Practising English

Here are the words and expressions we''l study today:

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-316.htm

1) to handle

Definition: To deal with a situation, a person, or a problem successfully. 

Examples: Don't worry about the cooking tonight, I can handle it. 

Our manager is very calm and knows exactly how to handle angry customers.

2) sound like

Definition: To seem true or interesting after hearing or reading about it, or to make a noise similar to something else. 

Examples: Going to the beach this weekend sounds like a fantastic idea!

 I heard a strange noise outside last night that sounded like a cat. 

3) about to

Definition: Ready to do something very soon, or very close to happening. 

Examples: Hurry up and get in the car! The train is about to leave. 

I was just about to call you when your text message arrived.

4) for hours

Definition: For a very long period of time. 

Examples: We had to wait at the airport for hours because our flight was late. 

My brother can play video games for hours without taking a single break. 

5) get worse

Definition: To become more bad, difficult, or painful than before. 

Examples: If your cold gets worse tomorrow, you should definitely see a doctor.

 The traffic in the city center always gets worse around 5:00 PM. 

6) dozens of

Definition: A very large number of things or people (usually groups of twelve, but used generally to mean "a lot of"). 

Examples: There were dozens of people standing in line to buy the new phone.

 She has dozens of beautiful plants all over her apartment.

7) take a deep breath

Definition: To fill your lungs with a lot of air, usually to help yourself relax, calm down, or feel better. 

Examples: Before the important job interview started, he took a deep breath to calm his nerves. 

Just take a deep breath and explain to me what happened.

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

Here are the B2 phrases we'll be studying today:

1) far too many/much/few etc.
There are far too many games in this new 48-team tournament, and our players look absolutely exhausted.
The manager chose far too few midfielders in the starting line-up, which is why we completely lost control of the ball.

2) in any case
I don't think the referee should have given that penalty, but in any case, we played poorly and didn't deserve to win.
It is going to be incredibly hot in Miami for the next match, but in any case, the team must adapt if they want to reach the semi-finals.

3) demand (verb)
After that terrible performance against Canada, millions of fans back home demand that the manager changes his tactics for the next round.
Spanish supporters demand beautiful, attacking football, so we cannot just defend a 1-0 lead.

4) no guarantee
Even though we have a fantastic squad this year, there is no guarantee that we will defeat a strong team like Argentina.
Winning our group easily gives us confidence, but it offers no guarantee that we will survive a penalty shootout in the knockout stage.

5) relevant
Past defeats against Germany are not relevant to this young squad; they are only focused on making history in 2026.
Having experience in big Champions League finals is highly relevant for our players during a high-pressure World Cup tournament.

6) As for...
The defense looked solid today, but as for our strikers, they missed too many clear chances in front of the goal.
I’ve already bought my match tickets for the group stage, but as for the final in New York, the flights are just too expensive.

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B1 phrases we'll be studying today!

See full story audioscript here with B1 words highlighted: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-314.htm

1. Take care of. Definition: To look after someone or something and make sure they have what they need. 

• I need to take care of my little brother while my parents are at work.
• Please take care of your new books and do not lose them.

2. Alive. Definition: Living and not dead. 

• We found a small bird in the garden, and it was still alive.
• My grandfather is 90 years old, but he is very active and very much alive.

3. Recover. Definition: To get better after an illness or an injury. 

• It took her three weeks to recover from the bad cold.
• The athlete needs to rest and recover before the next big game.

4. Explanation. Definition: The reasons you give to make something clear or easy to understand. 

• The teacher gave a clear explanation of the math problem.
• He did not have a good explanation for being late to class.

5. Make up one's mind. Definition: To make a decision or choose what to do. 

• I cannot make up my mind about which movie to watch tonight.
• She finally made up her mind and bought the blue jacket.

6. By hand. Definition: Made or done by a person using their hands, not using a machine. 

• My grandmother makes all of her beautiful sweaters by hand.
• In the past, people had to wash all their clothes by hand.

7. Instead of. Definition: In the place of someone or something else. 

• I will have water instead of juice with my lunch.
• We decided to walk to the park instead of taking the bus.

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B2 phrases I'll be studying today:

(See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-313.htm

as far as sth is concerned

Definition: When talking about a particular subject or issue. 

Example:

•  As far as money is concerned, we need to be careful. 

a misunderstanding

Definition: A situation in which people do not understand each other correctly. 

Example:

• The argument started because of a misunderstanding.

what on earth...! / why on earth...!

Definition: Used to show strong surprise, confusion, or annoyance. 

Example:

• What on earth are you doing here at midnight? I thought you were in bed!

flirt

Definition: To behave in a way that shows romantic or sexual interest in someone, often in a playful way. 

Example:

• He was flirting with a woman at the party.

be devoted to

Definition: To be very loyal to, committed to, or focused on someone or something. 

