Use of English Masterclass
Phrasal Verbs & Collocations — Complete Reference Guide
Table of Contents
Introduction to Use of English Masterclass
English grammar is incredibly important if you want to communicate fluently in English.
Improving your grammar and vocabulary for Use of English will not only help you achieve the results you want, but it will also improve your confidence and social skills in English.
Use of English Masterclass: Basic English Grammar for Advanced Learners (Phrasal Verbs & Collocations) is a relatively short book packed full of grammar and vocabulary exercises and explanations to help you perfect your use of English.
This grammar book focuses on phrasal verbs and collocations — two of the most challenging and most important aspects of mastering the English language. Native speakers use these constantly without even realising it, which is one of the reasons so many advanced learners still feel lost in real conversation.
Introduction to Use of English: Phrasal Verbs
What is a phrasal verb?
A phrasal verb is a group of two or more words, which performs the same function as other verbs. It is formed by a main verb and an adverb, a preposition, or both.
It's like a deliciously confusing word sandwich.
Phrasal verbs are unique to English and other Germanic languages and can cause issues for English learners. They can be transitive (they take a direct object), intransitive (they do not take a direct object), separable (they can be separated by an object), or inseparable.
Common Phrasal Verbs — Reference List
Do Phrasal Verbs Make Sense?
If you analyse them logically, no… but let's try to find some logic. The meanings of phrasal verbs aren't immediately obvious. For example:
Tom broke up with Jenny. = Tom separated from Jenny.
We know that Tom didn't break Jenny into small pieces — he stopped being her boyfriend. This is an example of a phrasal verb not being directly linked to the meaning of its main verb.
Why Phrasal Verbs Are Important
Native English speakers don't use phrasal verbs as much when speaking or writing in formal settings, but in everyday conversation we use phrasal verbs ALL the time without even realising. This is why students often visit English-speaking countries after many years of studying and feel like they still don't understand what people are saying.
How to Learn Phrasal Verbs Effectively
Study every day. Search for new phrasal verbs and study them until you know them. Write the phrasal verb down and then write a sentence using it. The next day, write another sentence using the same phrasal verb.
Use them. Try to participate in real English conversations as often as possible so that you can get experience and gain confidence.
When NOT to Use Phrasal Verbs
- Formal letters or emails
- Academic papers or presentations
Match the phrasal verbs below with their synonyms:
| Phrasal Verb | Example |
|---|---|
| throw away | John threw away his apple core. |
| look into | Sarah looked into the murder case. |
| get away with | The robber got away with the crime. |
| use up | Use up the washing-up liquid before you buy another bottle! |
| run out of | My phone ran out of battery. |
Meanings: 1. use completely | 2. exhaust supply | 3. investigate | 4. discard | 5. escape blame
Answers — Task 1
a) 4 — throw away = discard · b) 3 — look into = investigate · c) 5 — get away with = escape blame · d) 1 — use up = use completely · e) 2 — run out of = exhaust supply
In the following email, underline all the phrasal verbs you can find and write their meanings below.
Hi Maria,
I'm sorry that I was late to work today. My car broke down yesterday, so I took the bus instead. However, the bus was held up in traffic! It seems that everyone was going to work at the same time!
Don't worry about the project, I'll be able to catch up with the rest of my colleagues. I'll drop by the office on the weekend and see if there is anything I can do. I hope I get over this cold soon — there seems to be something going round.
Answers — Task 2
(1) break down = to stop working · (2) hold up = to delay · (3) catch up = to do tasks / keep pace · (4) drop by = visit briefly · (5) get over = to recover from an illness · (6) go round = to affect a lot of people
Basic English Grammar: Types of Phrasal Verb
There are 4 types of phrasal verb: Transitive · Intransitive · Separable · Inseparable
Transitive vs Intransitive
Transitive Phrasal Verbs
These phrasal verbs take a direct object:
I look after my sister on Mondays.
