Plain English | Learn English | Vocabulary, News, And Culture At The Right Speed For English Language Learners

" A pair of Venezuelan immigrants to Miami pulled off a bold scheme to defraud members of their country's elite. These individuals were under sanctions, so they couldn't visit their luxury properties. So the Venezuelan couple took out loans on those properties, and used the money to live large. Plus, learn what it means to be ""in the dark."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/529 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEng

" American real estate is considered a safe asset for wealthy people in unstable economies. They like to buy luxury homes in the U.S. because real estate is considered a guard against inflation. Plus, the legal rights are strong and their home governments can't (usually) access that wealth. Today, you'll also learn the English expression ""cook up."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/528 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at

" As fighting continues, Ukraine's railways have adapted to move refugees, supply the front lines, and keep exports flowing. The rail network has proved critical to Ukraine's war effort and its morale. Employees work long hours and comfort passengers in distress. Plus, learn the English phrase ""work around the clock."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/527 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprend

" A new law in New York City requires all job postings to include a ""good faith"" range of base pay. The purpose is to help jobseekers negotiate fairer compensation. The law's authors hope the new rules reduce the pay disparity between men and women. But there are ways around the law. Plus, learn the English expression ""push the envelope."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/526 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEng

" The texts seem innocent at first: a case of mistaken identity or a request for advice. But for many victims, these random messages were the first step in an elaborate scam that cheated them out of all their savings. ""Pig butchering"" scams build confidence with their victims over weeks months; then, they trick victims into ""investing"" in fake cryptocurrency accounts. Plus, learn what it means to ""show your true colors."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/525 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English cour

" From ""Monster"" to ""Making of a Murderer,"" true crime has never been as popular as it is now. Many of these, though, are fictionalized, meaning the dialogue and details are invented to fit the overall story. Producers of these have a responsibility to the truth, but so do the viewers. Plus, learn the English phrase ""go about your business."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/524 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at Pla

" In the ultra-competitive world of streaming, Netflix has found a worldwide hit: its series called ""Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story."" In ten parts, the series tells the story of one of America's most notorious serial killers. While the facts of the story have been known for some time, the series tells the story from a new perspective. Plus, learn the English expression ""take liberties."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/523 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of

" Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, known as Lula, will return to presidency in Brazil, after defeating incumbent Jair Bolsonaro by 50.9% to 49.1%. The election marks a stunning comeback for Lula, who held the presidency from 2003 to 2010, but later served 18 months in jail for corruption. His third win, however, was his narrowest and he will preside over a divided country. Plus, learn the English expression ""on a technicality."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/522 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses

" The World Cup is the most-watched sports tournament in the world, and the 2022 edition starts Monday in the desert nation of Qatar. Here are some facts to get you ready for the big tournament. Plus, learn what it means to ""risk it."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/521 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso de inglés. Se habla a una velocidad lenta

" Elon Musk, the world's richest man by some measures, has purchased Twitter, a social media network, for $44 billion, using a mixture of his own money and loans. Like many things with Musk, this was hardly straightforward. Plus, learn the English expression ""stand to."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/520 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso de ing

We all know that different countries call things differently (lift vs. elevator, for example). But even within the U.S., there are surprising differences in vocabulary. And these differences persist, even though much of the media is national. So grab a soMentioned in this episode:Ready to improve your listening?Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

" Today's lesson is a look back at some recent lesson topics. Just months after the exit of Boris Johnson, British politics was plunged into tumult. Just one result: a recent prime minister was compared to a head of lettuce. Plus, learn the English expression ""distance yourself."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/518 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro cu

"America's national immigration policy has been broken for decades. Now, border state governors and big-city mayors are locked in a fight, with newly-arrived immigrants caught in between. It's a summary America's political and cultural dysfunction, all in one depressing story. Plus, learn the English expression ""find your way.""--At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world.-- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/517-- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too.-- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join-- Ap

" The British Broadcasting Corporation turns 100 years old this month. The BBC started as a way for radio makers to convince people to buy a ""wireless."" Today, it supplies news, entertainment, and education to hundreds of millions of people every week. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/516 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso de inglés. Se habla a un

" If an asteroid were on a collision course with Earth, could we avoid disaster by pushing the asteroid off course? That's the question NASA attempted to answer by crashing an unmanned craft into a real asteroid. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""set off."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/515 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso de inglés. Se ha

" Natural gas powers factories, heats homes, and generates electricity. And in Europe, much of the gas supply came from Russia. However, Europe is in a rapid transition away from Russian gas as a result of the war in Ukraine. The transition is not easy. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""run on."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/514 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis en

" The world of chess has been turned upside down after Norwegian Magnus Carlsen accused American teenager Hans Niemann of cheating. Though Niemann's rise has been swift, there's no evidence of foul play--except for the two times he previously admitted to cheating. Plus, learn the English expression ""stop short of."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/513 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende i

" One of the most famous strategy games in human history, chess spread around the world over 1,000 years ago. Though the rules have changed a little, the biggest change has come with the advent of computers and their victory over human champions. Plus, learn the English expression ""tailor made."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/512 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis en líne

" A new type of tomato is about to hit American grocery stores. It’s purple, it has enhanced nutrition, and it’s genetically-modified. But will the purple tomato be able to overcome skepticism about genetically-modified foods? This lesson might debunk some of the misconceptions you have about GM foods. Plus, learn what it means to have “an edge.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/511 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at Plai

" Are ESG funds all that they’re cracked up to be? Last week’s lesson covered what ESG investing is, and in theory, investing in companies that want to do more good sounds like a pretty good thing. However, today’s lesson covers that in practice, these ESG funds are coming up short. Plus, learn to ""welcome with open arms."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/510 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- A