Example:

• She is devoted to her family. She visits them every week.

clear up the question of

Definition: To explain or solve something that is unclear or uncertain. 

Example:

• The meeting helped clear up the question of who was responsible. (See: misunderstanding)

make out (find the answer to) 

Definition: To understand, discover, or find the answer to something that is difficult. 

Example:

• I couldn't make out what the reason was Dave getting upset at the party.

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B1 phrases we're going to study today:

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-312.htm

 1. after a while

Definition: after some time has passed

 Example: We talked for a while , and after a while we went home. 

 2. on purpose

Definition: intentionally; not by accident

 Example: John broke his mobile phone on purpose so his parents would buy him a new one. 

 3. put out (a fire) 

Definition: to stop a fire from burning

 Example: There was a fire in our kitchen. Fortunately, the fire brigade arrived soon put out the fire quickly. 

 4. hurry up

Definition: to do something more quickly

 Example: Hurry up , or we will miss the bus. 

 5. help yourself

Definition: take something for yourself if you want it

 Example: There are some biscuits on the table. Help yourself to some. 

 6. lend a hand

Definition: to help someone with something

Example: Can you lend me a hand with these boxes?

 7. knock something/somebody down

Definition: (a building) to destroy a building; (a person) to hit someone so they fall, often with a vehicle

 Example: They knocked down the old factory and built a park there. 

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B2 phrasal verbs we're studying today:

For full stiry transcript: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-311.htm

1. Turn up (Meaning: To arrive or appear)
"We wrapped up the meeting early because the client didn't turn up on time."

2. Get away (Meaning: To escape or evade capture)
"The thieves managed to get away before the security guards could lock the building down."

3. Deal with (Meaning: To handle or take action on a problem)
"Don't worry about the scheduling conflict; our manager will deal with it first thing tomorrow."

4. Turn to (Meaning: To face someone or look to them for answers/help)
"When the map failed us, I turned to a local resident to ask for directions."

5. Fall for (Meaning: To fall deeply in love with someone)
"He was incredibly charming, so it didn't take long for her to fall for him completely."

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B1 expressions we'll study today:

For full story audio script: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-310.htm

1) just in case
Definition: to be prepared if something happens.
Take an umbrella just in case it rains.

2) get ready
Definition: to prepare for something.
We need to get ready for school.

3) come to an agreement
Definition: to decide something together after talking.
After two hours, they came to an agreement.

4) I must admit
Definition: I say something honestly, even if it is difficult or surprising.
I must admit, the movie was very good.

5) raised his voice
Definition: spoke louder, often because of anger.
The teacher raised his voice to stop the noise.

6) regret that decision
Definition: feel sorry about a choice you made.
She regrets that decision now.

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B2 phrases we'll be studying today:

For audioscript see: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-309.htm

peculiar

Definition: strange or unusual in a way that is interesting or surprising.

Examples:

There was a peculiar smell coming from the kitchen.

worrying

Definition: making you feel anxious or concerned.

Examples:

The doctor said the test results were worrying.

playing a joke on

Definition: tricking someone in a funny way for amusement.

Examples:

My brother was playing a joke on me by hiding my phone.

strangely enough

Definition: surprisingly or in an unusual way.

Examples:

Strangely enough, I met my old teacher in another country.

unclear about

Definition: not understanding something well or not being certain about it.

Examples:

She is still unclear about the homework instructions.

at all costs

Definition: no matter what difficulties or dangers there are.

Examples:

He wanted to win the game at all costs.

I was standing by the window in Poirot’s apartment, watching the busy London street below.

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B1 phrases we'll be studying today:

See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-308.htm

1) on one's own
Definition: alone, without help from others

Example:

·     She lives on her own in a small flat. 

2) of one's own
Definition: something that belongs only to a person

Example:

·     He wants a room of his own. 

3) in the end
Definition: finally, after everything

Example:

·     In the end, we chose the blue dress. 

4) backwards and forwards
Definition: moving or repeating in both directions; very well learned

Example:

·     The child walked backwards and forwards in the room. 

5) keep somebody busy
Definition: give someone enough work or activity

Example:

·     This project will keep her busy all week. 

6) get together
Definition: meet with other people

Examples:

·     We get together every Friday night. 

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B2 expressions we're going to study today. For full transcript of the story, you can go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-307.htm

1) take the blame
Definition: to accept that you are responsible for something bad that happened. 

• I took the blame for the mistake at work.

2) make for
Definition: to move in a particular direction or go toward a place. 

• After dinner, we made for the exit.

3) catch up
Definition: to reach the same level as someone else or to get up to date. 

• I need to catch up on my homework.

4) think something through
Definition: to consider something carefully before making a decision. 

• You should think it through before you answer.

5) figure something out
Definition: to understand or find the answer to something. 

• I can’t figure out this question.

6) push oneself
Definition: to make yourself work harder or go beyond your limits. 

• He pushed himself to finish the race.

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...