Compliment vs Complement

Compliment and complement often cause confusion in both pronunciation and usage.

Words with similar (but not identical) sounds but with different meanings are called paronyms.


complement > noun – something that completes
complement > verb – to complete

Ex. A cherry on top complements a tasty chocolate sundae.

compliment > noun – an expression of praise, congratulations, or encouragement
compliment > verb – to express a favorable opinion


Ex. The mayor complimented his staff for his successful campaign.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Take 6 Minutes for Learning English

The BBC offers an important series called ''6 Minute English.''

As an American English native, I have no problem using British English for listening exercises in the classroom.

It is important to expose students to as many accents as possible to sharpen their listening comprehension skills.

The ''6 Minute English'' series is spot-on, as the British would say. A cultural or newsy topic is presented in a conversation between two hosts of the podcast. A trivia question hooks listeners to the end of the broadcast and several vocabulary words are introduced and easily explained.

Teachers can create their own comprehension questions to quiz students.

Students can download the mp3 to listen on their favorite player. If you get stuck, you can also download a transcript of the podcast!

Audio comprehension builds confidence in learners to use the language correctly.

Take 6 minutes for learning English today!
*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Imply vs Infer

Again some of the best copy for the blog comes from my inquisitive students.

All of a sudden last week, one asks: ''What's the difference between imply and infer?''

These words are often confused, but there is a key distinction.

Imply - to suggest
Ex. When the mayor refused to rule out more taxes, he implied more taxes are possible.

Infer - to draw a conclusion
Ex. Jack inferred from his boss' loud tone that he was angry.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!