Issue #114

English Tips for:

Business English Language Learners (B.E.L.L.)

Dancing Cows

Each week I will send out some handy tips and useful exercises for adults learning to navigate and use the English language. Please feel free to share this newsletter with friends and colleagues.

March 20th marks the spring equinox this year and that means the cows in Denmark get to frolic in green fields soon. It is a law that cows must be let out to pasture from April to November and Dancing Cow Day has also become a tradition where hundreds of thousands gather to watch as the cows are let out into the fields after a long winter and the cows are so happy, they literally dance with joy.

Check out the video below:

Vocabulary

Language Level - B2

We continue to add to our vocabulary words from the Oxford 3000.

A list of 3000 words someone should know if they are taking the CEFR (Common European Framework Reference) language tests.

Line (v)
Lively (adj)
Load (v, n)
Loan (n)
Logical (adj)
Long-term (adv, adj)
Loose (adj)
Lord (n)
Low (n)
Lower (v)

Study this set with this quizlet

Reading Tip

Language Level - B2

This NPR article explains how pasturing cows produces delicious organic milk. https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/04/20/401020408/when-danish-cows-see-fresh-spring-pasture-they-jump-for-joy

Grammar Tip

Language Level - B1

Infinitive or Gerund?

The last few weeks we have been reviewing Gerunds and Infinitives and how to use them.

Remember, both gerunds and infinitives are verbs that function as a noun (instead of a verb) in a sentence.

Gerunds end with -ing

Infinitives begin with to

There are lots of different "rules" when it comes to knowing whether you use a gerund or an infinitive, so the best approach is to break it down into smaller parts and keep practicing.

Watch this video that explains using the gerund or infinitive after STOP:

Let's Practice!

Put the verb into the correct form:

I am ________ to get a better look at the painting.
I was told __________________ smoking around the children.
I want _______________ wearing sweaters because I am ready for spring!
I was looking forward to breakfast, but they __________ serving chocolate muffins.
_______________Stopping at the red light is essential for road safety.
I tried _________ the dog from running into the street.
_________by the bakery on my way home has become a daily habit.
We need _________ at the gas station before continuing our trip.

Writing Tip

Language Level - B2

Use the vocabulary words to write out complete sentences to practice your new vocabulary. Challenge yourself by using the word in two different sentences.

Tip: Research has shown that we remember things better when we write them down by hand (typing/texting) doesn't count. Writing your sentences by hand will deepen your practice.