American English With Brent

Is Melania Trump's English really "not good enough," as some people claim? Join me in this lesson as we analyze her speech patterns to learn important vocabulary and grammar from the news.📝 Read the news more easily with this Free News Vocabulary Guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2Bonus English: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/usbrent/subscribeOriginal News: https://youtu.be/9OdWJe5lKk0?si=Xn-ExNDz0mNUQi161. PluggingDefinition: (Informal) To talk about a product, book, or movie publicly to encourage people to buy or watch it (promoting/advertising).Example: The actor was on the talk show plugging his new action movie.2. RiotsDefinition: A violent situation where a large crowd of people behaves badly in a public place.Example: The police stopped the riots in the city center after the angry protest.3. Monster (Big)Definition: Used as an adjective to describe something that is huge or very successful.Example: The hurricane was a monster storm that covered the whole state.4. PreciousDefinition: Very valuable, loved, or important.Example: Her grandmother gave her a precious gold ring for her birthday.5. Camp Mystic (Texas)Definition: The specific name of a summer camp (a place children go for activities during summer holiday).Example: She spent her summers swimming and hiking at Camp Mystic.6. Palisades Fire (California)Definition: The specific name of a large wildfire (forest fire) that happened in California.Example: The smoke from the Palisades Fire could be seen from miles away.7. CompassionDefinition: A strong feeling of sympathy for people who are suffering and a desire to help them.Example: The nurse showed great compassion for her sick patients.8. AssistanceDefinition: Help or support.Example: If you need assistance with your homework, please ask the teacher.9. Pull Back the CurtainDefinition: (Idiom) To reveal the truth or show what happens behind the scenes (secretly).Example: This documentary will pull back the curtain on how the government really works.10. Trailer (Movie)Definition: A short video advertisement for a new film.Example: The trailer was so exciting that I want to see the movie immediately.11. A Private PersonDefinition: Someone who likes to keep their personal life secret and does not talk much about their feelings.Example: Even though she is famous, she is a very private person and stays home often.12. First LadyDefinition: The wife of the President of the United States.Example: The First Lady gave a speech about education at the school.13. East WingDefinition: The part of the White House where the First Lady has her offices and staff.Example: The First Lady held a meeting with her team in the East Wing.14. InaugurationDefinition: A special ceremony to officially mark the beginning of a new leader's term of office.Example: Millions of people watched the President's inauguration on television in January.15. In One TakeDefinition: Filming a scene for a movie or video perfectly the first time, without stopping or repeating it.Example: The actor was so prepared that he filmed the difficult scene in one take.16. That Was A PlusDefinition: That was an advantage or a good thing.Example: The hotel was cheap, and it was near the beach, so that was a plus.17. The RotundaDefinition: A round building or room, often with a dome (rounded roof), usually found in government buildings like the U.S. Capitol.Example: The statue was placed in the center of the Rotunda for everyone to see.18. Air Force OneDefinition: The official airplane used by the President of the United States.Example: The President waved to the crowd before getting on Air Force One.19. CordialDefinition: Friendly, but polite and formal (not overly close).Example: The two leaders had a cordial meeting, even though they disagree on politics.

📝 Read the news more easily with this Free News Vocabulary Guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2

A news clip about an ICE shooting in Minnesota is used to teach advanced vocabulary and phrasal verbs. The lesson highlights emotionally charged reactions and the language reporters use to frame political narratives. Key terms include government agencies, urgent pleas, and phrases describing changing or volatile situations.

