British english – Learn English with Abigail

English everyday – sofa, settee or couch?

What do you call this?

English everyday – let alone

The doctors said he would never walk again, let alone run. He barely looks 12 years old, let alone 15. Let alone – nothing to do with being alone.

English everyday – nuts

You must be nuts! You can eat them but there’s more you can do with nuts in English

The day is going so well, you’ve been to the park and had a lovely lunch, then suddenly, your toddler wants another ice-cream which you won’t give him, and you’re in the middle of tantrum city. Tantrum is the word for the sudden crying, screaming and angry behaviour that 2-3 year olds often go through,Continue reading “English for parents – tantrum”

English everyday – menopause

There’s another important time in women’s lives, that when periods stop forever. It’s known as the menopause. It’s got lots of nicknames too, the change of life, The Change, the Big M, second spring. The process of periods stopping is called perimenopause. At this time periods start to change, flow maybe heavier and longer, andContinue reading “English everyday – menopause”

English for parents – bogies and snot

Yeah, I’m just going to dive right into this one. Today is about the stuff that comes out of your nose. The doctor might call it mucus but in everyday language we say: snot – (uncountable) runny mucus from the nose. a bogey/ some bogies – (countable) solid or hard mucus from the nose. ChildrenContinue reading “English for parents – bogies and snot”

English everyday – Up yours

Serious post guys, this one’s about swearing. In particular this one’s about sweary hand gestures. The picture at the top of the page is a peace or victory sign. First two fingers held up, palm out. It’s pretty common to see in photos these days, especially here in Japan. No problems. However, turn that signContinue reading “English everyday – Up yours”