An undeniable fact is that the English language could get confusing at some point or the other. There are numerous words that are spelled similarly yet have different meanings, some words are pronounced the same way, however, mean something completely different. These results in many of us often make a mistake, not only once but time and again. Therefore, it is crucial for us to get our head around these explanations, as getting familiarized to these words can prevent you from making errors once you recognize them along with their meanings.

Let's take a look at 10 of the most common mistakes made by individuals globally:

Error 1:

Accept v/s Except

Accept (verb) - To agree to take something.

Example- It is important for all of us to accept good advice.

Except (preposition/ conjunction) - To not include.

Example- Everyone was invited except Joanne.

Error 2:

Adverse v/s Averse

Adverse (adjective) – To be acting in opposition.

Example- She had an adverse reaction to the medication.

Averse (adjective) – To be opposed to.

Example- John is averse to taking critical risks.

Error 3:

Bought v/s Brought

Bought (past tense to the verb 'buy') – To buy something.

Example- He bought himself the motorcycle of his dreams.

Brought (past tense of the verb 'bring') – To bring something.

Example- Daniel brought his new girlfriend to the party.

Error 4:

Can v/s May

Can (verb) – To be able.

Example- Jacob can play the guitar well.

May (verb) – To be permitted.

Example- May we go to a movie today, mom?

Error 5:

Compliment v/s Complement

Compliment (noun) – A remark that expresses admiration/ respect.

Example- Ronda got the best compliment for her flawless style.

Complement (verb) – To make something more attractive when combined.

Example- I love the way Richard and Sue complement each other's personality.

Error 6:

Dairy v/s Diary

Dairy (adjective) – Anything made out of milk.

Example- Dairy products are my favorite!

Diary (noun) - A written record of one's personal experiences.

Example- Megan has been maintaining her secret diary for ages now.

Error 7:

Each v/s Every

Each (determiners, which means words that are used with singular nouns to indicate quantity) - Refers to an individual as one.

Example- Each and every one dressed their best for my wedding.

Every (determiners, which means words that are used with singular nouns to indicate quantity) - Refers to a group lumped together as one.

Example- Always remember that every drop counts.

Error 8:

Beside v/s Besides

Beside (preposition) – At the side of/ next to.

Example- My house is located right beside her house .

Besides (adverb/ preposition) – In addition to/ also.

Example- Besides two dresses, Jin also carried a pair of denims.

Error 9:

Affect v/s Effect

Affect (verb) – To influence/ change something or someone.

Example- Don't bring her here, the chaos will affect her illness.

Effect (verb) – To have an impact on something or someone.

Example- The effect of smoke is extremely hazardous to health.

Error 10:

Loose v/s Lose

Loose (adjective) – Something that is not fixed properly.

Example- The wire of my phone's charger is loose.

Lose (verb) – To no longer possess something.

Example- With today's recession, anyone could lose their job.

English is a language full of twists and turns, however, you could get a holistic understanding of the same by enrolling in an English speaking course online. Doing so will not only improve your English communication skills but also bring about an improvement in your English grammar understanding.

About EAgeTutor:

eAgeTutor.com is a premier online English learning institute. eAge's world class faculty and ace communication experts, from around the globe, help you to improve in an all-round manner. Assignments and tasks based on a well-researched content developed by subject matter and industry experts can certainly fetch the most desired results for improving spoken English skills. In this age of effective and advance communication technology, online spoken English programs are the most effective and convenient way to learn English.

For further information on our online English speaking courses or to experience the wonders of the virtual classroom, fix a demonstration session with our tutor.

- By Monika Agarwal

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As a hotel staff, you would come across numerous types of clients that walk into your hotel for a reservation. Some of which would be business tycoons, and the others visitors or tourists. You might come across a handful of guests that would speak in a different language than your own; however, a maximum number of them would definitely speak in English. Therefore, it is extremely important for you to speak in fluent English and keep your English communication skills at its ace.

When a guest approaches you for a word, it's extremely important that you welcome them with a warm smile. Make them feel comfortable and go ahead with the formalities of check in as soon as the guest is ready to proceed. At this point, it is also crucial to lay the facts accurately and precisely.  Give them in writing about the hotel's billing policy and other significant facts. While doing so there are three crucial aspects to keep in mind:

1. Politeness: While explaining the billing policy, be polite and cultured. Understand the fact that 'charges' is quite a sensitive term and hence, the route of explaining it too should be well thought of and simple.