→ [phrasal verb] + [direct object]
Intransitive Phrasal Verbs
These phrasal verbs do NOT take a direct object:
When I grow up, I want to be a firefighter.
Separable vs Inseparable
Separable Phrasal Verbs
These phrasal verbs can be separated by inserting the direct object between the two parts:
Turn off the light before you leave.
Turn the light off before you leave.
Word Order with Pronouns
When using a pronoun as the direct object, the pronoun can ONLY go between the phrasal verb — never after it:
I picked her up from school. ✓
I picked up her from school. ✗
When referring to a specific object or person (not a pronoun), the object can go between OR after the phrasal verb:
I picked up Sophie from school. ✓
I picked Sophie up from school. ✓
Decide whether the phrasal verbs below are transitive (T) or intransitive (I):
| Phrasal Verb | Example | Type |
|---|---|---|
| take out | Please take out the bins before you leave. | T |
| cheer up | I need to cheer up my sister because she's crying. | T |
| come back | I'm waiting for my husband to come back. | I |
| sit down | Please sit down. | I |
| look after | Can you look after my cat while I'm away? | T |
Use of English: Types of Phrasal Verbs (Part 2)
Three-Part Phrasal Verbs
Some phrasal verbs consist of three parts: a verb + adverb + preposition. These are always inseparable.
Phrasal Verbs for Socialising, Dating & Relationships
Phrasal Verbs with 'Take'
Phrasal Verbs with 'Put'
Answers Summary — Chapter 6 Exercises
Phrasal Verbs Exercise 1: 1. If you don't study, you will end up in a poorly paid job. 2. If an arrangement, plan, or deal falls through, it fails to happen. 3. She's smart enough to figure out what to do. 4. If you fill out a form or other document requesting information, you write information in the spaces on it. 5. If you find something out, you learn something that you did not already know, especially by making a deliberate effort to do so.
Phrasal Verbs with 'Get'
Phrasal Verbs with 'Come'
Use of English: Formal vs Informal Language
It is vital that you can distinguish between formal and informal language in English — not only for exams, but also for life in general.
Six Quick Rules of Formal vs Informal
- In formal English (particularly in the UK), we tend to understate our feelings. We say I was rather disappointed or I was somewhat surprised instead of saying exactly how we felt.
- Formal English avoids contractions. Use I am not I'm; we will not we'll.
- Formal English avoids phrasal verbs. Use a single-word equivalent: postpone instead of put off.
- Formal English uses passive voice more frequently.
- Formal English uses more complex vocabulary and longer sentences.
- Informal language is characterised by contractions, slang, phrasal verbs, and shorter sentences.
Formal vs Informal Vocabulary List
| Informal / Phrasal Verb | Formal / Equivalent |
|---|---|
| chuffed (very happy) | delighted / pleased |
| done up (refurbished) | renovated / refurbished |
| make up for | compensate |
| talk into | persuade / convince |
| put off | postpone / delay |
| sort out | resolve / arrange |
| find out | discover / ascertain |
| set up | establish / create |
| look into | investigate / examine |
| go up / rise | increase / escalate |
| get rid of | eliminate / dispose of |
| carry out | execute / implement |
Rewrite the following informal sentences in formal English:
1. I'm so chuffed that you've been talked into coming to the meeting.
2. The football club's facilities have been done up, so this should make our performances better.
3. As our town is quite cut off, we could sort out hotel accommodation in the city for a few days.
4. We will make up for the inconvenience of having to wait for so long.
Answers
1. I am very happy that you have been convinced to attend the meeting.
2. The football club's facilities have been refurbished, which should improve our performances.
3. As our town is quite isolated, we could arrange hotel accommodation in the city for a few days.
4. We will compensate you for the inconvenience of having to wait for so long.
80 Basic English Grammar Rules
As an exam coach, I have taught English language test strategies for more than one decade. These grammar tips are particularly crucial to improve your use of English.
