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Learning English Conversations

Learning English Conversations

BBC Radio Language Learning 817 sassa USA 2026-07-21 2 cirewa
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
Nau'in: Language Learning Podcasts Education

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The English We Speak: Side quest
Do you ever get distracted by something fun? A side quest is where you do something that's different to your main task. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. As always, find a free t...
2026-07-21
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The English We Speak: Passing Ships
This phrase comes from a longer idiom, ‘like ships that pass at night’. It’s used when two people have busy schedules, and struggle to find time to meet for more than just a brief encounter. Learn how...
2026-07-14
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The English We Speak: Understood the assignment
This slang phrase is about knowing what you have to do for a task, and doing it perfectly. Hear examples and learn how to use it in this programme, with Georgie and Feifei. As always, find a free tra...
2026-07-07
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The English We Speak: Onto something
Onto something suggests progress or a good idea. Maybe not a complete answer, but you're moving in the right direction. Learn how to use 'onto something' with Becca and Feifei. As always, find a free...
2026-06-30
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The English We Speak: Sell yourself short
When we sell ourselves short, we say negative things about ourselves. We undervalue or underestimate ourselves. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca. As always, find a free transcri...
2026-06-23
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The English We Speak: Wrap it up
Sometimes you just want people to stop. That's one way to use 'wrap it up'. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. Find a free transcript and related programmes here: https://www.bbc....
2026-06-16
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The English We Speak: Throw ideas at the wall
Sometimes you want to come up with ideas without thinking too much. That's when you throw ideas at the wall to see if anything sticks. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. As always...
2026-06-09
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The English We Speak: Like a moth to a flame
Moths are winged insects which are attracted to light sources. Learn the metaphorical use of this expression in this programme with Feifei and Georgie. As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ http...
2026-06-02
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The English We Speak: Gatekeep
Gatekeep is a verb which means to withhold information. It can be used to talk about fandoms or products. Learn how with Feifei and Georgie. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearn...
2026-05-26
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The English We Speak: In over my head
Do you almost feel like you're drowning in your tasks? Maybe you're in over your head. Learn when and how to use this expression with Becca and Feifei. For more great language tips and programmes vis...
2026-05-19
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The English We Speak: A hunch
Is it true or is it just a hunch? Learn when and how to use ‘a hunch’ in this programme For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here...
2026-05-12
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The English We Speak: Take it as a given
There are some things that you can just assume to be true. This expression is for those. Learn how to use it expression with Feifei and Phil. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclear...
2026-05-05
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The English We Speak: Think on your feet
Sometimes you need to think quickly, like for a job or to answer a question. Thinking on your feet means to do just this! Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. For more great languag...
2026-04-28
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The English We Speak: Can't see the wood for the trees
This idiom is about focusing on the small details too much and losing sight of the bigger picture. Learn when and how to use it, and learn other language to use in this situation, with Feifei and Geor...
2026-04-21
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The English We Speak: Yap
"Stop yapping!" Learn a word to use when someone talks a lot with Feifei and Georgie. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ...
2026-04-14
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The English We Speak: Flow State
When we enter a flow state, we feel fully focused. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a f...
2026-04-07
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The English We Speak: Got you
If you've got someone, you support them.Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca. As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-e...
2026-03-30
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The English We Speak: A bit of a stretch
Sometimes we say things that aren't 100% true. They're not complete lies, but they are a bit of a stretch. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. As always, find a free transcript her...
2026-03-24
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The English We Speak: Kick the can down the road
Sometimes at work we need to kick the can down the road. Learn how to use this expression with Phil and Feifei. TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-sp...
2026-03-16
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The English We Speak: Cut corners
If you want to do a task perfectly, it's usually not a good idea to cut corners. Learn about this expression and how to use it in conversations with Feifei and Georgie. TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bb...
2026-03-10
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