Speak Naturally: Stress and Intonation
Stress and Intonation with Prepositional Phrases coming on 11.14.25
Language Tips
Free Construction English mini-lessons for architects, engineers and builders
Activities, downloadable worksheets, and lesson video clips focused on key vocabulary, sentence patterns, and useful grammar tools related to architecture, engineering and construction project environments.
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Skills
Topics
Category: Materials and Methods
Develop English language and skills that relate the materials, shapes, sizes, and forms of construction materials and the different methods used.
Slab Edge or Edge of the Slab?
Compound Nouns vs. Prepositional Phrases Key Point Compound nouns ( NOUN + NOUN ) describe specific technical things, systems and materials Prepositional phrases ( __OF THE ) describe positions and locations. Watch the video below for a short tutorial. Lesson …
Floor plans: basic components and systems
Overview This unit is a quick review of some basic elements, materials, systems and components that are described on floor plans. Some of these you probably already know in your first language. Try to notice how the terms are used …
Made of or Made from?
PRO TIP MADE OF is used to describe the basic general material or physical characteristics of something. It does not describe a process, assembly, or change. Examples:“The chair is made of wood”“The door is made of metal” MADE FROM is used to describe …
Dovetail Connections
Q: What do a white bird and construction connections have in common? A: Dovetails! As mentioned in our masonry tie lesson… There are different types of anchors that tie the brick to the building. Here’s a dovetail masonry anchor. Dovetail refers …
Brick Ties
Brick Ties Of course we aren’t talking about an article of clothing. 🙂 We’re talking about an important part of masonry wall construction! Take a look at this video Study the short tutorial after you watch Then check your understanding …
Building Anatomy: brick cavity wall
Here are some important parts of a brick cavity wall. Try to guess where each part is located in the assembly Brick Compressible filler Concrete Continuous reglet and through-wall flashing Continuous steel relief angle Intermittent weep holes Sealant and backer …
Building Anatomy: concrete slab types
Concrete slab terminology Understanding floor slab terminology is essential for architects, engineers, and construction professionals working on international building projects. Concrete is the most common and useful material on the planet and slabs form the horizontal structural elements in buildings—supporting …
TOP 20 Steel and Metal Collocations
Based on the computer analysis of millions of words from construction books and publications, here are the Top 20 noun-noun collocations that describe different steel materials. Metal channel Metal decking Metal framing Steel framing Metal panel Metal rod Steel rod …
Talking about concrete materials in English
PRO TIP A collocation is a combination of two or more words that have a combined meaning. One common collocation pattern is ADJECTIVE + NOUN First floor Waterproof membrane Structural steel Collocations are the secret to making your communication clear …
