International Conference on “English Studies in Transition: Global Contexts” to Be Held at VNSGU in February 2027

Surat, Gujarat | February 19–20, 2027

The Department of English at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU), Surat, is set to organise an international conference titled “English Studies in Transition: Global Contexts” on February 19–20, 2027. The conference invites academicians, researchers, teachers, research scholars, students, and creative writers to engage with emerging developments and changing perspectives in English Studies.

In an era shaped by globalisation, technological innovation, cultural exchange, and interdisciplinary research, English Studies continues to expand beyond the traditional boundaries of language and literature. The conference aims to provide a platform for examining these transformations and exploring the relationship between language, literature, culture, technology, and society across diverse global contexts.

Exploring the Changing Landscape of English Studies

The contemporary study of English encompasses a broad range of intellectual and research areas, including digital humanities, artificial intelligence, translation studies, ecocriticism, postcolonial thought, and innovative approaches to language education. These emerging fields encourage scholars to reconsider the role of English Studies in addressing contemporary educational, cultural, and social concerns.

The conference seeks to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, critical inquiry, and the exchange of research perspectives on the changing scope and future directions of the discipline. It welcomes contributions that examine established traditions alongside emerging theoretical approaches, technological developments, and new forms of literary and linguistic expression.

Major Themes and Areas of Research

The conference welcomes research papers across a wide range of themes, including:

• English Language and Linguistics: Global Englishes, language acquisition in multilingual contexts, and developments in linguistic research.

• English Language Teaching and Employability: Pedagogical innovations, English for professional communication, and language education for employability.

• Literature and Cultural Studies: Comparative, world, and global literatures; Indian Writing in English; new literatures in English; and marginal discourse.

• Postcolonial and Decolonial Perspectives: Indigenous literary traditions, identity, social justice, and critical approaches to cultural representation.

• Indian Knowledge Traditions: Intersections between Indian intellectual traditions and contemporary English Studies.

• Translation and Intercultural Communication: Translation practices, cultural exchange, and communication across linguistic boundaries.

• Digital Humanities and Artificial Intelligence: The role of AI and digital technologies in literary studies, language education, and research.

• Digital Literature and Creative Writing: Emerging literary genres, media, communication, and digital culture.

• Environmental Humanities: Ecocriticism, sustainability, and literary engagement with environmental concerns.

• Research and Education: Research methodology, academic writing, research ethics, and the future of English Studies in global education.

The thematic list is indicative, and papers addressing related areas are also welcome.

Call for Research Papers

Researchers and scholars are invited to submit proposals for paper presentations related to the conference themes. Each paper presentation will be 15 minutes, including audience interaction. All submissions will undergo scrutiny and editorial review, and presenters may be asked to make revisions where necessary.

Abstracts and full papers should be submitted by email to engconference2027@gmail.com.

Important Dates

• Abstract submission deadline: January 16, 2027

• Abstract acceptance notification: January 17, 2027

• Full paper submission deadline: January 31, 2027

• Conference dates: February 19–20, 2027

Paper presenters are required to complete registration after receiving acceptance of their submissions.

Registration Fees

The conference offers accessible registration fees for different participant categories:

• Faculty and other delegates: ₹500

• Research scholars and students: ₹200

Additional charges will apply for accommodation.

Participants should complete the payment before filling out the registration form.

Registration form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScxYVBB3NhVVmAJ9CyjpguTMnUXsN1mCPFAhhBwpvMRjswsw/viewform

Contact for enquiries: 0261-2203145 (Department office)

About the Department of English, VNSGU

The Department of English at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University began functioning in June 1970. It offers postgraduate and doctoral programmes and provides academic engagement across areas such as English literary history, literary criticism and theory, Indian Writing in English, world literature in translation, English Language Teaching, women’s writing, film studies, travel writing, translation studies, and marginal discourse.

The department’s research interests span diverse areas of the humanities, including gender studies, language education, translation, and modern literatures. The international conference reflects its continuing engagement with contemporary debates and evolving research directions in English Studies.

Conference Leadership and Organisation

The conference is convened by Dr. Mahesh Kumar Dey, Professor and Head, Department of English, VNSGU.

The coordinators are Dr. Sunil Shah, Professor, and Dr. Rekha Paresh Parmar, Associate Professor. The organising committee comprises Dr. Amit Prajapati, Dr. Paresh Joshi, Dr. Mihir Mori, Dr. Zeel Khatiwala, and Ms. Shailja Nimavat.

