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Hello everyone!

Do you like quizzes? This time, I've created a video quiz to help you test your listening skills.

Click here to try it out.

I hope it's the first of many!

Have fun practising and all the best for now,

Derek

Hello everbody!

Take a look at the following sentence:

Rupert got cold feet at the last moment and cancelled the wedding.

What does that mean - to get cold feet?

Is it A or B?

A: to feel cold because you forgot your socks
B: to suddenly feel nervous about doing something that you have planned or agreed to do

Yes, that’s right – B is the correct definition

Why not test your knowledge of some other idioms in my quiz? Just click here

Have fun!

Hello everyone!

I hope you're all having a good summer so far.

The first and only post I published about TED Talks was way back in January 2015, so let me remind you of what TED Talks are: TED.com is a website where you can watch hundreds of talks on different topics by people from business, sports, technology, politics, science etc. It's a great way to improve your listening skills and learn new vocabulary and phrases along the way.

Here's a nice, short example to give you a taste:

You can also switch the subtitles off or choose another language.

If you enjoy this one, why not check out some more?

All the best,

Derek

Hello everybody!

It’s been too long since my last post, but better late than never!

Let's have a look at some useful phrases for formal emails:

Opening lines:

• I hope all is well. (When you already know the person)
• I am writing to enquire about ....
• I am writing to inform you about ...
• The reason for this mail is ....

Attachments:

• I have attached a copy of the document you requested.
• Please find a copy of the requested document attached.

Closing lines:

• If you require any further information, feel free to contact me.
• Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
• I look forward to your reply.
• I look forward to hearing from you.
• I look forward to meeting you in person next week.

Tip - when referring to an action, the -ing form is always used after the phrase I look forward to…

Example:

I look forward to see you. INCORRECT

I look forward to seeing you. CORRECT

I hope you find these phrases useful.

All the best,
Derek