

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

Jan 13, 2026 • 8min
First dates
Pippa’s date leads to a lively discussion on dating dynamics. Personal stories highlight the highs and lows of relationships. Learn essential phrasal verbs like 'get on' and 'hit it off,' with clear examples. Georgie dives into the fun world of separable and inseparable verbs, revealing how to use phrases effectively. Plus, there's an interactive exercise to test your knowledge! Whether you're navigating friendships or serious commitments, this conversation offers valuable insights and grammar tips.

7 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 9min
A stolen guitar
Neil shares a humorous account of his electric guitar being stolen during university days. Pippa recounts witnessing a shop break-in, complete with police drama. The conversation shifts to the intricacies of the passive voice, with Georgie explaining how it emphasizes actions over the doer. Listeners also learn how to form passive verbs and practice with a playful crime story. The episode wraps up with valuable resources for mastering grammar while delving into crime-related tales.

Dec 30, 2025 • 8min
The great outdoors
Do you enjoy climbing mountains and swimming in lakes? Beth and Phil talk about being outdoors, and our grammar guru Georgie explains how to use articles like 'a', 'an' and 'the'. TRANSCRIPT AND WORKSHEET:
Find a full transcript for this episode and a worksheet
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8 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 9min
Highs and lows
Curious about unusual foods and incredible travel stories? Discover the most amazing places the hosts have visited! Delve into the world of superlatives as they break down how to use terms like 'furthest' and 'most unusual.' Learn the rules behind forming superlatives, including when to use '-est' versus 'most.' They also clarify the importance of always using 'the' with superlatives and tackle some tricky irregular forms. Get ready for a fun mix of grammar and personal anecdotes!

6 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 8min
Holiday habits
Pippa and Phil dive into the world of holiday planning, exploring whether you're a detailed planner or a spontaneous traveler. They cover the nuances of using 'tend to,' 'will,' and 'might' in everyday conversation. Georgie breaks down the grammar behind these phrases, explaining how they relate to habitual behaviors and possibilities. Listeners engage with a fun game to practice these concepts. Discover how your travel habits reflect who you are and enrich your understanding of English grammar!

5 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 7min
Gossip
Gossiping is both fun and complex! The hosts delve into office gossip and the art of speculation. Learn about using 'may' and 'might' to express uncertainty in different contexts, including past events. The distinction between reported speech and direct quotes is essential in conveying the right message. Plus, there's a playful game to practice these grammar points in everyday scenarios. Tune in for juicy stories and grammatical insights that make gossip even more intriguing!

7 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 9min
Learning to cook
Ever wondered what culinary skills you had before actually learning to cook? Hosts dive into their personal cooking memories and share amusing anecdotes. They explore the past perfect tense, showing how it relates to past cooking experiences. Our grammar expert clarifies how to use adverbs like 'previously' and 'properly' with the past perfect. The conversation wraps up with a fun practice session correcting sentences, making grammar engaging and tasty!

Nov 25, 2025 • 8min
Secrets and surprises
Uncover the language of curiosity as the hosts dive into personal surprises, from a friend's unexpected chicken order to a doppelgänger sighting in Barcelona. Listen in as Pippa shares her boyfriend's odd behavior that leads to a romantic proposal, while Phil recounts a surprise birthday revelation involving sneaky phone searches. The grammar guru Georgie clarifies how to use sense verbs effectively, with practical examples and a fun game to practice noticing unusual behaviors. It's a delightful blend of stories and grammar tips!

Nov 18, 2025 • 8min
Life advice
Discover the art of giving advice through engaging examples! The hosts share their best life tips while exploring the grammar of 'try.' Learn when to use 'try to' versus 'try + -ing,' with insights from various guests. Hear a memorable story about waiting for the next train that highlights the value of patience. A fun practice game helps reinforce the grammar in practical scenarios. Wrap up with a recap of the key rules for using 'try' effectively!

Nov 11, 2025 • 8min
Emotions
The hosts dive into the intricacies of emotions and the grammar to express them. They share personal anecdotes about laughter and tears, including a hilarious story about anger interrupted by dog poo. Everyday frustrations, like feet on seats in public transport, spark discussions on common triggers. Grammar guru Georgie breaks down phrases like 'make someone do something,' 'on the verge of,' and 'about to,' ensuring listeners grasp their usage through engaging quizzes and shared stories.


