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.
Grammar
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.
Use the singular "they" to include everyone
By The English Farm, January 18 2020
Linguists in America have voted the singular "they" as the word of the decade.
Making an impact
By Jenna, December 02 2019
Yesterday I was clever, so I changed the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself. —Rumi
Our students at The English Farm are striving to make the world a better place, but changing the world starts with changing yourself. If you want to have a global presence in order to make the biggest impact, then learning English is a great place to start.
Language point
Let’s take a look at the vocabulary used in this quotation.
Clever vs. wise — what’s the difference?
Grammar essentials: Verbs followed by TO + VERB or VERB-ING can change the meaning
By Kevin, October 12 2019
Some verbs can be followed by either an infinitive (to + verb) or a gerund (verb-ing). For instance, these sentences are both grammatically correct: "Remember to study", and "Remember studying." However, the meanings are quite different.
Portmanteaus you should know
By The English Farm, October 05 2019
A portmanteau is the combination of two words to make a new word. Using portmanteaus is quick and convenient, and it makes you seem more natural.
Grammar essentials: Introduction to modals
By The English Farm, September 14 2019
A modal is a helping verb like can, should, may, might, must, have to, would and will. Modals enable you to use a single main verb in different ways or "modes".
To drink a drink - when nouns become verbs
By Di, September 01 2018
Verbing—changing nouns into verbs—is happening so fast these days that non-native speakers can struggle to keep up. The rapid rate of change in technology, and the globablization of English, add to the speed of verbing.
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:
Impress listeners by using two verb tenses
By Craig, January 23 2018
In the G.B.C. exam, using advanced grammar and sophisticated logic will improve your score significantly. In this post, you'll learn a really simple trick using the relation between two tenses. With it, you can create longer and more complex answers.
G.B.C. sample answer - What would you change about your job if you could?
By Craig, October 10 2017
In the G.B.C. test, the examiner will almost certainly ask about your job. It’s a relatively easy subject because you don’t have to think of a long story or an abstract answer. You can just talk about what you know.