

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

Feb 4, 2026 • 1min
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'foot'
Short clips explain common phrases that use the word 'foot'. Topics include asserting yourself, starting badly, making a strong impression, and charming someone romantically. Each phrase is defined and shown with a simple everyday example.

Feb 2, 2026 • 7min
Business jargon
They introduce common business jargon and set up real workplace examples. A marketing role-play shows how teams use words like action and upscale in practice. Listeners hear colourful phrases for creativity such as think out of the box, push the envelope and blue sky thinking. Strategic terms like helicopter view and low-hanging fruit are unpacked and reinforced with a short vocabulary quiz.

5 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 1min
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'stop'
Quick look at four common phrases using the verb stop. Covers phrases meaning relentless pursuit, ending something, being suddenly halted by shock, and taking time to appreciate life. Short, clear examples bring each phrase to life.

Jan 26, 2026 • 6min
Pronouncing words that start with ‘c’
They explore how the letter C can sound like /s/ in words starting with CE, CI and CY. A personal circus story supplies many lively examples. Short quizzes and a tongue-twister test listening and spotting C words. A memorization tip suggests creating long, playful sentences to learn groups of vocabulary.

Jan 21, 2026 • 1min
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'bite'
Dive into the intriguing world of phrases featuring 'bite.' Discover what it means to 'bite your tongue' and why sometimes silence is golden. Learn about 'biting off more than you can chew' and how to set realistic goals. Explore the concept of 'bite-sized' learning, which makes tackling new vocabulary a piece of cake. Finally, embrace the idea of 'biting the bullet' to face those daunting tasks, like dentist appointments. It's a tasty way to enhance your English skills!

6 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 7min
Phrasal verbs and context
Unravel the world of phrasal verbs as the hosts dive into how prepositions can drastically change meanings. Tune in for a humorous story about a housemate dilemma, illustrating the concept of 'get on'—both in relationships and work contexts. Explore phrases like 'move in,' 'move out,' and 'move on' through engaging examples. Plus, sharpen your skills with a fun quiz and a practical tip on memorizing vocabulary by writing sentences. It's a lively lesson on mastering English nuances!

Jan 14, 2026 • 1min
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'bone'
Explore four intriguing phrases with 'bone' that spice up English conversation! Discover what it means to 'have a bone to pick' when you need to voice a complaint. Learn why 'working your fingers to the bone' signifies hard work, and how 'close to the bone' can leave someone feeling uncomfortable. Finally, find out what it means to 'feel it in your bones' when you have an intuitive sense about something. These phrases will undoubtedly enhance your vocabulary!

Jan 12, 2026 • 6min
Prefixes: re- pre- and pro-
Explore the fascinating world of prefixes like re-, pre-, and pro-! Discover how re- means 'again' with terms like reuse and reheat. Learn about pre- for 'before' through examples such as pre-packed meals. Dive into pro- which indicates support, featuring words like proactive. Engage your brain with a fun quiz on these prefixes, testing your new vocabulary knowledge. It's an enlightening journey through the power of language!

Jan 7, 2026 • 1min
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'cake'
Discover the delightful world of phrases involving 'cake.' Learn what it means when you hear, 'you can't have your cake and eat it too.' Unravel the concept of 'a slice of the cake' as it relates to sharing valuable resources. Dive into how 'the icing on the cake' can enhance or detract from a situation. With practical examples, these idiomatic expressions serve up flavors of language to spice up your conversations!

Jan 5, 2026 • 7min
Silent letters
Explore the quirky world of silent letters in English! Discover how words like 'wrist' and 'know' contain letters we don’t pronounce. Learn about the silent 'B' in words such as 'thumb' and 'lamb.' Enjoy a fun quiz where you can test your knowledge of silent letters. Plus, get a top tip on how to mark these tricky letters in your notes for better learning. Dive into this fascinating linguistic topic and sharpen your English skills!


