Best English Usage Podcasts (2024)

1
Learning English Podcast - July 13, 2024 29:59

3h ago29:59

29:59

On today’s podcast, a story about America’s first novel; what is the difference between ‘zest,’ ‘drive,’ and ‘desire?’; ‘food for thought’ and similar expressions; then, 'The Caliph, Cupid and the Clock,' by O. Henry on American Stories.By VOA Learning English

1
Classic Stories: Oliver Twist 4:32

6h ago4:32

4:32

Enjoy a classic story in English and learn 7 uses of ‘light’ - in 5 minutes. FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS?Try some of our other popular podcasts including:✔️ 6 Minute English✔️ Learning English from the News✔️ Learni…

1
Learning English Podcast - July 12, 2024 29:59

15h ago29:59

29:59

On today’s podcast, learn about early ancestors of humans called Denisovans; U.S. farmers are growing a tree from India to make protein, biofuel; what is hedging? followed by a discussion about softening factual statements; then, conditional statements on Lesson of the Day.By VOA Learning English

1
Chatterbox #323 – Recognizing anxiety 29:30

21h ago29:30

29:30

Do you sometimes feel anxious without knowing why? In this Chatterbox English learning podcast, Andrew and Anna dive deep into the topic of anxiety. They explain what anxiety means, how it affects people, and share their personal experiences. From nervous feelings before a presentation to intense panic attacks, this episode covers it all. If you wa…

1
Learning English Podcast - July 11, 2024 29:59

1d ago29:59

29:59

On today’s podcast, where is the oldest cave art in the world?; dog weddings are getting popular in China; NASCAR organization tests electric car racing followed by a discussion about collaborative efforts to develop the technology; then, a blizzard and ‘affect’ and ‘effect’ on Lesson of the Day.By VOA Learning English

1
“你问我答”：多义词 hustle 的常见用法 4:14

2d ago4:14

4:14

一位听众来信询问单词 “hustle” 的用法。“Hustle” 既可以作名词，也可以作动词；它看似有多个意思，易被混淆，为便于理解和记忆，我们将把 “hustle” 的意思归分为两类来讲解：一、用 “hustle” 指 “辛勤、努力工作”；二、用 “hustle” 指 “运动或移动”。听主持人 Georgie 和佳莹的讲解。By BBC Learning English

1
Learning English Podcast - July 10, 2024 29:59

3d ago29:59

29:59

On today’s podcast, Asia’s richest man is throwing a pricey wedding for his son; researchers discovered a plant on Earth that might grow on Mars; experts say there are too few U.S. students studying in China followed by a discussion about why; then, using ‘wish’ on Lesson of the Day.By VOA Learning English

1
The English we speak: Ham-fisted 3:33

3d ago3:33

3:33

Here's an expression about clumsiness. [Image: Getty] For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2024/ep-240708 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit …

1
“地道英语”：Ham-fisted 笨手笨脚，笨拙 3:55

3d ago3:55

3:55

你知道 “ham-fisted” 的意思吗？“Ham” 的意思是 “火腿”，“fisted” 的意思是 “握成拳头的”。它俩组成的这个合成词 “ham-fisted” 在日常生活中很常用，意思和 “笨拙” 有关。听节目，学习 “ham-fisted” 的用法。By BBC Learning English

1
Learning English Podcast - July 09, 2024 30:00

4d ago30:00

30:00

On today’s podcast, aircraft maker Boeing admits guilt in a deal with the U.S. government over two deadly plane crashes; scientist are worried about a bird flu pandemic; dealing with poison ivy followed by personal experiences with the plant; then, hoping and wishing on Lesson of the Day.By VOA Learning English

1
#397 How to Speak English Correctly WITHOUT Studying Grammar — Why Studying Grammar is Stopping You From Becoming Fluent in English, and What You Should Do Instead 35:31

4d ago35:31

35:31

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. In this episode, we delve into the common misconception that mastering grammar rules is essential before you can start speaking fluently. By absorbing language patterns and developing an intuitive sense for the language, you can improve your fluency naturally. Join us as we discuss p…

1
Learning English Podcast - July 08, 2024 30:00

5d ago30:00

30:00

On today’s podcast, Nigeria could be producing a lot of solar power, what is standing in the way?; China leads in the patent race; SpaceX gets another big contract from NASA; ‘should have’ and talking about pets on Lesson of the Day.By VOA Learning English

