Learn POLITE expressions in English – Don’t be RUDE!

Hi Imatak,

1. Is “restroom” a soft expression for toilet, too? Yes, it is. For some reason, people don’t like the word toilet :) (you can also say bathroom or powder room (for ladies))

2. Are the following expression also soft expressions for pregnant?
She’s expecting.–yes
She’s going to be a mother, and She’s going to have a baby are just direct statements, not softened expressions.

Hope this helps. :)

Of course ;)

Be careful how far you take the game though Jorge ;)

The only thing that doesn’t actually make sense is the laid off part. This happens from work, not from a relationship (break up).

I’ll take that as a compliment ;)

Hi Jeetesh,

To say he is no more might actually offend people. It is technically correct and people will understand it, but it is not ‘soft’ but rather direct.

washroom, powder room, etc. all work for ladies room.

secondhand is also correct, but again, if you are trying to sell something used, secondhand sounds a little cheaper than previously enjoyed.
:)

Try it again Saiful

Hi Ramon,

I’m not sure about other teachers, but I do provide Skype lessons. You can get more info at writetotop.com. :)

Hi Haridan,

As Katrin mentioned, it is a matter of daily practice and patience. You can try doing some dictation practice with programs that have transcripts so that you can check yourself. Ted.com is a great site for this, though it will be difficult at the beginning.Also Google: ESL listening practice. There are plenty of exercises to help you build these skills. Just remember that it takes time and a lot of effort.
The main thing is don’t doubt yourself. Everybody struggles at some point in their learning.

I hope this helps a little :)

Thank you Sahuayo,

I is a subject pronoun and me is an object pronoun. It depends on the position and function in the sentence. You and I are good friends. She wants you and me to be good friends.

Hope this helps.

Hi Wellington. Technically, when a company lays people off it is because it cannot afford to keep them or there isn’t enough work to do. In theory, someone who is laid off has the opportunity to return to the job if circumstances at the company change. Usually, however, once a person is laid off, he/she will look for another job. If a company needs employees again, it might call back the worker, but usually they just hire new ones.

Hi Tntex,

If you look at the bottom of the youtube box you will see a button with cc. Click on that. It means closed caption, which is basically English subtitles.

Let me know if you have any troubles with it.

Hi Nathan,

Send me your email. I’m sure we can arrange something :)

I’ll get on it Andy :)

Hi Lenny,

That’s a bit too focused for a video.

Essentially, these words can be used as synonyms and are mostly interchangeable. Remain has the idea of a continuation, while left has the idea of the portion that wasn’t used.

Also left is more casual than remain.

After my friends left the bar, I was the only left to pick up the bill. (the only one remaining to pick up the bill– this sounds a little too formal)

Left can also be used like an adjective (How much time do we have left? How much time do we have remaining?)

Not sure id this helps. I’ll see if I can do a video with some other confusing pairs.

Hi Sophie,

Save up means to accumulate– save to a certain level, or a certain amount for a purpose. I am saving up money for my vacation next year.

second question–we can say come out from the ground, but generally we use of rather than from. Think of it as a phrasal verb (come out of room so we can talk; come out of car and put your hands up; etc.)
:)

Hi Inge,

The idea is nice, but no, you can’t. That would make them objects.

;)

Hi Katrin,

Is this the bus to New York?– this is the correct one. The person is asking about (pointing to) a specific bus, so it needs a definite article.
Is this bus going to New York?– this is ok now.

Why didn’t you like it?– this is correct
:)

:)

Hi C,

Generally, if there is already a subject (meaning ‘that’ is not the subject) and removing the ‘that’ does not interfere with the understanding of the sentence, then you can take it out. That being said, there are occasions when you can’t remove it. I’ll see about making a video about this.

I think he is a nice guy.– I also wouldn’t put it in this example. But in certain contexts, I would.

Hope this helps a little.

Will do Veronica :)

Hi Amira,

Read a lot. That’s the est way. Also, speak English whenever you have the chance. It’s all about practice :0

Welcome Nice :)

English teachers speak with their students in mind. Radio and TV people speak with native speakers in mind. But don’t worry– over time it niwill get easier :)