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

Cute Animals and Weird Cubist People

Polish artist Gosia Herba works as an illustrator and writes children’s books and graphic novels. For those who can’t get enough of her inimitable style, Herba’s Instagram account gives a sneak peek into her current works in progress, as well as offering regular trips into her back catalogue. Follow Herba for a daily dose of cuteness, featuring cartoon animals and weird cubist…

Business Communication Tip

Greeting and Introduction Tip #1: Formality Listen carefully to how your business partners greet you. In those first two or three sentences, they are telling you how formal or informal they would like the relationship to be. Use a formal approach when you do not know the other person, or where formality is expected in…

Grammar Tip

“Advice” or “Advise”? Advice is a noun and means a suggestion about what someone should do. It is uncountable: Correct: She gave good advice. Incorrect: Let me give you an advice If we want to use advice in a countable way, then we use the phrase a piece of advice: Example: I have two pieces of advice for you about the holiday.…

Malaise (n.)

Today’s Word of the Day is: “malaise” (n.) Translation: Недомогание, дискомфорт Meaning: A general feeling of bad health, or lack of energy in a   person, group, or society. Example: She suffered from a malaise that kept her from enjoying the party. Synonym: unease, melancholy

Dreams in Illustrations

Listening to people talk about their dreams might be boring, but seeing them illustrated makes them suddenly fascinating. People say that even though it’s fun to retell your dreams to people, it’s usually not as interesting to listen — unless you were featured in the dream, that is. The Instagram account @nine.coma, founded by Yandex’s…

Business Communication Tip

Writing Effective Emails Tip #4: Signing off Always sign off your email with a reminder of the action required, then a polite greeting. It is a good idea to ask people to phone you (and include your phone number) if they cannot take the action or if they wish to discuss anything. Follow this with…

Grammar Tip

Punctuating coordinating conjunctions correctly; put a comma before Use a comma before the word “but” if it is joining two independent clauses: Incorrect: Sophia is a good singer but she is an even better dancer Correct: Sophia is a good singer, but she is an even better dancer. If but is not joining two independent…

WORD OF THE DAY

Today’s Word of the Day is: “to talk shop” (id.) to talk shop (id.) Translation: говорить о работе Meaning: to talk about your job when not at work. Example: Everybody at the company gathering decided that they would not talk shop during the dinner. Synonym: to talk business