Espresso English Podcast

A NEW English Power Pack is now available! What's the English Power Pack? It's SEVEN courses from seven different English teachers... with a huge discount. The special price is only available for one week - so don't delay! These are the courses included in this year's Power Pack: 75 Confusing English Words by Michael Travel English Expert by Gabby Advanced English Grammar Course by Shayna (me!) Feel Good English Super Pack by Kevin The Weekly English Workout by Jason - Fluency MC 180 ELLLO Listening + Vocabulary Lessons by Todd Mastering English Phrasal Verbs through Story by Lindsay

English vocabulary in this lesson: retire downsize get rid of clutter antique heirloom knick-knack take a pass outdated junk Watch the video: https://www.espressoenglish.net/learn-english-from-the-news-unwanted-gifts/

Vocabulary in this lesson: stunned polls cherish setback shatter the glass ceiling reaching out second to none seek common ground Watch the video: https://www.espressoenglish.net/learn-english-vocabulary-from-the-u-s-election-results/

VOCABULARY IN THIS LESSON: a divisive issue burst / surge / influx a tight presidential race struck a chord with voters uneasy about the changes sizeable counties struggling in school embraced the newcomers dismissed out of hand goes by the wayside Watch the video: https://www.espressoenglish.net/learn-english-from-the-news-immigration/

I have a special treat for you today! This is an interview with Olly from iwillteachyoualanguage.com - he has learned many languages, and he has some great advice on how to learn English, how to speak English confidently when you might be afraid to talk to a native speaker, and more. Make sure to check out Olly's website and podcast at www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com

Native English speakers use a lot of slang words in casual conversations! Today you'll learn some English slang words related to the topic of money. Click here for the lesson text: https://www.espressoenglish.net/slang-words-about-money/

Do you want to understand conversations better, learn the expressions native English speakers use, and speak more fluently? This course has more advanced conversations that are full of common informal expressions used by native English speakers. It teaches you the phrases in context so that you'll be able to remember and use them – and become more fluent as a result. Today's lesson is a free sample from the course. Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/free-sample-lesson-from-level-2-of-everyday-english-speaking/

Do you ever feel sad and discouraged about your English-learning progress? Do you sometimes find it hard to stay motivated, because learning English takes such a long time? Are there days when you just don't feel like studying? If you've ever experienced these emotions, today's lesson is for you. Today I'm teaching you 10 practical ways to stay motivated in your English learning. Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/10-practical-ways-to-motivate-yourself-to-study-english Sometimes you can also lose your motivation because you don't know what to study, where to start, what to learn next, etc. My courses and e-books can help you with that. They have structured lessons, so it's easy for you to make progress. If you're not sure which one to buy, get the complete program and get a 35% discount: http://www.espressoenglish.net/get-a-35-discount-when-you-buy-the-complete-espresso-english-program/

In today's lesson, you'll learn 10 English phrases with the word ""start"". Click here for the lesson text: https://www.espressoenglish.net/10-fresh-phrases-with-the-english-word-start/ Sometimes the hardest thing about studying English is just sitting down and starting, right? You have to make time to do it... and then you have to search the whole internet to find something interesting to study. It's hard to start! My courses are designed to make it easy for you to start studying every day. The lessons are arranged in a logical sequence - so all you need to do is log in and begin :-) Also, each lesson is short, so it won't take up too much of your time. I focus on teaching you the most useful English words and phrases, not a bunch of stuff you don't need. If you've never taken an Espresso English course before, you might be wondering, ""Which course should I start with?"" Although there's no ""official order,"" my suggestion is to start with Everyday English Speaking. It's my most popular, practical course, focusing on the phrases and expressions that native speakers use. https://www.espressoenglish.net/everyday-english-speaking-course/

In this lesson, you will learn how to keep a conversation going, without running out of things to say! Here's an example of how NOT to have an English conversation: "Did you have a good weekend?" "Yes, I did. And you?" "Yeah." Unfortunately, the conversation stops here because there's no natural way to continue it. This is OK if you only want to have a quick conversation (for example, if you are quickly passing a co-worker in the hallway). But how can you have a longer conversation in English? Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/how-to-continue-a-conversation-in-english/

When you watch a TV show or movie in English, have you ever heard someone described as foxy, ripped, a brat, a munchkin, or an old fart? These are all slang words for types of people. In today's lesson, you'll learn what they all mean - as well as whether each one is offensive or OK. Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/english-slang-words-for-appearance-age

