Survival English

The Internet is full of abbreviations. As you probably know, www stands for world wide web. An abbreviation is a short form of a long word. Knowing the full word may help you remember the vocabulary. Here are 5 abbreviations you may need to know:

1. URL-Uniform Resource Locator (noun): the address of a web page

   Ex: “The URL of this site is http://www.englishclub.com. ”

(more…)

This is the third post in this Internet Vocabulary series. The Internet is a subject that you must stay on top of. The first post included 5 nouns and the second post included 5 verbs. Here are 5 adjectives you should know.

1. secure: safe for adding private information

   Ex: “Only use your credit card on secure websites.”

(more…)

The Internet may be the most talked about topic on the planet. Last time we looked at 5 nouns related to the Internet. Here are 5 verbs you should know:

1. download: to take information off the Internet and store it on your computer for viewing later (opposite of “upload”)

   Ex: “You can download music and listen to it on your MP3 player.”

(more…)

The Internet is one of the most popular topics of conversation. Here are 5 nouns you should know how to use:

1. browser: a program that lets you look at the Internet

Ex: “I used to use Internet Explorer, but now I am trying out a new browser called Google Chrome.”

2. social media network: a website that connects people; allows you to share information such as photos, links, and updates (more…)

You will get quicker, friendlier service at a bar if you know how to ask for your favourite drink in English.

Questions the bartender/server will ask you:

What can I get for you?
And for yourself? (Your friend has ordered. Now it’s your turn.)
Would you like the house wine?
Do you want a pint or a glass? (a pint=20 oz, a glass (sometimes called a “sleeve“)=12 oz )
Do you want that on tap?
Do you want a double? (2 oz of liquor instead of 1)
On the rocks? (over ice)
Straight up? (no ice and no mix)
Would you like a glass? (with your bottle of beer)
Would you like another?
Do you want to start a tab? (The bartender will keep track of your drinks. You pay at the end.) (more…)

Airports are stressful even in your own native country. Practise these English phrases before you travel to English speaking destinations.

Tip: Print these and keep them as a “cheat sheet” in your carry-on luggage.

Questions you will hear at the check-in counter:
Ticket please.
May I see your ticket?
Do you have an e-ticket?
Do you have some photo ID?
How many bags are you checking?
Did you pack these bags yourself? (more…)

Going out to eat is a great way to practise your English in a foreign country. You’ll learn many new words and expressions. If you can’t pronounce something on the menu, point and ask “How do I say this?” Most servers are used to dealing with English learners.

Questions your server may ask:
Do you have a reservation? (Did you call ahead of time?)
How many? (How many seats do you need?)
Table for two?
Are you ready to order?
Do you need some more time?
Can I start you off with a drink? (more…)

Don’t Pretend to Understand
Many English learners say “OK” even when they don’t understand. If you don’t understand directions, instructions, suggestions, or questions, use one of these phrases:

• Could you repeat that?
• Sorry, what’s your question?
• Pardon?
• Sorry, I didn’t catch that.
• I missed that.
• Would you mind repeating that?

(more…)

Don’t be shy! Say “thank you” to someone every day.

Here are some more ways to say “thank you” in English:

Thank you so much.
Thanks a bunch.
That’s perfect.
You’re too kind.
You’re the best.
You’re my saviour. (more…)

Your questions: Ask a cashier or salesperson

• Excuse me…how much is…?
• What does …. cost?
• How much is the tax?
• Is “this” on sale?
• What is the price after the discount?
• What’s the total?
• How much do I owe you?

(more…)

Everybody makes mistakes. Learn how to apologise (say sorry) for your mistakes before you make them.

Ways to Apologise
Sorry.
I’m sorry.
I’m so sorry!
Sorry for your loss. (a person or pet died)
Sorry to hear that. (after someone shares bad news such as a child’s illness or a job loss)
I apologise. (you’ve made an error)
Sorry for keeping you waiting. (more…)

Not every tour comes with a translator. Tour guides may use English expressions that you don’t understand. Here are 10 to learn before you sign up for a tour.

1. travel light: Don’t pack a lot of items. Bring only what you need.
Please travel light tomorrow. We have a lot of walking to do.

2. hit the road: Depart. Begin a tour.
We’ll hit the road as soon as the bus driver arrives. (more…)

To find out the time something is going to happen in an English speaking country use “when”.

Here are 10 questions travellers often ask:

1. When does the next bus arrive?
2. When does the bus/plane leave?
3. When does the show start?
4. When does the store/restaurant/place open?
5. When are you leaving? (more…)

Some countries have identity cards (IC). Some countries have identity documents (usually called ID). Other countries accept a driver’s license as identity. If you are travelling to another country, you probably need a passport.

Practise saying these words before you travel to an English speaking country.

1. passport: booklet needed to cross a border
2. driver’s license: card needed to drive a car
3. credit card: card needed to pay or reserve (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
4. Visa: papers needed to work or study
5. airline ticket: paper needed to fly (more…)

To find a place or thing in an English speaking country use the word “where”:

Here are 10 questions travellers ask:

1. Where is the phone?
2. Where is the bank?
3. Where is the washroom? (also called toilet, bathroom, ladies’ room, mens’ room)
4. Where is the Internet cafe?
5. Where can I get a taxi? (more…)

5 ways to say “hello” in English

1. Hi
2. Hello
3. Hi there
4. Hey
5. *What’s up?

5 ways to say “goodbye” in English

1. Goodbye
2. Bye (more…)