Join the Conversation on the Future of English Studies

The international conference English Studies in Transition: Global Contexts offers an opportunity for scholars, teachers, and emerging researchers to share ideas, present research, and participate in interdisciplinary conversations about the future of the discipline.

By bringing together diverse perspectives on language, literature, technology, culture, and education, the conference seeks to contribute to a broader understanding of how English Studies is responding to the challenges and opportunities of an interconnected world.

Academicians, researchers, teachers, research scholars, students, and creative writers are encouraged to submit their work and participate in this academic gathering at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat, on February 19–20, 2027.

For further information, abstract submission, and registration, please contact the Department of English, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat.

 

Opportunity for Social Science Faculty: Two-Week Capacity Building Programme at Nagaland University

Opportunity for Social Science Faculty: Two-Week Capacity Building Programme at Nagaland University

The Department of Sociology at Nagaland University is organizing an Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) sponsored Two-Week Capacity Building Programme (CBP)[cite: 1]. The initiative, titled "Decolonizing Academic Writing and Research Methodology in Social Sciences," is fully detailed in the document file_E1CC3E2F-1DE8-4317-A7F0-D81F305C1B49.pdf. The programme will take place in a physical, residential mode from February 1st to February 12th, 2027, at the university's Lumami headquarters[cite: 1, 7].

Programme Themes and Objectives

The course aims to move academic inquiry away from Eurocentric epistemological traditions toward context-sensitive and community-engaged research[cite: 3]. The major themes include:

• Decolonial Thought and Epistemic Justice: Examining the coloniality of knowledge, representation, and methodological plurality[cite: 4].
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Exploring Bharatiya Jnana Parampara, Janjatiya studies, oral traditions, and ethical field engagement[cite: 4].
• Research Methods and Digital Tools: Hands-on training in qualitative and quantitative analysis, citation management, AI-assisted research, and software such as NVivo and ATLAS.ti[cite: 4].
• Scholarly Writing: Enhancing skills in literature reviews, academic argumentation, peer review processes, and publication ethics[cite: 4].

Eligibility and Intake

• The programme is strictly for in-service faculty members, primarily lecturers and assistant professors in social science disciplines[cite: 5].
• Applicants must be working in UGC-recognized universities, colleges, deemed universities, institutes of national importance, or ICSSR-recognized institutes[cite: 5].
• The total intake is 30 participants, distributed equally: 10 from local institutions, 10 from other institutions within Nagaland, and 10 from outside the state[cite: 5].
• Following ICSSR guidelines, preference may be given to SC/ST, OBC, women, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and minority candidates[cite: 5].
• A duly signed No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the applicant's Head of Institution or Registrar is mandatory[cite: 5].

Logistics, Funding, and Important Dates

• Cost: There is no registration fee to attend the programme[cite: 5].
• Accommodation & Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided to all selected participants free of charge[cite: 5]. Free accommodation will be arranged specifically for selected outstation participants according to ICSSR and university norms[cite: 5].
• Travel: Outstation participants will have their travel expenses reimbursed subject to ICSSR guidelines and the submission of original tickets[cite: 5].
• Application Deadline: Interested candidates must apply by November 30, 2026 (11:59 PM)[cite: 7].
• Selection Notification: Shortlisted candidates will be informed via email by December 20, 2026[cite: 5, 7].

Applicants must commit to attending the entire programme from February 1st to 12th, 2027, and participate actively in all exercises and field visits[cite: 5]. Applications can be submitted via the official Google Forms registration link, and further inquiries can be directed to the Course Directors, Prof. Temjensosang and Dr. Narendra[cite: 6, 7].

 

National Conference 2026: Rethinking the Public Life of Humanities – Call for Papers

Are you a faculty member, research scholar, postgraduate student, or researcher interested in English, literature, culture, philosophy, education, or interdisciplinary studies? The National Conference on “Rethinking the Public Life of Humanities” offers an opportunity to present your research, exchange ideas, and explore the continuing relevance of the Humanities in a rapidly changing world.

Organised by the Research Centre and Postgraduate Department of English, in collaboration with Prajñā Foundation, the conference will be conducted in hybrid mode on 3 and 4 December 2026.

Researchers and students working on the relationship between the Humanities, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cultural identity, ethics, education, and social change are encouraged to explore this call for papers.

