Happy English Podcast: Recent Episodes
Michael DiGiacomo Happy English
I found out that the store is closing. I can’t figure out how this app works. We ran out of coffee. Everything worked out in the end. It turned out to be a great restaurant.
Phrasal verbs with out show up everywhere in everyday English, and the meaning of out changes depending on the verb. Have you been confused by expressions like find out, figure out, run out of, work out, and turn out? If so, you’re in luck—because today, we’re going to look at five useful phrasal verbs with out that you can use in everyday English.
The Happy English Podcast
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Does that make sense? That makes sense. I’m trying to make sense of this. It makes sense to do that. Financially, it makes sense.
Sense is one of those words that appears in a lot of very natural everyday expressions, especially when we’re talking about whether an idea is clear, logical, or reasonable. Have you ever been confused by the different ways we use make sense? If so, you’re in luck—because today, we’re going to look at how you can use make sense naturally in everyday English.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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Good point. You have a point. That’s the point. That’s not the point. What’s your point? My point is... What’s the point of arguing?
Point is a really common word in everyday conversational English, especially when we’re explaining ideas, agreeing with someone, disagreeing with someone, or trying to get to the main idea of a conversation. Have you been confused by all these different uses of point? If so, you’re in luck—because today, we’re going to look at how you can use point naturally in everyday English.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
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Do you mind if I sit here? Would you mind closing the window? I don’t mind. Never mind. Keep that in mind. It slipped my mind.
Mind is one of those small words that appears in a lot of everyday expressions, and the meaning changes depending on the situation. Sometimes it means that something bothers you. Sometimes it refers to your thoughts or memory. And sometimes we use it to make a polite request. Have you been confused by the different ways we use mind? If so, you’re in luck—because today, we’re going to look at how you can use mind naturally in everyday English.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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I saw Lisa at the station. We watched a movie last night. Look at this photo. Look, I understand what you’re saying.
See, watch, and look are all connected to using our eyes, so it’s easy to mix them up. But there are some important differences. Sometimes something simply comes into view. Sometimes we choose to pay attention to something for a period of time. And sometimes we use look without talking about our eyes at all.
Have you been confused by see, watch, and look? If so, you’re in luck—because today, we’re going to check out the different ways you can use see, watch, and look naturally, in everyday English.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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"Do you like living in New York?" "It depends." "Should I buy a new laptop?" "Well...it depends." "Is English difficult?" "That depends."
"It depends" is one of those little English expressions that we use all the time in everyday English. But did you know that the phrase, "It depends" has a number of different meanings and uses? Most of the time, "it depends" means, "there isn't one simple answer." In other words, the answer changes depending on the situation.
Today, we're going to look at how you can really use "it depends" in everyday conversation.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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Can you bring me a coffee? I'm only taking one suitcase. What should I bring? Don't forget to take your umbrella. Bring your laptop. Take this to the office.
Bring and take seem like simple words, but they're easy to mix up. You've probably learned that bring means "move something toward the speaker" and take means "move something away from the speaker." That's a helpful place to start, but in real conversations we usually aren't thinking about grammar rules. Instead, we picture the situation. So today, we're going to look at how you can naturally use bring and take in everyday English.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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I heard a strange noise. Listen to this song. Can you hear me? Are you listening to me?
Hear and listen. These words are both connected to sound and ears, so it's easy to mix them up. But there’s an important difference. Hearing usually happens naturally. A sound reaches your ears, even when you’re not trying. Listening is active. You choose to pay attention to the sound.
Have you been confused by hear and listen? If so, you're in luck - because today, we’re going to look at the different ways you can use hear and listen in everyday English.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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Come back. Call back. Pay back. Give back. Get back. Write back.
What do all of these expressions have in common? Well, of course, they all use the word back. But here's the interesting thing. In many of these phrasal verbs, back gives us the idea of returning - returning to a place, returning a phone call, returning money, returning something to someone, or returning a message. And these aren't unusual expressions that you'll only find in a textbook. They're expressions that we all use every day.
So today, we're going to look at five phrasal verbs with back that you'll actually use.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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Go ahead. Go ahead and start without me. You go ahead. I'll catch up. Go right ahead. Go ahead, I'm listening.
Go ahead. Two simple words that you'll hear all the time in everyday American English. Sometimes we use it to give someone permission. Sometimes it means start or continue. Sometimes we use it to tell someone to go before us. And depending on your tone of voice, "Go ahead" can even sound like a challenge. So today, we're going to look at what "go ahead" really means and how you can use it in everyday conversation.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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Come on, let's go. Oh, come on! Come on, you can do it. Come on in. Come on over.
Come on. Two simple words, right? But depending on the situation and your tone of voice, those two little words can mean hurry up, I don't believe you, you can do it, enter, visit me, or even... that's ridiculous. It's one of those expressions you'll hear all the time in movies, TV shows, and everyday American conversation. So today, we’re going to look at the different ways you can use “come on” in everyday English.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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I missed the bus. I lost my keys. I forgot my wallet. I left my phone at the office.
These four words seem similar because they all describe situations where something goes wrong. But they don't mean the same thing. Did you fail to catch something? Did you no longer have something? Did you forget something in your mind? Or did you leave it somewhere? Once you understand the difference, you'll avoid some very common English mistakes. So today, we're going to look at how native speakers really use miss, lose, forget, and leave.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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I guess so. I guess not. I guess you're right. Let me guess. Guess what?
You probably learned that the verb guess means to answer a question when you don't know the answer. And that's true. But in everyday American English, guess has several other meanings. In fact, when native speakers say, "I guess," they're usually not making a guess at all. They're softening an opinion, showing they're not completely certain, or saying something in a more relaxed way. So today, we're going to look at how Americans really use guess.
The Happy English Podcast
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I'm good. We're good. You're good. It's all good. You probably learned that good is the opposite of bad. So you might think, "I'm good" is simply a conversational reply to "How are you. And it is. But in everyday American English, I'm good has several different meanings. We use I'm good to politely refuse something, to say we don't need help, to tell someone everything is okay, and even to end a conversation. It's probably one of the most common expressions you'll hear in the United States. So today, we're going to look at how you can really use I'm good.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
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I'm kind of tired. That's kind of expensive. It was kind of weird. I kind of forgot.
If you've ever listened to English speakers, you've probably heard the phrase kind of over and over again. But here's the interesting thing. Most of the time, when we say "kind of" we're not talking about a type of something. We're using kind of to make what we're saying softer, less direct, or less certain. It's one of those little expressions that can make your English sound much more natural. So today, let's look at how you can really use kind of.
The Happy English Podcast
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That works. Works for me. Does that work? That doesn’t work for my schedule.
Did you notice, these expressions all use the verb work, but they’re not about having a job. In everyday American English, we often use work to talk about whether a time, a plan, an idea, or a solution is acceptable, convenient, or possible. So if someone says, “Friday works for me,” they don’t mean Friday has a job. They mean Friday is good for their schedule. And that’s what we’re going to look at today.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
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Man! It’s hot as hell. It’s like an oven out there. I’m melting. Crank up the A/C. Time to beat the heat.
Hot weather. Everybody talks about it, right? But in English, especially in American English, we don’t only say, “It’s hot.” We have lots of natural expressions for hot days, humid days, uncomfortable days, and those summer days when you walk outside and immediately think, “Nope. I’m going back inside.”
So today, we’re going to look at how Americans really talk about hot weather in everyday English.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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I'm all set. You're all set. Are we all set? We're all set.
Have you ever heard someone say, "I'm all set," and wondered what they meant? You won't find this expression in many English textbooks, but if you spend any time in the United States, you'll hear it everywhere. At restaurants, coffee shops, doctor's offices, airports, hotels - just about anywhere. So what does "all set" actually mean? Well, it depends on the situation. Sometimes it means, "I don't need anything else." Sometimes it means, "Everything is ready." And sometimes it's just a polite way to end a conversation.
So today, we're going to look at how native speakers really use "all set."
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
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How much did it cost? How much did you spend? Did you pay cash? What did you buy?
Cost, spend, pay, and buy. These are four very common English words that are related to using money. and English learners often mix them up because they're all connected to money. But here's the thing. They don't focus on the same part of the situation. Sometimes we're talking about the thing we got. Sometimes we're talking about the money we used. Sometimes we're talking about the price. And sometimes we're talking about the person using the money.
So today, we're going to look at how people really use cost, spend, pay, and buy in everyday English.
The Happy English Podcast
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I noticed a strange noise. I realized I forgot my keys. She noticed he was quiet. She realized he was upset.
Notice and realize are two similar words in English, so they're are easy to mix up. And honestly, it's easy to understand why. Both words talk about becoming aware of something. But there's an important difference between them. When you notice something, you use your senses. When you realize something, you use your mind. Once you understand that difference, these two words become much easier to use naturally. And that is what we're going to look at today!
The Happy English Podcast
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📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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Sure. Sure thing. Are you sure? I’m sure. Sure enough. Sure is one of those words that seems really simple, right? You probably learned that sure means certain. And that's true. But in everyday English, we use sure in a lot of different ways. Sometimes it means certain. Sometimes sure means yes. Sometimes it means of course. And sometimes it's just a friendly way to agree with someone. So what's really going on with sure? That's what we're going to look at today.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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I’m fine. That’s fine. Fine with me. Fine. Fine seems like such a simple word, right? You probably learned it very early in English class. “How are you?” “I’m fine, thank you. And you? I'm fine thank you.” Easy.
But here’s the thing: Outside the classroom, in real English, fine can mean a lot of different things depending on the situation - and your tone of voice. Sometimes fine means okay. Sometimes it means acceptable. Sometimes it means, “I guess that’s okay.” And sometimes… when someone says, “Fine,” it definitely does not sound fine. So today, we’re going to look at how people really use fine in everyday English.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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You look tired. That sounds fun. He seems upset. Dinner looks amazing. Your voice sounds different.
Seem, look, and sound. These words seem simple, right? But English learners often mix them up. Can you say, “You seem tired,” and, “You look tired”? What’s the difference? Why do we say, “That sounds fun,” when we can’t actually hear fun? And when should you use seem instead? Yeah… there’s actually more going on here than you might think. So today, we’re going to look at how people really use seem, look, and sound in everyday English.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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I’m waiting for the bus. I’m expecting a package tomorrow. We’re expecting guests this weekend. My teacher expects me to do my homework.
Wait and expect. These seem like simple words, right? But they can be easy to mix them up. Like, what’s the difference between, “I’m waiting for you,” and, “I’m expecting you”? Why can we say, “I’m expecting a package,” but not, “I’m waiting a package”? And what does it mean when someone says, “We’re expecting guests”? Or even, “She’s expecting”? Yeah… there’s actually a lot going on here with these two words. So today, we’re going to look at how people really use wait and expect in everyday English.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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Jack visited his parents last weekend. We went to Milan for vacation. I need to go to the doctor. I visited my friend in Brooklyn.
Visit and go to. Both words are used to talk about movement, but they are easy to mix up. Can you say, “I visited to New York”? Why do we say, “go to the doctor,” but, “visit the doctor”? And what’s the difference between, “I visited my friend,” and, “I went to my friend’s house”? Yeah… there’s actually more going on here than you might think. So today, we’re going to look at how people really use visit and go to in everyday English
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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1062 - No Big Deal / No Biggie - English Tips in a Minute | Happy EnglishHey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English.
Today, let’s look at two really common conversational responses - “no big deal” and “no biggie.”We use no big deal or no biggie to mean “it’s not a problem” or “don’t worry about it.” They’re casual, friendly ways to respond when someone apologizes or thanks you.
For example, imagine your friend says: “Sorry I’m a little late.” You could reply: “No big deal.”
Or maybe a coworker says: “Thanks for helping me with that report.” You can say: “No biggie!”
We also use these phrases when something small goes wrong: “Oops, I spilled a little coffee.” “Oh, no big deal.”
No biggie sounds a little more casual and playful, while no big deal is a bit more common for everyday situations.
Lemme know in the comments which one you’d use, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s English Tips in a Minute.
Hey, thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
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Check out my new Live Course: Speak Naturally In American English: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/speak-naturally-in-american-english
Thanks. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. You’re the best. I owe you one.
Saying thank you in English seems easy, right? Just say, “Thank you.” But honestly, in everyday conversation, we don’t always use the same expression. If someone holds the door open for you, “I sincerely appreciate your kindness” sounds way too formal. And if your friend helps you move all day, just saying, “Thanks,” might not feel like enough. That’s because how we thank someone depends on the situation and how much we want to show appreciation. And that’s what we’re going to dive into today.
The Happy English Podcast
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Oops, sorry about that. My bad. I’m really sorry. I apologize for the confusion. No worries. Don’t worry about it.
Apologizing in English seems simple, right? You just say, “I’m sorry.” But actually, there are lots of different ways to apologize depending on the situation. If you bump into someone at the supermarket, you probably won’t say, “I sincerely apologize.” And if you accidentally send the wrong file to your boss, maybe “Oops, my bad” is not the best choice either. So today, we’re going to look at how people really apologize in English - naturally.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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I’m waiting for the bus. We waited to eat dinner. I’m waiting for my friend to call me back. Wait. Seems like a simple word, right? But even simple works can cause confusion. Can you say, “I’m waiting you”? Why do we say, “wait for the bus,” but “wait to leave”? And what’s the difference between, “I’m waiting at the station” and “I’m waiting for the train”?
Yeah… there’s actually more going on here than you might think. So today, we’re going to look at how people really use wait and wait for in everyday English.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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Hi! Nice to meet you. It's nice to see you!
Meet and see. These seem like simple words, right? They both relate to spending time with another person, but sometimes meet and see can be confusing.
Can you say, “Nice to see you” the first time you meet someone? Or, “I’m meeting my friend for dinner” even though you already know them? And what’s the difference between, “I met Jack yesterday” and “I saw Jack yesterday”? Yeah… there’s actually more going on here than you might think.
So today, we’re going to look at how people really use meet and see in everyday English.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
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📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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Can you check the schedule? I just want to confirm our reservation. Make sure you bring your passport.
Check, confirm, and make sure. These words seem pretty similar, right? They all involve checking information somehow. But sometimes it's easy to mix them up. Can you say, “Please confirm the weather?” Or, “I checked that my friend came to the party”? Or maybe, “Make sure the reservation”? Hmm… something sounds a little strange there. So today, we’re going to look at how you can actually use check, confirm, and make sure in everyday English.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.
Today, let’s talk about another very common sound change in American English:
We generally pronounce would you as wouldja.
That’s because when the D sound and the Y sound come together, they blend into a J sound: wouldja
We often use wouldja for making offers or invitations.
Wouldja like some tea?
Wouldja like to come with us?
We also use wouldja for polite requests.
Wouldja mind helping me?
Wouldja happen to know where the station is?
And we use wouldja for hypothetical questions too.
What wouldja do?
Where wouldja go?
Let's practice. Repeat after me. (I'll say blue. You say green)
Wouldja like some tea?
Wouldja mind helping me?
What wouldja do?
Nice and smooth — wouldja.
Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently.
Today, let’s look at a really common everyday phrase — “here you go.”
We use here you go when we give someone or hand someone something. It’s a natural, friendly phrase that native speakers use all the time.
For example, imagine your friend asks for the salt at dinner. You hand it to them and say:
“Here you go.”
Or maybe someone buys a coffee at a café. The barista might say: “Here you go — one latte.”
We also use here you go when helping someone or giving them information. Like: "Oh, you need his email address? Here you go!"
It’s short, friendly, and super common in everyday English.
You might also hear “here you are.” It has basically the same meaning as here you go when giving someone something, but here you go is more conversational.
So remember, the next time you hand something to someone, try saying “here you go.” It’s simple, natural, and very conversational.
Lemme know in the comments where you hear this phrase, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
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Do we have enough gas to get there? Don’t worry - we’ve got plenty. I don’t have enough time today. We have plenty of time. This pizza is good enough. Are you old enough to drive?
Enough and plenty. These words seem simple, right? They both talk about quantity. But what’s the difference between enough and plenty? How come you can say good enough but not plenty good? And why do people say, “Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty,” instead of “We have enough”? If you've ever had questions like this, then you're definitely going to want to listen to this English lesson podcast. That's because today, we’re going to look at how people really use enough and plenty in everyday English.
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Do you have any coffee? Would you like some coffee? Can I have some water? I don’t have any time today.
Some and any. These seem like simple words, right? Most English learners learn the basic rule: use some in positive sentences and any in negative sentences and questions. But then things start getting confusing. Why do we say, “Would you like some coffee?” and not any coffee? Why can someone say, “Can I have some help?” And what’s the difference between “Do you have some time?” and “Do you have any time?”
Yeah… there’s more going on here than grammar books usually explain. So today, we’re going to look at how people really use some and any in everyday English.
The Happy English Podcast
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Can you recommend a good restaurant? I suggest taking the train instead. My doctor recommended drinking less coffee. My friend suggested that I try yoga.
Recommend and suggest. These two words seem pretty similar, right? They both mean giving advice or giving an idea. But sometimes, when you try to use them, things can get confusing. Should you say, “I recommended him to try it”? Or, “She suggested me to go”? Yeah… those don’t sound quite right. So today, we’re going to look at how you can actually use recommend and suggest in everyday English - naturally.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently.
Today, let’s look at a really natural American English sentence pattern: go + verb.
In English, we often use go before another verb when we mean go somewhere and do something.
You can say things like, go get lunch, go buy something, and go see a movie
* Let’s go get lunch after the meeting.
* I'm gonna go buy a new TV this weekend.
* We’re gonna go see a movie tonight.
So feel free to go ask your teacher or go pick up some coffee or go check it out a new restaurant
Again, just use go followed by a base verb. This pattern is super common and sounds very natural in conversation. Go try using it this week
Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s English Tips in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
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I stopped working. I stopped to get coffee. I stopped working to get coffee.
These sentences all use the word stop, but the meaning changes depending on what comes after stop. Sometimes the activity completely ends. Sometimes the activity pauses for a different action. And sometimes… one little infinitive completely changes the meaning of the sentence.
I'm guessing you've probably learned this grammar, but I wonder if they show you how you can actually use these patterns in real conversation. Naturally. And that's what we're going to look at today.
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I have a dentist appointment tomorrow. Jack made a reservation for dinner. Oh, and we're having a meeting at 2:00. Sorry, I already have plans tonight.
Appointment, Reservation, Meeting, and Plans. These words all talk about arrangements, usually in the future, right? So why can’t you say, “I have a reservation with my dentist”? Or, “I have plans with my boss at work”? And what about this sentence: “I have a promise with my friend.” Yeah… that doesn’t sound natural.
So today, we’re going to clear all of this up and learn how to naturally use appointment, reservation, meeting, and plans in everyday English.
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Actually, I already ate. It’s actually pretty good. Well… actually, that’s not what I meant. What’s going on with this word actually? Sometimes it means “in fact.” Sometimes it softens what you say. And sometimes… it sounds rude if you use it the wrong way. So how can you really use actually in everyday conversation? Actually, that's what we're going to look at today.
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Say, tell, speak, talk… they all mean “to use words,” right? So why do we say, “Say something,” but “Tell me something”? Why is it “Talk to me,” but “Speak with someone”?
If you’ve ever felt confused about these four verbs, you’re not alone. And today, we’re going to make this simple and clear. And here’s a simple way to think about it. Use say when you focus on the words. Use tell when you include the person. Use speak for formal situations or languages. And use talk for everyday conversation.
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You grab a coffee. You hit the gym. You head home after work. Wait a second… you hit the gym? You grab a coffee? If you learned English from a textbook, some of these phrases probably sound a little strange. But these are commonly used English expressions that you can learn to use every day. And that's what we're gonna look at today.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation
Today, let’s talk about another small word that changes in natural American English: our.
In everyday conversational English, this word is pronounced like: "are"
Our house is on the corner. Our house
Our dog is noisy. Our dog
Our friends are coming over.
Our teacher is late.
This happens because words like our, an, and the are usually unstressed in American English
Let's practice. Repeat after me.
Our house is brown
Our dog is noisy.
Our car is in the driveway
Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently.
Today, let’s look at a really useful everyday phrase - “take turns.”
We use take turns when two or more people do something one after another, instead of at the same time.
And there are two patterns. First, is people take turns
Like, We turns cooking dinner.
Or “They took turns driving on the trip.”
You can also say someone takes turns with another person.”
Like: “I take turns with my roommate doing the laundry.”
Or: Steve takes turns with Patty walking the dog.
“We take turns with each other using the computer.”
Lemme know in the comments what you take turns doing, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
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Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
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We’re going to have a meeting tomorrow. We’re having a meeting tomorrow. Maybe we’ll have a meeting tomorrow. All three of these sentences talk about the future… but they don’t feel exactly the same. So what’s the difference?
If you’ve ever wondered when to use “going to have,” "having", or “will have,” today’s podcast English lesson is going to make this really clear.
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I’m recording this podcast right now. These days, I’m also working on a new pronunciation course. And tomorrow, I’m meeting a friend for coffee. Did you notice something? In all three sentences, I used the present progressive tense. But each one has a different meaning. So what’s going on here?
If you’ve ever wondered why we use “I’m doing” in different ways, today’s podcast English lesson is going to make this really clear.
The Happy English Podcast
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I wish I had more time. I wish I could travel more. I wish it wasn’t raining today. You’ve probably heard sentences like these before. Do you wish using the word wish wasn't so confusing. Should you say, “I wish I have more time”? Or “I wish I had more time”? And what’s the difference between wish and hope? If you’ve ever wondered about that, today’s podcast English lesson is going to make this really clear.
The Happy English Podcast
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.
Today, let’s talk about another very natural reduction in American English: “have got to.” In everyday conversation, HAVE GOT TO becomes “gotta.”
* I've got to go. Becomes I gotta go.
* You've got to see this. Becomes You gotta see this.
* We've got to hurry. Becomes We gotta hurry.
This is very common in casual, spoken American English.
Let's practice. Repeat after me.
* I gotta go.
* You gotta see this
* We gotta hurry.
Nice and smooth - gotta
Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently.
Today, let’s look at a really common conversational use of the word “head.” In everyday English, we use head or head to to mean go to or move toward a place. It’s a very natural way to talk about going somewhere.
You can say things like, “I’m gonna head to the gym.” OR “Let’s head to the pub.”
* You can also use it in the past tense: “We headed home early.” or “After work, I headed to the store.”*
This use of head is very common in everyday conversation. So let me know in the comments where you’re gonna head today, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s English Tips in a Minute.
Hey, thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
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📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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I have a dog. I’m having fun. Two very simple sentences, right? But here’s the question… why can we say “I’m having fun,” but we can’t say, “I’m having a dog”? Yeah… that sounds strange. So what’s going on here? Why does have sometimes work in the progressive form, and sometimes not?
If you’ve ever wondered about that, today’s podcast English lesson is going to make this really clear for you.
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Both. Such a simple word, right? But when you actually try to use it in conversation… things can get a little tricky. Should you say, “Both of us went”? Or “We both went”? Or maybe… “Both we went”? Yeah… that one doesn’t sound right. So what’s the deal with both? Where do you put it in a sentence? And how do native speakers actually use it in everyday conversation? That’s what we’re going to look at today.
The Happy English Podcast
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I don’t smoke. Me neither. I don’t drink. I don’t either. Hmm… so which one is it? Either? Or neither? Or maybe a better question is - when should you use either, and when should you use neither? Should you say, “I don’t smoke either”? Or “Me neither”? Or maybe… “I don’t smoke neither”? Yeah… that last one doesn’t sound right. So what’s going on here?
If you’ve ever felt unsure about using either and neither, you’re going to want to listen to this lesson. Because today, we’re going to look at how to use these words naturally in everyday conversation.
The Happy English Podcast
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.
Today, let’s look at another very common reduction in American English: “want to.”
In everyday conversation, want to becomes wanna.
Do you want to go? becomes Do you wanna go?
I want to eat. → I wanna eat.
They want to leave early. → They wanna leave early.
want to becomes wanna
BUT
wants to becomes wants-tuh:
I wanna go, You wanna go, she wants-tuh go
Don't use wanna for he, she, or it!!!
Let's practice. Repeat after me.
I wanna go.
They wanna have it
He wants-tuh do it.
She wants-tuh know why.
Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Speak Naturally in a Minute.
Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently.
Today, let’s look at a really common conversational use of the word “grab.”
In everyday English, we use grab to mean quickly get something or go get something, often in a casual way. It doesn’t always mean physically grabbing - it just means getting something fast or without a lot of planning.
* I’m gonna grab a coffee.
* Let’s grab lunch.
* I need to grab my keys before we go.
This use of grab is very common in everyday conversation, especially when talking about food, drinks, or small things you need.
Lemme know in the comments what you’re gonna grab today, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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At. In. These are small words, but as you saw in episode 1032, they can be a little tricky. We use both of them to talk about location, and sometimes the meaning feels the same. But there are also some very specific situations where we use at and in in different ways. Like, is it, "Jack is at the hospital" or "Jack is in the hospital?" Or Both? Well, if you’ve ever wondered about that, don’t worry. I've got good news. We’re going to look at all of this today.
In the last episode, we talked about the basic idea: at is a point, and in is inside a space. Today, we’re going to build on that and look some other very specific uses for AT and IN.
The Happy English Podcast
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At. In. Two very small words, right? But these prepositions can be confusing, because we use both of them to talk about location. So how do you know when to use at and when to use in? Like, Jack is in the office. Jack is at the office? If you’ve ever wondered about that, don’t worry - you’re not alone. And the good news is that’s what we’re going to look at today.
The Happy English Podcast
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Good at. Good in. These two phrases seem simple, right? But a lot of people get confused about when to use each one. Should you say, “I’m good in English,” or “I’m good at English”? And what’s the real difference between these two? If you’ve ever wondered about that, don’t worry. Because that’s what we’re going to look at today.
Let’s start with a simple idea that will help you remember everything. We usually use good at to talk about ability or skill. And we use good in to talk about performance in school or social settings or specific situations.
The Happy English Podcast
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.
Today, let’s talk about a very common reduction in American English: “have to.” In everyday conversational English, have to usually becomes hafta. That’s because the V sound in HAVE is pronounced like a weak F sound. And TO is pronounced like TUH. So have to become hafta
Here are some examples:
* I have to go now sounds like I hafta go now.
* We have to work hard sounds like We hafta work hard
* You have to try this sounds like You hafta try this.
Let's practice. Repeat after me: I hafta go. We hafta work hard. You hafta try this.
Hafta. Nice and smooth. Hafta. This is very common in American English, and using it will make your English sound more natural and more fluent.
Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently.
Today, let’s look at a really casual conversational use of the word “hit.” In everyday English, we use hit to mean go to or visit a place. It doesn’t mean you’re actually hitting something - it just means you’re going there, usually quickly or casually.
For example, you might say: “I need to hit the restroom.” Or talking about your plans: “I’m gonna hit the gym after work.” You’ll also hear things like: “I need to hit the ATM”
This use of hit is very informal, so it’s perfect for casual conversations with friends and family.
So remember, when you want to talk about going somewhere in a casual way, try using “hit.” It’s short, natural, and very common in everyday English.
Lemme know in the comments where you’re gonna “hit” today, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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Work. Job. Two very common words, right? But a lot of people get confused about how to use them. Do you say, “I have a work,” or “I have a job”? Can you say, “I’m going to my work” or "I'm going to my job" I mean like, what’s the real difference between work and job?
If you’ve ever wondered about that, don’t worry - you’ve come to the right place. Because that’s what we’re going to look at today.
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Bored. Boring. Two simple words, right? But this is something that a lot of people mix up all the time. Like, if the party wasn't so good, is it, “I’m boring,” or “I’m bored”? And what about if someone says, that teacher is so boring. If you’ve ever been confused about this, don’t worry - you’re not alone. So let's dive into this today!
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Borrow. Lend. Rent. Lease. Four simple words, right? But it seems like it's easy to mix these up. Is it , can you lend me a pen? Or can you borrow me... wait... can I borrow. So what IS the difference? When can we use borrow, lend, rent, and lease? And how do we actually use these in everyday English?
If you need help with this vocabulary, you've come to the right place. Because that’s what we’re going to look at today.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.
Today, let’s look at another very common sound change in American English: “don’t you.” In everyday American English, we usually pronounce don'y you as don-cha.
That’s because when the T sound and the Y sound come together, they blend into a CH sound. And the OO of you becomes UH. So... don’t you becomes don-cha
* Don’t you know that? becomes Don-cha know that?
* Don’t you want to go? becomes Don-cha wanna go?
* Don’t you remember? becomes Don-cha remember?
Let’s practice. Repeat after me: Don-cha know that? Don-cha wanna go? Don-cha remember?
Nice and smooth - don-cha. Using this kind of linking makes your English smoother and more natural.
Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently.
Today, let’s look at a really common conversational phrase - “the thing is…”
We use the thing is when we want to explain a situation or give a reason, especially when there’s a problem, a limitation, or something we need to clarify. It’s very similar to here’s the thing, but a little softer and more casual.
For example, someone might ask: “Why didn’t you come to the party?” You could say: “The thing is, I wasn’t feeling well.”
Or maybe you’re explaining a situation: “The thing is, I already made other plans.”
We often use this phrase when we want to be honest, but also polite. It helps soften what we’re about to say.
Remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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Do you ever feel like people use the word like all the time… and you’re not really sure why? You hear things like, “I was like…” “It was like…” “He’s like, 50…” and sometimes it feels like that word is everywhere. So if you’re wondering - what does like actually mean in these situations, or, how can I use like like that, you’ve come to the right place. By the end of the podcast English lesson, you’ll learn several practical ways you can use like.
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Have you ever tried talking about sports in English and suddenly, you get mixed up with using play, do, or go? Is it “I play skiing”? “I do skiing”? “I go skiing”? Or maybe you’ve heard things like, “I play tennis”… but also “I go swimming”… and then someone says, “I do yoga”… and now you’re thinking… wait, what’s the rule here?
Don’t worry - you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions English learners have. So in today’s podcast English lesson, we’re going to look at how to use play, do, and go when talking about sports and activities, and how you can sound more natural when you talk about them.
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Game. Match. Two simple words, right?
But then when you watch sports in English, you understand the game… but not always the language.
Which one should you use? Sometimes I hear people say things like, “I watched a baseball match,” and yeah… it’s understandable, but not so natural.
So what’s the difference? When do you say game, and when do you say match? And how do native speakers actually talk about sports in everyday English? How about win, lose and beat? That’s what we’re going to look at today.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently.
Today, let’s look at a really common conversational phrase - “to be honest…”
We use to be honest when we want to soften our thoughts or feelings, Like when we need to say something negative Or if we need to disagree or decline an invitation.
* Like if a friend asks, “Did you like the movie?” You could say: “To be honest, I thought it was kind of boring.”
* Or if your coworkers invite you to get together after work, but you don’t want to. You can say, “To be honest, I’d rather stay home tonight.”
Using to be honest, makes your opinion sound less direct and a little softer. And, it shows that you’re being open and sincere.
So remember, when you want to share your real opinion, try using “to be honest…” It’s simple, natural, and very common in everyday English.
Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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Just. Already. Yet. Three little words. They should be simple, right?
But then when you try to use them in conversation, you’re not really sure which one sounds right.
Should you say, “I just finished”? Or “I already finished”? Or “I haven’t finished yet”?
These are small words, but they can be kind of confusing. So for today’s podcast English lesson, we’re going to look at how you can actually use just, already, and yet in everyday conversation.
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Have you ever studied will and be going to and thought… “Okay, I understand the rule… but I still don’t know which one to use when I speak”? Maybe your textbook says something like: “Use will for the future,” and “Use be going to for plans.” And technically… that’s correct. But in real conversations, native speakers are not thinking about grammar rules. We’re reacting in the moment. And depending on the situation, we naturally choose will or gonna.
So for today’s podcast English lesson, we’re going to look at several very practical situations where you can use will and gonna in everyday conversational English.
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Have you ever noticed how spring feels like a fresh start? The weather gets warmer, the days get longer, and suddenly you feel like doing something new. Maybe you want to start exercising, clean your house, or even change your habits. That feeling of new energy and new beginnings is something we often connect with spring.
