

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

Mar 11, 2024 • 6min
Eponyms as nouns and verbs
Exploring the evolution of brand names like Google and Facebook into eponyms and verbs in everyday language use. Distinguishing between trademarked brand names and their generalization as eponyms, with examples like Google and Xerox. Includes a quiz section and tips for identifying eponyms in dictionaries.

Mar 4, 2024 • 6min
Adjectives from names
Discover adjectives derived from famous names like Dickensian and Orwellian. Explore the origins and significance of adjectives linked to public figures like Churchill and Freud. Test your knowledge with a quiz on name-derived adjectives.

Feb 26, 2024 • 6min
Large numbers
Exploring the vastness of Russia through numbers, from its size to diverse languages. Proper articulation of large numbers, sequencing and singular labels. Describing large numbers with examples like River Volga and languages in Russia, using phrases like six-figure and triple figures.

Feb 19, 2024 • 7min
Suffixes: -tian, -sion and -tion
Learn about the impact and usage of suffixes -tian, -sion, and -tion in words with quizzes and tips. Explore the origins and meanings of these suffixes in adjectives and nouns. Discover common spellings and origins of -tion, -sion, and -cian with examples like investigation and confession. Dive into word endings, adjectives, and nouns forming suffixes with quizzes and memory retention strategies.

Feb 12, 2024 • 7min
Synonyms
Delve into synonyms for expensive items and explore humorous examples. Learn about words denoting strange or funny and understand the importance of context in using synonyms. Enjoy a quiz on different funny synonyms and get tips on enriching vocabulary with a thesaurus.

Feb 5, 2024 • 7min
Discourse Markers: Interjections
Learn about the function and variations of interjections in the English language. Explore how interjections can express emotions and add emphasis to speech. Test your knowledge with a quiz and discover the power of simple words in conveying meaning.

Jan 29, 2024 • 6min
Commonly misspelled words
Weird or wierd? English spelling is fascinating – but it's not always straightforward!

Jan 9, 2024 • 6min
Linking words
Learn about the importance of linking words in storytelling and how to use them effectively. Angela shares her personal story of a lucky shark escape and provides examples and quizzes to help you practice using linking words in conversation.

Jan 1, 2024 • 6min
Words with more than one spelling
Catherine and Finn discuss spelling differences between British and American English, including words like analogue, disc, and enquire. They explore words with multiple spellings like 'all right' and 'barbeque'. They also give tips for using a spell checker.

Dec 25, 2023 • 6min
Acronyms
Learn about the origins and correct pronunciation of acronyms like FIFA and BBC. Test your knowledge with a quiz. Acronyms and International Organizations: Discussion about United Nations, UNESCO, WHO, IMF, and WBG. Different Types of Acronyms and Their Usage: hosts discuss different types and give examples of popular acronyms.