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BBC Radio ยท Education

Learning English Conversations

Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your English conversations easier. Every week, we teach you a new phrase or word you can use in conversation with The English We Speak. And we bring you special series to improve your English conversation. Try Beating Speaking Anxiety to learn how to fight your fears of speaking English. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

Episodes

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The English We Speak: Tug at the heartstrings

10 Sep 2024
3m
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This podcast episode introduces the engaging new series "The London to Edinburgh Challenge" from BBC Learning English, which follows three participants as they undertake an exciting journey from London to Edinburgh on a limited budget, blending adventure with language learning to captivate listeners and inspire them to...

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The English We Speak: Clutch at straws

03 Sep 2024
3m
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This podcast episode features compelling advertisements from Amica Insurance and Turkish Airlines, each emphasizing the emotional connections and rich experiences tied to their respective offerings; Amica positions itself as a trustworthy auto insurance provider that understands the value of personal vehicles, while Tu...

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The English We Speak: Crank up

27 Aug 2024
2m
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This podcast episode masterfully unpacks the intricacies of phrasal verbs, particularly examining how to effectively place direct objects within phrases, using "crank up" as a central example to illustrate the flexibility in sentence structure while inspiring listeners to broaden their vocabulary through practical appl...

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The English We Speak: Find your groove

20 Aug 2024
3m
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This podcast episode introduces Real Easy English, a valuable resource from BBC Learning English aimed at English learners. Hosts Neil and Beth emphasize the incorporation of real conversations in simple language, designed to enhance language skills while offering practical vocabulary and grammar advice. They encourage...

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The English We Speak: Top-notch

13 Aug 2024
3m
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This podcast episode delves into various topics, from Mint Mobile's witty stance against inflation and their significant price cut, to an engaging look at the word "top-notch" in the English language, alongside an introduction to the Learning English Stories podcast aimed at language learners. Additionally, it commemor...

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The English We Speak: Off the cuff

06 Aug 2024
3m
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This podcast episode delves into the concept of "off the cuff," featuring personal anecdotes from the hosts that illustrate spontaneous speaking situations and providing practical examples of its application in various contexts. The discussion emphasizes that while being off the cuff can showcase quick thinking and ada...

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The English We Speak: Take the wheel

30 Jul 2024
3m
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This podcast episode delves into the phrase "take the wheel," exploring both its literal and metaphorical connotations of control and responsibility, while providing relatable examples from everyday life. Feifei and Georgie emphasize its versatility and connection to other expressions of power, encouraging listeners to...

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The English We Speak: The works

23 Jul 2024
3m
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This podcast episode explores the phrase "the works" and its usage in different contexts. The phrase signifies having everything or all the possible extras in a situation. Examples include a spa day with various activities and facilities, a picnic with a wide variety of food, and an all-inclusive holiday package. "The ...

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The English We Speak: Dip your toe into

16 Jul 2024
3m
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This podcast episode begins with a discussion about starting something new gradually using the phrase "dip your toe into." It also includes a commercial advertisement for Quince, a platform for purchasing discounted high-end goods. Additionally, the section mentions an Olympics podcast hosted by Matt Rogers and Bowen Y...

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The English We Speak: Ham-fisted

09 Jul 2024
3m
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This podcast episode explores the meaning of the phrase "ham-fisted," which refers to being clumsy, lacking precision or skill, and using force instead of skill. The hosts provide relatable examples of being ham-fisted in different situations and emphasize both the literal and metaphorical uses of the expression. The e...

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The English We Speak: Second nature

02 Jul 2024
3m
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This podcast episode explores the concept of "second nature" and how it applies to various aspects of life. It discusses how continuous practice and exposure can turn certain skills or habits into something that is done effortlessly and automatically. The episode also highlights the availability of diverse podcasts on ...

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The English we speak: Take the plunge

25 Jun 2024
3m
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This podcast episode explores the meaning of the phrase "take the plunge" and how it relates to making significant life decisions and embracing change. The speakers share personal experiences of taking the plunge in various aspects of their lives, highlighting the irreversible nature of such decisions and the courage r...

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The English We Speak: Peaks and troughs

18 Jun 2024
3m
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This podcast episode explores the concept of "peaks and troughs" in life and how graphs can be used to monitor trends and changes in various fields. It provides examples of using graphs in economics and healthcare, such as monitoring financial markets and patients' glucose levels.

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The English We Speak: Heavy lifting

11 Jun 2024
3m
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This podcast episode explores the figurative meaning of the phrase "heavy lifting" and how it is commonly used in English conversations. The hosts discuss how the phrase refers to doing the most difficult part of a job or project, using examples such as organizing a wedding or taking care of a sick family member. They ...

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The English We Speak: Stir the pot

04 Jun 2024
2m
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This podcast episode explores the expression "stir the pot," which means causing trouble or being provocative in a conversation. The hosts provide examples and explanations of how this expression can impact interpersonal dynamics. They discuss the concept metaphorically by comparing it to cooking and stirring things to...

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The English We Speak: Wishy-washy

28 May 2024
2m
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This podcast episode explores the negative connotation of the term "wishy-washy" and its usage to describe something as vague, weak, or undefined. It emphasizes the importance of clarity and specificity in communication, highlighting that writing something wishy-washy won't yield positive results. The episode concludes...

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The English We Speak: Shook

21 May 2024
2m
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This podcast episode explores the usage of the word "shook" to express surprise or shock in unexpected situations. The hosts discuss how "shook" is commonly used as an adjective to describe both scary and exciting experiences. The section also includes advertisements for Eufy VideoLock, a 3-in-1 camera, doorbell, and s...

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The English We Speak: Let loose

14 May 2024
1m
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This podcast episode explores the meaning of the expression "let loose" and its different contexts. It highlights the benefits of online therapy services provided by BetterHelp and promotes a promotional offer for unlimited service by Mintmobile.com. The hosts discuss examples of "letting loose" in terms of relaxation ...

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IMPORTANT: This podcast is changing its name

13 May 2024
0m
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This podcast episode starts with an advertisement for Sleep Number mattresses and then announces a name change but assures listeners that they can still learn new expressions with "The English We Speak" and expect new programs with authentic English conversations. It then transitions to a promotion for the podcast "The...

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Zing

07 May 2024
2m
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This podcast episode explores the concept of "zing" and its various applications. The speakers discuss how "zing" can refer to something special that adds excitement or interest to things. They also mention the informal use of onomatopoeia and how it relates to the concept of "zing." The episode also includes advertise...

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