In English, we actually have a lot of idioms and expressions that reflect this idea of growth, change, and starting over. For today’s podcast English lesson, we’re going to look at several very useful idioms related to spring that you can use in everyday conversation.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Sunday with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.
Today, let’s talk about a very common sound change in American English: “did you.” sounds like did-ju
That’s because when the D sound and the Y sound come together, they blend into a J sound.
* Dd you sounds like didju
* Did you eat yet? sounds like Didju eat yet?
* Did you see that movie? sounds like Didju see that movie?
And one more thing. The oo sound in you, often comes out like an uh sound.
So we have did you, did-ju...did-jya. Like..
* Didjya call her?
* Didjya eat yet?
* Didjya see that movie?
Let’s practice. Repeat after me
* Didjya call her?
* Didjya eat yet?
* Didjya see that movie?
Notice how smooth that sounds. This kind of linking is very common in American English, and it helps your speaking sound more natural and more fluent.
Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
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📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Saturday with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently.
Today, let’s look at another really common conversational phrase - “here’s the thing.”
We use here’s the thing before giving a reason, an opinion, or sometimes even an excuse. Here’s the thing is a perfect thing to day when you want to introduce a point or explain a situation clearly.
* For example, imagine a friend asks you to go out on Friday night, you can say: “I’d love to, but here’s the thing - I have an early meeting tomorrow.”
* Or if a friend asks you to go somewhere on the weekend. You can explain like this “Here’s the thing - I already promised my brother I’d help him move.”
* Here’s the thing also works when you want to disagree in an indirect way. Like your coworker says, “This plan should work, right?” you can disagree with “Here’s the thing - I’m not sure everyone will be able to do it.”
So here’s the thing is like saying, “actually or in fact, plus a reason”
Let’s practice. Write your example with “here’s the thing in the comments. And remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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Have you ever made plans with a friend and they said something like, “Let’s hang out this weekend”… or maybe someone told you, “Just drop by anytime”… or you hear people say, “Let’s catch up soon”… These are all very common phrasal verbs that we use all the time when talking about social situations. Phrasal verbs are everywhere in daily life.
So for today’s podcast English lesson, we’re going to look at several very practical phrasal verbs that you can use when talking about friends, plans, and everyday social life.
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Have you ever noticed how people use the word actually in conversation? It’s one of those small words that shows up all the time, but it doesn’t always mean the same thing. Sometimes it’s used to correct someone. Sometimes it adds new information. And sometimes it helps soften disagreement so you don’t sound too direct. For example, someone might say, “Actually, I already did that.” Or, “Actually, there’s another option.” Or even, “Actually, I think we should wait.”
So in today’s podcast English lesson, we’re going to look at several very practical ways that you can use actually in everyday English.
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Have you ever noticed how often native speakers use the word just? It’s a small word, but it shows up everywhere in everyday conversation. Like, “I just finished lunch.” Or, “I was just asking...” Or maybe, “I just think this might work.” OR, even the phrase, “just saying”. That little word just helps make English sound more natural, softer, and more conversational. But the interesting thing is that just doesn’t always have the same meaning. Depending on the situation, it can show time, minimize something, or soften what we’re saying.
So in today’s podcast English lesson, we’re going to look at several very practical ways that native speakers use the word just in everyday English. And once you start noticing it, you’ll realize native speakers use just all the time.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Sunday with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.
Today, let’s talk about another tiny word that changes in natural American English: TO.
In everyday English conversation, to usually reduces to a quick “tuh” sound.
* I went to bed, sounds like I went tuh bed
* I need to study, sounds like I need tuh study.
* I walk to the station sounds like, I walk tuh the station
The OO vowel sound of to becomes the unstressed schwa sound ə
Like, Nice tuh meet you. I hafta leave. I went to work
Let’s practice: Repeat after me:
* I went to work
* They go to school
* I have tuh study
Now, you’re speaking like a native!
Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently.
Today, let’s look at a really useful conversational response - “fair enough.”
We use fair enough when we want to acknowledge what someone said, even if we don’t completely agree. It’s a polite and natural way to say, “Okay, I understand your point.”
Like, imagine you’re choosing a restaurant with a friend and they say:
“I don’t like spicy food.”
You could reply: “Fair enough. Let’s find a different place.”
Or maybe you invite a friend out after work and they say:
“I’m too tired to go out tonight.”
You could say: “Fair enough. Let’s go another time.”
Here’s another situation. Maybe you suggest watching a horror movie and your friend says:
“I can’t watch scary movies before bed.”
You might reply: “Fair enough. Let’s pick a comedy.”
We often use fair enough to show respect for someone’s opinion or situation. It keeps the conversation friendly and relaxed. It’s a short, natural response you’ll hear all the time in everyday English.
Why not leave your example in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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Have you ever been in a meeting that felt like it would never end? You keep looking at the clock and thinking… “Is this meeting ever going to finish?” But then there are other times when the opposite happens. Maybe you’re hanging out with friends, watching a great movie, or traveling somewhere fun, and suddenly you look at the clock and think, “Wow… where did the time go?”
In English, we actually have several very useful phrasal verbs to talk about situations like these. So in today’s podcast English lesson, we’re going to look at some common phrasal verbs related to time that you can use all the time in your everyday conversations.
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Have you ever studied the present perfect in English and thought… “Okay… I understand the rule… but nobody actually talks like this.” Maybe your textbook says something like: “You must use the present perfect for actions that happened at an unspecified time in the past.” So the example sentence is something like: “I have eaten lunch.” And technically… that sentence is perfectly correct. But if you walk into an office in New York and someone asks you, “Hey, do you want to grab lunch?” most people are not going to say, “No thank you, I have eaten lunch.” They’re going to say something like: “No thanks, I already ate.” So what happened to the present perfect?
English textbooks often teach the perfect present grammar… but in real conversations Americans tend to use the simple past. And that’s what today’s podcast English lesson is all about. Today we’re going to look at several very practical situations where native speakers naturally use the simple past tense in everyday conversational American English - even in situations where a textbook might tell you to use the present perfect. Now don’t get me wrong. The present perfect is still correct, and native speakers definitely use it. And if you'd like to learn more about the present perfect, check out Episode 753. But in fast, casual conversation, we often simplify things. And when we do that… the simple past shows up everywhere.
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When I was a kid, my friends and I would ride our bikes around the neighborhood until it got dark. And then, we would sit around the kitchen table talking about our day. I would like to talk about that more.I mean, I would if I had more time. Notice something interesting there? I used the word would several times. And do you know why? A lot of people learn that would is just the past form of will, but in real life, native speakers use would in several very practical ways in everyday conversation. And that’s what we’re going to look at today!
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Today, let’s talk about another tiny word that changes in natural American English: OF
In everyday conversation, OF usually reduces to a quick “uh” sound. The “v” sound is dropped and you’re left with the vowel sound, UH
- a cup of coffee becomes a cup uh coffee
- a lot of people becomes a lotta people
- kind of strange becomes kinda strange
You can also say things like: a piece uh cake. a bunch uh flowers. a bottle uh water
Now, you’re speaking like a native!
Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently.
Today, let’s look at a very common conversational phrase - “the bottom line is.” We use the bottom line is when we want to say the most important point after all the discussion. You’ll hear this a lot in business meetings, presentations, and even casual conversations.
* For example, in a meeting, someone might say: “We’ve looked at all the numbers, and the bottom line is, we need to increase sales.”
* Or a parent might tell their kid, “You can make a lot of excuses, but the bottom line is, you need to study more.
* Or in everyday conversation: “The bottom line is, we just don’t have enough money for that vacation this year.”
This phrase helps you sound clear and confident because it tells the listener, “This is the main point - listen closely.” So remember, when you want to focus on what really matters, try using “the bottom line is…” It’s a strong and natural way to conclude what you’re saying.
Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
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🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
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Have you ever known someone who interrupts constantly… never finishes their work… or talks to people in a bossy way? We all run into people like that from time to time, right? And in English, we actually have some very colorful phrasal verbs to describe those kinds of behaviors. So, for today’s podcast English lesson, we’re going to look at five very common phrasal verbs that you can use to talk about annoying people.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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By the time I got to the party, Jack had already gone home. Ah, the past perfect tense. Have you ever studied this grammar and thought… When do people actually use this? Maybe you learned something like, “The past perfect is the past of the past.” And technically, that’s true… but that rule is not very helpful in real conversation. Because the truth is, native speakers don’t walk around thinking about grammar rules.
We use certain grammar patterns because they help us explain time relationships in a story or conversation. And the past perfect is one of those patterns. So in today’s podcast English lesson, we’re going to look at several very practical situations where native speakers naturally use the past perfect in everyday English.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
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Have you ever been in a conversation in English and suddenly thought… “Wait. I didn’t catch that.” Maybe someone was speaking too fast. Maybe they used a word you don’t know. Maybe you understood the words - but not the meaning. And in that moment, you freeze. You don’t want to say the wrong thing. You don’t want to look confused. You don’t want to interrupt.
Well here’s the good news. Checking understanding and getting clarification is a natural part of a conversation in any language - even English. And today, I’m going to show you how you can do that.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
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Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.
Today, let’s talk about a tiny word that changes a lot in American English: and.
In everyday conversation and usually reduces to something that sounds like a weak in
* So rock and roll sounds like rock ’n roll
* salt and pepper sounds like salt ’n pepper
* ham and eggs sounds like ham ’n eggs
The reason is, like other short worlds, conjunctions like and are unstressed. Here are a few more:
* you and me → you ’n me
* black and white → black ’n white
* bread and butter → bread ’n butter
Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
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🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
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This is Happy English Podcast, Episode 1,000. Episode one thousand. I honestly didn’t know if I’d make it to ten.
When I started this podcast, I had no idea who would be listening… or if anyone would be listening. And now, here we are - one thousand episodes later.
And the best part? I’m not doing this alone. It’s the comments and messages I get from all over the world every week. That’s what makes this special. Language connects people. And this podcast became a small part of that connection.
This week, so many of you sent warm, thoughtful messages. Messages about studying on the train… listening before work… improving pronunciation… gaining confidence with phrasal verbs. I couldn’t include every voice today, but please know - I heard you. And I’m grateful. Yes, thank you for 1,000 episodes
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
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🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here, and welcome back to Phrasal Verbs in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Friday with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.
Today’s phrasal verb is throw on. When you throw something on, it means you put on clothes quickly without thinking too much about how you look. You’re not planning an outfit - you’re just getting dressed fast.
* Like this morning, I woke up late and just threw on a hoodie and jeans before running out the door.
* And my friend Sarah said she didn’t dress up for the party - she just threw something on at the last minute.
* Sometimes when I go to the convenience store near my house, I just throw on whatever’s nearby and go.
So how about you? When was the last time you just threw something on and headed out?
Let me know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Have you ever been asked a question in English and suddenly your mind just goes blank? Has that ever happened to you? Maybe someone says, “What do you think about remote work?” Or, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” And inside your head you’re thinking, “Wait… give me a second…” Well, native speakers don’t always answer immediately either. In fact, we use small phrases to buy time while we think.
We use phrases like, “Let me think…” “That’s a good question…” “I’ve never really thought about that…” Or small words like, “Well…” and “Actually…” These little phrases help you sound fluent - even when you’re still organizing your thoughts. And that’s what today’s podcast English lesson is all about.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
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🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Episode 1000 of the Happy English Podcast drops on February 28, and I’d really love to include you in it. If you’ve been listening for a while and this podcast has helped you in any way, please send me a short message — about 20 to 40 seconds. Just tell me your first name, where you’re listening from, how long you’ve been listening, and how the podcast has helped you.
You can record it on your phone in a quiet room and email the audio file to me at michael@myhappyenglish.com. If you’d rather write a message instead, that’s totally fine too. Some of your messages will be featured in Episode 1000. Please send them by February 27. I can’t wait to hear from you.
People often say that Americans speak very directly. Have you ever heard that? Have you ever thought that? Well in some cases it’s true, but quite often in every English conversation, we tend to soften our language in order to sound less direct. And that’s what today’s podcast English lesson is all about.
Have you ever noticed that native English speakers don’t always speak in extremes? We often use phrases to soften our language like, “I’m kind of tired.” “It’s a bit cold outside.” Or when someone asks, “Are you hungry?” we don’t always say, “No.” We say, “Not really.” Native speakers soften things all the time. So today, we’re going to look at five very common softening phrases: kind of, sort of, a bit, a little, and not really. These small phrases can completely change your tone and make your English sound more natural, more polite, and more conversational.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Sunday with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.
Today, let’s talk about something that confuses a lot of learners. Why do “your” like, your pen and “you’re” like you are nice sound exactly the same in American English? The reason is, in natural speech, both words usually reduce to “yer.”
So instead of saying: “your phone” Americans say: “yer phone.” And instead of: “you’re late” We say: “yer late.”
Listen to these examples:
* “Is that your car?” → “Is that yer car?”
* “You’re early today.” → “Yer early today.”
* “Your idea is great.” → “Yer idea is great.”
This is part of American rhythm — small words often get weaker, and the important words get the stress.
Try using this pronunciation in your English conversations this week. Let me know in the comments how that goes. And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Speak Naturally in a Minute.
Hey, thanks for listening! Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Saturday with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently.
Before we get to today’s English point, I need your help. Episode 1000 of the Happy English Podcast drops on February 28, and I’d really love to include you in it.
If you’ve been listening for a while and this podcast has helped you in any way, please send me a short message — about 20 to 40 seconds. Just tell me your first name, where you’re listening from, how long you’ve been listening, and how the podcast has helped you.
You can record it on your phone in a quiet room and email the audio file to me at michael@myhappyenglish.com . If you’d rather write a message instead, that’s totally fine too.
Some of your messages will be featured in Episode 1000. Please send them by February 27. I can’t wait to hear from you.
Today, let’s look at another really natural conversational phrase — “that figures.” We use that figures when something happens that we expected, especially when it’s typical or slightly annoying. It often has a little bit of sarcasm in it.
* Like if the train is late. You might say: “The train’s late again? That figures.”
* Or maybe your friend always forgets things. “Jack forgot his wallet? That figures.”
So that figures basically means, “Yep… I’m not surprised.” Usually in a slightly frustrated or sarcastic way. Just remember, your tone matters. If you say it lightly, it sounds funny. If you say it strongly, it can sound more annoyed. So next time something predictable happens, try saying “that figures.” It’s short, natural, and very conversational.
Lemme know in the comments if you’ve ever said “that figures,” and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here, and welcome back to Phrasal Verbs in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Friday with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.
Today’s phrasal verb is turn in. Turn in means to go to bed to sleep.
* During the week, I usually turn in at around 10:30.
* Jen is a night owl, so she doesn't usually turn in until 1 or 2a,
* I was exhausted last night so I turned in at nine!
So how about you? What time do you usually turn in? What time did you turn in last night?
Let me know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Phrasal Verbs in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Have you ever heard people say things like this? Really? Get outta here! Seriously? No way! When something surprising happens in an English conversation, we have a number of different ways we can express our surprise or disbelief. And n English, reacting naturally when you feel surprise or disbelief is not just about vocabulary. It’s about tone. It’s about intonation. And sometimes it’s even about your relationship with the other person. And that’s what this podcast English lesson is all about.
Today, we’re going to look at 4 very natural reaction phrases that native speakers use all the time - and we’re also going to practice the pronunciation and intonation that make them sound real.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
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🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
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Have you ever been in the middle of a conversation and thought, “Okay… I need to leave now… but how do I say that?” Maybe you’re at a party. Maybe you’re on the phone. Maybe you’re chatting with a coworker and you actually have work to do. Well, we usually end a conversation with soft, natural phrases to signal that the conversation is ending. We ease out of it. And that’s what this podcast English lesson is all about.
Today, we’re going to look at some very natural phrases native speakers use to wrap up a conversation smoothly, politely, and without awkwardness.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
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🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Sunday with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.
Today, let’s look at a two words that are often hard to hear: can and can’t First is can. Can is unstressed and the sound is more like kin. And the stress is on the verb after can:
I kin TAKE it
She kin DO it
We kin GO there tomorrow.
On the other hand, can't is stressed
I CAN’T take it
She CAN’T do it
We CAN’T go there tomorrow.
Listen again. I can go. She can’t go.
Can is unstressed, can’t is stressed. I can do it. She can’t do it.
Remember, pronunciation is half listening and half doing, so practice every day!
Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Sunday’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Saturday with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently.
Today, let’s look at another, common conversational phrase - “I’m into…”
We use I’m into to mean I really like or I’m interested in something. And here’s the cool thing - we use it for both romantic situations and everyday interests.
For example, in a romantic way, you might say:
“I think I’m really into her.”
Or, “He’s into girls who love to travel.”
But we also use it for hobbies and interests. Like:
“I’m really into photography these days.”
Or, “I’m not into horror movies.”
So I’m into just means you have a strong interest in something - or someone. It’s casual, natural, and you’ll hear it all the time in everyday conversation.
So remember, the next time you want to say you really like something - or someone - try using “I’m into…”
Lemme know in the comments what you’re into these days, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here, and welcome back to Phrasal Verbs in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Friday with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.
Today’s phrasal verb is chisel away at. A chisel is a tool used to shape wood, a little at a time. When you chisel away at a task, it means you work on it little by little over time.
* Like my friend Alex has been chiseling away at writing his novel for the past year. He only writes a few pages a week, but it’s adding up.
* And my neighbor has been chiseling away at renovating his house - one room at a time.
* These days, I’m chiseling away at improving my Japanese reading and writing. A little practice every day really makes a difference.
So how about you? What’s something you’ve been chiseling away at recently? Let me know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Phrasal Verbs in a Minute.
Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Sometimes you need to tell someone whether you’re free or not. And when I say free, I’m talking about time, not cost. Maybe a coworker wants to set up a meeting. Maybe a friend wants to grab dinner. Maybe someone asks, “Are you available tomorrow?” In situations like these, you don’t need to say yes or no. In everyday English, we have a few short, natural phrases that clearly show whether we are available - or not. And that’s what this podcast English lesson is all about.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Sometimes, in the middle of a conversation, you need to change the topic. Maybe something that was said suddenly reminds you of something else that you want to say. Well, if that’s happened to you, then you’ve come to the right podcast. In situations like these, we have a few short, natural phrases that gently guide the conversation in a new direction - and that’s what this podcast English lesson is all about.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.
Today, let’s practice liaison - how sounds link together in natural American English. Our focus today is the phrase “whaddaya.” I everyday English conversation, what do you and what are you often sound exactly the same: whaddaya.
So instead of saying: “What do you think?” Americans usually say: “Whaddaya think?”
And instead of: “What are you doing?” We say: “Whaddaya doing?”
Now, let’s do some shadowing practice. I’ll say a phrase twice. First, just listen. Then, say it together with me. Ready?
* Whaddaya think? (Again - shadow me) Whaddaya think?
* Whaddaya like? (Again - shadow me) Whaddaya like?
* Whaddaya want? (Again - shadow me) Whaddaya want?
* Whaddaya doing? (Again - shadow me) Whaddaya doing?
* Whaddaya thinking? (Again - shadow me) Whaddaya thinking?
* Whaddaya getting? (Again - shadow me) Whaddaya getting?
This kind of liaison makes your English sound faster, smoother, and more natural. So next time you ask a question, try it the natural way: Whaddaya think?
Hey, thanks for practicing with me! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently.
Today, let’s look at another really common conversational phrase - “at the end of the day.” We use at the end of the day to sum things up or to focus on the final point or conclusion. You’ll hear this a lot in business meetings, but people also use it in everyday conversation.
* Like, in a meeting, someone might say: “These are all good idea, but at the end of the day, we need to meet the deadline.”
* Or in a more personal situation: “The car salesman offered a really good car, for a great price, but at the end of the day it was just too far out of my budget.”
* Or about language learning: “There are a lot of apps out there to learn English, but at the end of the day, having English conversation with others is the best way to improve.”
Remember, you can use at the end of the day to focus on the final point or conclusion. It helps your English sound clear, confident, and natural - especially when giving opinions. Practice using at the end of the day in your english conversations this week.
Try leaving an example in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here, and welcome back to Phrasal Verbs in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Friday with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.
Today’s phrasal verb is follow through on.When you follow through on something, it means you finish what you promised or planned - you don’t quit halfway.
* Like the problem with Jack is, he has lots of good ideas, but he never follows through on any of them.
* My friend Emily followed through on her goal to read 20 books last year - pretty impressive.
* These days, I’m trying to follow through on the study plan I set up.
So how about you? What’s something you’re trying to follow through on these days?
Let me know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Phrasal Verbs in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Do you need to recharge? No, I’m not talking about your phone. I’m referring to you! Maybe you need to slow down a bit or take a break. If any of those are relatable, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re gonna talk about slowing down, taking care of ourselves, and getting back our energy.
This English lesson is all about some natural phrases native speakers use when they need to rest, slow down, or recharge - especially after being busy or feeling stressed.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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Seems like these days a lot of folks are busy, and even stressed. How about you? Have you ever wanted to describe your situation or feeling with something more conversational than “I’m very busy,” or “I’m stressed.” I’m glad you said yes. In fact, native English speakers usually have a few other ways to talk about stress and being busy that sound more natural and more conversational. We often explain why we’re busy, or we soften what we say so we don’t sound dramatic. And that’s what I want to help you with today - talking about stress and being busy naturally in English.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.
Today, let’s talk about something fun in American English: Stretching words to show emotion or emphasis. In natural spoken English, we often lengthen the vowel sound in a stressed word. We do this to show feeling - like surprise, excitement, or strong emotion.
Like, That movie was sooooo good.
OR I’m not gooing out because I’m reeeeeally tired.
"Hey Michael! Did you hear? Jenny broke up with her boyfriend." “She diiiid? nooo waaaay”
So the words don’t change - only the length of the vowel changes. Stretching the vowel sounds gives emphasis and emotion to that word. This is part of the melody and rhythm of American English. Try that, and leave me a comment to let me know how it goes.
Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently.
Today, let’s look at another natural conversational phrase - “long story short.”
We use long story short when we want to summarize a situation and skip all the details. It’s like saying, “I’m just gonna tell you the main point.”
* Like, “What a morning! Long story short, I missed the train and got to work late.”
* Or when talking about a problem: “Long story short, the project took longer than we expected.”
* You can also use it when explaining how something ended: “Yeah, we were going to go hiking, but, long story short, we decided not to go.”
You’ll hear long story short a lot in casual conversation, especially when people don’t want to or don’t need to give a full explanation. It helps your English sound more relaxed and natural - just like everyday spoken English.
So remember, the next time you want to summarize a situation quickly, try using “long story short.”
Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
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🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
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Hey there! It’s Michael here, and welcome back to Phrasal Verbs in a Minute from Happy English.
I’m here every Friday with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.
Today’s phrasal verb is stick to. When you stick to something, it means you continue doing it and you don’t give up - even when it’s difficult.
* You know, a lot of people make New Year’s resolutions but have trouble sticking to them.
* My friend Jake wants to stick to his new workout plan… we’ll see how long that lasts.
* And I’m trying to stick to my goal of studying Japanese for at least 20 minutes every day.
So how about you? What’s something you are sticking to this year? Let me know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Phrasal Verbs in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Here’s a fun fact. In 2010, I started Happy English. In 2010. That sounds pretty accurate, right? And saying the date or the year is certainly correct - but that’s not always how native speakers talk. In everyday conversation, we’re often much more casual and even imprecise when we talk about the past. And that’s what I want to introduce you to today - some very informal ways native speakers talk about the past casually in English.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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Let’s go to the beach? Yeah, sounds like a plan. Do you ever notice that when someone makes a suggestion in English, native speakers often answer with very short phrases? Things like:
“Sounds good.”
“That works.”
“No problem.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
These responses are everywhere in spoken English — at work, with friends, on the phone, and in text messages.
Today, let’s look at these very common response phrases native speakers use to respond to ideas, plans, and requests — and how each one sounds just a little different.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Sunday with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.
Today, let’s look at a pair of words that sound very similar, but mean very different things: wonder and wander.
First, wonder. The vowel sound here is a short, relaxed uh sound - also known as the schwa.
The one in wonder is like the number one. One wonder. It’s a short vowel sound. One wonder
“I wonder what time it is.” “I wonder if she’s coming.” One wonder - same short sound.
Next is wander, wander. The vowel sound here is longer AH sound, like want. I want to Wander.
Your mouth opens more and the sound lasts longer - I want to Wander.
“We like to wander around the city.” “He wandered into the wrong room.” I want to Wander.
So listen to the difference: wonder - wander / wonder - wander / wonder - wander
The vowel sounds are different lengths: wonder, short. Wander, long. Remember, pronunciation is half listening and half doing, so practice every day!
Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Sunday’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
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🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently.
Today, let’s look at a really useful conversational phrase - “that reminds me.” We use that reminds me when something in the conversation makes us remember something else. It’s a natural way to change the topic or add new information without sounding abrupt.
* Like, if your friend says, “I finally finished that book I was reading.” you can say, “Oh! That reminds me, I still have a book I need to return to the library.”
* Or, your roommate says, “I’m thinking of making pasta for dinner tonight” you can say, “Oh, that reminds me, we’re out of olive oil.”
“That reminds me” is like saying, “Your comment just made me think of something related.” It’s a very natural way to shift topics in English. Try using it in your English conversations this week.
Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
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🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
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Is it find or find out? A lot of English learners have this question.
Hey there! It’s Michael here, and welcome back to Phrasal Verbs in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Friday with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.
So yeah, find or find out? Find means to locate a thing.
* I just moved here last year and I'm still trying to find a good pizza shop.
* I found my wallet. It fell behind my desk.
Find out means discover information.
* I found out that my grandfather was a pastry chef.
* Janna found out her boss is gonna quit the company.
So remember, you find a thing, but you find out information.
How about you? What are you trying to find? What have you found out recently? Let me know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Phrasal Verbs in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
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🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
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Do you ever feel a little uncomfortable giving advice in English? Maybe you want to help someone - but you don’t want to sound pushy, bossy, or rude. So you’re not sure what to say. The good news is, native speakers rarely give advice in a very direct way. Instead of saying things like, “You should do this,” we usually soften our advice and make it sound more friendly and conversational.
So today, let’s look at some very common, very natural ways native speakers give advice in everyday English.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation. And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Today, let’s talk about something fun in American English: Why “winter” and “winner” often sound exactly the same.
This happens because of a sound change called the N-flap. When N + T comes between two vowel sounds, the T often disappears or becomes a soft flap - something like a quick D sound.
* winter sounds like winner
* twenty sounds like twenny
* plenty sounds like plenny
For example:
* “I don’t like winter weather.” sounds like “I don’t like winner weather.”
* “We invited twenty people.” sounds like “We invited twenny people.”
This isn’t slang - it’s just the natural rhythm of American English.
Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Do you ever notice that when you talk about your plans in English, you use the same phrase again and again?
Maybe you say things like: “I’m gonna do this.” “I’m gonna go there.” “I’m gonna improve my English.” Those sentences are totally fine. No problem at all.
But native speakers don’t only use “be going to” when they talk about future plans. We also use phrases like want to, plan to, hope to, and even intend to - and each one sounds a little different. So today, let’s look at five very common ways to talk about plans and intentions in English, and how native speakers really use them in everyday conversation.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently. And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Today, let’s look at a really useful conversational phrase — “it turns out (that).”
We use it turns out to mean actually or in fact, especially when the result is surprising or different from what we expected.
* Like, I left the house in a hurry, and it turns out I forgot my wallet.
* Or when talking about relationships: They dated for a while, but it turns out they weren’t compatible.
* We also use this phrase when we discover new information: I did some research, and it turns out my grandfather was a taxi driver for a while.
So remember, when something ends up being different than you expected, try using “it turns out…” It’s a very natural way to tell that kind of story in English.
Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
I’m here every week with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak. By the way, if you want to see the video version of this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Today’s phrasal verb is map out. When you map out something, it means you plan it carefully, step by step - just like drawing a map.
* Like, a lot of people map out their goals for the new year - health, work, hobbies, all of it.
* My friend Olivia mapped out her budget for 2026 so she can save more.
* And I just mapped out my podcast schedule for the next few months… busy but exciting!
And here’s a pronunciation tip. The P of Map links with out. Ma-pout
So how about you? Have you mapped out anything for the new year? Let me know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Phrasal Verbs in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Do you ever feel like English has too many ways to say the same thing? Maybe you’ve wondered why English has have to, must, need to, and be supposed to, when they all seem to mean something like “I should do this.” Like, “I have to work late.” “I must finish this.” “I need to call her.” “I’m supposed to send the email.”
Today, we’ll look at four very common ways to talk about obligation, rules, and expectations - and you’ll hear how each one sounds a little different, even though they’re all connected to “things we should do.”
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation. And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
One of the biggest pronunciation secrets in American English is how we reduce the sound “or.”
In everyday conversation, “or” often becomes a quick, relaxed “er.”
* Do you want tea er coffee
* Should we meet today er tomorrow?
* Is your answer, yes er no?
This small reduction keeps the rhythm smooth and relaxed.
Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Saturday with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently. And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Today, let’s look at a very useful conversational phrase - “when it comes to…”
We use when it comes to followed by a sentence, to mean regarding or about. When it comes to
is a great way to introduce a topic or give your opinion.
* Like, “When it comes to cooking, my sister is amazing.”
* Or “When it comes to playing sports, well, it’s not my cup of tea.”
* And you know what, when it comes to learning English, I’m glad you found me here!
It’s simple, natural, and you’ll hear it all the time - at work, in casual conversations, evenin TV shows and movies. So remember, the next time you want to give your opinion about a topic, try using “when it comes to…” It’s one of the most natural ways to start that sentence.
Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Saturday’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here, and welcome back to Phrasal Verbs in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Friday with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak. By the way, if you want to see the video version of this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Today’s phrasal verb is gear up for. When you gear up for something, it means you get ready or prepare for it - mentally, physically, or with the things you need.
* Like, these days a lot of people are gearing up for their New Year’s resolutions.
* And the gym near my house is gearing up for the January rush - they even added new machines.
* Even I’m gearing up for a busy month of new lessons and new projects.
Here’s a pronunciation tip: gear up for sounds like geer-uhp-for. The R in Gear links with UP.
So how about you? What are you gearing up for this month?
Let me know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Phrasal Verbs in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Do you have this problem? When you talk about habits in English, you might use the same grammar again and again? Things like, “I eat breakfast at 7,” or “I go to bed late,” or “I work on Saturdays.” Those sentences are correct - no problem there. But if you always talk about habits that way, your English can start to sound a little flat or mechanical. The good news is, native speakers actually use several different expressions to talk about habits, depending on how strong the habit is, how they feel about it, or whether it’s something now or from the past.
Today, we’re going to look at four very common and very natural ways native speakers talk about habits in everyday conversation. And as we go, I’ll show you how each one sounds a little different, even though they’re all talking about repeated actions. Let’s dive in.
Do you want to learn more phrasal verbs? My new 8-week course Speak Naturally with Phrasal Verbs starts January 8. 2026. Join us here: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/snpv
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Sunday with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation. And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Since this is the first lesson of this series in the new year, let’s try something different today. Now, I want to practice with you. Today’s tip is shadowing - one of the fastest ways to improve your American English pronunciation. Shadowing means listening to a native speaker and copying them at the same time - kinda like singing along, but with speaking. We’ll try it right now. I’ll say a sentence twice. First, just listen. Then the second time, shadow me - speak with me at the same time. Ready? Here we go.
Sentence 1 - reduction + linking: “I’m tryin’ uh learn more English.”
(Again for shadowing:) “I’m tryin’ uh learn more English.”
Sentence 2 - tiny W: “Doowit again.”
(Shadow:) “Doowit again.”
Sentence 3 - connected speech: “Whaddaya wanna do today?”
(Shadow:) “Whaddaya wanna do today?”
Shadowing helps you pick up natural reductions, linking, and rhythm without memorizing rules. Just copy the sound - your mouth will learn the pattern.
Hey, thanks for practicing with me today! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Sunday’s Speak Naturally in a Minute.
Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Do you want to learn more phrasal verbs? My new 8-week course Speak Naturally with Phrasal Verbs starts January 8. 2026. Join us here: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/snpv
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
I edited the "ding" sound effect, which came from CambridgeBayWeather https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ding_Dong_Bell.ogg, is used here for educational purposes
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Saturday with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently. And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Today, let’s look at a really natural expression you’ll hear a lot at the beginning of the year - “start off on the right foot.” We use the idiom, start off on the right foot to mean begin something in a good, positive, or successful way.
* Like, when it’s the first day back at work this year, your coworker might say: “I want to start the year off on the right foot.”
* Or when you decide to remodel the kitchen, you can say: “Let’s start off on the right foot and keep everything organized from the beginning.”
* We also use this phrase to talk about relationships: Like, Jack started off on the right foot with his new neighbors.
It’s positive, it’s friendly, and it’s perfect for January when everyone is thinking about goals, routines, and fresh starts. Start off on the right foot is a natural way to say you want to begin something well - whether it’s a new year, a new job, or even a new habit.
Lemme know in the comments how you’re planning to start your year off on the right foot, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Saturday’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
To help you stick to your English learning goals in the new year, I created a brand-new 8-week phrasal verb course to help you speak more naturally. It starts on January 8th (this Thursday):
https://www.myhappyenglish.com/snpv
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here, and welcome back to Phrasal Verbs in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Friday with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak. By the way, if you want to see the video version of this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Today’s phrasal verb is perfect for the new year - kick off. When you kick off something, it means you start it in an energetic or official way. We use kick of for events, projects, meetings, and even new habits or goals.
* Like, my friend Emma kicked of2026 by joining a new gym.
* A lot of companies kick off events with a big team meeting.
* And me? I’m kicking off the new year with a fresh batch of podcast English lessons like this one.
And here’s a pronunciation tip: kick off sounds like kik-koff. The K at the end of kick links with off. That makes the sound smooth.
So how about you? How are you kicking off the new year? Maybe with a new hobby, a new routine, or a new goal for learning English?
Let me know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Phrasal Verbs in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
I’m starting a small live English group next week focused on speaking with phrasal verbs.
Keeping it small so everyone can talk. Join us here: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/snpv
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Have you ever found yourself using “I think” a little too much when giving your opinion? Like, “I think that’s a good idea,” “I think we should try it,” “I think he’s right.” It’s a good expression - clear and direct - but maybe… a little too common? Well, the good news is, in English we’ve got a few more natural and interesting ways to share your thoughts.
Today, we’re gonna look at how native speakers casually express their opinions - not just with “I think,” but with a few other really natural, common phrases. And I’ll show you how we use each of them in daily conversation. Sound good? I’d say it does.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Sunday with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation. And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Now, in everyday spoken American English, when a word ends with an “ee” sound and the next word starts with a vowel sound, we often connect those sounds with a very small, quick Y sound.
I call this the tiny Y.
Like, see it. We don’t stop the sound, and in one breath we say, see-yit. It’s not see. it. It’s see-yit. Like, That movie? I’m gonna see-yit tomorrow. Did you hear the tiny y? I’m gonna see-yit tomorrow.
Here are some other examples:
She is sounds like she-yiz. She-yiz the boss.
We are sounds like we-yar. We-yar happy to see you!
Many apples sounds like meni-yapples. There are meni-yapples on the table.
This tiny Y keeps the flow smooth and natural. Be sure to practice these phrases yourself this week and they will become part of your English.
And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Sunday’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening! Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Saturday with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently. And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Today, let’s look at a really natural phrase you’ll hear in everyday English - “to this day.” We use to this day to mean until now, usually when something began in the past and is still true today. To this day often shows strong feelings - surprise, wonder, and even admiration.
* Like, I first saw Casablanca when I was in my twenties, and to this day, it’s still my favorite movie.”
* Our relationship ended over 25 years ago, but to this day, I don’t know why she broke up with me.
You’ll hear the phrase to this day a lot in stories, interviews, and even documentaries, because it connects the past and present in a simple, powerful way. So try using to this day in your English conversations this week.
Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Saturday’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Today’s phrasal verb is luck out. When you luck out, it means you have really good luck - usually by chance. Something goes much better than you expected, and you didn’t have to do anything special. It just happened.* For example, this morning I lucked out and found a parking spot right in front of the station. * And my friend Jake lucked out last week - he got the last two tickets to a concert that had been sold out for days. * And yesterday, I lucked out at the supermarket… strawberries were half price!
Here’s a pronunciation tip: luck out sounds like luk-kout. The K at the end of luck connects with out.
So how about you? When was the last time you lucked out?
Let me know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Phrasal Verbs in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening. And until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Thanks for tuning in! So… why are you listening to this podcast? Maybe it’s so that you can improve your English? Or in order to sound more natural? Or just to have fun learning something today? Well, whether you said so that, in order to, or to, you were talking about the purpose of doing something.
And that’s what these expressions are all about - showing the reason or goal behind an action.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Have you ever gone somewhere… and then realized you should’ve been somewhere else? Or maybe you went somewhere, and now you’re trying to explain that… but the grammar just won’t come out right. Don’t worry - this happens to a lot of English learners. So today, we’re going to clear it all up.
Went, Been, Gone. Yeah - I know. These words all seem similar, and sometimes even native speakers mix them up. But there is a pattern. There is a logic behind when we use went, gone, and been. So today, I’m gonna break it down for you in a clear, simple way - with a bunch of examples to make it all stick.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Sunday with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation. And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Now, in everyday spoken American English, we often connect vowel sounds with a very small, quick W sound. I call this the tiny W. The tiny W happens when when one word ends with an “oo” sound and the next word begins with a vowel sound. Like, do it. We don’t stop the sound, and in one breath we say, doo-wit. It’s not do it, it’s doo-wit. I’m gonna doo-wit tomorrow. Did you hear the tiny w? I’m gonna doo-wit tomorrow.
Here are some other examples:
* You are sounds like yoo-wahr. Yoo-wahr a nice person.
* Who else sounds like hoo-welse. Hoo-welse is coming to the party?
* To ask sounds like too-wask. You need too-wask the boss.
Be sure to practice these phrases yourself this week and they will become part of your English.
And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Sunday’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening! Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Saturday with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently. And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Today, let’s look at a really useful expression for telling stories - “the next thing I knew.” We use the next thing I knew when something happens quickly or unexpectedly, especially in a story. It’s another way to say “and then suddenly…” or “after that…”
* Like, “I sat down on the sofa to rest, and the next thing I knew, I fell asleep.”
* Or: “I was looking at instagram on my phone, and the next thing I knew, it was after midnight.”
We use this expression to show a jump in time - like your story skips ahead to the next big moment.
So remember, if you want to make your storytelling more natural and dramatic, try using “the next thing I knew.” It brings your story to life.
Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Saturday’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here, and welcome back to Phrasal Verbs in a Minute from Happy English.
I’m here every Friday with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak. By the way, if you want to see the video version of this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Today’s phrasal verb is chew out. When you chew someone out, it means you scold them strongly - usually because they did something wrong or made a big mistake. It’s a very informal, very American way to say “tell someone off.”
* Like yesterday in the office, my manager chewed out the team because the report wasn’t finished on time.
* And my friend Olivia got chewed out by her mom for coming home too late.
* Even I got chewed out once - I forgot to reply to an important email, and the client was not happy.
Here’s a pronunciation tip: chew out sounds like choo-wout. The W sound in chew links with out.
So how about you? Has anyone ever chewed you out - or maybe you had to chew someone out?
Let me know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Phrasal Verbs in a Minute.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Have you ever been in this situation? You’re venting to a friend about having a long and tough day, and your friend’s response is something like, Yeah, I hear you.” That little phrase - "I hear you"- has nothing to do with your friend's ears.
So - let’s talk about those moments when someone is telling you about a bad day, a tough situation, or something that’s just not going well. You want to respond in a way that shows you care, right? That you’re listening. That you understand. There are actually a bunch of phrases like that in everyday English that help you sound more natural when someone is complaining, venting, or just needs to feel heard. That’s what we’re going to look at today!
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Sunday with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation. And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Sometimes, in everyday spoken American English, we use stress, to show meaning. That means saying certain words louder or stronger to give emphasis in a sentence. A great example of this is when we use do or did for emphasis. When we really want to strongly confirm something, we put the stress on do or did.
* Like if someone says, how come you didn’t finish that report? You can say “I did finish the report.” And I sent it to you.
* Or if you got a bad grade on an exam, and someone accuses you of not studying. You can tell them, “I did study. That was just a really tough exam”
* Or maybe someone has the wrong idea about you. Like if your friend says, “we can’t go to that new sushi place, because Michael doesn’t like sushi. You can say, “I do like sushi.”
When you use do or did this way, the meaning becomes stronger and clearer. That’s how native speakers show emphasis. So next time you want to correct someone or strongly confirm something, try saying things like, “I did do it.” OR “I do wanna do it.” That’s the music of natural American English.
Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Sunday’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Saturday with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently. And by the way, if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Today, let’s look at a really natural conversational expression - “sure enough.” Sure enough means, “as expected.” We use sure enough to talk about something that happened exactly the way we thought it would.
* Like, “I was wondering if Jack would come late to the meeting - and sure enough, he did.”
* And yesterday, on the way to the bakery, I was wondering if they would still have sesame bagels left, and when I got there, sure enough, they were sold out.
* Here’s one more. The weather looked iffy all morning and sure enough, it started pouring during lunch.
Again, sure enough is not negative or positive. It just means, “Yep… that’s exactly what I thought would happen.”
Try using this phrase in one of your English conversations this week. And hey - sure enough, I think you’re gonna sound even more natural when you do. Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Saturday’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here, and welcome back to Phrasal Verbs in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Friday with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak. By the way, if you want to see the video version of this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Today’s phrasal verb is bang out. When you bang something out, it means you produce it quickly - often a lot of it - without spending too much time on perfect details. It’s all about speed and getting things done fast.
* Like, the other day, I had so many emails to answer that I just banged them out one after another.
* And in my neighborhood, my friend Atsuko bangs out a lot of bagels at her bakery Cocon.
* Yesterday, I banged out a quick pasta dish using whatever I had in the fridge.
And here’s a pronunciation tip: The G at the end of bang links with out. So it sounds like ban-gout
So how about you? What’s something you can bang out quickly - homework, ideas, or maybe dinner?
Let me know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Phrasal Verbs in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening. And until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
You know, English is funny sometimes. We’ve got a ton of verbs that go with “to + verb” - like want to do, like to do, plan to do - and most of them just talk about an action, right? I want to go. I like to cook. I plan to travel. That’s easy. But! There are some verb + to do combinations that have a special meaning - a nuance - a deeper idea behind them. And that’s what we’re going to look at today.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
So, the other day, I was on the phone with my friend Ed. We had plans to meet at 1pm, and it was already 1:15. I said, "It’s time to go." And he goes, "It’s about time!" Ha! You ever hear that phrase? "It’s about time"? What does that even mean? Well, today, we’re going to talk about how to use a bunch of conversational phrases with “It’s time” in English.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: learnenglish,englishpodcast,englishconversation,phrasalverbs,americanenglish,englishgrammar,englishpronunciation,eslpodcast,speakenglishnaturally,englishlessons,englishforbeginners,englishlistening,englishspeaking,improveyourenglish,studyenglishonline,learnenglishusa,learnenglishcanada,learnenglishgermany,learnenglishbrazil,happyenglishpodcast
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Sunday with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation. And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Today, let’s continue our discussion of reduction in American English, you know, when we shorten or soften sounds when we speak. Can’t you, Aren’t you, and ain;t you are usually pronounced as can’cha, aren’cha, and ain’cha
* When we say can’t you, the T of can’t blends with the Y of you. Can’t you becomes can’cha. “Can’cha see that?,” “Can’cha hear me?,” “Can’cha stay a little longer?”
* And when we say aren’t you, the T in aren’t also blends with the Y of you. Aren’t you becomes aren’cha. “Aren’cha coming to the party?,” “Aren’cha ready?” “Aren’cha going home soon?”
* And finally, It’s the same with ain’t you. The T in ain’t also blends with the Y of you. Ain’t you becomes ain’cha. “Ain’cha coming to the party?,” “Ain’cha ready?” “Ain’cha gonna tell me?”
Can’cha, aren’cha and ain’cha. This is how it goes in spoken American English. They help the rhythm stay smooth and make the whole sentence easier to say.
And if you want to sound more natural yourself, try using them in casual conversation. Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Sunday’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Saturday with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently. And by the way, if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Today, let’s look at a really casual, really conversational pattern you’ll hear in everyday American English - all + adjective. We use all before an adjective to mean very or totally, and it adds emotion to what we’re saying. You’ll hear this especially when people are talking about feelings, reactions, or moods
* Like, Maybe last night, you came home after a long day. You can say: “I was all hungry and tired when I got home last night.” all hungry and tired means very hungry, and very tired.
* Or maybe your boss saw last month’s sales numbers and wasn’t happy. You could say: “The boss was all grumpy when he saw last month’s sales data.”
* Here's another example. “Jen was all excited about her vacation.”
It’s casual, it’s expressive, and it sounds very natural in everyday American English. Just remember - this is spoken English, not something you’d use in formal writing.
Try using this pattern the next time you want to describe a strong feeling - like “I was all surprised!” It really brings your English to life. Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Saturday’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here, and welcome back to Phrasal Verbs in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Friday with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.
By the way, if you want to see the video version of this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Today’s phrasal verb is weigh in on. When you weigh in on something, it means you offer your opinion in a discussion — especially when people want your thoughts or input.
* Like in the office, the boss weighed in on Jack’s new marketing idea.
* And yesterday, my friend Justin weighed in on which laptop I should buy.
* And whenever I post a lesson like this online, you guys weigh in with awesome comments!
And here’s a pronunciation tip: The A sound of weigh links with in, and the N of in links with on. Altogether, it sounds like way-yih-non. Way-yih-non: very smooth and connected.
So how about you? What’s something you weighed in on recently - maybe a decision at work, a family plan, or even a friend’s problem? Let me know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Phrasal Verbs in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening. And until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
So I got invited to another one of Jack’s parties. If I go by myself, there’s a good chance I won’t know anyone, which is ok, unless a lot of people come. But if Jenny comes with me, then there’s a better chance of having fun. I wonder if she’ll go... or come with me. Come and go.
That’s the magic - and the confusion - of the verbs come and go in English. They seem simple… but they can be really tricky. Today we’re going to clear up one of the biggest confusions that even intermediate and advanced learners struggle with: the difference between come and go.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
The other day, I was thinking about the difference between though, even though, and although. Even though they all mean but, there’s a difference, though. And although you may not have learned it before… you’ll learn it today.
Though, Even Though, & Although all - express contrast, like you say one thing, but then mention something opposite. But how we use them depends on the situation, how formal or casual we want to sound, and the rhythm of the sentence. So today, I’ll walk you through the differences between though, even though, and although... with clear, natural examples to help you speak more fluently and confidently.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/free-english-lessons
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Sunday with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.
And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
As we’ve said before, in everyday spoken American English, we often use reduction - that means we shorten or soften sounds when we speak.
Today, let’s look at two really common question reductions that you hear all the time in natural spoken English: don’t you and won’t you. These are pronounced like, doncha and woncha
When we say don’t you, the T of don’t blends with the Y of you. Don’t you becomes doncha.
Like “Doncha wanna go?” “Doncha know him?” “Doncha like it” Doncha
And when we say won’t you, the T of won’t blends with the Y of you. Won’t you becomes woncha.
“Woncha join us for lunch?” “Woncha come inside?” “Woncha tell me?” Woncha
So remember. Doncha and Woncha. These natural ways to say don’t you and won’t you in American English. They help the rhythm stay smooth and make the whole sentence easier to say.
And if you want to sound more natural yourself, try using them in casual conversation. Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Sunday’s Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Saturday with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently. And by the way, if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Today, let’s look at a really useful conversational phrase - “What’s up with…?”
We use what’s up with…? to ask about something we don’t understand. It’s another way to say
“What’s the situation with…?” And you can use it for people, for events, or even for weird situations.
- Like, Maybe your coworker is acting strange. You can say: “What’s up with John today?”
- Or if you’re confused about a rule at work, you might say: “What’s up with casual Fridays? Can we wear jeans or not?”
- We also use it to talk about trends or new behaviors we don’t get. Like: “I don’t know what’s up with kids these days and that 6-7 thing.”
One thing to keep in mind is tone. With a neutral tone, it sounds curious. With a strong tone, it can sound annoyed or frustrated: “Oh man, what’s up with all this traffic today?”
What’s up with waiting? Go try this phrase in your next conversation!
Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Saturday’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening. And until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
Hey there! It’s Michael here, and welcome back to Phrasal Verbs in a Minute from Happy English.
I’m here every Friday with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.
By the way, if you want to see the video version of this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Today’s phrasal verb is brush up on. When you brush up on something, it means you review it or practice it again so you can improve. We usually use brush up on for skills, subjects, and knowledge.
* For example, before my trip to Paris, I brushed up on my French a little.
* And yesterday, my friend Emma brushed up on her Excel skills before her job interview.
* If you want to brush up on your English, why not take a lesson with me!
And here’s a pronunciation tip: brush up on sounds like bruh-shuh-pon. The SH of brush links with UP, and the P of UP links with ON bruh-shuh-pon That makes it smooth and quick.
So how about you? What’s something you want to brush up on? Maybe English, a hobby, or a skill you haven’t used in a while? Let me know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Phrasal Verbs in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening. And until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
Do you need a pick-me-up? I’m not being a show-off when I say that our little online get-togethers like this podcast are probably good for your English.
Thanks for tuning in! Let me start with a quick question. Have you ever heard someone say, “We’re having a little get-together this weekend”? Or maybe, “I could really use a pick-me-up”? You might think, wait a second – isn’t get a verb? Isn’t get together a phrasal verb? Yep - but when we add a hyphen and use it as a noun, it becomes something totally different. Today, we’re going to look at these kinds of phrases that native speakers use all the time, but they don’t always show up in grammar books. These are called phrasal nouns and for today’s lesson, we’re going to see how those verbs become nouns, and how we use them in conversation.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
Let me ask you something… have you ever been surprised - like, really surprised - and you just didn’t know what to say in English? Imagine, you’re talking to a friend, and they say something totally unexpected. Like, “Hey, did you hear? Lisa is moving to Australia!” And you want to respond like a native speaker - with something more natural than just “Wow” OR “Really?”
That’s what we’re going to look at today - casual, real-life phrases that native English speakers use to show surprise. And hey - this isn’t just fun stuff. These phrases help you sound more natural and more confident when you speak. So let’s jump in!
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Sunday with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.
And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Now, in everyday spoken American English, we often use reduction - that means we shorten or soften sounds when we speak. Today’s example is the word “didn’t.”
First, most native speakers drop the D in the middle. So instead of “didn’t,” we say “dih-n’t.” “dih-n’t.” The reason is if you pronounce the final D of did, and the next sound is N, D followed by N makes the sound stop. Did-n’t. Dropping the D makes the sound smoother: “dih-n’t.” Like, “I didn’t see your message.” becomes “I din’t see your message.” OR “She didn’t call me back.” becomes “She dih-n’t call me back.” “dih-n’t.”
And there’s one more thing. The final T in this word also tends to get very soft… or disappears. So “dih-n’t ” becomes “dih-n.” That’s right - both the D and the T get reduced. I’m sure you hear this all the time, like, “I didn’t hear you.” becomes “I dih-n hear you.” “She didn’t call me back.” becomes “She dih-n call me back.” and “They didn’t do it.” becomes “They dih-n do it.”
This is not slang and it’s not lazy. It’s just how real American English flows. So next time you say didn’t, try relaxing your tongue a bit: “I dih-n know.” “I dih-n get it.” That’s the rhythm of natural American speech.
Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Sunday's Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Saturday with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently. And by the way, if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.
Today, let’s look at a really common phrase you’ll hear in everyday English - “Do me a favor.”
We use do me a favor when we want to ask someone to do something for us. It’s usually for a small, everyday request, and it sounds more friendly than directly asking someone to do something.
* One common pattern is: Do me a favor and, plus a verb. You can say things like, “Do me a favor and close the window.” OR “Do me a favor and turn down the TV a little.”
* We also use Do me a favor followed by a sentence. Like, “Do me a favor. Hand me that dictionary over there.” OR “Do me a favor, don’t tell anyone what we just talked about.
* You can also use Do me a favor when you’re annoyed with someone. Like, Do me a favor and talk more quietly. OR Do me a favor. Stop smoking in this restaurant.
Using “do me a favor” is a common, indirect way to soften your request. Even when you’re annoyed. So do me a favor and try using this phrase in one of your English conversations this week, ok?
Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Saturday’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
Today’s phrasal verb is chip in. When you chip in, it means you contribute money, effort, or help toward something - especially when everyone gives a little to make something happen.
For example, at the office, we all chipped in to buy a birthday gift for our manager.
And last weekend, my friends chipped in to rent a cabin in the mountains.
And at home, my neighbors and I chipped in to help our elderly neighbor clean up his yeard. It was a nice way to do something together.
And gere’s a pronunciation tip: Chip in sounds like chi-pin. The P at the end of chip links with in, so it sounds like chi-pin.
So how about you? When was the last time you chipped in for something - maybe a gift, a party, or a project?
Lemme know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Phrasal Verbs in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
Has this ever happened to you? Someone invites you to do something - maybe go out for dinner, or join a party - but you can’t go. Maybe you’re too busy. Maybe you don’t want to go. But you feel a little nervous about saying no? Yeah... totally understandable. Saying no in English isn’t always easy, so today let’s learn how to do it.
In this lesson, we’re going to look at how we invite people in English, and more importantly, how to politely say no when you can’t accept that invitation. This is super helpful for conversations at work, school, or even with friends.
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Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Thanks for joining me today! If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between “Have you eaten yet?” and “Are you still eating?”... or if you’re not sure when to use anymore - then this episode is for you. These four little words - still, yet, already, and anymore - seem simple, but when it comes to questions and negative sentences, things can get a little tricky. So today, we’ll take a deep dive into how they work, with plenty of real, everyday examples.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Sunday with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.
And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Michael on YouTube.
In fact, the idea for today’s lesson came from a listener’s question on YouTube. It’s all about reductions. In language learning, reduction means shortening or softening sounds when we speak quickly - it’s what makes English sound smooth and natural. One really common example is when we say the phrase “I’m trying to.” It usually sounds like, “I’m tryin’ uh.” “I’m tryin’ uh.”
There are three things happening here. First, I’m is pronounced as Ahm. Then, we drop the g of trying, so it sounds like try-in, and third we drop the T in the word TO and pronounce it as uh. Ahm try-in-uh. Here are some examples in context:
* “I’m tryin’ uh finish this report.”
* “I’m tryin’ uh get up earlier.”
* And these days, “I’m tryin’ uh learn Japanese.”
It’s quick, relaxed, and totally natural - especially in everyday conversation and songs. You’ll hear this kind of reduction all the time in American English, like what we studied last Sunday: Lemme, gimme, and gemme. So next time you say I’m trying to, relax your mouth and let it flow: “I’m tryin’ uh.” That’s the rhythm of real American English.
Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Sunday Speak. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch the video version of this Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Saturday with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently.
And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Michael on YouTube.
Today, let’s look at a really common phrase you’ll hear in everyday English - “Does that make sense?”
We use does that make sense? to check if the other person understands what we just explained.
It’s a more natural and friendly way to say “Do you understand?” - which can sometimes sound a little too direct.
For example, if you’re giving directions, you could say:
“Go straight two blocks, turn right at the light, and the café’s on the left. Does that make sense?”
Or, if you’re helping a coworker with a report, you might say:
“So, we’ll send this out by Friday, and then follow up next week. Does that make sense?”
It’s polite, warm, and shows you care that the other person understood you. So next time you’re explaining something, try ending with a friendly “Does that make sense?” - just to make sure!
And hey, does that make sense to join me again next time for another podcast English lesson? Lemme know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Saturday’s English tips in a minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch the video version of this Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to Phrasal Verbs in a Minute from Happy English.
I’m here every Friday with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak. And if you want to watch this lesson just look for Happy English Michael on YouTube.
Today’s phrasal verb is rattle off. When you rattle something off, it means you say or list things quickly and easily - usually without stopping to think much. It’s like when someone just fires off information from memory.
* Like, my friend Lisa is amazing with dates. You can ask her about any historical event, and she’ll rattle off the exact year it happened.
* And my coworker Tom can rattle off ten phrasal verbs in thirty seconds - no problem at all.
Here’s a pronunciation tip: rattle off - ra-dl-off. The T sound of rattle is a flap T sound, and the L sound of links with off, so it sounds like ra-dloff.
So how about you? Is there something you can rattle off - maybe song lyrics, movie quotes, or English phrasal verbs?
Lemme know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Phrasal Verb Friday. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
Watch the video version of this Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/happyenglishny
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
I get it - make and do can be super confusing. You’ve probably learned that both verbs mean "to take action" in some way. But for example, how do you know when to say make a mistake or do your homework? That’s what we’re going to clear up.
Today we’re going to talk about two small but mighty verbs in English: make and do. These verbs show up everywhere - but the tricky part is knowing when to use which one. So today, we’ll go over the core difference between make and do, and I’ll give you lots of real-life examples along the way. Let’s get started!
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I guess you're here because you think podcasts are a good way to learn English. Yeah, absolutely — I was thinking the same thing. You might even think they are the best way to learn. Well, I see your point, but I’m not sure everyone would think so. Maybe we can agree to disagree. That’s the language we’ll look at today.
In this podcast English lesson, we’re going to talk about something that happens all the time in conversations — agreeing and disagreeing. But not just saying “yes” or “no.” We’re going to look at how to do this politely — whether you’re in a meeting, having a group chat, or just talking with a friend.
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In everyday spoken American English, we often use reduction. Here, reduction means we shorten or soften sounds when we speak. It’s when certain words or syllables lose their full sound to make speech smoother and faster. Today, let’s look at three really common reductions: lemme, gimme, and gemme.
Like, instead of saying let me, we reduce it to lemme. The T sound at the end of let, is dropped. Lemme. You can say things like, “Lemme see that.” “Lemme know when you’re ready.” or “Lemme know what time the meeting starts.” Lemme.
And instead of saying give me, we reduce it to gimme comes from give me.The V sound at the end of give, is dropped. Gimme. You can say things like, “Gimme a second.” “Gimme that pen.” Or “Can you gimme a hand moving this desk?. Gimme
Finally for today, instead of saying get me, we reduce it to gemme. The T sound at the end of get is dropped. Gemme. You can say things like, “Gemme a coffee, please.” “Can you gemme a towel?” Or, “You’re going for donuts? Can you gemme one?”
These reductions happen naturally in everyday casual conversation. And reductions aren’t a lazy way of speaking. They’re just how people really talk smoothly. So next time you hear lemme, gimme, or gemme, you’ll know the meaning. And when you use them yourself, your English will sound smoother and more natural.
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Today, let’s look at a really natural and friendly phrase you’ll hear all the time in everyday English - “Sounds like a plan.” We use sounds like a plan when we agree to someone’s suggestion or idea. It’s a casual, upbeat way to say “That’s a good idea” or “Let’s do that.”
* For example, your friend says: “Let’s meet at 6 for dinner.” You can reply: “Sounds like a plan!”
* Or maybe your coworker says: “How about we finish this project on Monday?” You can say: “Yeah, sounds like a plan.”
It’s short, friendly, and works perfectly in everyday conversation - at work, with friends, even with your family.
So remember, the next time someone suggests something you agree with, skip the formal “That is a good idea.” and just say “Sounds like a plan!” It’s a natural way to reply!
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Today’s phrasal verb is whip up. When you whip something up, it means you make or create something quickly - usually food, but it can also be ideas, energy, or excitement.
* Like, yesterday morning I was in a rush, so I whipped up some scrambled eggs before heading out the door.
* And the other day, my neighbor whipped up a batch of cookies and brought them over. Best surprise ever!
* Or my friend Amy is so creative - she can whip up a great PowerPoint presentation in no time.
So how about you? What’s something you can whip up quickly - maybe a meal, a project, or even a good idea? Leave a comment, and remember to follow or subscribe!
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
Let’s table this. That’s what the boss said. And then someone else said, we need to pivot. So then I suggested we take it off line, but the boss said, Let’s not reinvent the wheel. Ah, the language of business.
have you ever been in a meeting or on a Zoom call and someone says something like, “Let’s circle back on that” or “We need to pivot”… and you’re just sitting there thinking, “Wait, what did that mean?” Today, let’s take a closer look at what these buzzwords really mean in plain English - and how native speakers use them in everyday business conversations.
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I know that I promised to keep you in the loop, so I’m touching base with you in this podcast English lesson to let you know I’ve been thinking outside the box and everything you need to improve your English is here in the pipeline.
Today, we're going to look at six of the most common idioms you’ll hear in American offices, and help you sound more natural and confident at work - or at least understand what your coworkers are saying.
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One of the biggest secrets to sounding natural in English is something called the schwa sound. It’s the most common sound in American English, and it’s a huge reason why native speakers sound so smooth and relaxed when they talk.
The schwa sounds like uh - not strong or clear, just soft and lazy: uh. We use it in many unstressed syllables and small words: Like the vowel sounds in umbrella, the a in what [whut], the i in anima [AN-uh-muhl] and the a in Sofa [SO-fuh].
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In today’s Saturday Short, Michael talks about one of the newest slang expressions to hit the English language — “6-7.”
You’ll learn where this Gen Z phrase came from, how people use it online, and why it’s more about vibe than grammar.
It’s short, fun, and a perfect look at how English keeps evolving.
So, what does “6-7” really mean? Let’s find out together!
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to another Happy English, Phrasal Verb Friday. I’m here every Friday with a quick, one-point English lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.
Today’s phrasal verb is zone out. When you zone out, it means your mind starts to wander and you stop paying attention - especially when you’re tired, bored, or distracted. Basically, your body’s there, but your brain takes a little break.
* Like the other day, I was in a long meeting, and about halfway through, I totally zoned out.
* Or my friend Olivia said she was watching a movie, but she zoned out and missed the ending.
* And when I ride the train home at night, sometimes I just zone out and stare out the window. It’s kind of relaxing, actually.
Here’s a pronunciation tip: zone out - zohn-out. The N connects smoothly with out, like zoh-nout.
So how about you? When do you usually zone out - at work, in class, or maybe when someone’s talking too long? Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Phrasal Verb Friday.
Thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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Boo! Did I scare you? I hope not. Halloween is literally right around the corner, and depending on where you live that may or may not have any particular meaning for you. But in the USA? Well, let’s go trick or treating...
Thanks for tuning in. And hey, Happy Halloween! 🎃👻 If you’re listening to this on October 31st - or even a day or two later - I hope you’re feeling the spooky season vibes. Two weeks ago, we kicked off our Halloween series with some scary vocabulary. And today, we’re keeping the Halloween spirit alive with something a little different - a look at how Halloween is really celebrated here in the USA.
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“Are we there yet?” That’s a question you’ve probably heard - or maybe even asked - especially if you’ve ever taken a road trip with kids: “Are we there yet?” “Not just yet!”
Yet is just a three-letter word, but it’s packed with meaning. It helps you talk about time, expectations, contrast, and even emphasis. And once you learn how to use yet naturally, your English is going to sound a whole lot more fluent. So today, let’s look at four of the most common ways we use yet - and I’ll show you how this tiny word makes a big impact in everyday conversation.
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Let me ask you something - have you ever noticed how often people say get in English? I mean seriously - we get tired, we get pizza, we get better, we get going, we get caught in the rain, and we get used to the cold. Well, some of us. Get is one of the most flexible and common verbs in English - and native speakers use it all the time in conversation. So today, let’s get into it… and take a look at five of the most useful ways we use get in natural, everyday English.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English Sunday Speak. I’m here every Sunday with a quick one-point tip to help you speak English more naturally.
Now, In spoken American English, we often connect words together, and when we do, the sounds change. That’s called connected speech. You’ll hear it all the time in words and phrases like ya, didja, and whaddaya.
* So instead of saying “Do you”, Americans usually say “d’ya” or just “ya.”
+ “Do you like sushi?” → “D’ya like sushi?” or “Ya like sushi?”
