Useful tips for learning English

Uncountable nouns: advice; help; information

When asking for things like help, advice and information, you need to remember that they are uncountable nouns. Words we would recommend using with them are “some” and “a bit of”:

EXAMPLES

Incorrect

“I need an help / advice.” (You must not use “an”)

Correct

“I need a bit of help / advice please.”

“Can you please give me some advice / information…”

“I’m looking for some information about…”

“Have a doubt”

People often ask about having doubts / a doubt. Below are phrases we would suggest instead:

EXAMPLES

Incorrect

“I have doubt about…”

“I have a doubt about something.”

Correct

“I’m not sure about this…”

“I don’t think I’ve got this right.”

“I can’t understand…”

“Can you please help me understand how to…”

“I have a problem with…”

What does something mean?

If you are asking about the meaning of a specific word, make sure that you are structuring the question correctly:

EXAMPLES

Incorrect

“What does it mean, ‘something’?

Correct

“What does ‘something’ mean?”

“How do you say ‘something’ in English?”

“What’s this in English?” (Pointing to an object.)

If you can’t understand someone:

Can you repeat that, please?

Can you say that again, please?

Can you please speak more slowly?

I’m sorry, I don’t understand.

I didn’t catch that, sorry?

Sorry?

We hope it helps you to improve your English.

ENGLISH IS FUN!