Taken from social networks and the PS English blog
How to speak well on the phone in natural British English
Are you someone who loves speaking, a ‘chatterbox’ as we say in natural British English, or are you more of ‘the reserved type’? Either way, when you are on the phone, it is easy to get ‘tripped up’ or ‘thrown’ by the issues that audio-only conversations present: a bad line, the other person’s accent, talking […]
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How to speak in a charming way in natural British English
If you want mastery of natural British English, you can think beyond being able to speak accurately and fluently to being able to speak in a charming way. Think of famous icons like Princess Diana, or James Bond. With relatively few words but a lot of charm they left great marks in the world and […]
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Business Idioms connected to fish
Fish have been a vital source of food throughout human history and are a very important part of many cultures’ cuisine. This has led to numerous fish-based idioms. Here are 10 that you will definitely hear in the British English workplace! 1) bigger fish to fry Meaning: a reference to having more important things to do than […]
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How to be kind in natural spoken British English
When a foreigner speaks your native language, what does it sound like to you? Pragmatic? Friendly? Kind? We often start learning languages by focusing on practical things like ordering in a restaurant or giving directions. This can be useful, but since English is an international language for business and socializing (and because we now have […]
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Business idioms connected to farming and agriculture
All human societies have their roots in farming and agriculture and as a result there are many idioms/expressions that originate in our past life living off the land. Here are 10 farming and agriculture idioms that are regularly used in the business English workplace. Included are the origins of some of the idioms to help you understand […]
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How to Make Friends In Natural British English
When you think about your closest friends, can you remember how you met them? Was it at school? At university? Were they your neighbours? Or friends of friends? No matter when you met these special people, no doubt they are treasures who make your life sparkle. Do you have a special way to describe them? […]
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Business Idioms connected to food
It’s not surprising really that there are so many business idioms connected to food, food is something that we need and probably love! Here is a selection of these idioms that you will definitely hear in the British English speaking workplace! 1) In a nutshell Meaning: Using as few words as possible Example: “In a nutshell, we […]
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How to be polite when speaking natural British English
Is being polite important in your country? Do you think you are more polite when speaking British English or when speaking your mother tongue? From my point of view, when people hear British English, the first thing they notice is a repeated use of ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. This makes them think British English is […]
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Business English idioms connected to nature
Everyone loves a good trip into the countryside to enjoy nature and so here are 10 of the best business English idioms which are connected to the natural world around us! Let’s learn these colourful expressions to enrich your speech at work and start mastering the English language like a native! 1) Head in the […]
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How to speak in a relaxed and natural way to friends in British English
Think about your closest friend. Their smile, their banter, their laugh. Do you have any special ways that you greet each other? Any ‘in’ words or funny jokes that you both know about and never grow old? Perhaps they are phrases from your favourite TV show that mean something special to the both of you. […]
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Business English idioms connected to music
Idioms are expressions that you usually can’t understand simply by looking at the individual words. They are very common in English and can be linked to different themes such as animals, sports, colours, clothes etc. This blog looks at idioms connected to music that you will commonly hear in Business English situations and workplaces. 1) […]
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How to speak like a leader in natural British English
When you think of a great leader, who comes to mind? Is it someone in your family? In your community? On TV? We are all inspired by different leaders from our different walks of life, but have you noticed that leaders have similar language traits? It’s true! And what is even more mind-blowing is that […]
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Business English idioms connected to clothes
British English has a great many idioms/expressions that you will commonly hear in the British workplace. This blog looks at 8 idioms connected to clothes that are very popular along with examples. 1) At the drop of a hat. Meaning: This idiom in English means to do something immediately, without notice or prior planning, or in […]
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How to be assertive in natural British English
Can you be both assertive and polite in natural British English? Well, as far as national stereotypes go, it would be hard to find an English language learner from around the world who, when asked to describe the British, doesn’t immediately say ‘Polite.’ It’s true. We use ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ what seems like all […]
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Business Idioms connected to Colours
Business Idioms/expressions are very commonly used in the British English workplace. They are often connected to themes such as sports, animals, the sea and many other areas of activity. This blog looks at eleven business idioms connected to colours that you will commonly hear used in the UK. 1) Once in a blue moon. Meaning: […]
