Same Spelling, Different Pronunciation

Some English words have the same spelling, but their pronunciation is different. We give some examples and a simple rule regarding nouns versus verbs.

Since vs. For

Learners are often confused by the words "for" and "since" when practicing their English. Here is a short tutorial on when to use which.

Implicit Bias: Strange Voices

We are all biased toward some people and against others. That includes when we hear foreign accents. However, research shows that listening to people who don't talk like you can be beneficial for your brain. Here's how.

Levels of Racism

There is a lot of confusion over the word "racism" in American society. We need to 1) distinguish people from their behaviors and 2) distinguish name-calling from more powerful, broad-based forms of discrimination.

Past Tense vs. Present Perfect

English verb tenses can be tricky for second language learners. Here, Alan explains the difference between the past tense and present perfect in English. If you have questions afterward, write us so we can help.

Strengthening Your Vocabulary

Deep – deepen, bright – brighten. English has the power to make adjectives into verbs by adding two letters. Alan explains to his ESL students how to do this.

Language that Demeans

When we use labels harshly and carelessly, it creates negative influences. Alan talks about how demeaning language creates ill will and harms our humanity.

Common Spelling Mistakes

Alan discusses the differences between words that sound similar but are wholly different in their meaning. The examples presented in the video are 1) apart vs. a part, 2) a lot vs. allot, and 3) every day vs. everyday.

Big Ten Conference

American sports can be confusing to immigrants and international students alike. Especially unique is the highly developed system of athletics at U.S. colleges and universities. One of the premiere conferences of American universities is the Big Ten. Alan shares some curious facts about those 14 (mostly) Midwestern schools, including a look at their famous mascots.

Pronouncing 'th' in English

One of the harder English sounds to make is the 'th' sound. Alan gives tips on the two different pronunciations for this tricky American English pronunciation.

Gerrymandering

When politicians artificially redraw voting districts to guarantee their political advantage, democracy suffers. Alan gives an overview of gerrymandering, gives simple examples, and explains why it's unfair.

Equity vs. Inclusion

Is your organization inclusive? Is it equitable? We use a bleacher analogy to illustrate these concepts and to show the difference between them.

The Starfish Flinger (retold)

Walking the beach at dawn, an old man notices a young girl tossing stranded starfish from the shore back into the ocean. A simple tale with a profound message. (Retold here with new images.)

Linking Phrases

How do English learners make their speech more fluid and natural sounding? By linking adjacent words together. Alan gives some examples.

Lend vs. Borrow

English learners tend to confuse these two words: Lend and Borrow. Learn their meanings here, and see examples of how to use them properly.

The Starfish Flinger

An old man is walking the beach at sunrise and notices a young girl flinging washed-up starfish back into the ocean.

English Contractions

Do you use words like these: I’m, you’d, she’ll, who’s, didn’t, won’t, they’ve, we’re? If so, you're using contractions. This is a very normal way of speaking American English. Alan tells why and gives examples.

Assimilation vs. Acculturation

Alan tells why it's better to advocate for Acculturation of immigrants to the United States. He shares historical (and practical) reasons for us to stop talking about Assimilation of newcomers here.

Personalized License Plates

Note: Thanks to alert viewer JN who corrected our mistake: California does not allow 8 characters on their license plates. Only NC and NY do.

English Modal Verbs, Part 4

In this grammar lesson, Alan talks about the third and final group of modal verbs: the ones related to the meaning of Requirement. You simply must watch this video!