5 Surprisingly Common Phrasal Verbs That Most Learners Don’t Know
Here’s a question for you: What’s the most difficult thing about learning English? When I ask this question to English learners, the most common answer is: “Phrasal verbs! Why do […]
Author: Gabriel Clark
6 Things About English You (Probably) Don’t Know
Are you an English teacher? You might also like Surprising English Teaching Facts I Learnt Last Week: Advice From 4 Experts. As you may have noticed, I’ve been away! Last […]
Meet My Awesome Parents and Learn These 8 Useful English Phrases
Want more natural British English? Check out Can You Understand These 8 Natural British English Questions? Have you ever sat down with your parents and had a good chat about […]
Do You Know How to Use “Will”? Are You Sure?
Today you’re going to learn how to use “will” in 4 ways that you probably haven’t thought of before. Want to talk about the future? Click here. Go ahead — […]
42 Crazy Australian English Words and Phrases
You’re about to learn 42 Australian English words and phrases to make you sound like a real Aussie. As you may have noticed from last week’s post about Australian signs, […]
Can You Understand These 12 Australian English Signs?
You’re about to find out how well you understand Australian English signs. Want more English quizzes? Check out The Big, Fat Clark and Miller English Quiz 2017. Back in August, […]
7 Tricks to Understand Phrasal Verbs Without a Dictionary
You’re about to learn how to understand the meaning of some phrasal verbs without looking them up! For more phrasal verbs, check out 25 Phrasal Verbs and Their “Normal” Equivalents. […]
Meet, Meet with or Meet up with (Plus 5 Idioms with Meet)
“Meet,” “meet with” or “meet up with”? If you’re like most English learners, you’re probably getting these phrases mixed up. We use these phrases in slightly different ways, and we […]
Adding Emphasis in English – 3 Advanced Tricks
You’re about to learn 3 ways to add emphasis in English. For more advanced English tips, check out Inversion with Negative Adverbials. Here’s a common situation for high-level English learners. […]
“Go to My Sister” Or “Go to My Sister’s”? Talking About Visiting People in English
Today, I’m going to show you how to talk about (and how not to talk about) visiting people in English. While you’re here, check out the 17 best Clark and […]
17 Free English Lessons: Best of Clark and Miller 2017
Today, I’m going to show you the 17 best free English lessons from Clark and Miller in 2017. It’s the end of the year! And you survived it. Congratulations! When […]
Numbers in English: The Ultimate Guide
This is the ultimate guide to saying (or reading out) numbers in English. Also check out Maths Vocabulary in English: Do You Know the Basics? Today, you’re going to learn […]
How to Remember English Words – With 9 Advanced Vocabulary Examples
I showed you how to remember English rules with these 11 little drawings. Today, I’m going to show you how to remember English words forever (I hope!) using a special […]
Ashamed or Embarrassed: Which One Should I Use?
Today, we’re going to get clear about the difference between ashamed or embarrassed. While you’re here, check out these 17 Free English Lessons: Best of Clark and Miller 2017. Should […]
Word Order in English: Are You Making These Typical Mistakes?
You’re about to find out the 2 typical mistakes that English learners make with word order. Click here for 3 more classic mistakes that learners make. One of the most […]
3 Classic English Mistakes That Learners Make
For more common mistakes that English learners make, take a look at Are You Making These 4 Advanced English Mistakes? You know the expression “we learn from our mistakes,” right? […]
5 Common British English Phrases for Stressful Situations
#1 Lost the plot #2 Throw a spanner in the works #3 Nice one! #4 Don’t mess me around #5 It does my head in Summary Here’s a question. Who […]
Do You Know These 5 Common British English Words?
Want more British English? Have a look at 5 Common British English Phrases and Do You Know These 8 Very British Idioms? Why does it happen? It happens all the […]
Surprising English Teaching Facts I Learnt Last Week – Advice From 4 Experts
Today I’d like to share something a little different with you. Last weekend I went to Vilnius, Lithuania, to go to the LAKMA international conference on English teaching. It was […]
How to Answer “How Are You?” + 9 Interesting Ways to Ask It
Today I’m going to show you some more creative ways to ask and answer “How are you?” in English. You’ll also like 28 Phrases to Feel Comfortable in English Conversations. […]
The Big, Fat Clark and Miller English Quiz 2017
Learning English can be great fun. But yes — it can also be annoying. Sometimes the rules don’t make any sense. Sometimes you learn a phrase, then discover that there’s […]
4 Simple Changes to Make You Sound More Fluent in English
You’re going to learn 4 little changes you can make to your English right now to sound more natural. Also check out 2 Things You’re (Probably) Doing That Make You […]
8 Better Words for “Happy” Plus 33 More Positive Emotion Adjectives & Idioms
Today, you’re going to learn 41 positive emotion adjectives and idioms to describe happy emotions. For more positive English words, check out 59 Positive Personality Adjectives! Do you ever find […]
Do You Know This Little English Trick to Make People Laugh?