* Instead of “Did you”, we say “didja.”
+ “Did you see that movie?” → “Didja see that movie?”
* And instead of “What do you,” we say “whaddaya.”
+ “What do you think?” → “Whaddaya think?”
+ “What do you mean?” → “Whaddaya mean?”
This kind of connected speech makes English sound smoother and faster — the way people really talk. So next time you listen to native speakers, try to catch those little sound changes. Ya hear ’em? That’s connected speech!
Thanks for listening. And remember to like, follow, and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Sunday Speak. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here, and welcome back to another Happy English Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English better.
Today, let’s look at two really common and super natural phrases you’ll hear in everyday English: “You know what?” and “Guess what?” We use both of these when we want to grab someone’s attention - usually before we share some news, an idea, or an opinion. They make your speech sound lively and conversational and they’re kind of like how we say, “Hey, listen to this!”
Like: “You know what? I think I’m finally getting used to this cool weather.” Or: “You know what? I’ve decided to start going to the gym again.”
And guess what? is even more playful. We use it when we’re excited to share news or something surprising.
Like: “Guess what? I passed my driving test!” Or: “Guess what? My favorite band is coming to Japan!”
When you use you know what or guess what, your tone matters. Both phrases sound best with energy and a rising intonation - it builds a little excitement before you say your news. So remember...you know what and guess what, are great for starting a story, sharing good news, or giving an opinion in a fun, natural way. And you know what? I think you’re gonna sound even more fluent when you start using these in your conversations!
Oh, and don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Saturday Short. Thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English, Phrasal Verb Friday. I’m here every Friday with a quick, one-point English lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.
Today’s phrasal verb is buckle down. When you buckle down, it means you start working seriously and with focus — especially after being a bit lazy or distracted. You stop wasting time and get things done. And we tend to say, buckle down and DO somerthing.
* Like my buddy Kevin. He was having fun all summer, but now that classes started, he really needs to buckle down and study.
* Or my coworker Amy — she had a big project deadline coming up, so she buckled down this week and finished everything on time.
* And me? I’ll be honest — I’ve been putting off updating my website, but this weekend I’m gonna buckle down and finally get it done.
So how about you? Is there something you need to buckle down and do — maybe work, study, or a personal goal? Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Phrasal Verb Friday. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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I suggest you listen carefully to this podcast. And if you’re with a friend right now, I suggest he listen carefully as well. Or she listen carefully. I mean, if I were you, I’d definitely stick around for this one.
Today we’re diving into a part of English grammar that doesn’t follow the usual rules - but native speakers use it all the time without thinking twice. Especially in American English. It’s called the subjunctive mood - and while that might sound technical or tricky, it’s actually pretty simple once you know how it works. So today, I’ll walk you through four common ways we use the subjunctive - all with real-life, everyday examples.
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Hey, let me ask you a question - have you ever made a decision… and then later thought, “Oh man, I shouldn’t have done that”? Or maybe you’ve thought, “If only I had done it differently.” Yeah. That, my friend, is regret - and we all feel it sometimes. Regret is one of those universal emotions - something everyone experiences. And in English, we’ve got a few really natural and emotional ways to talk about it. So today, I’ll show you how to use phrases like “I should have,” “I wish I had,” and “If only I had” - plus some everyday expressions people use when they mess up.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to another Happy English Sunday Speak. I’m here every Sunday with a quick one-point tip to help you speak English more naturally.
Now, in American English, there’s a special sound we make with the letter T. It’s called the flap T, and it sounds kind of like a soft D sound. You’ll hear it in words like better, water, and pretty. So instead of saying “BET-ter,” “WAH-ter,” and “PRIT-ty,” Americans usually say “BEH-der,” “WAH-der,” and “PRI-dee.” This sound happens when the T comes between two vowel sounds — like the a and e in water, or the i and y in city. Let me give you some sentences to practice this:
* “I feel better today.” → “I feel beh-der today.”
* “We had a pretty nice day in the city.” → We had a pri-dee nice day in the sih-dy.”
* “Can I get a glass of water?” → “Can I gedda glass of wah-der?”
This flap T sound makes your English smoother and more natural — just like how most Americans really speak. Thanks for listening. And remember to like, follow, and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Sunday Speak. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to another Happy English Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English better.
Today, let’s look at a super common phrase you’ll hear in everyday English: “You know what I mean?” We use you know what I mean? to seek agreement or to check if the other person understands us. It’s kind of like soft tag questions, like isn’t it? that keeps the conversation friendly and connected.
Like, in the office, you might say: “There’s something strange about the new marketing manager, you know what I mean?” OR “That meeting felt way too long, you know what I mean?”
And on a rainy Monday, “Man, this weather makes me so sleepy, you know what I mean?”
Again, when you say you know what I mean, you’re not really asking for information. You’re just trying to connect what you’re thinking with the other person. It makes your English sound more relaxed, natural, and conversational. And here’s a quick pronunciation tip - in real life, we often say it like this: “Y’know what I mean?” Go ahead, try saying that out loud.
So remember, you know what I mean? is a great way to show understanding, invite agreement, and sound more like a native speaker. You know what I mean?
Oh, and don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Saturday Short. Thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to another Happy English, Phrasal Verb Friday. I’m here every Friday with a quick, one-poi nt English lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.
Today’s phrasal verb is flake out. When you flake out, it means you agree to do something - like meet up, help out, or join an event - but then you don’t show up or don’t follow through. Basically, you cancel or disappear at the last minute.
* Like last weekend. My friend Jake said he’d help me move the pianos, but he totally flaked out.
* And then the next day, Jenny promised to come to dinner, but she flaked out and texted an hour before saying she was “too tired.”
* And honestly, I’ve flaked out before too, totally not something I’m proud of at all.
And here’s a little pronunciation tip: flake out - flay-kout. The K sound at the end of flake connects right into out. Fla......kout. flay-kout!
So how about you? Has a friend ever flaked out on you? Or maybe you’ve flaked out on someone before? Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Phrasal Verb Friday. Thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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Welcome - and by the way - thanks for stopping by today! I’ve been thinking… by is one of those little words that shows up everywhere in English. It’s just two letters, but it does a lot of work.
Today we’re gonna take a close look at by - and I think you’ll be surprised at how many different ways we use it. You’ve probably seen BY in phrases like “by the time I got there,” or “a book by Hemingway,” or even “I’ll finish it by Friday.” Yeah - by is short, but powerful. Time, location, who did something, how something happens… yep, by does it all. So, let’s break it down - nice and easy.
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With Halloween right around the corner, I thought it’d be fun to do a little Halloween-themed English. So for the next three weeks, we’re going to dive into some spooky vocabulary, creepy idioms, and even take a look at how Halloween is celebrated in the U.S. Let’s kick it off today with something super useful - Halloween vocabulary! Now, you might be thinking, “Michael, I’m not a fan of horror movies.” That’s totally fine! But you know what? These words aren’t just for Halloween. Native speakers use them in everyday conversation - often in a humorous or exaggerated way. So let’s jump in before something…jumps out.
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Did you know? Eating healthy foods can make you healthy, but I heard that drinking certain wines with cheeses can make you happy. Foods? Wines? Cheeses?
You know, English is a strange language sometimes. Like, words that are usually uncountable suddenly show up with an “s” on the end. Like…foods, cheeses, and wines? Wait a minute — aren’t those uncountable nouns? Well… yes! But also… no. Let me show you how it works — and why it actually makes a lot of sense once you understand the pattern.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English Sunday Speak. I’m here every Sunday with a quick one-point tip to help you speak English more naturally.
Now, one of the most common phrases in English is “I don’t know.” But in everyday conversation, most native speakers don’t pronounce each word clearly like that. Instead, we usually say “I dunno.” (“EYE-duh-NO”) That’s right — I don’t know becomes I dunno. It’s just a natural sound change that happens when we speak quickly.
* “Who’s coming to the party?” → “I dunno.”
* “What time does the movie start?” → “Eh, I dunno.”
* “I’m gonna ask Tom where Jenny is” → “He dunno.”
The meaning doesn’t change — it’s just faster, smoother, and more natural. So next time you want to say I don’t know, try saying I dunno. It’ll make your English sound more relaxed and more natural.
Thanks for listening. And remember to like, follow, and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Sunday Speak. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here and welcome back to another Happy English Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English better.
Today, let’s look at a really common and powerful phrase: “Let me tell you something.” We use let me tell you something when we want to share our feelings, give an opinion, or emphasize what we’re about to say. It helps grab the listener’s attention and makes your speech sound more natural — and more emotional.
Let’s say your friend just ask you about a new restaurant in town. You could say:
“Oh, let me tell you something - their pasta is incredible!”
Or maybe you saw a movie, and a friend says she heard it’s boring. You can say:
“Let me tell you something, that movie is one of the best I’ve seen this year.”
We also use it when we feel strongly about something: “Let me tell you something — learning English takes time, but it’s totally worth it.”
So remember, let me tell you something is a great way to add emotion, confidence, or strong opinion to what you say. It’s natural, it’s friendly, and it really makes your English sound alive.
And let me tell you something - if you keep practicing with these Saturday Shorts, your English is only going to get better and better! Oh, and don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Saturday Short. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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901 - Phrasal Verb Frida - Crank Out
Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English, Phrasal Verb Friday.
I’m here every Friday with a quick, one-point English lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.
Today’s phrasal verb is crank out. When you crank something out, it means you produce it quickly, often in large amounts. This phrase is often used for things like writing, work, or manufacturing — anything that can be produced at a fast pace, sometimes with a focus on quantity over quality.
- The factory in the next town cranks out thousands of sneakers every week.
- My friend Amanda writes for a travel blog, and last week she cranked out five articles in just two days!
- And I remember when I was in college — we all cranked out our final papers right before the deadline. Typical, right?
And hey, here’s a little pronunciation tip: crank out… crank-out. The K at the end of crank links smoothly into the O of out. Crank-out.
So how about you? What’s something you’ve cranked out lately — work, content, projects, maybe a bunch of emails? Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next
Happy English Podcast and next week’s Phrasal Verb Friday. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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Hey, can you believe it? This is Episode 900 of the Happy English Podcast. Nine. Hundred. Episodes. I can hardly believe it myself. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way!
I just want to take a moment today to say how grateful I am to YOU. Whether this is your first time listening, your 50th time, or you’ve been here since Episode 1, thank you. The fact that you listen, learn, and grow with me is what keeps me showing up here week after week. So today, I want to share a little bit of my story, what I’ve learned from doing 900 episodes, and some advice for you on your English journey.
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Here’s a question. Have you ever heard someone say ain’t in a song or a movie? Like, <“Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone,”> or “I ain’t got no time for that”? Maybe you wondered… is ain’t actually English? Well, it sure ain’t in the textbooks, but it is in real life! And I ain’t kidding.
Today we’re diving into a word that confuses a lot of English learners - ain’t. It’s not considered “standard” grammar, but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong. In fact, native speakers use ain’t all the time in casual, spoken English, and especially in music, movies, and everyday conversation. So, if you’ve ever asked yourself, “What does ain’t even mean?” - today’s episode is for you.
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You know, I started this podcast in 2014 so I can help people speak English better. And now, there are so many podcast episodes, It’s almost near a thousand. So, check this one out.
Today, we’re talking about so. Just two letters - S-O. But this little word works overtime in English. We use so to show a result, to give a reason, to add emphasis, and yeah, we even use it when we’re not sure what to say next. So let’s break it down. I’ll show you four ways we use so, with lots of examples to help you sound more natural when you speak English.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English Sunday Speak. I’m here every Sunday with a quick one-point tip to help you speak English more naturally.
Sometimes, you need to ask someone to wait. In situations like this, you could say “Please wait a moment.” And sure, that’s correct English — but it sounds a bit formal and not something we usually say to friends or coworkers. In everyday conversation, we have a more natural and friendly way to ask someone to wait: “Hang on.”
* Like, when you’re on the phone and need to check something. You can say, “Hang on, let me grab my notes.”
* Or, if you’re in the middle of doing something, and your friend says, “Hey, can you look at this?” You can say, “Hang on a second.”
* Even if someone’s talking too fast, you can say, “Whoa, hang on! Say that again?”
It’s short, casual, and super natural. So next time instead of “Please wait a moment,” just say “Hang on.”
And remember to like, follow, and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Sunday Speak. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English better.
Today, let’s look at three really natural phrases: kind of, sort of, and a bit. We use these to soften what we’re saying. They make a statement sound less strong, less direct — and that makes your English sound more natural in everyday conversation.
For example, let’s say you’re tired after work. Instead of just saying, “I’m tired,” you can soften it by saying: “I’m kind of tired today.” Or: “I’m a bit tired after work.” Here’s another one. Imagine you saw a movie, but you didn’t really love a it, but you don’t want to sound too negative. You could say: “That movie was sort of boring.” It’s not as harsh as, “That movie was boring.”
So remember — kind of, sort of, and a bit are like little cushions for your sentences. They soften your opinion and make it sound friendlier and more natural. So, are you kind of ready to try these out in your own conversations? I bet you are! Oh, and don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Saturday Short. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English, Phrasal Verb Friday. I’m here every Friday, with a quick, one-point English lesson to help you learn one new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak. Today’s phrasal verb is jazz up.
When you jazz something up, it means you make it more interesting, exciting, or attractive. It’s like giving something a little extra style or energy. Like, my friend Lisa was hosting a party last weekend. She jazzed up her living room with some cool lights and a new playlist. At work, Tony jazzed up his presentation by adding some funny memes. And me? Well, I jazzed up my dinner the other night by adding some hot chili sauce.
So how about you? Do you like to jazz up your cooking, your house, or maybe even your social media posts? Leave a comment below, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Phrasal Verb Friday. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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They didn’t even say thank you. Not “they didn’t say thank you.” They didn’t even say thank you. So… what’s the deal with even in negative sentences?
In Episode 880, we looked at how to use even in general - like for comparisons and emphasis. But today, we’re going to zoom in on something more specific… and honestly, something really common - using even in negative sentences.
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It was very cool this morning. Like around 11 degrees celsius. When I took Max for a walk I was actually surprised it was so cool. Like, there’s a nip in the air kinda cool. Boy, I’m hoping this coming winter isn’t too cold. Let’s see how it goes.
These three little words - too, very, and so - all come before adjectives, and they all talk about how much of something there is. Like, how hot, how tall, how tired… but the feeling and intention behind each word is a little different. So today, we’re going to break it all down with real examples, and I’ll show you exactly how to use them naturally.
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I’m so hungry. No time for lunch today. No wonder my stomach is grumbling. That’s why i decided to order a double cheeseburger and some fries...at the diner.
Because is a great word - and it’s totally correct. But when it comes to speaking naturally, we often don’t use because directly. Instead, we give the reason in a more casual, fluent way. So today, I’ll show you how native English speakers give reasons in conversation - without actually saying because.
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Now, when you want to ask why in English, sure, you can just say “why.” But in everyday conversation, native speakers often use a more casual phrase: “How come?” “How come” means the same as “why,” but it sounds softer, friendlier, and very conversational. And, it’s easy to use. You can use it by itself! Like, your friend says, “I’m skipping lunch today.” You can ask, “How come?” Or your coworker says, “I can’t make it to the meeting.” You can ask, “Oh really? How come?”
You can also put how come in front of any sentence to make a casual question. Like, if your friend never comes to the karaoke party, you can ask, How come you don’t like karaoke? Or if a coworker comes to the office late, you can ask, How come you came late this morning.
How come. It’s short, casual, and super natural. So next time, instead of just “why,” try saying “How come?”
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We often use a negative question like “Isn’t this…?” or “Aren’t you…?” in conversation. Technically, these are not questions for asking something. They are a casual and friendly way to confirm something or make a suggestion.
For example, if you and your friend are at the peir on a sunny day, you might say: “Isn’t this a perfect day for fishing?” You’re not really asking for information — you’re confirming what you already think. OR "Aren't these donuts delicious!”
Or if you’re making a suggestion, you can use the same pattern. Like: “It’s almost 5pm. Isn’t it better to take the subway?” Here, you’re giving your suggestion in the form of a question. Here’s another one. “The exam is a week away. Shouldn’t you start studying?”
So remember, negative questions like “Isn’t it…?” and “Aren’t you…?” are great for confirming ideas or suggesting something in a very natural, conversational way. “Isn’t that interesting!” So, aren’t you gonna try to use this kind of English in your conversations?
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Today’s phrasal verb is slack off. When you slack off, it means you become lazy about your work, your studies, or your responsibilities. You don’t try as hard as you should.
Like, my friend Eddie started going to the gym in in July, but by the middle of this month, he really started to slack off. And in the office, Jenny was slacking off all week, so now she has to stay late to finish her project. And me? Honestly speaking, I’ve been slacking off on studying Japanese reading and writing. But now that I have Sayaka-sensei’s new book, Japanese Kanji from scratch, I’m a lot more motivated.
By the way, notice the pronunciation: slack off…slack-koff (2x). We connect the K at the end of slack with off: slack-koff.
So how about you? Do you ever slack off — maybe at work, school, or even with your hobbies? Leave a comment below, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Friday Phrasal Verb. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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Hey, let me ask you a question - You’ve studied English grammar, haven’t you? And you’ve probably heard tag questions or negative questions before, right? Well, isn’t this going to be an interesting lesson for you!
It's a nice day, isn't it? That's a Tag Question, and today, I’ll show you how these work - and how you can use them to sound more like a native speaker.
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Unless you have something else to do right now, You should listen to this whole podcast episode. And as long as you’re listening, why not take notes...In case you want to use the phrases from this lesson in your daily English.
These three little phrases - unless, as long as, and in case - all help us talk about situations that might happen. But they each have a different nuance, and getting them right can make your English sound much more natural. Let's dive in!
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You know what? I’ve got a question for you. Or… should I say, I have a question for you? Hmm. Which one sounds better? Or… are they both OK?
For many English learners, “have got” can be a little confusing. I mean, we’ve got “I have a dog,” and “I’ve got a dog”… and both are correct? What’s going on here? Well today, we’re going to break it all down — grammar, style, and real-world usage — so you’ll know exactly how and when to use “have” and “have got.”
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Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English Sunday Speak. Every Sunday, I’ll be here with a quick one-point tip to help you speak English more naturally.
One thing you need to know how to do in English is to communicate that you understood what someone said. Like if someone gives you directions on the street. You could say, Oh ok, I understand. And sure, that’s correct English — but it can sound a little formal or stiff in everyday conversation. In everyday, English conversation, we use the compact form of I understand, gotcha. Gotcha is the short and quick version of “I got what you said.” “I gah-twa-cha-said” “gotcha!
Like, your friend says, “Let’s meet at 7 instead of 6.” You can just reply, “Gotcha.”
Or your coworker says, “Don’t forget to send that email before lunch.” You can answer, “Gotcha.”
Or if someone gives you directions — “Turn left at the bank and then right at the station.” — you can simply say, “turn left, and then right. Gotcha.”
It’s short, it’s casual, and it sounds super natural. So next time instead of “I understand,” try saying “Gotcha.”
So what do you think of these Sunday Speak podcasts? Leave a comment below!
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Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English better.
Today, let’s look at a commonly used conversational phrase is “by the way.”
We use by the way when we want to add something to the conversation, kind of like when we need to change the topic, or bringing up an extra point. It’s casual, friendly, and super common in everyday English.
Like of you’re at a party, catching up with a friend. You can say something like, “It’s great seeing you tonight. Oh, and by the way, how’s your brother doing?” OR if you’re talking to a coworker about something and you want to bring up another point. The conversation can go like this. “Yea, I finally finished that coding project this morning. Oh, by the way, did you get a chance to check your email?”
Using by the way is like saying, “Oh, there’s one more thing…” but in a natural, conversational way.
Oh, and by the way? What do you think of these Saturday short podcasts? Leave a comment below
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Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English, Friday Phrasal Verb. Every Friday, I’ll be here with a quick, one-point English lesson to help you learn one new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.
Last week we looked at toy with, which means to consider something not so seriously. Today’s phrasal verb is the opposite of that: mull over. When you mull something over, it means you think about it carefully before making a decision. You’re not rushing. You’re taking your time to consider the options.
* Like, my buddy David got a job offer in another city. He said he needs to mull it over before he gives them his answer.
* Last week, Emily was thinking about buying a new car, but she told me she wanted to mull it over for a few days first.
* And me? I’ve been mulling over the idea of starting a new project for my students — but I want to be sure it’s the right time.
By the way, notice the pronunciation: mull over...muh-lover. We link the L at the end of mull with over: muh-lover.
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Fall is right around the corner. Soon there will be a nip in the air as you look at the harvest moon, while sipping your pumpkin spice latte. When the season changes, so does the way we talk. So today, before Indian Summer comes, let’s dive into some seasonal vocabulary and phrases that’ll help you talk about fall just like a native speaker.
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Let me say right now, this ain’t gonna be your average English lesson. And even considering that I’ve been teaching English for over 30 years, I ain’t got no problem sharing this information with you. What I’m trying to say is, would you mind if I break some grammar rules today?
In this lesson, I want to show you how native speakers break grammar rules — and why that’s actually a part of sounding more natural when you speak.
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I came up with this podcast yesterday. I even wrote some of it in the car. And even though I touched on this topic in a podcast like 10 years ago, this lesson is ever better.
Have you ever heard someone say something like, “It’s even colder today than yesterday,” or “He even brought his cat to the party,” and thought… what’s going on with that little word even? It’s just four letters, but even does a lot of work in English. Native speakers use it all the time — in comparisons, for contrast, for emphasis — and in a few fixed phrases, too. So today, let’s break it down.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English Sunday Speak. Every Sunday, I’ll be here with a quick one-point tip to help you speak English more naturally. Now, sometimes in English we need to say “no,” but just saying no can sound too direct or even a little rude. So let’s look at some casual, yet polite, natural ways to say no.
If someone invites you to do something and you don’t want to, you can say:
* “I’ll pass.” Like, Want to come out for karaoke tonight? → Thanks, I’ll pass.
* “Not really my thing.” Like, do you want to go bouldering? → Nah, That’s not really my thing.
* And one that I like to use all the time is “It’s not my cup of tea.” Like, Everyone’s watching that new horror movie, but scary films are not my cup of tea.
So, I’ll pass, It’s not really my thing, and It’s not my cult of tea. When you need to refuse or decline something, these all sound softer, more polite, and very natural. So how about you? What’s something that’s Not your cup of tea? Leave a comment below
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Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English better.
Today’s point is one that even native speakers sometimes get mixed up: 👉 everyday which is one word vs. every day which is two words. Here’s the deal:
Everyday (which is one word) is an adjective. It means “common” or “ordinary.” Like, Having a cup of green tea is part of my everyday routine. Or These sneakers are my everyday shoes. Your everyday something is common or usual for you.
On the other hand, every day (which is two words) means “each day.” For example: I drink coffee every day. Or Meg goes for a jog every day before work. So, when something happens each day, it is an every day (that’s two words) activity.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome to the very first Happy English, Friday Phrasal Verb.
Starting today, I’ll be here every Friday with a quick, one-point English lesson to help you learn one new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.
Today’s phrasal verb is toy with. When you toy with something, it means you’re considering it, but not very seriously. It’s like you’re playing with the idea — maybe yes, maybe no, but you’re not 100% committed. And we usually use the phrase “Toy with the idea of” followed by a gerund.
* Like, my friend Alex has been toying with the idea of moving to Chicago, but he hasn’t started packing boxes yet.
* And last week, Jessica said she was toying with the idea of starting her own bakery, but right now it’s just an idea.
* And me? I’ve been toying with the idea of getting a new guitar, although I should probably sell one of the old ones first.
So how about you? Are you toying with any ideas these days? Leave a comment below, at myhappyenglishy.com, or come tell me on Instagram @happyenglishny.
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I saw one of my old students the other day. I was like, how’s it going, and he goes, I finally found a new job. And I go, that’s awesome. And he was like, I finally got a job using English. And I was like, that’s really fabulous!
Have you ever gotten stuck trying to figure out when to use say and when to use tell? These words seem really similar, but they’re used in different ways. So today, let’s break it down, nice and easy, with some everyday examples. And then, I’m gonna show you two other, more natural ways to talk about what someone said, that are not found in most textbooks.
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Hey! I see you’re right on time for this lesson. Take your time, get comfortable. I’m not gonna kill too much time here because as you know, time flies!
So today, I’m going to cover six of the most common time expressions: kill time, run out of time, take your time, right on time, about time, and time flies. Then, I’ll also tell you about some proverbs with “time” and the funny little paradox that goes along with them. You’re gonna want to listen all the way through to learn about that.
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Would you mind checking out this English lesson? Maybe you could try using some of the phrase here in your conversations this week? Do you think you could even tell a friend about this podcast? That would be great!
In everyday conversation, we often like to soften our requests — we make them indirect. It feels more polite, more friendly, and honestly, it just sounds more natural.
So today, I want to show you some of these indirect phrases that we use all the time.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome to the very first Happy English Sunday Speak.Starting today, every Sunday I’ll be here with one quick phrase to make your English sound more natural. Today’s phrase is “You bet!” “You bet” is a super casual, American-English phrase. You can use it in a few different ways:
👉 1. We use, “you bet” as a strong “yes”
* “Are you coming to the party?” → “You bet!”
* “Do you like baseball?” → “You bet!”
👉 2. Next, we use, “you bet” as a casual way to mean “you’re welcome” when someone thanks you
* “Thanks for helping me move that furniture.” → “You bet.”
* “Thanks a lot for covering my shift at work yesterday .” → “You bet.”
👉 3. And finally, we use, “you bet” to mean “of course” when you show enthusiasm or confidence
* “Can you fix that computer?” → “You bet I can.”
* “I’m not sure about going to that party. Will it be good?” → “You bet it will!”
So remember, you bet is a super natural way to say “yes,” “you’re welcome,” and “of course” — but with a friendly, enthusiastic feeling.
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Hey there, it’s Michael here from the Happy English Podcast — and welcome to another Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English naturally. Did you know that when you are interested in doing something you can say “I’m down for that.” And — you can also invite someone to do something with a slightly different phrase “Are you up for that?” Listen to this podcast to learn more!
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You wanna sound more natural in English? I’m on it. You want me to teach that kind of lesson? Yeah, will do. You need my help to speak better? Gotcha. Today, that’s what we’re all about here!
In real conversation, we use more relaxed, casual phrases — and they’re often shorter and more natural-sounding. So today, I want to show you some of those everyday expressions that native speakers use instead of formal grammar. You’ll sound more fluent — and you’ll feel more confident, too.
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Don’t worry, I’m not gonna rain on your parade today, even thought it’s pouring outside here. Nope, come rain or shine, I’m always excited to bring you these podcast English lessons.
Today, I thought we’d take a look at some natural rain vocabulary, along with some really common idioms and phrases that native speakers use when the skies open up.
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Thanks for making time to listen to this podcast English lesson. I’m so happy that you’ve made up your mind to improve your English. And yeah, everyone’s really busy these days, but somehow, you make it work. That’s awesome!
Today, we’re gonna break down five super useful and natural phrases: Make it work, Make time,
Make up your mind, Make a mess, and Make do And I’ll give you a few examples for each — all woven into real-life situations so you can see how native speakers actually use them.
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Welcome to another Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English naturally. Today, let’s clear up something tricky: stop doing vs. stop to do.
These two sound similar, but they mean totally different things. Here's how we use them.
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I saw Halloween decorations at the store yesterday. What a reality check. I guess summer is almost over and we need to get back into the swing of things!
Today, I want to talk about two big things that happen at the end of the American summer: Getting ready to go back to school and Labor Day weekend — the last big hurrah before fall kicks in. And along the way, I’ll toss in a few idioms that you’ll hear Americans using during this season.
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I’m glad you’re still studying English. I’m gonna guess that you have already heard my last podcast about linking sounds. What did you say? Not yet? You’re not going to do that anymore, are you?
Today, I want to talk about four small — but powerful — words that can totally change the feeling of your sentence. I’m talking about Already, Still, Yet, and Anymore
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Wha-cha do-win right now? It’s time to tur-nup the volume and lih-seh-up to this lesson about link-in' sounds in English.
Today, we’re continuing our series on how to speak more naturally in English, and this time we’re talking about something that really helps you sound more fluent — and that’s linking sounds.
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Today, let’s talk about nostalgia. You know, you hear an old song on the radio and it brings you back to your high school days. Or you find some old photos in your phone from 15 years ago and suddenly, you are transported back to that time. Well, in English, when you experience something that gives you nostalgic or sentimental feelings you can say it’s a blast from the past.
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Lemme tell you something. An outdoor concert is a great way to have a blast and get into the grove. That’s where a lot of people enjoy the vibe and have a great time. Ah, live music in the summer. Nothing beats it!
Today, we’re diving into one of the best parts of American summer culture — music and festivals. There’s just something about summer in the U.S. that makes people want to be outside, especially with good food, good friends… and good music.
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I used to drink a lot of coffee all day, but these days, I tend to just have a cup or two in the morning, so I’m drinking less coffee. Sure, it was hard to get used to, but now that I’m used to it, it’s all good!
Today, we’re check out something that looks simple… but I’ve seen it trip up a lot of English learners. I’m talking about used to, be used to, and get used to. Yeah, they all kinda look the same — but they mean totally different things
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Today, I want to talk about something that might seem small, but it actually plays a big role in everyday English — and that’s small talk. Small talk is one of those things that isn’t really taught in textbooks… but it’s something people do all the time in English-speaking countries. And if you’ve ever found yourself in an awkward elevator ride or sitting next to someone on a train and didn’t know what to say… this episode is for you.
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Crickets Sound Effect by felix_quinol from Pixabay
Welcome to another Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English naturally. Today, let’s talk about three super common words in spoken English:
👉 Wanna, Gonna, and Gotta
Now, you won’t find these in a textbook, but native speakers use them all the time in conversation. Today, we'll see how they work.
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Have you ever been to the county fair? Those events have the whole nine yars, including the food. Yeah, that fair food is a total gut-buster, but it sure does taste good!
Today, I want to give you a little behind-the-scenes tour of what an American fair is like, and at the same time, we’ll learn a few really natural, fun expressions that go along with the fair experience.
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Somebody asked me the other day how many phrasal verbs there are in English. That’s a tough question. So I said, beats me. And then she said, but you’re an English teacher. I dunno. I have no clue. How many phrasal verbs are there? Who knows!
Native English speakers have a lot of ways to say at they don’t know. Today, I want to share some fun and natural ways to say “I don’t know” — the way native speakers really talk.
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I'm so excited to bring you my chat with Lindsay McMahon, the founder and cohost of the All Ears English Podcast. In this podcast English Lesson, you'll hear a natural English conversation between two native English speakers. We're talking about life in Japan, cultural differences and similarities, how things have changed in 25 years and how things have stayed the same.
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Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome to the very first Happy English Saturday Short.
Every Saturday, I’ll be here with a quick, one-point English lesson to help you build your vocabulary, fix common grammar issues, and to help you sound more natural when you speak. These lessons are short — just a minute or two — but packed with practical English you can start using right away.
So let’s kick things off with a useful phrasal verb: 👉 Turn down. There are a number of meanings for turn down but for today, we use turn down to mean refuse or say no to something. Like, “I had to turn down the job offer because it was too far away.” When Eddie asked Jenny to go to the party, she turned him down. Last night at the restaurant, they offered me a second slice of chocolate cake, and… yeah, I didn’t turn it down!” 😅 No surprise there, right?
So how about you? What’s something you turned down recently? Leave a comment below, on the blog, or come tell me on Instagram @happyenglishny — and don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Saturday Short. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.
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Sentence stress. It’s not the kind of stress, that keeps you up at night. And in fact, it’s not anything bad at all. It’s an essential part of English!
And when I say sentence stress, I’m not talking about being stressed out about learning grammar. I’m talking about how we say certain words louder, longer, or more clearly — and how that changes the feeling, and sometimes even the meaning, of what we’re saying.
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Are you ready to pack a picnic and have some fun in the sun? Before calling it a day, check out today’s English lesson podcast all about beach life, part of our summer series on American Culture.
