Sigrid introduces passive causative constructions, which combine causal verbs and the passive voice. We use them all the time in everyday conversation when we focus on the object rather than the subject.

This segment lays out the building blocks of a passive causative construction. We also compare and contrast causative constructions with other similar constructions. Sigrid uses the expression "to mix and match," which means putting different things together in different ways.

It's time to mix and match the formulas we've talked about. Sigrid mixes and matches them to talk about stuff she can't or doesn't want to do herself. She invites you to do the same.

In the United States, there are rights that allow all people who are accused of something to defend themselves: "the rule of law" and "due process of law." Right now, these rights are being challenged, and so it's important to know what they're all about.

Along with the rule of law, "due process" is an important element of U.S. constitutional law that gives anyone accused of a crime the right to defend him or herself and be judged by a fair and impartial judge or jury. There is a proper, legal way to do this, and that's called due process.

Sigrid begins her tale of how she ended up in Italy, where she's now living. She was born in Minneapolis and raised in New York. As a young adult, she relocated to Switzerland in order to study early music. In this video, she talks about traveling to Europe for the first time and learning about the different genres of music prior to the classical era.

Sigrid describes her time in Basel, and how she ended up visiting France and Italy as well.

Sigrid talks about some of the ways she learned how to speak Italian and French.

Sigrid talks about early spring weather, the importance of dressing in layers, and keeping the grass and weeds in check.

One way to prepare for Halloween is to make a jack o' lantern. In this segment, Sigrid explains what a jack o' lantern is, and how kids and adults celebrate Halloween.

The pumpkin is ready to carve out. Sigrid explains that pumpkins are indeed an edible type of squash and not just for making into jack o' lanterns. In fact, one pumpkin can become both a pumpkin pie and a jack o' lantern.

Sigrid finishes carving her pumpkin and places the candle inside so we can see the final effect of the jack o' lantern. Happy Halloween!

For so many of us, life has changed radically. We've had to learn new habits because of the coronavirus pandemic. Here are some of the changes we are having to make.

Everyone should stay home as much as possible to keep the coronavirus from spreading, but sometimes we have to go out for essential errands. What are some items to have on hand when we go out? Sigrid talks about five of them.

What a time to be learning English! Things are happening quickly in the United States and history is being made right now, so don't miss out on the words and expressions you need to know.