This is the last of a 3-part series on advanced conditionals in English. Click here for part 1 (mixed conditionals). Click here for part 2 (inverted conditionals). You may have […]
Inverted Conditionals: Have You Mastered This Advanced English Trick?
Let’s take a look at inverted conditionals in English. For more advanced English, check out Are You Making These 4 Advanced English Mistakes? In this post, you’re going to learn […]
Mixed Conditionals in English — Never Get Confused Again
When we learn about conditional sentences in English, we usually learn the four basic types: Type 0 — “If it rains, the ground gets wet.” Type 1 — “If he […]
25 Phrasal Verbs and When Not to Use Them
Today, you’re going to learn 25 phrasal verbs and their “normal” equivalents. For more English vocabulary, check out 59 Positive Personality Adjectives to Describe Your Favourite Friends. Here’s a piece of […]
25 Common English Euphemisms
Today, you’re going to learn 25 common euphemism phrases in English. While you’re here, check out 28 Phrases to Feel Comfortable in English Conversations. Euphemisms are words (or phrases) we […]
Can You Understand These 8 Natural British English Questions?
Today you’re going to hear 8 tricky questions that a British English speaker might ask you. Also check out 7 Things British English Speakers Say That Your Teacher Told You […]
5 Ways to Get People to Like You in English (With 38 Useful Phrases)
Here’s a situation that I’m sure you’ve experienced. You’re having an awesome conversation with someone in English. It’s going well, and it seems that you can do that amazing thing […]
11 Little Drawings That Will Help You Remember English Rules Forever
This blog post was so popular that I turned it into a book: 102 Little Drawings That Will Help You Remember English Rules FOREVER (Probably). It’s available as an eBook […]
Can You Understand These 22 British English Signs?
Where are you from? What does your country specialise in? Some countries are really good at spicy foods. Some countries are excellent at public services, like hospitals and stuff. Maybe […]
Pub Chat With Pietro — 6 Answers From a Successful English Learner
It’s true — advanced English can be tough! You’ve learned all the grammar rules, and your vocab keeps on growing. But there’s still that feeling that you haven’t quite “nailed” […]
3 Things That Surprised Me About British Culture (With 23 Advanced English Phrases)
It’s amazing how much your own culture can amaze you. Have you ever felt that way? You’re away from your own town, county or country for a while, and then […]
Forget Studying: 4 Ways to Better English with (Almost) Zero Effort
Let me ask you a question: What are your plans for the summer (or if you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, read “July/August”)? It’s a simple enough question, but I want […]
2 Things You’re (Probably) Doing That Make You Sound Unnatural in English
Today, you’re going to learn how to fix 2 unnatural mistakes you’re (probably) making in English. Also check out 4 Simple Changes to Make You Sound More Fluent in English. […]
Do You Know These 8 Very British Idioms?
You’re about to learn 8 British idioms. Also check out 5 Common British English Words. So you can express yourself beautifully in English (partly thanks to our big tenses review, […]
Are You Making These 4 Advanced English Mistakes? (Hint: You Probably Are!)