2. Clarity: You are the first point of contact with the hotel and hence are required to ensure you have the clarity and supremacy of communication. Stress on communicating the finer details to the guest, related to charges that will be applicable. In addition, do make sure to spell out the complimentary goodies while check-in.

3. Warm smile: Talking about the charges isn't something that is very favorable from the guest point of view. So, very tactfully approach the guest about the same with a smile. Make sure to keep that warm smile throughout the conversation and help your guest understand the overall billing concept of your hotel.

When you are the front desk, you will have to go conduct a string of conversations throughout the day. The question is... Are your spoken English communication skills impressive enough to meet the needs of the hotel?

A conversation example to help you understand and tackle the situation effectively:

Situation:

You're seated at the front desk and a business guest enters. As soon as you exchange pleasantries, he begins to ask you about your hotel's charges. How should you carry the conversation forward?

You: Good Morning Sir. Welcome to XYZ Luxury Hotel! Hope you've had a great flight. (Only if the guest has entered with his bags, ask him about his flight journey)

Guest: Good Morning. Oh yes, I've had a good flight. Thank you.

You: Sir, Do you have a reservation with us?

Guest: Well, no. It was a sudden plan of action. Do you have a room available?

You: Just a moment Sir. I will check.

(A few seconds later...)

You: Yes Sir. A room for one or two?

Guest: For one please.

You: Sure.

Guest: Before heading up to my room, could you please assist me with the format of charges followed here? It's my first stay at your hotel, so I am not well acquainted with the principles.

You: My pleasure, sir. You would be charged for the room, the lunch, the dinner and if you have any special orders besides the basic complimentary then we charge you for the same.

Guest: That sounds fair enough.

You: The good news is that we provide you with a complimentary welcome drink, alcoholic/ non- alcoholic, depending on your preference that awaits you in your room. Besides that, we offer a free of cost breakfast throughout your stay with us and one spa session that you can enjoy, as and when you find the time.

Guest: Wow! I have never been extended so many goodies in any hotel that I stayed in.

You: Well Sir, we believe in keeping our guests happy and ensuring they have a relaxing and rejuvenating stay with us!

Guest: I am sure you're doing a good job.

You: We certainly work towards that. Your bags have reached your room; the bellboy will escort you to the room. Hope you have a great stay with us.

Guest: Thank you so much. The service is proactive and I already love it!

That's it! You've been forthcoming about your hotel's charges, maintaining a politeness throughout the conversation. Simple, precise and informative is the route you need to adapt. Maintain an English speaking fluency and convey your message across with a soft, welcoming smile.

About EAgeTutor:

eAgeTutor.com is a premier online English learning institute. eAge's world class faculty and ace communication experts, from around the globe, help you to improve in an all-round manner. Assignments and tasks based on a well-researched content developed by subject matter and industry experts can certainly fetch the most desired results for improving spoken English skills. In this age of effective and advance communication technology, online spoken English programs are the most effective and convenient way to learn English.

For further information on our online English speaking courses or to experience the wonders of the virtual classroom, fix a demonstration session with our tutor.

- By Monika Agarwal

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You are the manager of an electronics manufacturing major and you need to conduct a sales review meeting. You are looking for ways to conduct the meeting smoothly, accurately and in optimal time. Even after pondering for hours, you are unsure on how to proceed. Meetings conducted in professional English tend to be more productive. So read on to find 10 tips for an effective meeting in fluent English.

Top 10 Tips for an effective meeting 

1. Identify needs

The primary reason for a meeting failure is often they are conducted for unnecessary reasons. Hence, it is very important to identify whether the meeting is really required. You can ask yourself or the colleagues these questions.

Example:

"Do you guys think we should conduct a meeting to organize our sales structure?"

2. Identify Objectives

Every meeting conducted should have an objective. The objective will help you to identify team goals. If you want to conduct a sales review meeting, then the objective would be to maximize the sales revenue. The objective can be easily identified through mutual discussion amongst your colleagues.

Example:

"What will we achieve by this team meeting?"

"What is the purpose of conducting this team meeting?"

3. Stay on topic

Many a times, people tend to go off track in meetings, which leads to a total waste of time. Hence, it is very important to stay on track in a meeting. Redirect the conversation if you feel the talk is missing the point. Use the following dialogues:

Example:

"I think the discussion is going off track. Let's come back on the topic."

"Please focus on the main points."

