Espresso English Podcast

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

You already know what the words "stand" and "sit" mean... but do you know these expressions? - won't stand for something - standoffish - not sit well with someone - sit idly byIn today's lesson, I'll teach you all these idioms and more. Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/16-english-expressions-with-the-words-stand-and-sit

Do you ever get mixed up when trying to use the words either and neither?Today I'm going to teach you exactly how to use these words in English, with lots of examples!Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/difference-between-either-and-neither-in-english

There are 3 different ways to pronounce the -ED ending in English:1) -ED is pronounced like ED (with an extra syllable)2) -ED is pronounced like T (NO extra syllable)3) -ED is pronounced like D (NO extra syllable)You'll learn and practice them in today's lesson!Click here for the lesson text - http://www.espressoenglish.net/how-to-pronounce-ed-in-english-verbs/

Let’s begin our study of collocations by learning some common expressions about the family. Your parents and siblings (brothers and sisters) are your immediate family – and your extended family includes all your relatives – uncles, cousins, great-aunts, etc.You can use a family tree to diagram the relationships among your family members. A person who is related to you by a long series of connections can be called a distant relative.Click here for the lesson text - http://www.espressoenglish.net/32-english-collocations-for-talking-about-your-family/

These slang words are common in spoken American English, but you probably won’t find them in English textbooks.Why not? Well, some of them are slightly offensive and others are just extremely informal. But they are part of the English language, so here are examples and definitions to help you understand!Click here for the lesson text - http://www.espressoenglish.net/10-slang-expressions-your-english-textbook-wont-teach-you/

#1 - get out of hand (v.) = To get out of control.My uncle’s drinking problem got out of hand, and eventually he became an alcoholic.#2 - experience something first-hand (v.) = To experience something yourself.I didn’t realize how hard it was to be a parent until I experienced it first-hand.Click here to learn 16 more expressions! http://www.espressoenglish.net/18-idiomatic-expressions-with-hand/

One of the biggest challenges when learning to speak English is simply knowing how to start your sentences.And if you think too much about it, there will be awkward pauses... or the conversation will just move on without you!That's why it's good to learn "sentence starters" - easy phrases that native speakers use frequently.In today's lesson, you'll learn 36 sentence starters that you can use in everyday spoken English.Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/english-sentence-starters-for-everyday-speaking/

A lot of students get mixed up when it comes to using short answers of agreement, like "So do I" and "Neither do I." In today's lesson, I'll teach you exactly how to use these phrases - both the simple way, and the more complex way in all the verb tenses.Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/so-neither-too-how-to-agree-in-english/

Do you know what it means to steal the show or ask for a show of hands?What's the difference between the expressions show someone the door and show someone TO the door?You'll learn all these idioms and more in today's lesson about 10 English idioms with the word SHOW!Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/10-english-idioms-with-the-word-show/

Learn the differences between... - take over / overtake - come over / overcome - look over / overlook - think over / overthink - do over / overdoClick here for the episode text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/10-confusing-english-words-with-over/

If you work in an English-speaking environment, you might hear these common phrasal verbs used in business situations!

• draw up
• get ahead
• burn out
• not measure up
• zero in on
• lay off
• pencil in
• close down
• run by/past
• sign off on

Click here for the lesson text.

ahead of one’s time = having ideas or attitudes that are too advanced for the culture/society at the momentMy grandmother was ahead of her time – she opened her own company in an era when there were few women in the business world.Learn 19 more phrases in today's lesson!Click here for the lesson text

Heteronyms in English are two words with the same spelling, but different pronunciations and different meanings.Two common examples are the words CLOSE and LIVE.close (adj.) with an “s” sound = near, not farMy house is close to the bus station.close (v.) with a “z” sound = shut, opposite of openPlease close the door when you leave.live (v.) with the same “i” as in “sit” = resideI live in an apartment in the city center.live (adj.) with the same “i” as in “I” (me) = happening at that moment, in that placeI was interviewed on live TV.There’s live music at the restaurantToday you'll learn some interesting heteronyms in the English language. Click here for the lesson text

The English word "goal" has a meaning both within and outside sports. In today's lesson, you'll learn 20 common English collocations (combinations of words) with the word GOAL.Click here for the lesson text

