Test Your Smarts- Grammar Quiz 1

I just came across this interesting quiz on grammar. It tests everything from subject- verb agreement to your knowledge of sentence structure. Quite interesting. Do check it out. Comment below what you found easy and what was a challenge. Let's see if we can help each other out. Do like, share, follow and comment if …

The Lighter Side of Life

Looking at how far we have come together, I thought it's important to also take out time to appreciate the journey we are on. So here are 10 riddles/ jokes/ puns for you. Learning a language is so much fun! Don't you agree? Please feel free to share any of your funny riddles, jokes or …

Word of the Day- April 4, 2019

Here's another word that quite usable. I can think of so many situations this can be used in. One example is: During the Annual Day, I was completely enthralled by the glorious performance and colourful costumes of the dancers. Think of some situations where you can use this word. And if you can use them …

Exercises on Commas

So here a video to help you learn about some of the uses of commas: https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/grammar/punctuation-the-comma-and-the-apostrophe/introduction-to-commas/v/meet-the-comma-the-comma-punctuation-khan-academy Exercise on use of commas to punctuate lists. Exercise on use of commas while directly addressing someone. Here's a quiz on commas. Mixed bag quiz on commas. Another mixed bag exercise. You can check your answers at the end. …

FANBOYS Conjunctions

Conjunctions are also known as "joining words". They can be used to join words like: Jasmine and Jyoti are best friends. Here the conjunction "and" is joining the two names- Jasmine and Jenny. Or, they can be used to join two sentences. Like: James went to the market. He bought a packet of chips. We …

Direct and Indirect Speech

Direct and Indirect Speech is one of those topics that ESL learners find especially challenging. However, if you only understand the use of both types of speeches, it becomes fairly easy. I always tell my students to just think about reporting everything that is said in the direct speech to a friend of theirs in …

Still Think Punctuation Isn’t Important?

Funny right? or Funny, right? Did you get the difference between my first two sentences? The first sentence "Funny right?" means that the right side is funny, whereas the second sentence "Funny, right?" simply means that I am asking for an affirmation from you that these pictures are funny. By the way, even the meaning …

All About “Question Tags”

I asked my students what does a tag on clothes looks like? Most of them said that it hangs separately to the piece of clothing. They all agreed it sort of sticks out at the end. Similarly a Question Tag is a small question that sticks out at the end of a statement. It is …

Types of Sentences

There are four types of sentences. Knowing the different types of sentences helps to write the correct sentence structure and also in proper punctuation. Here is a video that will help you to identify them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pf9LWnnADzw Just to add on, Imperative Sentences also express requests, advice or suggestions. Now, let's test how much you have …

Comparison of Adverbs

We earlier learnt about the various kinds of adverbs. If you want to revisit the post, click here. Now let's learn about the adverbs that compare. Here's a video on this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shLLaRxIgnw Do notice the adverbs that are compared in an irregular way. Now, test how much you understood by clicking on the links to …

Active and Passive Voice

Active Voice: The verb is in active voice when the subject performs the action. The focus is on the subject. Eg. The lion killed the deer. Passive voice: The verb is in passive voice when the subject receives the action. The focus is on the action. Eg. The deer was killed by the lion. HOW …

Idioms and Phrases of the Week

So here's the thing! I have been getting a good response related to idioms and phrases that are uploaded. A lot of you seem to be using them quite well. So every now and then, I plan to upload more idioms and phrases so that your fluency and expression is enhanced further. And, keep up …

Word of the Day- December 30, 2018

Here is another word you can use to describe a place. It goes hand in hand with yesterday's word. Isn't the place picturesque? To find out the meaning of 'picturesque' click here. So what did you understand from today's word? Can you tell what the ambience of the place in the picture seemed like to …

Word of the Day- December 29, 2018

This word seems really easy to use. Instead of using the word 'beautiful' all the time to describe a place, this word can be used. Can you think of some other synonyms of the word? A little research only helps us improve. So go look up some synonyms and think of how you can use …

Word of the Day- December 11, 2018

I noticed dense thicket all throughout our trip in Ranthambore. I took the picture with 'the word of the day' during our trips in the canter. Did anyone else notice it?