-
The word "people" is ALWAYS plural.
People are always talking about him.
NOTPeople is always talking about him.
-
After "would rather", use an infinitive (without to) or a past tense — not a present tense.
I'd rather stay at home this evening.
I would rather you paid me in cash.
NOTI'd rather to stay at home.
-
Use an -ing form after "be/get used to".
I'm used to driving in London now, but it was hard at the beginning.
NOTI'm used to drive in London.
-
"How long are you here for?" is a question about the future.
'How long are you here for?' → 'Till Easter.'
NOT'Since Christmas.'
-
Don't use "could" to talk about something that you succeeded in doing.
I managed to run 10 km yesterday in under an hour.
NOTI could run 10 km yesterday.
-
Indirect questions usually have the same construction as statements.
I asked where her parents were.
NOTI asked where were her parents.
-
To say something is not necessary, use "needn't" or "don't have to" — not "mustn't".
You needn't pay now; tomorrow will be OK.
NOTYou mustn't pay now; tomorrow will be OK.
-
"Everything" is a singular word.
Everything was broken.
NOTEverything were broken.
-
Use "because" or "so" — but not both together.
Because the train was late I missed the meeting.
The train was late, so I missed the meeting.
NOTBecause the train was late, so I missed the meeting.
-
We say something "to" a person.
She never says 'Hello' to me.
NOTShe never says me 'Hello'.
-
"Tell" normally needs a personal object.
He told us that he was going home.
NOTHe told that he was going home.
-
Don't use "every" to talk about two people or things. Use "each".
You can park on each side of the street.
NOTYou can park on every side of the street.
-
"Far" is unusual in affirmative sentences (very formal style only).
We live a long way from here.
AVOIDWe live far from here.
-
We don't usually use "before" to mean "in front of".
You can park in front of the station.
NOTYou can park before the station.
-
After "look", we use "at" with an object.
Look at the moon!
NOTLook the moon!
-
We use "when" — not "as" or "while" — to talk about ages and periods of life.
When I was 14, I first got interested in archaeology.
NOTAs I was 14…
-
After "as long as", use a present tense to refer to the future.
I'll remember this holiday as long as I live.
NOT…as long as I will live.
-
We say "as usual" — not "as usually".
Let's meet tomorrow at 10.00, as usual.
-
"As well as" is normally followed by an -ing form.
As well as breaking his leg, he hurt his arm.
NOTAs well as he broke his leg…
-
Expressions like "in two hours' time" refer to the future.
We'll need the report in two weeks' time.
I'll see you again in a month's time.
-
We don't normally use "to" after "arrive".
What time do we arrive in London?
The train arrived at our station half an hour late.
NOT…arrive to London.
-
"Because" is a conjunction; "because of" is a preposition.
We cancelled the match because it rained.
We cancelled the match because of the rain.
NOTWe cancelled the match because of it rained.
-
After the verb "lack", no preposition is necessary.
The soup lacks salt.
NOTThe soup lacks of salt.
-
"Before" (meaning 'before that') follows an expression of time.
I had already met her once, about three years before.
NOT…before three years.
-
"News" is singular and uncountable.
All the news is bad.
I have some news for you.
NOTI have a news for you.
-
You borrow something "from" somebody.
I borrowed the money from my brother.
NOTI borrowed my brother the money.
-
We prefer "closed", not "shut", before a noun.
He's got a closed mind.
NOTHe's got a shut mind.
-
We say "come from" (present tense) to give our town/country of origin.
James comes from Liverpool.
NOTJames came from Liverpool. (unless he no longer lives there)
-
Comparatives are made with "more" OR "-er" — never both.
The weather is getting colder.
Please try to be more polite.
NOT…more colder / more politer.
-
We never use "on the contrary" to give another side of a question. Use "on the other hand".
It's hard work. On the other hand, it's interesting.
NOTOn the contrary, it's interesting.