We’re gonna talk about beach life, which could be the beach at the ocean or a lake, and to some degree even the neighborhood swimming poll. Along the way, I’ll show you five idioms and phrases that match the sunscreen, beach umbrellas, and beach snacks theme: fun in the sun, catch some rays, pack a picnic, chill out, and call it a day.
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Just because you’re speaking fast, doesn’t mean you’re speaking fluently. Fluency is not about speed. Fluency is about rhythm. It’s about sounding natural — with the right pauses, the right tone, and the right feeling.
Today, I want to help you speak more naturally by focusing on something that native speakers do all the time — even if they don’t realize it. And that is: Thought Groups.
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Wow! It’s really heating up out there today. In fact, I was totally burning up when I was walking the dogs. Thankfully I can cool down with the A/C.
Today, I've got some phrasal verbs for you that we use to talk about hot weather. Phrasal verbs are such an integral part of English. I mean, native speakers not only use them all the time, but prefer to use them in conversation. And you should to. Using this kind of language will make your spoken English sound much more natural.
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Someone recently asked me if teaching English was a side hustle. Really? I hustle, that's for sure, but this is my only job. And I got my foot in the door in 1994 in Japan. Wow time flies!
Today, we have another episode in our summer series about American culture. It’s Week 7, and today we’re talking about something that’s kind of a rite of passage in the U.S.—summer jobs.
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Just in case you were wondering, this is another podcast English lesson. And in case you like what I’m gonna teach here, I’ll give you some tips to help you remember it.
Today, I want to help you out with a handful of phrases that all use the words “in” and “case.” In this lesson, we’re going over expressions like “in case,” “in case of,” “just in case,” “in any case,” “in that case,” and “whatever the case.” These are super common in daily English, and they each have their own little twist when it comes to grammar and meaning.
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I’m glad you popped in today. Now this lesson may not make your eyes pop out, but before you pop out or pop the question, you’re gonna want to learn these phrases and idioms with pop.
You know, the word “pop” is such a fun little word in English. It’s short, quick, kind of energetic… and actually, that’s exactly how we use it — to describe things that happen quickly or suddenly. Today we’re going to check out some of the most common and useful “pop” expressions that native English speakers use all the time.
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I really hope this podcast English lesson catches on. It took me a while to write it, because sports aren’t really my thing, but I stepped up to the plate and did it. And the inspiration for this lesson came out of left field.
It’s Week 6 of our American culture summer series, and today we’re talking about summer sports—you know, the kinds of things that make you sweat, smile, and maybe fall on your face a little. We’re talking baseball, skateboarding, surfing, and beach volleyball. Let’s dive right in—no pun intended.
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Have you worked on your English yet today? Have you studied a lot? Have you ever wanted to improve your pronunciation? Work > worked, study > studied, Want > wanted. Let’s dive in!
Today we’re gonna clear up that mystery. I’m talking about the pronunciation of -ed in past tense verbs. Believe it or not, there are three different ways to pronounce -ed, and once you know the rules, it actually makes a lot of sense. And do do this, we need to divide the verbs into three groups.
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Oh man, it’s a scorcher out there. I just came back from walking Max, and I’m melting. I mean, it’s so hot, you can fry an egg on the sidewalk. How’s the weather where you are? Oh, hot there too? Why don’t we beat the heat together with this podcast English lesson.
English has some fun ways to talk about this kind of weather. That’s what we’re going to check out today. Cool Words for Hot Weather.
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I want you to know that I didn’t just throw this lesson together. And please, if you’re driving, feel free to turn it up! And if you’re at home, kick back, and enjoy as we dive into backyard fun.
Every week, all summer long, we’ve been looking at how Americans live, relax, and celebrate the season. This is part of my This Week in American Life series—and today, we’re talking about something simple but super common: Backyard Fun. I’m talking about lawn games, grilling, iced tea, lemonade… and just hanging out with friends and family right outside your back door.
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I almost hit the wall when I backed up my car. I was in the middle of talking to Jack when he suddenly cut me off to tell me that I should slow down. Anyway, why don’t you pull up so we can go through this lesson!
If you’ve ever driven in the U.S., or you’re just curious about how we talk about driving in everyday English, then today’s episode is for you. We’re going to talk about phrasal verbs that we use when driving—and trust me, there are a lot of them.
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I’m sure you won’t forget this lesson. Even though my usual recording software won’t work with my new microphone, I won’t give up brining this to. I know you like to study here, so I won’t disappoint you!
Today, we’re going to talk about a small word that packs a lot of meaning—“won’t.” That’s W-O-N-apostrophe-T. It’s short for “will not,” but depending on the context, it can mean a lot more than just “not in the future.”
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The temperature was already 30 degrees at 7:00 this morning. Let me tell you, it’s time to beat the heat. A nice dish of chocolate ice cream is one of my favorite ways to cool off, and on a day like this, that really hits the spot!
It’s Week 4 of our summer series, and this time, we’re talking about how Americans beat the heat. Well, two things come to mind right away: ice cream and movie theaters.
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I have some things to tell you today, even though I had some trouble putting this lesson together. I mean I had like some 50 different ideas, but I narrowed it down to this one. This is gonna be some lesson!
Today, we’re diving into a small word that does a lot of work in English—“some.” You probably already use it, but did you know that some has more than one meaning? Did you know that we have 7 ways to use some?
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The other day, I was thinking about what kind of lesson I can teach here and at first I had an idea, and then I had another idea and then another one. The first one actually brought me to the other one.
Today, we’re going to talk about three little words that can cause big confusion:
another, other, and the other. They might seem similar, but they’re used in different ways—and understanding how to use them correctly can really help you sound more natural in English.
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This summer, I’ve been sharing short and fun lessons about American life—what people do, eat, and celebrate. This week, we’re talking about Fireworks & Food, because it’s time for one of the biggest holidays of the summer: July 4th, officially known as Independence Day, and casually called, the fourth of July.
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I’m gonna guess that each of you listening to this podcast is interested in improving your English. I think about that ever time I write up one of these lessons. And I’m sure that today, every one of you is gonna like this lesson about each and every.
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I believe you like learning English, don’t you. In this case, I believe has the same meaning as I think. I’m pretty sure you like English. Believe me, if that’s true, I believe you’re gonna love this English lesson.
Today, let's look at the difference between believe, believe in, and trust. These little words come up all the time in conversations, and even though they seem pretty similar, they each have their own flavor, their own feeling.
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Why don’t you take a short getaway from what you were just doing, and check out today’s podcast English lesson. I’m pretty sure that doing so will make you a happy camper.
Today, we’re talking about Summer Getaways—road trips, camping, and national parks. Let’s dive in!
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I think you’re gonna like this lesson. I assume you’ve heard a lot of this vocabulary before, but I reckon maybe you haven't used all of it. In that case, I guess you may need to grab a notebook!
You know, English has a ton of words for expressing thoughts, opinions, guesses, feelings, and assumptions. So today, we’re going to break those down — in a fun, simple way — so you can use them naturally in your own English conversations.
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Hey, thanks for spending time with me today. I’m sure you’ll feel that by listening to this podcast, you’ll be spending your time wisely. Today I’m gonna help you build your vocabulary, and I hope that doesn’t make you too spent.
Today, we’re going to talk about using spend. A small word with a lot of power. Now, you might think it’s just about money, but “spend” has a few really useful and interesting meanings. And if you're like a lot of English learners, you might sometimes get tripped up with how to use it. So, let’s break it down together.
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I hope you’re getting fired up for this English lesson because today, we’re gonna talk about how Americans kick off the summer.
This week, we’re kicking off a brand new summer series that I’m calling “This Week in American Life.” Each week this season, I’ll be sharing some fun facts and cultural tidbits about how Americans live, eat, and chill during the summer months. And of course, I’ll throw in some English learning points, like idioms, slang, and phrasal verbs too.
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I was much too tired to go to the gym today. To be honest, I guess I’m too bored with that gym. The equipment is too old and there are too many people working out there. Wait a minute...maybe I’m just much too grumpy.
Today, we’re gonna talk about a few tiny little words that pack a punch in English — too, much too, and too much. They may sound simple, but these words can really help you express how you feel about a situation — especially when things just aren’t right.
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Besides English, do you study any other languages? I mean, except for your native language. Think about those questions, because without any further delay, I think it’s time to dive right into today’s English lesson.
At first glance, the words besides, except, and without all kinda seem like they’re doing the same thing — talking about adding or leaving something out — but actually, each one has its own job. So let’s break it down.
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Just think. A year ago you were at a totally different place along your English learning journey. And if you think that reaching your language goals is impossible, well, think again. When it comes to goals in life, you have to think big.
Today, I want to talk about a word that we use all the time… but we don’t always stop to think about how we use it. Yep — you guessed it. That word is, "think."
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Do you remember the last song you listened to? When was that, last night? And how long did it last? I’ll bet this is the last thing you thought I’d ask you. Well, at last, we’re gonna get this English lesson off the ground.
For today’s podcast English lesson, we’re going to talk about a really small word that’s used in a lot of big ways—“last.” This word pops up all the time in English, and it’s not just for talking about the “final thing.” There’s actually a handful of common ways to use “last,” and today, we’re going to explore five of them.
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Why don’t you have yourself a cup of joe, grab your notebook and settle in. Today we’re gonna talk about your old car that has had it, and even that old container of leftovers in the fridge. Yeah, that’s had it too.
Today we’re going to talk about a very small word that’s used in a lot of very cool ways in English — and that word is “have.”
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Have you ever let it slip or let it rip? Maybe you need to tell someone to let it go or just let it all hang out. And of course, you can just let it be.
Today, we’re going to talk about eight phrases and phrasal verbs with “let” that’ll help you sound more natural, more confident, and more fluent.
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I know that you often listen to this podcast. Maybe it’s because you like to hear authentic American English and you find that this helps you speak English a little better. Well today, it’s all about dropping the T
Today, we’re diving into one of those little pronunciation secrets that can really help you sound more natural when you speak English. You might’ve noticed that in a lot of words, the T sound just… disappears. Or sometimes, it sounds more like a D. Let's dive in!
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I was working away this morning trying to write this podcast English lesson. And it was hard to concentrate because my dog, Max was barking away while looking out the window. Meanwhile, my other dog Rosie was sleeping away, snoring on the sofa. You see, working from home is not as easy as it sounds.
Today we’re going to talk about a group of phrasal verbs that all have something in common — they use the word “away.”
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Armstrong, party of 4, your table’s ready. Party of 4. That’s an interesting way to count a group of people, don’t you think? Well if you like parties, you’re gonna love the party of wedding vocabulary I’ve got set up for you today.
Spring is a lovely time for a wedding, right? And weddings, which are usually pretty formal events have a pretty unique and interesting set of vocabulary, and that’s what we’re going to look at today.
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Sorry I’m late. I got held up in traffic. Has this happened to you recently? Have you gotten held up and then you’re running behind. Well, if you’re looking to figure out how to talk about being late, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s talk about words like late, delayed, and some other useful English expressions that all have to do with not being on time.
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When I checked out of the hotel, I decided to check out the used bookshop across the street. It has a good reputation, and for sure, it checks out. And I could be wrong, but for some reason it seemed like the security guard there was checking me out.
Today we’re going to talk about a really common phrasal verb that shows up in tons of different situations - “check out.” I’m sure you’ve heard and even used check out before, but at the same time I can imagine you haven’t yet used check out in these various ways. And believe it or not, there are at least 7 different ways we use “check out” in English.
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Thirteen years ago, Hurricane Sandy blew into New York, and caused tons of problems for a lot of people, especially my friend Harry, who lived on the 50th floor in a sixty story condo in midtown. Since the power went out, he had to walk down 50 flights of stairs just to leave the building. Luckily, there was a deli on the first floor there. But he still had to walk up the same 50 flights to get back home.
Floor, Story, Flight, Condo, Apartment. Today, we’re going to look at some pretty unique vocabulary that we use to talk about where we live and work.
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I worked a lot this week. I think I was at work like, 65 hours all together. So when I was done last night, I was like, so tired. I fell asleep on the sofa with my clothes on. When I woke up it was like, already light outside and the birds were singing. Even though it was like 5:00 AM, I was wide awake.
Today, let's look at some conversational ways we use LIKE.
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Yesterday, I stopped by a cafe near my house and nearly spent the whole day thinking so hard about this lesson, I hardly drank my coffee! But then I tried it and I was deeply impressed by the deep flavor and rich aroma coming from that cup of joe. And that’s our topic today — adjective and adverb pairs where the meaning changes when you add LY. Let’s look at six of the most common and useful ones.
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Today, we’re gonna talk about one of the biggest goals that English learners have — and that is: building vocabulary. You’ve probably felt this before — like, “Ugh, I want to express myself, but I just don’t have the words!” Or maybe you’re reading something and keep thinking, “I know this word… I’ve seen it before… but what does it mean again?” Well, first of all — that’s totally normal. And second — I’ve got you. In this English lesson podcast, I’m gonna give you simple, practical tips that’ll help you grow your vocabulary without feeling overwhelmed or bored.
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The other day, I got this ball point pen that’s made of Cedar word. Wow! It really gives off a nice smell. And at the store, they were giving away a free notebook with every pen you buy. Nice, right? I won’t give away the name of the shop though, because if they get too many customers, they may give up that promotion!
I love helping you learn phrasal verbs and today, we’re going to look at a bunch of phrasal verbs that use the verb GIVE. These are pretty common in everyday English, so make sure you listen to the whole episode so you can catch them all.
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Man, I’d give anything to have a day off. Have you ever felt this way? I know learning another language is not easy, and requires daily practice. I’m pretty sure that since you listen to this podcast, you must give it your best shot when it comes to learning English.
I give you a lot of credit trying to learn this crazy language. Today, we’re going to look at some super useful and natural expressions — all built around the verb “give.”
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Listen, I’m not trying to butter you up, but I do want to say that I appreciate you listening to this podcast each week. Maybe you can learn something or just crack up from what I’m saying. In any case, buckle up because here comes another podcast English lesson, just for you!
Thanks for joining me for another episode of the Happy English Podcast. I’m your English teacher Michael and i’m so glad you’ve decided to tune in. Today, we’re looking at some casual phrasal verbs that use the word up.
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I Agree. Sounds simple, right? But depending on what you’re agreeing with, or who you’re agreeing with, or what you’re agreeing to, the grammar can change a bit. So let’s make it easy.
The verb agree is an interesting word because it can be used with a variety of prepositions, each one with its own usage. So for today’s podcast English lesson, let’s have a look at how we use this vocabulary
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You must check out today’s podcast, it’s an absolute must! And for your own good, you must not skip any part of this episode. You must be wondering why I just said that, so let’s find out!
Today, we’re talking about a small word that carries a lot of weight: must. Just four letters—but it has several meanings depending on how you use it. And yeah, it’s used a lot in both formal and casual English, so it’s a good one to learn well.
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What should I do this weekend? Go see the cherry blossoms, or watch a movie? Or maybe I should go to the museum and look at their collection of modern art. There’s so much to see, watch and look at these days, isn’t there?
See, watch, and look are one of those sets of words that can tend to drive English learner’s crazy. All three of these words have to do with using our eyes, but the way we use them is total different. Today, let’s take a deep dive into how you can exactly use see, watch and look in your everyday English conversations.
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It’s time for another podcast English lesson. You like it, right? It’s good for you to listen to English, and a podcast like this, well, it’s great for learning new conversational phrases, like, the ones with it.
You can use it as the subject of a sentence in a variety of ways, and that’s gonna be the focus of this lesson. Let's check it out!
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Recently, I’ve been working a lot of long days. Yesterday was no exception. I was so tired when I got home last night, I was out like a light. Then this morning one of my buddies asked me if I wanted to do some freelance work for him. I appreciate the offer, but right now, I need more work to do like I need a hole in my head!
The word like helps us compare things, right? And for today’s English lesson, we’re gonna look at some colorful idioms with like.
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In the middle of recording this podcast, I realized that the microphone wasn’t plugged in. Aye yai yai! So I had to go back to the top and start again. That’s what happens with modern technology, sometimes things go smooth and sometimes, well, it’s back to the drawing board.
For today's podcast English lesson, let's look at some idioms and phrases that we use to talk about doing something again from the beginning. We'll start from scratch!
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I just got the idea that just is just one of those words that has a number of difference uses in everyday English. Just a sec, let me think about that. So, let's check out all of the different ways you can use just, plus set phrases like just about, just as well, just a minute, and just the same.
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Maybe you've been wondering how to start a sentence. Like, is it better to say, eating pizza makes me happy, or to eat pizza makes me happy.
At first glance, these seem to mean the same thing. After all, both "Eating pizza" and "To eat pizza" are subjects, right? But here’s the twist: gerunds and infinitives aren't always interchangeable! Let’s break it down so you can use them confidently.
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So how is your memory? Do you have a memory like a sieve or maybe your memory is more like an elephant. Some people have a short memory and some people have a photographic memory.
The word memory in English is interesting because it has a number of meanings and uses. For today's podcast English lesson we're going to take the word memory to the next level, and talk about five idioms and phrases that use the word memory.
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Is it , I can do that...or, I’m able to do that. I could do that...or, I was able to do that. And what about, I’ll be able to do that? Today, it’s all about ability and possibility. Can and be able to are similar in meaning, but the way we use them is different. And that’s what we’re gonna run through today.
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You don’t need to wait around anymore. I know that you were waiting on me to help you figure out if you should use wait for or wait to or wait up and so on. Wait is an interesting verb because it can be used alone or with a variety of prepositions, with each combination having its own unique usage. Let's check it out today!
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I think this is really going to be a helpful lesson for you today. Very and really are two very basic words in English, but I do know that they can be really confusing for a lot of English learners. So if you sometimes use one of them in the wrong situation, you’re going to want to listen to this podcast English lesson till the end.
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Did you know that you can knock back, knock down, knock around, and knock up? You can even knock someone out or tell someone to knock it off. For today’s English lesson podcast, you’re gonna build your vocabulary and sound more natural using knock.
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Why don’t we go somewhere. A lot of people learn English because they love to travel. How about you? Whether it’s taking trip through the countryside, a voyage across the sea, or an exotic journey to a foreign land, I think most people just like to go somewhere.
Travel, trip, journey and voyage. These four words can take you from your living room to the ends of the earth and beyond. If you’re wondering how you can use this vocabulary, then you’ve landed in the right podcast. So, just return to your seat and fasten your seatbelt as we take an adventure into this vocabulary.
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Deadlines, we all have them, and so we need to talk about them. Finish your homework by Friday. Work hard until the weekend. And you can’t have any fun unless you’re done doing what you have to do. By, until, and unless.
We use the words by, until and unless to talk about a deadline, but the way we use these words can be a pain in the neck for a lot of English learners. Fear not, my friends. For today’s English lesson podcast, we’re going to do a deep dive into these similar, but tricky, common vocabulary words
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Even though I have my own business don’t like doing bookkeeping. I use some software to help me with that, but I haven’t had any real training in anything like accounting. Actually I don’t understand that stuff too much. Don’t or haven’t.
Did you notice what I did there? In some sentences I used don’t and in others I used haven’t. A lot of English learners get stuck deciding whether to use don’t or haven’t, so I thought I would take some time today to look at these two helping verbs.
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I visited my 97-year-old aunt in the nursing home the other day. I haven't seen her in a while and it was a bit of a pain in the neck to get there but it was totally worth it. She said that aside from a few aches and pains she's doing pretty good. Aches and pains - those are two words that tend to be a royal pain for a lot of English learners.
Ache and pain are two words that can make your brain hurt when you try to remember how to use them, so for today’s English lesson, let’s check out how we use these two words.
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The first thing I do every morning when I get up is I put on the coffee maker. Then I put on a podcast and get dressed. It's been pretty cold lately so I always need to put on something warm.
I know that learning phrasal verbs can be tricky, but they are such an essential part of English. And like I’ve mentioned before, using phrasal verbs will definitely make your English conversation sound more natural. So to help you with that, today, we’re going focus on the phrasal verb put on, which has five different meanings and uses.
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Yesterday I go to the pizza place down the block and I find out they have new owners. And I look behind the counter and they have all of these weird kinds of pizza. They even have one with pineapple and tuna. I don’t think that’s really pizza.
Hey, are you wondering why my story about yesterday uses all present verbs? You may be surprised to know that the simple present tense has seven different uses in everyday English conversation and that's what we're going to do a deep dive into today so, let's get the ball rolling.
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pet can result in having a headache. My dog Max is having a birthday in a few months, and I was thinking of having a birthday party for him.
Did you notice all the ways I just used have? Have is a wonderful verb that has a huge repertoire of meanings and uses. Without further delay, I present to you, our special verb of the evening, have.
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I’m so glad I called up my buddy Ed the other day. He’s a buddy of mine from high school and last week, out of the blue, he hit me up in a text message. I’ve been meaning to get in touch with him for a while, and it was so great to have the chance to catch up with him.
Using phrasal verbs is a great way to make your English conversation sound more natural. That's why today I want to introduce a couple of phrasal verbs and other expressions that you can use, when you talk about communicating with other people.
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The word tired is one of those words in English that has a number of different uses and while you may be familiar with the basic meaning of tired, which is sleepy, did you know that tired can also be used to mean that something is not fresh or that a machine is not in working condition?
For today’s English lesson, we’re going to look at those uses of tired and the phrases tired of and tired from.
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Always is a commonly used word, and probably one that you learned when you first started studying English. I’m sure everyone listening today knows that we use always when we talk about something that happens consistently. Like, I always drink coffee in the morning. But what you might not know is that always can be used in five different ways in every day English conversation.
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It’s time to kick off another podcast English lesson. Boot up your ipod, and fire up your headphones. We’re about to dive into a bunch of phrasal verbs that talk about starting something.
It’s been a while since we looked at phrasal verbs, and since the start of the year, I’ve been thinking about kicking off a lesson with them. For today’s podcast English lesson, let’s have a look at a group of phrasal verbs related to starting something.
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How about this? Let’s look at the word how and see all the ways you can use how to make your English sound more natural. How come? I’m glad you asked that. Because you depend on me to tell you these things. And how!
There are a lot of basic words in English that have multiple meanings and uses in everyday conversation. One good example of this is the question word how. There are a whole bunch of conversational phrases with how that we use in American English these days, and that's what we're going to talk about in today's podcast.
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Today, I have a podcast for your that’s all about the end. I hope you can stick around until the tail end because by the time we are at the end, you’ll know the difference between in the end and at the end. That should put an end to your confusion.
English is a language rich in idioms and figurative expressions. This makes the language both interesting and complicated at the same time. Today, let’s look at some common, conversational phrases that use the word “end.” We’ll start of by looking at at the end and in the end, two phrases that can be hard to get.
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Let me tell you a bit about the setup I have here. First off, I’ve got two clocks in the office. One of them is on the wall above my desk, and the other one is above the whiteboard in the teaching area. I keep a sweater over the back of my chair to put over my shoulders when it gets too cold in here from the A/C.
We can use both above and over to describe the position of something which is in a higher position than another thing. However, we use these two prepositions differently. In this English lesson, I’m going to show you how you can use above and over in your everyday English conversations.
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Bring and take. Both of these words can be used in English to talk about moving something or someone from place to place. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, believe it or not, these two words tend to cause headaches for a lot of English learners. For today’s podcast English lesson, let’s have a look at how we use bring and take in everyday English.
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I saw a buddy of mine from high school the other day. It was really nice to catch up with him. He said he’s planing on selling his house. He said he wants to buy a sailboat and then he said he’s gonna sail from California to Indonesia. I said that’s crazy!
Say is connected to the words we use and the different ways we really use say in daily conversation my surprise you.
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These days, I don’t go out as much on the weekends as I did when I was in my 20s. I remember that in those days, there were a lot of fashion trends that came in and went out. And basically, the only reason we went out is to try to find someone to go out with.
It’s time to go out. Actually, it’s time to look at another versatile idiom in English, go out. Let’s dive right in and check out six ways we use go out.
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I love my watch. It’s not a Rolex or anything like that, but it was handed down to me by my grandfather. He was a teacher too and I remember him telling me stories of how he would hand out the exams to his students wondering how many of them would hand it back with all the correct answers.
Today we have another phrasal verb English lesson to look at six phrasal verbs with hand. I really love helping you learn phrasal verbs because they are so common in everyday English and using them will make your English sound more natural.
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I’ve been working hard recently. It’s not that this is hard work, it’s just that I have hard schedule. Like today, I hardly had time to eat lunch. Sometimes, I just wish I had an assistant, but it can be hard to find exactly the right person to hire.
A lot of English learners tell me that these two words can be confusing, and they’re right. That’s because hard and hardly don’t follow the usual grammar rule. Let's dive in.
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It snowed hard last night and when I opened the curtains, the windows were frozen over. It seemed like I was snowed in. But because I’m so snowed under at work, I have to make it to the office somehow.
Have you ever been snowed under at work or in school? Do you tend to bundle up before going outside on a cold day? Have you needed to scrape off the ice from your car windshield recently? Today we’re gonna warm up your English with some winter phrasal verbs.
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I had an awesome lunch today. I went for Thai food and had green curry. It had a kick to it, but it was so tasty. That restaurant is always kicking at lunch time. Actually, I’m kind of on a green curry kick these days. I go there almost every day.
When you strike something with your foot, you kick it. So we use kick as a verb, like, let's kick the ball. Hey! Nice kick! Kick is also used as noun. Yeah, nice kick. What an interesting word kick is. Beyond using your foot, we have a lot of other interested uses for kick. Let’s check it out
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As soon as I’m finished work today, I’m gonna go for a walk in Central Park. The park looks so nice after a snowfall. This morning when I walked by, I saw a lot of people who were going for a run. Not me, though. I just went for coffee!
I’m sure you’ve learned the verb go. It’s a basic verb that lets us move around. Well, go gets a lot more interesting when it teams up with the preposition for. Go for. Today, we’re gonna tackle nine different ways that we use go for.
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It’s very kind of you to listen to this podcast. It’s a kind of English lesson, isn’t it? There are different kinds of English lessons out there, but maybe this one is one of a kind.
Kind of. A kind of. The word kind is interesting because it has a number of different meanings and uses, depending on which word comes before and after it.
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I get it. You got here because you want to get something new in English. You’re getting more and more interested in improving your English. I’m sure you’ll totally get this lesson.
Let's explore all the different ways that you can use get in English. By the end of this podcast English lesson, you are going to be using get like a native speaker.
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I really want you to have a great experience learning English with me. And if you do, I hope you will tell your friends about this podcast. I wish I could tell you how happy I am that you study here with me.
What's the difference between want, hope, and wish? That’s a question a lot of English learners have, and today, we’re gonna dive in and find out.
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I got up early this morning because I needed to head out early. As I was heading to my office I ran into one of my coworkers, who was heading over to the deli for breakfast, so I decided to head there with her. Today we’re going to look at phrasal verbs that use "head" as a verb to mean "go."
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I walked into the office wondering what to teach in this podcast and then I remembered that the students in my podcast learner’s study group were feeling confused about using gerunds & participles, or ING and ED adjectives. Sorry, I know grammar terms can be annoying!
The idea behind my lesson for you today is to bring these grammar ideas out of the book and into your English conversation. I want to help you see how they can add a lot of depth and interest to your English.
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Next week is a holiday called Thanksgiving here in the USA. It’s a family holiday, where we show gratitude and appreciation to others. And that gave me the idea to help you boost your vocabulary about thanking someone.
The topic for today is how to thank someone and how to respond when someone thanks you - so you can sound more like a native English speaker.
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This podcast, which I produce for you each week, is designed to help you improve your English. I’m sure that English learners who listen to the Happy English podcast can find something useful in each episode. Did you notice those relative clauses?
In a nut shell, relative clauses are kind of like these little phrases that we add into our sentences to give us extra information about a noun. And they're really useful for like, adding detail and making your sentences more interesting.
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I gotta tell you, I was pretty surprised when the boss paid for lunch today. I mean, he pays our salary each month, but he’s never treated us to lunch before. Of course, we were all pleasantly surprised when he took out his wallet and paid the check for us!
English vocabulary can be tricky sometimes, especially when it comes to prepositions. The verb pay is a good example of this. Pay is a simple word, but we can use it on its own, or we can use pay for, pay by, pay in, pay down, pay up and even pay back.
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The Future is here! Have you seen what’s going on with AI, space travel, and robotics? When they start sending humans to go to Mars, I’m definitely gonna go. And who knows? Maybe I’ll meet a Martian.
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at the difference between using be going to and will, and also the other ways we can talk about the future, like using the simple present tense, the present progressive tense, and modal verbs.
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Seeing that you like learning English here, I thought you may be interested in sounding more fluent and sophisticated. Today, we’ll look at 7 different ways to give a reason, aside from because, for you need to always expand your vocabulary.
Today's English lesson is all about helping you to explain yourself better. Like, when you want to say "why" something happened. Yeah, you could say “because,” but aren't you tired of just using because all the time? Today, let’s look at all those other ways you can use to explain a reason, so you can sound more fluent and really get your point across.
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Have you been bugged out recently? Has anything weirded you out? Have you been creeped out by anything or anyone lately? Well, don’t freak out. Today’s lesson is all about Halloween phrasal verbs.
Today I’ve got some phrasal verbs that will help you talk about your feelings and reactions related to Halloween - this vocabulary is really useful for sounding more natural.
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Have you ever been to a haunted house or Haunted Mansion in Disneyland? Do you believe in ghosts? Have you ever seen a goblin or a skeleton? Today, let’s dive into the creepy and spooky!
Halloween is just around the corner, so what a perfect time to look at common vocabulary related to this strange and weird holiday. I have lots of treats, and no tricks for you in this English lesson.
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Do you usually listen to music while you’re studying? Do you like to study during the day or in the evening? Do you study for a few hours at once or several times during the day?
When we talk about time and what happens with time, we can use during, for, in, and while. A lot of English learners get tripped up on using these words, so let’s spend some time together today going through them.
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So thanks to my stupid boss, I almost missed Jack’s party last Friday night. Luckily the party was still going on when I arrived and most of my friends were still there. Almost all of the food was gone though, so I mostly ate chips.
Today, we're gonna tackle a trio of words that can be pretty tricky for a lot of English learners: almost, most, and mostly.
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Do you like to leaf through a magazine when you’re waiting for a flight? Or maybe you’ve turned over a new leaf and started studying English more. Are you branching out into new interests? Well, unless I’m barking up the wrong tree, you’ve come to the right place today.
For this English lesson podcast, it's all about idioms with tree and leaf
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Have you ever been writing something or maybe even just talking to someone and you find yourself stuck on a couple of super common words, because you’re not sure which one is actually the right one to use? I think that happens to us language learners from time to time.
Well, today we’re gonna take a deep dive into one set of those words, just...and only.
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These days, it seems like a lot of people all over the world speak English, doesn't it? And that means that there are ton of different English accents out there. Which is totally fine, you know? But if you are concerned about your English pronunciation, then stick around till the end of this podcast - I have a lot of ideas to help you out.
No matter which one you like to listen to and use, here are my top three tips for improving pronunciation and accent.
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I went to a jazz club last night. I’ve actually been to that club several times. I went there. I’ve been there. Interesting grammar patterns, don’t you think?
Today, let's look at the difference between the simple past and present perfect tenses and with that info, how you can connect them to make your English conversations longer.
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Fall is here, and that means rainy days and wind, apples and nuts, and of course, leaves. . And we're diving into a whole bunch of them inspired by fall. Perfect timing, right? The leaves are changing. There's a chill in the air. We’re going to leaf through a bunch of idioms that have those fall items and see how we can use them in everyday conversational English.
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Even though I ain’t gonna tell you a deep history of English slang, let’s talk about a word that’s both loved and hated: ain’t!
Over the years this powerful little word has been embraced in pop songs, TV shows and movies. Love it or hate it, ain’t has definitely made its mark on the English language! For today’s podcast lesson, let’s check out how we use ain’t in everyday, conversational English.
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For some weird reason, the coffee shop was closed this morning. I looked inside, but I couldn’t see anybody. I mean, I could see nothing in there. Well, actually, I didn’t see nobody. There was a mouse running around.
Today, we're gonna be tackling something that's a little different. Get ready to come with me and explore the world of double negatives. Double negatives. Yeah. You heard that right. These are tricky little grammar gremlins that you’ve seen in movies and heard in music.