Sometimes people ask me to explain in detail the difference between a collocation, a phrasal verb, an idiom, a slang word, a proverb, etc. To be honest, that's the wrong question. All of these types of expressions are part of the English language, but most native English speakers could NOT tell you the technical differences between them. The most important thing for an English learner is to know what they mean and how to use them. So today's lesson is a mix of idioms, phrasal verbs, and collocations with the word ""set"" - all with examples so you can see them in use! Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/collocations-idioms-and-phrasal-verbs-with-set

Here's a fun way to study prepositions - let's learn some casual conversational expressions using IN and ON. You might hear a native speaker say things like, - ""I'm in the same boat."" - ""You're on a roll!"" - ""Do you ever feel like you're in a rut?"" - ""That car looks like it's on its last legs."" Today you'll learn what all these expressions mean... so that you won't be confused when you hear them in conversation! Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/15-conversational-english-phrases-with-in-and-on/

Do you want to understand English conversations better, learn the expressions that native speakers use, and speak English more fluently? The Everyday English Speaking Course – Level 2 will help you! This course has more advanced conversations that are full of common informal expressions used by native English speakers. It teaches you the phrases in context so that you'll be able to remember and use them – and become more fluent in English as a result. Click here to learn more and sign up: http://www.espressoenglish.net/learn-to-talk-more-like-a-native-english-speaker

Do you know what the phrasal verbs harp on, rattle off, and butt out mean? If not, you'll learn all of these and more in today's lesson. This is actually a free sample from the Phrasal Verbs in Conversation Course - if you haven't taken this course yet, I think you'll really enjoy it. According to one student, ""I definitely lost my fear of making mistakes with phrasal verbs, because the dialogues of every lesson are incredibly interesting and clear. I highly recommend this course to all students – especially to those who feel scared to death of phrasal verbs and want to become friends forever with phrasal verbs."" Click here for lesson text: https://www.espressoenglish.net/20-english-phrasal-verbs-for-communication/

Learn English phrases for talking about travel nightmares. For example, "My Flight Was Overbooked, And I Got Bumped To A Later One." A "flight" is a trip by airplane. If the flight is "overbooked," it means that the airline sold too many tickets, and there is not enough space on the plane for all the people who have purchased tickets. This means that some people will get "bumped" to a later flight – they can't go on the flight at the original time, and have to wait for a different flight later. Click here for the lesson text: https://www.espressoenglish.net/english-phrases-for-bad-travel-experiences/

"Ask" is one of the most common verbs in English, but there are a number of details to remember when you use it in a sentence. Here are 4 ways to use the English verb "ask" correctly - and one very common error to avoid. Click here for the lesson text: https://www.espressoenglish.net/how-to-use-the-english-verb-ask-correctly/

You probably already know some basic English expressions with the verb "make," such as "make breakfast," "make money," and "make a promise" – but here are 15 idiomatic expressions in English that might be new for you. Click here for the lesson text: https://www.espressoenglish.net/15-idiomatic-expressions-with-the-verb-make/

You want to express yourself better in English, right? Well, you can add more ""color"" and detail to your sentences by learning to use these 20 interesting adverbs of manner. Adverbs of manner tell us how or in what way an action was done. Here's where to use them: 1. Immediately before the main verb He quickly drank the water. 2. Immediately after the main verb I laughed nervously. 3. If the main verb has an object, then put the adverb of manner either after the object or before the main verb She read the letter carefully. - CORRECT She carefully read the letter. - CORRECT She read carefully the letter. - INCORRECT In today's lesson, you'll learn 20 adverbs of manner such as eagerly, promptly, recklessly, smoothly, and wildly - with example sentences. Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/20-english-adverbs-of-manner-to-make-your-sentences-more-interesting/

Native English speakers use a LOT of informal expressions in day-to-day life! Lately, I've been paying attention to my own conversations - and today I'll teach you 10 informal English expressions I've used recently. You'll learn phrases like: ""Can we just drop it?"" ""That's not for the faint of heart."" ""You're in for a treat!"" What do these mean? Take the lesson to find out! Click here to read the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/10-informal-english-expressions-ive-used-recently/

Many students get confused when there are two consecutive verbs in a sentence – what form does the second verb take? This lesson will show you five types of verb + verb combinations with example sentences. If you want to practice more, try creating your own example sentence for each verb in the tables! Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/5-types-of-english-verb-verb-combinations/

