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 …
Language Tips
Free Construction English mini-lessons for architects, engineers and builders
All Categories
Browse the posts below for short language tips, terms, collocations, and deep dives into more key expressions related to design and construction.
Select a category:
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
TOP 20 Construction Management Collocations
Below are the top 20 most common terms used in CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT MANAGEMENT. Which do you know? Which would you like to learn more about? (click the links for definitions) <<— 1. project delivery The process of taking a construction idea …
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 …
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 …
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 …