We all do it when we learn a language. I’ve done it, and I’m sure you’ve done it, too. You go through years of speaking English using a particular word, […]
Razor Sharp & Filthy Rich: 12 Ways to Make Your Adjectives Awesome
For some more useful English adjectives, check out 59 Positive Personality Adjectives! So you’re cooking with your teenage daughter, and she’s helping you out with the salad. She needs to […]
4 Hacks That Will Make You Understand Non-Action Verbs (Stative Verbs) Forever
Look at this sign. Is there something wrong with it? This is a derivative of “i’m lovin it” by Leonid Mamchenkov, used under CC BY. Think about it carefully. Because […]
5 English proverbs to stop your friends doing something stupid
Let me ask you a question: Who’s the person in your life who has always made you feel better when you were down? Maybe they’ve comforted you after something awful […]
4 Ways to Use the Present Simple and Present Continuous That You (Probably) Didn’t Know
Let’s take a good look at how the continuous tenses work. This lesson is about the present simple and present continuous. Click here for the perfect simple and continuous. Click […]
Perfect Simple and Perfect Continuous: English Grammar for Visual Learners
Let’s take a good look at how the continuous tenses work. This lesson is about the perfect simple and present continuous. Click here for the present simple and continuous. Click […]
Past Simple and Past Continuous: An Easy Way to Look at It
Let’s take a good look at how the continuous tenses work. This lesson is about the past simple and past continuous. Click here for the perfect simple and continuous. Click […]
28 Phrases to Feel Comfortable in English Conversations
In this lesson, you’re going to learn 28 phrases to help you in English conversations. Also check out 4 Simple Changes to Make You Sound More Fluent in English. Conversations […]
How to learn from a real English conversation (plus 18 natural English phrases)
Let me introduce you to my excellent and hard-working student, Pietro: Not long ago, he asked me what he should use to practice listening in English. So I thought about […]
Why Reported Speech Is a Waste of Time (And What You Should Say Instead)
Have you ever walked away from an English lesson saying, “What?! How?! Why does this language have to be so complicated?!” If you’ve felt like this, you’ve either just walked […]
9 Bands to Improve Your English
Check out this guy: Kind of fun, right? So why am I showing you a video of someone teaching English through rapping? Well, that’s Jason R. Levine, also known as […]
7 things British English speakers say that your teacher told you not to
For more British English, have a look at these 8 Very British Idioms. Have you had the experience of leaving an English lesson feeling confident and able to speak English? […]
Crime vocabulary infographic (part 2) – 8 criminals and their crimes
This crime vocabulary infographic is part 2 of a series on English crime vocabulary. You can find part 1 here. Do you know these 8 crimes, how to describe the […]
Phrasal verbs in 5 situations and how to learn them
I’m going to ask you a question. I’m also going to guess your answer. I think that I’ll guess your answer correctly. Here’s the question: What do you find the […]
66 Negative Personality Adjectives to Describe People in English
In this lesson, you’re going to learn 66 negative adjectives to describe people. Check out 59 Positive Personality Adjectives here. Sometimes we meet people we don’t like — “bad” people! Let’s […]
‘-ing’ or ‘to’? Part 2: subjects, objects and ‘extra information’
This is part 2 of a series of posts on “-ing” and “to,” a.k.a. gerund and infinitive. Click here for part 1. Back in December I introduced you to these lovely people. […]
What Should I Read in English? 8 Books That You Will Finish
Prefer to listen instead of read? Click here for the podcast episode on choosing the best books for English learners. Here are two questions: How many books have you started […]
Vocab Upgrade: 30 English Words, Phrases and Idioms to Use Instead Of “Crazy”
In this lesson, you’re going to learn some words, phrases and idioms for “crazy.” Be sure to check out 66 Negative Personality Adjectives, too. When we call people“crazy,” what do […]
Confusing English words: 10 words you thought had the same meaning (part 2)
As I’ve probably said before, I love it when you ask me questions. If you ask questions, it means you’re going to learn more. Recently, I’ve been getting a lot […]
The Big, Fat English Tenses Overview (With PDF)
Would you prefer to read this post as a PDF? Click here. Also, check out the Ultimate Guide to Numbers in English. First, take a look at this image. It […]
5 must-learn English proverbs and how to use them (part 2)
This is part 2 of a series of posts on English proverbs. Click here for part 1. English proverbs are powerful things. They can express 100 words, so they’re efficient. […]
Make your stories more interesting and your goals more real in English
It’s the beginning of a new year! The new year is a time for looking forward and setting goals for the year, and also for looking back and reflecting on […]
16 tips from 2016: clean up your English and learn like a master
2017 is about to start and I’d like to ask you a question: “How good will your English be at the end of 2017?” Think about it for a second. […]
‘-ing’ or ‘to’? Everything you need to know (part one: after verbs)
This is part 1 of a series of posts on “-ing” and “to,” a.k.a. gerund and infinitive. Click here for part 2. So you know how to talk about the […]
Issue, Trouble and Problem
Finally, a common point of confusion. The main differences “Problem” is the general word. “Issue” is more diplomatic and less negative. “Trouble” is uncountable. The details Problem “Problem” is […]
Fate and Destiny
The main difference “Destiny” is usually positive and out of your control. “Fate” is usually negative and is less spiritual. The details Destiny Destiny is a big word. When […]
Aim for / Aim at
The main difference Look at these wonderful people doing odd (strange) things: Who’s saying “aim for”? Who’s saying “aim at”? “Aim for” is trying to get yourself somewhere. “Aim at” […]
