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Learning English Conversations

Learning English Conversations

BBC Radio 809 Episodes Aug 18, 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: Say less
The English We Speak: Say less Aug 18, 2026 156 This modern expression is a way of responding enthusiastically to a suggestion. It means something similar to ‘say no more’. Learn when and how to use it with Georgie and Feifei.As always, find a free transcript here:✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260817For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comWe send a newslett
The English We Speak: Share your life story
The English We Speak: Share your life story Aug 11, 2026 198 Think you sometimes over-share unnecessary details? Learn how to use 'share your life story' with Becca and Feifei.As always, find a free transcript here:✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260810For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comWe send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:✔️ https://www.b
The English We Speak: Keep yourself to yourself
The English We Speak: Keep yourself to yourself Aug 4, 2026 157 Learn an expression to use when someone doesn't socialise much with other people and prefers to be alone. You can get a free transcript for this programme here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260803Find programmes to help you improve your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/skillsAn
The English We Speak: One size fits all
The English We Speak: One size fits all Jul 28, 2026 180 This expression was originally just about clothes, but it now it can mean anything that doesn't consider individual needs. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260727For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comWe send a newslett
The English We Speak: Side quest
The English We Speak: Side quest Jul 21, 2026 149 Do you ever get distracted by something fun? A side quest is where you do something that's different to your main task. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.As always, find a free transcript here:✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260721For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comWe send a newsletter w
The English We Speak: Passing Ships
The English We Speak: Passing Ships Jul 14, 2026 161 This phrase comes from a longer idiom, ‘like ships that pass at night’. It’s used when two people have busy schedules, and struggle to find time to meet for more than just a brief encounter. Learn how to use it here, with Georgie and Feifei.Find a free transcript here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260713We send a newsletter with our weekly hig
The English We Speak: Understood the assignment
The English We Speak: Understood the assignment Jul 7, 2026 172 This slang phrase is about knowing what you have to do for a task, and doing it perfectly. Hear examples and learn how to use it in this programme, with Georgie and Feifei.As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260706. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com We send a newsletter
The English We Speak: Onto something
The English We Speak: Onto something Jun 30, 2026 135 Onto something suggests progress or a good idea. Maybe not a complete answer, but you're moving in the right direction. Learn how to use 'onto something' with Becca and Feifei.As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260629.For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comWe send a newslett
The English We Speak: Sell yourself short
The English We Speak: Sell yourself short Jun 23, 2026 151 When we sell ourselves short, we say negative things about ourselves. We undervalue or underestimate ourselves. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca.As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260622.For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comWe send a newsletter with o
The English We Speak: Wrap it up
The English We Speak: Wrap it up Jun 16, 2026 164 Sometimes you just want people to stop. That's one way to use 'wrap it up'. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.Find a free transcript and related programmes here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260615Exams coming up? Practise your skills with BBC Learning English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/skillsSign up to
The English We Speak: Throw ideas at the wall
The English We Speak: Throw ideas at the wall Jun 9, 2026 169 Sometimes you want to come up with ideas without thinking too much. That's when you throw ideas at the wall to see if anything sticks. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260608. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comWe s
The English We Speak: Like a moth to a flame
The English We Speak: Like a moth to a flame Jun 2, 2026 164 Moths are winged insects which are attracted to light sources. Learn the metaphorical use of this expression in this programme 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-260601Practise your listening in The Listening Room. Find it here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/

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