VIP Class Notes (David) [S]

Most of the parts is on writing emails. -> 1. OK – Most of the parts is for writing emails. 2. Better (more clear) – Most of the English I use is for writing emails. 3. Best (using active voice) I use English mostly for writing emails.

Speaking English not very often. -> I speak English not very often. -> I don’t speak English very often.

sometimes we need do some conference call with our global team. -> Sometimes we need to do have/hold some conference calls with our global team.

I haven’t spoke English for a long time -> I haven’t spoken English for a long time.

The frequent of speaking English will be much more than the past. -> The frequency of speaking English will be much more/higher than the past.

My main job is retail marketing and we will have close communication with landlords. We do some in-store events frequently. -> Tip: Make sure to have a slight break between words, especially when the words could easily combine in the reader’s ears. “in-storevents” – sounds like “in-storyvent.”

Grammar

Active voice vs. passive voice – the subject of your sentence should be “doing” the verb, avoid using sentences where the subject has the verb “done” to it.

ex: Active: He walks the dog. Passive: The dog is being walked by him. Active: He drinks the coffee. Passive: The coffee was drank by him.

Some + plural – when you use the word “some”, always follow it with a plural noun. ex: some meetings, some calls

Gerunds: when you use a verb+ing to make a noun, often used as the subject of a sentence.

ex: Speaking English is difficult. Running is fun.

Preposition “to” – when you use “to” before a verb, make sure to use the infinitive (simple) form of the verb.

ex: I want to buying something.

Vocabulary

standard – normal, common, what is usually done or accepted

substandard – prefix sub means “less” or “less than”, less than what is normal or commonly done.

prefix: additional letters in front of a word that change the meaning of the word

ex: word: side; inside, outside. word: visible; invisible.

slurring your speech – when you don’t speak clearly and sounds combine in your mouth

Pronunciation

future – few-cher

atrium – long A: AA-tree-um

will – don’t say “wheeel”, focus on the short “i” sound and making your L’s clear