DO English 21/09

🤔Confusing Grammar Explained

Will vs Going to

When talking about the future in English, two common forms are "will" and "going to." Although both can be used to express future events, they serve slightly different purposes.

"Will" is often used for decisions made at the moment of speaking or for predictions based on beliefs or opinions. For example:

• “I think it will rain tomorrow.”

• “I’ll help you with that!”

"Going to," on the other hand, is used when there’s a plan in place or when we can see evidence of something happening. For instance:

• “I’m going to visit my grandparents this weekend.”

• “Look at those clouds! It’s going to rain.”

In general, if you’re talking about something you’ve already decided or can clearly see happening, “going to” is the best choice. If you’re making a decision on the spot or guessing about the future, “will” is more appropriate.

Practice Tip: Try completing these sentences with either "will" or "going to":

1. I think she ______ love the gift.

2. Look at the time! We ______ be late.

3. We ______ start the meeting in 5 minutes.

Understanding these subtle differences will make your English sound more natural and confident.

✍️Most Common Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are an essential part of everyday English, but they can be tricky to master because their meanings aren’t always obvious. A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and a particle (preposition or adverb) that creates a new meaning. Let's explore a few common ones:

1. Pick up – This means to lift something or someone, or to learn something quickly.

   • “Can you pick up the kids from school?”

   • “He picked up Spanish while traveling in Mexico.”

2. Look forward to – This is used when you're excited about something that will happen in the future.

   • “I’m looking forward to the weekend.”

3. Run out of – This means to have no more of something.

   • “We’ve run out of milk. Let’s go buy more.”

4. Give up – To stop trying or to quit.

   • “Don’t give up! You’re almost there.”

Phrasal verbs are used in everyday conversation, so it's important to practice and get comfortable with them. Try using one or two in your next conversation to sound more fluent and natural.

Challenge: Write a sentence with one of the phrasal verbs above and share it with someone!

🗣️Conversation Starters For Every Situation

Starting a conversation can be challenging, especially in a second language. Here are some phrases and tips to help you confidently begin conversations in both informal and formal settings.

Informal Settings

When chatting with friends or in casual situations, keep it light and friendly.

1. Talking about the weather:

   • “It’s such a nice day today! Have you been outside?”

   • “This rain doesn’t seem to end, does it?”

2. Asking about recent activities:

   • “What have you been up to lately?”

   • “Did you catch the game last night?”

3. Sharing a compliment:

   • “I love your jacket! Where did you get it?”

   • “That’s a cool backpack! It looks really handy.”

Formal Settings

In professional or formal settings, it's important to be polite and respectful.

1. Introducing yourself at work:

   • “Hi, I don’t think we’ve met before. I’m [Your Name].”

   • “It’s great to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about your work.”

2. Starting a conversation at a conference:

   • “What do you think about the speaker’s presentation?”

   • “Have you been to this conference before?”

3. Networking:

   • “What line of work are you in?”

   • “I’d love to hear more about your experience in this field.”

By using these starters, you can confidently begin conversations in any situation, helping you connect with others and improve your English skills!