American English With Brent

Brent
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Nov 12, 2025 • 11min

Want to Sound American? 🇺🇸 Learn These 10 Veterans Day Words!

Every year on November 11, people in the United States celebrate Veterans Day to honor those who served in the military. In this lesson, you’ll learn the history, traditions, and important English words used to talk about this national holiday.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. Veteran – Someone who served in the military. : My grandfather is a veteran who served in the Army.Military – The armed forces of a country. : The military protects the country.Serve – To work for your country, especially in the military. : Many men and women serve in the U.S. military.Honor – To show respect and thanks. : We honor our veterans for their bravery.Sacrifice – Giving up something important to help others. : Veterans made many sacrifices like leaving their families to keep us safe.Ceremony – A special event to remember or celebrate something. : There was a Veterans Day ceremony at the park.Memorial – A place built to remember someone or something important. : We visited the war memorial to lay flowers.Freedom – The right to live and speak freely. : Veterans helped protect our freedom.Parade – A public celebration with marching bands and flags. : The Veterans Day parade went through the city streets.Courage – Being brave even when it’s hard or scary. : Soldiers show great courage during war.
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Nov 10, 2025 • 16min

Don’t Come to the U.S. Right Now: News In English Explained ✈️

In this English lesson, you will learn terms that you might see on the IELTS or TOEFL exam. Together, we will watch a news clip that uses some very advanced terms.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. Click for bonus English: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/usbrent/subscribe🦱 Want a hair transplant? Use Brent10 for 10% off: +90 538 545 34 42 on WhatsApp1. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration): The government agency that controls and oversees all air travel and safety in the United States. : The FAA makes sure airplanes fly safely in the sky.2. Bracing: Preparing yourself for something difficult or unpleasant. : She took a deep breath, bracing herself for bad news.3. Cancellations: The act of stopping or calling off something that was planned. : There were many flight cancellations because of the storm.4. Delays: When something happens later than expected. : Our flight had a two-hour delay.5. Sole: Only; not shared with others. : She was the sole passenger on the small plane.6. In the Coming Days: During the next few days; soon. : The weather will get colder in the coming days.7. Lead To: To cause something to happen. : Bad weather can lead to flight delays.: Improving your English can lead to a better job. 8. Systematic Way: A method that is organized and follows clear steps. : The TSA checks bags in a systematic way to keep everyone safe.9. Obtaining: Getting or gaining something, especially through effort. : He is obtaining his pilot’s license this year.10. Air Traffic Controllers: People who manage airplane takeoffs and landings to keep flights safe. : Air traffic controllers guide pilots through bad weather.11. Staffing Shortages: When there are not enough workers to do the needed jobs. : Staffing shortages at airports cause long lines.12. TSA (Transportation Security Administration): The U.S. government agency that checks passengers and luggage before flights. : The TSA makes sure no dangerous items are brought onto airplanes.13. Checkpoints: Places where security officers check passengers or vehicles. : We went through two TSA checkpoints before boarding the plane.14. Strain: Pressure or stress that makes something or someone work too hard. : The rope began to strain under the heavy weight.: Don’t lift that heavy box — you might strain your back.15. Exponentially: Increasing very fast; growing more and more quickly. : Her English skills are improving exponentially because she studies every day.: Gas prices rose exponentially last summer.16. Exhausted: Very tired; having no energy left. : After waiting all night for her flight, she felt exhausted.17. Compromise: An agreement where each side gives up something to solve a problem. : They made a compromise so that both teams could use the field.
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Nov 8, 2025 • 17min

