great idea still, it is beyond our budget.

Can you use other words instead of repeating ‘but’ in a sentence?