-
In affirmative sentences, generally use "a long time" — not "long".
We waited a long time, but she didn't come.
NOTWe waited long, but she didn't come.
-
Use superlatives to compare people and things with the groups they belong to.
Sandra is the tallest of the five girls.
NOTSandra is the taller of the five girls.
-
We often use "in" after "dressed" to describe clothing.
She was dressed in yellow from head to foot.
The bride was dressed in white silk.
-
We don't use "it … + infinitive" with "allow".
Smoking is not allowed.
NOTIt is not allowed to smoke.
-
"Who's" = who is / who has; "whose" = possessive.
Who's that? (= Who is that?)
Whose coat is that? (= belonging to whom?)
-
We don't usually use "other" with uncountable nouns.
Can I have more rice?
NOTCan I have other rice?
-
We use "either" — not "any" — to talk about two people or things.
I can write with either hand.
NOTI can write with any hand.
-
Don't put articles and possessives together before nouns.
She's a friend of mine. OR She's my friend.
NOTShe's a my friend.
-
Somebody is good, bad, clever etc "at" something.
My sister is very good at Science.
NOT…good in Science.
-
Don't leave out "a/an" in negative expressions.
Don't go out without a coat.
NOTDon't go out without coat.
-
We use "any" — not "every" — to say 'one or another'.
'When would you like to come to dinner?' 'Any day is OK.'
-
"Advice" is uncountable.
Can you give me some advice?
My father gave me three pieces of advice.
NOTCan you give me an advice? / three advices.
-
Don't use "some" if we know the exact number.
You've got beautiful fingers.
NOTYou've got some beautiful fingers.
-
No articles in common expressions with home, school, bed.
Why isn't Angela at school today?
NOT…at the school today.
-
When "which", "what" or "who" are subjects, we make questions without "do".
Which costs more — the blue one or the grey one?
NOTWhich does cost more…?
-
No articles after "the amount/number of".
I was surprised by the amount of money that was collected.
NOT…the amount of the money.
-
Use "because" — not "as" or "since" — if the reason is the most important part of the sentence.
Why am I leaving? I'm leaving because I'm fed up.
-
"Travel" is normally uncountable.
I like travel.
We went on a trip to the Antarctic last spring.
NOTWe went on a travel.
-
"Can" has no infinitive. Use "be able to" instead.
I'd like to be able to sing.
NOTI'd like to can sing.
-
The difference between "a" and "an" depends on pronunciation, not spelling.
She's a US citizen. (U sounds like 'yoo')
Would you like to be an MP? (M sounds like 'em')
-
"Weather" is uncountable.
We had terrible weather last week.
NOT…a terrible weather.
-
Words like President, King, Doctor in titles have no article.
President Obama visited the Pope.
NOTThe President Obama…
-
We usually use "over" — not "across" — to mean 'on/to the other side of something high'.
Why are you climbing over that wall?
NOT…climbing across that wall.
-
"Actually" means 'really' or 'in fact' — not 'now'.
She said she was 18, but actually she was 15.
NOTIn 1700 the population of London was higher than it actually is.
-
"Asleep" and "afraid" are not normally used before nouns.
He had the innocent expression of a sleeping baby.
NOT…of an asleep baby.
-
Don't usually put an adverb and its complement together before a noun.
We're looking for people who are skilled in design.
NOT…skilled in design people.
-
"Eventually" means 'finally' — not 'possibly' or 'perhaps'.
It took a long time, but eventually he finished his studies.
Perhaps I'll go to university if I can get a place. (NOT Eventually…)
-
Don't use "too" before adjective + noun.
The problem was too difficult.
NOTIt was a too difficult problem.
-
Usually put descriptive adjectives before classifying adjectives.
An old political idea.
NOTA political old idea.
-
Nouns referring to nationality are often different from the corresponding adjectives.
