This week we're in conversation with our friend, the theatre director, lecturer, playwright and raconteur, Tony Gardner. Listen in on our conversation about Shakespearean words and phrases - and learn a little about English history with us! The Idiom of the Week is 'To catch a cold.' Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter ( @properenglish4 ) or YouTube . Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-related question, why not ask us on Instagram ( properenglish2019 ),...
Mar 24, 2020•16 min•Season 1Ep. 48
This week we're talking about the phrasal verbs we use when talking about our health - we're also considering the difference between talking and speaking, and the Idiom of the Week, appropriately enough, is 'As fit as a fiddle.' Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter ( @properenglish4 ) or YouTube . Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-related question, why not ask us on Instagram ( properenglish2019 ), and we'll do our best to answer - or, if you're an emai...
Mar 17, 2020•10 min•Season 1Ep. 47
In this episode, we're talking about countable and uncountable nouns - what they are, how you use them, and which words work well with them. We'll also be considering the difference between 'either' and 'neither' - and our hapless detective duo, Davidson and Roberts, return to illustrate what we mean when we use the idiom 'As thick as thieves.' Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter ( @properenglish4 ) or YouTube . Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-relate...
Mar 10, 2020•14 min•Season 1Ep. 46
In this episode, we're talking about some of the strange and wonderful things we say and do to avoid bad luck. We're also considering the difference between the words 'in' and 'inside', and the Idiom of the Week is 'To stick your neck out.' Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter ( @properenglish4 ) or YouTube . Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-related question, why not ask us on Instagram ( properenglish2019 ), and we'll do our best to answer - or, if yo...
Mar 03, 2020•11 min•Season 1Ep. 45
This week we're talking about Shrove Tuesday, otherwise known as Pancake Day, which is important to Alison as she gets to eat many pancakes! We're also looking at the difference between 'shy', 'embarrassed' and ashamed' - and our intrepid detectives Davidson and Roberts can 'smell a rat' in the latest Idiom of the Week. Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter ( @properenglish4 ) or YouTube . Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-related question, why not ask u...
Feb 25, 2020•9 min•Ep. 44
So, this week we're looking at portmanteau words - new words created by combining parts or the sounds of two or more words. We're also considering the difference between 'come' and 'go' - and the Idiom of the Week is ‘Going all round the houses'. Listen right to the end... This podcast uses this sound from Freesound: https://freesound.org/s/198846/ by bone666138 This work is licensed under the Attribution License. …and music from Incompetech: Arcadia by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.fi...
Feb 18, 2020•12 min•Ep. 43
This week, it's time for a bit of a Spring clean - we're having a look at some more of the little puzzles in the English language that our students and listeners find challenging. We're also looking at the difference between 'then' and 'than', and the Idiom of the Week is 'Blowing your own trumpet'. Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter ( @properenglish4 ) or YouTube . Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-related question, why not ask us on Instagram ( prop...
Feb 11, 2020•10 min•Ep. 42
In this episode, we’re back on the subject of contractions, concentrating this time on the verb 'to have'. We're also considering the difference between the words 'bored' and 'boring', and the Idiom of the Week is 'The elephant in the room.' You can find us on italki at https://www.italki.com/alisondaviskurley or https://www.italki.com/davekurley . Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter ( @properenglish4 ) or YouTube . Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-re...
Feb 04, 2020•9 min•Ep. 41
In this episode, we’re all about comparatives and superlatives - what they are, how you construct them, and when you use them. The Idiom of the Week is ‘That ship has sailed'. You can find us on italki at https://www.italki.com/alisondaviskurley or https://www.italki.com/davekurley . Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter ( @properenglish4 ) or YouTube. Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-related question, why not ask us on Instagram ( properenglish2019 ), ...
Jan 28, 2020•9 min•Ep. 40
In this episode, we’re discussing some of the words and aspects of English grammar that even native English speakers find challenging. The Idiom of the Week is 'bite your tongue‘, and we're also considering the difference between 'make' and 'do'. You can find us on italki at https://www.italki.com/alisondaviskurley or https://www.italki.com/davekurley . Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter ( @properenglish4 ) or YouTube . Oh, and if you have a burning English gramm...
