

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

Feb 23, 2026 • 6min
Pronouncing verbs and nouns
They explore words that share spelling but change stress when used as nouns or verbs. Short listening tasks and real examples like increase, decrease, invite and record are used to show the shift. A quick quiz tests your ear. Practical tips include using online audio and recording yourself to practice stress.

Feb 18, 2026 • 1min
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'big'
Short bursts explain common phrases using the word "big." Topics include the meaning of "big deal," the idiom "big fish in a small pond," how to "consider the big picture," and what it means to have "big shoes to fill." Clear examples and everyday contexts make the phrases easy to spot and remember.

Feb 11, 2026 • 1min
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'baby'
Short lessons on common phrases using the word baby. Quick explanations of meanings like sleeping well, taking very small steps, and overprotective care. A note on what having a baby face implies. Bite-sized practice examples to help you remember.

Feb 9, 2026 • 6min
British and American English
A playful tour of British and American vocabulary contrasts. They compare words like fall versus autumn and check versus bill. Other contrasts include mail versus post and store versus shop. The conversation highlights cookie, biscuit and candy, sweets differences. Listeners are encouraged to listen to many accents.

Feb 4, 2026 • 1min
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'foot'
Short clips explain common phrases that use the word 'foot'. Topics include asserting yourself, starting badly, making a strong impression, and charming someone romantically. Each phrase is defined and shown with a simple everyday example.

Feb 2, 2026 • 7min
Business jargon
They introduce common business jargon and set up real workplace examples. A marketing role-play shows how teams use words like action and upscale in practice. Listeners hear colourful phrases for creativity such as think out of the box, push the envelope and blue sky thinking. Strategic terms like helicopter view and low-hanging fruit are unpacked and reinforced with a short vocabulary quiz.

5 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 1min
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'stop'
Quick look at four common phrases using the verb stop. Covers phrases meaning relentless pursuit, ending something, being suddenly halted by shock, and taking time to appreciate life. Short, clear examples bring each phrase to life.

Jan 26, 2026 • 6min
Pronouncing words that start with ‘c’
They explore how the letter C can sound like /s/ in words starting with CE, CI and CY. A personal circus story supplies many lively examples. Short quizzes and a tongue-twister test listening and spotting C words. A memorization tip suggests creating long, playful sentences to learn groups of vocabulary.

Jan 21, 2026 • 1min
English in a Minute: Phrases with 'bite'
Dive into the intriguing world of phrases featuring 'bite.' Discover what it means to 'bite your tongue' and why sometimes silence is golden. Learn about 'biting off more than you can chew' and how to set realistic goals. Explore the concept of 'bite-sized' learning, which makes tackling new vocabulary a piece of cake. Finally, embrace the idea of 'biting the bullet' to face those daunting tasks, like dentist appointments. It's a tasty way to enhance your English skills!

6 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 7min
Phrasal verbs and context
Unravel the world of phrasal verbs as the hosts dive into how prepositions can drastically change meanings. Tune in for a humorous story about a housemate dilemma, illustrating the concept of 'get on'—both in relationships and work contexts. Explore phrases like 'move in,' 'move out,' and 'move on' through engaging examples. Plus, sharpen your skills with a fun quiz and a practical tip on memorizing vocabulary by writing sentences. It's a lively lesson on mastering English nuances!


