Instantly improve your English with 3 easy words!
Improve how you sound in English by mastering when these three words are used! I've met thousands of English learners at all levels. Most of them, even the advanced students, make mistakes with the words "a", "the", and "to". These are some of the most common words we use, so in this lesson I'm going to teach you how we use these words. I don't want to look just at grammar; I want you to understand these words and why we use them. If you're an advanced English student, this will be a great review for you. If you're a beginner, try to understand this and save yourself years of English mistakes.
TAKE THE QUIZ: www.engvid.com/instantly-impr...
TRANSCRIPT
Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo. The things I do for love. There's not a thing... Hi. James from engVid. Today's lesson is about instantly improving. Now, I know... "Instant", what does that mean? People say it all the time. I want to show you a little trick that will make your English sound better instantly, and I will give you a technique that you can use after to help practice this. What I have found are students have a mistake or make a mistake when they drop these three words, and because of that I know you're not a native speaker. But today I'm going to address that, show you the three words... Okay? Explain why, and then I will give you a technique that you can use at home soon as you go back over this video or any video to practice it, and you will get instantly better. 10-20%. Okay? Want to know what I'm talking about? Let's go to the board and look at something you've learned, but today you're going to understand. You ready?
So, Mr. E said: "Which three words can help you sound like a native speaker?" I'm going to help you a little bit by doing this, and then we're going to go to the board. The words I'm talking about, and you might not consider them words but they are words are: "a" or "an"... Okay, and I consider that one word because it's modified. Right? "The" and "to". Of course you're going to say: "Yeah, James, we know all these. We learned this at beginner, so how does that instantly help me improve my English?" The problem is this: When a person knows something they will talk, when they understand they will change their behaviour or they will use the information. Many students know about articles and the preposition "to", but they actually don't use them in sentences. Many times I've heard students go... Say: "I need to go work tonight." Soon as you say that I know you're not a native speaker. Or if they say: "I bought car yesterday" or "I bought food..." Not "some food". "I bought apple yesterday at the store." I'm like: "A-... You mean an apple, right?" They don't think to say it, because they know: "Teacher, you know what I'm saying." And I go: "Yeah, I know what you're saying, but the way you said it I know English is not your first language." So what I want to do is get you to come back to understanding, not just knowing why these words are important, the fact that, especially with the articles we're going to talk about, they are in most of the sentences. You can almost not get by a sentence without using them.
So let's go to the board and take a look. First, what is an article? Well, you'll see an article is the letter "a" or "an". Quickly on that one, "an" is used when we have a vowel sound, sound... Not a... Not just a vowel. So when you say: "A apple", we know "a" and "a" make it difficult for us to actually get it out and for you to understand, so we add: "an" to put a consonant to make it easier for the listener. "I want an apple." Oh, okay, cool. How about "hour"? Teacher, that has an "h" in front of it. I'm like: "Enh?" But we say: "hour", we don't say: "h-our", because with "a" we have to say: "an hour", and that once again tells me one hour. You keep noticing I keep saying "one". I'll explain in a second.
Now, this is what we call and indefinite article. I.e. it's not special. When I say to you: "I want a marker", a marker. All right? I'm talking about this. See this? They're all basically the same. I don't care what type of marker. "A" just means generally speaking marker. That's why it's indefinite; it's not special. When we look at the word "the", "the" is special. In this case, when I say to you: "I want the marker", which one do you think I'm talking about? Can you see the difference? Clearly. Even if you don't know, you would look and see four, and see this and go: "He's probably talking about this one." So with a definite article what's happening is someone is being very specific. Well, there are two things. They could say something is special or something is specific. Okay? And here we have definite article is "the". "Tell the man I like him." Okay? "Tell the man", in this case both of us have to know what you're talking about, because if there are 10 men you'll go: "Which man?"
Пікірлер: 1 900
I don’t know why I was recommended this when I’m a native English speaker, but I can’t stop watching for some reason.
@kimhall5357
3 жыл бұрын
😆😆 I know, I know
@Gszada
3 жыл бұрын
lol that's hilarious....
@juanangelmunozgonzalez3399
3 жыл бұрын
Jumm
@ikwho.mayank1902
3 жыл бұрын
Same!!!
