31-Jul-2025

Greetings from Fluent & Fearless,

In this week’s issue, we dive into one of the most useful expressions for smooth communication — “on the same page.” You'll also learn how to avoid a common grammar trap, when to use ellipses, and what majo means in Spain. Plus, don’t miss our longer reflection on why real progress in English comes not from perfection, but from showing up and speaking anyway.

ESL Word/Phrase of the Week

English Phrase: “On the same page.”

Meaning: To agree with someone or to have the same understanding about something.
Example Sentences:

• “Before we start the project, let’s make sure we’re on the same page.”

• “I thought we were on the same page, but apparently, she had a different plan.”

Quick Tip:
This phrase is used a lot in work, relationships, and even classroom settings. You don’t need to be reading a literal page — just make sure you’re mentally in sync with others!

• “Antes de empezar el proyecto, asegurémonos de que estamos en la misma sintonía”.

• “Pensé que estábamos de acuerdo, pero parece que ella tenía otro plan”.

Highlighted Language Mistake of the Week

Mistake: “She can to dance very well.”
Correct: “She can dance very well.”

Why?
The modal verb “can” is always followed by the base form of the verb — no “to” needed!

Examples:

• ✅ “He can swim.”

• ❌ “He can to swim.”

How to Fix It:
Modal verbs (can, could, should, might) never take “to” before the next verb. Think of it as a shortcut: “can” already does the grammatical work, so the next verb stays simple.

Punctuation Tip of the Week

Spotlight: Ellipses (…)

What is it?
Ellipses are three dots (…) used to show a pause, hesitation, or missing words.

When to use them:
To show a trailing thought: “I was going to tell you something, but…”
To indicate omitted text: “She said… something about a surprise.”

Quick Tip:
Don’t overuse them. Too many ellipses can make your writing feel vague or indecisive. Use them for effect, not for every pause.

Featured Story of the Week

The Day I Realized I Didn't Have to “Get It Right” to Be Understood

When I moved to England from Colombia, I knew a lot of English on paper. I’d passed the tests, aced the grammar, even knew what an Oxford comma was. But once I got there — in the cafés, on the buses, at the office — I froze.

Why? Because I was so worried about being “correct” that I couldn’t relax. I waited for the perfect sentence in my head before I said anything out loud. And by the time I finally spoke, the moment had passed.

One day, I tried something new: I walked into a coffee shop and ordered without rehearsing. I fumbled the sentence. I said “Can I have... a coffee with milk, not hot, um, not cold, in between?” The barista blinked and said, “You want it warm?” I nodded. She smiled. I laughed. The ice broke.

It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t even pretty. But it worked.

From that moment, I stopped trying to sound native and started trying to connect. I spoke more. I listened harder. I asked questions. Some days I still got stuck — but I was no longer silent.

If you’re learning English, remember this: perfect is not the goal — connection is. When you drop the pressure, your confidence grows. And slowly, without even noticing, you get better. You speak up. You clarify. You joke. You express. You learn.

And eventually, just like that barista and I, you’ll find you’re on the same page.

Cultural Corner – Idiom/Slang of the Week

Idiom: “To hit the books.”

Meaning: To study hard — usually for a test or important deadline.

Example:

• “Final exams are next week, so it’s time to hit the books!”

Spanish equivalent: “Hincar los codos” (“bending elbows”)

Ejemplo:

• “Tengo examen el lunes, así que este fin de semana toca hincar los codos”.

Both phrases sound physical — hitting books or bending elbows — but they mean the same thing: time to study seriously. Idioms often reflect cultural attitudes, and both of these suggest that studying takes effort and discipline.

Reader Poll / Puzzle / Comment

Riddle of the Week:
I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with the wind. What am I?
Answer: An echo.

Your Turn:
Tell us — what English phrase did you finally get the hang of? Or is there a Spanish word you still can’t quite “pillarle el truco”? Hit reply and share with us — we might feature your story next week!