English Tips and Tricks

Another new series - First Pages ... a read-through and discussion of meaning and new vocabulary of the openings of famous novels, for B1+/B2 learners aiming for proficiency, hopefully giving you the confidence to read on in the novels.Transcript and key vocabulary in the episode:Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two handy little sentence starters today for awkward or interesting moments in a conversation.Transcript and key vocab here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yYyixdp2e0beMfWOxfuWYADeP5oPgkmC/view?usp=sharingGet in touch with your questions: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, we continue a new series called 'Colourful Language', looking at how to swear like a native speaker in English. In this second episode, we'll be looking at the word 'bloody' and how it's used in popular films and polite society.Link to PDF transcript of the episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ih4e1Dx_xJmb5DUKlCiyC5G2JXr3fqeC/view?usp=sharingGet in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another new series - Zombie English... giving idioms and vocabulary from zombie films, like the excellent Shaun of the Dead. Today's idiom is 'Wait for things to blow over'.Transcript and key vocabulary in the episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WgdlmKVjdFmdLOAAyEv0qpoyrLineveO/view?usp=share_linkGet in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another new series - How to talk about... giving key vocabulary about current topics like AI, Donald Trump and today, heatwaves.Transcript and key vocabulary in the episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UTBUs6EuqPGVZCHF4-mpceXYid8pLd-v/view?usp=share_link Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, we start a new series called 'Colourful Language', looking at how to swear like a native speaker in English. In this first episode, we'll be looking at the word 'damn' and how it's used in popular films and polite society.Link to PDF transcript of the episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Euknml_a8zJ-okzCyQ_XbCPEd0002bss/view?usp=share_linkGet in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reading can be a great way to improve your English and build vocabulary - just make sure you choose the right book!Links:Penguin Readers: https://www.penguinreaders.co.uk/books/excerpt: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/excerptelegant: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/elegantpoignant: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/poignantgrasp: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/graspDo get in touch with any questions you have about learning English: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The most self-defeating episode ever? Or a really useful pro-tip to help you improve your listening skills? You decide!Vocabulary links:Chore definition: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/choreNaturally definition: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/naturallySelf-defeating definition: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/self-defeatingHandy definition: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/handyHooks definition (the final definition): https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/hook?q=hooksGeopolitics definition: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/geopoliticsDo get in touch with any questions you have about learning English: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A handy little sentence starter for questions that seek to understand the reason for something.Useful vocab from today's episode:How come dictionary definition: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/how-comeMeta definition: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/metaRecessive definition: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/recessiveKeen definition: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/keenDo get in touch with any questions you have about learning English: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is everything being called something-adjacent these days? What is its meaning and should you try using it?Links:The New York Times article cited: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/16/style/are-you-adjacent.htmlMerriam Webster definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adjacentDo get in touch with any questions about English: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life's but a walking shadow...and some other useful metaphors that could help spice up your English!Do get in touch with any questions about English: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we'll look at a useful little sentence starter for a very specific occasion.If you have any questions or comments, do get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we’ll take a quick look at sentences starting with the word what. You’ll be used to seeing What being used as a question word, such as in the question, such as What’s up? But what can also be used as a sentence starter.Do get in touch with any questions about English: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.