Learn essential English weather vocabulary as we analyze the breaking news about the historic winter storm impacting 130 million Americans. In this lesson, I break down the report to help you understand and use the phrases native speakers use to describe extreme cold and snow.📝 Read the news more easily with this Free News Vocabulary Guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2Original Newscast: https://youtu.be/o8d7Y9Ut8AA?si=6f0QUI7x_lnnq-DNThe Vocabulary List1. Alerts * Definition: Warnings or short messages that tell you about danger or important news. * Example: My phone sent loud weather alerts to warn us about the coming snowstorm.2. To Span * Definition: To cover a specific distance, area, or amount of time. * Example: The heavy rain is expected to span the entire weekend, from Friday to Sunday.3. Metro * Definition: Short for "metropolitan." It relates to a large city and the towns around it. * Example: The storm will affect the entire metro area, so city buses might stop running.4. Prepping * Definition: (Informal) Preparing; getting ready for something. * Example: We are prepping for the cold weather by buying extra food and blankets.5. Crippling * Definition: Causing severe damage or stopping something from working properly. * Example: The ice storm caused a crippling traffic jam that stopped cars for hours.6. Salmon * Definition: A large fish with pink meat that swims from the sea into rivers. * Example: Bears in the north often catch salmon in the river to eat.7. Tumbled * Definition: To fall down quickly or suddenly. (In weather, it often means temperature dropping). * Example: Last night, the temperature tumbled rapidly to -10 degrees.8. Northern Plains * Definition: A large, flat region in the northern central part of the United States. * Example: The Northern Plains are famous for having very cold and windy winters.9. Wind Chill * Definition: A measurement of how cold the air feels on your skin because of the wind. * Example: The thermometer says it is zero degrees, but the wind chill makes it feel like minus twenty.10. Incomprehensible * Definition: Impossible to understand. * Example: The cold was so extreme it was almost incomprehensible to people who live in warm places.11. Phenomenon * Definition: An unusual or interesting fact or event that can be observed. * Example: The Northern Lights are a beautiful natural phenomenon.12. Sap (trees) * Definition: The liquid inside a plant or tree that carries food and water. * Example: In the spring, people collect sap from maple trees to make syrup.13. Expands * Definition: To become larger in size. * Example: Water expands when it freezes into ice.14. Tree Trunks * Definition: The main, thick, wooden stem of a tree. * Example: The strong wind blew so hard that it snapped the tree trunks in half.15. Frigid * Definition: Extremely cold. * Example: The water in the lake was too frigid for swimming.16. Scrambling * Definition: Moving or acting quickly, often in a rushed or panicked way. * Example: Everyone was scrambling to finish their work before the power went out.17. Potential * Definition: The possibility that something might happen or develop in the future. * Example: There is a potential for heavy snow later this evening.18. Anxiety * Definition: A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. * Example: The news about the bad weather caused a lot of anxiety for travelers.19. Looms * Definition: To appear as a large, threatening shape; or when a scary event is about to happen. * Example: A dangerous storm looms on the horizon.20. Power Grid * Definition: The system of wires and stations that delivers electricity to a large area. * Example: If the ice breaks the electrical lines, the entire power grid could fail.21. Anticipate * Definition: To expect or predict that something will happen. * Example: We anticipate that schools will be closed tomorrow due to the snow.

