These are some common doubts that many students (even advanced ones) have. Let's elicit them once and for all:
On time = at the planned time; neither late nor early:
- Dean wants the meeting to start exactly on time.
- Elisa hates being late. She always arrives on time.
In time = with enough time to spare; before the last moment:
- She would have died if they hadn’t called the paramedics in time.
- Unfortunately, I didn't arrive in time. My friend had already taken the plane.
Would you attend her classes?
Some students were asking me when they may use ENOUGH,VERY or TOO. Let's check them out:
ENOUGH means sufficient. Here, some examples:
- This house is big enough to our family. Let's buy it!
- Thanks, your food is really delicious, but I had it enough.
VERY means a great degreee, a large quantity of something:
- He liked that jacket. Although it is very expensive, he's going to buy it.
- Today is very hot, so we can enjoy all this afternoon in the beach!
TOO means too much of something that is not good enough:
- Wow, I love Mexican food, but this is too spicy!
- Jena, you played video game too much today. Turn it off and give me some help with the cleaning!
And take a look at this charge. Really funny, huh?
We can’t deny the importance of the international certificates for our best English performance. There is TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), FCE (First Certificate of English), CAE (Cambridge Advanced English), ILEC (International Legal English Certificate) and many others. Which one is better? Well, it depends on your needs, what your main purpose is.
Moreover, if you intend to study or work abroad, it is extremely important and it can certificate the level of your English skills.
On the other hand, since you have taken one of these certificates, you can no longer stop studying and improving.
Some time ago, I wrote here about the importance of the TOEFL (July 16, 2008). Today, I’m writing about the FCE. The importance of this certificate lies in the fact that it is given by the prestigious University of Cambridge. The attainment of the first certificate proves the first level of competent knowledge of English. Once released, the First certificate can’t be revoked and all that increases its importance. The first certificate exam includes several examinations such as reading, writing, use of English, listening and speaking.
I remember when I took my FCE: I felt very proud of myself :-)! It was – and it still is – a great achievement. Furthermore, its focus is on the British English, so, if you’re used to the American accent, just like me, study a little bit more, because of the listening part. Be confident, but not overconfident, ok?
For all students and foreign English speakers, here it’s one web site that helped me a lot when I took my first English certificate:
http://www.flo-joe.co.uk/fce/students/.../p3pt3a.htm
Hope to have helped you. Bye.
Check this out: when you want to talk about habits in the past, you use;
Used to + verb (infinitive)
- When I was 20, I used to listen to pop music. Nowadays, I listen to rock’n’roll.
- I used to study German, some months ago. These days, I don’t have time enough for that.
When you want to talk about current habits, you use;
Be used to + verb (ing)
- I’m used to blogging every week.
- He’s used to checking his e-mails twice a day.
Here, two links that can help you out: "Used to" is at English Page and Better English; "Be Used to" is at English Club and Using English.
