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If elephants could write down their memories, they'd use their trunks. The Trunk is a collection of articles with advice on learning languages plus guidance on how to improve speaking and writing in English.

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Good enough means you can do what you have to do in English.

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Category: Healthcare EnglishLanguage Learning Advice

My mentor passed away three years ago, but six words still resonate.

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Category: Language Learning Advice

When you can’t recall the difference between common confusing pairs, your writing and speaking slow down.

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Category: Common English Confusions

Sometimes writing in English can feel like one step forward and two steps back.

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Category: Common English Confusions

When you’re ready to move from good enough English to mastery, an elephant can guide you.

 

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Category: Language Learning Advice

When someone has a problem or worry, how can you politely give the person some advice?

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Category: Common English ConfusionsHealthcare EnglishLanguage Learning AdviceSpeaking in English

What do health professionals say about writing in English when it’s not their first language?

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Category: Healthcare EnglishLanguage Learning AdviceWriting in English

When you’re sick, all you want is an efficient way to get an effective cure.

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Category: Common English ConfusionsHealthcare English

Did you know there’s a rule in English that’s always true?

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Category: Common English ConfusionsLanguage Learning Advice

Is it Congratulations FOR your new job or Congratulations ON your new job?

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Category: Common English ConfusionsLanguage Learning Advice

Is it possible?

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Category: Writing in English

The different forms of "used to" can be confusing. They can cover the past or now or a change.

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Category: Common English Confusions

Are you dilly-dallying?

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Category: Language Learning AdviceWriting in English

Tell me whether this sounds familiar …

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Category: Language Learning Advice

People often trip up when it comes to using “as” versus “like”, so here are a couple of tips for you.

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Category: Common English Confusions

Are you curious about the quickest way to improve your English writing skills?

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Category: Language Learning AdviceWriting in English

Still thinking about trying flash cards, but not keen on making paper cards?

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Category: Language Learning Advice

Do you find picking up new words and phrases is easy but remembering them is hard?

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Category: Language Learning Advice

Has this happened to you, too?

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Category: Language Learning Advice

Finally finished writing your email and checked that it all makes sense? Don’t hit send before you’ve proofread it.

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Category: Language Learning AdviceWriting in English