Blog and Resources
Master English and Italian with expert language tips, authentic Italian recipes, blog resources, and a free ESL placement test to find your level.
Italian Recipes, English Videos, and Quizzes
Learn English (ESL) or Italian anytime, anywhere with our Italian and English flashcards!
If using Safari, disable “Prevent Cross-Site Tracking” or visit this Quizlet set.
🇺🇸 English 🇺🇸
🇮🇹 Italiano 🇮🇹
Blog Articles with Language Tips, Travel, and more!
American Tipping Culture
If you’re visiting the USA or just learning about American culture, understanding tipping is important! In the U.S., tipping isn’t just nice—it’s expected in many situations. This guide will help you understand when, where, and how much to tip, so you feel confident during your stay.
Why Do Americans Tip?
In the USA, workers in jobs like restaurants and bars often make most of their income through tips. While their hourly pay might be low, tips help bridge the gap and reward good service. That’s why tipping is such a big deal!
How Much Should You Tip?
In most situations, 18% is the baseline for tipping in the U.S. Here’s a simple breakdown:
At Restaurants
- Sit-Down Service: Tip 18-20% of the bill before tax. For amazing service, 20-25% is a kind gesture.
- Fast Food or Cafes: Tipping isn’t required, but leaving small change in a tip jar is appreciated.
Bars
- Per Drink: Tip $1-2 for each drink you order.
- Tabs: Tip 18-20% of the total bill if you’re running a tab.
Hotels
- Housekeeping: Leave $2-5 per night, more if your room is extra messy.
- Bellhops: Tip $2-3 per bag they carry.
- Valet Parking: Tip $2-5 when your car is returned to you.
Taxis and Rideshares (Uber/Lyft)
- Tip 15-20% of the fare. For short rides, rounding up to the nearest dollar works too.
Hair Salons or Spas
- Tip 20% of the total service cost to your stylist or therapist.
When is Tipping Optional?
You don’t have to tip everywhere!
- Fast Food Restaurants: No tipping is expected.
- Self-Service Locations: If you serve yourself, like at a buffet, tipping isn’t required.
- Retail Stores: Store employees don’t receive tips.
A Few Quick Tips
- Use Cash When Possible: Some small businesses or workers prefer cash tips.
- Double-Check the Bill: For large groups, some restaurants add an automatic gratuity of 18%. If you see this on the bill, no need to tip extra unless you want to.
- Even for Bad Service: It’s common to still leave 10-15% as a tip, even if the service wasn’t great.
Tipping Vocabulary to Practice
Here are some useful phrases to help you talk about tipping in English:
- “Is the tip included?” – To check if gratuity is part of the bill.
- “I’d like to leave a tip.” – To let someone know you’re tipping.
- “How much should I tip?” – If you’re unsure about the right amount.
Why This Matters
Tipping isn’t just about money—it’s a way to show appreciation for good service and follow American customs. By tipping the right amount, you’ll fit in with ease and have a great experience during your time in the USA.
At Paul’s Language School, we specialize in helping you learn the English skills you need for real-world situations—like understanding tipping culture! Whether you’re planning to visit the U.S. or just want to improve your English, our lessons will help you feel confident and prepared.
Book a free trial lesson today and start learning!
3 Must-See Cities in Northern Italy 🇮🇹
Northern Italy is a treasure trove of history, art, and culinary delights. If you’re planning a trip, don’t miss these three iconic cities: Venice, Verona, and Turin. Each offers a unique blend of culture, architecture, and experiences that capture the heart of Italy.
1. Venice: The City of Canals
Venice is unlike any other city in the world, famous for its winding canals, gondolas, and timeless beauty. Built in an ingenious way, this city is a must see.
Must-See Attractions:
- St. Mark’s Basilica: This iconic church is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.
- The Grand Canal: Take a vaporetto ride to soak in breathtaking views of palaces and bridges.
- Rialto Bridge: Snap a photo at one of Venice’s most famous landmarks.
- Murano and Burano: Explore Murano’s glassmaking workshops and Burano’s vibrant houses.
- Doge’s Palace: Immerse yourself in Venetian history with a tour of this Gothic masterpiece.
Pro Tip: Visit in the early morning or late evening to enjoy quieter streets and canals.
2. Verona: A Romantic Escape
Known as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a city of romance, history, and delightful cuisine.
Must-See Attractions:
- Piazza delle Erbe: This historic square is surrounded by colorful buildings, cafes, and a lively market.
- Arena di Verona: An amazingly preserved Roman amphitheater, which offers incredible acoustics for concerts, making every visit feel like stepping back in time.
- Piazza Bra: A beautiful square with restaurants and home to the stunning Verona Arena.
- Castelvecchio: Explore this medieval fortress and its art museum.
