The Blog

How can you find English speakers to talk with?

One complaint I often hear from English learners is that it's hard to find people to practice with.

I agree that it can be hard. You have to change your habits to put yourself in new situations where you get more English practice. It takes a little bit of bravery. You have to be willing to speak...

The reason that PhraseMix works

What is PhraseMix about?

Whenever I meet someone new and introduce myself, I have to explain what PhraseMix is. To be honest, it's always a little bit difficult. I say something like this:

I run a website for people who are learning English as a second language. I write lessons each day and post...

The hard parts of understanding English conversation

This week, I met up with the blogger Adir Ferreira from Transparent Language Brazil. He was on his first trip to the U.S. and came to New York for a few days.

In our conversation, Adir mentioned that this was his first immersion experience in English. Although he had studied English for...

The three types of language learner

Yesterday, I shared a theory of mine that people learn English for a few reasons:

• to get a job
• to get into school
• to make friends or relationships
• to travel
• because they like the feeling of accomplishment

As I started to think about it a little bit more, I realized that it's even more basic...

None of these things will happen if you speak English badly.

If you try to speak English and make a mistake, none of these things will happen:

• No one will point and laugh at you
• You won't lose your job.
• The townspeople won't chase after you with torches.
• You won't be locked up and thrown in jail.
• The love of your life won't dump you.
• You won't be...