Figure out

Learn the English expression, "Figure out"

There are two ways to use the phrasal verb "figure out."

Number 1: "figure out" means to find the solution to a problem. Now be careful: it doesn't mean fixing a problem. It just means finding the solution.

If your car needs to be repaired, you'll want to figure out how you're going to get to work while it's in the shop. Find the solution before you take your car in.

Number 2: "figure out" can mean to understand something complex. Like, "I can't figure out why my car is making a strange noise."

Here's a tip: after "figure out," use words like "who, what, when, where, or why."

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Practice: Read the transcript of this episode, take a quiz, and practice using "Figure out": https://plainenglish.com/expressions/figure-out

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Make sure

Learn the English expression, "Make sure"

The English expression "make sure" means to confirm that things are as they should be, or that people have done what they should do.

You probably "make sure" all the time. When you leave your house, you make sure you have your keys with you. Before you go on long trip, you make sure your passport is still valid.

Here's a tip: You can use "make sure" to remind someone to do something. If you have kids, you can say, "Make sure to brush your teeth before bed."

Now, here's my reminder to you: "Make sure" to use this expression correctly. Use "make sure" to confirm that everything is the way it should be.

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Practice: Read the transcript of this episode, take a quiz, and practice using "Make sure": https://plainenglish.com/expressions/make-sure

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Make a difference

Learn the English expression, "Make a difference"

What does it mean to "make a difference?"

This English expression has two meanings: Number one, to have a positive impact on the world. Or number 2, to have a noticeable effect.

If someone volunteers at a food bank, you can say, "Her work really makes a difference." She's doing something good. She's having a positive impact on the world.

Now imagine you change up your breakfast. Instead of having a muffin, you have a green smoothie. Now, you have more energy. Your new breakfast made a difference because it had a noticeable effect.

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Practice: Read the transcript of this episode, take a quiz, and practice using "Make a difference": https://plainenglish.com/expressions/make-a-difference

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Look forward to

Learn the English expression, "Look forward to"

Are you happy or excited about something in the future? If so, you're "looking forward to" it

You can look forward to an event, an activity, or even a time of year. If you have plans to see a movie this weekend, you can say, "I'm looking forward to seeing the movie." That means you're happy about it.

If it's just been a long, cold winter, you might even say, "I'm looking forward to the warm weather." That means, you'll be happy when the weather gets warmer.

What about if something will happen and you're not happy about it? Just say you're not looking forward to it. "I'm not looking forward to this party." That means, the party is coming...but you don't want to go.

So remember: "look forward to" is all about the way you feel about something that's coming in the future.

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Practice: Read the transcript of this episode, take a quiz, and practice using "Look forward to": https://plainenglish.com/expressions/look-forward-to

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Are you learning English? Do you want to speak English more naturally? If so, you need to learn the essential English expressions.

Every episode in this new podcast will teach you step-by-step how to use one essential English expression.

Essential English Expressions is made by Plain English, an online community that helps you upgrade your skills in English.

Follow/Subscribe to Essential English Expressions and get:

✅ Step-by-step guide

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✅ More seasons coming soon!

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Or subscribe to our English-learning podcast about current events and trending topics: https://plain-english.captivate.fm/listen

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