Category: English

An abbreviation is a shortened word or phrase, for example, est. is a common abbreviation in English and is used to shorten the word established. Acronyms and Initialisms are different types of abbreviations.  An acronym is made up of the first letter from each word in a phrase, such as...

A frequently asked and logical question is: “How can I expand my vocabulary?” Language is a means of communication and in order to express thoughts you need words, preferably as many as possible. Even if someone knows perfectly well how the subjunctive works in French, without words to make a...

Update: If you’ve missed the webinar, you can view it on Youtube via this link. If you’re curious about our language courses, including Dutch, English and 50 others, or even niche focus points such as Legal and Business English, click here! Expand your English vocabulary Do you sometimes struggle to...

Anyone who writes a (business) letter or email has to make many choices. Not only about the content and structure, but also about the layout and tone of the text. This certainly includes the opening and closing of the letter or email. An incorrect or inappropriate salutation can be poorly...

I first started paying more attention to idioms after my girlfriend translated a French expression when I was being particularly annoying one evening, “Faut pas pousser mémé dans les orties”, or ‘don’t push granny in the [stinging] nettles’. After a pause, I asked for an explanation and learned I had...

Whether you use e-mail, an internal messaging service, a professionally focused social media platform or any other communication service, there are some consistent considerations to keep in mind when you craft a message: Is this the right medium? E-mail is not always the best fit. For example, If you’re sending...

This article considers the use of various punctuation marks, especially ones which tend to cause the most confusion amongst Dutch students learning English. While punctuation rules are similar across the Dutch and English language, there are small nuances to bear in mind while writing that email or business report. The...

Online learning has never been as prevalent as it is today. Due in part to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, students, as well as teachers, have had to adjust to an entirely digital learning environment. Whether we like it or not, today’s workforce is moving online and the number of professionals...

Next to making a good first impression with your CV it is integral that you include a letter of motivation with your application, also known as a cover letter. A motivation letter is usually written in response to a vacancy but you could also submit an open motivation letter to...

Making a good first impression is crucial when applying for a new job. Regardless of which industry you work in, you could find yourself competing with many suitable applicants and most recruiters spend no more than a few seconds scanning each CV. If you submit a clear, organised and neat...