English Language Articles

Articles about learning, using and teaching the English language, including advice, tutorials, opinions and lesson plans from various authors and contributors. Articles cover topics from English grammar, spelling and punctuation, through to language teaching, career development, specialisations, and ideas and suggestions for the classroom.

Latest Articles & Notes

Teacher Article

The top six grammar points for IELTS Pinned

Category: English Language Examinations Topic: Exam Traps and Tricks
The most important grammar for IELTS Speaking, Writing and Listening.
Teacher Article

How to teach British and American English Pinned

Category: Teaching English Topic: Varieties and Dialects
The most important differences between UK and US English, and the best ways to present and practise them.
Learner Article

English Conditionals: An Introduction Pinned

Category: General Articles Topic: General
Everything you need to know about English Conditionals.
Teacher Article

How to teach small talk New

Category: Teaching English Topic: Discourse
Teaching tips and classroom activities for the difficult skills of smoothly chatting when meeting people, starting phone calls, ending meetings, etc.
Teacher Article

The 100 most useful social English phrases New

Category: Learning English Topic: Discourse
The most important social English phrases for meeting and greeting, dealing with small talk, making guests feel comfortable, etc.
Teacher Article

The 100 best small talk questions New

Category: Learning English Topic: Discourse
The most important small talk questions to know how to use and respond to
Teacher Article

How to teach small talk questions with how

Category: Teaching English Topic: General
Teaching how to ask, respond to and extend conversations with "How are you?", "How was your weekend?" etc.
Teacher Article

CPE Use of English Part Three tips

Category: English Language Examinations Topic: Exam Traps and Tricks
How to do well in and prepare for Cambridge Proficiency word formation tasks
Learner Article

CPE Use of English Part One tips

Category: Learning English Topic: Exam Traps and Tricks
How to do well in and study for the first part of Cambridge Proficiency Use of English
Teacher Article

How to use body language and gestures in EFL classes

Category: Teaching English Topic: General
An overview of gestures and other body language in English classes, including games and other teaching activities
Teacher Article

How to teach international body language and gestures

Category: Teaching English Topic: General
A guide to presenting and practising variations in body language and gestures around the world
Teacher Article

A guide to rude, offensive, insulting and taboo gestures for EFL learners

Category: Learning English Topic: General
Body language and gestures which can insult or offend people inside and outside English-speaking countries.
Teacher Article

Aptis Speaking Part One- Preparation Tips

Category: Teaching English Topic: Exam Traps and Tricks
How to prepare for and teach Aptis Speaking Part One personal questions
Teacher Article

Teaching pronunciation through body language and gestures

Category: Teaching English Topic: Phonetics
How teachers and students can use their bodies to make English sounds easier to pronounce and remember.
Teacher Article

The big list of classroom language with gestures

Category: Teaching English Topic: General
Nearly 100 classroom instructions and explanations that can be accompanied by gestures, with descriptions of how teachers can use their bodies.

The Editor's Blog

Richard Flynn (aka Tdol) is an English teacher and the Site Editor here at UsingEnglish.com. Here, he talks about English usage that catches his eye or ear, and looks at language issues that interest or puzzle him.

Browse The Editor's Blog

Formal Letter Writing - Help with formal and business letter writing. A summary of writing rules including outlines for cover letters and letters of enquiry, and abbreviations used in letters.

Speaking Out - A collection of thoughts, comments and articles regarding some of the issues and discussion points that have been raised in our ESL Forum.

More English Articles

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