Both “high” and “highly” have this in common: they are adverbs.
So, how are they different?
When is the word “local” a false friend for Spanish speakers?
The word “local” can be a false friend for Spanish speakers in the following context:
Example: “Es un local amplio y luminoso”
In this context, “local” in Spanish doesn’t mean “local” in English. It refers to a space or premises, usually a commercial space.
- “The premises are bright and spacious.”
- “It’s a spacious, well-lit space.”
We could also translate the word “local” as “venue” if we are referring to a place where a performance will be held.
Example: “Van a tocar en un local cerca del hotel.”
- “They’re going to play at a venue near the hotel.”
So, what are the meanings of “local” in English?
The word “local” in English has several meanings depending on context.
Relating to a particular area or neighbourhood
- “The local bakery is just around the corner.”
A person who lives in a particular area
-
“The locals are very friendly.”
A nearby pub (especially in UK English)
-
“Let’s grab a drink at our local.” → short for “local pub”
Conclusion: What “local” does not mean in English
It doesn’t mean a physical space or business premises, as in “un local comercial”. For that, we’d say:
-
commercial space
-
premises
- venue (for events/music)
Thanks for reading! 
Continue reading “When is the word “local” a false friend for Spanish speakers?”
Punctuation: ellipsis or suspension marks
This is a post written to help students better understand the function of the ellipsis, also called suspension marks (…).
The ellipsis has two primary uses:
Continue reading “Punctuation: ellipsis or suspension marks”
Common mistakes in B2 writing (2)
This post, like Common Mistakes in B2 Writing (1), is based on examples from students’ writing tasks – in this case, reviews. These are areas that frequently create confusion. Whether you’ve made these mistakes or not, the goal is to raise awareness so they can be avoided in the future.
The Planning Stage: some considerationsCommon mistakes in B2 writing (1)
This post is based on real examples from students’ writing. I have chosen these examples from areas that frequently cause confusion and regularly appear in the written work I correct. The goal is to raise awareness of these common mistakes so they can be avoided in the future. Continue reading “Common mistakes in B2 writing (1)”
Learn 4 idioms with Moon
If you are a moon lover, you will enjoy learning these expressions. Don’t wait too long before you start using them.
Pronunciation of 18 English words with foreign origin
I always find it amusing when I have to pronounce loan words from Spanish the English way. For example chorizo /tʃɔːˈriːzəʊ/. Let’s have a look at some English words of foreign origin.
Continue reading “Pronunciation of 18 English words with foreign origin”
Punctuation tips: the full stop
What’s wrong with the punctuation in this sentence?
×Tomatoes bought in the supermarket have poor flavour, tomatoes grown organically in vegetable gardens taste much better. Continue reading “Punctuation tips: the full stop”