Everyday Noises in English: 39 Things for IELTS and TOEFL

Sound is everywhere — from a door slamming to thunder rolling across the sky. In this lesson, you’ll learn English words and expressions to describe all kinds of noises, from quiet buzzes to deafening booms.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. 💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinBang – A sudden, loud noise. The window closed with a loud bang during the storm.Boom – A deep, loud sound. We heard a big boom when the fireworks started.Crash – A loud breaking sound. The plates fell off the shelf and made a crash.Clang – A loud metal sound. The metal gate closed with a clang.Rattle – A fast shaking sound. The keys rattled in her pocket as she walked.Thud – A heavy, dull sound. The basketball hit the floor with a thud.Pop – A small, sharp sound. The balloon suddenly went pop at the party.Slam – To close loudly. He slammed the door because he was angry.Buzz – A humming sound. A fly buzzed around my head all morning.Whistle – A high, shrill sound. The referee whistled to stop the game.Shout – To speak very loudly. She had to shout so her friend could hear over the music.Yell – Another word for shout. The coach yelled instructions to the team.Cheer – Loud happy shouting. The fans cheered when their team scored a goal.Applause – Clapping hands loudly. The singer smiled as the crowd’s applause grew louder.Chant – Repeated singing or shouting. The protesters chanted for change in the city square.Belt out – To sing with power. He loves to belt out songs in the shower.Blare – Music played very loudly. Music blared from the speakers at the party.Blast – To play sound very loud. They blasted rock music while cleaning the garage.“Have a blast” is another way to say you are having fun.Roar (crowd) – A deep, loud noise from many people. The stadium roared when the team won.Echo – A sound that repeats. Her voice echoed in the empty hall.Engine – The loud part of a car. The car’s engine made a loud noise when it started.Horn – Car warning sound. The driver honked the horn to warn the cyclist.Siren – Emergency alarm. An ambulance siren wailed down the street.Alarm – A warning sound. The smoke alarm rang in the kitchen.Jackhammer – A loud tool. The jackhammer outside kept everyone awake.Drill – A loud machine for holes. The worker used a drill to fix the wall.Chainsaw – A very loud cutting tool. A chainsaw buzzed as they cut the tree.Thunder – Loud noise in a storm. Thunder rolled across the sky before the rain.Fireworks – Exploding lights with loud sounds. Loud fireworks lit up the night sky.Jet – A loud airplane. A jet flew overhead and made a roaring sound.Bark – A dog’s loud sound. The dog barked at the stranger.Howl – A long, loud cry. Wolves howled under the full moon.Roar (animal) – A lion’s deep sound. The lion’s roar could be heard far away.Squawk – A bird’s harsh cry. The parrot squawked when it wanted food.Deafening – So loud it hurts. The concert was so deafening I needed earplugs.Bustling – Busy and noisy. The bustling market was full of people and sounds.Thundering – Very loud, like thunder. The runner entered the stadium to thundering applause.Chaotic – Very noisy and disorganized. The classroom felt chaotic when everyone started talking.
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Nov 6, 2025 • 18min

Phrasal Verbs You NEED to Know — Explained Through the Government Shutdown

Even More English: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/usbrent/subscribeMillions of Americans are struggling to eat as the government shutdown drags on. In this English lesson, you’ll learn emotional phrasal verbs and key vocabulary you’ll need for the TOEFL and IELTS while understanding how this crisis affects real families.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. Link to Original Newscast: https://youtu.be/8jmIjZEjQng?si=LCGJUZYvmNTG5GgB1. Drags On: Continues for a long time and feels slow or boring. : When class drags on, students look at the clock a lot.: The rainy day drags on, and there is nothing fun to do.2. Count On: To depend on someone or something. : People count on doctors when they are sick.: She counts on her alarm clock to wake her up every morning.3. Portion: A part of something, like food or money. : Each student got one portion of cake at the party.: A big portion of the town was without power after the storm.4. Rely On: To trust or depend on someone or something. : Many people rely on their phones to wake them up in the morning.5. Louisiana: A state in the southern United States, known for cities like New Orleans. : My cousin lives in Louisiana, where they celebrate Mardi Gras every year.6. Run Out: To use all of something so that nothing is left. : We ran out of milk, so we can’t make cereal today.7. Funds: Money saved or used for a special purpose. : The school needs more funds to buy new computers.8. Relieved: Feeling happy because something bad did not happen. : The team was relieved after winning the close game.9. Skeptical: Not sure if something is true; having doubts. : I was skeptical when my friend said he saw a UFO.10. Gearing Up: Getting ready or preparing for something. : The store is gearing up for the holiday rush.: The firefighters are gearing up for a long night of work.11. Slammed : Extremely busy with a lot of work to do. : The hotel was slammed during the summer vacation.12. Stretched Thin: Having too many things to do and not enough time or energy. : The hospital staff are stretched thin after many long shifts.13. Layoffs: When workers lose their jobs because the company has no money or work. : The news about factory layoffs made many families worried.14. Stock Up: To buy a lot of something so you don’t run out later. : People stocked up on food before the big storm.: We stocked up on snacks for the long road trip.15. Food Insecurity: Not having enough food or worrying about getting food. : The school started a program to help students with food insecurity.16. Provide: To give something that is needed. : The hospital provides care for everyone, even without money.17. Both Sides of the Aisle: People from different political parties working together..in the U.S. it’s the Republicans and Democrats. : The new law was supported by both sides of the aisle.18. Hanging in the Balance: Uncertain; the result has not been decided yet. : Peace talks continued late into the night, with the future of the country hanging in the balance.: The rescue mission is dangerous, and the workers’ safety is hanging in the balance.19. Sobering: Serious and makes you stop and think. : Seeing the hospital full of patients was a sobering sight.: The news about the hurricane in Jamaica was a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be.
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Nov 4, 2025 • 17min

