Note: The translation for this entry is currently under quality review. Some content is temporarily displayed in English only.
English
This term functions as a proper adjective and noun, requiring capitalization regardless of its position in a sentence. When referring to the language, it is an uncountable noun and cannot be pluralized. When referring to a person from England, it is a countable noun that follows standard pluralization rules.
In a linguistic context, the word carries a global connotation of diplomacy, trade, and academia, often serving as a lingua franca. It is distinct from British English or American English, which specify regional dialects, whereas the general term encompasses the entire global spectrum of the language.
The language is uncountable; the person is countable.
💬Casual Conversation
KAREN DOES LEO NEED A TUTOR FOR ENGLISH? HE IS FALLING BEHIND.
He's fine, Eleanor. Please stop stirring the pot with his teachers.
Meanings
Examples
I think my English is getting better every day.
Wait, is your English actually this bad?
I can't believe you're failing English this semester!
Sir, do you speak English or should I get a translator?
I've always wanted to learn a bit of English.
Look, I am English, so just let me handle this.
Collocations & Compounds
fluent English
spoken English
written English|British English|American English
Phrasal Verbs
english up
to apply a specific amount of spin to a ball to achieve a desired path
He decided to english up the ball to bypass the defender.
Idioms & Sayings
broken English
English spoken imperfectly by someone who is not a native speaker
He apologized for his broken English while trying to ask for directions.
plain English
simple and clear language without technical jargon
Please explain the legal contract in plain English so I can understand it.
the English way
the typical manner or custom associated with people from England
They decorated the garden in the English way with manicured hedges and roses.