In this English lesson, we break down a news report about the disputed death toll in Iran to help you understand advanced media vocabulary. You’ll learn how to read complex headlines and master the terms journalists use to discuss uncertainty.📝 Read the news more easily with this Free News Vocabulary Guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2🎮 Vocabulary Game: https://gemini.google.com/share/dee86085d7121. WidespreadDefinition: Happening in many places or affecting many people.Example: The flu was widespread at the school, so many students stayed home sick.2. Rocked (shocked)Definition: To shock or upset people very much.Example: The small town was rocked by the news of the mayor's sudden death.3. AdmitDefinition: To agree that something is true, often when you do not want to.Example: I had to admit that I made a mistake on the math test.4. Stands (stays)Definition: To stay the same; to remain valid.Example: The manager said the job offer stands until Friday, so I have time to decide.5. Iran's Supreme LeaderDefinition: The most powerful political and religious leader in the country of Iran.Example: The news reporter discussed the latest speech given by Iran's Supreme Leader.6. SeditionDefinition: Actions or speech that encourage people to fight against the government.Example: The man was arrested for sedition after telling people to attack the capital city.7. UnequivocallyDefinition: Very clearly; with no doubt at all.Example: The teacher stated unequivocally that cheating is not allowed in her class.8. 40-odd YearsDefinition: About 40 years (maybe a little more or less).Example: They have lived in that same house for 40-odd years.9. DiasporaDefinition: A group of people who live outside their original home country but keep their culture.Example: There is a large Italian diaspora in New York City that celebrates Italian traditions.10. Reza PahlaviDefinition: The son of the former king of Iran and a famous leader against the current government.Example: Many Iranians living abroad listen to speeches by Reza Pahlavi.11. ExiledDefinition: Forced to leave your home country and not allowed to return.Example: The political leader was exiled and had to live in France for ten years.12. ThugsDefinition: Violent criminals or aggressive people.Example: A group of thugs broke the store windows last night.13. Lashing OutDefinition: To suddenly speak or act in an angry way at someone.Example: He was tired and stressed, so he started lashing out at his friends for no reason.14. ClingDefinition: To hold onto something or someone very tightly.Example: The scared child tried to cling to her father’s hand.15. RetreatedDefinition: To move back or go away to be safe.Example: The army retreated when they realized they could not win the battle.16. Regime ChangeDefinition: Replacing a government with a new one.Example: The citizens protested in the streets because they wanted a regime change.17. AssetsDefinition: Things of value that you own, like money, a house, or a car.Example: The bank looked at all his assets before giving him a loan.18. DelayDefinition: A situation where something happens later than planned.Example: There was a two-hour delay at the airport because of the snow.19. RegionalDefinition: Related to a specific area or part of a country.Example: This restaurant serves regional food that you can only find in the south of France.20. Major RoleDefinition: An important part or position in something.Example: She played a major role in organizing the surprise birthday party.

Things are getting crazy in the U.S., so let's use this dramatic news story to take your English to the next level. Watch the clip and learn exactly how native speakers use phrases like 'on top of that' and 'cut it out' in tense situations.📝 If you want to review the words from today's lesson, click the link below to download my Free News Vocabulary Guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2News clip: https://youtu.be/x3Bwxzao2bk?si=M5mQywY4Pwl8Hn7N1. Watch Out * Definition: To be careful because there might be danger. * Example: "Watch out! That car is driving very fast."2. Cut it Off * Definition: To stop a supply of something (like electricity or money) or to drive in front of a car dangerously. * Example: "The electric company will cut off the power if you don't pay the bill."3. Cut it out * Definition: A phrase used to tell someone to stop doing something annoying. * Example: "Please cut it out! Your loud music is giving me a headache."4. Ramming * Definition: Hitting into something with a lot of force. * Example: "The boat was damaged after ramming into the dock during the storm."5. On Top of (meaning: adding) * Definition: In addition to something; also. * Example: "He has to work late tonight, and on top of that, he has to cook dinner when he gets home."6. Rhetoric * Definition: Language used to persuade or influence people, often used by politicians. * Example: "The politician used angry rhetoric to make the crowd excited."7. Tim Walz * Definition: An American politician who is the Governor of Minnesota. * Example: "Tim Walz gave a speech on TV about the new laws in his state."8. Gestapo * Definition: The secret police in Nazi Germany known for being cruel. (People sometimes use this word today to describe police who act too aggressively). * Example: "We learned in history class that the Gestapo controlled people through fear."9. Impede * Definition: To slow something down or make movement difficult. * Example: "The heavy snow will impede traffic on the highway today."10. Obstruct * Definition: To block a path or road so nothing can pass. * Example: "A fallen tree obstructed the road, so we had to turn around."11. Mainstream Media * Definition: Large news organizations (like big TV channels and newspapers) that most people watch. * Example: "Some people do not trust the mainstream media to tell the whole truth."12. Apprehend * Definition: To catch and arrest someone (usually used for police). * Example: "The police were finally able to apprehend the bank robber after a long chase."13. Facing (meaning: trouble) * Definition: Dealing with a difficult situation or problem. * Example: "The company is facing serious money problems this year."14. Impediments * Definition: Things that make it difficult to do something; obstacles. * Example: "Not knowing the language is one of the biggest impediments to finding a job in a new country."15. Constant * Definition: Happening all the time without stopping. * Example: "The constant noise from the construction site is very annoying."16. Folks * Definition: A friendly, informal word for "people." * Example: "Hello folks! Welcome to our town."17. Confront * Definition: To face a person or problem directly, often to argue or complain. * Example: "I need to confront my neighbor because his dog barks all night."

