Category: English In A Minute

Introduction A problem is something bad, and we all have them. There are some words that we often use together, like ‘have’ and ‘problem’ – these are called collocations. Learn…

BethShare, as a verb, can mean use or have something at the same time as someone else. Do you want to share my umbrella? It’s often used with food to…

BethThere are lots of different uses of the preposition over. First, over means in a higher position than something else, which might be moving or not. The car goes over…

PhilLet’s learn the noun energy. Firstly, it’s the power that people and animals have that lets them move and think. ExamplesI’m going to get a lot done today. I’m full…

PhilLet’s learn paint. The noun is just coloured liquid that makes thing look nice. The verb is more complicated. If you paint something it can mean that you put paint…

PhilLet’s learn the verb consider. It can mean spend time to think, or think about something. ExamplesI’m going to take some time to consider, then I’ll tell you my decision.I’m…

BethAppropriate as an adjective means suitable or right for a specific occasion or situation. Is it appropriate to wear trainers to a conference?Is this film appropriate for children under five?…

BethAs a noun, capacity means the total amount that can be produced or contained. The farm is working at full capacity. It can’t produce any more milk.The export capacity of…

PhilLet’s learn quality. It’s a noun and it’s an adjective. When we use it on its own, it usually means that something is good, very good. ExamplesThe shop has been…

PhilLet’s learn cause. As a verb, it can mean ‘make something happen’, and it’s usually something bad. ExamplesI didn’t cause the accident. It was him.The flooding was caused by heavy…

BethGeneral is an adjective with a similar meaning to common. It means involving most people and things. There is general interest in caring for animals and the environment.The general mood…

BethMaterial is something physical that things can be made from. For example, wood, plastic or bricks. What material is your water bottle made from? Is it plastic?To build a house,…

PhilLet’s learn count. It can be a noun, but in this programme, we’re going to look at it as a verb. The first meaning is all about numbers. If you…

PhilLet’s learn schedule. It’s a verb and a noun, and you can say it as /ˈskedʒ.uːl/ or /ˈʃedʒ.uːl/. As a noun, it can be a plan or a list, of…

BethDuring is a preposition. It means throughout a particular period of time. It’s commonly used with time words, like ‘the morning’, ‘the day’ and ‘the night’. I work during the…