
English with Thiago
This is a podcast designed to help intermediate and advanced English learners communicate with more confidence, accuracy, clarity and awareness.
Hosted by Thiago Alencar, a Brazilian English Teacher with over 15 years of experience, this podcast deals with topics such as English pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, exam preparation, writing, listening, mindset and everything else related to English learning.
If you feel forever stuck at the intermediate level, this podcast is for you!
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Latest episodes

Aug 12, 2024 • 32min
A QUICK Way To IMPROVE VOCABULARY in ENGLISH (Without Having To Learn New Phrasal Verbs, Expressions or Collocations)
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Summary
In this episode, Thiago discusses the concept of word formation and how it can help you improve vocabulary in English. Word formation involves using affixes to transform words into different classes, such as nouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs. Thiago explains the benefits of learning about affixes, including reducing word count, improving spelling, and decoding the meaning of longer words. He provides examples and encourages listeners to explore this topic further. Thiago also offers tips for studying word formation, such as using an English-to-English dictionary, making lists of words and their variations, and practicing with Cambridge exam prep materials.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:44 The Quick Way to Expand Vocabulary
04:39 Benefits of Learning Affixes
08:55 Decoding Meaning and Reducing Word Count
11:15 Exploring Word Variations
17:38 Word Formation in Context
21:33 Using Word Formation for Better Communication
26:56 Examples of Word Formation
29:21 Tips for Studying Word Formation
30:21 Cambridge Exam Prep for Word Formation
31:18 Closing Remarks
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Aug 9, 2024 • 28min
"Movies or Podcasts in English? Which One is Better?" Replying To Comments From YouTube.
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50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook):
https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook
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In this Q&A video, Thiago answers questions and comments from his viewers. He discusses topics such as learning phrasal verbs and slang at different levels, his son's English level, recommended podcasts for B2-C1 learners, the effectiveness of watching podcasts on YouTube, understanding TV shows and movies, choosing the right prepositions, improving listening skills, and the relationship between pronunciation and listening comprehension.
Chapters
00:00 Learning Phrasal Verbs and Slang
04:46 Understanding TV Shows and Movies
11:26 Choosing the Right Prepositions
14:47 Improving Listening Skills with Podcasts
23:21 Living in an English-Speaking Country
27:36 The Importance of Pronunciation
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Aug 5, 2024 • 16min
How To Speak English at a GOOD Level, What Makes a GOOD English Speaker and Which Level is Enough for GOOD English?
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50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook):
https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook
Download ELSA for free and get 7 days membership for free): https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA
Get 85% off of ELSA lifetime membership or 40% off of ELSA one year membership: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiago
The myth that you have to be a Shakespeare-level expert to speak good English is debunked. B2 level is considered good English, as it allows for understanding complex texts, discussing a wide range of topics, and expressing oneself with good fluency. Good English speakers have clarity, use words and grammar correctly enough for their message to be understood, and have confidence and active listening skills. While B2 level is enough for most everyday situations, reaching higher levels like C1 and C2 brings benefits such as more nuanced expression, career advantages, and personal growth. It is important to keep practicing and aim for higher levels for the right reasons, out of curiosity and passion for the language.
Chapters
00:00 Debunking the Myth: You Don't Need to Be a Shakespeare Expert to Speak Good English
02:24 B2 Level: The Sweet Spot of Good English
03:25 Characteristics of Good English Speakers: Clarity, Confidence, and Active Listening
06:16 The Benefits of Reaching Higher Levels: Nuanced Expression, Career Advantages, and Personal Growth
10:09 Keep Practicing and Aim Higher: The Journey of Continuous Improvement in English
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Aug 2, 2024 • 14min
15 Most BEAUTIFUL WORDS in ENGLISH, Advanced Vocabulary and Examples.
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50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook):
https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook
Download ELSA for free and get 7 days membership for free): https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA
Get 85% off of ELSA lifetime membership or 40% off of ELSA one year membership: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiago
In this episode, Thiago shares some of the most beautiful words in the English language. He defines each word and provides examples of how they can be used. The words include serendipity, idyllic, quintessential, ubiquitous, oblivious and many more!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
02:49 Idyllic: Finding Peace and Beauty
04:56 Oblivious: Not Aware of Surroundings
07:21 Candid: Truthful and Straightforward
08:45 Tenacious: Never Giving Up
09:13 Affable: Friendly and Easy to Talk to
09:41 Lavish: Rich and Luxurious
11:10 Gratuitous: Uncalled For
12:40 Kindred: Similar and Related
13:09 Conclusion and Closing Remarks
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Jul 31, 2024 • 40min
Why is English HARD To Learn? (Understanding The Main Challenges of English Learning)
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Join my CONVERSATION CLUB! LIMITED SPOTS:
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50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook):
https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook
Download ELSA for free and get 7 days membership for free): https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA
Get 85% off of ELSA lifetime membership or 40% off of ELSA one year membership: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiago
In this episode, Thiago discusses the most challenging aspects of learning English for non-native speakers. He covers vocabulary, phrasal verbs, idioms, listening skills, speaking and pronunciation, grammar, and psychological challenges. Thiago provides tips and strategies to overcome these challenges, such as learning vocabulary in context, focusing on the situations in which phrasal verbs are used, and practicing listening in noisy environments. He also emphasizes the importance of reading extensively and developing the habit of writing to improve grammar. Overall, Thiago encourages learners to persevere and not give up on their English learning journey.