"Go" is one of the most common verbs in the English language, and it is also used in plenty of idiomatic expressions in English. You'll learn 10 of them in today's lesson.Click here for the lesson text

You can break a habit, break a promise, or break someone's heart... and how is it possible that "break a leg" is a good thing to say to somebody? Find out in today's episode, where I'll teach you 20 English collocations and expressions with the word BREAK.Click here for the lesson text

The same verb can be used with various prepositions to create phrasal verbs with different meanings... and some phrasal verbs have more than one meaning, too. Today you'll learn 12 phrasal verbs that all use the word "run."Click here for the lesson text

In today's lesson, you'll learn 12 phrases that can be used to talk about movies. I'll explain all the vocabulary along the way!Click here for the lesson text

Do you have some doubts about when exactly to use the words I, me, my, mine, and myself? Don't worry, I'll help you understand them perfectly in today's lesson!Click here for the lesson text

In today's lesson, you're going to learn 15 useful English phrases for the doctor's office.There are 7 phrases a doctor might say, and 8 phrases a patient might say. Make sure to read the phrase descriptions for explanations of the vocabulary!Click here for the lesson text

In the northern hemisphere, summer is starting - and the weather will be hot. It has inspired me to teach you 15 English words and expressions with "hot." - hotbed, hotshot, and hot spot - full of hot air - a hot-button issue - have the hots for someone...and more!Click here for the lesson text

If you don’t live in an English-speaking country, it can be hard to make progress because you don’t have many opportunities to use English in your regular daily life.What can you do if you’re not surrounded by English?I have some good news:There ARE ways you can make English a regular part of your life, even if you don’t live in an English-speaking country!Here are my top 6 ways to make English part of your everyday life.They don’t require a lot of time, just a few simple changes.Click here for the lesson text

If you've spoken with native English speakers, you know that we use a lot of informal phrases.For example, we might say... - "What's up?" instead of "Hello." - "I'll get in touch" instead of "I'll contact you." - "Gotta run!" instead of "I need to leave."Today I'll teach you 10 common informal expressions that you might not be familiar with. See if you can guess what each phrase means before reading the definition!Click here for the lesson text

As you know, English words are pronounced differently from the way they are written. This can lead to pronunciation mistakes. Here are some of the most commonly mispronounced words in English, and how to say them correctly.

Click here for the lesson text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/commonly-mispronounced-words-in-english/

Phrasal verbs are so common in the English language. Here are 10 phrasal verbs you can use for talking about social interaction.Click here for the lesson text

Linking words help you connect the ideas in a sentence. In this lesson, you’ll learn some common linking words to express reasons and results: - Because / Because of - Due to / Owing to - Due/Owing to the fact that - Since - As - Therefore - Consequently - As a result - SoClick here for the episode text

The English language has a very rich vocabulary, and learning alternative words can give more complexity and meaning to your sentences. Here are 16 different words for speaking or vocalizing.Click here for the lesson text

Do you have a sweet tooth?Have you ever pigged out?Do you wanna get some grub... or booze?In today's episode, you'll learn some common slang words and informal expressions related to eating and drinking!Click here for the lesson text

There are two phrases I hear many students say:“My English is terrible.”“Sorry for my bad English.”Be careful, because these two phrases are dangerous to your English learning! I'll explain why in today's lesson.Click here for the lesson text

Use the First Conditional to talk about future possibilities:If it’s sunny tomorrow, I’ll go to the beach.If it rains tomorrow, I’ll stay home.There are two parts to a first conditional sentence: the condition and the result.Click here for the lesson text

In English, a collocation is two or more words that go together naturally. Learning collocations is essential for making your English sound fluent and natural!Here are 50 common English collocations with the words big, great, large, deep, strong, and heavy.Click here for the lesson text

Learn how to use IN and ON with place, time, and in other expressions in English.Click here for the lesson text

Sometimes, even when you know a lot of English, you can have difficulty finding the right words or phrases to answer simple questions. Here are 20 of the most common questions in English – each one with five sample responses. Click here for the lesson text

Here are 10 common phrasal verbs related to emotions and attitudes, with definitions and example sentences.