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How to do a good Zoom call in Natural British English
I think you will all agree that communication etiquette has evolved due to the popularity of online video call platforms like Zoom. Have you noticed that words and phrases, such as ‘please unmute yourself’ or ‘is that a legacy hand’ weren’t in existence even 10 years ago but are now used daily by millions of […]
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10 Business Idioms related to the Military and War
The business world is full of military and war idioms/expressions. Of course many people refer to business as war! With that in mind, one of our teachers has picked 10 very common business idioms related to the military and war that you will definitely hear in an English speaking workplace! 1) Uphill battle Meaning: Trying to […]
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Body Idioms in Business English
We use idioms all the time in English, and this includes Business English. Very often, they are grouped around certain themes like sport, animals, the sea. One of the greatest sources of such idioms is the human body! Here are 10 idioms you will definitely hear in an English speaking workplace! 1) Word of mouth […]
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How To Be More Confident in Natural British English
When you speak in a foreign language, like British English, the natural confidence you have when speaking your native tongue can suddenly disappear. You can lack the right words, accidentally say phrases that don’t sound natural or panic because you think you aren’t making sense. Luckily, there are natural British English words and phrases you […]
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How to be a good host in natural British English
Whether you are hosting a business lunch, dinner party, child’s birthday party or anything in between, knowing you are speaking natural British English to your guests will make increase your confidence and make your event run even more smoothly. You will need to offer food or drink to your guests. Moreover, it is normal etiquette […]
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How to talk in a group in natural British English
When you are in a group of acquaintances, colleagues, or new friends, it is common to find it more difficult to speak than when you are talking to one person alone. The phrases you have learned in textbooks may not be suitable. People in the group may speak very fast or have unusual accents. It […]
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The elephant in the room…and other funny and interesting animal Business English expressions/idioms.
Business English has a great many visual and dramatic expressions/idioms which are commonly used and understood in real life business situations. There are many that are connected to animals and animal behaviour. Here are a few of the most popular ones, especially picked by one of PS English teachers. 1) The elephant in the room […]
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Back to basics: how to greet somebody – part 2
In the previous post, we looked at the question ‘How are you?’ and the regular way to answer – essentially: ‘I’m fine, thank you.’ We also said that this quickfire exchange is an extension of the initial greeting, without it being the speaker’s intention to know truly and honestly ask how somebody is. In this […]
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Back to basics: how to greet somebody
Learning a foreign language is obviously about constantly pushing forward to learn ever more vocabulary and grammatical structures. But sometimes, it is good to review the basics – to check that your understanding and use of everyday expressions is correct and sensitive to the subtleties of language. In doing so, oftentimes missed nuances of everyday […]
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Money matters
Phrasal verbs are the bane of non-native learners of English! They are commonly idiomatic in nature and can have several meanings, depending on the context. To be able to understand native speakers of English in daily conversation, it will be necessary to get to grips with them. In this short article, we introduce some useful […]
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Asking people to do things
In this short post, we will explore three ways to ask people to do things for you or get something from them. Each structure is based on the same basic phrase “Could you…?”, or “Do you…?”. The crucial point, therefore, is to understand the slight difference in meaning by using alternative forms. Example set 1 […]
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Responding to people’s news – how annoying!
Short, fixed expressions Continuing our series on responding to people’s news, how should you respond when someone tells you about something annoying that happened to them. In this entry, we take another look at short responses that aim to empathise with the speaker’s feelings. Our students often talk about the “catch-ball” difficulty of handling English […]
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We are on TikTok?
Peter’s been busy uploading ‘British English’ tips on TikTok daily! Peter’s daily language tips are specifically designed to improve your English and make it more natural and more British. Interested in learning more about British English? As a school of English in London, we specialise in private lessons – both face-to-face and online. We offer […]
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Responding to people’s news – health
Short fixed expressions How should you respond when someone tells you news about their health or about someone else they know? In this entry, we look at short but empathetic responses that will help you avoid embarrassment of not knowing what to say. Our students often talk about the “catch-ball” difficulty of handling English conversation. […]
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Formality and the UK – what do our politicians teach us?