President Trump has sparked a diplomatic crisis by doubling down on threats to use military force to annex Greenland from Denmark. Watch this breakdown of the shocking ultimatum to understand why the U.S. wants to purchase the territory and how this move could threaten the NATO alliance.📝 If you want to review the words from today's lesson, click the link below to download my Free News Vocabulary Guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2📺 Original News Clip: https://youtu.be/EphehaHs2Os?si=12OymKo7rBVmBDU_1. TakeoverDefinition: When one group gets control of another group (like a company).Example: The big company wants a takeover of the small store.2. TargetDefinition: The thing or person you want to hit or reach.Example: Our sales target for this month is very high.3. InvestDefinition: To use money now to make more money later.Example: I want to invest my money in a new business.4. Doubling DownDefinition: To try even harder to do something; to not change your mind.Example: He is doubling down and refuses to change his plan.5. AnnexDefinition: To take land from another country and make it yours.Example: The country wants to annex the island.6. TargetingDefinition: Picking or choosing someone to focus on.Example: The ads are targeting people who like sports.7. AllyDefinition: A friend or partner (usually a country).Example: Canada is an ally of the United States.8. TerritoryDefinition: Land that belongs to a government.Example: Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory.9. RejectingDefinition: Saying "no" to something.Example: She is rejecting the job offer because the pay is low.10. ThreatsDefinition: Promising to hurt or punish someone.Example: The bulky man made threats to fight us.11. Ruled OutDefinition: Decided that something will not happen.Example: We ruled out going to the beach because of the rain.12. PurchaseDefinition: To buy.Example: Did you purchase a ticket for the movie?13. InvadeDefinition: To enter a place with an army to take control.Example: The army plans to invade the city tomorrow.14. ExecutivesDefinition: Important bosses or managers in a company.Example: The executives fly in first class.15. UrgedDefinition: Tried hard to persuade someone to do something.Example: My mom urged me to eat more vegetables.16. SecurityDefinition: Safety; protection from danger.Example: The bank has good security so nobody can steal money.17. HesitancyDefinition: Waiting before acting because you are not sure.Example: I felt some hesitancy before jumping into the cold water.18. ContractsDefinition: Official papers that promise something.Example: The players signed their contracts for the new season.19. FrameworkDefinition: The basic plan or structure of something.Example: We have a framework for the essay, but we need to write the details.20. UninvestableDefinition: Not a good place to put your money.Example: This old house is uninvestable because it is broken.21. Stressed (verb)Definition: Said clearly that something is very important.Example: The teacher stressed that we must be on time.22. AllianceDefinition: A group of countries or people working together as a team.Example: The two countries formed an alliance to stop the war.

