English Insights with Em

Illustration of a person sitting thoughtfully at a table with a notebook and a hot drink, with a subtle winter scene in the background.

What Is Blue Monday? British Culture, Vocabulary, and Everyday English

What is Blue Monday? This post explores the meaning of the term, where it came from, and how it fits into British culture, while introducing useful everyday English along the way.

Jan 194 min read

Illustration of a person looking thoughtfully at notes in a notebook, suggesting concentration or mild frustration.

Banging Your Head Against a Brick Wall?

A frustrating month, a useful English idiom, and a clear explanation of the difference between used to, be used to, and get used to in everyday English.

Jan 125 min read

Illustration of an English learner sitting on a sofa using a laptop, looking thoughtful and slightly frustrated, with an open notebook beside her.

Why You Understand Grammar but Still Make Mistakes When Speaking

Frustrated that you understand grammar but still make mistakes when speaking? In this post, I share a tech disaster, a festive update, and practical advice to help you turn grammar knowledge into confident, natural speech.

Dec 15, 20255 min read