Word of the Day- December 10, 2018

denounce (verb) publicly declare to be wrong or evil Sentence- The government denounced the use of violence, as it leads to only fear and destruction. Questions- Have you come across this word before? If yes, then when or where?

Word of the Day- December 9, 2018

gluttony (noun) habitual greed or excess in eating Sentence- During the holidays, I usually give in to gluttony and gain at least ten pounds. Question- Have any of you ever indulged in gluttony?

Puns- An Amusing Use of the English Language

Puns are a creative and humorous use of the English language. Here's are some good ones to "crack you up" (You see what I did there).

Word of the Day- November 28, 2018

Puns are a great way to add humour to whatever you are writing or speaking and to liven them up. The previous two blogposts talked about using idioms as puns. To view to two post click on the words below: Idioms- Two Ways Idioms with Food Click here to get some more examples of puns. …

Idioms- Two Ways

There's an interesting way to use idioms to even add humour to your write- up. Learn more about it here.

Idioms with Food

Learn about an interesting literary activity to add humour to your creative writing pieces.

Word of the Day- November 25, 2018

I can make so many connections with this. Oh! And the visuals! Do comment below what you can recall. Did you eat something delectable on a Sunday? Also, don't forget to mention some good synonyms too. Do like, share, follow and comment if you like the blogposts. Follow the blog also to get an instant …

Word of the Day- November 24, 2018

Questions- Could anybody make any connections? Were you able to visualize anything? Can anybody come up with any synonyms Do like, share, follow and comment if you like the blogposts. Follow the blog also to get an instant update as soon as any blogpost is uploaded. To visit all the previous blogposts click on the …

Word of the Day- November 23, 2018

witness i. (verb) to see something happen, especially an accident or crime Sentence- The Sharmas were living in the city during the terror attacks and witnessed a lot of horrors. ii. (verb) to show or give proof of something. Sentence- Last year's fete was the best so far, as witnessed by the number of tickets …

Word of the Day- November 22, 2018

captious (adjective) tending to find fault or to express criticism over unimportant issues Sentence- The captious boy kept finding faults with all that his friends did, so everyone got exasperated and eventually stopped talking to him. Question- Can you use another word or idiom from the previous words with this word to make a good …

Word of the Day- November 21, 2018

elaborate i. (verb) to add more information or explain something that you have said Sentence- The teacher told the student to elaborate on his reason for breaking the school rules, so that she could get a clear picture of what was going on in his mind. ii. (adjective) Containing a lot of connected parts or …

How to Choose the Just- Right Book

To enjoy reading, we must learn how to choose the right book.

Word of the Day- November 20, 2018

excerpt (noun) short part taken from a book, movie, speech etc. Sentence- The excerpt from the book "Robinson Crusoe" which is given in our textbook Marigold, does not clarify who the mysterious footprint belonged to, so I ended up reading the whole book. Questions: Have you found out any such excerpts in your books? What …

Word of the Day- November 19, 2018

embark (verb) go on board a ship or aircraft Sentence- Christopher Columbus embarked for India in the fifteenth century. ii. (verb) begin a course of action Sentence- Ria left her previous job and embarked on a new career as a teacher. I could think of many connections with this word. It reminds me of texts …

Common Errors in English: Part- I

This picture tells us about some common mistakes we make in English. There are mistakes related to subject-verb agreement, use of correct adverb and many other grammar topics. Just check which mistakes you make, and try to avoid them next time. One mistake I have seen a lot of people make is using the past …

Word of the Day- November 17, 2018

introspect (verb) examine one's own thoughts or feelings Sentence- The teacher told the student to introspect on his actions to find out how he could improve his behaviour and life. Question- Can you think of any synonyms of this word? Hint: You even have a corner in your classes to help you introspect. Do make …

Word of the Day- November 16, 2018

badinage i. (noun) conversation or remarks that are jokes and not serious ii. (noun) witty or humorous conversation Sentence- The President was in a good mood as he walked through the crowd and made several voters laugh with his witty badinage.

Word of the Day- November 15, 2018

respite (noun) a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant Sentence- The refugee encampments will provide some respite from the suffering to the victims of the war.