English Language Essentials: Grammar, Vocabulary & Idioms

English Grammar & Sentence Structure

Word Substitution Examples

• It was a rough track, a path made of uneven stones.

Nouns in Context

• It was a brave action but not a smart one. Tea and coffee both contain caffeine, the former even more than the latter.

Verbs and Phrases in Action

• I love traveling in dangerous places, but Sophie doesn’t. I want to take a vacation, but to do so means taking time off.

Understanding Clauses

• Not many people know this region. Yes, I’m aware of that. The road was blocked.

Ellipsis Usage

• She wasn’t the first person to write about this region.

Vocabulary & Word Transformations

Word Pairs: Verb-Noun & Related Forms

• Set - setting
• Describe - description
• Appealed - appeal
• Is commenting - comment
• About - story
• Deals with the subject of - idea

Idioms & Common Expressions

Phrases and Their Meanings

• Fair share - deserve
• Fine line - offensive
• Ill will - no hard feelings
• Nitty gritty - saying anything
• Wishy washy - not saying anything
• Tell tale - indicating
• Real deal - the shit
• No go - no way

Phrasal Verbs & Verb Patterns

"Cast" Phrases and Their Applications

• Cast your mind
• Cast the net
• Cast your eye
• Cast doubt on
• Cast your vote
• Cast a shadow (spoiled)

Communication & Presentation Terms

• Background
• Dialogue
• Enthusiasm
• Enunciate
• Pause
• Volume

Common Phrasal Verbs

• Set aside
• Go in for
• Taken up
• Keep up with
• Join in with
• Put off

Verb Patterns & Constructions

• Require someone to do
• Worry about doing
• Tend to do
• Discourage someone from doing
• Make someone do
• Involve doing

Descriptive Language & Opposites

Contrasting Descriptions

• A thought-provoking essay (uninspiring)
• A far-fetched plot (convincing)
• A well-written article (poorly written)
• An action-packed adventure (uneventful)
• A heart-wrenching ending (happy)
• A fast-paced story (slow-moving)
• A strong-willed character (indecisive)

Health & Wellness Vocabulary

Phrases for Staying Healthy

• Stay healthy
• Keep in shape
• Watch your weight
• Work out at the gym
• Go for a walk
• Stretch your legs
• Go on a diet
• Stay active

Common Injury Terms

• Graze your knee
• Bump your head
• Pull a muscle
• Lose your voice
• Stub your toe
• Sprain your ankle
• Strain your wrist
• Chip a tooth
• Bruise your ribs
• Break your arm

Synonyms & Related Concepts

Verb Synonyms & Related Meanings

• Appear - made up my mind
• Expect - hope
• Blame - criticized
• Mean - involves
• Convince - persuade
• Postpone - delay
• Decide - seemed
• Stop - prevent

"Face" Idioms and Their Interpretations

• Lose face - credibility
• Put a brave face on it - expression
• At face value - surface
• Keeping a straight face - expression
• Face the music - confront
• On the face of it - surface