On Wednesday 20th July 2022, Boris Johnson made his closing remarks in the House of Commons at his final Prime Minister’s Questions’ (PMQ) session. “I wanna thank you; I wanna thank all of the wonderful staff of the House of Commons; I wanna thank all my friends and colleagues; I wanna thank my Right Honourable […]
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Top 5 idioms with the extremely common word “it”
In this post, we introduce 5 idioms that are commonly used by native speakers of English using 'it'.
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Top 5 idiomatic phrases using “get”
In this post, we introduce 5 idiomatic phrases that are commonly used by native speakers of English. They are worth learning!
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10 useful idioms used by real British speakers!
1. to get up to something used to enquire about somebody’s leisure time in the hope that they report something interesting. A: “What did you get up to at the weekend / during your holiday?” B: [various answers] “We went camping.” With this meaning, we only use it as an interrogative. “I got up to […]
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Top 10 Overused Phrases and Words
To request “My husband/wife requested that I stop at the supermarket to get some shopping before coming home.” Comments: The English is accurate, but sounds overly formal. In day-to-day conversations involving requests or favours between friends, family or colleagues, we tend to use “ask”. “My husband/wife asked me to stop at the supermarket to get […]
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Short fixed expressions 2
Our students often ask PS English to help them improve their English conversation skills by making sentences longer. This approach to spoken English will definitely improve your fluency and overall English level, but sometimes in conversation, shorter is better! In part 1, we briefly described the “catch-ball” difficulty of handling speaking English. In part 2, […]
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Small Talk
For foreign students, small talk often presents a challenge for developing English conversation skills. It is often a double issue: a language challenge and a cultural issue. This is particularly true when talking about your routine private life with English-speaking colleagues and friends. It is PS English’s experience that our students struggle with making small […]
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British vs American English #1
Our students often ask PS English to help them improve their English conversation by learning key differences between British English and American English. In this series, our aim will be to highlight common English differences between British English and American English, looking both at pronunciation and vocabulary. It is important to remember, however, 2 points […]
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4 common mistakes made by our students #1
Our students often ask PS English to help them improve their English conversation skills by asking teachers to correct the most common mistakes. In this series, our aim will be to highlight common English mistakes (both English grammar and vocabulary) so as to help you improve your accuracy and overall English level. Accuracy may be […]
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Short fixed expressions
Our students often ask PS English to help them improve their English conversation skills by making sentences longer. This approach to spoken English will definitely improve your fluency and overall English level, but sometimes in conversation, shorter is better! They often talk about the “catch-ball” difficulty of handling English conversation. Like in a game of […]
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Coronavirus update as of 26th June 2020:
All private lessons are currently operating online only. We are maintaining our advice for lessons to continue online until further notice. However, if students and teachers agree, we are happy for lessons to take place in open public places as long as social distancing and government guideline are followed. We will continue to monitor the situation and will continue to […]
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Coronavirus update as of 15th May 2020
All private lessons are currently operating online only. Following the Prime Minister’s speech and the updated government advice on returning to work and social distancing, we are maintaining our advice for lessons to continue online until further notice. We will continue to monitor the situation and will continue to prioritise the safety of our students and teachers. Free […]
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Skype online English lessons during lockdown – tips for teachers
The following advice applies for the Skype online platform, but also contains more general useful for conducting online English lessons, whatever the platform. Some students have expressed interest in using Zoom or Microsoft Teams. We don’t go into the specifics of those here, but hope to write more about these in the coming weeks. General […]
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Coronavirus update as of 26th March 2020
All private lessons are currently operating online only. More flexibility between face-to-face private and SKYPE lessons possible when social distancing restrictions are eased. Free SKYPE consultation to discuss all your English learning options. A free 60-minute SKYPE trial lesson for current face-to-face private students. All 2020 expiry dates postponed until 2021. In light of the […]
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One-to-one English Lessons – Student Profiles