One verb in English can be followed by various prepositions to make many different phrasal verbs. So you might know the basic meaning of the verb play (play sports, play the piano, etc.) - but do you know what it means to play at something or play along with something? Today you'll learn 10 different phrasal verbs with the word ""play."" There are also questions to help you form your own sentences and put the phrasal verbs into practice. Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/10-english-phrasal-verbs-with-play/

When you're learning a language, it's common to feel sad about your progress. You want to become fluent... but it seems like that goal is so far away! If you hear an expression that you don't know, or have difficulty understanding a fast conversation, it's easy to lose confidence in your abilities. You might think negative thoughts like "My English is so bad." You might wonder, "Will I ever become fluent in English, or is it impossible for me?" Let me tell you about my language-learning experience... Click here for the lesson text: http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=280ab49b7536a997b0d741c18&id=7dc976843f

One of the best ways to learn English phrasal verbs is to see them in context. This lesson will teach you 15 common English phrasal verbs related to sports and health by showing each one in use in an example sentence. Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/15-english-phrasal-verbs-in-use-sports-health/

In today's episode, you'll learn expressions like buckle up, give you a ride, pull over, pit stop, and slam on the brakes. Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/12-everyday-english-phrases-driving/

Today's lesson is a challenge - I'm going to show you 10 sentences, and you have to find the grammar mistake in each one. After you've done your best to identify each error, I'll give you the correct answers and explanations. Click here for lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/can-you-find-the-english-grammar-mistakes-in-these-sentences/

Reading the news in English is a great way to learn new words and phrases, especially for talking about current events. I was reading the newspaper recently, and found these 10 English expressions I'd like to teach you today. Click here for lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/10-english-expressions-i-found-in-the-news-recently/

Hello students! How's life? We sometimes use the question "How's life?" as a casual way to ask how the person is feeling and what they have been doing recently. In today's lesson, you'll learn 10 phrases and expressions with the word "life," such as: - "Get a life!" - "He leads a charmed life." - "They put their lives on the line." - "I feel like I have a new lease on life." - ...and more! Lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/english-phrases-and-idioms-with-life/

Do you have difficulty listening to and understanding native English speakers? How to improve your English listening Listening is one of the BIGGEST problems for English learners. It’s possible for you to: read well have good grammar & vocabulary skills be able to speak and write …but when you listen to spoken English, you don’t understand everything. So why is listening so difficult? There are three main reasons. Lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/do-you-want-to-improve-your-english-listening/

A lot of students ask me about the difference between house and home. The word home refers to the place where you live and feel an emotional connection, and the word house refers to a specific type of building. We also use some different collocations with house and home! Today you'll learn 36 adjectives, verbs, and nouns that are frequently used together with these words. Lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/english-collocations-with-house-and-home/

Today I'm going to teach you English words that many learners confuse: - beside and besides - than and then - wander and wonder By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to use these English words correctly and confidently! Lesson text: https://www.espressoenglish.net/beside-or-besides/ http://www.espressoenglish.net/then-or-than/ https://www.espressoenglish.net/wander-or-wonder/

Today you'll learn English phrases with the word "What." These phrases are common in English conversation.#1 - "What's the catch?"Say this in response when something sounds too good to be true... and you suspect there's a hidden problem. For example, if your friend says he'll sell you his car for just $200, you could say, "What's the catch?" because you are wondering if there's something wrong with the car... or if your friend wants you to do some favor in return.Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/10-conversational-english-expressions-with-the-word-what/

In this lesson, you’re going to practice English words with very similar sounds. Many English learners have problems pronouncing these words correctly. If you can master the differences in pronunciation between these words, you’ll improve your pronunciation and be able to talk more like a native English speaker.Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/top-10-english-pronunciation-problems/

Both of these words refer to the action of putting something down on a surface, or an object/person/animal resting on a surface. However, lay has a direct object and lie does not. In today's episode, you'll learn how to use the English words LAY and LIE with examples.Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/lay-or-lie/

Do you want to expand your English vocabulary?Here are 10 negative adjectives for describing undesirable traits in people, things, or situations. You'll learn how to use words like hideous, petty, repulsive, obnoxious, dreary, and more.Read the definitions, learn from the examples, and try to create your own sentences, too! When you improve your vocabulary, it's much easier to express your ideas in English.Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/10-negative-adjectives-in-english/

A lot of students ask me about when to use WHO and when to use WHOM. This is an aspect of English grammar that even native English speakers confuse! Today I'll explain it to you clearly with example sentences. Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/who-or-whom/

