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Stay motivated and keep learning (12)

Sometimes, for lots of reasons, it can be difficult to stay motivated when learning a language. 

Have you ever planned to learn some vocabulary or revise some irregular verbs but then just didn’t feel like it? Perhaps you found something more interesting to do.

Don’t be frustrated if this happens – it’s normal!

If you don’t have time or the opportunity to meet up with other learners or native speakers, just speak to yourself.  Sounds a bit weird, right? Wrong.  It can actually be a very good way of practising new language skills.

Challenge yourself to think in the language you are learning. It might sound strange at first but it can be really helpful.

If you have an internal monologue running in your head, try constructing these sentences in your new language. 

You could try imagining a conversation you are likely to have at some point in the future. It could be ordering a meal in a restaurant, making a presentation at work, answering questions in a job interview, or describing your hobbies etc.

This kind of visualisation can help you when having these conversations in real life at a later date.

Have fun learning English!

Louise

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There are many expressions commonly used in English to express similarity. 

There is no magic rule to help you remember them.  You just have to learn them.  Sorry!

Take a look at the examples below.

To have a mind / memory like a sieve.

If someone has a mind (or memory) like a sieve, he / she finds it difficult to remember things. He / she forgets things very easily.

E.g. I know I promised to send you the details but I have a memory like a sieve and I totally forgot. Sorry!

To have a memory like an elephant.

If someone has a memory like an elephant he / she has an extremely good memory, can remember things easily and can remember things for a long time.

E.g.  She has a memory like an elephant.  She can tell you all the family birthdays and anniversaries without needing to check.

Have fun learning English!

Louise

Posted on

Stay motivated and keep learning (11)

Sometimes, for lots of reasons, it can be difficult to stay motivated when learning a language. 

Have you ever planned to learn some vocabulary or revise some irregular verbs but then just didn’t feel like it? Perhaps you found something more interesting to do.

Don’t be frustrated if this happens – it’s normal!

Language exchanges and meetups can be a great way to improve your skills.

These exchanges could be formal, in-person study groups or casual, online chats or meetups.

It’s never been easier to find likeminded people learning languages or native speakers to interact with.

Such meetings can really help you to gain confidence and confidence is often closely linked with motivation. 

Language meetups organised in your city or local area, Skype sessions, and language exchange apps are great ways to practise your conversation skills and make new contacts and friends.

Have fun learning English!

Louise

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Like … (35)

There are many expressions commonly used in English to express similarity. 

There is no magic rule to help you remember them.  You just have to learn them.  Sorry!

Take a look at the examples below.

To tell it like it is.

If someone tells it like it is, he/she speaks the truth directly, bluntly and to the point even if what is being said is unpleasant for the listener.

E.g. If you really want the truthful answer, just ask him. He won’t hold back.  He always tells it like it is.

To work like magic.

If something works like magic, it works extremely well. It is very effective.

E.g.  I tried the new product for the first time yesterday and was very impressed.  It worked like magic.

Have fun learning English!

Louise

Posted on

Stay motivated and keep learning (10)

Sometimes, for lots of reasons, it can be difficult to stay motivated when learning a language. 

Have you ever planned to learn some vocabulary or revise some irregular verbs but then just didn’t feel like it? Perhaps you found something more interesting to do.

Don’t be frustrated if this happens – it’s normal!

If you are finding it hard to keep motivated it might be a good idea to connect with other people in a similar situation.  Being in contact with other language learners, or even finding an official study buddy, is a great way to provide practice and maintain motivation.

Regular contact with other language learners enables you to pick up tricks and tips that they have learnt as well as offering a chance to practise what you have learnt.

Sometimes a little healthy competition is a great motivator, so regular contact with someone at a similar language level can be beneficial.

Have fun learning English!

Louise

Posted on

Like … (34)

There are many expressions commonly used in English to express similarity. 

There is no magic rule to help you remember them.  You just have to learn them.  Sorry!

Take a look at the examples below.

To play (someone) like a fiddle.

If you play someone like a fiddle, you are able to successfully and skillfully manipulate them into doing what you want.

E.g.  His kind words and compliments are totally insincere.  He doesn’t mean any of it. He’s playing you like a fiddle.

To come up/out smelling like roses.

If a person comes up/out smelling like roses, he/she continues to have a good reputation or success despite having been involved in a scandal or negative circumstances.

E.g.  As a result of the financial scandal many board members had to resign but she somehow came up/out smelling like roses.

Have fun learning English!

Louise

Posted on

Like … (33)

There are many expressions commonly used in English to express similarity. 

There is no magic rule to help you remember them.  You just have to learn them.  Sorry!

Take a look at the examples below.

To treat (someone or something) like dirt.

If a person treats another person like dirt, they behave disrespectfully towards that person. They behave as though the other person has less (or no) value.

E.g.  It’s no surprise at all that staff don’t stay at that company for very long.  The boss treats them like dirt.

(To work) like a dream.

If something works like a dream, it works very well – perhaps better than expected.

E.g.  Our plan worked like a dream. We all got the result we wanted and the boss was very pleased.

Have fun learning English!

Louise

Posted on

Stay motivated and keep learning (9)

Sometimes, for lots of reasons, it can be difficult to stay motivated when learning a language. 

Have you ever planned to learn some vocabulary or revise some irregular verbs but then just didn’t feel like it? Perhaps you found something more interesting to do.

Don’t be frustrated if this happens – it’s normal!

If you are finding it hard to get started try doing a small task or something that you think you can achieve quite quickly. 

Aim for a quick win: start with a task or learning activity that is the easiest or quickest on your list. 

Once this is finished, you will quickly have a sense of achievement and accomplishment that should encourage you to continue and do more.

Try changing your mindset.  Instead of thinking “How will I ever learn all this?” ask yourself “How much of this can I learn in the next 30 minutes?”

Try not to be overwhelmed by all the task you have to do.

Have fun learning English!

Louise

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Like … (32)

There are many expressions commonly used in English to express similarity. 

There is no magic rule to help you remember them.  You just have to learn them.  Sorry!

Take a look at the examples below.

To grin / smile like a Cheshire cat.

If someone is grinning or smiling like a Cheshire cat they are smiling broadly, smugly and widely often because they are feeling very pleased with themselves.

(This was made popular by the character in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.)

E.g.  We weren’t sure at the start who had played the joke on us until we noticed Simon grinning like a Cheshire Cat.  We knew then it was him.

To spread like wildfire.

If something (e.g. information or a disease) spreads like wildfire, it reaches a large number of people in a short space of time.

E.g. Rumours about him being fired for bad behaviour spread like wildfire. Everyone in the building knew by lunchtime.

Have fun learning English!

Louise