National Conference 2026: Important Details

• Conference theme: Rethinking the Public Life of Humanities

• Dates: 3–4 December 2026

• Mode: Hybrid (online and offline)

• Abstract submission deadline: 10 November 2026

• Full-paper submission deadline: 25 November 2026

• Abstract length: 300 words

• Full-paper length: 2,000–3,300 words

• Email for submissions: bmcenglishconference2026@gmail.com

• Award: Best paper will be awarded.

About the Conference

The Humanities play a vital role in preserving cultural memory, nurturing human values, encouraging creative thinking, and helping societies understand identity, ethics, empathy, and the human condition.

At a time when artificial intelligence, globalisation, technological innovation, and social change are reshaping human experience, the Humanities offer essential perspectives on the relationship between people, cultures, knowledge, and technology.

This conference aims to bring together academics, educators, researchers, and students from diverse disciplines to examine how the Humanities contribute to education, cultural preservation, social justice, sustainable development, and interdisciplinary innovation.

It also seeks to encourage meaningful dialogue and collaboration that can help build more inclusive, humane, and thoughtful societies.

Suggested Sub-Themes for Paper Presentation

Researchers may develop papers around the following suggested themes:

1. Humanities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation

2. Reimagining Education through Humanistic Approaches

3. Language, Literature, and Identity in a Globalised World

4. Cultural Heritage, Memory, and Preservation in Contemporary Times

5. Ethics, Values, and Human Dignity in a Changing Society

6. The Humanities and Social Justice: Voices of the Marginalised

7. Interdisciplinary Dialogues: Integrating Humanities with Science and Technology

8. Creative Expressions and the Human Experience

9. Environmental Humanities and Sustainability Perspectives

10. Media, Communication, and the Human Condition

11. Philosophy, Religion, and Contemporary Worldviews

12. Peace, Conflict, and Reconciliation through Humanistic Lenses

13. Archives, Museums, and the Public Humanities

14. Comparative and Global Humanities: Bridging Cultures

15. The Future of Work and the Human Imagination

These themes provide opportunities for research in English language teaching, literary studies, digital humanities, AI-assisted learning, cultural studies, philosophy, communication, and interdisciplinary research.

Research Ideas for English and Humanities Scholars

If you are planning to submit a paper, consider developing a focused research question within one of the suggested sub-themes.

Here are a few possible directions:

• AI and English Language Learning: Examining how generative AI influences learners' critical thinking, writing skills, and academic independence.

• Human Values in the Digital Age: Exploring empathy, ethical responsibility, and human dignity in technology-mediated communication.

• Digital Humanities and Literature: Investigating how digital platforms are transforming literary interpretation, reading practices, and cultural participation.

• Language, Identity, and Globalisation: Studying the relationship between English, multilingual identities, and cultural belonging.

• Humanistic Approaches to Higher Education: Examining how critical thinking, creativity, and ethical reasoning can be integrated into technology-rich learning environments.

• Environmental Humanities: Exploring how literary and cultural narratives shape environmental awareness and sustainability.

• Media and the Human Condition: Analysing how digital communication, social media, and online identities influence interpersonal relationships.

A strong conference paper should have a clear research problem, a focused objective, an appropriate theoretical or conceptual framework, and a well-supported discussion.

Submission Guidelines

Participants planning to present a research paper should note the following requirements:

Requirement	Details
Abstract	300 words
Abstract deadline	10 November 2026
Full paper	2,000–3,300 words
Full-paper deadline	25 November 2026
Submission email	bmcenglishconference2026@gmail.com

Prepare your abstract in accordance with the conference theme or one of its suggested sub-themes. Include a clear title and explain the research focus, objectives, approach, and principal argument or anticipated contribution.

The conference notice does not specify a citation style, abstract formatting template, or detailed full-paper formatting requirements. Authors should confirm these details with the organisers before final submission.

Registration Fees

The conference notice provides the following registration categories and fees.

Participation category	Offline paper presentation	Online paper presentation	Participation only
Teachers	₹1,500	₹500	₹1,200
Research scholars and others	₹1,000	₹500	₹800
Students	₹700	₹500	₹500

Please confirm the registration process and payment instructions with the organisers before making a payment.

Payment Details

The payment information provided in the conference notice is:

• Account name: HOD of English & Director BMC

• Bank: State Bank of India (SBI)

• Branch: Vazhakkala, Seaport Airport Road

Verify the account details and payment procedure directly with the conference organisers before transferring money.

