Don't overcomplicate your English
By The English Farm, April 18 2021
As your English improves, you are able to make longer and longer sentences. But, should you?
Common mistakes
Sushi is not "raw fish"
By The English Farm, February 20 2021
Communicating in English means you have to communicate not only in a new language, but also across a culture. That means more than just translating words and phrases.
When to say ANY and EVERY
By Jin, February 14 2021
At first glance, sentences like, "Anyone can try it" and, "Everyone can try it" seem to mean the same thing. What's the difference?
Worth it or deserve it?
By Pamela, February 06 2021
You’ve probably heard your teachers say, “Keep studying, it will be worth it in the long run!” Or, “Congratulations, you deserve it!” But what do these expressions really mean, and how can you use them in your own life?
"Sorry to" is not an apology
By The English Farm, January 09 2021
There is a good chance you've said or heard someone say, "Sorry to be late!" But that's a mistake. Using sorry to + verb is not for an apology. It's used to express sympathy for an action you will do or are doing.
What's the difference between "IN an hour" and "an hour LATER"?
By The English Farm, September 19 2020
A lot of people misuse in and later. Are you one of them?
Guide to using many, much and a lot
By Di, June 13 2020
Should you say, "There is much rain in Paris"? What about "How many If you don't know why that's unnatural, then read on.
Put negatives early in the sentence
By The English Farm, May 30 2020
In English, the negative component can be put in a variety of places. But, as long as the meaning is the same, the negative element should go as close to the beginning as possible.
Use BUDGET correctly and impressively
By Di, March 14 2020
The English word “budget” is complex. There are many ways to use it, and it is often misused by non-native speakers.
Don't "view cherry blossoms"—talk about your traditions naturally
By The English Farm, March 07 2020
Should you translate your traditional words into English?
"Okay" and "It’s okay" are opposites
By The English Farm, February 29 2020
Okay usually means yes, sure. But when you say, "It's okay", the meaning changes significantly.
Do you misuse the word GLOBAL? Probably!
By Matthew, February 15 2020
In Japan, "global" is a buzz word that people like to use. Students want to be more "global". They want to work on the "global stage" for a "global company". In English, maybe you should choose a different word.
Expand your active vocabulary: have more than a "happy" life
By Di, June 29 2019
Simple, safe English is often not the best choice. Take, for example, the word "happy". If you can read this blog post, you can use that word, but should you?
Use INCREASE correctly and gain trust
By The English Farm, September 15 2018
Many students are familiar with the word increase, but fail to use it correctly. Try to spot the error in the following sentence:
Elderly people are increasing in Japan.
Can you speak English? Using CAN naturally
By The English Farm, June 02 2018
The word "can" is used in different ways in English—it can mean ability, possibility and permission. When native English speakers talk about what they can do, what do they mean?
Consider this:
You cut your hair?! How to use passives correctly
By The English Farm, May 19 2018
In English, the subject of the sentence is not always the one who does the action. This can get a little confusing for non-native speakers.
Imagine someone spots something different about their friend:
How to properly describe your spring allergies
By The English Farm, March 11 2018
As spring comes, so does allergy season. Millions of people around the world suffer from pollen allergies, so let's look at the words and phrases you can use to describe how this allergy affects us.
Value or values—know which one you bring to clients
By The English Farm, September 07 2017
While the words "value" and "values" are deceptively alike, they actually have two different meanings.
- Value (uncountable) is your worth. What you bring to the table. In Japanese, the equivalent to it would be the word 価値.
- Values (countable, usually used with “s”) are your important and lasting beliefs or ideals. In other words, your principles. The Japanese word here would be 価値観.
Avoid saying DELICIOUS
By The English Farm, August 30 2017
Japanese people say "delicious" far more often than native English speakers do. The reason is that "delicious" is a direct translation from a Japanese word that is very commonly used in Japanese. But translating directly from your native language is a big roadblock when you are learning a language.
Why saying YOU HAD BETTER can sound scary
By The English Farm, July 12 2017
I've often heard non-native English speakers say something like, "You had better do it." But to a native English speaker, this sounds like a threat! If "better" is a positive word, why does "you had better" seem scary?