

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

Sep 9, 2025 • 8min
Reminiscing
Dive into a delightful exploration of nostalgia as hosts share cherished memories from their youth. Uncover the art of reminiscing with valuable grammar insights on using 'used to' and 'would' to express past habits. Engaging personal anecdotes evoke feelings of simpler times filled with friends and fun routines. Discover how to articulate your memories in English fluently, while enjoying the warmth of shared experiences. Get ready to reflect and improve your grammar skills!

Sep 2, 2025 • 9min
Preferences
Dive into the fun world of choices as the hosts debate the age-old question: dogs or cats? Explore personal preferences in pets, work, and hobbies with engaging banter. Discover the grammatical nuances of words like 'prefer,' 'would prefer,' and 'would rather' through relatable examples and hypothetical scenarios. Get ready to enhance your conversational skills while reflecting on your own likes and dislikes!

Aug 26, 2025 • 7min
NEW SERIES: To-do lists
Discover the importance of to-do lists in managing tasks effectively. The hosts share personal stories while diving into useful English phrases like 'have to' and 'got to'. Enjoy engaging grammar games that clarify 'need to do' versus 'needs doing'. This episode not only boosts your language skills but also makes task management fun!

Aug 19, 2025 • 7min
Linking devices: cause and effect
Explore the power of linking devices to connect contrasting ideas in sentences. Discover how to use conjunctions like 'but' and 'although' effectively for clarity. Delve into the nuances between 'despite' and 'in spite of' to convey unexpected information. The podcast also offers quizzes to test your understanding, making grammar learning both engaging and practical.

Aug 12, 2025 • 7min
The third conditional
Dive into the intriguing realm of the third conditional! Discover how to express hypothetical past scenarios you didn't act on. Structured examples help clarify sentence construction and illustrate the flexibility of word order. Engage with a quiz to test your understanding and pick up handy tips for usage. It's a fascinating way to reflect on 'what could have been' in your conversations!

5 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 7min
Adjectives and adverbs
Discover how chocolate biscuits can make learning about adjectives and adverbs a treat! Explore the unique roles these parts of speech play in modifying nouns and verbs. Engage with quizzes that test your understanding of grammar in a fun way. Learn the difference between adjectives and adverbs with practical examples that bring your English skills to life. Get ready to enhance your language abilities while enjoying some tasty inspiration!

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
The podcast dives into the fascinating world of phrasal and prepositional verbs. Listeners learn how these verb forms can change meanings, with engaging examples like 'meet up.' It highlights the grammatical rules for using these verbs and discusses their impact on clear communication. An interactive quiz adds a fun twist while reinforcing the learning. Plus, there's a nod to the importance of friendships for mental health, connecting language learning with social well-being.