Do you know what an idiom is? Well if you’ve ever heard someone say, “I’m sick as a dog” then you’ve heard an idiom. Idioms are creative ways of saying everyday things. We can’t interpret idioms literally. We have to memorize the meanings of idioms in order to understand them. Since there are several common [...]

Homophones are words or phrases that sound the same, but have different meanings. One example is the words peace and piece. These words sound the same, but they have very different meanings. Homophones often get mixed up when we are writing a story, letter, or email. The best way to protect yourself from homophone hiccups [...]

Developing vocabulary is essential in helping people better understand their language. Idioms and slang are such a big part of American culture that it’s essential that Americans as well as people of all ages learning English as a Second Language (ESL) should study idiomatic expressions and slang. These expressions can be understood easily on a [...]

One of the most fun parts of teaching English to students is by letting them discover figurative language.  Figurative language is any speech that is not meant to be taken literally.  Students in traditional classrooms and ESL classrooms will enjoy learning about three of the most interesting types of figurative language in English: idioms, oxymorons, [...]

I have this weird thing with song lyrics.  I can hear music I haven’t heard in 20 years or more, and suddenly I will realize that I STILL remember the words!!  It’s kind of freaky, actually.  It’s like there is this little “compartment” up in my brain that stores song lyrics without my knowledge! But [...]

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am incredibly thankful for all the creative ways there are to build English language skills online.  Maybe I’m not able to run in a field and shout them across the hills like Maria in the Sound of Music, but I still have some “favorite things” that I know are [...]

English words relating to science and scientific concepts can be come of the most difficult words to spell and memorize definitions for.  Teachers are always in need of additional ways to help students learn and retain science vocabulary. Of course, worksheets always provide additional practice, but what if there was something more interactive for students [...]

Here is a little quiz for you:  which word could be described by the following two meanings?? 1. A piece of open land used for recreational purposes 2. To maneuver a vehicle into a particular space If you guessed “PARK”, you would be correct! A word with two or more meanings is called a homograph.  [...]

Triple A Words.  Have you ever thought about them?  In my opinion, they are often some of the most difficult words to spell.  Probably because they don’t always follow traditional rules of English (which are hardly traditional, and made to be broken, it would seem). But words with three A’s in them are some of [...]

We English speakers like our words.  Sometimes a little TOO much. What are some of your favorite redundant (and repetitive!) phrases? Here are a few of mine: I personally mutual agreement added bonus honest truth filled to capacity Feel free to share yours in the comments or via Twitter to @Vocabulary_Fun