Jan 21, 2020•10 min•Ep. 39
Mealtimes are on our minds in this week's episode. When is it dinner, and when is it tea? Lunch, brunch or breakfast? We'll also be considering the difference between 'fun' and 'funny'. The Idiom of the Week is ‘Eat your heart out’, which is nothing to do with mealtimes. No chickens were harmed while making this podcast. You can find us on italki at https://www.italki.com/alisondaviskurley or https://www.italki.com/davekurley . Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter ...
Jan 14, 2020•11 min•Ep. 38
In this, the first episode of the new decade, we're taking it easy, indulging ourselves, being all laidback and talking in hushed tones about the art of relaxation. We're also taking some time (and space) to discuss the difference between infinity and eternity - and the Idiom of the Week is 'let sleeping dogs lie.' You can find us on italki at https://www.italki.com/alisondaviskurley or https://www.italki.com/davekurley . Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ) and follow us on Twitter ( @prop...
Jan 07, 2020•9 min•Ep. 37
It's the last episode of the year, so we're taking this opportunity to look back on what we've achieved and all the new friends we've made since we started Proper English back in May. Also, we're remembering past New Year celebrations and talking about New Year traditions in the UK. Oh, and a massive THANK YOU to all our listeners across the world - we're really looking forward to the second year of Proper English! You can find us on italki at https://www.italki.com/alisondaviskurley or https://...
Dec 31, 2019•12 min•Ep. 36
In this bumper episode, we're beside ourselves with excitement, as we share stories of childhood Christmases, talk about traditional Christmas food - and generally get a bit giddy and giggly with Yuletide cheer! The Idiom of the Week is 'The proof of the pudding'. You can find us on italki at https://www.italki.com/alisondaviskurley or https://www.italki.com/davekurley . Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ) and follow us on Twitter ( @properenglish4 ). Oh, and if you have a burning English ...
Dec 24, 2019•15 min•Ep. 35
In this episode, we're incredibly pleased to announce that we're talking about intensifiers - The Idiom of the Week is ‘Many Happy Returns’, and we'll also be discussing the difference between 'got' and gotten'. Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ) and follow us on Twitter ( @properenglish4 ). Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-related question, why not ask us on Instagram ( properenglish2019 ), and we'll do our best to answer - or, if you're an email kind of person, and you have...
Dec 17, 2019•8 min•Ep. 34
In this episode, we’re back on the subject of phrasal verbs - this time, we're looking at phrasal verbs associated with cooking. The Idiom of the Week is ‘That takes the biscuit!’ Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter ( @properenglish4 ). Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-related question, why not ask us on Instagram ( properenglish2019 ), and we'll do our best to answer - or, if you're an email kind of person, and you have any feedback or suggestions fo...
Dec 10, 2019•8 min•Ep. 33
In this week's episode, we're looking at some of the differences between British English and American English - pronunciation, spelling and some of the different words we use on either side of the Atlantic to describe the same things. The Idiom of the Week is 'Out of your depth'. Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter ( @properenglish4 ). Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-related question, why not ask us on Instagram ( properenglish2019 ), and we'll do ou...
Dec 03, 2019•10 min•Ep. 32
So this week, we return to talking about the weather, and in particular words associated with weather that we can use in different situations. The Idiom of the Week is ‘As cool as a cucumber’ - and this week, we introduce a new feature: ‘What’s the difference?’. Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter ( @properenglish4 ). Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-related question, why not ask us on Instagram ( properenglish2019 ), and we'll do our best to answer!...
Nov 26, 2019•9 min•Ep. 31
Alison’s back! Hurrah! This week we’re talking about capitals (letters, not cities) and how and when to use them when you’re writing English. The Idiom of the Week is ‘The boot is on the other foot’. Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter ( @properenglish4 ). Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-related question, why not ask us on Instagram ( properenglish2019 ), and we'll do our best to answer!...
Nov 19, 2019•8 min•Ep. 30
Dave’s flying solo this week - talking about the questions we answer on our Instagram page - Proper English Question Time! The Idiom of the Week is ‘Shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted’. Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter ( @properenglish4 ). Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-related question, why not ask us on Instagram ( properenglish2019 ), and we'll do our best to answer! Music from https://filmmusic.io "White" by Kevin MacLeod (ht...
