Three Bad Words

Let’s talk about bad words. 

Foul words… 

Dirty words…

The rudest, most impolite, terrible, nasty words you can say to Mr. Vig (that’s me!) about your English and your English learning. 

When I was a little boy I said a dirty word. 

My mother heard me and washed my mouth with soap. 

I won’t do that to you, but I would strongly advise you not to say these words. 

Especially if your goal is to become a confident English speaker.

Ready? 

(Anyone under the age of 18 should leave now.) 

Bad Word #1 

“Should.” 

My fat friends say, “I should go back to the gym.” 

My smoker friends say, “I should quit.” 

And forever stuck students say, “I should study more.” 

What do my successful students say?

“Have you seen that amazing new series on Netflix?”

“What are you reading these days?”

Or the best…

“Hi. Where are you from?”

Dirty word #2: Study! 

Studying is passive.

Studying is why you can’t quickly remember the words you need. 

And studying is what children do in school. 

But now you’re an adult. 

So put down your milk. 

Put down your grammar book. 

Pick up a beer (or another adult beverage). 

And get busy Doing English!

This means:

Reading.

Listenting. 

Watching. 

Quizzing.

And of course — talking with and meeting other adults.

Bad Word #3: Later

This weekend I met a student who needs better English.

“Can I start later?” he asked.

I told him there are only two times: now and never. 

I’ve been hearing students say “later” for almost twenty years. 

“Later” usually never comes. 

If you need better English…

If it’s important…

If it will change your life… 

Be perfect later. 

But start now.