Everyday English (Vocabulary Building)

Topic: Where you live

We will look at and use vocabulary related to the location where people live, and the things typically found in most people’s homes.

Lesson Notes October 20, 2026 (Vocabulary Building)

Words & Phrases

• My favourite cafe is temporarily closed. i hope they will open again soon.

• How long have you been using your phone?

  • I’ve been using mine for about 8 years.

  • My phone is almost four years old.

Grammar

We almost always use "the" when talking about everyday locations like gyms, banks, post offices, supermarkets, or hair salons—even if the listener doesn't know the exact specific one you go to.

• "I need to stop by the bank."

• "She's at the gym right now."

• "Can you drop this off at the post office?"

• "I’m going to the (supermarket / grocery) store."

• "I need to go to the (dentist / doctor / salon.”

If you name the specific company, brand, or location, drop "the" (unless the brand name naturally includes it)

• “I'm at Tipness." (vs. "I'm at the gym.”)

• "I need to go to Mizuho." (vs. "I need to go to the bank.”)

• "She works at Aeon." (vs. "She works at the store.")

Around the home

• (For North America) A stove is basically two main parts: the oven and the stovetop (or cooktop), which has the burners.

• (For UK) A cooker usually consists of an oven and a hob with several burners or hotplates.

• Often in conversation we call both parts “the stove” and use prepositions “in / on” to show where we mean.

  • Can you put this dish in the stove? (= inside the oven)

  • I put the cutting board on the stove, is that ok? (= on top of the stovetop)

Next Lesson

October 27, 2026 - Where You Live Section Section 18 B