🚨 Trump’s Latest Move Has the World on Edge — and People Are NOT Happy

The world couldn’t believe it — President Trump says he wants to restart nuclear testing after more than 30 years. In this video, learn the powerful English words and phrases people are using to talk about this shocking news story.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. Link to Original Newscast: Link: https://youtu.be/v6Fi0lUeiU4?si=6ikTI85lrQeqo1B4Stirring the Pot: Causing trouble or making a situation more intense.: On social media, many people stir the pot just to get attention.Concern: A feeling of worry about something important.: His parents showed concern when he didn’t answer the phone.Match (Verb): To be equal to or compete with something or someone.: My socks don’t match, but they’re comfortable!The couple met at work and turned out to be a surprising match.Match (Noun): A contest or competition between two sides.: The match between Ukraine and Germany started three minutes ago.Moratorium: A temporary stop or suspension of an activity.: The U.S. has had a moratorium on nuclear testing since 1992.Match: A small stick used to start a fire.: He lit the match to start the bonfire at the campsite. Insists: Says something strongly and refuses to change one’s opinion.: My dad insists that family dinners are important.She insists that she’s right, even when she might be wrong.Clarified: Explained something to make it clear or easier to understand.: The manager clarified that the meeting starts at 2:00, not 3:00.Taken by Surprise: Shocked or not expecting something to happen.: I was taken by surprise when I saw my old friend at the grocery store.They were taken by surprise when the power went out during dinner.Resume: To start again after stopping for a while.: The president wants the United States to resume nuclear testing for the first time in over 30 years.Detonations: Explosions, especially from bombs or weapons.: During the war, detonations became a frightening part of daily life.Arsenal: A collection or supply of weapons.: The U.S. already has the world’s largest nuclear arsenal, so many question why testing is needed.Consequences: The results or effects of an action, often negative.: Experts warn that restarting nuclear tests could have serious consequences for world peace.Contamination: Pollution or poisoning of an area, especially by dangerous substances.: Washing your hands helps prevent food contamination.Nevada: A U.S. state where most past nuclear tests took place.: The new tests would likely happen at the old site in Nevada.The desert in Nevada can be very hot during the summer.Sacrificed: Gave up something valuable for another purpose.: She sacrificed her weekend to help her friend move to a new house.The team sacrificed the fun of trick-or-treating to focus on training for the big game.Comprehensive: Including all or nearly all parts of something.: The museum offers a comprehensive look at the history of the city.Ratified: Officially approved by a government or group.: The treaty was signed but never ratified by the United States Senate.Fall Into Place: To begin to happen smoothly or make sense.: After weeks of planning, everything started to fall into place for the wedding.Arms Race: A competition between countries to build more or better weapons.: Experts worry that this move could start a new arms race between global powers.Justification: A reason or explanation that makes something seem right.: The president’s justification is that the U.S. must stay strong against other nuclear nations.His only justification for being late was that the bus broke down.
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Nov 1, 2025 • 10min

