When I stopped to think about some English idioms and their literal
meaning, I found some of them very funny and thought it would be a nice
idea to pick a few of the most common idioms and illustrate them.
A common problem We often hear how writing emails in English can cost just too much time. One solution that works for many people is to begin building a “toolbox” of useful phrases. A toolbox is a simple idea – you just start keeping a list of common and useful expressions – perhaps on your desktop or in a notebook next to your keyboard? There’s nothing wrong with reusing some standard phrases if it helps save you time and communicate clearly. You probably already have 2 or 3 sentences you reuse again and again. But sometimes the tone just isn’t right, is it? To help you find the right words when you need them here are 20 great expressions for closing an email. As you read through them ask yourself two simple questions: 1. When would I use this? 2. When will I use this? Expressions for thanking Thank you for your help. / time / assistance / support I really appreciate the help. / time / assistance / support you’ve given me. Thank you once more for your help in t...
In this article, you’ll find examples of language that are commonly used in different types of emails, and hopefully, you’ll find the most appropriate one for your message. The examples are labelled ’ formal ’ and ’ informal ’- please note that most informal expressions are perfectly suitable to use in ’semi-formal’ situations, such as between business associates who have worked together for some time and have established a good relationship. GREETINGS Formal Dear Sir/ Madam, Dear Sir or Madam, To whom it may concern: (especially AmE) Dear Mr/ Ms Jones, Dear Dr Smit h, (note: First names are NOT used. Using Miss or Mrs to address a woman is not appropriate, as you don’t know whether she’s married or not) Informal Hi Dennis, Hello Claire, Dear Mum, (note: salutations are followed by a (,) comma , exception: ’To whom it may concern:’) REASON FOR WRITING / REPLYING Formal I am writing to make a reservation/ to apply for the position of...
“It is not living that matters, but living rightly.” ~ Socrates When we live lives disconnected from those things that truly matter, sidetracked by the unimportant, lost in the frivolous, distracted by the superficial, our lives start to ring hollow, empty and vacant. When, on the other hand, we live our lives dedicated to those things that matter most, a greater sense of happiness rubs up against us, walks beside us, calls on us, and even moves in and redecorates our bathrooms. The choice is obvious. But deciding what matters and what doesn’t is sometimes, and for some people, less obvious. This is especially true in a Hollywood-centric, pop-culture saturated media-driven ethic. In such a culture, the substanceless can appear heavy with content, the silly can look profound and the meaningless can seem pregnant with meaning. So what then truly matters? Here’s a few items on my list. See if they match up with yours. 4 Things that Matter 1. Values Matter Our values id...
This is a good list of common English idioms which is helpful for improving your English.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Emily from UK