Read my tips about terrific television programmes to watch, an important question that language learners should always ask, and learn about a noun that is countable in German but uncountable in English.

Which TV programmes do you watch?

Although I’m not a huge fan of television, there are some great programmes at the moment that I thought I’d share with you.

Some recent highlights have included the gritty police drama Happy Valley. It's set in Yorkshire and is great if you want to hear some lovely northern accents and don't mind the tense storyline. I’m also enjoying crime drama, The Gold, which is based on the true story of the 1983 Brinks Mat robbery, one of the largest gold heists ever. Part of the action takes place in Zurich but I don't think any of it was filmed here.

For a spot of comedy I like Early Doors which features the fictional regulars in a Manchester pub and Would I Lie to You, a celebrity gameshow. If uplifting reality TV is more your thing, you might enjoy The Piano. Amateur pianists demonstrate their amazing abilities on pianos in train stations, secretly being watched by star pianist, Lang Lang and his sidekick, Mika.

Watching the telly can be an easy way to improve your listening skills and increase your vocabulary. The important thing is to find television programmes that you enjoy. My monthly TV subscription includes channels from Switzerland and I pay extra to get my favourite British ones.

What about you? Have you considered signing up for some British TV?

Click on the link below if you want further recommendations of television programmes to watch, books to read, podcasts and more.

Latest blog posts

Language tips

In one of my recent conversation classes we talked about giving feedback. We read an article in which the author praised the valuable advice she had been given to put good feedback in writing and deal with less positive comments in person. Although my students weren't massively keen on the article, it still gave us plenty to talk about.

Today's tip, inspired by the lesson, is about the uncountable noun advice. Because it's uncountable we don't use it with the indefinite article (a/an) nor do we make it plural (advices).

Don't say

It was a good advice.

The advices were good.

Do say

The advice was good.

It was a great piece of advice.

P.S. This tip also applies to other uncountable nouns such as research, furniture and feedback!

If you found this tip useful and would like to read more tips, have a look at my blog posts on cycling and hiking. Each post contains details about the places I've visited together with a useful language tip.

Upcoming courses

C1/C2 conversation - Wednesdays 9:15 - 10.45am

Great classes for anyone with a solid level of English who wants to become more confident when speaking. Currently taking bookings for next semester.

First exam preparation

Starting soon - online exam preparation for the Cambridge First exam. Ten weekly lessons covering all parts of the exam on Wednesday lunchtimes. Places are limited so sign up now.
 

About me

My name is Adrienne Hughes but most people call me Adi. I’m the founder of Kreis 6 English, a language school for motivated students.

I was born in England but moved to Switzerland 20 years ago and have taught in several language schools in Zurich. I use my experience as a teacher and my master’s degree in Applied Linguistics to help students become more confident language users.

Want to find out more about me? Check out the website or follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
 

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