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Stop, try, remember, and forget. These four verbs can give you a headache because when they are followed by gerund (ING) or an infinitive (TO VERB) the meaning changes, like I stopped doing in vs I stopped to do it. Let me help you with those today.
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It just turned fall a few days ago, and that got me thinking about fall vocabulary. And, because it’s been a few weeks since we’ve looked at phrasal verbs on the podcast, today we’re going to dive into some phrasal verbs using the word fall. These are super useful and common in everyday English, so if you’re looking to sound ... Read More
In everyday English conversations, we often use short phrases to express agreement or shared feelings. Three common phrases are “me too,” “me neither,” and “me either.” While “me too” is usually easy to use, “me neither” and “me either” can be confusing for a lot of English learners. This lesson will help you understand how to use these phrases correctly ... Read More
In everyday English conversations, we often use short phrases to express agreement or shared feelings. Three common phrases are "me too," "me neither," and "me either." While "me too" is usually easy to use, "me neither" and "me either" can be confusing for a lot of English learners.
This lesson will help you understand how to use these phrases correctly and confidently. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the differences between "me too," "me neither," and "me either" and use these phrases correctly in daily conversations.
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Check this out. I’ve lived here for 10 years. I’ve been living here for 10 years. A lot of English learners get stuck on the difference between those two types of sentences. Or, I’ve worked here for a long time. I’ve been working here for a long time. Let’s get those unstuck for you!
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Did you ever wish you could add a little more excitement and interest to your English conversations? Maybe you’d like to add some color and excitement to you English writing, especially when it comes to storytelling? Today, let’s take a deep dive into how the past perfect tense might just be the right spice for your next English dish.
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I went to Central Park yesterday. Of course, it wasn’t my first time to go there. I have been to Central Park many times before.
Recently, a lot of my students and followers have asked me about the difference between sentences like, I lived there and I have lived there. You may have heard these grammar patterns are called the simple past and present perfect. Well, if these have caused you confusion, you’ve landed on the right podcast English lesson. Today, I’m going to help clear this up for you. We’ll start off simple, talking about the simple past and then move on to the present perfect.
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While I was writing this lesson, I was thinking about the early days of my teaching career in Sendai, Japan. While living there, I had the chance to visit a lot of interesting places. While it was different from my life back home in New York, living there was quite an adventure.
While is an interesting word in English, because it can be use as a noun, a conjunction, and an adverb. While you may think you know many of these uses, hopefully there is something new you can find in this podcast English lesson.
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I went over my notes today and after reading over everything I found out that we haven't run through any phrasal verbs here in a while. Have we fallen behind, or is it just that I’ve been mixing things up.
Phrasal verbs are a huge part of English, especially spoken English and today, I have a set of ten phrasal verbs that you can use to talk about education - learning and studying. Before we dive in, let’s listen to a conversation between two high school teachers who are talking in the teacher’s office at the end of the school day.
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I have to be honest, I do need a vacation. Wait, what? Did you notice that? I said, I do need a vacation. Do, need. Two verbs one after another. Do we need to talk about this!
Are you tired of using very and really for emphasis? For today’s podcast English lesson, I’m going to help you take your English up to the next level, by using do and other verb patterns to express emphasis.
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I hope you don’t mind if I bend your ear a little bit today. This past week, I’ve been up to my ears in new ideas for English lessons, and today’s podcast English lesson is going to be something that I hope won’t go in one ear and out the other.
Ears! Today, we’re going to look at six idioms that have to do with how you listen to something.
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In the last podcast episode, I showed you some idioms using the verb get. Well after that I was thinking and just the word get, all by itself has more that 10 different meanings and uses. Let's check it out!
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I first got my feet wet in the podcast world in 2014. In those days, everything was new to me, and it took a while for me to get my act together. Thankfully, I got my ducks in a row, and nowadays, I actually need to get my fix of doing this.
As you can see, get is an interesting word in English because there are tons of idioms that use this versatile verb. For today’s English lesson we’re gonna look at things you can get - seven get idioms.
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Would you like to learn something interesting today? I knew you would say yes! It would seem that you're pretty interested in improving your English. Well, I would love to help.
According to the dictionary, would is the past tense of will, which is the future, but talking about the future in the past is just one part of today’s podcast English lesson, where we’re gonna look at ten different ways we use would, in everyday English.
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It’s the end of August, and you know what that means, right? It’s back to school season here in the US. The school schedule, and education in general is handled by each state, but basically the school year starts around the beginning of September. Today, let’s check out some back to school idioms.
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One of the things that I like about being self-employed is that I’m in the driver’s seat. Being independent like that and not having a boss is one of the driving forces behind my motivation to do this job. In the driver’s seat, the driving force.
For today’s podcast English lesson, we’re going to talk about something that plays a huge role in the daily lives of Americans: Driving. Let’s take a look at the importance of driving in American culture and the unique tradition of road trips. After that, we’ll go over some idioms and vocabulary to related to driving.
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Thanks for joining me for today’s podcast English lesson. Did you know that this podcast was started in 2014? On top of that, My company, Happy English was established in 2010. Those to facts have been presented to you using the passive voice, and that’s the focus of our lesson today.
For this podcast English lesson, let’s look at what the passive voice is, how to form it, and when to use it. We’ll also go over some examples to help you understand this concept better.
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They say that New York City is a melting pot, and if you’ve been here before, you certainly know how true that is. As you walk down the streets and avenues here, you can see people from all over the world, hear many different languages, and even smell a wonderful tapestry of international foods. This is all thanks to immigration.
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I've been working all month long to bring you variety of podcasts to learn English and American culture. All along, I had an idea that these would be helpful and all in all, I think I was right. Thanks a lot for being all ears when it comes to my lessons.
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Today we’re going to look at the topic of job culture in America. I’ll show you how these concepts shape the daily lives of American workers, and then we’ll go over some useful vocabulary words that will help you talk about work culture in your own conversations.
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I started my own company, Happy English in 2010, but it wasn’t until several years later that it dawned on me that both of my grandfathers were also entrepreneurs. As immigrants, their families came to America seeking the prosperity and upward mobility that came along with the American dream. I think that’s where I get my ambition and perseverance.
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I was off work yesterday, so I decided to go off the grid and spend a quiet day at a little park which is totally off the beaten path. Well, I was way off the mark because as soon as I sat down, there were tons of mosquitoes flying around.
In this podcast English lesson, I’m going to show you 8 phrases that use be off.
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Right off the bat, I want to let you know that I’m not exactly a big sports fan. I hope my saying that wasn’t a curveball, but maybe for some of you, that came out of left field. Well, today we’re gonna talk about baseball, and I really hope I can hit a home run with this lesson.
By the end of this podcast, you'll know how to use five American idioms that come from baseball.
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The other day we looked at the iconic hot dog, and how can we not discuss fast food without mentioning the hamburger, a staple of American cuisine. This totally customizable food is a crowd pleaser everywhere.
The iconic hamburger has become a symbol of American cuisine all over the states and around the world. With its juicy beef patty and a wide variety of toppings, the hamburger is a staple at backyard barbecues, fast-food joints, and diners across the United States.
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The other day, someone asked me what’s a classic American food. The beloved hotdog is the first thing that comes to mind. Whether you get one from a street vendor with mustard, or grill one at home with your favorite toppings, the hot dog is the quintessential American food.
In episode 734, we looked at summers in the USA. And if there is one food that reminds me of summer it’s a hot dog. Hot dogs go with summer like peanut butter goes with jelly. And I think it’s safe to say that the hot dog is one of the most classic foods in the United States, especially during summer. Whether you're at a baseball game, a family barbecue, or a 4th of July picnic, you're likely to find hot dogs being served. This simple yet satisfying food has a rich history and a beloved place in American culture.
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Do you like to have fun in the sun? Would you rather take a road trip, or laze around the house? Maybe you’re one of those people who likes to hit the beach and soak up the sun.
Today we're gonna dive into a fun and vibrant topic: Summertime in the USA! In this English lesson podcast, I’m gonna show you some common words and phrases that you can use to talk about summer activities in English. These words will help you describe how people enjoy their leisure time and make the most of the summer season.
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I told my coworker Bob that there was a new pizza shop down the street and he said that since the internet was down now, he was down with going there. He was a little down because the boss was down on his idea to change the website, and I figured going out would cheer him up. After all, pizza is a happy food, isn’t it!
As you’ve probably noticed in your study of phrasal verbs, one phrasal verb can have a number of different uses and meanings. Be down is no exception and today, we are going to look at 6 different ways that we use be down.
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There’s nothing better than a summer barbecue. You can pig out on burgers and hot dogs, even make a total pig of your self and everyone there is as happy as a pig in mud. One of my friends asked me when I was going to stop eating meat. When? Well, when pigs fly, that’s when!
In the last few episodes of the Happy English podcast, I talked about hot and heat idioms. After all, it is the middle of the summer now. And summer brings us to barbecues and picnics - two kinds of events where you can enjoy good food and nice company outside in the park or by the beach. And thinking about that reminded me of this set of pig idioms.
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I wasn't really sure what I was going to talk about here on the podcast but then, I decided to do this. This lesson is going to be nothing but expressions using, but. And, but for a short conversation it's just going to be me doing the talking, as you know, I am but your humble English teacher.
I couldn’t do anything this morning but think about how to teach you these five ways to use but. In fact, I couldn't come up with anything but the following conversation.
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Last week, I took the heat for an English lesson with hot idioms. But trust me when I say that when the heat is on, I’m ready for it. I may even catch heat for this lesson...who knows!
It was close to the 40 degree mark this past week in New York and all of that heat inspired me to help you with these heat idioms. There are 8 of them all together, so let’s dive in.
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I know that this may be a hot potato but have you been in the hot seat recently? Or perhaps you have been hot under the collar because some hot head got you all hot and bothered. trust me I'm not full of hot air when I say this.
I love helping you learn idioms because they make your English conversation sound much more natural and interesting. for today's English lesson we're going to look at six idioms that contain the word hot.
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When I found out that the company picnic was off, I drove off from the park and went to the library to study. Since I was off today, I thought I could make good use of my time. Plus, I was a little off yesterday and couldn't focus on studying.
Off is one of those interesting words in English that has a number of meanings and uses, just like what I mentioned at the beginning of this episode. So don’t turn this off, because today I’m going to show you 7 ways we use off.
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Here are some of the example sentences from this episode. To see all of them and to get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or join my Podcast Learner’s Group for the transcript, live group lessons, and more. John is a bit stressed because he’s going through his final exams this week. Lisa ... Read More
I went through a rough time when I had to go through with a speech last week. Of course, before I went on stage, I went through a couple of cups of coffee while going through the notes for the speech. That’s a lot to go through!
Have you ever gone through a tunnel with your car? Or maybe a train you were on went through a tunnel. Well, when you go through a tunnel, you start at one end come out the other end. It’s a process of moving from one point to the other. Think about that as you listen to this lesson on using go through.
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I am gonna go to the store in order to buy milk. I am gonna go to the store to buy milk. I am gonna go to the store and buy milk. I am gonna go and buy milk. I’m gonna go buy milk.
Go is a pretty basic verb in English, and I guess because it’s so basic, there are a lot of different
phrases with go and different ways to use go. Today let’s look at some of the common ones.
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I finally got around to cleaning out that garage. Let me tell you something, that is not a job I look forward to doing at all. I guess I'm more used to messing it up. Yeah I definitely can admit to doing that.
You'll notice in all four cases, there's a there's a verb followed by TO followed by a gerund, you know the ING. But wait Michael, to should be followed by a base verb! Yes, that's true, but there are cases where TO is followed by a GERUND and that's what we're going to look at today.
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I guess you know that NYC is known as the Big Apple. But did you know that the Big Apple is known for it’s pizza? As well, the City is known for being the city that never sleeps.
I know that prepositions can be tricky and sometimes we can pair a word with a few different prepositions. Crazy, isn’t it! Today, we are going to look at the word known, which can be paired with 5 different prepositions and phrases with prepositions. Let’s dive in!
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We’ve talk about using IF to talk about a condition a few times before, right? Well, have you ever wondered if there are other words you can us to talk about a condition? If so then you are in the right place. By the end of this podcast English lesson, you’ll be able to use unless, should, as long as, ... Read More
We’ve talk about using IF to talk about a condition a few times before, right? Well, have you ever wondered if there are other words you can us to talk about a condition? If so then you are in the right place. By the end of this podcast English lesson, you’ll be able to use unless, should, as long as, ... Read More
Don’t listen to this podcast unless you like learning English. Yeah, as long as you are a fan of learning English, I am sure you will enjoy this episode, that is provided you find this kind if thing interesting.
We’ve talk about using IF to talk about a condition a few times before, right? Well, have you ever wondered if there are other words you can us to talk about a condition? If so then you are in the right place. By the end of this podcast English lesson, you’ll be able to use unless, should, as long as, and provided to talk about conditions. Let’s get the ball rolling.
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Do you like to stay in bed late on the weekends? What time are you usually at work until? Have you ever been on a farm or in the mountains. Oh...maybe you see where this conversation is going, huh?
Last week, in Episode 721, we talked about using at and in to talk about location. Today, I’d like to get into how we use in, at, and on in some set phrases, also to talk about location. Let’s get the ball rolling.
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Are you home or at home? In the office or at the office. Are you listening to this podcast at your house or in your house. Those tricky English prepositions always cause trouble - until today.
Among the various aspects of learning English, prepositions seem to cause more problems than anything else. In particular, a lot of listeners to the podcast have told me that understanding when to use in and when to use at to talk about location tends to be confusing. Well, today I’m going to help you out with exactly that.
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I advise you listen to this whole podcast. I know that I have suggested this before, and I often recommend listening to podcasts as a way of improving your English. Well, I today I would like to propose you grab a pen and a notebook, and listen up!
When you have advice that you want another person to consider, there are 4 verbs you can use. These are advise, propose, recommend, and suggest. Interestingly, these verbs can be used with three different grammar patterns, which is what we’re going to look at today. By the end of this podcast English lesson, you’ll be able to use all four verbs in all three grammar patterns with ease. Let’s dive in.
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Do yourself a favor. Stop studying English. Yeah I said that. Me, your humble English teacher. In this podcast English lesson, I’m going to explain why I suggest you stop studying English and what you can do instead to practice and improve your English. Today I want you to rethink what you do in English. I want you to move ... Read More
Do yourself a favor. Stop studying English. Yeah I said that. Me, your humble English teacher. In this podcast English lesson, I’m going to explain why I suggest you stop studying English and what you can do instead to practice and improve your English.
Today I want you to rethink what you do in English. I want you to move from the “I study English” to the “I use English” mindset. Let’s jump in!
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Even though I was up with the chickens this morning, because of a train delay I got to the office just in the nick of time. I’m using the trains for the time being, but in the meantime, I’m looking for an apartment closer to the office.
For this English lesson, let’s take a look at 6 phrases that you can use to talk about time. These are common phrases that you can use in your everyday spoken and written English. Let’s dive in!
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As you may already know, I’m a huge music lover. But as for sports, frankly, I couldn’t care less. For all I care, all the local teams could lose and it wouldn’t bother me! Would you care to know why?
The verb care is an interesting word in English because it has a number of uses as well as idioms that are common in everyday English conversation.
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Have you ever heard of Louis Armstrong? Did you ever listen to jazz? Among all jazz musicians, Louis Armstrong has probably the most unique voice ever. I’m sure if you listen to his music, you’ll be ever so happy!
The adverb ever means at any time, and that could mean at any time in the past or in the future. For today’s English lesson, let’s look at all the different ways we use this versatile little word.
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I'm not trying to let the cat out of the bag, but I have to tell you, I am dog tired. I'm going to guess that you're going to want to know why, but keep in mind curiosity killed the cat. Yup, today is all about cats and dogs.
For today's English lesson let's have a look at idioms that deal with cats and dogs. I really love helping you learn idioms because they do tend to make your English conversation and writing more colorful and more natural sounding.
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When I was younger I could play the piano a lot better than I can now. You know? I'm glad I was able to tell you that. Knowing modal verbs like can and be able to is not only important for your everyday English conversation, but using this grammar correctly will give you an edge in English exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and TOEIC.
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Day in and day out, I try to come up with topics to talk about here on the Happy English podcast. Most of my ideas come from questions or problems my students have. At the end of the day, it’s always best to keep trying new things. In this day and age, I think most people are interested in learning something. That’s plain as day, no? Today, let’s look as 10 idioms and expressions that relate to time and day.
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Wouldn't it be nice if we could learn another language quickly and easily? Oh, don’t worry, this isn’t a commercial, just an intro to this lesson. Isn’t that why you’re here? Negative questions are questions that begin with the negative forms of the be verb and other auxiliary verbs. Like their cousins, tag questions, negative questions are often used to check what we think is true. Let’s go!
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I’m sure you have a lot on your plate, so thanks a lot for checking out my podcast. Today I have something special for everyone working in an international environment. I’m not saying that I have the silver bullet, but I think this episode is going to be a game changer for you. For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at 8 phrases that you can use in the workplace and in your daily English conversations.
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American English pronunciation is interesting. A lot of English learners tell me that Americans talk to quickly. But I would say it’s more the style of speaking than the speed. One interesting feature of spoken American English is the fact that We. Do. Not. Like. To. Stop. After. Each. Word. In. A. Sentence. Quite often, the end of one word links with the beginning of the next word. For this English lesson, we’re going look at one particular sound that happens when one word ends with a vowel sound, and the next word begins with a vowel sound.
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For this English lesson, We’re going to look at nine different ways that we use the verb have. Have is one of those interesting words in English that has multiple meanings and uses, as well as a number of different grammar patterns. By the way, have is an irregular verb, and the three parts are have, had, and had. Let’s get the ball rolling!
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For this English lesson, I'm going to show you a couple of different types of questions that you can ask when you want to check that the information you have is right. Basically, these are tag questions and negative questions. By the end of this lesson you'll understand how these questions are used in everyday, conversational English.
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Guess what! This lesson is all about conversational phrases in American English. And maybe you’re wondering…can I find a lesson like this in a book? Not exactly. “How come?,”you may ask. How come indeed. Let’s check it out.
For this English lesson, I’m going to show you how to sound more American, by using words and phrases that will make your English conversations sound, well, less like a text book. By the end of this lesson, you be able to use and understand this English. Let’s dive in.
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Have you ever seen the movie, Good Morning Vietnam with Robin Williams? In that movie, an army base had William’s character work as a radio dj, and his personality had everyone on the base laughing. Except of course his supervisors, who wanted to have him transferred. Have someone do something, have someone doing something, and have someone done. By the end of this podcast, you’ll have learned six different ways to use have in the causative.
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Thanks again for spending time with the Happy English podcast. I remember the time I first started doing this in 2014. I was killing time on social medial when I first knew about podcasts. Those were interesting times! Time? Times? Let’s discuss!
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Let me ask you something. Would you rather pay train fare or a highway toll? Do you think the admission charge at the movie theater is reasonable? In your country, what percentage of a doctor's fee do patients usually need to pay? In this podcast English lesson you're going to learn the difference between six different types of things you can pay.
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Learning idioms can make your English conversations sound more natural and today, we’re going to look at five idioms you might use in your English conversations at the beginning of the year. By the end of this podcast, you’ll learn these idioms and the history behind how we started saying them!
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Merry Christmas 2023. For today’s podcast, I’ve gotten together an amazing group of English learners from all over the world to bring to you a very special reading of A Visit From St. Nicholas, the iconic Christmas poem written by Clement Clarke Moore in 1837.
In no particular order, thanks to Rémi (France), Naoko (Japan), Peter (Russia), Andrea (Germany), Konomi (Japan), Fabri (Italy), Tammy (Hong Kong), Sumiko (Japan), Elena (Italy) Noriko (Japan), Nancy (Guadalupe)
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For today's English lesson we're going to take a look at five idioms which are things that you can hit: Hit the ceiling, hit the hay / sack, hit the jackpot, hit the sauce, and hit the town
By the end of this lesson you're going to not only learn these idioms but you also have an idea as to where they came from.
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Are you determined to do anything, come hell or high water? Are you able to keep your head above water these days? Is there anything you want to try and test the waters? Has anyone told you a story that couldn’t hold water? By the end of this podcast English lesson, you’ll learn five water idioms and also how they came to be.
Have a topic you'd like me to cover here? Send me a message and let me know!
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Have you ever felt like a fish out of water? Maybe you’ve been in hot water recently, or in deep water with your boss. Do you feel like your relationship with the boss is like oil and water, or is that more like water off a duck’s back. Let’s discuss.
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After you arrive in New York, you can probably arrive at your hotel within an hour. Since you’ll be arriving with luggage, I’d suggest taking a taxi. When you arrive by taxi, the hotel will have a special entrance just for you. Let’s discuss.
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I suppose you’re listening to this podcast in order to learn something about English. I also suppose you’ll be taking notes. Why? Well, suppose you want to remember these English points. You’re supposed to do that, you know! Let’s discuss.
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In this podcast English lesson, I'm speaking with author and English teacher, Gregory Diehl. Gregory has a new book out called Our Global Lingua Franca: An Educator's Guide to Spreading English Where EFL Doesn't Work which explores the cultural and economic importance of spreading English as a universal language. Gregory has taught in more than a dozen countries and observed the persistent flaws that prevent the majority of learners from developing even conversational English fluency, let alone true fluency.
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I think that learning another language is not just about grammar and vocabulary. How about you? Oh, and that reminds me. I wanted to let you know what today’s lesson is all about. And by the way, I’m sure you’re going to find this useful.
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Had I known this English point was a pain in the neck for a lot of English learners, I would have covered it before. Can you imagine? How I missed this is beyond me!
Sometimes the word order of a sentence is changed. In particular, we sometimes reverse the order of the subject and verb. And this is called, inversion. For today’s English lesson, lets look at five situations where this happens.
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You know? The three things you need to do to boost and keep your confidence in English are:
1. Keep a positive attitude about English.
2. Practice using English every day
3. Read more. Let’s discuss.
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Talking the IELTS exam? If so, you need to hook up with Jessic from IELTS Energy. So lucky to have her on the podcast today. She's got some tips and ideas to help you reach your dream score on the IELTS exam.
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Have you spilled your guts recently? Have you seen or heard about anything which made your boil or left you scared stiff? Well, before those bad dreams come back to haunt you, let’s discuss. This English lesson is all about Spooky Idioms!
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At the office this morning, Hank was checking out a breathtaking presentation that Annie put together. Hank praised the eye-popping visuals and mouthwatering content, telling Annie that he was sure it would prevent their sales from nose-diving. Let’s discuss!
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This is my chat with Kyra Sage from LanguageHack.co. We talk about learning and hacking languages, plus you can hear all about how Kyra got into teaching English, as well as her own language learning journey
Kyra Sage online: https://www.languagehack.co
Kyra's Book: Explore the Outdoors: Photorealistic ABCs for Kids
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When Jack’s company was taken over by another firm, they closed down their branch offices in Boston and Denver, and laid off all the staff. After two years, the company was doing so well, they started to branch out and take on new staff. Today's lesson is all about change in the business world, with phrasal verbs.
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When it comes to having a slice, probably the most important thing people consider is the crust. That’s right the crust – not to thick, but not so thin that you can’t pick up a slice with one hand. For New Yorker’s it’s got to be just right. Let’s discuss. To get the details of this English lesson, you need ... Read More
When it comes to having a slice, probably the most important thing people consider is the crust. That’s right the crust - not to thick, but not so thin that you can’t pick up a slice with one hand. For New Yorker’s it’s got to be just right. Let’s discuss.
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I’ve recently moved my office into a different room and it has more than enough room for all of my stuff. Now I can do my work with enough space. My new desk has a space for my computer and several spaces where I can put other equipment. Yeah, this room has enough room.
Let's build your vocabulary
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If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me about conditional sentences, I’d be a millionaire. Do you have questions like that? Well, if I were you, I’d listen carefully to this podcast episode. Basically, there are four different patterns you need to remember, and that’s what we are going to look at today.
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I have something for you to learn. There is nothing else more important than this podcast. Ok, maybe that’s not something smart to say, but anything else may not work. What?
In this English lesson, let's look at 5 different grammar patterns you can use with something, anything, and nothing. Oh yeah, and these patterns also work well with someone, anyone, and noone too!
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I saw a magician last night. He was amazing. In fact, he was amazing the audience from the moment he stepped on to the stage. What an amazing magician.
In this English lesson podcast, let's look at 3 ways we use ING Adjectives, also known as present participle adjectives.
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I came late today because I had forgotten my train ticket at home. So I went back home and by the time I got there, it had started raining. What a morning. If I had known it was going to rain, I would have stayed home. Let’s discuss.
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Language has input and output. Input is reading and listening. Output is speaking and writing. All together, these are known as the 4 skills of English. The 4 skills you need to work on in order to improve your English. Let’s discuss.
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Don’t you dare tell anyone about this lesson. Wait, on second thought, I dare you to do it. How dare you not tell people about this podcast. Dare…that’s an interesting word in English. Let’s study together Here are some of the example sentences from this episode. To see all of them and to get the details of this English lesson, ... Read More
Don’t you dare tell anyone about this lesson. Wait, on second thought, I dare you to do it. How dare you not tell people about this podcast. Dare…that’s an interesting word in English. Let's study together.
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This is a pen. You probably learned a sentence like that back in the day, right? Well, the be verb, you know, am, is are, and the verb do can be confusing sometimes, especially in a negative sentence. Let’s study together Here are some of the example sentences from this episode. To see all of them and to get the ... Read More
This is a pen. You probably learned a sentence like that back in the day, right? Well, the be verb, you know, am, is are, and the verb do can be confusing sometimes, especially in a negative sentence. Let's study together
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If you visit New York, let me know and I’ll take you out for a pizza. Did that take you by surprise? I hope you take me up on that. And please…trust me when I say that I won’t take you for a ride.
Idioms can add color and richness to your English, and today I have a set of idioms that use the verb take and various prepositions. These are commonly used phrases in English conversations that you can use with your friends, family, and in the workplace. Let’s check them out.
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Have you recently taken up a sport or do you get worn out just thinking about playing sports. Or maybe, you like to cheer on professional athletes when they do sports. Have these questions warmed you up for this lesson? Here are some of the example sentences from this episode. To see all of them and to get the details ... Read More
Have you recently taken up a sport or do you get worn out just thinking about playing sports. Or maybe, you like to cheer on professional athletes when they do sports. Have these questions warmed you up for this lesson?
Learning phrasal verbs can make your English conversations sound more natural and give you an edge on those pesky English exams like TOEIC, TOFEL and IELTS. For today's podcast English lesson, we're going to look at phrasal verbs that you can use to talk about sports.
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Are you usually on board with your boss or have you thought about jumping ship? Are you the kind of person who likes to rock the boat or make waves? If so I hope you're not in deep water. These are nautical idioms that you can use in your everyday English conversations in the workplace and with your friends and family.
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Here is another great question that I got from one of my followers on Instagram. Is it true that if you don’t have any certain goals, then you won’t be improving your English? Is that true? Do you need specific goals to improve your English? Let’s discuss. Here are some of the key points from this episode. To see all ... Read More
Should is a pretty versatile word in the world of English grammar. I’ve talked about using should in a few other episodes of the Happy English podcast, and today I’d like to talk about how we use should with conditionals. Some of this has a formal sound, which means these three patterns are likely to show up on English exams, like the TOEIC.
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Yesterday was Independence Day here in the USA, which is a holiday with lots of fireworks, and it got me thinking of some related idioms. Today, let’s have a look at six idioms that have a connection to summer festivals which you can use in daily conversation and even in the office.
This podcast English lesson has a dialog where you can hear these idioms in context: Fireworks, Skyrocket, Hotdogging, To go up in smoke, To grill someone, to rake someone over the coals
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English Lesson and Dialog
Did you dive into your work today? Did you finish up everything or have you put something off? Once you put everything together and then have it all wrapped up, let me know and I'll follow up with you. Today's English lesson and conversation is all about these phrasal verbs for business.
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Today, we’re going to talk about improving pronunciation. As an adult English learner, improving your pronunciation is a worthwhile goal and something that’s going to definitely enhance your overall communication skills and especially, your confidence using English. Here are a few things that you can do to improve your English pronunciation.
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Today, we’re going to continue talking about some of the tricky grammar points that come up on the TOEIC exam. I hope this will come in handy for you if you are taking the exam, and even if not, I’m sure you can use this grammar in your everyday English conversations. In this lesson, let’s look at the past modal verb, would have.
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Today, I’m going to start a series of podcasts to help you with some of the tricky grammar points that come up on the TOEIC exam. I hope this will come in handy for you if you are taking the exam, and even if not, I’m sure you can use this grammar in your everyday English conversations. In this lesson, let’s look at the past modal verb, could have.
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Here are some of the example sentences from this episode. To see all of them and to get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or join my Podcast Learner’s Group for the transcript, live group lessons, speaking and writing practice, and more. My uncle runs a successful bakery in the city center. Sarah’s ... Read More
In this English lesson, let's have a look a things you can run. Some examples are run a business, run the show, run a tight ship, run the risk, run errands, and run a red light.
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In this episode, we're going to look at phrasal verbs with run. These include run along, run across, run into, run behind, and run off with.
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In this podcast English lesson, we're going to look at idioms with RUN followed by an adjective. These include run dry, run deep, run late, run low, run short, run smooth, and run wild.
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A lot of English learners fall into the bad habit of apologizing for their language skills. Are you in that boat? In this episode, I'm going to talk about why that's a bad habit, and give you some tips to help you stop that habit and start speaking English better.
I used to live there, but I never used to like it there. I mean, I didn’t used to like it. Did you use to have trouble with this grammar? Are you used to it now? Let’s study together Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to ...
I’m so excited, because today is the day! This week’s podcast English lesson is my chat with Coach Shane, one of the most iconic online English teachers out there. We talked for the first time a few weeks ago and you can check out our whole conversation here! And, as we discuss in the interview, here is the link you ...
Has anyone put you on the spot or put you in the hot seat? Have you put anything on the back burner? Have you needed to put anything out of your mind. This lesson is all about idioms with put – and I’m not putting you on…Let’s study together. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the ...