Contact Information

For further information about paper submission, registration, and participation, contact:

• Dr. Rose Merin: 9650782369

• Dr. Rajarajeshwari Ashok: 8179021828

• Email: bmcenglishconference2026@gmail.com

Recommended Books for Humanities Researchers

Preparing for a conference is also an opportunity to strengthen your theoretical understanding, improve academic writing, and explore relevant research literature. The following book links may be useful for readers building a personal academic library.

1. Explore a book for academic reading and research

Check the book on Amazon

2. Discover another resource for your academic library

View the book on Amazon

3. Find a relevant reference for your studies

Explore this Amazon listing

4. Browse another recommended resource

View the Amazon listing

5. Explore an additional academic reading resource

Check availability on Amazon

Note: The product titles and contents could not be verified from the supplied conference notice. Please replace these generic descriptions with the actual book titles, authors, and relevance to the conference after checking each link. Purchases through qualifying affiliate links may earn the publisher a commission at no additional cost to the buyer.

Why Should You Participate?

The conference offers a platform to present original research, receive academic feedback, interact with researchers from different disciplines, and explore the wider public relevance of the Humanities.

For early-career researchers and students, it can also be an opportunity to develop research communication skills, refine emerging ideas, and establish academic connections.

Those working at the intersection of English studies, education, AI, digital communication, ethics, and cultural studies may find the suggested themes particularly relevant.

Final Reminder: Mark Your Calendar

Keep these important dates in mind:

• 10 November 2026: Abstract submission deadline

• 25 November 2026: Full-paper submission deadline

• 3–4 December 2026: National Conference

If your research examines the changing relationship between the Humanities, technology, culture, education, or society, consider preparing an abstract and contacting the organisers for any additional submission instructions.

 

Tenses: Complete Notes for Competitive Exams

These concise notes are designed for graduate students preparing for competitive examinations such as aptitude tests, placement assessments, government recruitment exams, and English proficiency tests. They cover all 12 tenses, their structures, usage, examples, common errors, and exam-oriented rules.

1. The 12 tenses at a glance

English has three time categories — present, past, and future — each commonly taught with four tense-aspect forms.

Tense	Structure	Main use
Simple Present	S + V1(s/es)	Habits, facts, routines
Present Continuous	S + am/is/are + V-ing	Actions happening now
Present Perfect	S + has/have + V3	Past action connected to the present
Present Perfect Continuous	S + has/have been + V-ing	Action continuing over a period
Simple Past	S + V2	Completed past actions
Past Continuous	S + was/were + V-ing	Action in progress in the past
Past Perfect	S + had + V3	Earlier of two past actions
Past Perfect Continuous	S + had been + V-ing	Duration before a past point
Simple Future	S + will + V1	Predictions, decisions, promises
Future Continuous	S + will be + V-ing	Action in progress at a future time
Future Perfect	S + will have + V3	Action completed before a future point
Future Perfect Continuous	S + will have been + V-ing	Duration up to a future point

Key: S = Subject; V1 = base form; V2 = past form; V3 = past participle.

2. Present tense forms

1. Simple Present Tense

Habits • Facts • Routines

Structure

• Affirmative: S + V1(s/es)

• Negative: S + do/does + not + V1

• Interrogative: Do/Does + S + V1?

Examples

• She works in a bank.

• They do not work on Sundays.

• Does he speak English?

Rules for competitive exams

• Use -s/-es with third-person singular subjects: he, she, it, or a singular noun.

• After does/doesn't, use V1, not V1+s.

• General truths and scientific facts take the simple present.

• Scheduled events may use the simple present: The train leaves at 6 a.m.

Common error: She does not likes coffee. ❌

Correct: She does not like coffee. ✅

2. Present Continuous Tense

Happening now • Temporary actions

Structure: S + am/is/are + V-ing

Examples

• I am preparing for the examination.

• They are working on a project.

• She is not sleeping.

Rules

• Use for actions happening at the moment of speaking or temporary situations.

• Also used for fixed personal arrangements: I am meeting the professor tomorrow.

• Verbs expressing states, such as know, believe, own, understand, and belong, are generally not used in continuous forms when they retain their stative meanings.

Common error: I am knowing the answer. ❌

Correct: I know the answer. ✅

3. Present Perfect Tense

Past action • Present relevance

Structure: S + has/have + V3

Examples

• She has completed the assignment.

• We have visited Delhi twice.

• He has not submitted the form yet.

