Daily English
One small, useful point of English every day — a phrasal verb, an idiom, a word that people mix up, or a quick grammar fix. Two minutes, a quick check, and a streak to keep. Free, no sign-up.
Today’s point
bring something up
To start talking about a topic — or, separately, to raise a child.
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Phrasal verb · B1
All daily points
Commonly confusedB1
affect vs. effect
“Affect” is almost always the verb; “effect” is almost always the noun.
Commonly confusedA2
make vs. do
Use “make” to create or produce something; use “do” for tasks and activities.
Phrasal verbB1
bring something up
To start talking about a topic — or, separately, to raise a child.
IdiomB1
break the ice
To say or do something to make people feel relaxed at the start.
Grammar pointB1
look forward to + -ing
After “look forward to”, use a noun or the -ing form — never the infinitive.
Commonly confusedA2
its vs. it's
“It's” = “it is” or “it has”. “Its” = belonging to it. No apostrophe for possession.
Phrasal verbA2
get along with someone
To have a friendly relationship with someone.
Commonly confusedB1
by vs. until
“By” = at or before a deadline (one action). “Until” = continuously up to a point.
Phrasal verbA2
run out of something
To use all of something so that none is left.
Grammar pointB2
used to vs. be used to
“Used to do” = a past habit. “Be used to doing” = something is now familiar.
IdiomB1
hit the books
To start studying hard, especially before an exam.
Phrasal verbB1
turn something down
To refuse an offer — or to lower the volume, heat, or power.
Commonly confusedB2
fewer vs. less
Use “fewer” for things you can count; use “less” for things you can’t.
IdiomB1
on the same page
To agree, or to have the same understanding of a situation.
Phrasal verbB1
put something off
To delay something to a later time — or to make someone dislike something.
Word partnersB1
meet a deadline
The correct verb is “meet” a deadline — not “reach”, “catch”, or “do”.
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