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Practice your reading, listening and writing skills in English while you improve your vocabulary, increase your knowledge about Canadian culture, and find new resources for further language study.

We post a new blog entry every Tuesday and Friday.

to lay off
Brandon Douglas Brandon Douglas

to lay off

– C1-C2 (advanced) –

In Canadian English, this phrasal verb typically means…

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red tape
Brandon Douglas Brandon Douglas

red tape

– C1-C2 (advanced) –

In North American English, this idiom typically means…

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father vs. dad vs. daddy
Brandon Douglas Brandon Douglas

father vs. dad vs. daddy

– B2-C1 (intermediate to advanced) –

Vocabulary can be challenging sometimes, especially when there are words that cannot directly translate from one language to another. This is usually due to…

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mother vs. mom vs. mommy
Brandon Douglas Brandon Douglas

mother vs. mom vs. mommy

– B1-B2 (intermediate) –

In North American English, these words mean the same thing, but they are not used in the same ways…

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Most Popular Posts

father vs. dad vs. daddy

— B2-C1 (intermediate to advanced) —

A common mistake that many language learners make is using the word, “daddy,” when it is not appropriate. “Daddy” does not mean the exact same thing as “dad” or “father.” It’s meaning changes based on context: your age, the age of the person you’re speaking to…

to lay off

— C1-C2 (advanced) —

A common mistake among learners of the English language is using the incorrect word to refer to why a person no longer has a job. What is the difference between the verbs “to lay off” and “to fire”? Learn this difference here.

5 Indigenous Terms Used In Canadian English, Part I

— C1-C2 (advanced) —

Canada is a multicultural society where, generally, peoples’ differences are openly celebrated. Due in part to this open multiculturalism, Canadian English has evolved over the years to adopt words from various languages, including Indigenous ones. Here is a brief list of…

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