Rules

• Use for experiences, recent events, and past actions with present results.

• Common markers: already, just, yet, ever, never, so far, and recently.

• Use has with third-person singular subjects and have with I, you, we, they, and plural subjects.

• Do not normally use the present perfect with a finished past-time expression such as yesterday, last year, or in 2020.

Common error: I have seen him yesterday. ❌

Correct: I saw him yesterday. ✅

4. Present Perfect Continuous Tense

Duration • Continuing activity

Structure: S + has/have been + V-ing

Examples

• She has been studying for three hours.

• They have been working here since 2022.

Rules

• Emphasises the duration or ongoing nature of an activity that began in the past and continues to the present, or has recently stopped with present evidence.

• Since indicates a starting point: since Monday, since 2020.

• For indicates a duration: for two hours, for five years.

• Stative verbs generally prefer the present perfect rather than the present perfect continuous.

Common error: I am living here since 2020. ❌

Correct: I have been living here since 2020. ✅

3. Past tense forms

5. Simple Past Tense

Completed past actions

Structure

• Affirmative: S + V2

• Negative: S + did not + V1

• Interrogative: Did + S + V1?

Examples

• He wrote the examination last week.

• He did not write the examination.

• Did he write the examination?

Rules

• Use for completed actions at a definite past time.

• Common markers: yesterday, ago, last week, in 2019.

• After did/didn't, always use V1.

Common error: Did she went there? ❌

Correct: Did she go there? ✅

6. Past Continuous Tense

Action in progress in the past

Structure: S + was/were + V-ing

Examples

• I was reading at 8 p.m.

• They were playing when it started raining.

Rules

• Describes an action in progress at a particular past time.

• Often used with the simple past for an interrupting event.

• The longer background action often takes the past continuous; the shorter interrupting action often takes the simple past.

Example: I was sleeping when the phone rang.

7. Past Perfect Tense

Earlier past action

Structure: S + had + V3

Examples

• The train had left before we reached the station.

• She had finished the work by noon.

Rules

• Use to show that an action occurred before another past action or past reference point when the sequence needs clarification.

• The earlier action takes past perfect; the later action often takes simple past.

• Do not mechanically use past perfect for every action in a past narrative.

Common error: The train had left before we had reached the station. This may be possible in a special context, but the usual exam-preferred form is: The train had left before we reached the station.

8. Past Perfect Continuous Tense

Duration before a past point

Structure: S + had been + V-ing

Examples

• He had been studying for two hours before the teacher arrived.

• They had been waiting since morning when the bus finally came.

Rules

• Emphasises how long an activity had continued before a particular past event or time.

• Common markers: for, since, before, when, all day.

• Use past perfect continuous when duration or the ongoing activity is important; use past perfect for completion or result.

Compare:

• She had written three letters. (Completed quantity)

• She had been writing letters for an hour. (Duration)

4. Future tense forms

9. Simple Future Tense

Predictions • Decisions • Promises

Structure: S + will + V1

Examples

• I will call you tomorrow.

• She will not attend the meeting.

Rules

• Use will for predictions, promises, offers, and decisions made at the moment of speaking.

• Use be going to for prior intentions and predictions based on present evidence.

• For future time clauses beginning with when, after, before, until, and as soon as, use the present tense rather than will in the clause.

Common error: I will call you when I will arrive. ❌

Correct: I will call you when I arrive. ✅

10. Future Continuous Tense

Action in progress at a future time

Structure: S + will be + V-ing

Examples

• This time tomorrow, I will be travelling to Hyderabad.

• At 10 a.m., she will be taking the examination.

Rules

• Use for an action expected to be in progress at a specified future time.

• Also used for polite enquiries about someone's plans: Will you be using the computer this evening?

  11. Future Perfect Tense

  Completed before a future deadline

Structure: S + will have + V3

Examples

• She will have completed the course by June.

• They will have reached home before sunset.

Rules

• Use for an action expected to be completed before a specified future time.

• Common markers: by tomorrow, by next year, by the time.

• Remember: by often signals a deadline, while until focuses on how long a state or activity continues.

Common error: By next month, I will completed the course. ❌

Correct: By next month, I will have completed the course. ✅

12. Future Perfect Continuous Tense

Duration up to a future point

Structure: S + will have been + V-ing

Examples

• By December, she will have been teaching for ten years.

• By 6 p.m., they will have been travelling for twelve hours.

