Grammar Tip

That Moment When Nouns Become Adjectives and Adjectives Become Nouns One more thing you should know about adjectives is that, sometimes, a word that is normally used as a noun can function as an adjective, depending on its placement. Example: Never try to pet someone’s guide dog without asking permission first. Guide is a noun. But in this…

Warranty (n.)

Today’s Word of the Day is: “warranty” (n.) Translation: гарантия Meaning: A written promise made by a  company to change or repair one of its products if it has a fault. Example: This warranty will cover all repairs at 100% cost for a period of 24 months from the date of purchase. Synonym: guarantee, assurance

The Most Popular Botanical Garden on Instagram

Moscow State University’s botanical garden, called Aptekarskiy Ogorod (which means “apothecary garden” in Russian) runs an Instagram account with the most followers among botanical gardens in the world. Founded in 1706 by Peter the Great, it is also the oldest botanical garden in Russia, and was initially meant to grow medicinal plants. Since the 19th…

Business Communication Tip

Common English Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Mistake #1: Switching Tenses Unnecessarily One of the most common problems seen in English writing is unnecessary switching between past, present and future tenses. Changing between verb tenses within a sentence can make it difficult for the reader to follow a piece of writing and should…

Grammar Tip

Reflexive and Intensive Pronouns Reflexive pronouns end in -self or -selves: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves. Use a reflexive pronoun when both the subject and object of a verb refer to the same person or thing. Example: I found myself sandwiched between passengers on the subway. Intensive pronouns  look the same as reflexive pronouns, but their…

to enhance (v.)

Today’s Word of the Day is: “to enhance” (v.) Translation: улучшать, усиливать Meaning: to improve the quality, amount, or strength of something. Example: Winning that award greatly enhanced her reputation. Synonym: improve 

Fashion for under 3000 roubles

Sasha Ardabiev is a Moscow-based blogger whose Instagram account is dedicated to fashion looks under 3000 roubles (about $50). They are sourced exclusively from a French bargain supermarket chain Auchan. Ardabiev on his account @cheap_sasha creates fashion photo shoots mixing menswear and womenswear: from a minimalist Steve Jobs turtleneck to a trendy bucket hat and…

Business Communication Tip

Greeting and Introduction Tip #2: Talking About Your Job When you meet business partners, it is important that you are able to describe your role in your organization. Find out of the English names or the departments and key positions in your organization. Know your department and job titles in English.Let’s look at some of…

Grammar Tip

Wish + would We can use wish + would if we are annoyed about something that is or is not happening, or about something that will or will not happen: Example: I wish you would stop making so much noise! (You are making a noise; it would be better if you didn’t.) Example: I wish…

Diverse (adj.)

Today’s Word of the Day is: “diverse” (adj.) Translation: Разнообразный Meaning: Including many different types of people or things. Example: The restaurant has a diverse menu that includes entrees from all over the world. Synonym: varied, different