Not “In the Near” — Sparks Plus, Week 3
Welcome to this week’s Sparks Plus — your quick, practical boost for clearer, more confident English.
Five short sections, all easy to read and use right away.
1️⃣ Quick Win
We don’t say in the near.
❌ They live in the near of Cologne.
✔ I live near Cologne.
near + place
2️⃣ Real-World English in Action
A client asked: Is it by myself or by my own?
In English, by myself means “alone” or “without help.”
✔ I painted the room by myself.
On my own means the same thing. It’s just another way to say it.
❌ By my own is not used in English.
3️⃣ Christine’s Pick
Website I Recommend: ENGLISH@THEMOVIES — a short video series by VOA Learning English that explains American English phrases or idioms heard in popular movies, using film clips as practical learning tools
4️⃣ Reader Question
Q: Should I say “I’m going in holiday” or “on holiday”?
A: In English, we say on holiday.
✔ I’m going on holiday next week.
5️⃣ Spotlight
Want a confidence boost for your English?
Inside What I Say Matters, you’ll find:
- A short but powerful reminder that your voice matters in English
- Self-reflection prompts to help you speak up more boldly
- Encouragement to let go of perfection and connect instead
Perfect if you want to:
- Feel more confident speaking up
- Stop overthinking your English
- Be yourself in another language
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