

Learning English Grammar
BBC Radio
Learn English grammar with these short programmes. Each episode explores a new piece of grammar you need to improve your English. Find more at bbclearningenglish.comFollow us at
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Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 29, 2025 • 6min
The past perfect
Explore the intricacies of the past perfect tense and how it shapes our understanding of time in storytelling. Discover the nuances that differentiate it from the past simple tense. Fun examples bring clarity, and a quiz adds a touch of interactivity. Learn to avoid common pitfalls while mastering this essential grammar tool. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their English skills!

Jul 22, 2025 • 7min
Modals of deduction and speculation
Explore how modal verbs help us guess about past events and analyze the intriguing world of fossil discoveries. Delve into recent finds in China and Taiwan that might reveal unknown human species or interbreeding patterns. Learn how words like 'must,' 'can't,' 'might,' and 'may' paint a picture of uncertainty and possibility in scientific discussions. Engage with quizzes that challenge your understanding and deepen your grasp of deduction and speculation in everyday conversations.

Jul 15, 2025 • 7min
First and zero conditional
Dive into the fascinating world of zero and first conditional sentences! Discover relatable examples, including a sweet twist with chocolate. The hosts break down the differences between certainty and uncertainty in conditionals, providing clarity on their usage. Learn common mistakes and receive handy tips for crafting accurate sentences. Plus, challenge yourself with a quiz at the end to test your newfound knowledge!

Jul 8, 2025 • 7min
Phrasals
To separate or not to separate? We look into phrasal and prepositional verbs.Find our other podcasts by searching BBC Learning English in your favourite podcast app, or following this link:
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Jul 1, 2025 • 7min
Quantifiers
Learn how to use 'both', 'every', 'all', 'each', 'either' and 'neither'. Subscribe to our newsletter
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersFIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:Visit our website
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✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followusLIKE PODCASTS?Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning Easy English
✔️ Learning English from the News
✔️ Learning English StoriesThey're all available by searching in your podcast app.

Jun 24, 2025 • 6min
Present perfect continuous
Neil's got paint all over his clothes. What's he been doing? Subscribe to our newsletter
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters Video series about tenses
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/tenses_with_georgieFIND 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:
✔️ Learning Easy English
✔️ Learning English from the News
✔️ Learning English Stories They're all available by searching in your podcast app.

Jun 17, 2025 • 6min
Present tenses
Discover the fascinating world of present tenses through engaging anecdotes and practical examples. Learn how the present simple conveys facts and habits, while the present continuous describes ongoing actions. Dive into the present perfect, exploring terms like 'ever,' 'never,' and 'yet' in relatable contexts. The interactive quiz adds a fun twist, reinforcing your grasp of these essential grammatical structures.

Jun 10, 2025 • 6min
'Can', 'could', 'be able to', 'manage to'
Dive into the world of modal verbs! Discover how to express ability with 'can', 'could', 'be able to', and 'manage to'. Enjoy practical examples and useful tips that clarify their contexts. Test your understanding with engaging quizzes designed to reinforce what you've learned. Whether discussing present skills or past experiences, this exploration makes mastering these verbs fun and informative!

14 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 6min
'Used to' and 'would'
Discover the quirky tale of a child who sleepwalked, showcasing the 'used to' and 'would' structures. Dive into grammar as the hosts break down how these expressions describe past habits and recurring actions. Engaging anecdotes and relatable examples illuminate the differences between them. Plus, a fun quiz helps listeners test their knowledge, ensuring they grasp these essential concepts. Tune in for a blend of laughter and learning!

May 27, 2025 • 6min
Will, going to, might
Dive into the intricacies of discussing the future in English! Discover the differences between 'will', 'going to', 'might', and 'be likely to'. Learn how to express certainty versus uncertainty with engaging examples. The hosts also tackle modal verbs and challenge your understanding with a fun quiz. It's an enlightening exploration of future expressions that will enhance your conversational skills!