Famous Quote |
 "Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." - Thomas A. Edison
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English Idiom |
 ring down the curtain on something (formal) - to end a project, performance, etc. (refers to the practice of ringing a bell used as a signal to lower the curtain at the end of a performance)
1. We did our best, but now it is time to ring down the curtain on our company.
2. We should ring down the curtain on this investigation.
3. Alice gave us a signal to ring down the curtain when the performance was over.
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Did you know ... |
 Shakespeare wrote during the period now known as Early Modern English (1500–1700). Shakespeare invented over 1700 English common words such as dawn, moonbeam, elbow, green-eyed, etc.
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Robert Cawdrey’s Table Alphabeticall was the first dictionary and in it, he listed and defined just 3000 words. The dictionary was published in 1604.
Read also: A Brief History of the English Language
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 Welcome to Study English Today! |
 Study English Today website was primarily designed to help Bulgarian students to improve their English language skills. Over the years, the site has developed into a large resource of free reference materials, and now it attracts learners studying English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as a Foreign Language (EFL) from many different countries. Here you will find free online english lessons and english grammar, english tests, a collection of english idioms with their meanings, a list of common errors in english usage with the correct explanation and examples, english alphabet with pictures of animals and sound files, games and activities for ESL/EFL learners. Includes also poetry, lyrics, information and useful links for learning and teaching English. |
| What's New at Studyenglishtoday.net? |
17.11.2022 - The main page of the website www.studyenglishtoday.net/index.html was updated 
17.11.2022 - New page: "When The Curtain Comes Down" by Diana Krall and Steve Buscemi /Section "Lyrics"/
15.02.2022 - The main page of the website www.studyenglishtoday.net/index.html was updated
17.12.2020 - New page: "Bensonhurst Blues" by Oscar Benton /Section "Lyrics"/
10.04.2019 - New page: 20 Best Mobile Apps to Learn English
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 English Library
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 Common Errors in English
Certain or Curtain
1. certain [s rt()n] – 1. (a.) fixed, settled; 2. of a specific but unspecified character, quantity, or degree; 3. something is known or proved to be true; 4. certain that something will happen 5. you are certain or sure about something (you have no doubts about it)
1. They will get a certain percentage of the profit.
2. This old house has a certain charm.
3. It is certain that the sun will rise in the east tomorrow.
4. It is certain that Jane will succeed on the test.
5. I am certain that my teacher is right.
Note: Instead of saying that it is certain that someone will do something you can say that they are certain to do it or sure to do it:
1. The demand for this product is going up, and it is certain to drive up the price.
2. Rainy days are sure to go away soon.
Note: Instead of saying that it is certain that someone will be able to do something we often say that they can be certain of doing it or can be sure of doing it:
1. I chose this hotel so I could be certain of having the best service possible.
2. When you purchase from this company, you can be sure of getting a high-quality product.
2. curtain [k: tn] (n.) – 1. a piece of cloth that is hung to cover a window) (to draw/pull/close the curtains (= to pull them across the window so they cover it); 2. a sheet of heavy material that comes down at the front of the stage in a theatre (the curtain goes up/rises), (the curtain comes down/falls)
1. Janet opened her curtains and looked out.
2. My mother drew the curtains and switched the light on.
3. The curtain went up, and we saw six beautiful dancers on the stage.
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 | English Grammar and Writing TipsUsing "Occur", "Happen", and "Take place" Correctly |
:: we use the verb "occur" to say that something is found; occur = appear:
The Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights) occurs over the Earth's north geomagnetic pole. (correct!)
In this part of the world, tornadoes occur several times a year. (correct!)
:: we use the verb "occur" to say that something "came to our mind"; when you suddenly start to think about an idea or a thought it "occurs to you":
Suddenly, a fantastic idea occurred to me. (correct!)
It never occurred to Ann to doubt her husband. (correct!)
It suddenly occurs to me that maybe she's afraid to stay with him. (correct!)
:: we use the verb "occur" to say that an event "occurs":
We were walking down the street when the car accident occurred. (correct!)
In 2012 a big earthquake occurred in our city. (correct!)
The explosion occurs just in front of my eyes. (correct!)
Note: You need to know that "occur" is a formal word. In conversation, we usually say that an event "happens".
Did you know what happened yesterday in our school? (correct!)
Nothing of the kind has happened, however. (correct!)
:: when we talk about planned events we say that they "take place":
The conference will take place on May 25 and 26 in London. (correct!)
The dancing lessons take place every Friday. (correct!)
:: we do not use "occur to" to say that someone is affected by an event:
This incident happened to me yesterday. (correct!)
I thought you should know what happened to Mike. (correct!)
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 JOKE 
Once there was a millionaire who had a collection of live alligators. He kept them in a pool at the back of his mansion. The millionaire also had a beautiful daughter who was single. One day, he decides to throw a huge party. During the party he announces, "My dear guests, I have a proposition to every man here. I will give one million dollars or my daughter to the man who can swim across this pool full of alligators and emerge unharmed!" As soon as he finishes his last word, there is the sound of a large splash. The guests all turn to see a man in the pool swimming as fast as he can. They cheer him on as he keeps stroking. Finally, the swimming man makes it to the other side unharmed. The millionaire is so impressed, e says, "My boy, that was incredible! Fantastic! I didn't think it could be done! Well, I must keep my end of the bargain. Which do you want, my daughter or the one million dollars?" The man says, "Listen, I don't want your money. I don't want your daughter, either. I want the person who pushed me in that water!"
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Martenitsa - an Ancient Bulgarian Tradition
