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Learning English Conversations

Learning English Conversations

BBC Radio 809 episodes Nov 10, 2026

Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your English conversations easier. Each week, a new phrase or word is taught for use in conversation. Special series like Beating Speaking Anxiety help improve English conversation skills. More resources are available at bbclearningenglish.com.

Episodes

The English We Speak: You had me at...
The English We Speak: You had me at... Nov 10, 2026 2:15 Learn a fun expression to say that nothing more needs to be said because you are already convinced. Get a free transcript for this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-261109 Explore more programmes for your level: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/And sign up for our free email newsletter to get weekly tips: https://www.bbc.co.
The English We Speak: Here for it
The English We Speak: Here for it Nov 3, 2026 2:36 Here for what exactly? Learn how to show your support for something with this expressionGet a free transcript for this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-261102Explore more programmes for your level: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/And sign up for our free email newsletter to get weekly tips: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220
The English We Speak: In the same breath
The English We Speak: In the same breath Oct 27, 2026 2:31 If you express two ideas using 'in the same breath', you contrast them both and add weight to one. It's used to introduce a contradiction. Though the ideas are different, both could be true, but the latter idea, which comes after 'in the same breath', usually carries more weight. Learn how to use this expression with Becca and Feifei.Get a free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.
The English We Speak: Leave to one's own devices
The English We Speak: Leave to one's own devices Oct 20, 2026 2:34 Sometimes people leave you to do something on your own because they trust you. Sometimes people just don't want to help you. In both of these situations we can say that you are left to your own devices. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.Get a free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-261019Have you
The English We Speak: Try one's patience
The English We Speak: Try one's patience Oct 13, 2026 2:40 Try your patience means 'test your patience'. Find out how to use it here with Phil and Feifei.Get a free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-261012Have you signed up to our email newsletter yet? If not, what are you waiting for?! Get weekly tips from your favourite presenters: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599An
The English We Speak: Sack something off
The English We Speak: Sack something off Oct 6, 2026 2:22 I’ve got too many plans. I’m going to sack them off and just chill out this week! Learn how to use 'sack something off' in this programme with Georgie and Feifei.Get a free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-261005Have you signed up to our email newsletter yet? If not, what are you waiting for?! Get weekly tips from
The English We Speak: In a tizzy
The English We Speak: In a tizzy Sep 29, 2026 2:20 An expression to use when you feel stressed about something small and usually not worth the panic. Learn it here with Georgie and Feifei.Get a free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260928Have you signed up to our email newsletter yet? If not, what are you waiting for?! Get weekly tips from your favourite presenter
The English We Speak: Same person, different font
The English We Speak: Same person, different font Sep 22, 2026 2:39 Same hair, same style, same ways of waking and talking? They might be the 'same person, different font'. Learn how to use this expression with Becca and Feifei.Get a free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260921Have you signed up to our email newsletter yet? If not, what are you waiting for?! Get weekly tips from y
The English We Speak: Hot take
The English We Speak: Hot take Sep 15, 2026 3:26 Do you want to share a surprising opinion? Learn how to use 'hot take' with Feifei and Becca. Get a free transcript to read while you listen here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english//features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260914Get weekly updates and tips for improving your English here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599And check out our new website layout! We've given the homepage a
The English We Speak: Try it on
The English We Speak: Try it on Sep 8, 2026 3:04 Sometimes people lie to try and get away with things. They are just trying It on. Learn how to use 'try it on' with Feifei and Phil. As always, get your free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260907Also on our website, you can practice your listening and speaking: - The Listening Room https://www.bbc.co.uk/learning
The English We Speak: Non-starter
The English We Speak: Non-starter Sep 1, 2026 2:56 Some ideas are just never going to work. Those are what we call 'non-starters'. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.As always, get your free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260831Sign up to our weekly newsletter! Your favourite presenters write you an email with tips and resources to help you im
The English We Speak: No notes
The English We Speak: No notes Aug 25, 2026 2:04 Notes here is about negative feedback, so ‘no notes’ means that something is perfect. Use it when you have nothing negative to say. Learn about this expression and how to use it with Feifei and Georgie.As always, find a free transcript here:✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260824We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:✔

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