Chapters
00:00 Mastering English Vocabulary
08:37 Cracking the Code of Phrasal Verbs
11:18 Decoding Idioms
19:33 Improving Listening Skills
25:17 Speaking and Pronunciation Challenges
32:19 Navigating Grammar
38:04 The Power of Reading and Writing
39:29 Overcoming Psychological Challenges
39:58 Perseverance in English Learning
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Jul 29, 2024 • 26min
How I Got My FIRST JOB in ENGLISH (Even without an advanced level)
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Join my CONVERSATION CLUB! LIMITED SPOTS:
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50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook):
https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook
Download ELSA for free and get 7 days membership for free): https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA
Get 85% off of ELSA lifetime membership or 40% off of ELSA one year membership: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiago
In this episode, Thiago shares his story of how he got his first job fully in English, highlighting the importance of strategic career decisions and the value of stepping stones. He discusses his English learning journey, starting with studying grammar books and course materials, and then gaining speaking practice while working at a drugstore. He explains how he found a job at a call center through a newspaper ad and went through the selection process. Thiago describes the challenges and positive aspects of the job, including speaking and listening practice, boosting his resume, and the transition to becoming an English teacher.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:24 Getting the First Job Fully in English
06:36 The Desire to Speak English Every Day for Work
10:26 Finding the Job through a Newspaper Ad
15:04 Working at a Call Center for an American Company
20:20 The Challenges and Benefits of the Job
24:34 The Value of Stepping Stones in Your Career
25:03 Conclusion
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Jul 26, 2024 • 17min
10 Words in English That Are NOT So Easy To Pronounce, A Great App To Practice English With and a Special Offer!
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English pronunciation can be quite tricky sometimes. Some words have weird spellings and you don’t know exactly how to pronounce them. Other words are pronounced completely differently from how they are spelled. And, let’s be honest, some words are just plain hard to pronounce. In this video, I’m going to teach you the correct pronunciation of 10 tricky English words.
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Jul 22, 2024 • 15min
Here's Why You Need a GROWTH MINDSET To LEARN ENGLISH (Fixed Mindset vs Growth Mindset)
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Join my CONVERSATION CLUB! LIMITED SPOTS:
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50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook):
https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook
Download ELSA for free and get 7 days membership for free): https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA
Get 85% off of ELSA lifetime membership or 40% off of ELSA one year membership: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiago
In this episode, Thiago discusses the concept of a growth mindset and how it can benefit English learners. He reads an article from Forbes that highlights the advantages of a growth mindset and provides tips for transitioning from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. Thiago emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfections, viewing challenges as opportunities, and learning from failures. He also encourages learners to try different learning tactics, reward actions instead of traits, cultivate grit, and take risks. Overall, developing a growth mindset can accelerate both language learning and personal development.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:24 The Importance of a Growth Mindset
05:19 Believing in the Potential for Development
09:05 Transitioning from a Fixed to Growth Mindset
12:51 Cultivating Grit and Taking Risks
14:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Jul 19, 2024 • 15min
ZERO CONDITIONAL vs FIRST CONDITIONAL: How To Use Them (GRAMMAR LESSON)
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Join my CONVERSATION CLUB! LIMITED SPOTS:
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50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook):
https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook
Download ELSA for free and get 7 days membership for free): https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA
Get 85% off of ELSA lifetime membership or 40% off of ELSA one year membership: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiago
In this grammar lesson, Thiago discusses the zero conditional and the first conditional in English. The zero conditional is used to express general truths and scientific facts, while the first conditional is used to talk about possibilities and likely situations in the future. Thiago explains the structure and usage of both conditionals, including alternative words that can be used instead of 'if'. He also highlights the difference in certainty between the two conditionals, with the zero conditional expressing more certainty than the first conditional.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
02:23 The Zero Conditional
07:43 The First Conditional
09:41 Alternative Words for 'If'
12:55 The Difference in Certainty
13:54 Comparing the Zero and First Conditionals
14:24 Conclusion
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Jul 17, 2024 • 39min
How I Became More CONFIDENT To SPEAK ENGLISH (My personal experience, Mindset and Tips)
Get my pronunciation course on PRE-SALE:
https://www.englishwiththiago.com/course-pre-sale
Join my CONVERSATION CLUB! LIMITED SPOTS:
https://www.englishwiththiago.com/b24
50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook):
https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook
Download ELSA for free and get 7 days membership for free): https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA
Get 85% off of ELSA lifetime membership or 40% off of ELSA one year membership: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiago
In this episode, Thiago shares his journey to becoming a more confident English speaker and provides tips on how listeners can increase their confidence. He emphasizes the importance of taking action, finding evidence of one's speaking abilities, and actively seeking opportunities to practice English. Thiago also discusses the significance of having a growth mindset, asking for feedback, and studying English pronunciation. By focusing on personal development and continuously improving their language skills, learners can build confidence in speaking English.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:55 Thiago's Journey to Confidence
06:18 Understanding Confidence and Mindset
09:42 Personal Development and Confidence
13:43 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome
16:33 Taking Action and Overcoming Insecurity
20:54 Finding Evidence of Speaking Abilities
25:43 Asking for Feedback and Job Opportunities
30:24 The Importance of Pronunciation
37:08 Improving English Skills for Confidence
38:31 Conclusion
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Thiago Alencar (@teacher.thiagoalencar) • Instagram photos and videos