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Some pairs of words often occur together. If you meet one, you can expect the other. This makes it easier for ESL students to understand written and spoken language, and build their vocabulary as well. Word partnerships are seen in ESL classes which become useful and necessary for everyday language. Higher level ESL programs also present this type of vocabulary, but they add other more complex or specialized word combinations. ESL students have a chance to see them, practice them, and use them in everyday situations.

Below you will see different combinations of word partnerships:

Verb – noun combinations

1. Answer the phone
2. Appoint a new manager
3. Arrange a meeting
4. Export goods
5. Pay tax
6. Solve a problem
7. Type a letter
8. Welcome a visitor
9. Fill a vacancy
10. Interview an applicant
11. Offer a discount
12. Owe some money
13. Rent office space
14. Run a business
15. Send a fax
16. Sign a contract
17. Address a meeting
18. Arrange a demonstration
19. Consider a proposal
20. Fire an employee
21. Keep a record
22. Pay an invoice
23. Place an order
24. Phone a client
25. Build a factory
26. Cash a cheque
27. Dispatch goods
28. Express thanks
29. Postpone a meeting
30. Reach an agreement
31. Reduce costs
32. Settle disputes

EXAMPLES

1.    They might offer you a discount if you pay within ten days.
2.    Do you need a license to export goods to the Soviet Union?
3.    Don’t forget we have to pay tax on the profit we made.
4.    I’m trying to arrange a meeting with my bank manager next Tuesday.
5.    They hope to reduce costs by employing fewer staff.
6.    Could you arrange a demonstration so we can see exactly how it works?
7.    It’s not always easy to settle disputes between management and staff.
8.    They’re going to build a factory on some vacant land nearby.

Adjective – noun combinations

33. Annual conference
34. Early retirement
35. Extended credit
36. Limited liability
37. Natural resources
38. Occupational pension
39. Private offer
40. Unfair dismissal
41. Effective communication
42. Financial difficulties
43. High priority
44. Introductory offer
45. Skilled workers
46. Sound investment
47. Vacant property
48. Wide range
49. Continuous supply
50. Fundamental disagreement
51. Illustrated brochure
52. Multi-national company
53. Potential customer
54. Prompt reply
55. Strict control
56. Visual aid
57. Advanced technology
58 .Alternative arrangements
59. Close attention
60. Competitive quote
61. Considerable expense
62. Essential requirement
63. Manual labor
64. Raw materials

EXAMPLES

1.    As a special introductory offer, they’re selling two for the price of one.
2.    I’m going to the annual conference of our trade union.
3.    He was only 50 but he decided to take early retirement.
4.    There is a shortage of skilled workers for this kind of work.
5.    We can’t use the hall so we’ll have to make alternative arrangements.
6.    They were recently taken over by a multi-national company.
7.    I’d like you to meet her. She could be a potential customer.
8.    I want you to pay close attention to everything he does.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.englishlci.com as the original source).

Every day we hear different proverbs used in our discussions.  A proverb is defined in the English dictionary as “a short well-known expression that states a general truth or provides advice.”  Proverbs are also often referred to as “sayings.” They are a favorite way for teachers to impart age-old wisdom to students, and especially useful for parents trying to help children learn valuable life lessons.  If you are presently taking ESL classes, you will find that studying and even implementing some of these words of wisdom into your everyday conversations will help you further understand the language.  Learning common proverbs will also aid your understanding of some common phrases that are often shortened versions of longer proverbs.  Here are 10 of the most common proverbs (and their meanings) that you’re likely to hear as you continue your English learning adventures.

1.    People who live in glass houses should never throw stones.
You shouldn’t criticize others unless you have no faults yourself.

2.    A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Going with a sure thing is better than risking an unknown.

3.    A miss is as good as a mile.
A miss is a miss regardless of how much you missed by.

4.    A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
Regardless of how strong you think something is, it is still vulnerable at its weakest point.

5.    An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
It’s easier to prevent something in the first place than to fix it afterwards.

6.    A word to the wise is sufficient.
A smart person only needs to be told something once.

7.    A thousand mile journey begins with one step.
Focus on getting started instead of the length of the total journey.

8.    Actions speak louder than words.
You can demonstrate more of what you mean by doing something instead of just talking about it.

9.    He can’t see the forest for the trees.
Sometimes we get too focused on little things instead of seeing the big picture.

10.    He who hesitates is lost.
Sometimes an opportunity will pass you by if you take too long to make a decision.

There are hundreds of proverbs in the English language, many of which can be found in various collections in libraries and bookstores.  You can also find many sites online that provide free word games and puzzles that allow you to test your knowledge of some common proverbs by filling in blank portions of the saying.  It’s a great way to practice English language skills, so the next time you hear someone say, “It never rains but it pours”, you’ll know that they’re using a proverb. Try using some during your ESL lessons and you’ll most definitely impress your teacher and classmates!

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.englishlci.com as the original source).

ESL students all have one main frustration in common. Your teachers at your ESL school, family, everyone you know tell you that the best way to improve your English speaking skills is to practice, practice, and practice. Get out there and put everything you’re learning in your ESL class to good use. So, you go out, armed to the teeth with great vocabulary, useful expressions, and motivation to spare, but…you don’t know how to start a conversation. It can be awkward enough for those who are native speakers, imagine for those who are learning the language and perhaps are able to handle only the basics.

No matter what your level is, no matter how long you’ve been taking ESL classes, everyone has to practice. If you’re unsure as to the best way to start a conversation, here are some sure-fire hits:

1) Seize an opportunity to make a comment
If you happen to be a social event, like someone’s birthday party, Christmas dinner, or run-of-the-mill informal gathering, comment on the food, music, or décor. Chose someone to direct the comment to and say something like, “This is delicious! Do you know what this is?” or “I love this song! Do you like Gwen Stefani?” The conversation should flow from there on. Don’t forget to introduce yourself at an opportune moment.

2) Pick someone to introduce yourself to
At a social event, you may recognize someone from school, the gym, or any of your extracurricular activities. Just walk up to the individual in question and say, “Hi! You attend classes at …, don’t you? I’m …., by the way.” Maybe you know who someone is although you haven’t been properly introduced. Starting a conversation is as easy as saying, “Hi there! You’re John’s brother, aren’t you?”

3) Ask a question
Asking someone a question is an infallible way to start a conversation. You may use any excuse like, “Excuse me. Do you know what this is?” (about exotic food) or “Are you a friend of Sarah’s or Michael’s?” (at a wedding). Your options should be obvious depending on the situation. Other useful questions are:
-    “Where are you from?” (to a foreign-looking person – another ESL learner, perhaps!)
-    “Do you work/study with Josh?”
-    “How do you know Jack?”
-    “I’m not from here. Is this a typical/important tradition/custom in the US? (about Halloween/Thanksgiving or any American holiday).

Remember to say Hi or Hello first; smile and try to sound friendly and honestly interested in talking to the person. Wait and see what their answer is before going on with the next question. Don’t attack an unsuspecting individual with an arsenal of questions.

So, overcome your shyness; don’t worry about your accent or pronunciation. Try to do the best you can, after all, you’re not being tested here, like at your ESL school. The goal is to communicate! You should strive to be spontaneous and speak English in a real, informal setting. It may be difficult at first, but, as we say, “if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again”, and you’ll notice improvement in no time. You’ll be speaking like one of the locals. And making friends at the same time! What more could you ask for?

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.englishlci.com as the original source).