The Clark and Miller English Podcast

Quick – answer this question: Why do we use the past simple tense? Did you say, “Er … to talk about the past, obviously”? Then how do you explain sentences like: “I wish I knew.” or “What was your name again?” But … but … these sentences aren’t about the past! What’s going on? You know what this means? It’s time to look at English verbs in a different way.

Some places can definitely surprise you. And Cambridge was no exception for me. In this podcast I describe my experience going to Cambridge for the first time and why it was such a strange place. You get the chance to hear 25 advanced, everyday English phrases in their natural context.

In this episode I have a very involved chat with Hugh Dellar, coursebook writer, teacher trainer, teacher and all-round nice guy. We cover a lot of ground ranging from dealing with racism and homophobia in the classroom to 3 useful tips to help you learn English

What on Earth is an ergative verb? How can I recognize one? Do I need them? There are some verbs in English that don't work in way you might think. In this podcast, we'll take a dive into the weird, but useful, world of ergative verbs in English. These verbs are very handy if in these situations: 1. When the subject isn't important (but the passive sounds wrong) 2. When things do things to themselves (like technology) 3. When we want to avoid responsibility Use them well and you will sound more natural in English. And who doesn't like avoiding responsibility! :)

Impress your friends at parties with these WEIRD but totally grammatically correct sentences. Even better, learn how they work and get a better insight into advanced English grammar and vocabulary. Can you understand these sentences: "Put a bigger space between giraffe and and and and and avocado"? "Peter, where Paul had had had, had had had had, 'had had' had pleased the teacher more."? "Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo."? No? Well, but the end of this episode, you will!

"Say" and "Tell" are not all they seem to be! Join Gabriel with an interesting look at the very different personalities behind these two simple, everyday words.