@juanangelmunozgonzalez3399
3 жыл бұрын
What does nedless mean in spanish ... help
This teacher is the best teacher in the world!
@cherrych3uu
3 жыл бұрын
Yea I guess........... ..............
@itsher9143
3 жыл бұрын
I agree
@sajjibazarte664
3 жыл бұрын
Agree
@Stevenraimundo
3 жыл бұрын
@fiveminuteenglishstevenraimundo
@user-qb5xs7nh1s
3 жыл бұрын
That’s
"its not about grammar, its about understanding"
@aminecraftplayer9642
3 жыл бұрын
You got a point
@Stevenraimundo
3 жыл бұрын
@fiveminuteenglishstevenraimundo
@mubizz80
3 жыл бұрын
Guess you mean talking in slang is okay?
@toxic7975
3 жыл бұрын
YEAH
@homerothompsonok
3 жыл бұрын
that's the way... 👌
He always starts the lesson natural way. Its more like a conversation than a normal class. Thank you so much
@anunknownperson4018
Жыл бұрын
Teachers who explain good and teachers who grabs your attention are the best
The best teacher I've ever seen in my life , thank you keep it up 😊
@ZornStolz
5 жыл бұрын
I think it shall be I've ever
@lidiarioux7290
5 жыл бұрын
You’re right Juan!
@cledimilson
5 жыл бұрын
I agree!
@LKpixels
4 жыл бұрын
“i’ve ever seen”
@mentozefraim7928
4 жыл бұрын
At least I got something.
You are such a superb teacher. I wish you were my teacher when I was at school, my life would have been in different place right now. Thank you
@user-sp5uz9rv5n
4 жыл бұрын
my life would (be - coz you are talking about the present time) in (a) different place, man.
@GzheGzheGzhe
4 жыл бұрын
@@user-sp5uz9rv5n Бля, ты его разнёс
@user-sp5uz9rv5n
4 жыл бұрын
@@GzheGzheGzhe Хахахах. Это разнос с целью помочь) Может он ошибки погуглит и умнее станет
@saramencintai8403
4 жыл бұрын
@@user-sp5uz9rv5n that's what he talking about.. that's what he learned from those teachers that he had
@marianna5997
3 жыл бұрын
@@saramencintai8403 ддддддддз. Дддзд ДД дд
I'm a 55 year old native speaker and did not realize how much I had forgotten and or did not know until I found your channel. Thank you for providing such a valuable learning tool!!!
"I'm just trying to teach some people to understand instead of have knowledge without understanding" If only all teachers was like him 🛐
If there’s an honor for people who are able to educate people, something like the hall of fame… James is the one to be honored. Thank you James
"A good artist borrows, a great artist steals." I've stolen this and my students love it. Thanks James!
All my years in school, not a single teacher made me understand English as much as he. This is teaching.
@ethancook2187
2 жыл бұрын
Him*
@acineto
2 жыл бұрын
This is "the" teaching.
First wrong speak English I no one is understand, all laugh But now I speak so well that my mother can't recognize me. Thanks man, love your tutorials!
@Gabriel-co6un
4 жыл бұрын
Got any tips to improve?
@itsher9143
3 жыл бұрын
😂😤🥰
@toxic7975
3 жыл бұрын
🤣
@ericrogers1499
3 жыл бұрын
@@Gabriel-co6un I truly don't understand how she can not see herself as is and admit she is wrwrog and it's not so hard it makes me feel great to admit I wrong please
@DeJai237
2 жыл бұрын
@@Gabriel-co6un speak with native speakers.
This is so spot on. It took me 20 years to realize the importance of using articles properly in spoken English. Wish I had a good teacher like you. Thanks!
Finally someone explain why a/an is usually on the beginning of the statment and then "the". Thanks a lot!
@nazariistarikov7930
3 жыл бұрын
Did you receive the answer?😁
"Have knowledge without understanding," is one example of why you are a great professor. You inspire me to complete my Master's degree and help me use my quirky personality to benefit those around me. Thank you for these lessons!
@xaliqqhliyev6988
2 жыл бұрын
:ź hhdhdbdhdhdvcdscsvgodoeeepeleekememenekeksnemennekekekekskjsisififkjfkkfkfkkkcnngfhhfhyyuru
And there was our English teacher in high-school who used to teach us like "subject + verb + object", which never helped me in real life.
