#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/
Nov 04, 2015•8 min
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-sente...
Oct 28, 2015•10 min
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/
Oct 21, 2015•10 min
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/
Oct 14, 2015•6 min
Learn the differences between... - take over / overtake - come over / overcome - look over / overlook - think over / overthink - do over / overdo Click here for the episode text: http://www.espressoenglish.net/10-confusing-english-words-with-over/
Oct 07, 2015•8 min
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.
Sep 30, 2015•5 min
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
Sep 23, 2015•9 min
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 t...
Sep 16, 2015•11 min
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
Sep 09, 2015•4 min
"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
Sep 02, 2015•6 min
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
Aug 26, 2015•9 min
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
Aug 19, 2015•8 min
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
Aug 12, 2015•9 min
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
Aug 05, 2015•6 min
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
Jul 29, 2015•7 min
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
Jul 22, 2015•7 min
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...
Jul 15, 2015•6 min
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...
Jul 08, 2015•4 min
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/
Jul 01, 2015•6 min
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
Jun 24, 2015•8 min
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 - So Click here for the episode text
Jun 17, 2015•8 min
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
Jun 10, 2015•9 min
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
Jun 03, 2015•8 min
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
May 27, 2015•7 min
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
May 20, 2015•7 min
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
May 13, 2015•6 min
Learn how to use IN and ON with place, time, and in other expressions in English. Click here for the lesson text
May 06, 2015•7 min
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
Apr 29, 2015•14 min
Here are 10 common phrasal verbs related to emotions and attitudes, with definitions and example sentences. Click here for the lesson text
Apr 22, 2015•8 min
Here are seven more English phrases used in everyday situations. Click here for the lesson text
Apr 15, 2015•9 min