Grammar Tip

‘Can’ or ‘May’? People are often uncertain about whether there is any difference between can and may when these verbs are used to ask for or grant permission. For example, is one of these two sentences ‘more correct’ than the other?Example: Can I ask you a few questions?Example: May I ask you a few questions?There…

Business Communication Skills Tip

This is How You Should Answer “What are your strengths?” One of the most common questions candidates are asked during a job interview is “What are your strengths?” Having a firm knowledge of what you can offer a potential employer will help you sell yourself, but which areas should you highlight?Answer #1: “I’M A GOOD…

9 in 10 Russians Read Books, Poll Says

Over 90 percent of Russians say they like to read books, according to a new survey in the country that has some of the world’s highest literacy rates. “Only 4 percent of those polled (опрошенных) said they barely read books,” the state-funded VTsIOM pollster said on Monday in a poll conducted (проведенный)  on International Literacy…

Rival (n.)

Today’s Word of the Day is: “rival” (n.) Transcription: [raɪvəl] Translation: соперник, конкурент Meaning: someone or something that is competing with another person or thing Example: He finished 39 seconds ahead of his main rival.- Он на 39 секунд опередил своего главного соперника. Synonym: opponent, competitor

Grammar Tip

‘Bring’ or ‘Take’? The essential difference between these two words is that bring implies movement towards someone or something:Example: Bring your instrument with you when you come over.- Принеси свой инструмент с собой, когда придешь. Whereas take implies movement away from someone or something:Example: Take your belongings with you when you’re leaving.- Забери свои вещи…

Fragrance (n.)

Today’s Word of the Day is: “fragrance” (n.) Transcription: [ˈfreɪɡrəns] Translation: 1. аромат, благоухание; 2. духи. Meaning: 1. a sweet or pleasant smell; 2. a substance that people put on their bodies to make themselves smell nice. Example: The air was loaded with fragrance.- Воздух был наполнен ароматом.   Synonym: sweet smell, scent, perfume

Business Communication Skills Tip

Build Your Self-Confidence. Tip #4: Look Your Best This is about self-care and the better you feel about yourself, the easier it is to believe in yourself. This is as much about taking pride in your appearance as it is about the power of persuasion. After all, you tend to be treated better when you…

Mortgage (n.)

Today’s Word of the Day is: “mortgage” (n.) Transcription: [mɔːɡɪdʒ] Translation: ипотека, залог Meaning: money that you borrow to buy a home Example: You can repay the mortgage over 30 years. – Вы можете погасить ипотеку в течение 30 лет. Synonym: loan agreement

Grammar Tip

‘Shall’ or ‘Will’? The traditional rule is that shall is used with first person pronouns (i.e. I and we) to form the future tense, while will is used with second and third person forms (i.e. you, he, she, it, they). For example:Example: I shall be late.- Я опоздаю.Example: They will not have enough food.- У…