I Needed a Map for My Airbnb! 😂 | Real-Life English Adventure

I thought checking into my Airbnb would be easy… until I found out there are two elevators! Come with me as I try not to get lost — and teach you some English along the way.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. 💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/join1. Lanyard*Definition:* A string or strap you wear around your neck to hold something, like an ID card or keys.*Example:* The teacher wore a lanyard with her school ID on it.---2. Octopi*Definition:* The plural form of *octopus*, meaning more than one sea animal with eight arms.*Example:* We saw two octopi swimming in the big tank at the aquarium.---3. Cacti*Definition:* The plural form of *cactus*, a plant that usually grows in hot, dry places and has spines.*Example:* There are many cacti in the desert because they don’t need much water.---4. Terrace*Definition:* A flat outdoor area next to a building, often used for sitting or eating.*Example:* We had breakfast on the terrace and enjoyed the warm weather.---5. Airbnb*Definition:* A website and app where people can rent homes, rooms, or apartments for short stays.*Example:* We stayed in an Airbnb while visiting South Carolina for the weekend.
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Oct 30, 2025 • 15min

Mothers Cry for Help as Government Money Runs Out Because of the Shutdown

Millions of families in the United States may soon lose food help because of the government shutdown. Learn important English words and phrases while we talk about this sad but real story.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. 💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinLink to Original Newscast: https://youtu.be/8jmIjZEjQng?si=LCGJUZYvmNTG5GgB1. Drags On: Continues for a long time and feels slow or boring. : When class drags on, students look at the clock a lot.: The rainy day drags on, and there is nothing fun to do.2. Count On: To depend on someone or something. : People count on doctors when they are sick.: She counts on her alarm clock to wake her up every morning.3. Portion: A part of something, like food or money. : Each student got one portion of cake at the party.: A big portion of the town was without power after the storm.4. Rely On: To trust or depend on someone or something. : Many people rely on their phones to wake them up in the morning.5. Louisiana: A state in the southern United States, known for cities like New Orleans. : My cousin lives in Louisiana, where they celebrate Mardi Gras every year.6. Run Out: To use all of something so that nothing is left. : We ran out of milk, so we can’t make cereal today.7. Funds: Money saved or used for a special purpose. : The school needs more funds to buy new computers.8. Relieved: Feeling happy because something bad did not happen. : The team was relieved after winning the close game.9. Skeptical: Not sure if something is true; having doubts. : I was skeptical when my friend said he saw a UFO.10. Gearing Up: Getting ready or preparing for something. : The store is gearing up for the holiday rush.: The firefighters are gearing up for a long night of work.11. Slammed : Extremely busy with a lot of work to do. : The hotel was slammed during the summer vacation.12. Stretched Thin: Having too many things to do and not enough time or energy. : The hospital staff are stretched thin after many long shifts.13. Layoffs: When workers lose their jobs because the company has no money or work. : The news about factory layoffs made many families worried.14. Stock Up: To buy a lot of something so you don’t run out later. : People stocked up on food before the big storm.: We stocked up on snacks for the long road trip.15. Food Insecurity: Not having enough food or worrying about getting food. : The school started a program to help students with food insecurity.16. Provide: To give something that is needed. : The hospital provides care for everyone, even without money.17. Both Sides of the Aisle: People from different political parties working together..in the U.S. it’s the Republicans and Democrats. : The new law was supported by both sides of the aisle.18. Hanging in the Balance: Uncertain; the result has not been decided yet. : Peace talks continued late into the night, with the future of the country hanging in the balance.: The rescue mission is dangerous, and the workers’ safety is hanging in the balance.19. Sobering: Serious and makes you stop and think. : Seeing the hospital full of patients was a sobering sight.: The news about the hurricane in Jamaica was a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be.
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Oct 29, 2025 • 7min

Nearly Hit By Van While Teaching English

✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off.
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Oct 25, 2025 • 13min