I'm telling you, mahn, you're the best teacher. As a teacher in Nigeria, I learn from you every time
The way of your teaching is so simple. That we can understand easily.
Just three little words, but so important. Without them, it is impossible to speak or understand english. Thank you, James for your help.
I really enjoy learning English with this guy! I enjoy listening to how he speaks, I enjoy the simple way to teaches us. I'm really grateful to you James for you, thanks a lot
Me while watching James' videos - 50% admiring my teacher and 50% being interested and learning. Thank you, James, for making those interesting videos. You are a really good teacher - I understand everything you say! :)
@RVulin
6 жыл бұрын
Mari Kim i
Finally I have found the good teacher who can shape me out... Thank you so much dear( sir) May God bless you long life with good health...
7 years ago, I started studying English, and I always watch your videos to help me. Today I live in the US, and I can see how your classes improved my English level. Thank you. Your methods are really efficient to make people understand better!
You are so calm and relaxed It makes me feel good and not to worry about anything
Hi Mr.James, you've been a blessing in my life, my English speaking has improve tremendously as a result of taking your lessons. God bless you.
@madirishasimon9692
3 жыл бұрын
@Fehmi Eren Karaarslan come to Christianity
@madirishasimon9692
3 жыл бұрын
Come to Jesus Christ
@bananaman4110
3 жыл бұрын
@Fehmi Eren Karaarslan hahahaha yes come to Christianity. And yes being a good person is all that matters.
Dear Mr James, I speak English. I have learned more from you than any of my English teachers. The time I spend with JamesELS English lessons is the best. Thank you!
James is the best english teacher. I like your humor and teaching.
I never met an english teacher like James, I am motivated to learn English more deeply. God Bless James
Greetings from Azerbaijan. Great thanks for lessons. Your lessons are so useful. And I should note that learning is not boring with Your lessons)
You are a smart and ingenious teacher, thank you! It's a pleasure to watch your videos both from the educational and aesthetic points of view. Keep on teaching us.
Love this guy! A champion of English Grammar. A simple way to NOT sound like a fool when you speak, write or comment on KZread. Thank you!
real good teacher, thanks James, hope you continue doing this, God bless you.
Idk, why I got recommended this. However, you're a phenomenal teacher. If my French teacher, a Parisian, was as easygoing I'd be less afraid to speak French.
James, you're The GOAT (you know The greatest of all times). Well done to you.
@mireillelebeau2513
2 жыл бұрын
@@steveanderson3457 Лингуатрипа?
Best English Teacher I've come across ever! Also has a beautiful calm spirit. Blessings James🙏
i'm so grateful that you can teach us with a smile and good attitude, i want to move to Canada the next year and i'm accord with the other people in the comments "you are the best teacher in this platform"
Thank you!!! One of the best teacher in KZread.
Thanks, James. I'm definitely using this with my students. My students find articles extremely difficult.
@leorick8398
6 жыл бұрын
Hi my fellow mate. I speak fluently. I gotta a project that consists into teaching people English world wide. A singer and e glish teacher and also a java programing developer. Getting just right I to the point, which of these sentences the verb Com o dist is correctly follow by 'Into'? Please email me. Sentence : "This course consists into learning English. "This course consists into three parts? Are they correct?
@babbuchanni6215
6 жыл бұрын
I want learn from u. can you help me plz
@ahmedlaghdaf4103
6 жыл бұрын
Blackboard English - Learn English could you please give me your what's up number to practise English with you
@ithinkthereforeitalk935
5 жыл бұрын
No, you don't speak english fluenlty.
I have never seen such a fine teacher in my life who is very good at teaching how to speak like a native English Speaker and Much More.
Thanks a lot! I'm trying my best for traveling in a future to Bristol. I have planned to look for a job there and live with my best friend. I cannot thank you enough!
I found this channel in my recommendation and I instantly like it.
Brilliant teacher! Even as an advanced English speaker I enjoy his lessons.
