When to use 'FIRST' or 'AT FIRST'?
By Di, August 20 2022First, let me say that learning the difference between “first” and “at first” is easy. At first, you may think it’s complicated, but after reading this blog, you’ll see just how easy it is.
First, let me say that learning the difference between “first” and “at first” is easy. At first, you may think it’s complicated, but after reading this blog, you’ll see just how easy it is.
Metaphors, jokes and strong language are very common in spoken English. Even if you don't use it yourself, understanding this style is a big step towards watching movies with subtitles or hanging out with native English speakers.
English speakers like to use strong language, and one way they do that is with questions that are not really questions.
At first glance, sentences like, "Anyone can try it" and, "Everyone can try it" seem to mean the same thing. What's the difference?
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.
While the words "value" and "values" are deceptively alike, they actually have two different meanings.
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.
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?
Have you ever said something like this?
A: How was your weekend?
B: It was fine. I could enjoy a relaxing time.