One of the most depressing things about British politics right now – and trust me, there are plenty of things to get depressed about – is the fact that there aren't really any mainstream politicians who're willing to be honest…
Chunk of the day: a rite of passage
Generally speaking, I'm not one for complaining about people’s use of language, and certainly not those supposed transgressions of grammar rules such as using like when reporting speech, saying there were less people than expected, or that people are loving…
Chunk of the day: having some work done
Those of you who follow my ongoing series of ONE-MINUTE ENGLISH videos on YouTube or Instagram may have noticed that I've recently started filming them from the chaos of my attic. You'll have seen the piles of boxes behind me,…
Chunk of the day: Needs must
After class yesterday, I popped out to grab a bite to eat from one of the little cafés near where I live. As I was walking back, I bumped into an old friend of mine who I hadn't seen for…
Chunk of the day: room for improvement
This afternoon I interviewed someone who's applied to do one of our language courses this summer. We like to Skype people who are coming to study with us because it helps us get a feel for their level of English,…
Chunk of the day: on the wagon
This Friday I'll be meeting an old friend of mine called Jon. I'm looking forward to seeing him as it's been a while since we last met, but I'm also slightly worried as ever since we arranged to go out…
Chunk of the day: on an industrial scale
On Sunday evening, as I was getting dinner ready for my kids, I listened to a programme on BBC Radio 4 about money laundering – the process of hiding the origin of money that's been obtained from illegal activities by…
Chunk of the day: You’re best … -ing
I overheard an awkward conversation between a native speaker and some tourists this morning in the centre of London. It was one of those exchanges that, as an English language teacher, I often feel compelled to intervene in, although this…
Chunk of the day: go through a rough patch
According to some recent research I read, the number of divorces in the UK last year was highest among men and women aged 40 to 44. I mention this because this afternoon, I had one of those depressing kinds of…
Chunk of the day: dark horse
A week or so ago, I gave a talk at a conference for English language teachers in Liestal, in the north of Switzerland. While I was there, I bumped into an old friend of mine that I hadn't seen each…