Espresso English Podcast
Episodes
085 - Top English Pronunciation Problems
20 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson, you’re going to practice English words with very similar sounds. Many English learners have problems pronouncing these words correct...
084 - Difference between Lay and Lie
13 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Both 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 di...
083 - Negative Adjectives in English
06 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Do you want to expand your English vocabulary?Here are 10 negative adjectives for describing undesirable traits in people, things, or situations. You'...
083 - Difference between WHO and WHOM
30 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
A 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! T...
082 - Regular English Words with Slang Meanings
23 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In 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 meani...
081 - 15 Phrases for Speaking Polite English
16 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
When 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 "pol...
080 - English Grammar: When to use HAVE, HAVING, and HAVE GOT
09 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes 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 ...
079 - Learn English Conversation: Hotel Recommendations
02 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Amanda 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...
078 - 5 English Phrases & 10 English Idioms for Complaining about your Job
24 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Listen to these five English sentences to learn some idiomatic expressions for talking about negative points at work.#1 – "My co-workers don’t pul...
077 - 20 English expressions with the word MIND
17 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
The English word “mind” refers to the center of your thoughts, memory, and imagination. In this lesson, you’ll learn 20 common English phrases u...
076 - Is there any difference between these VERY similar English words?
10 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Today's lesson comes from a really good student question: What's the difference between... - effective and efficient? - suitable and appropriate? - be...
075 - Learn English Phrases for Talking about Plans and Goals
03 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Do 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 goa...
074 - Learn Collocations: Metaphors in English
27 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
A 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 qu...
073 - Talk to or Talk with?
20 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Today's lesson will teach you the difference between:talk totalk withtalk abouttalk overtalk throughtalk intotalk out ofThere are plenty of example se...
072 - Three VERY common mistakes with "it"
13 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
#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 s...
071 - Quick answers to your questions about idioms
06 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
A 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 y...
070 - Learn English Grammar: Be, Being, or Been?
23 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Hello!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...
069 - 10 Informal English Phrases in Conversation
16 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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, whic...
068 - 16 English Idioms with STAND & SIT
09 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
067 - How to use Either and Neither in English
02 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
066 - How to Pronounce -ED in English Verbs
25 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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...
065 - 32 English Collocations for Talking About Your Family
18 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Let’s begin our study of collocations by learning some common expressions about the family. Your parents and siblings (brothers and sisters) are you...
064 - English Slang Expressions that Your Textbook Won't Teach You
11 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 sligh...
063 - 18 Handy Idioms With the Word HAND
04 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
#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...
062 - Sentence Starters for Everyday English Speaking
28 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
061 - So, Neither, Too: How to Agree in English
21 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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...
060 - Ten Idioms With the Word SHOW
14 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 so...
059 - Take Over or Overtake?
07 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Learn the differences between... - take over / overtake - come over / overcome - look over / overlook - think over / overthink - do over / overdoCli...
058 - Business English Phrasal Verbs
30 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
If you work in an English-speaking environment, you might hear these common phrasal verbs used in business situations! draw up get ahead burn ou...
057 - 20 English Phrases with TIME
23 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 – ...
056 - Do you know these interesting English heteronyms?
16 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Heteronyms in English are two words with the same spelling, but different pronunciations and different meanings.Two common examples are the words CLOS...
055 - 20 English Collocations With the Word GOAL
09 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
054 - 10 English Expressions with GO
02 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
"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 th...
053 - 20 Collocations with BREAK
26 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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...
052 - Learn 12 Phrasal Verbs with the Word RUN
19 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The same verb can be used with various prepositions to create phrasal verbs with different meanings... and some phrasal verbs have more than one meani...
051 - How to Talk About Movies in English
12 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 les...
050 - I, Me, My, Mine, and Myself
05 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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...
049 - Practical Phrases for the Doctor's Office
29 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 pat...
048 - 15 "Hot" English Words & Phrases
22 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 "h...
047 - How to Make English Part of Your Life
15 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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...
046 - Ten Informal Phrases Native Speakers Use
08 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 "...
045 - Are you making these pronunciation mistakes?
01 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 mos...
044 - 10 Phrasal Verbs about Socializing
24 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 les...
043 - Linking Words: Reasons and Results
17 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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: - Bec...
042 - Advanced Vocabulary: 16 Different Words for Speaking
10 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The English language has a very rich vocabulary, and learning alternative words can give more complexity and meaning to your sentences. Here are 16 di...
041 - Slang Words for Food and Drink
03 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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...
040 - "My English is terrible"
27 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 d...
039 - First Conditional
20 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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.T...
038 - Common Collocations with Big, Great, Strong, Large, Deep, and Heavy
13 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In English, a collocation is two or more words that go together naturally. Learning collocations is essential for making your English sound fluent and...
