Practising English

Here are the words and expressions we''l study today:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-316.htm1) to handleDefinition: To deal with a situation, a person, or a problem successfully. Examples: Don't worry about the cooking tonight, I can handle it. Our manager is very calm and knows exactly how to handle angry customers.2) sound likeDefinition: To seem true or interesting after hearing or reading about it, or to make a noise similar to something else. Examples: Going to the beach this weekend sounds like a fantastic idea! I heard a strange noise outside last night that sounded like a cat. 3) about toDefinition: Ready to do something very soon, or very close to happening. Examples: Hurry up and get in the car! The train is about to leave. I was just about to call you when your text message arrived.4) for hoursDefinition: For a very long period of time. Examples: We had to wait at the airport for hours because our flight was late. My brother can play video games for hours without taking a single break. 5) get worseDefinition: To become more bad, difficult, or painful than before. Examples: If your cold gets worse tomorrow, you should definitely see a doctor. The traffic in the city center always gets worse around 5:00 PM. 6) dozens ofDefinition: A very large number of things or people (usually groups of twelve, but used generally to mean "a lot of"). Examples: There were dozens of people standing in line to buy the new phone. She has dozens of beautiful plants all over her apartment.7) take a deep breathDefinition: To fill your lungs with a lot of air, usually to help yourself relax, calm down, or feel better. Examples: Before the important job interview started, he took a deep breath to calm his nerves. Just take a deep breath and explain to me what happened.Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):https://amzn.to/46AVFe9Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0iFor very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvvOxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHgAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

Here are the B2 phrases we'll be studying today:1) far too many/much/few etc.There are far too many games in this new 48-team tournament, and our players look absolutely exhausted.The manager chose far too few midfielders in the starting line-up, which is why we completely lost control of the ball.2) in any caseI don't think the referee should have given that penalty, but in any case, we played poorly and didn't deserve to win.It is going to be incredibly hot in Miami for the next match, but in any case, the team must adapt if they want to reach the semi-finals.3) demand (verb)After that terrible performance against Canada, millions of fans back home demand that the manager changes his tactics for the next round.Spanish supporters demand beautiful, attacking football, so we cannot just defend a 1-0 lead.4) no guaranteeEven though we have a fantastic squad this year, there is no guarantee that we will defeat a strong team like Argentina.Winning our group easily gives us confidence, but it offers no guarantee that we will survive a penalty shootout in the knockout stage.5) relevantPast defeats against Germany are not relevant to this young squad; they are only focused on making history in 2026.Having experience in big Champions League finals is highly relevant for our players during a high-pressure World Cup tournament.6) As for...The defense looked solid today, but as for our strikers, they missed too many clear chances in front of the goal.I’ve already bought my match tickets for the group stage, but as for the final in New York, the flights are just too expensive.Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):https://amzn.to/46AVFe9Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0iFor very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvvOxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHgAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B1 phrases we'll be studying today!See full story audioscript here with B1 words highlighted: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-314.htm1. Take care of. Definition: To look after someone or something and make sure they have what they need. I need to take care of my little brother while my parents are at work.Please take care of your new books and do not lose them.2. Alive. Definition: Living and not dead. We found a small bird in the garden, and it was still alive.My grandfather is 90 years old, but he is very active and very much alive.3. Recover. Definition: To get better after an illness or an injury. It took her three weeks to recover from the bad cold.The athlete needs to rest and recover before the next big game.4. Explanation. Definition: The reasons you give to make something clear or easy to understand. The teacher gave a clear explanation of the math problem.He did not have a good explanation for being late to class.5. Make up one's mind. Definition: To make a decision or choose what to do. I cannot make up my mind about which movie to watch tonight.She finally made up her mind and bought the blue jacket.6. By hand. Definition: Made or done by a person using their hands, not using a machine. My grandmother makes all of her beautiful sweaters by hand.In the past, people had to wash all their clothes by hand.7. Instead of. Definition: In the place of someone or something else. I will have water instead of juice with my lunch.We decided to walk to the park instead of taking the bus.Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):https://amzn.to/46AVFe9Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0iFor very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvvOxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHgAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B2 phrases I'll be studying today:(See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-313.htmas far as sth is concernedDefinition: When talking about a particular subject or issue. Example: As far as money is concerned, we need to be careful. a misunderstandingDefinition: A situation in which people do not understand each other correctly. Example:The argument started because of a misunderstanding.what on earth...! / why on earth...!Definition: Used to show strong surprise, confusion, or annoyance. Example:What on earth are you doing here at midnight? I thought you were in bed!flirtDefinition: To behave in a way that shows romantic or sexual interest in someone, often in a playful way. Example:He was flirting with a woman at the party.be devoted toDefinition: To be very loyal to, committed to, or focused on someone or something. Example:She is devoted to her family. She visits them every week.clear up the question ofDefinition: To explain or solve something that is unclear or uncertain. Example:The meeting helped clear up the question of who was responsible. (See: misunderstanding)make out (find the answer to) Definition: To understand, discover, or find the answer to something that is difficult. Example:I couldn't make out what the reason was Dave getting upset at the party.Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):https://amzn.to/46AVFe9Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0iFor very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvvOxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHgAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B1 phrases we're going to study today:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-312.htm 1. after a whileDefinition: after some time has passed Example: We talked for a while , and after a while we went home.  2. on purposeDefinition: intentionally; not by accident Example: John broke his mobile phone on purpose so his parents would buy him a new one.  3. put out (a fire) Definition: to stop a fire from burning Example: There was a fire in our kitchen. Fortunately, the fire brigade arrived soon put out the fire quickly.  4. hurry upDefinition: to do something more quickly Example: Hurry up , or we will miss the bus.  5. help yourselfDefinition: take something for yourself if you want it Example: There are some biscuits on the table. Help yourself to some.  6. lend a handDefinition: to help someone with somethingExample: Can you lend me a hand with these boxes? 7. knock something/somebody downDefinition: (a building) to destroy a building; (a person) to hit someone so they fall, often with a vehicle Example: They knocked down the old factory and built a park there. Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):https://amzn.to/46AVFe9Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0iFor very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvvOxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHgAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B2 phrasal verbs we're studying today:For full stiry transcript: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-311.htm1. Turn up (Meaning: To arrive or appear)"We wrapped up the meeting early because the client didn't turn up on time."2. Get away (Meaning: To escape or evade capture)"The thieves managed to get away before the security guards could lock the building down."3. Deal with (Meaning: To handle or take action on a problem)"Don't worry about the scheduling conflict; our manager will deal with it first thing tomorrow."4. Turn to (Meaning: To face someone or look to them for answers/help)"When the map failed us, I turned to a local resident to ask for directions."5. Fall for (Meaning: To fall deeply in love with someone)"He was incredibly charming, so it didn't take long for her to fall for him completely."Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):https://amzn.to/46AVFe9Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0iFor very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvvOxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHgAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B1 expressions we'll study today:For full story audio script: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-310.htm1) just in caseDefinition: to be prepared if something happens.Take an umbrella just in case it rains.2) get readyDefinition: to prepare for something.We need to get ready for school.3) come to an agreementDefinition: to decide something together after talking.After two hours, they came to an agreement.4) I must admitDefinition: I say something honestly, even if it is difficult or surprising.I must admit, the movie was very good.5) raised his voiceDefinition: spoke louder, often because of anger.The teacher raised his voice to stop the noise.6) regret that decisionDefinition: feel sorry about a choice you made.She regrets that decision now.Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):https://amzn.to/46AVFe9Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0iFor very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvvOxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHgAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B2 phrases we'll be studying today:For audioscript see: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-309.htmpeculiarDefinition: strange or unusual in a way that is interesting or surprising.Examples:There was a peculiar smell coming from the kitchen.worryingDefinition: making you feel anxious or concerned.Examples:The doctor said the test results were worrying.playing a joke onDefinition: tricking someone in a funny way for amusement.Examples:My brother was playing a joke on me by hiding my phone.strangely enoughDefinition: surprisingly or in an unusual way.Examples:Strangely enough, I met my old teacher in another country.unclear aboutDefinition: not understanding something well or not being certain about it.Examples:She is still unclear about the homework instructions.at all costsDefinition: no matter what difficulties or dangers there are.Examples:He wanted to win the game at all costs.I was standing by the window in Poirot’s apartment, watching the busy London street below.Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):https://amzn.to/46AVFe9Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0iFor very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvvOxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHgAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B1 phrases we'll be studying today:See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-308.htm1) on one's own Definition: alone, without help from othersExample:·     She lives on her own in a small flat. 2) of one's own Definition: something that belongs only to a personExample:·     He wants a room of his own. 3) in the end Definition: finally, after everythingExample:·     In the end, we chose the blue dress. 4) backwards and forwards Definition: moving or repeating in both directions; very well learnedExample:·     The child walked backwards and forwards in the room. 5) keep somebody busy Definition: give someone enough work or activityExample:·     This project will keep her busy all week. 6) get together Definition: meet with other peopleExamples:·     We get together every Friday night. Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):https://amzn.to/46AVFe9Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0iFor very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvvOxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHgAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B2 expressions we're going to study today. For full transcript of the story, you can go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-307.htm1) take the blame Definition: to accept that you are responsible for something bad that happened. I took the blame for the mistake at work.2) make for Definition: to move in a particular direction or go toward a place. After dinner, we made for the exit.3) catch up Definition: to reach the same level as someone else or to get up to date. I need to catch up on my homework.4) think something through Definition: to consider something carefully before making a decision. You should think it through before you answer.5) figure something out Definition: to understand or find the answer to something. I can’t figure out this question.6) push oneself Definition: to make yourself work harder or go beyond your limits. He pushed himself to finish the race.Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):https://amzn.to/46AVFe9Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0iFor very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvvOxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHgAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...