In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers“, let’s take a look at this expression: “When Push Comes to Shove”. What does “when push comes to shove” mean? “When push comes to shove” means if worse comes to worse. It is when a decision needs to be made to resolve an urgent issue matters become critical and call for an action someone …
Changes for CBE Students
Following the changes announced by the Alberta Government, the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) posted new health measures for students: For Grade 7-12 Students Home learning will start on November 30, 2020 and last until Friday, January 8, 2021 (except during winter break) In-person classes will resume on January 11, 2021 Diploma exams are optional for rest of the school …
Drop the Ball
In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers“, let’s take a look at this expression: “Drop the ball”. What does “drop the ball” mean? “Drop the ball” means to make a mistake or fail to reach a goal… by doing something in a stupid or careless way by not being able to take timely, effective, or proper action How to use it? …
Black Sheep VS Dark Horse
In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers“, let’s compare the idioms “black sheep” and “dark horse”. They are both about animals but their meanings are totally different and they are not to be confused. Black Sheep: What does “black sheep” mean? When you say someone is a black sheep of his/her group or family, you mean that the person: is considered …
Your Feedback Needed for Post-Secondary System in Alberta
The Initiative Alberta 2030 aims to comprehensively review Alberta’s post-secondary system transform the adult learning system in Alberta focus on providing the high-quality education, skills and training needed to get Albertans back to work drive innovation to make Alberta competitive in a 21st-century global economy. How do you get involved in this initiative? The Alberta government wants to hear your …
Over the Moon
In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers“, let’s take a look at this expression: “over the moon”. What does “over the moon” mean? This idiom is used todescribe one’s mood: very pleased extremely happy ecstatic in high spirits How to use it? Add “about” or “with”: be over the moon about/with something Examples: Her daughter just gave birth to a healthy …
More than Meets the Eye
In the first article of our new series “English Idioms for Newcomers”, let’s take a look at this expression: “more than meets the eye”. What does it mean? How to use it?
Some International Students Attending Designated Institutions Now Allowed to Enter Canada
International students with, or approved for, a study permit who will be attending a designated learning institution with a COVID19 readiness plan approved by their provincial or territorial government may be able to travel to Canada.
Simple Past VS Present Perfect
In the past two weeks, we learned how to change regular and irregular verbs into the simple past tense. In today’s English Learning Tips for Newcomers, we take a look at the differences between the simple past tense and the present perfect tense. Many English learners confuse these two tenses. We summarize the differences between the two in this table …
Past Tense: Irregular Verbs
Last week, we learned a few basic rules to change regular verbs into the past tense. In today’s English Learning Tips for Newcomers, we will tackle irregular verbs. There’s no easy way to learn them. You may need to memorize them one by one! However, in this article, we will try to group them into categories and in the process …