Rules

• Emphasises the duration of an activity up to a specified future point.

• Common markers: for and by.

• Compare:

  • By June, he will have worked here for ten years. (Completion or fact)

  • By June, he will have been working here for ten years. (Emphasis on duration/activity)

5. High-priority rules for competitive exams

These rules are particularly useful in error spotting, sentence correction, fill-in-the-blanks, and cloze tests.

Rule 1: Since vs. For

• Since + starting point: since 2021, since Monday, since 9 a.m.

• For + duration: for five years, for two days, for an hour.

Example: She has been preparing for six months.

Rule 2: Finished past time

Use the simple past with definite finished-time expressions such as yesterday, last year, and two days ago.

Example: They arrived yesterday, not have arrived yesterday.

Rule 3: Two past actions

Use past perfect for the earlier action when the sequence needs to be made explicit.

Example: The meeting had begun before I arrived.

Rule 4: Future time clauses

After when, until, before, after, as soon as, and once, use the present tense for a future event in the time clause.

Example: We will start when the teacher arrives.

Rule 5: Conditional sentences

• First conditional: If + simple present, will + V1.

• Second conditional: If + simple past, would + V1.

• Third conditional: If + past perfect, would have + V3.

Examples:

• If she studies, she will pass.

• If she studied, she would pass.

• If she had studied, she would have passed.

Rule 6: Subject–verb agreement

• He/she/it + V1(s/es) in the simple present.

• I/you/we/they + V1.

• Each, every, everyone, somebody, and neither usually take singular agreement.

Example: Each of the candidates has submitted the form.

Rule 7: Stative verbs

Verbs such as know, believe, understand, own, and belong generally do not take continuous forms when expressing states.

Example: I understand the question, not I am understanding the question.

Rule 8: Verb forms after auxiliaries

• Do/does/did + V1

• Has/have/had + V3

• Am/is/are/was/were + V-ing (continuous forms)

• Will/would/can/could/should/must + V1

Example: She has written the report, not has wrote it.

6. Common signal words

Signal words are clues, not absolute rules. Always interpret the meaning and time reference of the sentence.

Signal words	Tense often used
Every day, usually, often	Simple present
Now, at the moment, currently	Present continuous
Already, just, yet, so far	Present perfect
Since, for (continuing duration)	Present perfect continuous
Yesterday, ago, last week	Simple past
While, at that time	Past continuous
Before, by the time (earlier past)	Past perfect
For two hours before he arrived	Past perfect continuous
Tomorrow, next week	Simple future (depending on meaning)
This time tomorrow	Future continuous
By next Monday	Future perfect (when completion is intended)
By next June + duration	Future perfect continuous (when duration is emphasised) Let's check your understanding

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Idioms and Phrasal Verbs - Quiz

 

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs 

1. What is an Idiom?

An idiom is a fixed group of words whose overall meaning is different from the literal meaning of the individual words.

Example:

“A piece of cake”

• Literal meaning: A piece of a cake.
• Idiomatic meaning: Something very easy.

Sentence:
The English test was a piece of cake.

More examples

Idiom	Meaning	Example
A piece of cake	Very easy	The exam was a piece of cake.
Break the ice	Start a friendly conversation	The teacher told a joke to break the ice.
Hit the nail on the head	Say exactly the right thing	You hit the nail on the head.
Once in a blue moon	Very rarely	He visits us once in a blue moon.
Under the weather	Feeling ill	I am feeling under the weather today.
Spill the beans	Reveal a secret	Don't spill the beans.
Cost an arm and a leg	Very expensive	That car costs an arm and a leg.
A blessing in disguise	Something that seems bad but turns out good	Losing that job was a blessing in disguise.
Call it a day	Stop working	We have finished our work, so let's call it a day.
In hot water	In trouble	He is in hot water because he was late.
Beat around the bush	Avoid the main point	Stop beating around the bush and answer me.
Barking up the wrong tree	Following the wrong idea/person	If you think I took it, you are barking up the wrong tree.
Burn the midnight oil	Work/study late at night	She burned the midnight oil before the exam.
Let the cat out of the bag	Reveal a secret accidentally	Ravi let the cat out of the bag.
Kill two birds with one stone	Accomplish two things with one action	I killed two birds with one stone by shopping and visiting my friend.
Better late than never	Doing something late is better than not doing it	He finally completed the course—better late than never.
Actions speak louder than words	What you do is more important than what you say	Remember, actions speak louder than words.
Add fuel to the fire	Make a bad situation worse	His angry words added fuel to the fire.
On cloud nine	Extremely happy	She was on cloud nine after winning the prize.
Keep an eye on	Watch carefully	Please keep an eye on the children.