037 - Confusing Prepositions: IN and ON
06 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to use IN and ON with place, time, and in other expressions in English.Click here for the lesson text
036 - 100 Answers to Common English Questions
29 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
035 - Learn 10 Phrasal Verbs with Emotions
22 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Here are 10 common phrasal verbs related to emotions and attitudes, with definitions and example sentences. Click here for the lesson text
034 - Everyday English Phrases & Expressions (Part 2)
15 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Here are seven more English phrases used in everyday situations. Click here for the lesson text
033 - Everyday English Phrases & Expressions (Part 1)
08 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
032 - Pronunciation Practice with Reductions
01 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Many English learners pronounce each word clearly, to get the pronunciation perfect – but native English speakers don’t do this. Natural spoken E...
031 - Learn 36 Different Expressions with GET
25 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
“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 exam...
030 - 10 English Words Ending in -LESS
18 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Today you're going to learn one of the "shortcuts" to expanding your vocabulary - focusing on prefixes and suffixes, the beginnings and endings of wor...
029 - 10 English Words Ending in -FUL
11 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Today you're going to learn one of the "shortcuts" to expanding your vocabulary - focusing on prefixes and suffixes, the beginnings and endings of wor...
028 - 8 Very Confusing Verbs in English
04 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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...
027 - One Word, Two Pronunciations, Two Meanings
25 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
026 - 18 Phrasal Verbs with TAKE
18 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 di...
025 - 10 Interesting "Water" Idioms
11 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
024 - Difference between JUST and ONLY
04 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 floo...
023 - Difference between Big, Large, Long, Tall, Short, Huge, and Tiny
28 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 corre...
022 - Speaking Fluent English: My Top 10 Tips
23 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
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 l...
021 - How to Disagree Politely in English
20 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In spoken English, just saying “I disagree” is often too direct. Most English speakers use phrases that are modified to be more polite, or indirec...
020 - Common Collocations with TIME
19 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Time, time, time – here are 16 different ways to use time in English! Learn these common English collocations to improve your vocabulary. spend t...
019 - Phrasal Verbs for Romantic Relationships
16 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Phrasal Verb Definition in Context hit on someone demonstrate romantic / sexual interest ask someone out invite someone for a date ...
018 - English Expressions for Extreme Emotion
15 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
#1 - “My boss hit the ceiling when I told him I’d lost the documents.” The idiomatic expression “hit the ceiling” means to get very an...
017 - Talking about the Future: Will or Going To?
14 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
There are two ways to talk about the future in English: will/won't and going to. Use going to for plans/arrangements Use will for promises, o...
016 - British English vs. American English Vocabulary
14 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This is a story about the daily life of New York Nate, who lives in the United States; and London Laura, who lives in England. As you can see, they ...
015 - Linking Words in English: Contrasting Ideas
11 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Using "linking words" can improve your spoken and written English by helping you form longer, more complex sentences. In today's lesson, you'll learn ...
014 - Difference between SAY, TELL, and SPEAK
11 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
If you frequently confuse the words SAY, TELL, and SPEAK, you’re not alone – these are some of the most commonly confused English words! In this l...
013 - Extreme Adjectives
11 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Adjectives are words that describe the qualities of something. Some adjectives in English are gradable - that means you can have different degrees o...
012 - How to Start a Conversation in English
11 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have difficulty speaking English? Sometimes the hardest part is simply starting a conversation. Learn these expressions for starting a convers...
011 - English Vocabulary Words for Describing Appearance
11 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson you’re going to expand your vocabulary with 37 words to describe a person’s appearance. Let’s begin with the word beautiful –...
010 - 60 Common English Collocations with DO and MAKE
11 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
These two words can be confusing, but I’ll teach you the difference – and teach you 60 common collocations with example sentences to help you! ...
009 - Passive Voice in English
11 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In the active voice, the subject of the sentence DOES the action: Jake wrote a letter.subject / verb / object In the passive voice, the ...
008 - Difference between TO and FOR
11 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Don’t say: “I’m studying every day for improve my English.” Say: “I’m studying every day to improve my English.” The preposition...
007 - Travel, Trip, or Journey?
11 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
A lot of English as a Second Language learners confuse the words TRAVEL, TRIP, and JOURNEY. In today's lesson, you'll learn how to use each word an...
006 - An Easy Way to Form Questions in English
11 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Forming questions in English can be confusing. Don’t worry – I’m going to teach you a simple formula that works for asking questions in almost ...
005 - Present Perfect vs. Past Perfect
11 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Both present perfect and past perfect talk about something that happened before a point in time (reference point). In the present perfect, our ...
004 - How to Improve Your Spoken English
11 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Speaking English is difficult for many learners. In this article, I’ll give you 10 ways to speak English better: 5 ways to improve your spoken Engli...
003 - Difference between SHOULD HAVE, COULD HAVE, and WOULD HAVE
11 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Should have, could have, and would have are sometimes called “modals of lost opportunity” because they describe situations when we are imagining ...
002 - Difference between SHOULD, COULD, and WOULD
11 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The difference between should, could, and would is difficult for many English learners – this lesson will help you understand when to use each o...
001 - Direct and Indirect Questions in English
11 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Direct questions are the “normal” questions that we can ask to friends, family members, and people who we know well. Example of a direct quest...