Espresso English Podcast
612 episodes - English - Latest episode: 13 days ago - ★★★★★ - 355 ratingsOn the Espresso English podcast, you'll learn English grammar, vocabulary, phrases, idioms, and more. Espresso English lessons are clear and practical, making it easy to learn the language quickly and effectively.
Visit http://www.espressoenglish.net to get English courses and e-books that will help you learn faster!
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Episodes
111 - Free sample from Everyday English Speaking Level 2
October 19, 2016 12:00 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBDo 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-le...
110 - 10 practical ways to motivate yourself in learning English
October 12, 2016 12:00 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBDo 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-en...
109 - Start using these 10 English expressions today!
October 05, 2016 12:00 - 7 minutes - 6.71 MBIn 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....
108 - How to Continue a Conversation in English
September 28, 2016 12:00 - 5 minutes - 5.54 MBIn 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 Englis...
107 - 30+ English Slang Words for Appearance and Age
September 21, 2016 12:00 - 8 minutes - 7.83 MBWhen 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
106 - 9 Collocations, 8 Phrasal Verbs, and 7 Idioms with the word SET
September 14, 2016 12:00 - 10 minutes - 9.51 MBSometimes 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 coll...
105 - 15 Conversational English Expressions with IN and ON
September 07, 2016 12:00 - 7 minutes - 6.5 MBHere'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-conver...
EE104 - Learn how to talk more like a native English speaker
August 31, 2016 12:00 - 5 minutes - 4.83 MBDo 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...
103 - Learn 20 great phrasal verbs for communication
August 24, 2016 12:00 - 9 minutes - 9.03 MBDo 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 stu...
102 - Spoken English phrases for bad travel experiences
August 17, 2016 12:00 - 5 minutes - 5.3 MBLearn 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 lat...
101 - How to use the English verb "ask" correctly
August 10, 2016 12:00 - 5 minutes - 5.42 MB“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/
100 - Learn 15 English idioms with the word MAKE
August 03, 2016 12:00 - 7 minutes - 6.72 MBYou 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/
099 - Learn 20 English adverbs to make your sentences more interesting
July 27, 2016 12:00 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBYou 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 v...
098 - Learn 10 Informal English phrases I've used recently
July 20, 2016 12:00 - 6 minutes - 6.42 MBNative 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-recen...
097 - Five types of verb-verb combinations in English
July 13, 2016 12:00 - 10 minutes - 9.72 MBMany 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/
096 - Learn 10 English phrasal verbs with the word PLAY
July 06, 2016 12:00 - 8 minutes - 7.82 MBOne 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.espressoeng...
095 - How does it feel to be fluent in English?
June 29, 2016 12:00 - 9 minutes - 8.46 MBWhen 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 languag...
094 - English phrasal verbs for sports and health
June 22, 2016 12:00 - 9 minutes - 8.34 MBOne 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/
093 - 12 Everyday English phrases for driving
June 15, 2016 12:00 - 8 minutes - 7.55 MBIn 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/
092 - Can you find the English grammar mistakes in these sentences?
June 08, 2016 12:00 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MBToday'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/
091 - 10 English expressions I found in the news recently
June 01, 2016 12:00 - 8 minutes - 8.05 MBReading 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/
090 - Learn English phrases with the word LIFE
May 25, 2016 12:00 - 5 minutes - 5.31 MBHello 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/
089 - How to improve English listening
May 18, 2016 12:00 - 7 minutes - 6.79 MBDo 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-y...
088 - 36 English collocations with HOUSE and HOME
May 11, 2016 12:00 - 9 minutes - 8.8 MBA 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/
087 - Learn the difference between these confusing English words
May 04, 2016 12:00 - 7 minutes - 6.55 MBToday 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/
086 - 10 English Phrases with "What"
April 27, 2016 12:00 - 6 minutes - 5.77 MBToday 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 less...
085 - Top English Pronunciation Problems
April 20, 2016 12:00 - 7 minutes - 7.17 MBIn 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/
084 - Difference between Lay and Lie
April 13, 2016 12:00 - 4 minutes - 4.35 MBBoth 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/
083 - Negative Adjectives in English
April 06, 2016 12:00 - 6 minutes - 5.74 MBDo 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-adjec...
083 - Difference between WHO and WHOM
March 30, 2016 12:00 - 4 minutes - 4.37 MBA 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/
082 - Regular English Words with Slang Meanings
March 23, 2016 12:00 - 8 minutes - 7.79 MBIn 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/
081 - 15 Phrases for Speaking Polite English
March 16, 2016 12:00 - 7 minutes - 6.63 MBWhen 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/
080 - English Grammar: When to use HAVE, HAVING, and HAVE GOT
March 09, 2016 13:00 - 9 minutes - 8.93 MBSometimes 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/
079 - Learn English Conversation: Hotel Recommendations
March 02, 2016 13:00 - 4 minutes - 4.4 MBAmanda 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/
078 - 5 English Phrases & 10 English Idioms for Complaining about your Job
February 24, 2016 13:00 - 5 minutes - 4.76 MBListen 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 sal...
077 - 20 English expressions with the word MIND
February 17, 2016 13:00 - 8 minutes - 7.69 MBThe 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 l...
076 - Is there any difference between these VERY similar English words?
February 10, 2016 13:00 - 8 minutes - 7.88 MBToday'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
075 - Learn English Phrases for Talking about Plans and Goals
February 03, 2016 13:00 - 9 minutes - 8.95 MBDo 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/
074 - Learn Collocations: Metaphors in English
January 27, 2016 13:00 - 5 minutes - 4.66 MBA 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 soi...
073 - Talk to or Talk with?
January 20, 2016 13:00 - 5 minutes - 5.22 MBToday's lesson will teach you the difference between: talk to talk with talk about talk over talk through talk into talk out of There 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/
072 - Three VERY common mistakes with "it"
January 13, 2016 13:00 - 4 minutes - 3.92 MB#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/
071 - Quick answers to your questions about idioms
January 06, 2016 13:00 - 6 minutes - 6.19 MBA 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
070 - Learn English Grammar: Be, Being, or Been?
December 23, 2015 13:00 - 5 minutes - 4.67 MBHello! 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
069 - 10 Informal English Phrases in Conversation
December 16, 2015 13:00 - 5 minutes - 5.51 MBFor 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
068 - 16 English Idioms with STAND & SIT
December 09, 2015 13:00 - 6 minutes - 6.03 MBYou 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 by In 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
067 - How to use Either and Neither in English
December 02, 2015 13:00 - 5 minutes - 4.9 MBDo 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
066 - How to Pronounce -ED in English Verbs
November 25, 2015 13:00 - 8 minutes - 7.9 MBThere 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/
065 - 32 English Collocations for Talking About Your Family
November 18, 2015 13:00 - 7 minutes - 6.62 MBLet’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.espressoengl...
064 - English Slang Expressions that Your Textbook Won't Teach You
November 11, 2015 13:00 - 6 minutes - 6.05 MBThese 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/
063 - 18 Handy Idioms With the Word HAND
November 04, 2015 13:00 - 7 minutes - 7.01 MB#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/