1
Bonus episode #109 – The lovebugs 25:56

5d ago25:56

25:56

In this episode, Andrew discusses the recent lovebug outbreak in Seoul. He describes these insects, explains their unusual name, and talks about his experience dealing with them this summer. Andrew also explores the bigger topic of how people approach killing insects, and shares his own opinion about this issue. This episode will help improve your …

1
Learning English Podcast - July 07, 2024 30:00

6d ago30:00

30:00

On this weekend’s podcast, the Volkswagen Beetle remains popular in a Mexico City neighborhood; how to use ‘only had’ and ‘had only;’ What does it mean to be ‘partners in crime?’ then, 'The Ransom of Red Chief,' by O. Henry on American Stories.By VOA Learning English

1
Learning English Podcast - July 06, 2024 30:00

7d ago30:00

30:00

On this weekend’s podcast, the Volkswagen Beetle remains popular in a Mexico City neighborhood; how to use ‘only had’ and ‘had only;’ What does it mean to be ‘partners in crime?’ then, 'The Ransom of Red Chief,' by O. Henry on American Stories.By VOA Learning English

1
Classic Stories: Red Riding Hood 4:39

7d ago4:39

4:39

Enjoy a classic story in English and learn 9 uses of 'cut' - in 5 minutes. FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ 6 Minute English ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Le…

1
Learning English Podcast - July 05, 2024 29:59

8d ago29:59

29:59

On today’s podcast, environmental researchers propose a plan to save endangered animals from extinction; India’s garbage pickers are threatened by hot weather; important words for the Olympic Games; then, the passive voice on Lesson of the Day.By VOA Learning English

1
Learning English Podcast - July 04, 2024 29:59

9d ago29:59

29:59

On today’s podcast, the story of July 4 in America; Hurricane Beryl marks the start of the ocean storm season in the Atlantic Ocean; U.S. states aim to train workers in artificial intelligence followed by a discussion on what industries might be affected; then, prepositions on Lesson of the Day.By VOA Learning English

1
Chatterbox #322 – The Stoicism explosion 33:52

9d ago33:52

33:52

Curious about the growing popularity of Stoicism but not sure what it’s all about? In this engaging episode of Chatterbox, hosts Andrew and Anna dive into the philosophy of Stoicism. They unpack its principles, discuss why it has gained traction in recent years, and share practical ways to apply Stoic ideas in everyday life. Key topics include mana…

1
“你问我答”：英语语法：前置现象 4:41

9d ago4:41

4:41

一位听众来信询问能不能把句中的形容词前置于句首作状语？在英语中，这种把形容词、副词、副词短语或其它一般不出现在句首的成分放在句首的做法被称作 “fronting（前置）”。将这类成分前置的作用是什么？在把副词和副词短语前置时要注意哪些要点？本期节目介绍有关 “前置” 的知识点。By BBC Learning English

1
Learning English Podcast - July 03, 2024 29:59

10d ago29:59

29:59

On today’s podcast, Chinese researchers develop a robot guide dog for the blind; South Sudan is home to largest mammal migration; a rural student in China gets high marks in a national competition followed by a discussion about the word ‘vocational;’ then, ‘best and worst’ on Lesson of the Day.By VOA Learning English

1
The English we speak: Second nature 3:20

10d ago3:20

3:20

Here's an expression that means you can do something without having to think about it, because it's so familiar to you. [Image: Getty] For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/fe…

1
“地道英语”：Second nature 第二天性 4:13

10d ago4:13

4:13

俗话说，习惯成自然。比如，对于从小就接触电子设备的人来说，使用科技产品已经成为了他们的习惯 “second nature”。这期节目就来介绍如何用英语表达 “second nature” 来指人的 “第二天性” 或 “习性”。By BBC Learning English

1
Learning English Podcast - July 02, 2024 29:59

11d ago29:59

29:59

On today’s podcast, the U.S. Supreme Court rules that presidents’ official acts cannot face legal action; an ancient ancestor to mammals had a developed brain; heat can harm the body; polite disagreement on Lesson of the Day.By VOA Learning English

1
#396 How I Stopped Being Afraid of Making Mistakes in English, Solving the Most Frustrating Problem for Intermediate English Learners, Thinking "Connection Over Perfection", and More! 40:33

