Brief Summary
This video from English for Everyone with Kevin and Liza focuses on common pronunciation and grammar mistakes made by English language learners. It covers specific errors related to the pronunciation of words with "tu" and "ine" endings, the correct usage of articles and prepositions in certain phrases, and verb conjugations. The video aims to help viewers refine their English skills and avoid these frequent mistakes through clear explanations and practice exercises.
- Correct pronunciation of words starting with "tu" and ending with "ine".
- Proper use of articles (a, the) and prepositions (in, a).
- Avoiding non-existent phrases like "swiped away" and using correct alternatives.
- Accurate verb usage, such as "get a bachelor's" instead of "do a bachelor's".
Pronunciation of 'Tutor' and Words Starting with 'Tu'
The video starts by addressing the mispronunciation of the word "tutor". It highlights that the "tu" at the beginning of a word should be pronounced with a clear "t" sound, not a "ch" sound. While the "ch" sound can occur in the middle of words like "adventure" or "nature", it's incorrect at the start of words like "tutor" or "tuba". The speakers emphasise using the real "t" sound in these cases and provide practice examples to reinforce the correct pronunciation.
Using 'The' with App Names: Microsoft Copilot Example
The presenters address the correct way to refer to app names, using "Microsoft Copilot" as an example. They explain that you can either use the name directly, such as "Microsoft Copilot", or include the word "app" with the definite article "the", like "the Microsoft Copilot app". The key point is that you shouldn't say "Microsoft Copilot app" without the "the". Examples are provided to illustrate the correct usage, and viewers are encouraged to share their knowledge of the app in the comments.
Correct Usage of 'Once a Month' vs. 'Once in a Blue Moon'
This section clarifies the proper use of the phrases "once a day," "once a week," "once a month," and "once a year." The instructors emphasise that the preposition "in" should not be used in these common expressions. However, they introduce the exception of the idiom "once in a blue moon," which means very rarely. Examples and practice exercises are included to help viewers differentiate between the standard phrases and the idiomatic expression.
Using 'A Couple (of) Years Ago'
The video explains the correct way to say "a couple years ago." It's essential to include "a" before "couple," making it "a couple years ago." The "of" is optional, so you can say "a couple of years ago" as well. The key takeaway is the necessity of the article "a" before "couple." Examples and practice are provided to solidify understanding.
Pronunciation of 'Dopamine'
This segment focuses on the pronunciation of "dopamine." The instructors clarify that the correct pronunciation ends with a long "e" sound, like "green beans," rather than an "i" sound. They explain that dopamine is a chemical in the brain that makes you happy and provide examples of its usage. The video also touches on the three different pronunciations of words ending in "e" when they have multiple syllables, setting the stage for further pronunciation practice.
Avoiding 'Swiped Away' and Using 'Swept Away'
The presenters address the incorrect phrase "swiped away," clarifying that it doesn't exist in common English usage. While "swipe" is a verb used for actions on phones or with credit cards, the correct phrasal verb to use in the context of being overwhelmed is "swept away." They explain the verb "sweep" and its past tense "swept," providing examples such as "the car was swept away by the flood" to illustrate the correct usage.
Using 'The Most' with Openings
This section highlights the importance of using the definite article "the" when using "most" to describe job openings. The correct phrase is "jobs with the most openings," not "jobs with most openings." The instructors use the example of a company hiring and having many job openings to illustrate the proper usage.
Saying 'Get a Bachelor's' Instead of 'Do a Bachelor's'
The video corrects the common mistake of saying "do a bachelor's." The correct verb to use is "get," as in "get a bachelor's." They emphasise that "bachelor's" is countable and requires the article "a," whether you say "a bachelor's degree" or simply "a bachelor's." Examples are provided to reinforce the correct usage.
Using 'For Studying Abroad' or 'To Study Abroad'
This segment addresses the correct way to express the reason for choosing a location for studying abroad. The instructors explain that after "for," you need to use a gerund, making it "for studying abroad." Alternatively, you can use "to study abroad," which often sounds better. Examples and practice exercises are included to help viewers understand the correct phrasing.
Using 'This Is What' Instead of 'This What'
The presenters correct the omission of the verb "is" in the phrase "this what would help you." The correct phrasing is "this is what would help you." They emphasise the necessity of including the verb "to be" for grammatical accuracy and provide examples to illustrate the proper sentence structure.
Pronunciation of 'Progress'
This section focuses on the American pronunciation of the word "progress." The instructors clarify that in American English, it's pronounced with an open "a" sound, like "hot" and "stop," rather than a long "o" sound. They provide examples and practice exercises to help viewers adopt the correct American pronunciation.
Pronunciation of 'Dopamine' (Revisited)
The video revisits the pronunciation of "dopamine," reinforcing that it should be pronounced with a long "e" sound at the end, similar to "green beans." This repetition serves to solidify the correct pronunciation in the viewer's mind.
Pronunciation of Words Ending in 'Ine' - Part 1
This section begins a detailed exploration of words ending in "ine" and their various pronunciations. It highlights that while one-syllable words ending in "ine" have a long "i" sound, multi-syllable words can have three different pronunciations: "I" as in "Valentine," "e" as in "magazine," and "in" as in "imagine." The focus is on words with the "in" sound, as students often make mistakes with this pronunciation. Examples include "medicine," "margarine," "intestine," "genuine," "famine," and "jasmine," with detailed pronunciation breakdowns and practice exercises for each word.
Pronunciation of Words Ending in 'Ine' - Part 2
Continuing the exploration of "ine" endings, this section focuses on words pronounced with the "in" sound. Examples include "turban/turbine," "adrenaline," "heroin/heroine," "doctrine," "determine," and "urine." The instructors provide pronunciation breakdowns, usage examples, and practice exercises for each word, clarifying any potential confusion, such as the similar pronunciation of "heroin" (the drug) and "heroine" (a female hero).
Pronunciation of Words Ending in 'Ine' - Part 3
The final section on "ine" endings covers words pronounced with the short "i" sound, as in "imagine." Examples include "imagine," "examine," "engine," "discipline," "feminine," and "masculine." The instructors provide detailed pronunciation guides, usage examples, and practice exercises for each word, reinforcing the "in" sound and helping viewers differentiate it from other possible pronunciations. The video concludes by summarising the key points and encouraging viewers to subscribe for more pronunciation tips.
