Recent Posts
15 British English Phrases for When You’re Feeling Stressed
If you're learning English and want to sound more natural in everyday conversations, especially when life feels a bit overwhelming, this post is for you.
Here are 15 common British English phrases that people use when they're tired, overworked, or quietly not okay. These expressions are perfect for English speaking practice and will help you express yourself more clearly, more naturally, and more like yourself.
10 Daily Habits to Improve Your English
If you're trying to improve your English skills but feel overwhelmed by textbooks, lack of time or just don’t know where to start, this post is for you. Whether you're learning English for work, study, travel, or personal growth, building small, consistent habits can make a huge difference. So here are ten simple daily habits that can be included in your daily routine to can help you grow your fluency and confidence in English
Why Your English Isn’t Improving- The Intermediate Plateau
Do you ever feel like your English is just... stuck?
You’re not a beginner anymore, but fluency still feels far away. You practise regularly, you speak when you can, you study vocabulary—but it feels like you’re not making progress in English.
In this post, we’ll explore why your English isn’t improving—and more importantly, what you can do to keep moving forward.
How to Get Better at Small Talk in English
Are you terrified of small talk? Does it feel awkward or pointless? In this blog, I break down how to master small talk in English, especially if you're learning it as a second language. You'll learn practical conversation starters, key phrases, and tips to make small talk feel more natural—even if you're an introvert like me!
English for Introverts: How to Speak Confidently Without Feeling Drained
Speaking English as an introvert can feel overwhelming. The thought of group classes, talking to strangers, and constant small talk may seem exhausting. However, becoming fluent in English does not mean you have to change who you are. Instead, you can use strategies that work with your personality, not against it.
This guide will explore effective language learning techniques tailored for introverts, helping you build confidence, improve fluency, and develop speaking skills at your own pace.
9 Ways to Say You’re Bad at Something – Speak English Like A Brit
Want to speak English like a Brit? In British English, we rarely say, 'I'm not good at something.' Instead, we use self-deprecating expressions and informal vocabulary that make us sound more natural, funny, and relatable! In this blog, you'll learn 9 essential British phrases to express when you're bad at something-whether it's sports, cooking, driving, or even small talk.
22 English Idioms With ‘Hand’ And How To Use Them.
Until I started exploring English idioms with the word ‘hand’ I didn’t realise quite how much we use the word in idiomatic phrases and expressions. The word ‘hand’ pops up in so many English idioms (some of which I’ve probably neglected to include!) and quite often, the meaning isn’t as obvious as you’d expect. Amongst other things, we use hand idioms to talk about control, help, fairness, and even sneaky behaviour.
Why Are British People So Hard to Understand? 10 Essential British English Phrases You Need to Know!
Have you ever spoken to a British person and thought to yourself, What on earth are they going on about? You’ve been studying English for years, you know all the grammar, and you have a solid vocabulary, yet when you’re faced with a Brit, you feel completely lost.
In this post, I’ll walk you through some essential British English phrases that will help you understand Brits better—and even start using them yourself.
How to Use ChatGPT to Improve Your English Conversation Skills (+free pdf)
In my English conversation classes I often encourage students to practice their English speaking skills using ChatGPT. Not many people can afford daily conversation classes, but using AI you can now practise speaking English regularly. Even better it’s free!
Find out how to use Chat GPT to practice speaking English and download my FREE pdF.
How to Use ‘Sorry’ in British English
Did you know that the average Brit uses the word ‘sorry’ around 8 times a day?
In English, particularly in British English, we use the word ‘sorry’ in many ways that go beyond a simple apology. Whether we’re late, in someone’s way, or simply trying to ask for help, ‘sorry’ slips into our sentences almost automatically.
But why do we say it so much, and what are the different ways we use this little word in everyday life?
How to Complain Effectively and Politely in English
In this blog post, I’ll give you some useful phrases and tips for complaining politely and effectively in English. I'll also share a few British cultural insights about how to handle complaints like a pro.
How to Politely Set Boundaries in English
As a speaker of English as a second+ language, setting boundaries politely can sometimes feel challenging. Expressing your needs clearly is an essential communication skill, whether in personal or professional situations. Here are some helpful tips and examples to guide you in setting boundaries with kindness and confidence, all while practicing your English communication skills.
English Listening Practice- Goodbye Summer
Today's video is a bit different from my usual Sunday English lesson, as I thought I'd catch up with you after being away for a few weeks. Plus there's a little peek at some video from my recent family holiday in St. Ives, Cornwall. Plus there's a free PDF for you to download.
Master English Conversation Skills With A Short Story
Meet Sophia and Gabriela as they navigate the art of small talk—a skill that’s essential for building connections and feeling at ease in any English-speaking environment. This story is designed to help you practice English listening, pick up natural conversational phrases, and learn how to effortlessly speak English in everyday conversations.
14 English Phrasal Verbs for Productivity
Today, we’re exploring 14 essential English phrasal verbs that can help you speak fluently about productivity in both your professional and personal life.
From sorting out to following up and breaking things down, I've got all the phrasal verbs you need to learn plus there's a free PDF.
10 ways to give encouragement in English
Do you stand on the sidelines, cheering on your family and friends with words of encouragement just when they need it most? If so, today's English lesson is perfect for you. We ‘re learning some positive phrases and words of encouragement to support, motivate, and uplift the people around you. These phrases are ideal for making meaningful connections in your everyday English conversations.
Talking about Positivity and Optimism in English
Welcome to another English lesson! Today, we're looking at talking about the subject of positivity and optimism in English —how to discuss it, express it, and even a bit about the concept of toxic positivity. You’ll find all the English vocabulary, collocations, expressions and phrasal verbs that you need to start having English conversations about positivity.
Mastering Phrasal Verbs for Making Phone Calls in English
In today's English lesson, we're going to explore phrasal verbs related to making phone calls. We'll define each verb and provide examples of their usage. Plus there’s a little story at the end which incorporates all the English language that we’re looking at in this lesson. Mastering these phrasal verbs will hopefully help you sound more natural and confident when speaking English.
Essential British English vocabulary for living, working or studying in the UK
Sunday English lesson- Watch the video and download your free PDF
Planning on visiting, working, or living in the UK? Navigating everyday British life can be a lot easier with the right phrases and vocabulary. In this blog post, we'll explore 35 essential English phrases that will help you not only survive but thrive in the UK.
7 Practical Tips on How to Think in English to Improve Your Fluency
Do you want to think in English? Are you happy with your fluency in English? Today I’m sharing 7 practical tips on how to start thinking in English to boost your fluency. These tips will help you to stop translating in your head and train your brain to think in English. I also discuss the importance of habit formation in language learning and how introducing these habits into your daily life will make thinking in English come more easily.