A condominium and an apartment are the same physical space, but the apartment is for rent. You buy a condominium.
“Condominium” is quite formal, too. Casually, most people will just call it a “condo.”
In England, people will call an apartment a “flat.” This is uncommon in Canada.
If you live in a house that is divided into two or more apartments, we call them “suites.” It’s pronounced the same as “sweets.” The lower suite is sometimes called the “basement suite” or the “garden suite.”
“How do you see this job fitting in to your planned career path?
This question gives you an opportunity to show off several positive aspects. A clear answer, with related detail, shows that you actually have a career plan! You’d be surprised at how many people don’t have one.
By showing how the job you want connects with your plan, you also show how much you value the job. Showing motivation is important; every boss wants a worker who will do good work because they want to, not just because they are expected to.
Slang: this is a non-count noun. Please don’t use it a a count noun! “I would like to learn some slang.” is correct, but “I would like to learn some slangs.” is not.
“Slang” can also be an adjective: “I would like to learn some slang words.”
Some people think that “slang” always means “rude, impolite, dirty words.” This isn’t totally correct. While many swear words are slang, not all slang is rude. You might use slang at work. As examples, restaurant workers call a table for four people a “four-top,” and IT workers often call a desktop computer a “box.”
Jason: Hey Ritchie, is that four-top in your section ready for drinks yet?
Ritchie: Yeah, they want three light beers and a glass of red wine.
Liz: I can’t believe it. I just set up those six Windows boxes for the daycare yesterday, and they’re already broken! The children here have no respect!
“Sauce” rhymes with “boss,” not “gross.”
“Machinery” is non-count, and it rhymes with “greenery.” The middle sound is “sh,” not “k.”
“One,” “would,” “wood,” and “woman” all have the same first sounds.
It’s interesting to hear what sounds animals have in different languages. It can be useful for our English pronunciation as well. Here’s a list of some sounds that Canadian animals make. How do these sounds compare to animal sounds in your language?
Simple tenses are the most common. If you’re not sure which tense to use, try a simple tense and you’ll probably be right.
Perfect tenses emphasize the result of an action. I have lived in Toronto = I don’t live there now, but I remember life in Toronto.
Continuous tenses emphasize the action.I am dancing = We don’t know when I started or when I will stop, but right now, my action is dancing.
Perfect continuous tenses emphasize an interruption. I had been studying for five hours before my sister called = For five hours, I study. I stopped this action to answer the phone.
A friend of mine is involved with the Verses Festival, showcasing poems, poets, and poetry, and they need volunteers. They have positions for ticket sales, advertising, and competitions, and you can sign up here. This is a great opportunity to get some work experience in English!
My student Francianne is applying for a job at a very famous retailer here in Vancouver. Her communication skills and attention to detail make her an excellent choice for the company. Good luck!
Recently, several of my students have asked about volunteering in Vancouver. I’ve covered it here before, but one of my favourite causes has created an easy webpage to sign up with. Go to this link to find out about the Burnaby Velodrome Club and how to get involved!Their races usually need volunteers to help with setting up, beer sales, ticket sales, and athlete assistance. Letters of reference will be provided if you want them.
I have also heard a rumour that there will be an event featuring sword fighting that will need volunteers. Watch my website for details – I’ll post them as I find out what’s going on.
Congratulations to Marta and Pavel who visited the school recently! They are both coming to the end of their jobs in Canada, and they’ve done very well for themselves. Congratulations on your success, and I hope to see you when you return to Canada!
Dave's English Classes 