Are you at a crossroads? Have you had any trouble at your doorstep? Have you ever been at sea? Maybe at last you have just discovered this podcast. And that’s good, because when it comes to learning English I am at your disposal. Let’s study together! Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this ... Read More
This lesson is all about learning English. I hope you’re excited about it! It’s about seven or eight minutes long and we’re just about to start. How about that? Let’s study together! Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or join my Podcast Learner’s ... Read More
Did you know that drop by, pop by or even stop by! Time can creep by or fly by, and you can learn by your mistakes. This podcast English lesson is all about by! Let’s study together. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast ... Read More
Joe plays piano. He plays the piano? She is the tallest girl. She’s tallest? Recently, A lot of people have asked me about using the. that’s a great topic so, let’s study together. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or join my Podcast ... Read More
You know, you can’t listen to this podcast unless you like learning English. That’s true. You can enjoy this podcast English lesson provided you like learning English. I hope you want to learn English. Otherwise, you may not enjoy this podcast. Otherwise? Provided? Unless? Let’s study together. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of ... Read More
You know, you can’t listen to this podcast unless you like learning English. That’s true. You can enjoy this podcast English lesson provided you like learning English. I hope you want to learn English. Otherwise, you may not enjoy this podcast. Otherwise? Provided? Unless? Let’s study together. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of ... Read More
Yesterday I went to a pizza shop. The guy behind the counter was like, “How can I help you?” And I go, “I’d like to get a slice of pizza.” And he goes, “The pizza is not ready yet,” He was like…what? I go…? Let’s study together. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of ... Read More
Did you know that you can join a gym, join a company, Join an online meeting and even Join me for an English lesson? But it’s probably best if you go to a party, go to a wedding or go to meeting in Boston. Let’s study together. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of ... Read More
Have you gotten around to studying this week? Are you devoted to improving your speaking skills? Have you gotten used to studying everyday? I hope you look forward to hearing this podcast each week. Let’s study together. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast ... Read More
Pull in? Pull out? Pull down? Pull off? Pull is one of those interesting verbs that is used in a variety of phrasal verbs. Let’s study together. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or join my Podcast Learner’s Group for the transcript, live ... Read More
She passed by …she passed me by? The phrasal verb pass by is separable, but when it is separated, the meaning changes. Let’s study together. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or join my Podcast Learner’s Group for the transcript, live group lessons, ... Read More
Should I get on the bus or get in the bus? Get off the car or get out of the car? And how do you get to work anyway? Did you know you can get over a bad relationship, even if that person really gets to you? Do you think that you can get into this lesson? Let’s study together. ... Read More
Did you know that you can get ahead or get behind? You can get along with someone, get around, get around to doing something and even get away. Let’s study together. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or join my Podcast Learner’s Study ... Read More
Did you know that something can be as easy as pie or a piece of cake? Your idea can be half-baked or pie in the sky. Oh don’t worry. I’m not trying to sweet talk you. Let’s study together. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to ... Read More
Did you know that you can break the news, break the bank, or break your neck to do something? You can break down some numbers, get a good break or a bad break, and even break for lunch. Let’s study together. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to ... Read More
I wish I were younger. I wish I could dance. I wish that you would help me. Yes, sir. Just as you wish. Do you wish to study English? I wish you luck! Wow! So many ways to use wish. Let’s study together. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you ... Read More
Is it true? Is it correct? I have a doubt. I have a question. True, Correct, Doubt, & Question. For today’s English lesson, I’m going to help you understand how to use these words and I’m gonna show you some common phases using them. Let’s study together. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of ... Read More
Did you know that you can listen for something, listen in on something, listen to something, listen with something, and even listen up! Let’s study together. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or join my Podcast Learner’s Group for the transcript, live group ... Read More
Did you know that the budget could be in the red? Well don’t feel blue. If that happens, somebody may just give you the green light to go shopping. I often say that learning idioms makes your language sound more colorful. Well for today’s English lesson we’re going to look at seven different idioms that use colors. Let’s study together. ... Read More
As I mentioned last week, idioms are a big part of everyday English conversation and learning them can make your English communication much smoother. For today’s English lesson let’s have a look at 6 idioms that use numbers. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the ... Read More
Did you know that you can be under the weather, under the gun, under fire or under pressure? And something can also be under wraps or just water under the bridge. Let’s study together. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or join my ... Read More
Did you know that you can cut across a parking lot, cut down on smoking, or cut out drinking coffee? You have seen someone cut into a conversation, cut off the top of a carrot, or cut out of the office early. Let’s study together. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English ... Read More
Did you know that you can keep track, make tracks, lose track and cover your tracks? You can also be on track, on the right track and track something down? Track is one of those interesting words in English because it has a number of different meanings and uses. For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at 8 Idioms ... Read More
Tell is an interesting verb in English because it has a number of meanings and uses. In Podcast Episode 414 we looked at some phrases and idioms with the verb tell. Today we’re going to look at three conversational phrases using tell. Knowing these, will help you make your English conversation sound more natural. Let’s study together. Here are the ... Read More
Idioms are a big part of the English language, and you can hear them all the time in television programs, movies, and in your everyday conversations. In this lesson, let’s take a look at six different idioms that use the word chicken. Let’s check them out. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this ... Read More
I have a lot of experience doing this job…or should I say, I have a lot of experiences doing this job? There isn’t enough space in this room…or should I say there aren’t enough spaces in this room? Hmm. Free time? A free time? Free times? As you know, in English some nouns are countable and some are uncountable. In ... Read More
Around Valentines Day, romance is certainly in the air. Well, speaking of romance, did you know that you can hit it off with someone? You can even ask out or go out with someone. You may even open up to them, fall for them, or make out with them. Today, we’re going to look at six different romantic phrasal verbs. ... Read More
Here’s my question. Did you know that you can get the hang of something? Recently did you need to cough up anything? Can you easily stick to something? Have you tagged along with anyone recently? These are 4 casual phrasal verbs that that are good to know and use in your daily English conversation. Let’s study together. Actually, get the ... Read More
Be sure to backup your data. And Make sure you keep your back up in a safe place. I thought you’d come back for another English lesson. And sure enough, you’re here. You sure like studying English, don’t you? I can’t say for sure, but I’m going to guess you’ll like this lesson. It’s all about SURE. Here are the ... Read More
Did you know that you can check out from a hotel, check out books from the library, check out at the supermarket, and even check out the new cars at the Auto Show. Today, I’m going to show you several different ways that we use the phrasal verb CHECK OUT and give you some example sentences so that you can ... Read More
The desk is made of wood. The ice cream is made from milk and sugar, the ketchup is made with tomatoes. Made of? Made from? Made with? What about made in or made by? Prepositions can be tricky for a lot of English learners. In this lesson you’re going to learn all of the prepositions that we use with made. ... Read More
Did you know that you can ace any exam or even bomb an exam? If you don’t want to bomb it, you should hit the books or at least, brush up on the subject. Or better yet, you should learn it by heart. Today, I’ve got five idioms that have to do with learning something. Learning idioms can make your ... Read More
Did you know that can get snowed, get a snow job, get snowed under, get snowed in, and…be a snowbird? These are five idioms that use the word snow. Knowing idioms can help to make your English conversation sound more colorful. Let’s study together. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, ... Read More
Did you know that we can say the weather is fine, person is fine, a dish is fine, and even a crack in that dish could be fine. The word fine, f-i-n-e, is one of those interesting words in English that has several different meanings and uses. Fine is a pretty common word so learning how fine is used will ... Read More
Did you know that you can hook up something, hook up a person with something, and even hook up a person with another person? Hook up is one of those phrasal verbs in English that has a number of uses and grammar patterns. Knowing these patterns will help you communicate with confidence in English. Here are the example sentences from ... Read More
Today, we’re going to look at could have and couldn’t have. Your English teacher probably calls these past modals. In general, we use could have and couldn’t have to talk about what was or what was not possible in the past. Knowing this grammar is important for you to be able to communicate effectively in English. Here are the example ... Read More
Today, we’re going to look at seven different ways that we use the phrase go for. We use go for when we talk about preferences, things we want, eating out, and more Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for ... Read More
Today, Today, I’d like to show you five different phrasal verbs with THINK. There is think back, think of, think up, think over, and think through. Learning phrasal verbs is essential for building up your vocabulary, understanding others, and sounding more natural! Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need ... Read More
Today, we’re going to look at six different ways that we use TOUCH. You can be in touch, get in touch, keep in touch, be out of touch, and a situation can be touch and go. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or ... Read More
Today, we’re going to look at six idioms that all talk about how to fly and things that fly. You can fly off the handle, fly under the radar, or even fly the coop. We’ll also look at how things can fly off the shelf and even what happens when pigs fly. Here are the example sentences from this episode. ... Read More
In this lesson, we’re going to talk about all of the different ways we can talk about ability and possibility using can, could, and be able to. There’s a lot to learn here, so let’s get going! Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast ... Read More
The other day one of my students asked me about the difference between worthwhile, worth doing, and worthy. That’s a great question because all of these are base on worth, which has a nuance of benefit or value. In this lesson, I’m going to show you how you can use these three words in your everyday English conversations and writing. ... Read More
Today, we’re going to look at a conversational English pattern using go. You won’t find this lesson in your textbook because it’s considered to be colloquial English. Well, you’re not still using a textbook…are you? There are three patterns that I want to show you. Let’s get going! Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details ... Read More
Today, we’re going to look at the different ways that you can use the phrase out of your way or out of the way. I’m going to show you four useful phrases that you can use in your everyday English conversations and writing. Let’s check them out. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of ... Read More
Today, we’re going to look at the different ways that you can use the phrasal verb up to. This is one of those cases where a phrasal verb has more than one meaning and usage. Let’s check it out. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to ... Read More
Today, we’re going to look at the different ways that you can talk about nostalgic things in English. Nostalgia is a sentimental feeling when you remember good times that you had in the past. For this English lesson, we’re going to look at a phrasal verb and an idiom that you can use to talk about nostalgia and nostalgic feelings. ... Read More
I love helping you guys learn idioms because idioms make your English conversation sound more colorful and more natural. Today, I’ve got 6 idioms that use the word spot. Are you ready? Let’s check ‘em out. First, here’s a short little story using today’s English. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English ... Read More
The other day one of my students was asking me about the phrasal verb talk over. It’s interesting that in English, some phrasal verbs can have several different meanings and uses. So today, we’re going to look at the different ways that we use talk over. Phrasal verbs are an important part of everyday English, and also good to know ... Read More
Let me ask you something. Have you done anything recently that’s a recipe for disaster? Was that a hard nut to crack? Is taking a risk not your cup of tea? Do you know anyone who is full of baloney or someone with a half-baked idea? Today we’re going to talk about these food related idioms. Here are the example ... Read More
Here’s today’s English point – Idioms with LOOK. I love helping you learn idioms because they make your English sound more natural and less textbook-ish. For today’s lesson, let’s look at 6 Idioms that use the verb LOOK. Let’s check it out! Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need ... Read More
I always find it interesting how English vocabulary can be used in a variety of ways and no pun intended, this lesson is a good example of that . Let’s have a look at 8 different phrases that have the word WAY in them. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, ... Read More
I hope everyone is staying safe and staying cool. You know it’s been really hot here in New York and even though it’s still June, the temperature and humidity feel more like August. I don’t want to venture outside at all. Even the dogs don’t want to go out. Even the dogs…even. Today, let’s take a look at the different ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, we’re going to talk about the word tough. Tough is an adjective that we can use to describe both people and things. Tough is an interesting word in English because it has a number of different meanings and uses. Tough can also have a positive nuance as well as a negative nuance. Ok, Let’s check it ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s take a look at seven phrasal verbs that use blow. This is vocabulary that you can use in your everyday English conversations and writing. By the way, I want to remind you that blow is an irregular verb and the three parts are blow, blew, and blown. Ok, Let’s check it out. Here are the ... Read More
So is used as both an adverb and a conjunction. Today, let’s have a look at 5 different conversational phrases that use SO. These are handy phrases that you have probably heard in Movies and TV programs, and using them will enhance your English conversation. Are you ready? Let’s check it out. Here are the example sentences from this episode. ... Read More
Today, let’s have a look at 5 different ways we use BE GOING TO. This grammar is useful for a lot more than just talking about the future. Are you ready? Let’s check it out. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or join ... Read More
Today let’s have a look at two words that are often confused in English – affect, which is spelled with an A and effect, which is spelled with an E. These two words are confusing for even native English speakers, so I can imagine how much trouble they can cause for English learners. Well, in this English lesson, I’m going ... Read More
Today, we’re going to take a look at the prepositions we use with begin and start. First of all, I’d like to mention that begin and start are usually interchangeable. For example you can start the class or begin the class – the meaning is the same. And, there are a number of different prepositions that we can use with ... Read More
Today we have a special guest on the podcast, you know her as My.EnglishLife from TikTok and Instagram. Right from Brazil, it’s Carol Cristofolini. We are talking about her journey to learn English – without ever leaving her country and her views on language learning for kids and adults. You can find Carol on Instagram @My.EnglishLife and TikTok @My.EnglishLife To ... Read More
For today’s English lesson let’s take a look at some idioms that use the verb call. These are idioms that you can use in the workplace and in your personal conversations. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or join my Podcast Learner’s Group ... Read More
A few months ago in Episode 534 we looked at 5 five idioms using turn. Today I’d like to show you a few more conversational phrases and idioms that use the verb turn. I think idioms are fun to learn and they make your language sound more colorful and more natural. Let’s check ‘em out! Here are the example sentences ... Read More
Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or join my Podcast Learner’s Group for the transcript, live group lessons, and more. After school, I showed my mom my report card from school, and she wasn’t happy with my grades. Then she said that she ... Read More
Today, I’d like to continue our discussion about English pronunciation, specifically liaison and linking. We took a look at this in a general way two weeks ago in Episode 573. Today, I’d like take you a little deeper into this. In this lesson, we’re going to look at what happens when a word ends with a certain letter or sound ... Read More
This is truly a special podcast! Today, my special guest is everyone’s favorite English teacher, founder of the 30 Day Speaking Challenge and Huggins International, the go-to person for all of your help with TOEFL, Jonathan Huggins. We chat about the Speaking Challenge, how to improve your English speaking and lots of excellent advice for getting a great TOEFL score. ... Read More
One of the interesting aspects of English, especially American English, is that when we speak we tend to connect the words in each sentence. Quite often the end of one-word connects or links to the beginning of the next word. A lot of English teachers call this liaison and I’d like to practice this idea with you today. Understanding this ... Read More
Today we’re going to look at five phrases, like in a way and in the way. Using a or the in each phrase changes the meaning, so you’ll want to be sure to chose the right word. Let’s get right into it. Here are the example sentences from this episode. To get the details of this English lesson, you need ... Read More
Welcome to February! We’ve had our second snowstorm in a week and at 6:30 this morning, when I walked my dog Max the temperature was 15 Degrees – that’s minus 9 Celsius. Ouch! But no matter the weather, it’s still corona season, so keep those masks up and social distance. Today, we’re going to look at 8 idioms that use ... Read More
It’s about 9am here in NY when I am recording this podcast and it’s been snowing since about 9pm last night. Way back in Episode 260 we looked at some basic vocabulary about snow, but today I’d like to dive in deeper. This vocabulary will help you talk about snow and also understand the weather forecast in English on a ... Read More
A while ago we looked at the causative form of the verb make. Today, I’d like to dig a little deeper into the different ways we can use this very versatile verb, MAKE. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details. ... Read More
Today we’re going to talk about vocabulary. Way back in episode 26, we talked about participle adjectives. You know, words like interesting and interested, exciting and excited, and boring and bored. Well today we’re going to talk about irregular participle adjectives. This is a small group of ED adjectives that don’t have a corresponding ING form. Are you ready? Let’s ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I help people speak English better. Today, we’re going to talk about conjunctions. Specifically, I’m going to show you 6 phrases that use as…as or just as. Those phrases are: as far as, as long as, as much as, as soon as, as well as, and as though These conjunctions are ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I help people speak English better. Happy New Year! This episode is the first podcast of 2021. Thank you so much for studying English with me here on the podcast since 2014. I have a lot of podcasts lined up to help youspeak English better this year. It’s a big deal! ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I help people speak English better. Can you believe it’s almost the end of the year? Time certainly flies, especially this crazy year. I’ve heard a lot of people are tired of dealing with the hassles brought on by the pandemic, but you know, it’s not over yet, so keep those ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I help people speak English better. You know it’s hard to believe it’s December already. By far, this has been one of the fastest years on record. And speaking of records, the number of Covid cases is again hitting records. Masks up everyone! Please! By the way, for today’s English lesson, ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I help people speak English better. When I took my dog for a walk this morning, it was really cold and windy. The wind is what makes it feel cold. I’m glad I had my mask on and up…that helped keep me warm. No matter what the weather, it’s got to ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I help people speak English better. Building up your vocabulary is always a good thing and today, I’d like to help you out by talking about the word CATCH. Actually, we’re going to look at ten different ways we use catch. Keep in mind, catch is an irregular verb, and the ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I help people speak English better. Today, we’re going to look at the differences between using the simple present tense and the present continuous tense. Let’s get the ball rolling! Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I help people speak English better. Today, I want to talk about a grammar and vocabulary point that is a good example of just how weird English is. The verb AGREE is used with the prepositions with, to, and on and even without a preposition. But the meaning and usage is ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I help people speak English better. It’s almost Halloween, and like most everything else, because of COVID-19, there probably won’t be any trick or treaters this year. The only way we’re going to get away from this nighmare is to keep those masks up and be sure to social distance. Together, ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I help people speak English better. I went to the grocery store this weekend and there were lots of pumpkins for sale. It’s really the fall, isn’t it. Fall. Autumn? Fall? Last week, one of my students asked me about the difference between the words fall and autumn. Basically, both words ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I help people speak English better. It’s middle of October, and that means it’s fall in New York…Fresh apples and my favorite seasonal drink, apple cider. What a great season! Unfortunately, it’s still corona season, so please…keep those masks up and be sure to social distance. As I’m sure you know, ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I help people speak English better. Seems like here in New York, summer is over and it’s really feeling like Fall outside. Unfortunately, it’s still corona season, so please…keep those masks up and be sure to social distance. The other day, one of my students asked me about the difference between ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I help people speak English better. For today’s English lesson, we’re going to have a look at how we use the word match, and how we can talk about things and people that match. Let’s get the ball rolling! Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I help people speak English better. What’s the difference between big and large? This is a question that my students often ask. Big and large are very similar in meaning but the way that we use these words is different. For today’s English lesson, we’re going to have a look at ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I help people speak English better. Ahh, we’ve had another week of comfortable, cool fall weather. It seems like summer has hit the road and fall is coming back. And remember, keeping your mask up and social distancing works well in any season! Today, we’re going to look at how we ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I help people speak English better. September is here and some cool, comfortable fall air has worked it’s way to New York. I really love this season. I hope the fall air chases the bugs away. This summer has been awful in terms of bugs. Too many mosquitoes. Speaking of bugs, ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I am back with another podcast English lesson. I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. Remember, wearing a mask and social distancing still makes sense. But you knew that, right? Well, for today’s English lesson let’s take a look at some conversational idioms that use the verb GO. Learning ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I am back with another podcast English lesson. I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. Remember, wearing a mask and social distancing still makes sense. But you knew that, right? Well, for today’s English lesson let’s take a look at some conversational idioms that use the verb GO. Learning ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. I have a special guest today, it’s Stew Sensei, an English teacher originally from England and now living in Chiba, Japan. Stew is a great guy and a great teacher and you can find him on TikToc, Instagram, YouTube and more by searching for ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. For today’s English lesson let’s take a look at some conversational phrases that use the word what. These are phrases that will make your English sound more natural when you use them in your everyday conversations. Plus you’ve probably heard these phrases in movies ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. I hope everyone is staying safe…it’s still corona time, so we still need to wer a mask and social distance. Now, let’s get back to learning English. Today, we’re going to look at idioms using get on and get off. These are phrases we ... Read More
Today I have something to say about what’s going on in America right now. I very rarely make public statements about politicized issues. That’s because as an educator, I think politics should be kept out of education and as far away from education as possible. But after witnessing what has been going on in America since May 25th, I can ... Read More
Today I’m going to show you 8 different slang words that you can use to say that a person is stupid. And let me say this very clearly. I’m not talking about people who have learning disabilities or anything like that. When I say stupid here I’m referring to people whose behavior is obviously foolish. And to me that signifies ... Read More
Welcome back to the Happy English podcast. This is Part 2 of Rambling and Ranting. Today, I’m going to do less ranting and more rambling. That’s because there are some positive things that have come out of this global pandemic and I think they are worth mentioning here. In summary, every cloud has a silver lining. This old proverb means ... Read More
This episode is called Rambling and Ranting. Rambling and Ranting These are two useful words to remember Ramble means to talk…but ramble means to talk in a way that is a little disorganized. When someone rambles, they keep talking while changing the topic often. So, I’m going to ramble a little today. Rant means to complain. But when you rant, ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. How’s everybody doing? I hope everyone is staying home and staying safe. This is an exciting Podcast episode because today, I am talking with Jessica Beck, who is the host of the IELTS Energy Podcast and a member of the All Ears English team. ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. How’s everybody doing? I hope you guys are staying home and staying safe. We still need to maintain social distances to keep yourself and your family healthy. Some parts of the world are seeing an improvement in the situation, but we’re not out of ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. I hope you guys are staying home and staying safe. Remember, maintaining social distancing is the best way to keep yourself and your family healthy. For today’s English lesson, we’re going to look at 6 commonly used idioms in English. I really love teaching ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. Before we do anything else I want to give a shout-out to all the medical professionals, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and everyone else working in health care. Thank you all! These are exceptional times and I know that many of you are working under conditions ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. Alright, let’s get right down to it. As everyone knows, and I’m sure you know, it’s a whole new world. The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is effecting most people’s lives in a variety of different ways. If you are living in an English ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. The news is full of stories about the corona virus. Please stay safe, wherever you are and make sure you wash your hands, especially every time you come inside. And try to stay calm. Today, we’re going to take a look at two simple ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. I just noticed that it’s almost March. Is it just me, or is this year flying by? You may be wondering what we are going to study today. Well, that’s it! We are going to look at five different ways we use the word ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. Hope you guys had a great Valentine’s Day. Well, I think that this lesson is going to keep you on your feet. That’s because for today’s English lesson, were going to have a look at 8 idioms using words related to your legs and ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. I can’t believe it’s already February. Time is flying! For today’s English lesson, we’re going to have a look at five idioms using turn. I love teaching idioms because they are fun to learn and using them will make your English sound more natural. ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. As you probably know, language is always changing and evolving. So, for today’s English lesson we’re going to look at some new slang words that have popped up in English over the past few years. Are you ready? Let’s check it out! Here are ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. For today’s English lesson we’re going to look at seven different ways that we use the verb leave. Keep in mind, leave is an irregular verb and the three parts are leave, left, and left. Are you ready? Let’s check it out! Here are ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. Today we’re going to take a look at seven animal idioms. I like teaching idioms because they make your language more colorful and more natural. Let’s check ‘em out. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. I hope 2020 is starting out to be a great year for you. It was -5 Celsius here in New York City this morning, I guess winter is really here. Something else that’s really here is the podcast transcripts from episode one through episode ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. And, this is the first podcast of 2020. I’d like to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year. I have a lot of English lessons planned to help you out this year and today, we’re going to kick things off with a little ... Read More
Today, let’s take a look at the future…Did you know, there are four different grammar patterns that you can use to talk about the future? Let’s check it out! Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details. A friend of mine ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who stopped by yesterday’s YouTube Live to help me celebrate my mom’s 90th birthday. She had a great time chatting and answering everyone’s questions. Thanks guys! Oh and by the way, do you know about the ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from happy English and it’s time for another podcast English lesson. Well, it’s the middle of December and Christmas is right around the corner. In my family we actually have two big holidays this month, my mom’s birthday and Christmas. And this month my mom is going to turn 90 years old. 90! That’s pretty ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. How are you guys doing today? Now that it’s December, the temperature is getting really chilly here in New York. But on the bright side, all of the Christmas decorations are up, and the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is now lit up and ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and here is today’s podcast English lesson. It’s Thanksgiving here in the USA and that means it’s time to be thankful. I have a lot of things that I am thankful for, and in particular, I’m thankful for all the fans of the Happy English Podcast. I started this podcast 5 years ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. And today, I’ve got a real treat for you. That’s right…a treat! The other day, one of my students here in New York asked me about the word treat and it got me thinking about English vocabulary. Quite often, one word has a number ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson just for you. Before we get started, I wanted to mention a few things about the podcast. First of all, this month we’ve reached 4 million downloads. 4 million! That’s amazing. Thank you so much for studying English with me here. Also, in addition ... Read More
Hey everyone it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson just for you. It’s only November but the temperatures hearing New York are dropping quickly. I have a feeling this is going to be a really cold winter. Maybe cold as steel. Speaking of steel, today I’d like to answer a question that one ... Read More
Hey guys, Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another Podcast English lesson. Happy Halloween! Do you celebrate Halloween where you live? Here in the USA, kids dress up in costumes and go around the neighborhood trick or treating. That’s when they knock on their neighbor’s doors and say trick or treat! And the neighbors give them candy. ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson just for you. Before we get started with today’s lesson, I wanted to mention a few things about the podcast. First, did you know that you can listen to the happy English podcast on your Amazon echo. In addition to the podcast you can ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson just for you. When I woke up this morning the temperature was 10°C and it was really windy. I’m reminded of the one thing that I don’t like about living in New York… it’s too cold. I know I shouldn’t complain and that there ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English I’ve got another podcast English lesson for you today. We had a couple of warm days last week but after that, the temperature has really dropped. Now it feels like fall. At this time of year, I like to drive to the mountains and take in the scenery. The fall foliage is ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from happy English I’ve got another podcast English lesson for you today. It’s October and this month is the ninth anniversary of happy English. Yeah! I started happy English nine years ago, just thinking that I was going to be a local English teacher here in New York. And yes, I’m still a local English ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. I can’t believe it’s almost the end of September. Time is really flying. I just want to say thanks to everyone for checking out the Happy English Podcast on the Amazon Alexa. Remember, you can also get a daily Flash Briefing from Happy English ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. I hope you guys had a good week. I know I did here. It’s really started getting cool and I guess since fall is just around the corner, that’s reasonable. Now, on to today’s English lesson. Today we are going to look at 10 ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. It’s getting kind of cool here all of a sudden. I guess summer has decided to pack her bags and go home! Last week, I told you that that the Happy English Podcast is now available as an Alexa Skill for your Amazon Echo ... Read More
What a great day for podcast fans! I’m really excited to let you know that you can get the Happy English Podcast FREE for the Amazon Echo and Alexa. Just click the image above or this link to add this skill to your Amazon account. It’s super easy to use: To start, say You can then ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. It’s September, and here in the USA that means it’s the start of a new school year. I think that even as adults, September brings us some feeling that something new is in the air. That’s especially true for me here at Happy English. ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. It’s really hot and muggy here in the Big Apple. We call this weather the dog days of summer. We use the Dog Days of summer to mean hot, sultry, humid weather. But did you know? This phrase comes from old Greek and Roman ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and I’m back with another podcast English lesson. I can’t believe that it’s August already! Wow! This summer is flying by. Fortunately, it hasn’t been too hot these days in New York, but I’m sure that the dog days of summer are coming up. How’s the weather by you guys? For today’s ... Read More
Here’s a new podcast English lesson! Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English. I hope you guys are having a good summer so far, I know I have. A couple of weeks ago I picked up a new guitar. It’s the first new guitar that I’ve had in almost 30 years. I really loved playing it and it’s got ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English! It’s finally summer in New York City. We’ve actually had more than a week of real summer weather here. Of course it’s not as hot as it is over in Europe. It seems like a lot of places there are having temperatures way over 40°C. That’s really unbelievable. I hope you guys ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English. I hope everyone is having a good week. I’ve had a pretty good week here in the Big Apple, despite the fact that the weather is terrible. After a few days of spring-like weather, the temperature was down to about 10° Celsius this morning, that’s about 50°F. it feels more like the ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English. It’s a rainy day in New York City and to be honest with you guys, the weather feels more like the middle of November than it does the middle of May. The temperature is just 8°C, and instead of this sweater, I should be wearing a polo shirt right about now. We ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English. It’s just about the end of April and little by little, the days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer. I think it’s a good time for me to start thinking about planting my vegetable garden. I’m a little out of shape these days, so I think I can kill ... Read More
Hey guys, Michael here! It seems like Spring has finally come to the Big Apple. I took a walk around Bryant park this afternoon. The sun was shining, the sky was blue and tons of people were out enjoying the park. Thank goodness we’ve closed the book on winter! That reminds me. For today’s English lesson, we’re going to have ... Read More
Hey guys, it’s Michael here. Well we are a couple of weeks into spring and it actually seems like the weather is starting to warm up. I guess old man winter has finally hit the road. I really like the spring and one reason is my birthday. Yep! My birthday is coming up this weekend. Maybe a lot of you ... Read More
Hey guys, it’s Michael here. It’s officially spring here in NYC, but you wouldn’t know that by walking around outside this morning. The temperature was around 1 degree Celsius. And it’s really windy. Luckily, this winter wasn’t as cold as it usually is. I can’t wait for the warm weather to come. The other day, one of my students from ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from happy English. It’s the beginning of March but here in New York the weather really feels like the middle of January. It was -8° this morning. Incredible. I am really looking forward to spring. Ok, for today’s English lesson, I’d like to answer a question from Masoud, who left a voice message on the ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here. This is episode 500. The first episode of the Happy English podcast was published on May 31, 2014. Since that time, we’ve covered a lot of different idioms, phrasal verbs, grammar points, and so on. It’s been quite an amazing journey up till this point and I’m really looking forward to the next 500. Of ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here and I just got back from a fun vacation in Japan. Well it was fun until I picked up a stomach virus. Boy, did that ruin my trip. Here’s a travel tip for you guys. Don’t forget to bring some basic medicine from home because you may not be able to find what you need ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English. I hope 2019 is getting off to a good start with all of you I’ve got a feeling that this is going to be a really great year. Alright let’s jump right into today’s English lesson. Today we’re going to look at the word while. By the way if you have a ... Read More
Hey guys! Michael here. Welcome to the first podcast of 2019. 2019! I can’t believe it’s the new year already. By the way, this year marks the fifth year of the Happy English Podcast. Thank you everyone for checking out the podcast and for studying with me here. I really appreciate it. Recently one of my followers on Instagram asked ... Read More
Merry Christmas Everyone! For this podcast, I’m going to revive the famous poem, attributed to Clement Clarke Moore. This is an iconic poem, written with some old style grammar and vocabulary, that we often hear at Christmas. The Night Before Christmas. ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from happy English and it’s the week before Christmas and just two weeks until the end of the year. Time flies doesn’t. Here in the US schools are generally closed between Christmas and New Year’s and so a lot of people take a vacation at that time. I think I’m going to have just one ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from happy English coming to you on a snowy day in New York City. Actually I can’t say how hard it’s snowing right now because I don’t have a window in my office. If I had a window I could tell you, and that brings us to the point of today’s English lesson. We’re going ... Read More
That reminds me! Today, we’re going to talk about some phrasal verbs that use THROW. I think using phrasal verbs will make you sound more natural when you speak. In addition, if you happen to be taking one of those pesky English tests like TOEFL or TOEIC, learning these phrasal verbs will help you answer some of those questions. Are ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here from Happy English and welcome back to another English lesson podcast. When I looked at the calendar this morning I realized that this is the last week in November and, December is right around the corner. Wow! This year has really flown by. Do you guys have any plans for the holidays? Feel free to ... Read More
Today we’re going to look at some phrasal verbs using set. I teach a lot of phrasal verbs here on the podcast and on my YouTube channel because learning phrasal verbs not only makes your English sound more natural, but it will help you out if you happen to be taking one of those tests like TOEFL or TOEIC. Are ... Read More
Hey guys, Michael here. I have another podcast English lesson for you today. It’s the fall, right? It’s kind of the middle of November, but this morning when I woke up, the temperature was like, minus one celsius. Not only that, but there was frost all over the windows of my car. I’m telling you, I am not ready for ... Read More
Well, let’s get to it. Haider, who is one of my YouTube Channel subscribers, sent me a message about phrases, phrasal verbs and idioms using the word pop. I thought that’s a really great idea so that we’re going to check out today. By the way, if you have a request for an English lesson here on the podcast or ... Read More
Get is an interesting verb because it has a variety of uses an meanings in English. For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at 5 different grammar patterns that we use with get. Are you ready? Let’s check it out! Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the ... Read More
In podcast 486 we talked about phrasal verbs that use the be verb and in that podcast, I mentioned that the phrase verb be out has a number of different meanings and uses. For today’s English lesson, we are going to take a look at eight different ways that we use the phrase verb be out. Are you ready? Let’s ... Read More
When you think of phrasal verbs, the be verb may not be the first idea that comes to your mind. But actually, we have a number of common phrasal verbs with the be verb, so for today’s English lesson, let’s check them out! Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen ... Read More
Run is an interesting verb in English because it has so many different meanings and uses. We often think about verbs like make and do as being very flexible in their meanings, and I think run is in that same category. For today’s English lesson let’s take a look at the most common ways that we use run. Keep in ... Read More
The other day somebody wrote a comment on MyHappyEnglish.com and said, “Please keep making podcasts.” I really appreciate everyone who leaves comments on the website and this one inspired me to put together this lesson. Keep is a very interesting verb because it has several different meanings and uses, so for today’s English lesson let’s check it out. Here are ... Read More
Ah, prepositions. So, so tricky for a lot of English learners. Today, we’re going to look at how the preposition about changes the meaning and usage of the verb know. I know and I know about are not the same. The meaning of know and know about differs based on what you are talking about, and the context of the ... Read More
Are you taking the IELTS exam? If so, then you don’t want to miss my interview with Eliot Friesen from Magoosh. He shares a lot of useful insight into the exam. We talk about the format of the exam, how IELTS is different from other standardized English tests, and Eliot’s 4 key tips to IELTS success. I hope you like ... Read More
