
Learning English Vocabulary
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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Latest episodes

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.

Jun 23, 2025 • 6min
Pronouncing verbs and nouns
Discover the fascinating world of homographs, where words like 'increase' take on new meanings with different pronunciations. Learn how contextual clues determine whether a word is a noun or a verb. Explore the distinct sounds of words such as 'invite' and 'record' as they transition between forms. The discussion spices up with insights into Sam Smith's popularity and the excitement around concert ticket sales. Test your skills with a fun quiz to solidify your understanding of word stress patterns!

Jun 18, 2025 • 1min
English in a Minute: Verbs to use with 'theory'
Discover the fascinating world of theories, including how they explain various phenomena. Learn the essential verbs associated with 'theory,' such as 'formulate.' The discussion emphasizes the importance of creating and refining theories, making complex concepts more accessible. Join in on the exploration of vocabulary that enhances understanding and improve your language skills!

Jun 16, 2025 • 6min
British and American English
Dive into the fascinating world of British and American English vocabulary. Discover quirky differences in everyday terms, from dining to shopping. A lively guest from Canada adds spice to the conversation, making learning enjoyable. Engage with fun quizzes and practical tips to sharpen your listening skills and understand accents better. The exploration highlights how language evolves and connects cultures, making it relevant for all English learners.

Jun 11, 2025 • 1min
English in a Minute: Verbs to use with 'trip'
Explore the dynamic verbs that enhance your travel vocabulary! Learn how to make, take, and extend a trip while discovering essential tips for planning your journeys. From booking transportation to accommodations, this discussion highlights verbs that perfectly collocate with 'trip.' Get ready to level up your English skills and navigate your travel experiences with confidence!

Jun 9, 2025 • 7min
Business jargon
Dive into the intriguing world of business jargon! Discover phrases like 'blue sky thinking' and 'push the envelope' that fill corporate conversations. Learn how these terms can spark creativity and strategic thinking. The hosts share practical examples and visualization techniques to help retain this vocabulary. Plus, there's a fun quiz to test your knowledge and a sneak peek into a job application series. Get ready to communicate with flair in the business realm!

Jun 4, 2025 • 1min
English in a Minute: Verbs to use with 'challenge'
This discussion dives into the dynamic world of verbs associated with 'challenge'. From 'took on' to 'rose to', these phrases illustrate how we confront difficulties in life. Listeners discover the nuances of each expression, highlighting the art of overcoming obstacles. It's a fast-paced exploration that equips you with valuable vocabulary for tackling everyday challenges!

10 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 6min
Pronouncing words that start with ‘c’
Delve into the fascinating world of words that start with 'C' but make that tricky /s/ sound. Enjoy anecdotes from a circus performer that make learning fun! Get expert tips and engaging examples to master pronunciation. Test your skills with interactive quizzes and discover how to keep vocabulary fresh in your mind. This is a playful exploration of language that sharpens your pronunciation and enriches your vocabulary!

5 snips
May 28, 2025 • 1min
English in a Minute: Verbs to use with 'method'
Delve into the fascinating world of verbs that pair with 'method.' Discover how to devise or adopt effective learning strategies through vivid examples. Learn about the importance of revising vocabulary repeatedly to boost your language skills. This engaging discussion highlights practical tips that make mastering English more enjoyable.