Fix, Repair and Mend
“Fix,” “repair” and “mend” have very similar meanings, but there is a difference in how we use them and what we use them for. The main difference Take a look […]
10 English words you thought had the same meaning
One of my university professors once told me that it’s impossible to have two words in English with EXACTLY the same meaning. When that happens, one of the words dies […]
59 Positive Personality Adjectives to Describe Your Favourite Friends
In this lesson, you’re going to learn 59 positive personality adjectives in English. Check out 66 Negative Personality Adjectives here. Let’s look at some positive words to describe people. There […]
Better English Pronunciation – 27 Experts Share Their Top Tip
In this lesson, you’re going to learn how to improve your English pronunciation. Also check out 4 Simple Changes to Make You Sound More Fluent in English. Recently, a lot […]
Future Tenses in English – 10 Alternatives to ‘Will’
You’re about to learn 10 different ways to talk about the future in English. Also check out 17 Free English Lessons: Best of Clark and Miller 2017. There are two […]
“It” and “This”: The Difference Made Easy
Sometimes we get suggestions for the blog from our readers. Last week, Vladimir asked us to explain the difference between “it” and “this.” I have to admit that I’d never really thought […]
Activate Your English and Use Vocabulary Like a Native
With over a million words, learning English can be a scary challenge. But there are ways to make learning new words easier and to cut the time it takes to […]
Crime Vocabulary (Part 1)
Here’s a fascinating infographic to increase your crime vocabulary in English and use English grammar naturally in conversation… with CRIME! This is the first part of our three-part crime vocabulary […]
One simple hack to master the present perfect
Today, I’d like to talk about a special tense in English. A lot of people have problems learning it because it either doesn’t exist in other languages, or the rules are […]
What should I watch in English? Answers from a teacher (part 1)
I love answering questions from my students. In my experience, students who ask questions usually learn English faster. Sometimes I get strange, difficult and interesting questions from my students. Let’s […]
English grammar tricks that work (part 2)
There are some English grammar points that can drive learners crazy. But the problem isn’t the grammar. Or the learner. You need to change the way you look at the “problem.” Here […]
5 must-learn English proverbs and how to use them
English proverbs are powerful things. They can express 100 words, so they’re efficient. You can sound like an excellent English speaker when you use a proverb, so they’re impressive. And […]
6 ways to stop speaking like a robot and add variety and colour to your English (part 2)
When I was learning Turkish, I discovered a useful word. People use this word a lot and it fills the sentences perfectly. After I learned this word, I used it all the time. And […]
The Passive in English (One Simple Grammar Hack)
In my 12 years teaching English, I’ve noticed there are some grammar points that can drive learners crazy. But the problem isn’t the grammar. Or the learner. The problem is not […]
Gabriel chats with Jason R. Levine, also known as Fluency MC
Last week I had the fantastic opportunity to talk to Jason R. Levine, AKA (also known as) Fluency MC. Jason is an English teacher and an expert in motivation and learning English […]
How to Improve Your English Writing AND Get Happier in 10 Minutes a Day
We all know there are some positive extra benefits of learning English, like better brain power and better job opportunities. But can we use our English learning to make us happier? […]
A or the? Never get confused again with this smart infographic
Is it “a” or “the”? … or nothing? This is something that every English learner has a problem with, even the most advanced students. Before you can use articles (“a,” […]
Gabriel chats with language trainer Daniel Welsch
Daniel Welsch is a bestselling author, blogger, language trainer and social entrepreneur. He writes books in Spanish that have helped thousands of English learners from Spain and Latin America improve […]
8 Surprising Tips to Make Your English Study More Powerful
You have a pile of English grammar books that you don’t read (and you feel bad about that!). You’ve tried taking traditional English classes, but they were too much effort […]
English Grammar Tricks That Work (Part 1)
I get it. English can be very confusing sometimes, and the grammar rules can seem crazy and random. Sometimes they are. But a lot of the time, there’s a system […]
How to master first second and third conditionals in English
Are you confused about the first, second and third conditionals (‘if’ sentences) in English? What are they? How do they work? What’s the difference between them? Here’s a simple way to […]
Want to learn English easily? Try this.
In today’s post, we’ll show you how to learn English easily. We’ve all had that feeling when time and the world around us stop because we’re completely focused on what […]
One neat trick to improve your English pronunciation and speaking
An English teacher friend of mine advised her student, who wanted to improve his English pronunciation, to use this technique. Her student followed her advice very well, and it almost drove […]
Improve your listening in English with zero effort
Here’s something that a lot of my new students have a problem with. They feel OK speaking, but they have big problems understanding people, especially when they talk fast. They […]
One Simple Trick to Learn Everyday Vocabulary With Zero Effort
Recently I was talking to a Turkish friend. Her English is excellent, and we can discuss philosophy or politics easily. Then I asked her for a paper towel. She looked […]
Increase your speaking confidence (and get clean at the same time)
What if I told you there was something you could do to improve your vocabulary, grammar, listening, reading, writing, speaking AND confidence in English? Something that only takes a few […]
