Learning English Conversations
BBC Radio
Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your English conversations easier. Every week, we teach you a new phrase or word you can use in conversation with The English We Speak. And we bring you special series to improve your English conversation. Try Beating Speaking Anxiety to learn how to fight your fears of speaking English. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at
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Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
Mar 30, 2026 • 2min
The English We Speak: Got you
A lively lesson on the phrase "I've got you" and how it shows support. Short examples show everyday uses and the casual pronunciation "gotcha." Clear advice on when not to use the casual form in formal or work settings. Friendly tips and practice to help learners sound natural in conversation.
10 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 2min
The English We Speak: A bit of a stretch
Short anecdotes about school and celebrity claims kick off a chat about when stories are exaggerated. The hosts unpack the phrase "a bit of a stretch" and give clear examples of its use. They also explain stretch as a verb and wrap up with quick practice and a teaser for the next installment.
24 snips
Mar 16, 2026 • 2min
The English We Speak: Kick the can down the road
Short scenes about delaying decisions and passing problems on to others. A car tale sparks the phrase's meaning and workplace examples show procrastination in action. Everyday situations like postponed repairs and paperwork illustrate how people avoid tough calls. A related expression about sidelining issues is also explored.
20 snips
Mar 10, 2026 • 3min
The English We Speak: Cut corners
Conversation explains the expression "cut corners" with a literal image of runners taking shortcuts. They explore the metaphor of choosing easier, cheaper routes that reduce quality. Examples cover events, health and time pressure. The phrase is contrasted with ideas like going the extra mile.
10 snips
Mar 9, 2026 • 9min
Beating Speaking Anxiety: 8. I’m scared I can’t be myself
They explore why speaking another language can mute your personality and make you feel different. Personal stories reveal moments of shyness, lost humor and post-conversation worry. Experts explain links between language and self-concept. Practical tips include tracking anxiety triggers, calming routines before meetings, and using English in fun, immersive activities to regain confidence.
22 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 4min
The English We Speak: Short-change
They unpack the literal cashier origin of 'short-change' and how it moved into everyday speech. A coffee story shows the phrase in action. Holiday and everyday examples illustrate being given less than promised. Brief grammar tips explain verb and adjective forms and common usage.
17 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 8min
Beating Speaking Anxiety: 7. I’m scared I’m not getting better
They explore why classroom English feels different from real conversation. They discuss why competent learners still feel anxious and stuck. Practical ideas include taking a break from perfectionism and studying other interests to practise naturally. Tips cover celebrating small wins and using recordings to notice gradual progress.
8 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 3min
The English We Speak: Go through a rough patch
Short lesson on the phrase 'go through a rough patch' and when to use it. Discussion uses a road metaphor to show the phrase is temporary. Examples span work, relationships and sports teams. Listeners share real-life scenarios and alternative expressions like 'sticky patch' are suggested.
11 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 11min
Beating Speaking Anxiety: 6. I’m scared I won’t get the joke
Peppa Duarte, a Peruvian actor and filmmaker who moved to the UK, shares her story of learning English and doing comedy. She talks about feeling excluded by jokes, struggling with accents, and pretending to laugh to fit in. Peppa explains how playfulness and practice helped her try stand-up in another language and gain confidence through migrant-focused comedy spaces.
15 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 3min
The English We Speak: Learn the hard way
A lively chat about the phrase "learn something the hard way" and what it means. They share everyday mishaps like getting soaked, losing unsaved work, missed trains and cooking disasters. Listeners' true-to-life stories illustrate how tough lessons stick. A quick look at a related phrase about learning from consequences.