Even in Fear, They Stood Tall — The Young Who Dared to Dream

This English lesson tells the story of Gen Z—the young generation taking to the streets to create a better future. Learn English vocabulary through real news about courage, hope, and social change.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. Link of Original Newscast: https://youtu.be/ywJuZ8kCwBI?si=V-VAnZvXQI4yIqZk1. Gen Z: People born from the late 1990s to around 2010. : Gen Z uses social media to share their opinions and ideas.2. Taking to the Streets: When people go outside to protest or show their opinions publicly. : Many students are taking to the streets to ask for better education.3. Specific: Clear and exact; not general. : The teacher gave specific directions for the homework.4. Demands: Strong requests for something that people believe they deserve. : The workers made demands for higher pay and safer conditions.5. Social Justice: Fair treatment and equal rights for everyone in society. : Many young people care deeply about social justice and equality.6. Clashed: Fought or argued strongly with someone. : Protesters clashed with police during the march.7. Impeached: When a government leader is officially accused of doing something wrong. : The president was impeached after being accused of corruption.8. Step Down: To leave an important job or position. : The mayor decided to step down after ten years in office.9. Sweeping Across: Moving quickly or spreading over a large area. : A wave of protests is sweeping across the country.10. Corruption: Dishonest or illegal behavior, especially by people in power. : The people were angry because of corruption in the government.11. Taking On: To fight against or challenge someone or something. : The brave journalist is taking on powerful politicians in her articles.12. Spiraling: Getting worse or increasing quickly and out of control. : Prices are spiraling, and many families can’t afford food.13. Crackdown: Strong action by authorities to stop something bad or illegal. : The police started a crackdown on speeding and drunk driving.14. Galvanizing: Causing people to take action or become more active. : The speech was galvanizing—it made people want to change the world.15. Triggered: Caused a strong reaction, usually emotional. : The video triggered memories of the earthquake for many survivors.16. Routine: A regular way of doing things. : She follows a morning routine before going to school.17. C-Sections: A medical operation to deliver a baby through surgery instead of natural birth. : The doctor performed two C-sections last week.18. Woeful: Very bad, sad, or full of trouble. : The country’s economy is in a woeful state right now.19. Priorities: The most important things that must be done first. : Her top priorities are finishing school and helping her family.
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Oct 23, 2025 • 17min

The Paris Jewel Heist: How Did Thieves Outsmart the Louvre?

A daring jewel heist just happened at the Louvre Museum in Paris — and we’re using this breaking news story to learn real English words you’ll see on the TOEFL and IELTS! Watch to discover key vocabulary like heist, brazen, and getaway while improving your English through current events.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. Original News Link:https://youtu.be/QwdwC2NUlXI?si=TcrMiQjInCQ-Zrh61. Whether: Used to show a choice between two or more things. : She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.: I’m not sure whether he likes his new job.2. Hunt: To look for something or someone carefully. : He likes to hunt rabbits with his dog, Gus. 3. Priceless: So valuable that it cannot be given a price. : Her grandmother’s ring is priceless.4. Brazen: Very bold and not afraid of what others think. : The student brazenly used his phone during the test.5. Heist: A planned robbery, usually of money or valuable things. : The movie was about a bank heist.6. Widely Shared: Seen or known by many people. : The photo of the sunset was widely shared because it was beautiful.7. Vest: A piece of clothing worn on the upper body, often under or over a shirt. : The hunters wore orange vests so they could be seen easily.8. Disguised: Dressed or changed to look different to hide who you are. : The movie star disguised herself with sunglasses and a hat.9. Maintenance Worker: A person who fixes or takes care of buildings or machines. : The maintenance worker repaired the broken light.10. Lavish: Expensive, fancy, or full of luxury. : They lived in a lavish apartment with gold decorations.11. Captivated: Very interested or charmed by something or someone. : The crowd was captivated by the magician’s tricks.12. Oceans 11: A famous movie about a group planning a big casino robbery. : The students compared their project to Oceans 11 because it needed teamwork.13. Mount : To put on, organize, or begin something; or to climb. : The company plans to mount a big campaign to sell their new fish-flavored toothpaste.14. Audit: A careful check of money records or accounts. : The students did a small audit of how much paper the school uses each month.15. Deprioritized: Made less important than other things. : The student deprioritized video games to study for exams.16. Deplorable: Very bad and deserving strong dislike. : The living conditions in the building were deplorable.17. Construction Work: Building or repairing structures like houses, roads, or bridges. : Construction work started early in the morning.18. Snatched: Taken quickly or suddenly. : The man snatched the purse and ran away.19. Encrusted: Covered with a hard or decorative layer. : The necklace was encrusted with diamonds.: His shoes were encrusted with dried mud after the hike.: The walls of the cave were encrusted with colorful minerals.20. Getaway: The act of escaping, usually after a crime. : The robbers jumped into the getaway car.21. Intact: Not broken or damaged; still complete. : The phone fell on the floor, but the screen stayed intact.22. Diminish: To make or become smaller or weaker. : The doctor said the pain will diminish with time.: His energy diminished after running for so long.

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