Graham is a typical Welshman. (NOT 'a typical Welsh')
He's married to a Spaniard. (NOT 'a Spanish')
-
Adjectives expressing opinions usually come before other descriptive adjectives.
a lovely cool drink.
NOTa cool lovely drink.
-
Pronoun objects come before adverb particles.
Can you switch it on, please?
NOTCan you switch on it?
-
Adverbs can't usually be used instead of adjectives.
She danced happily into the room.
I'm terribly sorry.
NOTShe danced happy. / I'm terrible sorry.
-
"After all" means 'all things considered' / 'in spite of what was expected' — not 'finally'.
It took a long time, but finally we found our dream house.
She can make her own bed. After all, she's not a baby any more.
-
"Ago" comes after an expression of time.
Ann phoned two hours ago.
NOTAnn phoned ago two hours.
-
Don't use "all" without a noun to mean 'everybody'.
Everybody was quiet.
NOTAll were quiet.
-
In exclamations with "how", the adjective or adverb comes immediately after "how".
How cold it is!
How well she sings!
NOTHow it is cold! / How she sings well!
-
Don't use "every" with uncountable nouns.
I like all music.
NOTI like every music.
-
After "either", use a singular noun.
I can come on Wednesday or Thursday — either day is OK.
NOT…either days…
-
We usually ask 'What colour…?' without a preposition.
What colour is your new bike?
NOTOf what colour is your new bike?
-
Don't drop nouns after adjectives.
Poor little boy!
NOTPoor little!
The most important thing is to be happy.
NOTThe most important is to be happy.
-
"All day" ≠ "every day".
I worked all day yesterday, from 8.00 till bedtime.
I worked every day except Sunday last week.
-
Don't drop "a/an" after "what" in exclamations.
What a rude man!
NOTWhat rude man!
-
"Experience" and "experiment" don't mean the same.
We did an experiment in the chemistry lesson.
I had a lot of interesting experiences during my year in Africa.
NOTWe did an experience in the chemistry lesson.
-
Don't use reflexive pronouns after "feel".
I feel really energetic today.
NOTI feel myself really energetic today.
-
Use "half" without "of" in expressions of measurement and amount.
They live about half a mile from here.
NOT…half of a mile…
-
We use "hear" — not "listen to" — to say something 'comes to our ears'.
Suddenly I heard a strange noise.
NOTSuddenly I listened to a strange noise.
-
After "help", use object + infinitive (with or without "to").
Can you help me (to) find my ring?
NOTCan you help me finding my ring?
-
We usually say "hope … not" — not "do not hope".
I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow.
NOTI don't hope it rains tomorrow.
-
We say that you crash "into" something.
Granny crashed into a tree yesterday.
NOTGranny crashed against a tree.
80 Basic English Grammar Exercises for Use of English
Fill the gap in each sentence with the missing word or words. Answers are in Chapter 12.
1a. People …………….. constantly asking her for advice, because she has a reputation for being an expert.
1b. The people in the stadium …………….. starting to get excited.
2a. I'd rather …………….. at home this evening. (STAY)
2b. I would rather you …………….. me in cash. (PAY)
3a. I'm used to …………….. emails every day now, but it was hard at the beginning.
3b. I'll never get used …………….. in this house.
7a. You …………….. pay now; tomorrow will be OK.
7b. He doesn't …………….. wear a tie at work.
9a. …………….. the play was late we missed the bus.
9b. The play was late, …………….. we missed the bus.
There's a new pub just …………….. front …………….. our house.
22a. They have cancelled the concert …………….. there is a storm.
22b. They have cancelled the concert …………….. the storm.
42a. Let me give you some advice/advices.
42b. Do you have any advice/advices for me?
42c. I got a lot of advice/advices from him.
42d. My dad gave me three pieces/piece of advice.
Answers to 80 Basic English Grammar Exercises
Exercise 1
1a. People are constantly asking her for advice…
1b. The people in the stadium were starting to get excited.
Exercise 2
2a. I'd rather stay at home this evening.