Hi, James! I am a lover of your way of teaching English. Moons ago, when I studied English in an ESL school in Michigan, I was gifted with a wonderful teacher. You, Alex and Rebecca (from EngVid) are too similar to Diane as teachers. Years after returning to Brazil I started teaching English as a private tutor. I have been helped by you all. You are one of my favorite because of your connection to what is clear and simple when explaining what is considered hard to understand and/or explain. (Please, correct my mistakes!) Abração; Marina (from Brazil)
I'm glad that you help us to understand these topics. Must of the time I'm so confuse when I try to use a/an - the - to but you simplified it in a great way. I'm still learning, but everytime I saw your videos I learn how to speak or write correctly, thanks so much ❤️
I can understand every word you say. I'm surprised. I hope that watching your videos I can improve my English a lot. Thank you so much!
I am a native speaker, but one never stops learning a language :-)
@acineto
2 жыл бұрын
You are talking about a specific language. I am a learner so I am asking; shouldn't you use "the language" instead of "a language" ?
@TheMusicalStylingsofBrentBunn
2 жыл бұрын
@@acineto That's a great question. You could say it that way. I suppose I used "one" to refer to any person and "a language" to refer to any language he or she may know. I hope that makes sense.
@selado
2 жыл бұрын
@@acineto No, because when you're saying "the language", you're talking about a specific language, a language you're familiar with. And when you're saying "a language", you're talking about an unknown language, a language you don't know about, or even talking about something that the languages have in common (or most of them). Understood? I am still a newbie on English, but if you have any other question, you can ask me! 😉
What a teacher! I am really happy that I found you .Now I can learn and have fun.
I'm native and do most of this automatically... but i love watching these explanations because although I speak this way, I have no conscious understanding of why. It's so interesting learning how the language works and what it might look like from the outside in. We take so much for granted with language. It will also help me teach others.
Thank you very much James from Philippines 😘
Very important class. Thank you so much. Beautiful tie!
Thank you James, everytime that i watched your video i learned always.
You have made it so easier to learn the grammar. I can easily understand things now like prepositions, tenses, articles. I need to say thank you so much.
Another amazing lesson, thanks!
sir,, i really wish u were my teacher... I'm not a native english speaker,, but your lessons are understandable... Such a superb way to teach sir
@jimmulaneyfue
2 жыл бұрын
Turns out you listened your lessons *VERY* good.
This teacher is the BEST. Everytime I see any thumbnail of his videos, I click instantaneously! and I never regret.
Amazing way of imparting knowledge. Thank you Mr. James. Highly impressive!
You are THE number one James!Your lessons are the best!Thank you so much!!!❤️
Melhor canal de inglês para qualquer Brasileiro nivel intermédio. 😍👊
@lexinosantos2759
6 жыл бұрын
Always has BR
@cenourinha4471
6 жыл бұрын
Eita, então tô intermediário? Pq eu entendo tudo oq ele fala, mas sei lá, todos os testes onde eu ia no final dizia que eu era burro kkjjj
Thanks , I've been studying english for over 10 years, and your videos has helped me to improve my English a lot.
He is the only teacher I want to listen to
Thank you, James. It was very helpful.
I'm really into your channel and all the lesson You've posted here. I'm learning English through your channel and its work well! Massive respect 💖
thanks a lot James you are the best! your lessons really help me to improve my English
I didn't know how much words and meanings in grammar and he is an great teacher and much appreciated .🙂learning is fun
I really wish this guy will be my english teacher this year...
Thank you, James. You are a superb teacher. Your video was an exquisitely helpful to the Filipino like me. I am surely going to watch your videos again and again. I am not a native speaker and I am open for any corrections with my grammar. :)
I've watched a lot of English teacher videos on KZread and other platforms, but you're the best, I can't stop watching your videos. Watching your videos is fun, I think that's decidedly the main difference between you and other teachers.
You have a really good character and charming smile. I was major in English (Advanced Interpreting & Translating) back in China, and now I live in Australia as a software engineer. I do appreciate the knowledge of English now rather than when I was learning it in the university. I wish I had paid more attention to my English teachers back then. Thanks for your sharing.
Thank you from Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦.
@Bakk54
3 жыл бұрын
هلاااااا 🖐🏻
Insane, Superb and Fantastic course. Thank you Sir
I can't stop watching your videos! You are an amazing teacher. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your in-depth knowledge of the language with us. I'm grateful for your efforts.
