Language Tips

Free Construction English mini-lessons for architects, engineers and builders

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Browse the posts below for short language tips, terms, collocations, and deep dives into more key expressions related to design and construction.

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Work as a Noun

The English word ‘WORK’ is the single most important word in the design and construction business.  Let’s explore why. In an earlier mini-lesson, we talked about the word ‘WORK’ as a verb. In this mini-lesson, we will learn a little …

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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 …

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Take offs in estimating

Take off  is a noun used in construction. (also spelled take-off  or takeoff) Take off  is also a verb used in construction. Take off, sometimes spelled as “take-off” or “takeoff,” is a part of cost estimating in the construction industry. Estimators use …

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Steel wall-mounted counter top in conservation lab, fire extinguisher, window type, base cabinet with counter top, hose bibb, technical construction plan with labels and measurements.

Plan layout basics

Overview This is a short exercise to practice describing the location of items on a floor plan.  Preview the tutorial below for a quick lesson on locating items on a plan layout.Try your best to complete the sentences below using …

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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 …

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Talking About Work

Work Work is a common word, especially in design and construction.  However, common words we already know are often used in different ways.  These combinations can often mean different things. Work is both a noun and a verb.  This lesson …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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