

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
Mentioned books

Jul 28, 2025 • 6min
Short spoken forms
Delve into the world of informal English with a look at popular contractions like 'gonna,' 'wanna,' and 'dunno.' Discover when it's appropriate to use these casual forms versus more formal language, especially in settings like job interviews. The discussion is peppered with real conversational examples and even includes a fun quiz to test your knowledge. Plus, learn valuable tips to enhance your English skills while embracing the natural flow of spoken language in everyday conversations.

Jul 23, 2025 • 1min
English in a Minute: Phrases with blue
Discover fascinating expressions tied to the color blue! Dive into idioms like 'got the blues' to express sadness and 'screaming until they're blue in the face' to convey frustration. Learn about the rarity of events with 'once in a blue moon.' Each phrase is explained with clear meanings and practical applications, encouraging you to enrich your conversations with these colorful expressions!

Jul 21, 2025 • 7min
Uncountable nouns
Dive into the intriguing world of uncountable nouns in English! Discover why terms like 'water' and 'information' can't be counted the same way as 'cats' or 'books'. Learn key characteristics and usage examples to help clarify common confusions. Travel agent Colin also shares valuable travel planning tips, including essential banking advice. Plus, test your knowledge with a fun quiz to reinforce what you've learned about these elusive nouns!

Jul 16, 2025 • 1min
English in a Minute: Phrases with ice
Dive into the fascinating world of phrases involving 'ice'! Discover what it means to 'break the ice' in social situations, and learn about 'icebreakers' that ease conversations. Explore the caution behind 'skating on thin ice' and understand the implications of 'putting a plan on ice'. Each phrase reveals intriguing insights into social dynamics and decision-making. Don’t let your learning freeze—get engaged with these icy expressions!

Jul 14, 2025 • 6min
Time expressions
Discover the nuances of time expressions with prepositions 'in', 'on', and 'at'. Engaging examples illustrate their proper use for scheduling and conversation. You'll learn how context shapes meaning, making your English sound more natural. A fun quiz challenges your understanding and sharpens your skills. Enhance your command of everyday expressions that are essential for effective communication!

Jul 9, 2025 • 1min
English in a Minute: Verbs to use with 'network'
Discover the fascinating world of networks and the verbs that define them. Learn how to effectively use words like establish, form, build up, and run in context. Gain insights into practical examples that illustrate these connections in everyday language. Get ready to expand your vocabulary while exploring the intricacies of networking!

Jul 7, 2025 • 6min
Hyphenation
Discover the art of hyphenation and its impact on clarity in writing. Learn how to properly use hyphens in compound adjectives, like 'hard-working' and 'ten-foot.' Explore examples related to youth engagement in politics and delve into age and numerical descriptions. The hosts engage listeners with a fun quiz to reinforce these hyphenation rules, making language both intriguing and accessible.

Jul 2, 2025 • 1min
English in a Minute: Verbs to use with 'strategy'
Explore the importance of having a strategy for improving your English skills. Learn about key verb collocations with 'strategy' that can enhance your language mastery. Dive into effective methods for mapping out successful language learning approaches. This discussion is packed with practical tips to refine your communication strategies.

Jun 30, 2025 • 6min
Words with double letters
Explore the fascinating world of spelling with double letters! Discover the rules that govern verb conjugation and how vowel sounds influence spelling choices. Engage in an interactive quiz to test your knowledge on words like 'happy' and 'brilliant.' The hosts provide insights from a university welfare officer about supporting new students, making it both informative and relatable.

7 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 1min
English in a Minute: Verbs to use with 'resource'
Dive into the world of resources like time and money, crucial for both individuals and organizations. Learn essential verbs that pair with 'resource,' such as pool, allocate, and draw on. Discover how effective resource management can boost efficiency and minimize waste. This conversation not only enriches your vocabulary but also enhances your understanding of resource utilization.