4. Include everyone

In a meeting, everyone should contribute their views and points. Sometimes, you need to encourage people to speak their minds. When everyone contributes, it leads to a well-rounded discussion that could be very meaningful. You can say:

Example:

"Ramesh, what are your thoughts on this?"

5. Make it humorous

A serious discussion is very boring. By bringing in humor, the situation lights up and people relax. This does not mean that you have to turn it into a comedy central show, but a few light moments won't hurt.

6. Plan ahead

A meeting is a good opportunity to plan the next steps. In case of a sales review meeting, you can always decide what steps or campaigns need to be undertaken to ensure the sales flow remain stable. Meetings help you to identify the future path to success.

Example:

"What are the steps we should take to ensure more stores accept our product?"

7. Take notes

In any meeting, taking notes is very important. No matter how sharp your memory is, important details are bound to skip during hours-long meetings. Notes help you keep track of things and important points.

8. Review

Meetings often need to be reviewed. The action items decided in the previous meeting should be analyzed and reviewed at the next meeting. This helps in a flow of ideas and steps.

9. Improve

Always think about how your meetings can be improved. You can always experiment and bring in new features in your meetings.

10. Infrastructure

Before conducting a meeting, ensure that the IT systems and software are running properly to avoid any technical glitches and delays.

For effective team meetings, improve your spoken English with the help of an online English guide. Be an able meeting facilitator.

About eAgeTutor:

eAgeTutor.com is a premier online English learning institute. eAge's world class faculty and ace communication experts, from around the globe, help you to improve in an all-round manner. Assignments and tasks based on a well researched content developed by subject matter and industry experts can certainly fetch the most desired results for improving spoken English skills. In this age of effective and advance communication technology, online spoken English programs are the most effective and convenient way to learn English.

For further information on our online English speaking courses or to experience the wonders of the virtual classroom, fix a demonstration session with our online English tutor.

- By Monika Agarwal

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One phase of life, which everyone wants back, is school life. Remembering the good old school times makes you re-live those pleasant memories that shaped your life. On many occasions, you would be asked to describe your school by your friends or relatives. For example, you are in your three months of new college life and your friends ask you to describe your school life. Impress your friend circle with your strong command over the spoken English language as you glide away with a perfect description.

Things to remember:

1. Focus on main points

Try to be as specific as possible and describe your experience in short 3 – 4 lines. If you go on talking about your school as if it is one of a kind, you may come across as boastful. Hence, do not just go on blabbering about your school and instead, concentrate on main points such as the teaching style, teachers and the infrastructure. You can even speak on what makes your school unique from others.

2. List out the achievements

It is preferable to list out the achievements of your school to highlight the quality of education imparted. However, while doing this, take care to speak modestly. This does not mean that you should not take pride in your school. Bring the main achievements of your school into limelight and show why you are proud to be associated with it.

Sample Conversation:

Situation: You are hanging out with your friends in your college canteen, when your friend asks about your school life.

Suresh: So Rajat, which school did you go to?

You: I studied at Ryan International.

Suresh: Wow, I have heard it's a pretty good school. Can you tell me more about it?

You: Sure. You are absolutely right when you say that Ryan International is one of the best schools. It ranks third in the top schools in Delhi. It houses all the main study boards including state, national and international.

Suresh: Which board are you from?

You: I am from the State Board.

Suresh: What else is there in your school?

You: The teachers are well qualified and very helpful. There are extra classes to help weaker students and the school management is very student friendly. The infrastructure is also amazing. We have our own basketball and tennis courts.

Suresh: That's really nice. But what is it that sets your school apart from the others?.

You: I would say it's the teaching process. Did you know that we rarely carry our bags to school? We have our own locker system and what the teacher teaches us, we have to learn in school only. We don't have to stress ourselves with extra studies.

Suresh: Wow! That is nice. I wish I were in your school!

The above sample shows one of the best ways to describe your school. With your impeccable English speaking skills, your friends will consider you to be sophisticated and knowledgeable. Do your school years full justice with your description. You can practice describing your school with an online English teaching guide and also with the help of a friend.

About eAgeTutor:

eAgeTutor.com is a premier online English learning institute. eAge's world class faculty and ace communication experts, from around the globe, help you to improve in an all-round manner. Assignments and tasks based on a well-researched content developed by subject matter and industry experts can certainly fetch the most desired results for improving spoken English skills. In this age of effective and advance communication technology, online spoken English programs are the most effective and convenient way to learn English.

For further information on our online English speaking courses or to experience the wonders of the virtual classroom, fix a demonstration session with our tutor.

- By Monika Agarwal

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