Nov 12, 2019•11 min•Ep. 29
In this episode, we’re starting a journey into a topic that always gets a conversation going - the weather! We’re concentrating on words associated with the rain this week, and, appropriately, the Idiom of the Week is ‘a storm in a teacup’. This podcast uses these sounds from Freesound: Long Birds Forest Ambience.wav by Motion_S | License: Attribution Thunderstorm 3.WAV by Sandermotions | License: Creative Commons 0 Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter ( @propereng...
Nov 05, 2019•10 min•Ep. 28
This week, we’re talking about the pronunciation of some contractions in English - specifically those associated with the verb ‘to be’ and the modal verb ‘will’. The Idiom of the Week is ‘Bob’s your uncle’. Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter ( @properenglish4 ). Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-related question, why not ask us on Instagram ( properenglish2019 ), and we'll do our best to answer!...
Oct 29, 2019•11 min•Ep. 27
This week, we’re back with more phrasal verbs - this time we’re looking at the ones you might use in your place of work. The Idiom of the Week is ‘Burning the midnight oil.’ Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter ( @properenglish4 ). Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-related question, why not ask us on Instagram ( properenglish2019 ), and we'll do our best to answer!...
Oct 20, 2019•9 min•Ep. 26
This week, we’re all about sport, whether it’s played on a pitch, a field, a court or a track! The Idiom of the Week has a sporting flavour, too: ‘The ball is in your court.’ Sound effects in this episode were obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com - apart from the tennis match which is a public domain recording, courtesy of https://freesound.org/s/114052/ . Like us on Facebook ( properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter ( @properenglish4 ). Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-rela...
Oct 15, 2019•11 min•Ep. 25
Greetings! In this episode, we’re talking about the different ways we English say hello to each other every day - and this week’s idiom is perhaps not to be taken too seriously - in fact, you can ‘take it with a pinch of salt’! Like us on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter (@properenglish4) or Tumblr (properenglish). Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-related question, why not ask us on Instagram (@properenglish2019), and we'll do our bes...
Oct 08, 2019•9 min•Ep. 24
In this episode, we’re returning to food, and talking about the lovely sweet things we have at the end of a meal - rather appropriately, this week’s idiom is ‘Having a sweet tooth’. Like us on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter (@properenglish4) or Tumblr (properenglish). Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-related question, why not ask us on Instagram (@properenglish2019), and we'll do our best to answer!...
Oct 01, 2019•9 min•Ep. 23
We’re in Italy! So, in this episode, we're looking at all the Italian words that have been incorporated into the English language. The Idiom of the week is ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ Like us on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter (@properenglish4) or Tumblr (properenglish). Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-related question, why not ask us on Instagram (@properenglish2019), and we'll do our best to answer! This podcast uses thes...
Sep 24, 2019•9 min•Ep. 22
In this episode, we’re trying something a little different - we’re just having an unscripted chat about a few of our favourite things! The Idiom of the Week is ‘The grass is always greener’. PS Dave has since discovered that after a lifetime of thinking Terry Gilliam is Canadian, it turns out he was born in the States. Dave feels very silly indeed. Like us on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter (@properenglish4) or Tumblr (properenglish). Oh, and if ...
Sep 17, 2019•13 min•Ep. 21
In this episode, we’re tidying up - talking about a few of the little challenges learners frequently puzzle over in English grammar and pronunciation - the ‘Idiom of the week’ is ‘The best thing since sliced bread.’ Like us on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter (@properenglish4) or Tumblr (properenglish). Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-related question, why not ask us on Instagram (@properenglish2019), and we'll do our best to answer!...
Sep 10, 2019•12 min•Ep. 20
This week, we're all about modal verbs - should, could, shall - and all the rest. The Idiom of the week is 'To set your teeth on edge.' Like us on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/properenglish2019 ), and follow us on Twitter (@properenglish4) or Tumblr (properenglish). Oh, and if you have a burning English grammar-related question, why not ask us on Instagram (@properenglish2019), and we'll do our best to answer! This podcast uses a few sounds from Freesound: cutting.wav by techyactor15 -- h...
Sep 03, 2019•9 min•Ep. 19