Prepositions. I think everybody who studies English has a love-hate relationship with them. They even drive me crazy as a teacher, and I’m a native English speaker. So I can imagine how you guys must feel trying to deal with these bad boys. For today’s English lesson, let’s talk about how we use if in indirect speech and questions. I ... Read More
A lot of English learners as me what they can do to improve their English and to speak more naturally. For today’s podcast, I would like to give you some practical advice about how you can do that. It’s no secret that practicing the four skills (reading, listening, speaking, and writing) every day can have the greatest impact on your ... Read More
Hey guys it’s Michael here with another Happy English podcast. Today we’re going to talk about some phrases that use the verb go followed by the preposition on. I know a lot of English learners get stuck on this point because generally the verb go is followed by the preposition to. Well, you go to a place, right? You can ... Read More
You guys know that I like teaching idioms right? Well today I have a special set of idioms that use on and the be verb. You can be on a roll, on cloud nine, on edge, on pins and needles, on your way, on the go, on the right track, and on the wagon. Let’s check them out! Here are ... Read More
I love teaching slang and idioms for a couple of reasons. First of all, you hear them all the time in movies, TV shows, and in everyday conversation. Secondly, using slang and idioms makes your English conversation sound more natural and less like a textbook. Today, we’re going to look at six phrases related to communication. Here are the example ... Read More
Phrasal verbs are an important part of English. As I’ve mentioned before, native English speakers prefer using phrasal verbs, and learning these will always help to make your English sound more natural. For today’s English lesson, we are going to look at 8 phrasal verbs that use the preposition off. Let’s check them out. Here are the example sentences. To ... Read More
This may seem like a simple topic, but it’s really not. Before, after, during, and while can all be used to talk about events, and but the grammar rules for these words is a little different. Even though the meaning of before, after, during, and while is pretty basic, I’ve noticed that a lot of English learners have trouble with ... Read More
Hey everyone! The other day, one of my students was asking me about can and may. There are some similarities with how we use these words, and so I thought that would be an interesting idea to share here on the podcast. So, for today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at how we can use can and may! Here ... Read More
It’s almost spring. You know, the time when flowers bloom and birds sing. Ah birds…you know, that reminds me. In English, we have a lot of idioms about animals, and since it’s almost spring, how about we take a look at some bird idioms! Are you ready? Let’s check it out! Here are the example sentences. To get the details ... Read More
I am sure that you guys know, the word better is the comparative form of good. You know, good better best. Well, we have a number of different phrases in English that use the word better, so for today’s English lesson, let’s check them out. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need ... Read More
It all happened this morning with one of my students online. She asked me what the difference was between believe and trust. Wow. Believe and trust. What is the difference? I really never thought about that before and I think trying to come up with the answer made my brain work so hard that there was smoke coming out of ... Read More
Phrasal verbs make your English conversation and writing much more natural and less like a textbook. For today’s English lesson, let’s look at how to use come over, go over (2 meanings), stay over, think over, flip over, flip out over, and mull over. I hope you like it! Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this ... Read More
This is the last episode in a three part series on the preposition AT. In Episode 467, we looked at 8 different ways that we use AT. Last week, in Episode 468, we studied phrasal verbs and idioms that contain AT. For today’s English lesson, we are going to look at other set phrases and expressions that use at. Are ... Read More
This is the second episode in a three part series on the preposition AT. In the last lesson, we looked at 8 different ways that we use AT. For today’s English lesson, we’ll look at phrasal verbs and idioms that contain AT. Next time, we’ll study other set phrases and expressions that use at. Are you ready? Let’s get started! ... Read More
I know that prepositions can be tough for a lot of English learners. That’s why starting today, I’m going to do a series of podcast lesson on them, starting with the preposition At. For today’s English lesson, we’re going to look at 8 different ways that we use AT. In the next episode, we’ll look at phrasal verbs and idioms ... Read More
The words some and any can be tricky for a lot of English learners because they both have basically the meaning. Some and any refer to an unspecified amount of something. What makes these little words tricky is not what they mean, but how they are used. For today’s English lesson let’s have a look at how we can use ... Read More
This week, I was talking with one of my students about preferences and interesting discussion came up. Basically, we were trying to figure out the difference between and usage of Prefer, More Than, Better Than. I think this is a tough point for a lot of English learners to master, so for today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at ... Read More
Fewer is the comparative form of few and less is the comparative form of little. For today’s English lesson, let’s check out the difference between these two words and see how we can use them in everyday English. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check ... Read More
It’s been really cold here in NYC like around minus 10 degrees and really windy. When I was listening to the weather forcast this morning, the newscaster said it was bone chilling cold. Bone chilling cold! That phrase not only made me realize how cold it is outside, but it gave me the idea that we have a lot of ... Read More
A lot of English learners have some trouble with HAVE GOT & HAVE GOTTEN. I think one reason is that there is a difference between how these phrases are used in American English and British English. For today’s English Podcast lesson, let’s look at the most common ways we use HAVE GOT & HAVE GOTTEN in everyday American English. Here ... Read More
FALL is an interesting verb because it can be used in a lot of different phrases in English. For today’s English lesson, we’re going to take a look at eight idioms that have the word FALL in them. The idioms are fall into place, fall in love, fall through, have a falling out, fall on deaf ears, fall short, fall ... Read More
It’s getting cold out there. In fact, it snowed for the first time this season a few days ago. So for today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at seven idioms that contain the word cold. The idioms are cold turkey, it will be a cold day in hell, have it down cold, cold calling, break out in a cold ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s check out how to use Both, either and neither. First, listen to this short story: There is going to be a big meeting in Chicago next week and we are trying to decide who we can send from the office. Both Jenny and Jack have too much work to do, so neither of them can ... Read More
The first time you see the phrase as long as, you might think that it is a comparison. For example, the Mississippi river is not as long as the Amazon river. However, the phrase as long as is also used in a different way in English. For today’s English lesson, we’re going to take a look at two special meanings ... Read More
The phrases any more, any longer and no longer can be used to talk about situations (like someone’s habit) that used to regularly happen in the past, but they don’t happen now. It seems like a lot of English learners have trouble with these phrases, so for today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at how we can use any ... Read More
Prepositions are interesting because a number of prepositions can be used as adverbs. For example, I can say, I’m behind you. Behind means the back side of something. I’m behind you means the opposite of I’m in front of you. But, the phrase I’m behind, means that late. I’m behind means I’m not on schedule. For today’s English lesson, let’s ... Read More
If you’ve been following my YouTube channel, you know that I’ve been focusing on Natural American English pronunciation recently. Well today, I thought that I would bring that lesson flow to the podcast. Actually, it was a request from one of my students, so Vincent, this is for you! I noticed that quite often when there is an N and ... Read More
As you probable know, a phrasal verb is a verb plus a preposition that is used as an idiom. Well, for today’s English lesson, let’s look at 6 phrasal verbs that use go. Are you ready? Let’s check them out! Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast ... Read More
I’m sure that a lot of listeners are comfortable with talking about time in general, but I often hear even advanced speakers use phrases like “next next week,” which is not correct. How about you? Can you talk about two days from today or two weeks before this week? For today’s English lesson, I’m going to show you this basic, ... Read More
The word that is an interesting word in English because it has a number of different uses. That can be a pronoun, as in that’s my mom; a determiner, as in that bag belongs to Jenny; an adverb, as in, I didn’t know it was that far; and a substitute for which and who, as in, the pen that you ... Read More
The other day, one of my students was asking me about the difference between gone and been, as in, I’ve never been to Paris or I’ve never gone to Paris. That’s a great question and so I’ve decided to answer it here on the podcast. Today, we’ll look at how to use gone and been. Here are the example sentences. ... Read More
The verb keep had the meaning of continue and thinking about that, today I’d like to show you some phrasal verbs that use keep. Please note that keep is an irregular verb and the forms are keep, kept and kept. Let’s check them out. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to ... Read More
Today is the second in a three part series of podcasts focusing on make. As I mentioned in Episode 447, make is one of those interesting words in English because it has a number of different meanings and uses. In this episode, we’ll look at some common phrases and collocations using make. In the next episode, we’ll look at some ... Read More
Today is the second in a three part series of podcasts focusing on make. As I mentioned in Episode 447, make is one of those interesting words in English because it has a number of different meanings and uses. In this episode, we’ll look at some common phrases and collocations using make. In the next episode, we’ll look at some ... Read More
Today, I’m going to start a three part series of podcasts focusing on make. Make is one of those interesting words in English that has several different meanings and uses. For today’s English lesson, are going to look at the verb to make, what it means, and how it is used in everyday English. In the next episode, we’ll look ... Read More
Get…the verb get is so interesting in English because it has several meanings just on its own. I covered those meanings in podcast Episode 111. Get is also used in a number of phrases and idioms. For today’s English lesson, I’d like to show you 11 different phrases using get and a pp verb…that’s the past participle verb. Are you ... Read More
A lot of my students ask me abut the difference between using when, while, and as. All three of these words can be used to indicate that two things happen at the same time, but they are not all used in the same way. I know that this is a confusing English point, so for today’s English lesson, let’s have ... Read More
Hit is an interesting word in English and as a verb, hit has a number of different meanings and uses. For today’s English lesson, let’s check out the various ways we can use hit in everyday English. We’ll also look at the idiom, to hit the books. Keep in mind that hit is an irregular verb, so the three parts ... Read More
When you want to talk about a small quantity of something, you can use the phrases a little and a bit or a bit of. Both of these indicate a small amount of something, but a lot of English learners get stuck on when to use a bit and when to use a bit of. As well, it’s important to ... Read More
We can use AS followed by an adjective or an adverb plus AS to talk similarity or to compare things. For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at six different ways that the AS…AS combination can be use in this way. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to ... Read More
Most is a pretty versatile word because it can be used before a noun, before an adjective, and with a verb as an adverb. We also use the idiom, to make the most of something. For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at how we can use most in everyday English. Here are the example sentences. To get the ... Read More
Last week, someone asked me about the difference between alone and by myself. That’s a really great question because alone and by myself are very similar in meaning, but there is one key difference. So, for today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at these words, what they mean, and how you can use them in everyday English. We’ll also ... Read More
Very is an interesting word in English because it can be used as both an adjective and adverb. I think most people are used to using very as an adverb, but as I just mentioned it is also possible to use very as an adjective before a noun. For today’s English lesson, we’re going to look at these two ways ... Read More
Very is an interesting word in English because it can be used as both an adjective and adverb. I think most people are used to using very as an adverb, but as I just mentioned it is also possible to use very as an adjective before a noun. For today’s English lesson, we’re going to look at these two ways ... Read More
Should is a very interesting modal verb because it has a number of different meanings and uses. We use should have followed by the PP verb. That’s the past participle. You can say things like should have done should have tried should have gone and so. For today’s English lesson let’s take a look at three different ways we can ... Read More
Need is a very interesting word in English because it can be used as a verb and a noun. We also have some set phrases using need, so for today’s English lesson let’s check them out! Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript ... Read More
A friend of mine who I haven’t seen in a while came over my house today. When we sat down, he said, so what’s shaking. What’s shaking? That’s a great question, and it got me thinking that we have a lot of casual and informal Greetings in English. So, for today’s English lesson, let’s check them out! Here are the ... Read More
Must and have to are modal verbs that show necessity. For today’s English lesson let’s take a look at how we can talk about necessity using must and have to in the present past and future. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript ... Read More
The other day, somebody asked me about the difference between using can and be able to talk about ability. That’s a really great question and I think more than just a basic English grammar question. So for today’s English lesson let’s look at how we use can, could, and be able to. Here are the example sentences. To get the ... Read More
As you probably know a phrasal verb is a verb plus the proposition that is used like an idiom. For example, I can say, turn on the light. When you turn on the light, actually nothing is turning, and nothing is on, so the meaning of turn on is an idiomatic meaning. That’s a phrasal verb. Well most phrasal verbs ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at embedded questions. An embedded question is when we take a question and embed it or put it inside a sentence. For example, “Where is Jack?” That’s a question. “I wonder where Jack is.” That’s an embedded question. There are a couple of rules that you need to know to make one ... Read More
Are you a cat person or a dog person? I tend to be a dog person, but for today’s English lesson, everyone is a cat person. That’s because we are going to look at some idioms that relate to cats or come from cats. Are you ready? Let’s check them out. Here are the example sentences. To get the details ... Read More
I was speaking with a friend of mine the other day over a cup of coffee. He seemed pretty surprised when I told him that I drink more than 3 cups of Joe everyday. Hey man that’s not good for you, he said, and that got me thinking. Good is an interesting adjective because we can use it with a ... Read More
May is a modal verb which has a number of different uses in English . For today’s English lesson, let’s take a look at how we can use may. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: I may go fishing ... Read More
The preposition by has a number of different uses in English. I know that a lot of English learners have a trouble with prepositions. Like by, a lot of prepositions can be used in several different ways. So for today’s English lesson let’s focus on 6 different ways that we can use by. Here are the example sentences. To get ... Read More
Cool is an interesting word in English because it has a variety of uses. So, for today’s English lesson let’s have a look at five different ways that we can use the word cool. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the ... Read More
Free is an interesting word in English, because it has a lot of different uses… not just the one that talks about money or no money. For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at how we can use this interesting adjective, free. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen ... Read More
I recently got an email from Tahani, who is a listener of the Happy English Podcast in Saudi Arabia. She asked me about prepositions, and specifically the preposition for. I know that prepositions are tricky for a lot of English learners and this is a great question. So for today’s English lesson let’s take a look get 10 different ways ... Read More
At the beginning of the year, a lot of people like to clean the house or clean up the office. A new Year and a clean and fresh environment. What could be better, right? Clean. Even the word clean sounds nice. For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at 7 American English idioms that use the word clean. Here ... Read More
It’s starting to get cold here in NY. In fact this morning, the temperature dropped down to about minus 3, and it’s still the beginning of winter! I’ve noticed that a lot of English learners make some common mistakes when talking about the weather, so for today’s English lesson, I’d like to help you out with this rather basic but ... Read More
One of the listeners of the Happy English Podcast asked me about using seem. There are a few different ways that you can use seem, so I thought I would share them with you today. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for ... Read More
The verbs Hold Have Attend Go To can all be used to talk about events such as meetings and parties. But the way that we use hold and attend is different from the way we use have and go to. Knowing this difference will make your English sound more natural, so for today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at ... Read More
Let is interesting word in English because it has a variety of different ways that we can use it. Let can be used to ask for or give permission and let is used in polite phrases. For today’s English lesson let’s take a look at three different ways that we can use let. Here are the example sentences. To get ... Read More
Sometimes English learners have trouble understanding naturally spoken English. One of the reasons for this how native English speaker pronounce certain words. Especially in American English, we prefer to have a smooth air flow between words when we speak. Certain sounds, when pronounced as written, cause the air flow between words to stop and so to prevent the stop, we ... Read More
Injuring yourself is not a fun thing, but just in case you have that problem when you are living or traveling overseas, it’s a good idea to be able to talk about that situation in English. A lot of English learners get confused using the words hurt, injure, pain and painful, so for today’s English lesson, let’s look at how ... Read More
Make is an interesting verb. We have a lot of collocations and idioms that use make, like make money, make time, make a face and so on. There are also a lot of grammatical uses of make and that’s the focus of today’s learn English podcast. In this English lesson, we’re going to look at three different ways we use ... Read More
Should is a modal verb and there are several interesting ways that we can use it. For today’s English lesson I’m going to show you six different ways that you can use should. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: ... Read More
Tell is an interesting word in English because it has a number of different meanings and uses in everyday, daily English conversation. For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at how we can use this versatile verb! Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check ... Read More
A lot of English learners get confused when they try to use be used to and get used to. How about you? For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at what these two phrases me and how we can use them in everyday English. Check it out! Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English ... Read More
For today’s Podcast English lesson, we have a special guest! It’s Vanessa from Speak English With Vanessa. Vanessa is going to teach us 3 idioms that use get: Get a hold of, get the hang of, and get a hang out of. In this episode, we’re going to give you a lot of examples of using these idioms, and you’ll also ... Read More
Get is quite an interesting word in English, don’t you think? In addition to having several different meanings, like become (it’s getting cooler outside) and buy (I got a new watch), the verb get is used in a lot of different idioms and slang expressions. For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at six of these. Here are the ... Read More
A lot of English learners have trouble using words like born, grow up, raise and bring up. All of these words are used to talk about children and parents, but the way we use these words is different. Let’s check it out! Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to ... Read More
I’m sure this lesson is going to be a hit. That’s because we’re going to look at five idioms that use the verb hit. I’m going to show you how to use hit or miss, hit the nail on the head, hit it off, hit the bottle, and hit the road. Ready? Let’s check them out! Here are the example ... Read More
I’ll bet you’re going to enjoy this lesson! Basically, the verb bet means to place a wager. However, in casual, informal, conversational English, there are a number of other ways we can use bet, so for today’s English lesson, let’s check them out! Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen ... Read More
Do you like fruit? I sure do and I try to eat a piece of fruit every day! Well, you don’t come to Happy English today to hear about my diet, right? It’s time to learn idioms! For today’s English lesson, we’re going to look at 5 different idioms from fruit…check it out! Here are the example sentences. To get ... Read More
Are you the big cheese in your office? Are you friendly with the big cheese? For today’s English lesson, I’m going to show you six idioms related to food and eating that you can use to talk about situations in the office or at home. The idioms we are going to learn are the big cheese, bite your head off, ... Read More
This morning, one of the viewers of my YouTube channel asked me about the difference between using should and be supposed to. That’s really a great question and so I thought I would share the answer with everyone here. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or ... Read More
The other day, one of the Happy English listeners wrote in asked me about the phrasal verb come out. You know, come out is an interesting phrasal verb because it has a lot of different uses and meanings. So, for today’s English lesson, let’s take a look at this very versatile and useful phrasal verb. Here are the example sentences. ... Read More
When people think of the word right, they often think about right and left. Right is used when talking about directions or location. If you want to go to Grand Central Station from my office, turn right, walk one block, and you’ll see GC on the left side. Well there are many other ways we use the word right. For ... Read More
A lot of English learners seem to confuse how to use grow and grow up. How about you? For today’s English lesson, we’re going to look at these to words and some other phrases using the verb grow. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check ... Read More
We can use worth as a noun or an adjective to describe a the value or benefit of something, but a lot of English learners have trouble using this word. For today’s English lesson, Let’s have a look at how we can use worth. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to ... Read More
A lot of students have told me that they get confused by the verbs Teach, Tell, & Show. For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at the difference and how we can use these words. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript ... Read More
The letter “T” tends to have a bit of a different sound in spoken English when it appears unstressed in the middle of a word. This is especially true when we have words with two “T’s” together in the middle. For example, the word little is spelled with two T’s in the middle of the word, but instead of pronouncing ... Read More
You breath is what keeps you alive and the word breath is used in a lot of English idioms. For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at five idioms and expressions that use the word breath. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the ... Read More
Using English idioms can always make your speaking sound more colorful and natural. For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at seven idioms that are based on body parts: a long face, big mouth, pull someone’s leg, see eye to eye, and nosey Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to ... Read More
Welcome to today’s English lesson podcast. Waist! As you probably know, the word waste when used as a noun is like the word garbage. Waste is something or material that is not wanted anymore. Today, we’re going to look at a couple of phrases and idioms using the word waste. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of ... Read More
Just for your information, the office here opens at 9am and closes at 10pm. Happy English is open from Monday to Friday, but the office is closed on the weekends. Ok, did you catch how I use the words open, close, and closed? For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at how to use these words to talk about ... Read More
A lot of students seem to have trouble with some adverbs that relate to time. These are immediately, shortly, soon, quickly and early. So, I thought that for today’s English lesson, we could go over these common words. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check ... Read More
Sometimes it’s possible to substitute if and when in a conditional sentence, and sometimes it’s not. For today’s English lesson, let’s check out this point. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: If the temperature reaches 0C, water freezes. When ... Read More
Phrasal verbs are commonly used, especially in conversational English. For today’s podcast English lesson, let’s have a look at 6 phrasal verbs that use “come.” Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: If you have some free time this weekend, ... Read More
A lot of my students ask me about the difference between using will and be going to for the future. There seems to be a lot of confusion about how to talk about the future, so for today’s English lesson, I thought I would go over this point. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English ... Read More
I think cool is an interesting word in English because it has a lot of popular, yet different uses. So, for today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at this hot word…cool! Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: Ice ... Read More
Have is a very common word in English and there are many phrases and expressions using have. For today’s English lesson, let’s check out some of these! Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: I had a long conversation with ... Read More
TOEFL. If you are planning to enter a college, university, or graduate program in the USA, you’re going to need to get a qualifying score the TOEFL exam. To do that, you’ll need some practice. Well, it seems that our friends over at Magoosh have put together a free, yes….completely free TOEFL exam that you can download or use online. ... Read More
Do you like dogs? I sure do and for today’s English lesson, I’ve got 6 dog idioms for you to learn: “in a dog’s age” “work like a dog” “lucky dog” “a dog’s life” “as sick as a dog” and, “Every dog has its day.” Let’s get to it! Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this ... Read More
Care is a tricky verb because it the meaning can change depending on which preposition you us with it. For today’s English Lesson, I’m going to show you several different ways that we use care. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for ... Read More
In podcast Episode 385 we looked at how to pronounce the consonant V in English. For today’s English lesson, we’ll first look at how to pronounce W, and we’ll look at both V and W together. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript ... Read More
[/container][/content_band] A lot of English learners have trouble pronouncing the V and W consonant sounds, so for today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at how to pronounce the V consonant sound and tomorrow, we’ll look at how to pronounce W. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s look at how to use “long”. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: We have known each other for a long time. I waited for a long time to see the doctor. The next time ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s look at the difference between remember and remind. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: A lot of students tell me that it is hard to remember vocabulary. Do you remember our first road trip ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s look at the difference between completed, done, and finished Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: Grandpa completed the jigsaw puzzle in just a few hours. You’ll need to complete the report by the end ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s look at seven idioms and phrases using the word, MIND. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: Do you wanna have another cup of coffee?…Don’t mind if I do. If you take a domestic flight ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s look at the difference between using time, a time, the time. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: If you want to have a meeting this week, I only have time on Friday morning. Do ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at a few different ways we can use the word, last. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: Even though I worked late, I was able to catch the last bus going ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look ad a few different ways we can use neither. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: I have two suitcases but neither one is big enough for my trip. I have those ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at how we can and can’t use the word play. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: The kids were playing in the yard after dinner. Do you want to play cards? ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s look at how we can use the adverb, once. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: I’ve heard that Kyoto is nice. I’d love to go there once. Just once I’d like to eat at ... Read More
It was a little cool here this morning. Even though it’s it felt like fall. And fall means apple season in New York. There’s nothing like the taste of a fresh, crisp Apple. That’s how I got the inspiration for today’s English lesson. Today, let’s take a look at some apple idioms. Here are the example sentences. To get the ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at how we can use the adverb, mostly Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: No matter what happens, please call me. No matter what happens in life, I will always love ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at how we can use the adverb, mostly Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: I mostly wear jeans in the office. Jack is mostly on time for work. I wonder why ... Read More
If you know anyone who might be interested in this English language point, why not help them out! Just share this lesson with them. Thanks for studying today!
We can use both when and if to talk about the future, but the meaning of each of these words is different. For today’s English lesson, let’s look at how we use when and if to talk about the future. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at some time, sometime and sometimes. These are three similar sounding words, but are used differently. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: I haven’t seen Jack in some time. How’s he ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at the difference between fault, mistake, and error. These words are similar, but we use them differently. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: The boss said that it was Jack’s fault ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at the difference between the two question words, what and which. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: What is the busiest city in America? (or) Which is the busiest city in ... Read More
A lot of listeners have asked me about the difference between solve and resolve. For today’s English lesson, let’s check out how we usually use these two verbs. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: Jenny is good with numbers, ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at how we can use the phrases be and get used to to talk about being and getting familiar with something. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: I am used to ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s check out four ways to use want Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: I want an iPhone. I want a dog. I want a new job. I want to eat pizza. I want to ... Read More
A greeting is a basic conversation starter. For today’s English lesson let’s have a look at two types of basic English greeting questions. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: How are you? How’s it going? How’s everything? What’s new? ... Read More
A lot of listeners have written and asked me about the difference between after and later. For today’s English lesson, let’s check out how we can use these two words. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: After you finish ... Read More
In English, we have some interesting ways to use the word nut. For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at some different ways we use this little noun. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: My friend ... Read More
I get a lot of questions about the difference between using the first conditional and second conditional. So, for today’s English lesson, let’s check out how to use these grammar patterns. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: If I win with ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s look at 5 food related idioms. The idioms today are: In a pickle, a a piece of cake, go bananas for, nuts, and get something for peanuts. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: I ... Read More
A lot of people tell me that it’s hard to understand spoken English at a natural speed. One of the reasons for this is not just the speed. It’s the style of speaking of native English speakers. For today’s English lesson, let’s focus on how to pronounce questions using what is, what are, & what do. Here are the example ... Read More
A lot of students tell me that they are sometimes confused when it comes to using soon, early, and quickly. For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at how we can use these words. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for ... Read More
For today’s English lesson let’s look at four ways we can use the noun bit. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: That chili is a bit spicy for me. From here to the West Village is a bit far. ... Read More
Both allow and let can be used with the same meaning, which is permit. However the way that we use these words is different. For today’s English lesson let’s have a look at how we can use allow and let in everyday English. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at six idioms that relate to being lazy. The idioms are snowed under, have your head in the clouds, under the weather, a breeze, and come rain or shine. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at six idioms that relate to being lazy. The idioms are slack off, lazybones, slug, get off your tail, bum around, and deadbeat. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: Near the ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at some short conversational responses for agreeing and disagreeing. I’m going to show you how to use Me too, I do too, So do I, Me neither, Neither do I, and more! Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast ... Read More
We use both all and whole to talk about the entire amount or every part of something. But the way we use these words is a little different. So, for today’s English lesson, let’s look at how to use all and whole in everyday English conversation. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you ... Read More
If you know anyone who might be interested in this English language point, why not help them out! Just share this lesson with them. Thanks for studying today!
For today’s English lesson, let’s check out how to use actual and actually. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: My grandfather had an actual samurai sword from Japan. The man living down my street is an actual Native American. ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, lets have a look at using the causative form of let and have. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: Bob usually lets his children watch TV after they finish their homework. Tony let Jane buy ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at how we can use the verb forget. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or check the transcript for the details: I forgot to bring my key. Yesterday was my uncle’s birthday. I should have called him, but ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at three ways we can use a past verb to talk about the present or the future. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: If won the lottery, I would quit ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s take a look at three short phrases with if – if not, if only, and if so. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: If So, If Not Have you called Jack yet? If ... Read More
For today’s English lesson let’s have a look at the difference between the phrases I don’t care and I don’t mind. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: Can we change the appointment from Friday to Saturday. I don’t ... Read More
In episode 338 we talked about the seven rules of using Must and Have to. For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at how we can use the modal verbs need to and had better. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the ... Read More
Checking understanding is an important communication skill and common even among native speakers of a language. For today’s English lesson, I’m going to show you a couple of natural ways that you can check understanding in English conversation. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, we have a special guest – Jessica Beck from All Ears English who is going to talk to us about the IELTS Speaking section and what you need to know about grammar. On the IELTS Speaking test, you are graded on four things: Fluency and Coherence, Grammar, Vocabulary, and Pronunciation. All are graded equally. Your Speaking ... Read More
For today’s English lesson let’s have a look at five idioms that come from the sport of baseball. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: We really scored big when we opened the new branch office in Paris. I ... Read More
Good well and bad can be confusing for a lot of English learners. I think one reason for this is that sometimes even native English speakers don’t use these words correctly especially good and well. For today’s English lesson let’s have a look at how we can use these three words. Here are the example sentences. To get the details ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at the five hot idioms we heard in the conversation. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: Everyone is fired up about the golf game next Saturday. My friend Paul is ... Read More
The modal verbs must and have to give a lot of people trouble. For today’s English lesson, I’m going to talk about my 7 rules that you need to know about must and have to. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript ... Read More
For today’s English lesson let’s have a look at three basic rules for using the definite article the. As you probably know, there are a lot of different rules and exceptions to those rule about how to use the, but for today, I hope these three ideas will put you on the right track to learning this little but important ... Read More
The other day one of our listeners wrote to me and asked about the different meanings of should. So, for today’s English lesson, let’s check out how we can use this modal verb. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at some time phrases using prepositions. These are set phrases, so the best thing to do is to memorize them. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: Jack likes to go ... Read More
In an English conversation, we can respond to what someone says using why and why not. For today’s English lesson let’s have a look at how to use these short responses. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: Jenny: ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at how we can use during, for, and in to talk about time. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: Jack’s phone rang twice during the meeting. The boss was really ... Read More
Simon from France wrote to me and asked me about the difference between using will and would. That’s a great question, so for today’s English lesson, let’s check out how to use these words. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at how we can talk about winners and losers in sports. The key vocabulary for today is play, win, beat, lose, and cream and shutout. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the ... Read More
One of our listeners in Japan wrote to me and asked about the difference between think about and wonder. That’s a great question, so for today’s English lesson, let’s check it out. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s look how we use WANT, HOPE, and WISH! Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: I want to eat yellowtail. I’m going to a sushi restaurant to this weekend. I hope they have yellowtail. ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s look at four ways we use the verb spend. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: I spent a lot of time looking for new computer. We spent the weekend in Boston. It was ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at how we use no and not in English conversation. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: The sticker said, no work, no worries, no clock, no money. Jack said he ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s check out five more idioms that relate to sports. The idioms are call the shots, the ball is in your court, bark up the wrong tree, be out in left field , be off the hook. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s check out five idioms that relate to sports. The idioms are learn the ropes, on the ball, skating on thin ice, be or get up to speed, and jump the gun Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the ... Read More
“Such as” vs. “as such”. One of our listeners from Nepal, Mohan, wrote to me and said that the phrases as such and such as as are giving him trouble, so for today’s English lesson I would like to look at those two phrases plus 3 other phrases that we use with such. Here are the example sentences. To get the ... Read More
A lot of listeners have asked me how to use ever. So, for today’s English lesson, I am going to show you 7 different ways & grammar patterns we can use with this convenient English word. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the ... Read More
The adjectives tall and high can be confusing for a lot of people, so for today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at how we can use these words in everyday English. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: ... Read More
Yesterday in Episode 320 we talked about however. For today’s English lesson I’d like to focus on similar word: though. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: Using though as a conjunction: Though I was tired I went to the party. ... Read More
However is a word that seems to give a lot of students trouble. I got an email the other day from my friend Soraya who’s an English teacher in Brazil. She asked me if I could help her help her students with this language point, so for today’s English lesson let’s have a look at how we use however. Here ... Read More
Check, confirm, and make sure. Yesterday one of my students asked me what the differences between these three words. For today’s English lesson let’s have a look at how we can use check confirm and make sure in everyday English. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast ... Read More
For today’s English lesson let’s have a look at how we can use the phrases much too and too much. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: How to use too much + noun: I drank too much coffee ... Read More
Suppose, guess, and figure are similar words in English, but the way we use them is different. So, for today’s English lesson let’s have a look at how we use these three words Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at how we can use and to connect two verbs. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: How to use try and Let’s try and find a new place to have ... Read More
For today’s English lesson let’s have a look at how we can use about and just about. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: We use how plus an adjective. We are about to start the meeting, so please ... Read More
We can use how and what to respond to information during a conversation. For today’s English lesson let’s have a look at how we use how and what this way. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: We use ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s look at the words and phrases you need to use in case you need a doctor. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: I went to the doctor yesterday for a check-up. I had ... Read More
For today’s English lesson, let’s look at 5 words and phrases that you can use when ordering in a fast food restaurant. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: Tommy: Next! Joey: Can I have a Big Mac Value ... Read More
The summer travel season is coming, so I’ve prepared a few podcasts to help you have a great vacation in the USA. For today’s English lesson, let’s look at Tipping in America. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: ... Read More
Pronouncing B & V can be confusing for a lot of English learners, so for today’s English lesson, let’s look at how to pronounce these sounds. Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details: Here are some words that begin ... Read More