Plain English

By Jeff at Plain EnglishEducation Language Learning

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Typical duration
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Plain English episodes

July 16Expression: Put on
Learn a new way to use the phrasal verb, "put on."
Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/put-on
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Mentioned in this episode:
Hard words? No problem
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9 min
July 13Summer vacation: a short history
Today's story: Have you ever heard that “summer vacation” from school started so kids could work on the farm? That common story is not true. The modern summer break began in cities, where wealthy families wanted to escape hot weather and schools adjusted their calendars. Over time, countries standardized school schedules, paid holidays became more common, and the family summer vacation became a tradition. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/881
Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/881
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Plain English helps you improve your English:
Learn about the world and improve your English
Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand
New stories every week
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Mentioned in this episode:
Hard words? No problem
Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again!
See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language.
Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish.
Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
14 min
July 10Expression: Turn down
Learn what it means to "turn down" an offer
Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/turn-down
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Plain English helps you improve your English:
Learn about the world and improve your English
Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand
New stories every week
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Mentioned in this episode:
Hard words? No problem
Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again!
See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language.
Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish.
Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
10 min
July 06Five early stories from the World Cup
Today's story: The 2026 World Cup is making headlines both on and off the field. FIFA's high ticket prices have not hurt demand, new hydration breaks are changing the pace of games, and fans are creating memorable moments—from South Korea and Mexico's soccer friendship to Scotland's takeover of Boston. Even ranch dressing has become an unlikely symbol of the tournament as European visitors discover a uniquely American favorite. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/879
Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/879
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Plain English helps you improve your English:
Learn about the world and improve your English
Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand
New stories every week
Learn even more at PlainEnglish.com

Mentioned in this episode:
Hard words? No problem
Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again!
See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language.
Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish.
Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
20 min
July 02Expression: Stay put
Learn what it means to "stay put."
Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/stay-put
--
Plain English helps you improve your English:
Learn about the world and improve your English
Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand
New stories every week
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Mentioned in this episode:
Hard words? No problem
Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again!
See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language.
Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish.
Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
11 min
June 29America turns 250 without a proper party
The United States celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, but the milestone has lacked the excitement and national unity that marked the bicentennial in 1976. Years of delays, partisan disagreements, competing organizations, and cancelled projects have left the country without a coherent celebration.
Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/877
--
Plain English helps you improve your English:
Learn about the world and improve your English
Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand
New stories every week
Learn even more at PlainEnglish.com

Mentioned in this episode:
Hard words? No problem
Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again!
See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language.
Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish.
Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
16 min
June 25Expression: All of a sudden
Learn the English expression, "all of a sudden."
Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/all-of-a-sudden
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Plain English helps you improve your English:
Learn about the world and improve your English
Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand
New stories every week
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Mentioned in this episode:
Hard words? No problem
Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again!
See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language.
Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish.
Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
11 min
June 22Should you 'Skip intro'?
Today's story: Television title sequences began as a way to introduce shows and credit the people who made them. As viewing habits changed from channel-surfing to streaming and binge-watching, opening sequences evolved from explanations of a show to mood-setting artistic statements. The rise of Netflix's 'Skip intro' button has led some creators to shorten intros, while others have made them more elaborate in an effort to keep viewers watching. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/875
Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/875
--
Plain English helps you improve your English:
Learn about the world and improve your English
Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand
New stories every week
Learn even more at PlainEnglish.com

Mentioned in this episode:
Hard words? No problem
Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again!
See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language.
Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish.
Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
16 min
June 18Expression: With a straight face
Learn the English expression, "with a straight face." (Can you keep one?)
Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/with-a-straight-face
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Plain English helps you improve your English:
Learn about the world and improve your English
Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand
New stories every week
Learn even more at PlainEnglish.com

Mentioned in this episode:
Hard words? No problem
Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again!
See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language.
Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish.
Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
13 min
June 15Diet Coke and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar are the new cola rivals
Today's story: The 'cola wars' of the 1980s and 1990s pitted Coca-Cola against Pepsi. Both brands had their classic recipes and their 'diet' alternatives. But as consumers pivoted away from full-sugar sodas, makers of fizzy drinks found a new hit: 'zero-sugar' recipes that tasted just like the original. Now, the hot debate among soda drinkers is between diet and zero-sugar recipes. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/873
Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/873
--
Plain English helps you improve your English:
Learn about the world and improve your English
Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand
New stories every week
Learn even more at PlainEnglish.com

Mentioned in this episode:
Hard words? No problem
Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again!
See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language.
Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish.
Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
16 min

About Plain English

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Improve your English and learn about the world at the same time. Plain English brings you short, modern stories about culture, science, travel, business, and everyday life, all told in clear, natural English designed for learners.