About Bill's English
I thought about making this website after explaining a grammar problem to one of my students. Even though it was the first time he asked, I got this weird déjà vu feeling like I had explained it already--and I had, only in a previous semester. I started thinking about all the time I spend explaining the same ideas to new students, semester after semester and year after year.
I started thinking that these must be very common problems since they come up so frequently, and that students outside my classroom might benefit from a short explanation of a difficult question about English. I like answering almost any question about English, but I especially like questions that don't always appear in textbooks!
I also started thinking about providing materials for language teachers (or possibly advanced students). I love making my own materials, and I have been known to have a penchant for clip art and PowerPoint animations. I thought it would be good to start an ESL Resources section that has lesson plans in a consistent format and materials that could be used on the fly.
I started thinking that these must be very common problems since they come up so frequently, and that students outside my classroom might benefit from a short explanation of a difficult question about English. I like answering almost any question about English, but I especially like questions that don't always appear in textbooks!
I also started thinking about providing materials for language teachers (or possibly advanced students). I love making my own materials, and I have been known to have a penchant for clip art and PowerPoint animations. I thought it would be good to start an ESL Resources section that has lesson plans in a consistent format and materials that could be used on the fly.
About Bill
I teach English as a second language at a university in Michigan. So far, I have taught students from Saudi Arabia, China, Turkey, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, and Mexico. I love teaching and I love learning. I've lived abroad and taught English at every level from kindergarten to graduate students and beyond. For hobbies I like to run cross country, learn different languages, play board games, and learn to play my favorite songs on guitar. I'm married to a beautiful baker and together we have two incredible sons. The English language (and language in general) excites and inspires me, therefore I have a deep underlying desire to make English more accessible to more people.
What you'll find here
User-friendly blog posts and videos about different English grammar, pronunciation, punctuation, writing, and research, especially as it relates to ESL speakers. I focus on typical usage according to my experience in the ESL field, thus the name "Bill's English." Most importantly, I believe language is like clothing. Some clothing would be appropriate in one situation or context, and yet inappropriate in another. Wearing swim trunks might be great for the beach, but you wouldn't wear it to a job interview! You'd need something more formal. Language is the same way: What you say depends on the situation (context)! We would be quick to say a guy wearing swim trunks at a job interview is "inappropriate" (although what if it were a lifeguard interview?).
Therefore, you'll hear me say "inappropriate" a lot, but sometimes you might hear me use the word "incorrect." Here I mean that a native speaker would (probably) never say something in ANY context (it's ungrammatical). I mark ungrammatical expressions with an asterisk (*). For example, *we is to eating food tomorrow.
Therefore, you'll hear me say "inappropriate" a lot, but sometimes you might hear me use the word "incorrect." Here I mean that a native speaker would (probably) never say something in ANY context (it's ungrammatical). I mark ungrammatical expressions with an asterisk (*). For example, *we is to eating food tomorrow.
Disclaimer:
I'm pretty good at what I do, but I'm always trying to learn more. I appreciate constructive feedback.