- Ponte Pietra and Ponte Scaligero: Walk across these historic bridges for stunning river views.
What to Eat:
- Try bigoli al ragù d’asino, a thick pasta with a meat sauce that is best paired with a glass of Amarone wine for the full experience.
3. Turin: The Royal Capital of Savoy
Turin, the elegant capital of Piedmont, combines royal charm with a contemporary vibe.
Must-See Attractions:
- Piazza San Carlo and Piazza Castello: These beautiful squares are perfect for soaking in Turin’s Baroque architecture.
- Mole Antonelliana: This landmark offers stunning views and houses the National Cinema Museum.
- Egyptian Museum: The world’s second-largest collection of Egyptian artifacts outside of Cairo.
What to Eat:
- Enjoy a meal at Cianci Piola Caffè, a casual yet authentic restaurant known for its traditional Piedmontese dishes.
- Don’t miss bicerin, a local coffee-and-chocolate drink that’s perfect for a mid-day treat.
Pro Tip: Turin is a great base for exploring the nearby Langhe wine region, famous for Barolo and Barbaresco wines.
Plan Your Trip
Each of these cities offers unforgettable experiences, from Venice’s ethereal canals to Verona’s romantic streets and Turin’s regal charm. Whether you’re a history lover, foodie, or adventurer, Northern Italy promises to deliver!
A Day Trip to the Sacra di San Michele
If you’re in Italy near Turin and looking for an epic day trip, the Sacra di San Michele is the place to go. This medieval abbey, perched dramatically on top of Mount Pirchiriano, is worth every step of the climb—and trust me, the views alone make it unforgettable.
Built between the 10th and 11th centuries, the abbey’s origins trace back to 983–987 AD, when Saint Giovanni Vincenzo and a group of Benedictine monks began constructing a monastery on the mountain. Over the centuries, it expanded and evolved, becoming one of the most important religious sites in medieval Italy.
Getting There: Easy Train Ride, Big Views
I started the day at Torino Porta Nuova, hopped on a Treno Regionale to Sant’Ambrogio di Torino, and 40 minutes later, I was at the base of the mountain, staring up at this utterly unique piece of history. You can see the abbey perched on top—it’s almost daring you to come up.
The Hike: An Old Mule Road & Free Water
Instead of taking a shuttle, I hiked up the old mule road (Mulattiera), because if you’re gonna visit a medieval abbey, you might as well get there the medieval way. The path winds through the forest, and honestly, it’s a solid workout.
Pro tip: There are water spigots along the way, which are absolute lifesavers. I used several and highly recommend you do too.
The trail itself is really cool—the stones are so polished from centuries of use that they shine. Beautiful? Yes. Slippery? Also yes. Definitely wear decent shoes unless you want to unintentionally slide your way up.
The Sacra di San Michele: 100% Worth It
After about an hour, I finally reached the abbey, and wow—it did not disappoint. The arches, the panoramic views, the perfect medieval architecture—it is all amazing! Walking through the “Door of the Zodiac”, with its ancient carvings, I could almost feel the history.
There is a small entry fee, but it’s worth every cent. Inside, you’ll find frescoes, stone corridors, and some of the best views of the Susa Valley. If you’re a history nerd (or just appreciate epic scenery), you’ll love it.
The Descent & a Well-Deserved Beer
After taking in the sights, I hiked down a different mule road, enjoying a new angle of the valley. Back in Sant’Ambrogio di Torino, I stopped at San Michele Birre Artigianali for a post-hike beer. Sitting there with a cold, locally brewed drink in hand, looking up at the abbey I’d just climbed to, I had to admit—it hit the spot.
Final Thoughts and Key Phrases
This trip had everything: a scenic train ride, a great hike, amazing views, and even medieval history thrown in for good measure. If you’re in Turin, do yourself a favor and make the trip.
Here are some key Italian phrases you might use on a trip to the Sacra di San Michele:
Buying Train Tickets
- Un biglietto per Sant’Ambrogio di Torino, per favore. – A ticket to Sant’Ambrogio di Torino, please.
- A che ora parte il prossimo treno per Torino? – What time does the next train to Turin leave?
At the Sacra di San Michele
- Quanto costa il biglietto d’ingresso? – How much is the entry ticket?
- Che bello! – How beautiful! (Perfect for the panoramic views.)
Post-Hike Beer Stop
- Una birra artigianale, per favore. – A craft beer, please.
- Cosa mi consiglia? – What do you recommend?
General Hiking/Travel Phrases
- C’è una fontana d’acqua potabile qui vicino? – Is there a drinking water fountain nearby?
What Are Articles in Italian?
In English, we use “the” for definite things and “a/an” for general things. In Italian, it’s the same idea—but with several different forms that match the word that follows. That’s because every noun in Italian is either masculine or feminine, singular or plural, and the article must agree with it.