PS English is a private English Language school specialising in one-to-one English lessons for anyone living in London or online from anywhere in the world. Our client base comprises non-native English speakers who want to achieve their learning objectives through a personalised tailor-made series of English lessons. Other English Language schools in London will predominately […]
Read ArticlePS English Skype Outside London
Calling all Japanese expats living outside London who would like access to some of our experienced teachers offering one-to-one online Skype lessons. At PS English, we do not just cater for the Japanese community living in London. While it is true that they mainly take face-to-face lessons, we have a growing demand for quality private […]
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Summer promotion 2019 – 10% discount
Summer holidays have arrived with the possiblity of extra time for studying English! Take advantage of the opportunity and study English with us through private lessons during the weekday daytime with 10% off our regular off-peak prices. * 10% off all “off peak” lessons – start after 9 am and finish before 5 pm […]
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PS Golden Month! Up to 5 free lessons for all new students
To celebrate the end of this year’s extra long Golden Week, together with the dawn of the new ‘reiwa’ era, we are launching a spring promotion to welcome the arrival of new Japanese individuals and families to London. *Up to 5 free lessons are now available to all new PS English students that join us […]
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New Year Promotion
Start the new year with the best resolution that you could give yourself: to improve your spoken English communication skills in 2019! At PS English, throughout January, we are offering a 10% discount to all those who book a minimum of 30 hours of 1-1 English lessons, and there will be no joining fee for […]
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Daytime private lessons at Skype prices!
A call to all new students, housewives and flexible business people available for daytime English lessons. Book off-peak lessons by the 30th November and get the Skype prices instead. This doesn’t mean you need to take lessons on Skype. You can still enjoy the benefit of face-to-face lessons. Book as few or as many hours […]
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Teaching private English lessons in London & on Skype to Japanese
PS English is a school that specialises in teaching private English lessons in London, primarily for the Japanese community. We also teach on Skype for students around the world. In our 16-year history, we have attracted teachers and tutors from a wide range of backgrounds. Many teachers have lived in Japan teaching English through the […]
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Summer offers
Summer has most definitely arrived in London. Make the most of the summer months with some extra English tuition! We are offering 2 promotions until the end of August. Choose between intensive English lessons and online Skype lessons. Intensive lessons – get 5% off If you’re a new student looking for classes, we are offering […]
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3 aspects of English pronunciation that you’ve never considered
Do you regularly have difficulty being understood? Do you regularly struggle to understand other people speaking English? Studying English pronunciation and intonation in greater depth can have profoundly beneficial effects on your English skills. By focusing on and imitating features of native speakers’ pronunciation and intonation, you will sound more natural (if that’s your goal), […]
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5 Myths about English in London
English spoken in London is a complicated affair, but is fascinating in its ever-shifting forms. Let’s take a look at some entrenched beliefs. 1. Everybody speaks the Queen’s English. Arguably the Queen’s English does represent a standard form of British English known more technically as Received Pronunciation (RP). This accent has been a prestigious […]
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English conversation lessons in London as 1-1 lessons
English conversation lessons in London as 1-1 lessons Learning English can take many forms. By taking English conversation lessons in London with PS English, we try to tailor the lessons to match the uses of English that students actually want. What makes a good conversation lesson? 1. Maximise speaking time You need to speak as […]
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Online English lessons – To Skype or not to Skype?
The growth of the internet and ever increasing broadband speeds at affordable prices have opened up a sizeable niche in the eikaiwa sector – that of online English lessons on Skype or other platforms such as Google Hangouts. In Japan, there is fierce competition between competing eikaiwa schools that solely focus on this way of […]
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Listen up! Tips to improve your listening.
Improve your English listening skills with authentic material and accompanying transcripts A common question we get asked at PS English by our students is how to improve listening skills, so to try to help, we have complied some English tips for listening. One of the best ways to do so is to find some self-study […]
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7 Utilities that will be useful for British life!
Starting a new life in London can be daunting. Here are a few ideas from the web to help you settle in and find your way around. City mapper This is a navigation application. In London, we often use subways and buses, but this is a handy app that teaches the best route by combining […]
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