Shocking images of violence and unrest are coming out of the United States, but do you have the vocabulary to understand what is really happening? In this English lesson, we break down the news reports to help you master advanced words related to protests, riots, and civil conflict.📝 If you want to review the words from today's lesson, click the link below to download my Free News Vocabulary Guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f21. Tensions * Definition: Bad feelings between people or groups that might lead to a fight. * Example: There are tensions between the two neighbors because of the loud music.2. Crackdown * Definition: Serious action by the police or government to stop bad behavior. * Example: The school started a crackdown on cell phone use in class.3. Columbus, Ohio * Definition: A large city in the United States (the capital city of Ohio). * Example: My cousin lives in Columbus, Ohio.4. Fatal * Definition: Causing death. * Example: The accident was fatal; sadly, the driver died.5. Kicked Off (started) * Definition: Started or began. * Example: The soccer game kicked off at 3:00 PM.6. DHS * Definition: The "Department of Homeland Security." It is a US government group that keeps the country safe. * Example: The DHS checks passports at the airport.7. A Traffic Stop * Definition: When police force a driver to stop their car to check for a problem. * Example: He got a ticket for speeding during a traffic stop.8. Undocumented * Definition: Not having official papers to live or work in a country. * Example: It is difficult for undocumented people to get a driver’s license.9. Convicted * Definition: Found guilty of a crime by a court. * Example: He was convicted of stealing the money.10. Dragged * Definition: Pulled something heavy along the ground. * Example: I dragged the heavy bag into the house.11. Fateful moment * Definition: A specific time that changes the future forever. * Example: Meeting his wife was a fateful moment in his life.12. SUV * Definition: A large car that is good for families. * Example: We put all our luggage in the back of the SUV.13. Approach * Definition: To come closer to something. * Example: The train will approach the station soon.14. Reverses * Definition: Drives backward. * Example: Look behind you before the car reverses.15. Accelerating * Definition: Going faster. * Example: The plane is accelerating down the runway.16. Rare * Definition: Not common; very hard to find. * Example: Snow is very rare in the desert.17. Radicalized * Definition: Made to believe in extreme or dangerous ideas. * Example: The young man was radicalized by angry videos he saw online.18. Pressed (asked) * Definition: Asked many times or pushed for an answer. * Example: The reporter pressed the President for an answer.19. Risk * Definition: A chance that something bad or dangerous might happen. * Example: There is a risk of rain tomorrow.20. Deranged * Definition: Crazy; acting very strangely. * Example: The man was acting deranged and yelling at the wall.21. Leftist * Definition: A person who supports liberal political ideas (usually wanting social change). * Example: The leftist group wants the government to pay for college.22. Obstruct * Definition: To block or get in the way. * Example: Do not obstruct the door; people need to get out.23. Tragedy * Definition: A very sad event where people often die or get hurt. * Example: The sinking of the Titanic was a huge tragedy.24. Frustration * Definition: Feeling angry or upset because you cannot do what you want. * Example: I shouted in frustration when I lost my keys.25. Passed Judgment * Definition: Gave a strong opinion saying something is good or bad. * Example: The teacher passed judgment on the student's poor behavior.

In this English lesson, we discuss the shocking event in Minneapolis where the Mayor told federal agents to leave the city after a tragic shooting. We will learn important vocabulary words like "chaos," "spin," and "distrust" to help you talk about this difficult news story.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code NewYear for 25% off. Vocabulary List: Definitions & Examples * Swirling around * Definition: Moving in circles; often used when many rumors or stories are being talked about. * Sentence: There are many rumors swirling around about the new office rules. * Collectively * Definition: Done by people acting together as a group. * Sentence: The students collectively decided to ask for a longer break. * Get to the bottom of this * Definition: To find the real cause or the truth of a problem. * Sentence: I don't know why the car won't start, but I will get to the bottom of this. * Get justice * Definition: To get a fair result or punishment after something bad or illegal happens. * Sentence: The family is going to court because they want to get justice. * Dreaded * Definition: Something that makes you feel very worried, bored, or afraid. * Sentence: It is finally time for the dreaded Monday morning meeting. * Internally * Definition: Inside something (like a person's mind or inside a company). * Sentence: He looked happy, but internally he was feeling very sad. * Chaos * Definition: A situation where there is no order and everything is confusing. * Sentence: It was total chaos at the mall during the holiday sale. * Distrust * Definition: The feeling that you cannot believe or rely on someone. * Sentence: There is a lot of distrust between the two neighbors. * Spin this (Politics) * Definition: To tell a story in a way that makes a person look good, even if the situation is bad. * Sentence: The politician tried to spin this mistake to make it look like a good idea. * Self-defense * Definition: Protecting yourself from harm or an attack. * Sentence: He took a class to learn how to use self-defense. * Recklessly * Definition: Doing something dangerous without caring about the results or safety. * Sentence: He was driving recklessly and almost hit a tree. * Priorities * Definition: The things that are most important and should be done first. * Sentence: My priorities this year are finishing school and finding a job. * Problematic * Definition: Something that causes problems or is difficult to deal with. * Sentence: The lack of clean water in the city is very problematic. * Culture * Definition: The habits, traditions, and beliefs of a specific group of people. * Sentence: I love traveling to different countries to learn about their culture. * That's on you * Definition: A phrase used to say that something is your responsibility or your fault. * Sentence: I warned you to bring a jacket; if you are cold now, that's on you.