And here’s a tip I always give my students: Vowels are important in Italian! Articles often change based on whether the next word starts with a vowel or a consonant.
1. Definite Articles — “The” in Italian
These are used when you’re talking about something specific.
Masculine (singular):
- il – before most consonants
Ex: il libro (the book) - lo – before nouns beginning with s + consonant, or z
Ex: lo studente (the student), lo zaino (the backpack) - l’ – before a vowel
Ex: l’amico (the friend)
Masculine (plural):
- i – plural of il
Ex: i libri (the books) - gli – plural of lo or l’ (before vowels or special consonants)
Ex: gli studenti (the students), gli amici (the friends)
Feminine (singular):
- la – before any consonant
Ex: la casa (the house) - l’ – before vowels
Ex: l’idea (the idea)
Feminine (plural):
- le – used for all feminine plurals
Ex: le case (the houses), le idee (the ideas)
2. Indefinite Articles — “A” or “An” in Italian
Now let’s talk about the general articles: when you want to say “a book,” “an idea,” “a student,” etc.
Masculine:
- un – before masculine nouns
Ex: un libro (a book), un amico (a friend) - uno – before s + consonant, or z
Ex: uno studente (a student), uno zaino (a backpack)
Feminine:
- una – before any consonant
Ex: una casa (a house) - un’ – before vowels
Ex: un’idea (an idea)
Notice again: vowels matter! When a noun starts with a vowel, the article usually drops the last letter and adds an apostrophe: l’amico, l’idea, un’amica, etc.
Final Tips from a Language Teacher
If you’re just starting to learn Italian, focus on patterns. Don’t try to memorize every rule at once. Start with common words like il libro, la casa, un amico, and notice how the articles change when the word changes.
And remember: Italian is a musical language. Articles help the words flow, especially around vowels.
Want to Learn More Italian?
I teach Italian lessons online and in person, focusing on conversation, confidence, and clarity. Whether you’re just starting out or want to improve, I’ll help you learn the structure by really speaking the language!
Contact me to book your first class, or check out more tips on the blog!
“I Don’t Get It!” A Guide to Mastering the Many Uses of “Get”
If you’re learning English, you’ve probably noticed the word “get” is everywhere. It’s an irregular verb (get-got-got) and one of the most common words we use every day. But with so many meanings, it’s very easy to get confused.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone – many English learners have a problem with this word. The key is to learn its main uses and practice them. Use them in your everyday conversations! Once you do, you’ll get a lot better at sounding like a native speaker.
Let’s get started!
1. “Get” to mean “Receive,” “Obtain,” or “Buy”
This is one of the most frequent uses of “get.” It’s a great, informal alternative to more formal words.
- Receive: I got a letter from my friend today. (I received a letter.)
- Obtain: She got her driver’s license last week. (She obtained her license.)
- Buy: We need to get some groceries on the way home. (We need to buy some groceries.)
2. “Get” to mean “Become” (with an Adjective)
We often use “get” with an adjective to describe a change in state or situation. It’s much more common in spoken English than the more formal verb “become.”
- It’s getting colder outside. You should wear a jacket!
- He got angry when he heard the bad news.
- Don’t get nervous; the exam is easy.
3. “Get” to mean “Arrive”
When you talk about reaching a destination, “get” is a common and casual verb to use.
- What time did you get home last night?
- We’ll get to the airport in about an hour. (Note the use of “to” before the place)
- They got to school just before the bell rang.
4. “Get” in Phrasal Verbs
This is where “get” can get a little tricky… When you combine “get” with a preposition or adverb, it creates a new meaning entirely. There are dozens of these, but here are some of the most common:
- Get up: to leave your bed in the morning.
- I get up at 7 a.m. every day.
- Get on/off: to enter or exit a form of public transportation (bus, train, plane).
- Let’s get on the train before the doors close!
- Get along with: to have a good relationship with someone.
- I get along with all of my coworkers.
- Get over: to recover from something, like an illness or a difficult situation.
- It took her a long time to get over her cold.
- Get away: to escape or go on a holiday.
- I need to get away from the city for the weekend.
Practice Makes Perfect!
The best way to get comfortable with this versatile verb is to start using it. Try to replace a more formal verb with “get” in your next conversation.
- Instead of “I don’t understand the joke,” try saying, “I don’t get the joke.“
- Instead of “The children became tired,” say, “The children got tired.“
Do you have any questions about “get”? Let me know! And if you’re interested in getting some more information and learning more English skills, make sure to sign up today!
Test Your English – What’s Your Level?
Curious about your English level? This short quiz will help you find out where you stand — from Beginner (A1) to Advanced (C1).