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2. Important Types of Idioms

Idioms can express different ideas.

A. Idioms related to emotions

• On cloud nine – extremely happy
• Down in the dumps – unhappy
• Green with envy – very jealous
• Lose one's temper – become angry
• Have butterflies in one's stomach – feel nervous

Example:
I had butterflies in my stomach before giving my speech.

B. Idioms related to money

• Cost an arm and a leg – very expensive
• Make ends meet – manage financially
• Break the bank – cost too much
• Bring home the bacon – earn money for the family

C. Idioms related to work/study

• Burn the midnight oil – work/study late
• Learn by heart – memorize
• Pull one's socks up – improve one's performance
• Get the ball rolling – start something
• Go the extra mile – make an additional effort

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3. What is a Phrasal Verb?

A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb + adverb/preposition (or both) that creates a new meaning.

Structure:

Verb + particle = Phrasal verb

Examples:

• give + up = give up
• look + after = look after
• put + off = put off
• find + out = find out

The meaning of the phrasal verb is often different from the original verb.

Example:

Give

• Give = hand something to someone
• Give up = stop trying

Sentence:
Never give up your dreams.

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4. Common Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal Verb	Meaning	Example
Give up	Stop trying	Never give up.
Look after	Take care of	She looks after her mother.
Look for	Search for	I am looking for my book.
Look into	Investigate	The police will look into the matter.
Look up	Search for information	Look up the word in the dictionary.
Put off	Postpone	The meeting was put off.
Call off	Cancel	The match was called off.
Carry on	Continue	Carry on with your work.
Find out	Discover	I found out the truth.
Bring up	Mention / raise	She brought up an important issue.
Take off	Remove / leave the ground	Take off your shoes.
Put on	Wear	Put on your jacket.
Turn on	Start a machine	Turn on the fan.
Turn off	Stop a machine	Turn off the lights.
Turn down	Reject / reduce	He turned down the offer.
Turn up	Arrive / increase	He turned up late.
Break down	Stop functioning	The car broke down.
Break out	Start suddenly	A fire broke out.
Break into	Enter forcibly	Someone broke into the house.
Get up	Rise from bed	I get up at 6 a.m.
Get over	Recover from	She got over her illness.
Get along	Have a good relationship	We get along well.
Get rid of	Remove	Get rid of the old books.
Run out of	Have no more left	We have run out of milk.
Come across	Find unexpectedly	I came across an old photo.
Come back	Return	Come back soon.
Go through	Experience / examine	She went through a difficult time.
Go on	Continue	Please go on reading.
Make up	Invent / reconcile	They made up after the argument.
Pick up	Collect / learn	I will pick you up at 5.
Put away	Store	Put away your books.
Take after	Resemble	She takes after her mother.
Take over	Take control	The new manager took over.
Work out	Solve / exercise	We worked out the problem.
Set up	Establish / arrange	They set up a new school.
Check in	Register at a hotel/airport	We checked in at the hotel.
Check out	Leave a hotel / examine	We checked out at noon.
Hang up	End a phone call	Don't hang up.
Hold on	Wait	Hold on for a minute.
Hurry up	Do something faster	Hurry up! We are late.

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5. Difference Between Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Idioms	Phrasal Verbs
Fixed expressions	Verb + particle
Meaning is usually figurative	Creates a new verb meaning
Often cannot be understood literally	Often functions as a verb in the sentence
Example: Break the ice	Example: Give up
Means: Start a conversation	Means: Stop trying

Example:

Idiom:
“Don't spill the beans.”

Meaning: Don't reveal the secret.

Phrasal verb:
“Please turn off the fan.”

Meaning: Stop the fan.

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6. Important Phrasal Verb Rules

A. Some phrasal verbs can be separated

Example:

Turn off the light.
Turn the light off.

Both are correct.

With a pronoun, separation is generally required:

Turn it off. ✅
Turn off it. ❌

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B. Some phrasal verbs cannot be separated

Example:

Look after the child. ✅

Look the child after. ❌

Other examples:

• look into
• look for
• run into
• deal with
• depend on

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7. Common Idioms for Competitive Exams

These are particularly useful for CTET, TET, SSC, banking and other English examinations.