2b. I would rather you paid me in cash.
Exercise 3
3a. I'm used to writing / receiving / dealing with emails every day now.
3b. I'll never get used to living in this house.
Exercise 5
5a. I managed to swim 5 km yesterday.
5b. How many bottles of milk were you able to get?
Exercise 6
6a. She asked where his parents were.
6b. The teacher wanted to know where / how she had learned how to do that.
Exercise 7
7a. You needn't / don't need to / don't have to pay now; tomorrow will be OK.
7b. He doesn't have to / needn't wear a tie at work.
Exercise 9
9a. Because the play was late, we missed the bus.
9b. The play was late, so we missed the bus.
Exercise 13 / 14
13. You can't park in front of the train station.
14. There's a new pub just in front of our house.
Exercise 15
15a. Look at the stars!
15b. What is she looking at?
Exercise 19
Not only did he break his leg, but he also broke his arm! → As well as breaking his leg, he also broke his arm!
Exercise 22
22a. They have cancelled the concert because there is a storm.
22b. They have cancelled the concert because of the storm.
Exercise 42
42a. Let me give you some advice.
42b. Do you have any advice for me?
42c. I got a lot of advice from him.
42d. My dad gave me three pieces of advice.
Exercise 64
64a. It took a long time, but I finally got a new car.
64b. He can make his own bed. After all, he's not a baby any more.
Exercise 66
66a. Everybody went to Emma's party after the show.
66b. I've written to everybody in the department.
Exercise 79
79a. I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow. (RAIN)
'I hope Peter isn't coming today.' (COMING)
Exercise 80
80a. I crashed my bike into a tree yesterday.
Linking Words
Linking words connect ideas in a sentence or between sentences. They are essential for creating cohesive, sophisticated writing in English.
Addition
- Furthermore
- Moreover
- In addition (to)
- As well as
- Not only … but also
- Besides
- What is more
Contrast
- However
- Nevertheless
- On the other hand
- Although / Even though
- Despite / In spite of
- Whereas
- While / Whilst
Cause & Effect
- Therefore
- As a result
- Consequently
- Because (of)
- Due to
- Since
- So that
Sequencing
- Firstly / First of all
- Secondly
- Then / Next
- After that
- Subsequently
- Finally / Lastly
- Meanwhile
Conclusion
- In conclusion
- To sum up
- In summary
- Overall
- All things considered
- On balance
- To conclude
Example
- For example
- For instance
- Such as
- In particular
- Notably
- As an illustration
- That is (i.e.)
Condition
- If
- Unless
- Provided (that)
- As long as
- In case
- On condition that
- Should (formal)
Purpose
- In order to
- So as to
- So that
- With the aim of
- For the purpose of
- To
Rewrite the following information in 3 or 4 sentences, using appropriate linking words:
"Learning French is not easy. Many people argue that learning Spanish is harder. French and English share a lot of similarities in their vocabulary. French and Spanish both have different articles for masculine and feminine nouns."
Model Answer
Learning French is not easy; however, many people would argue that learning Spanish is harder, because French and English share a lot of similarities in their vocabulary. Nevertheless, both French and Spanish have different articles for masculine and feminine nouns. Therefore, you have to change the endings of adjectives to agree with the nouns they modify.
Free Websites for English Practice
Reading
| Link | Description | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| www.breakingnewsenglish.com | News articles with full lesson plans, including speaking and listening exercises. | DO THE LESSON WITH A PARTNER! |
| www.bbc.co.uk | The news in English — authentic British English. | No structured exercises, but great for exposure. |
| www.cnn.com | The news in English — American English. | Read articles on topics that interest you. |
Grammar
| Link | Description | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| www.englishlearner.com/tests/test.html | Various grammar and vocabulary exercises. | Do Upper Intermediate and Advanced sections. |
Listening
| Link | Description | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| www.esl-lab.com | Listening quizzes at various levels. | Do the Difficult section of the General Listening Quizzes. For exam preparation, also try the Academic Listening Quizzes. |
| www.dictationsonline.com | Dictation exercises — includes punctuation. | Great for improving spelling and listening simultaneously. |
Study Skills & Pronunciation
| Link | Description |
|---|---|
| www.how-to-study.com | Tips on studying effectively. |
| www.shiporsheep.com | Hear and practise similar sounds. |
| www.fonetiks.org/engsou5.html | Hear and practise similar consonants. |
Advanced Speaking Phrases
These phrases are ideal for Use of English exams, job interviews, and professional conversations.