11d ago40:33

40:33

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. This episode tackles the fear of making mistakes that holds many English learners back from speaking. We'll shift your focus from achieving perfection to building connections. Join us as we explore the power of a positive mindset and practical tips to help you speak English confident…

1
Learning English Podcast - July 01, 2024 29:59

12d ago29:59

29:59

Learning English uses a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.By VOA Learning English

1
Bonus episode #108 – Odds and ends 31:41

12d ago31:41

31:41

In this episode, Andrew shares a story about trying to clean out his junk drawer and exchange some of the coins he’s been saving up for the past few years at the bank. What seemed like a simple task turns out to be surprisingly complicated. Tune in to hear all the details of this everyday adventure and improve your English at the same time! This ep…

1
Learning English Podcast - June 30, 2024 29:59

13d ago29:59

29:59

On today’s podcast, a group of senior citizens aim to popularize break dancing among older Japanese; what is the difference between ‘though’ and ‘however?’; expressions using ‘wave’; then, 'Athenaise' by Kate Chopin on American Stories.By VOA Learning English

1
Learning English Podcast - June 29, 2024 29:59

14d ago29:59

29:59

On today’s podcast, a group of senior citizens aim to popularize break dancing among older Japanese; what is the difference between ‘though’ and ‘however?’; expressions using ‘wave’; then, 'Athenaise' by Kate Chopin on American Stories.By VOA Learning English

1
Classic Stories: The Hound of the Baskervilles 4:42

14d ago4:42

4:42

Enjoy a classic story in English and learn 9 uses of 'dead' - in 5 minutes. FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ 6 Minute English ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ L…

1
Learning English Podcast - June 28, 2024 30:00

15d ago30:00

30:00

On today’s podcast, a Nigerian town is losing ground to the sea; scientists investigate why bird flu kills some animals and not others; how we talks about space events on Everyday Grammar; then, phrasal verbs on Lesson of the Day.By VOA Learning English

1
Simplified Speech #198 – Leaving Thailand 25:29

15d ago25:29

25:29

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy discuss the big changes in Kassy’s life as she prepares to move from Thailand back to Korea. They talk about her experiences living and working in Thailand, her future plans, and the cultural differences she has encountered along the way. Listening to this fun and easy-to-understand conversation i…

1
Learning English Podcast - June 27, 2024 29:59

16d ago29:59

29:59

On today’s podcast, Denver and Atlanta are among the U.S. cities building houses to cut homelessness; Nvidia has become one of the world’s most valuable companies followed by a discussion on how that happened; then, talking about the workplace on Lesson of the Day.By VOA Learning English

1
“你问我答”：三个表示 “骤降” 的近义词的区别：plunge、plummet、slump 5:40

17d ago5:40

5:40

听众 Terence 来信询问单词 “plunge”、“plummet” 和 “slump” 之间的区别。这三个词都可以作名词和动词，用来描述 “人或物体的位置突然下降”，它们也都能被用在谈论数据、金钱、商业等抽象的语境中表示 “暴跌”。听 “你问我答” 节目辨析这三个近义词的用法。By BBC Learning English

1
Learning English Podcast - June 26, 2024 29:59

17d ago29:59

29:59

On today’s podcast, a Chinese spacecraft brings moon rocks back to Earth; vacation homeowners in Maine prove to be bad neighbors; students are hurt when colleges close; then, a special guest tells her story on Lesson of the Day.By VOA Learning English

1
The English we speak: Take the plunge 3:10

17d ago3:10

3:10

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com (Image: Getty) Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2024/ep-240624 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/le…

1
“地道英语”：Take the plunge 下定决心，采取行动 4:09

18d ago4:09

4:09

英语表达 “take the plunge” 的字面意思是 “纵身跳入水中”，但在日常生活中，它被用来比喻 “下定决心冒险尝试一件困难的事情”。听节目中主持人 Beth 和菲菲用 “take the plunge” 描述自己和身边的人 “下定决心，采取行动” 的经历。By BBC Learning English

1
Learning English Podcast - June 25, 2024 30:00

18d ago30:00

30:00

On today’s podcast, Brazil aims to be a big supplier of rare earth metals to the world; intensive programs to get children to keep a healthy weight are difficult to get into followed by a discussion about that report; then, the present perfect tense on Lesson of the Day.By VOA Learning English