In your native language, are there "regular words" that also have a slang meaning?In today's lesson, you're going to learn the alternative slang meanings of English words like hot, high, dump, dig, grand, beat, and more!Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/10-common-english-words-with-slang-meanings/

When learning another language, it's easy to make the mistake of being a little bit rude, since you might not be aware of the phrases which sound "polite" and "impolite" to native speakers.Yes, you already know to say “Please”, “Thank you,” and “Excuse me” – but here are 15 more ways to make your English sound more polite!Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/15-phrases-for-speaking-polite-english/

Sometimes the verb "have" can be used in the present continuous (having) and sometimes it can be replaced by "have got"... but not always. In today's podcast, I'll teach you 15 expressions with the verb "have" and tell you whether you can use "having" and "have got" in these phrases.Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/15-english-expressions-with-have/

Amanda is looking for a place to stay on her vacation, and she asks Joe his opinion of a hotel she's considering. Joe gives her some advice. Listen to the dialogue to learn phrases and vocabulary for talking about hotels.Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/english-conversation-hotel-recommendations/

Listen to these five English sentences to learn some idiomatic expressions for talking about negative points at work.#1 – "My co-workers don’t pull their weight, and I’m always picking up the slack."#2 – "I can’t stand the office politics. It seems like kissing up to the people who call the shots is the only way to move up the ranks."#3 – "My boss loves to micromanage and I can’t do my best work when she’s constantly breathing down my neck."#4 – "The job itself is rewarding, but the salary and benefits leave a lot to be desired."#5 – "I feel like I’m spread too thin, but every time I wrap up one project, I’m given two more – which, of course, need to be done yesterday."Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/5-english-phrases-and-10-idioms-for-complaining-about-your-job/

The English word “mind” refers to the center of your thoughts, memory, and imagination. In this lesson, you’ll learn 20 common English phrases using the word “mind.”To talk about making a decision, you can use the phrase “make up my mind” – for example, “I can’t make up my mind about which movie to see tonight.” A variation on this phrase is “my mind is made up” – this means you have already made your choice and implies that you are not open to changing your decision.Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/20-different-ways-to-use-the-english-word-mind/

Today's lesson comes from a really good student question: What's the difference between... - effective and efficient? - suitable and appropriate? - benefit and advantage? - distinguish and differentiate?Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/very-similar-english-words-whats-the-difference

Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? Here are the top 5 goals people tend to have for the New Year, along with some other ways to express related goals. You'll learn what phrases to use for talking about your future intentions.Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/english-phrases-for-talking-about-plans-and-goals/

A number of words in English are used metaphorically – with a meaning that is not exactly the same as their literal meaning. Usually they apply a quality of one word to another word.For example, when we say that something is lightning fast, we are using the quality of lightning (which is almost instantaneous) to describe something that is extremely fast.Another example is the root of the problem – the literal meaning of the word “root” is the part of a plant or tree that is under the soil. The roots are what support and sustain the entire tree. Therefore, “the root of the problem” is the deepest, most basic or fundamental reason for the problem.Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/english-collocations-metaphors/

Today's lesson will teach you the difference between:talk totalk withtalk abouttalk overtalk throughtalk intotalk out ofThere are plenty of example sentences to make everything clear... so you'll never have this doubt again :-)Click here for the lesson text - http://www.espressoenglish.net/talk-to-or-talk-with/

#1 – Forgetting to use “it” when the sentence needs a subject“I just bought a new computer. Was on sale.”Every sentence in English needs a subject. In the second sentence, we need to say “It was on sale” – the word “it” functions as the subject, referring to the new computer.Learn the other mistakes here: http://www.espressoenglish.net/3-very-common-mistakes-with-the-english-word-it/

A lot of students ask me about phrases and idioms they've heard in conversations and TV shows.In today's lesson, I'm going to share the answers with you, explaining each expression with a few examples.Click here for the lesson text - http://www.espressoenglish.net/learn-english-idioms-answers-to-your-questions-about-idiomatic-expressions

Hello!How have you been?Today's lesson will be the answer to one question I'm constantly being asked...When exactly can you use be, being, and been?If you've ever had doubts about these verbs, listen to today's lesson and it'll all become clear :-)Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/confusing-words-be-being-or-been

For this lesson, I decided to do something a bit different.I took some snippets (small pieces) of conversations that I've heard in the past week, which have interesting informal expressions - and I'll be using them to teach you today.Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/10-informal-english-expressions-in-conversation