Likes & Interests
- I'm into…
- I'm a keen / avid (surfer)
- I'm keen on / fond of (surfing)
- I (go surfing) to unwind
- I like nothing more than…
- I go (surfing) to escape the stresses of my day-to-day life.
Opinions
- As far as I'm concerned,
- As I see it,
- From my point of view,
- In my humble opinion,
- I'd say that…
- My gut / initial reaction is…
Speculation
- It looks like…
- They appear to be feeling…
- I'd guess that they are…
- It seems as though…
- It's possible that…
Agreeing
- We see eye to eye.
- Yeah, I'd go along with that.
- Absolutely!
- You took the words right out of my mouth.
- I couldn't agree more.
- You have a point there.
Disagreeing
- We don't see eye to eye.
- I take your point, but…
- I tend to disagree with you there.
- That's not quite right…
- I'm not sure I agree.
Managing a Conversation
- It's funny, I was just thinking about this the other day.
- Coming back to what (she) was saying about…
- I'd also like to point out that…
- I think it's important not to forget that…
- If I were to choose one of these options, I'd go with… because…
How to Learn Thousands of Words in English in Only 6 Months
Do you spend a lot of time and effort learning vocabulary but still find difficulty using it when required? Don't worry — here are proven strategies.
Tongue Twisters
Tongue twisters are a fun way of practising sounds. The repetition of sounds creates another type of rhythm that helps words stick in memory:
This can be done with words that begin with the same sound or have similar sounds within or at the end of a word. This type of practice helps your mouth get used to producing sounds that don't exist in your native language.
Notecards & Post-it Notes
Notecards or post-it notes are useful because they are portable and handy. You can stick post-its anywhere as a reminder. Write the name, short definition, or even a sentence as an example.
Example notecard format:
Impart: to make known
Synonyms: tell, disclose
Sentence: Teachers impart knowledge to their students.
Learn Suffixes
Suffixes are word endings that may change a word's meaning or grammatical function. By learning common suffixes, you can decode thousands of new words automatically:
| Suffix | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| -tion / -sion | the act of; result of | creation, decision |
| -ness | quality or state | happiness, kindness |
| -ful | full of | beautiful, helpful |
| -less | without | hopeless, fearless |
| -ment | result, action | development, agreement |
| -ous | having the quality of | dangerous, nervous |
| -ly | in the manner of (adverb) | quickly, beautifully |
| -er / -or | one who | teacher, actor |
| -able / -ible | capable of being | readable, flexible |
| -ise / -ize | to make or become | organise, realise |
Read What You Love — In English
Today's fast-paced lifestyle makes it challenging to make time to read. However, for increasing English vocabulary, it's absolutely essential. Read what you enjoy reading in your own language — but read it in English! If you like music, read about music. If you like business, read about business. The key is engagement.
Phrasal Verbs: Learn in Context
Rather than memorising phrasal verbs in isolation, learn them through stories and real-life examples. Notice how the same phrasal verb can have multiple meanings depending on context:
Interact with Native Speakers
Spend time interacting with expert professionals in various fields if you can. That doesn't mean you need to spend time at colleges or universities. Expand your field of awareness and interest to connect with those outside your circle of friends and colleagues. You can join various chat forums or groups online, attend events, or even watch interviews and documentaries.