1
#395 My Coming Out Story — Podcast for ADVANCED English Learners: The Courage to Be Yourself, Life Lessons, and the Meaning Behind Pride Month (LGBTQ+) 56:20

18d ago56:20

56:20

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. June is Pride Month! And so in today's episode, we explore topics of LGBTQ+ identity, the courage you need to be yourself. In this conversation, Ethan shares his journey of coming out, reflecting on the challenges and acceptance he faced, highlighting the importance of authenticity a…

1
Bonus episode #107 – Adventure time 30:38

19d ago30:38

30:38

In this episode, Andrew talks about his day exploring Seoul with his wife. He shares their experiences of finding something fun to do on a free Sunday. Andrew describes visiting a crowded restaurant, enjoying Korean rice cakes at a special cafe, and checking out outdoor reading spaces in the city. He talks about spontaneous plans, dealing with the …

1
Learning English Podcast - June 24, 2024 30:00

19d ago30:00

30:00

On today’s podcast, social media is keeping an ancient South Korean tradition alive; there could be a bright ‘new star’ in the sky followed by a discussion about the once-in-a-lifetime event; then present perfect continuous tense on Lesson of the Day.By VOA Learning English

1
Classic Stories: The Piper of Hamelin 5:41

21d ago5:41

5:41

Enjoy a classic story in English and learn 12 uses of 'pay' - in 5 minutes. FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglishFollow us✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS?Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ 6 Minute English✔️ Learning English from the News✔️ Learnin…

1
Simplified Speech #197 – The rat race

22d ago

—

In this Simplified Speech episode, hosts Andrew and Kassy talk about the “rat race.” They discuss what it means, whether their jobs feel like a rat race, and how people might escape it. Kassy chose this topic because of a book she recently read called “Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop.” The conversation turns into an interesting discussion about…

1
“你问我答”：区分表示 “弱” 的四个形容词： fragile、feeble、vulnerable、weak 6:04

24d ago6:04

6:04

一位听众来信询问近义词 “weak、fragile、feeble、vulnerable” 的区别。主持人 Georgie 和佳莹在节目中首先讲解 “weak” 的用法，因为它的用法最多；接着逐一对比其它三个单词和 “weak” 之间的相同和不同之处；最后总结这组近义词的用法。By BBC Learning English

1
The English We Speak: Peaks and troughs 3:16

24d ago3:16

3:16

Ever felt like you’re on the rollercoaster of life and you don’t know a good way to say it? (Image: Getty) TRANSCRIPTFind a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at:https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2024/ep-240617 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:Visit our website✔…

1
“地道英语”：Peaks and troughs 沉浮波折，起起落落 4:16

25d ago4:16

4:16

每个人在人生中都会经历 “peaks（高峰）” 和 “troughs（低谷）”。英语表达 “peaks and troughs” 就可以用来比喻 “人生经历中的沉浮波折，起起落落”。主持人菲菲和 Neil 在节目中分享他们经历过的 “peaks and troughs”，教大家如何使用这个 “地道英语” 表达。By BBC Learning English

1
#394 If I Forgot How to Speak English... THIS is How I Would Go From ZERO to FLUENT Fast — The Method for English Fluency That I Wish I Had as a Student 45:10

25d ago45:10

45:10

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Ever feel like English is this big, scary monster you have to slay? Set aside the textbooks and join us for a fun chat about living your English! This episode is all about turning English into your everyday habit, and not a school subject. We'll crack the code on using shows you alre…

1
Bonus episode #106 – Crazy train 41:14

26d ago41:14

41:14

In this episode, Andrew talks about his recent train journey from Boryeong to Seoul. He shares his experiences of traveling on a crowded train, where he came across a mother and her young children who brought unexpected chaos to the trip. Andrew describes how the children’s behavior affected the other passengers and the surprising reactions from ev…

1
Classic Stories: Hansel and Gretel 4:08

28d ago4:08

4:08

Enjoy a classic story in English and learn 13 uses of 'turn' - in 5 minutes. FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ 6 Minute English ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ …

1
Chatterbox #321 – A talk about Australian wildlife with Joey Clarke

1M ago

—

In this special episode, Andrew is joined by Australian wildlife expert Joey Clarke, Senior Science Communicator at the Australian Wildlife Conservancy. They talk about Australia’s unique animals, conservation efforts, and fire management. Listen to hear fascinating stories about the wildlife of Australia and how it is being protected while improvi…

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