Grammar Tip

What Is the “Oxford Comma”? The “Oxford comma” is an optional (необязательный) comma before the word “and” at the end of a list: Example: We sell books, videos, and magazines. It’s known as the Oxford comma because it was traditionally used by printers, readers, and editors at Oxford University Press.  Not all writers and publishers…

Merriment (n.)

Today’s Word of the Day is: “merriment” (n.) Transcription: [ˈmer.i.mənt] Russian Translation: веселье, развлечение Definition: an occasion when people laugh or have an enjoyable time together Example: Their house was always filled with merriment. Synonyms: high spirits, fun

Celebrating Maslenitsa in Moscow

Stay Warm in the Russian Spring With Tea From a Traditional Samovar. Throughout the week you will find restaurants and cafes across town promoting (продавать) special pancake menus, while in the city’s squares and major parks, such as Kolomenskoe and Lyublino. Moscow Maslenitsa will take place at Ploshchad Revolutsii, Novy Arbat and Tverskoy Bulvar on…

Business Communication Skills Tip

Communication Skills You Need to Succeed in the Workplace Whether you’re an employee or a manager, effective communication is vital. We will be posting essential communication skills every employee and boss needs to have. 2. ACTIVE LISTENING Active listening is an essential part of any job. Being a bad listener–such as someone who interrupts (прерывать)…

Grammar Tip

What Is the Origin of the Term ‘Pros and Cons’? The phrase ‘pros and cons’ is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase pro et contra, ‘for and against’, and has been in use in the abbreviated (сокращённый) form since the 16th century, according to the Oxford English Dictionary.‘Pros and cons’ is a well-established (устойчивый) standard…

The minutiae (n.)

Today’s Word of the Day is: “the minutiae” (n.) Transcription: [mɪˈnjuːʃɪiː] Russian Translation: мелочи, детали Definition: small and often not important details Example: Comedy is so often based on the minutiae of everyday life. Synonyms: details, particulars

Business Communication Skills Tip

Communication Skills You Need to Succeed in the Workplace Whether you’re an employee or a manager, effective communication is vital. We will be posting essential communication skills every employee and boss needs to have. 1. SHOWING RESPECTBeing respectful of other people’s space and time is important–especially if you need to talk about a touchy (рискованный)…

Enter Shikari’s Concert

Tickets 2,500 – 7,000 Rub Following the phenomenal (феноменальный) success of their ‘Take to the Skies’ 10th Anniversary tour and in support of their new album ‘The Spark’, British post-hardcore punk rock outfit are making a return to Russia. Vocalist Roughton Reynolds, guitarist Liam Clewlow, bassist Chris Batten and drummer Rob Rolfe are delighted (рад)…

Grammar Tip

Indefinite Article. Part 1. 1. We use the indefinite article, a/an, with countable nouns when the hearer/reader does not know exactly (точно) which one we are referring to:   Example: Police are searching (искать) for a 14 year-old girl.2. We also use it to show the person or thing is one of a group: Example:…

to overload (v.)

Today’s Word of the Day is: “to overload” (v.) Transcription: [ˌəʊvəlˈəʊd] Russian Translation: перегружать Definition: to give someone more work or problems than they can deal with Example: All the staff are overloaded with work. Synonyms: strain, tax, burden