Blog

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 play it by ear
Brandon Douglas Brandon Douglas

to play it by ear

– C1-C2 (advanced) –

In Canadian and American English, this idiom typically means…

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spring cleaning
Brandon Douglas Brandon Douglas

spring cleaning

– C1 (advanced) –

In Canadian English, this term typically means…

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to get together
Brandon Douglas Brandon Douglas

to get together

– B2-C1 (intermediate to advanced) –

In North American English, this phrasal verb typically means…

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to finish up
Brandon Douglas Brandon Douglas

to finish up

– B1-B2 (intermediate) –

In North American English, this phrasal verb typically means…

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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…