The shocking capture of Nicolas Maduro has the world wondering if the leaders of Cuba or Colombia are next on the U.S. target list. In this English lesson, we break down the vocabulary behind this developing story and discuss who might be the next to fall.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code NewYear for 25% off. 1. Striking SimilaritiesDefinition: Looking very much alike.Example: The two brothers have striking similarities; they have the same nose and eyes.2. InterventionDefinition: Stepping in to fix a problem.Example: The fight was bad, so it needed the teacher's intervention to stop it.3. ObligationDefinition: Something you have to do; a duty.Example: It is your obligation to pay your taxes every year.4. SafeguardDefinition: To keep something safe.Example: We wear helmets to safeguard our heads while biking.5. General NoriegaDefinition: A former military leader of Panama who was arrested by the U.S.Example: General Noriega was sent to prison for his crimes.6. Bring to JusticeDefinition: To catch a criminal and punish them in court.Example: The police worked hard to bring the thief to justice.7. AssaultDefinition: Attacking or hurting someone physically.Example: He went to jail for assault after hitting a man in the street.8. To the DayDefinition: Exactly on that specific date.Example: We have been married for 20 years to the day.9. CapturedDefinition: Caught by the police or an enemy.Example: The mouse was captured in the trap.10. Drug TraffickingDefinition: Moving and selling illegal drugs.Example: He was arrested at the airport for drug trafficking.11. Mixed ResultsDefinition: Some good things happened, but some bad things happened too.Example: The new rule had mixed results; some people liked it, but others hated it.12. Cost DearlyDefinition: To pay a very high price (in money or pain).Example: His mistake cost him dearly; he lost his job and his house.13. UnderminedDefinition: Made weak slowly over time.Example: The rain undermined the wall, and it eventually fell down.14. StabilityDefinition: Being safe, steady, and not changing.Example: Children need stability at home to feel safe.15. ChavezDefinition: Hugo Chávez, a famous former leader of Venezuela.Example: Many people in Venezuela still talk about President Chavez.16. BuoyedDefinition: Held up; made to feel happier or stronger.Example: The good news buoyed his spirits.17. Eff Around and Find OutDefinition: (Slang) If you do something bad, you will get a bad result.Example: Do not tease that bear, or you will eff around and find out.18. AdversariesDefinition: Enemies.Example: In the game, the two teams are adversaries.19. On NoticeDefinition: To be warned that you are in trouble.Example: The bad student was put on notice that he might be expelled.20. Inject our WillDefinition: To force others to do what we want.Example: The boss tried to inject his will on the team, but they ignored him.21. CrosshairsDefinition: Being the target (like in the scope of a gun).Example: The politician is in the crosshairs of the news reporters.22. Warning Shot Across the BowDefinition: A final warning before attacking.Example: The teacher gave a warning shot across the bow before calling the parents.23. Suffice it to SayDefinition: Short version: "I will just say this..."Example: Suffice it to say, the party was a disaster.24. IncompetentDefinition: Bad at your job.Example: The incompetent waiter dropped our food three times.25. SenileDefinition: Losing memory or mental power because of old age.Example: My dog is getting senile and forgets where his food bowl is.