Click here for the lesson text

Here are seven more English phrases used in everyday situations.

Click here for the lesson text

Here are some English phrases used in everyday situations. They’re very common, but they’re rather colloquial, so you often won’t find them in an English textbook! Learn these phrases and expressions as well as the situations in which you can use each one.

Click here for the lesson text

Many English learners pronounce each word clearly, to get the pronunciation perfect – but native English speakers don’t do this.

Natural spoken English contains reductions - sounds that change and disappear when spoken at normal speed. This sometimes makes spoken English hard for students to understand.

Doing English pronunciation practice with reductions will help you speak more naturally AND understand spoken English more easily. Listen and repeat!

Click here for the lesson text

“Get” is a great word in English! It is used in so many different ways. In today’s lesson, you’ll learn 36 different expressions with example sentences.

Click here for the lesson text

Today you're going to learn one of the "shortcuts" to expanding your vocabulary - focusing on prefixes and suffixes, the beginnings and endings of words.

The word "colorful" means "full of color," and the word "colorless" means "without color."

...but some of these words aren't as simple as they seem!

For example, "fruitful" doesn't necessarily mean "full of fruit," the opposite of "helpless" is NOT "helpful," and there's a difference between "mindful" and "thoughtful."

Click here for the lesson text

Today you're going to learn one of the "shortcuts" to expanding your vocabulary - focusing on prefixes and suffixes, the beginnings and endings of words.

The word "colorful" means "full of color," and the word "colorless" means "without color."

...but some of these words aren't as simple as they seem!

For example, "fruitful" doesn't necessarily mean "full of fruit," the opposite of "helpless" is NOT "helpful," and there's a difference between "mindful" and "thoughtful."

Click here for the lesson text

The English language has a number of words that are very similar. These eight verbs in English seem like they are the same… but there are some small differences in their meanings and/or use. Listen to this lesson to make sure you don’t confuse them!

• close & shut
• start & begin
• listen & hear
• end & finish

Click here for the lesson text

Do you know the difference between OB-ject and ob-JECT? Today you’ll learn 8 English words that can be pronounced two different ways… the meaning and use of these words changes based on how you pronounce them. Click here for the lesson text

Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb + preposition, such as take out, take off, take over, take in, etc. In today’s lesson, you’ll learn 18 different phrasal verbs with the word “take” - with examples to show you how they are used! Click here for the lesson text

In this episode, you’ll learn the idiomatic expressions:

• like a fish out of water

• come hell or high water

• in deep water

• in hot water

• dead in the water

• not hold water

• test the waters

• keep your head above water

• a watering hole

• water under the bridge

Click here for the lesson text!

The word “just” can be used in two ways:

1) Recently

• Be careful – I just washed the floor, and it’s still wet.

• (= I washed the floor a few minutes ago)

• He just finished a big project.

• (= he finished the project very recently)

2) Only

• I have just one brother. (= I have only one brother)

• I thought you were hungry, but you ate just half of your sandwich.

• (= you ate only half of your sandwich, and no more)

Click Here for the episode text!

This is a free sample from the e-book 600+ Confusing English Words Explained. It will help clear up your doubts about how to use English words correctly, so that you can speak and write more confidently. Click here for more information!

MANY students write to me and ask how they can become fluent – so here are my top 10 tips for reaching your goal of fluency!

Click here for the lesson text - http://www.espressoenglish.net/how-to-speak-fluent-english-top-10-tips/

In spoken English, just saying “I disagree” is often too direct. Most English speakers use phrases that are modified to be more polite, or indirect methods to express disagreement. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to disagree without offending anyone!

Click here for the lesson text - http://www.espressoenglish.net/practical-english-speaking-how-to-disagree-politely/

Time, time, time – here are 16 different ways to use time in English! Learn these common English collocations to improve your vocabulary.

• spend time
• waste time
• make time for something
• save time
• free/spare time
• have time
• kill time / pass the time
• take your time
• on time
• just in time
• have a hard/rough time
• it's about time
• pressed for time
• run out of time
• stall for time
• take time off

Click here for the lesson text - http://www.espressoenglish.net/16-common-english-collocations-with-the-word-time/