Your lessons are very useful, I love them!
@user-xw9yz3bn8l
6 жыл бұрын
Pamela Palma hello you dtudy english
@lexinosantos2759
6 жыл бұрын
BR
@gsingh1120
6 жыл бұрын
Pamela Palma pp
@ahmedlaghdaf4103
6 жыл бұрын
Pamela Palma givr me your what's up number and lets practise
@alexandremagno4985
6 жыл бұрын
Hi. Or you can say handy, instead of very useful according Stop Saying Very-last James's lesson
You're the best teacher in the world
agree with the previous comment. you are the best teacher i have ever seen and your expression and the way you deliver the things are unique. thanks for the video.
Mr James you are one of (the) best English language teacher. You teach us very simple lesson but they are very effective.I love (the) way you present ideas.Thank you for sharing those informations.
You help me in my life!!!
He is a comedian teacher 😂 im so interesting to watch him and to learn😂
@mohdaidil110
2 жыл бұрын
I am interested...
Hi James, I choice: you are my new teacher of English! I love your teaching style.
You, sir, are definitely a good and a unique teacher and the reason I say this is because there are many who are only concerned about the main 4 sections that are to be in the exam...
I like these classes. I really love it😍
This class was the best.
@ahmedlaghdaf4103
6 жыл бұрын
Mercedes Gómez Torres give me your what's up number and let's practise on what's up
@faroukharoud2672
5 жыл бұрын
Mercedes Gómez Torres add me on face book to improve our languge im sure both of us will be helful for other (farouk hadod)😊
@kariukikelvin9216
5 жыл бұрын
Mercedes Gómez Torres sure
James the way you teach is so amazing. Thank you.
I love your classes. Learning with you is so much fun.
Thank you for your efforts.
@everydayenglishaimanno4312
6 жыл бұрын
For Your English thanks and I want know who is a native speaker exactly?
@tot_siens
6 жыл бұрын
Mr Aimanno , i am greek , my native language is the greek language (my first... language) . The english language is my second language ( not my native language) if my mom is english and my dad is greek ehhmm then i dont know the rite answer to this :P if i am a new born baby, then my first first language is ''whining'' :D
@fadibabawe5194
6 жыл бұрын
Don't say "efforts" This word is uncountable e.g. a great deal of effort (without having s ) Hope you read the comment
@fadibabawe5194
6 жыл бұрын
For Your English it's up to you to believe me or not. The right use of the word is without s as it is uncountable. I know that many write it with S but that is not correct. Check it with a smart teacher in your area I'm a teacher of english
@fadibabawe5194
6 жыл бұрын
For Your English Formal writing has nothing to do with speaking. If that sentence (thanks for your efforts) is in spoken english then you are not constrained by any rules. However, you have to follow certain rules in formal writing and if you want to use that word (effort) in the right form write it without s. Ask an eilts expert he will be a great point of contact. As you said spoken english could have many different meanings. Anyway in case I'm wrong I'll be happy if you corrected me With love from Australia
This is a good explanation.
I can't believe that I've found this channel and this teacher! Thank you!
I watch only the first few seconds of each video to see how consistent this man is at pretending to be caught off guard and these lessons are spontaneous
Thank you, James. THE lesson is great. I will try TO practice it a lot. I'm very glad that I subscribed A channel like this
Thank you from Kazakhstan)
@rafaeldelacruz2402
6 жыл бұрын
Hey a couple of months ago my English was a mess about everything, but since I started watching your videos I feel that I've been improving very fast I really enjoy every single topic of your lesson. Keep going, don't stop
The best teacher in the word, congratulations. thank you!!
This man has an incredible ability to teach! Thank you so much!
Thank you for faclitors
He makes me understand better than my teacher I’m jealous of the people who have him as a teacher 😪
Mr. James, you are simply an amazing teacher. Best regards.
I love the way you explain and hope we can get more fluent by watching at your videos. very usefull and fun. love it. thank u from Indonesia
Thanks a lot from Milky way 🏳
Cheers from Brazil!
Magnificent! I never learned it, But I came to the same conclusion by thinking.
I am a native filipino, and planning for a callcenter job. This really helped me a lot :) Thank you.