by BIRD GEI | Consultoria e Gestão de Idiomas

Origin of the word “OK”

There have been numerous attempts to explain the emergence of this expression, which seems to have swept into popular use in the US during the mid-19th century. Most of them are pure speculation. It does not seem at all likely, from the linguistic and historical evidence, that it comes from the Scots expression och aye, the Greek ola kala (‘it is good’), the Choctaw… Read More

by BIRD GEI | Consultoria e Gestão de Idiomas

How can I speak better English?

English is not an easy language to master. But don’t give up! To improve your spoken English, read and bookmark this excellent article by British English Coach. It’s long, but it will be extremely helpful. Posted by dilano in English learning blog If you’re reading this, I imagine you want to communicate with confidence and competence in English. When we communicate… Read More

by BIRD GEI | Consultoria e Gestão de Idiomas

An Ode to English Plurals

An ode to English Plurals Attibuted to Eugenie A. Nidia We’ll begin with a box, and the plural is boxes, But the plural of ox becomes oxen, not oxes. One fowl is a goose, but two are called geese, Yet the plural of moose should never be meese. You may find a lone mouse or… Read More

by BIRD GEI | Consultoria e Gestão de Idiomas

Sneaked or Snuck?

Sneak (snik) v. sneak n., adj. v.i. 1. to go in a stealthy or furtive manner; slink; skulk. 2. to act in a furtive or underhand way. v.t. 3. to move, put, pass, etc., in a stealthy or furtive manner: He sneaked the gun into his pocket. 4. to do, take, or have hurriedly or surreptitiously:… Read More

by BIRD GEI | Consultoria e Gestão de Idiomas

Collocation, collocation, collocation (Brazilian learners)

What is a collocation? A collocation is two or more words that often go together. These combinations just sound “right” to native English speakers, who use them all the time. On the other hand, other combinations may be unnatural and just sound “wrong”. Look at these examples: Natural English… Unnatural English… the fast train fast… Read More

by BIRD GEI | Consultoria e Gestão de Idiomas

Email Language Tips Off Work Hierarchy

Members of the modern workforce might be surprised to learn that if they use the word “weekend” in a workplace email, chances are they’re sending the message up the org chart. The same is true for the words “voicemail,” “driving,” “okay” — and even a choice four-letter word that rhymes with “hit.” However a new… Read More