

Learning English Vocabulary
BBC Radio
Build your English vocabulary with these short programmes. Each episode explores a new topic to improve your English.Find more at bbclearningenglish.comFollow us at
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Episodes
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Dec 10, 2025 • 1min
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'wind'
Use these phrases with 'wind' in your everyday conversations. It's time to throw caution to the wind!TRANSCRIPT
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Dec 8, 2025 • 7min
Strong adjectives
Explore the world of strong adjectives with vivid examples like 'terrified' and 'hilarious.' Discover how using phrases like 'absolutely starving' enhances your descriptions. The hosts compare strong adjectives and intensifiers, shedding light on their unique roles in language. Tune in for a fun quiz to test your knowledge of these powerful words, along with tips to visualize and remember them better. It's a delightful dive into vocabulary that brings your language skills to life!

14 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 7min
Male and female job words
Explore the fascinating world of gendered job titles like policeman/policewoman and actor/actress. Hear a charming story about an encounter during a play, and discover how language evolves with gender-neutral terms like firefighter and police officer. The hosts dive into modern replacements for outdated titles, plus a fun quiz to test your knowledge. Wrap up with actionable vocabulary learning tips to help you practice everyday. It's a lively discussion on language and its reflections on society!

4 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 6min
Weather words
Dive into the delightful world of weather vocabulary! The hosts introduce British people's fascination with weather and share unique terms. Hear a fun clip about spring weather and seasonal changes. Explore how to use words like rain, snow, wind, sun, and their related adjectives effectively. Quizzes keep it interactive as you learn why some phrases work and others don't. Plus, get a handy tip on revisiting new vocabulary to boost retention!

5 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 1min
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'gold'
Discover four fascinating phrases featuring the word 'gold.' Learn that having a 'heart of gold' means being exceptionally kind. Uncover why something 'worth its weight in gold' is incredibly valuable. Delve into the cautionary tale of 'all that glitters is not gold,' reminding us that appearances can mislead, especially in investments. Each phrase offers a unique insight into the richness of English vocabulary.

Nov 17, 2025 • 7min
Homophones
Dive into the playful world of homophones, where words sound alike but mean different things! Explore amusing sketches that showcase the confusion between words like flour and flower. Tune in for clever definitions and examples like mail/male and right/write. Engage with a fun quiz to test your homophone spelling skills. Plus, discover tips on using context to master these tricky words! It's a delightful blend of language learning and entertainment.

4 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 1min
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'light'
Explore the meaning behind phrases with 'light' in everyday language! Discover how to 'shed light on' a topic to clarify confusion, and learn what it means to 'see the light' when changing your perspective. Find out about 'a light at the end of the tunnel' representing hope after tough times, and have a laugh as you hear about 'out like a light', describing how quickly some people fall asleep. Get ready to brighten your vocabulary!

Nov 10, 2025 • 7min
Compound nouns
Explore the fascinating world of compound nouns, where two words unite to create new meanings. Discover how everyday terms like ice cream and popcorn work, along with insights into their pronunciation and stress patterns. Engage in a fun listening activity with Bill's laptop woes that illustrates how these compounds fit into real-life contexts. Learn the nuances of writing them, including tricky hyphenations, and challenge yourself with a quiz to master the art of compound nouns!

Nov 6, 2025 • 1min
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'pull'
Explore phrases that creatively incorporate 'pull.' Discover how 'pull your leg' refers to jokingly misleading someone. Learn about 'pull yourself together,' emphasizing the need to manage your emotions. Delve into 'pull out all the stops,' which means putting forth maximum effort for a task. Each phrase brings unique nuances to daily conversations, making learning both fun and practical!

Nov 3, 2025 • 7min
Adjective order
Discover the art of adjective order and why it matters in description! Learn how to properly describe a sofa with size, age, and material. Find out how closeness in meaning affects placement, as illustrated with cushions and a beautiful kilim. Get tips on using 'but' between adjectives and take on a fun quiz to test your skills. Finally, enjoy a vocabulary game that challenges you to guess nouns using clues from adjectives. Tune in for an engaging way to enhance your descriptive language!