1. At the eleventh hour – At the last moment
2. A bed of roses – An easy/comfortable situation
3. A storm in a teacup – A big fuss about a small matter
4. By leaps and bounds – Very rapidly
5. In black and white – In writing
6. In a nutshell – In brief
7. In the long run – Eventually
8. Keep one's fingers crossed – Hope for good luck
9. Make both ends meet – Manage expenses
10. Miss the boat – Miss an opportunity
11. No stone unturned – Make every possible effort
12. On the spur of the moment – Without planning
13. Read between the lines – Understand the hidden meaning
14. See eye to eye – Agree completely
15. Take it with a grain of salt – Not completely believe something
16. The last straw – Final problem that makes a situation unbearable
17. Through thick and thin – In good and bad times
18. To be in the same boat – Be in the same situation
19. Turn a deaf ear – Refuse to listen
20. Weather the storm – Survive a difficult situation

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8. Important Phrasal Verbs for Exams

With GET

• get up – rise
• get in – enter
• get out – leave
• get over – recover
• get through – finish/succeed
• get along with – have a good relationship
• get rid of – remove
• get away – escape

With TAKE

• take off – remove / leave the ground
• take on – accept responsibility
• take over – assume control
• take up – begin a hobby/activity
• take after – resemble
• take back – return / withdraw a statement

With PUT

• put on – wear
• put off – postpone
• put out – extinguish
• put up with – tolerate
• put away – store
• put down – place / criticize
• put forward – suggest

With LOOK

• look after – take care of
• look for – search
• look at – examine
• look into – investigate
• look up – search for information
• look down on – consider inferior
• look forward to – eagerly await

With TURN

• turn on – start
• turn off – stop
• turn up – increase / arrive
• turn down – decrease / reject
• turn into – transform
• turn out – result/prove to be

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9. Idiom vs Literal Meaning

Understanding the difference is very important.

“Break the ice”

❌ Literal: Break a piece of ice.

✅ Idiomatic: Start a friendly conversation.

Example:
The teacher told a funny story to break the ice with the new students.

“Hit the books”

❌ Literal: Hit books.

✅ Idiomatic: Study seriously.

Example:
I have an exam tomorrow, so I need to hit the books.

“Piece of cake”

❌ Literal: A piece of cake.

✅ Idiomatic: Something very easy.

Example:
The first question was a piece of cake.

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10. Practice Questions

Choose the correct meaning.

1. “Spill the beans” means:

A) Waste food
B) Reveal a secret
C) Cook food
D) Make a mistake

Answer: B – Reveal a secret

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2. “Give up” means:

A) Continue
B) Stop trying
C) Start
D) Collect

Answer: B – Stop trying

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3. “Once in a blue moon” means:

A) Every day
B) Frequently
C) Very rarely
D) At night

Answer: C – Very rarely

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4. “Look after” means:

A) Search
B) Take care of
C) Ignore
D) Investigate

Answer: B – Take care of

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5. “At the eleventh hour” means:

A) Very early
B) At midnight
C) At the last moment
D) Every hour

Answer: C – At the last moment

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6. “Call off the meeting” means:

A) Start the meeting
B) Cancel the meeting
C) Attend the meeting
D) Postpone the meeting

Answer: B – Cancel the meeting

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7. “Burn the midnight oil” means:

A) Waste electricity
B) Work or study late at night
C) Sleep early
D) Cook at night

Answer: B – Work or study late at night

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8. “Put off” means:

A) Wear
B) Remove
C) Postpone
D) Start

Answer: C – Postpone

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Quick Revision

⭐ 10 Must-Know Idioms

1. A piece of cake – Very easy
2. Break the ice – Start a conversation
3. Spill the beans – Reveal a secret
4. Once in a blue moon – Very rarely
5. Under the weather – Ill
6. Hit the nail on the head – Say exactly the right thing
7. Burn the midnight oil – Study/work late
8. Cost an arm and a leg – Very expensive
9. Kill two birds with one stone – Achieve two things at once
10. In a nutshell – In brief

⭐ 10 Must-Know Phrasal Verbs

1. Give up – Stop trying
2. Look after – Take care of
3. Look for – Search
4. Find out – Discover
5. Put off – Postpone
6. Call off – Cancel
7. Carry on – Continue
8. Run out of – Have no more left
9. Get over – Recover
10. Put up with – Tolerate

Let's check your understanding by attempting the quiz: