

Learning English Vocabulary
BBC Radio
Build your English vocabulary with these short programmes. Each week we explore a new topic to improve your English vocabulary. Learn words for the weather, how to talk about people’s jobs, adjective order, and so much more. Plus, in our English in a Minute episodes, give your vocabulary a boost in under a minute. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at
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Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 1, 2026 • 1min
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'thing'
What's the next big thing, and what's a thing of the past? Learn these 'thing' phrases and more here.TRANSCRIPT
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Mar 30, 2026 • 6min
Short spoken forms
Casual spoken English shortcuts like gonna, wanna, dunno and whatcha get unpacked with real dialogue examples. Clear rules on when gonna can replace going to and its limits are explained. A listening quiz and tips on using media help you recognize these informal contractions in everyday speech.

Mar 25, 2026 • 53sec
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'hand'
Short lessons on four common phrases using the word hand. Simple explanations of being looked after, losing control, and offering help. Clear examples and prompts for listeners to practice. Light, bite-sized language learning.

Mar 23, 2026 • 6min
Uncountable nouns
They explain what counts as uncountable nouns using everyday examples like money, water and research. Travel-related terms such as accommodation and baggage get special attention. Types of uncountable words are listed, from liquids and materials to feelings and school subjects. A short quiz and a quick tip help listeners spot uncountable nouns.

Mar 18, 2026 • 59sec
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'eye'
Short lessons on four English phrases that use the word eye. Explanations include noticing fine detail, watching someone, ignoring wrongdoing, and getting someone’s attention. Clear examples show each phrase in everyday situations.

Mar 16, 2026 • 6min
Time expressions
Clear explanations of when to use in, on and at with time expressions. Short listening clips show real conversational timing and planning. Rules for clock times, days, dates, months, seasons and phrases like at the weekend are highlighted. A quick quiz and a tip to learn time chunks finish the show.

Mar 11, 2026 • 1min
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'water'
Short snippets introduce four colorful phrases that use the word water. They cover feeling out of place, cautiously trying ideas, dismissing negativity, and not being bothered by criticism. Brief anecdotes and lively examples bring each phrase to life.

7 snips
Mar 9, 2026 • 7min
Hyphenation
Clear rules for using hyphens in compound adjectives, numbers, and age expressions. Examples include adjective+ing forms, well-respected, and three-word compounds like out-of-date. Tips on when hyphens are needed before nouns and when to check the dictionary for compound nouns. A short quiz and advice on spotting compound forms while reading.

Mar 4, 2026 • 1min
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'cards'
Short takes on English phrases inspired by card games. Learn common idioms about behaving wisely, being honest, and keeping things secret. Hear how these expressions hint at future events and get quick examples to practice.

6 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 6min
Words with double letters
They focus on spelling words that have double letters, using accommodation and successful as examples. They explain when consonants are doubled before -ing and -ed and how short vowels affect doubling. Listeners hear a quiz picking double-letter words and practical tips like typing words repeatedly to build memory.


