You know how sometimes English can feel a bit like a mysterious maze?

Well, don’t worry! Today, we’re going to explore the “present continuous” or “present progressive” tense.

Imagine you’re telling someone in German, “Ich fahre ins Büro, um meine Papiere zu holen.“

In English, you might say, “I drive to the office to get my papers.” 

But wait. We need the present continuous to talk about things happening right now!

So, instead of saying, “I drive to the office,” it would be correct to say, “I’m driving to the office.”

Do you see the difference?

Let’s dive deeper and see how to use the present continuous correctly:

1. Right Now Actions: Use it for things that are happening at or around the time of speaking: “I’m talking to my colleague on the phone at the moment.“
2. Future Plans: Use it for things you have already arranged to do in the future. “We’re meeting our client tomorrow.”
3. Always Actions: Use it with words like “always” or “constantly” if something happens often. For example, “She’s always forgetting her keys.” (It means she forgets them a bit too much!)

And there you are!

Before you go, tell me: What’s the funniest language mix-up you’ve ever had?

PS If you’re looking for cool English grammar tips or have specific topics you’re interested in, please tell me!

Language is like a magic toolbox, but sometimes the rules can be a bit confusing. Just one wrong word or a mix-up here and there, and our message can turn upside down! 

Today, let’s talk about two words that often get confused: “remind” and “remember.”

“Remembering” (or “sich erinnern” in German) is similar to using a very quick computer in our brains to search for and retrieve information we have stored in our minds. It’s the opposite of forgetting. 

You use “remember” when you’re actively pulling something out of your memory bank.

For example, “I still remember the name of my first boss.“

On the other hand, “remind” (in German, “jd. erinnern”) is about bringing something to someone else’s attention. 

For example, a project manager might remind her team members about a deadline. Or a salesperson might remind his client about an upcoming delivery.

Both words have quite different meanings and uses. And mixing them up can lead to funny situations or puzzled expressions. 

So, let’s make a pact not to mix up “remember” and “remind” anymore!

The one who remembers correctly and reminds someone correctly is a true communication champion!

In a nutshell

• Use “remember” when you are recalling something from your own memory. You are the one who is doing the remembering.
• Use “remind” when you are telling someone else to remember something. You are reminding them of something they already know or need to know.

Now, it’s your turn: Have you ever mixed up words, leading to funny or embarrassing situations?

Are there any other words you would add to my list?

Stag nights, we covered a while back. Now, what about the ladies?

Welcome to the “hen night,” a.k.a.* the “bachelorette party”.

Is it a serene tea ceremony with friends or a wild night out? The truth is likely somewhere in between.

Firstly, why “hen night”?

Well, hens are social birds, always sticking together—just like women on this special evening. And believe me, they can be as loud, if not louder, than their male counterparts!

The “hen night” is as exciting as the “stag night,” offering future brides a chance to celebrate with friends before married life.

Whether a spa day or a city adventure, a citywide scavenger hunt or a cosy park picnic, it’s up to the ladies.

Of course, there are trendy ideas to spice up the hen night. From pole dance classes to crafting workshops and luxurious getaways—the sky’s the limit!

But remember a “hen night” isn’t just about celebrating the last “free” nights or cheering the future couple. It’s about spending valuable time with friends and creating lasting memories.

What hen night activities would you recommend for creating unforgettable memories?

*a.k.a. = also known as