Synopsis
Do you want to practice English but think many speakers go too fast? Do you want to improve your listening and reading skills at the same time?Plain English is a weekly audio program spoken at the right speed for English language learnersjust a little bit slower than native speed. Each episode features a selection of news stories or current events from around the world, followed by a discussion of the English vocabulary and English phrases used in the episode.Each episode has full transcripts available free online at PlainEnglish.com, where you can read along as you listen. Native Spanish speakers can also view interactive transcripts with definitions of key words and phrases.Learning a language should be about using it and enjoying it, not always about studying. We like to say that Plain English is for English learners but not about learning English. Engage with the show on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/PlainEnglishPod) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/PlainEnglishPod) or e-mail feedback to jeff@plainenglish.com.
Episodes
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Boris Johnson era is coming to an end | Learn the phrasal verb ‘go after’
28/07/2022 Duration: 26min[Free workshop] Don't miss our free Active Learning workshop at PlainEnglish.com/active In the workshop, you'll learn: The difference between active and passive learning How to be an active learner in English How Plain English can help you be more active See it all at PlainEnglish.com/active On today's lesson: Boris Johnson stepped down as leader of Britain’s Conservative Party after three years leading the U.K. government. His tenure has had many challenges, including negotiating Brexit, leading the country through COVID-19, and supporting the war in Ukraine. But he’s also had his fair share of scandals. Plus, learn “go after.” -- 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/489 -- 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
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21 teenagers died at a South African nightclub, and nobody knows why | Learn the English expression ‘pass out’
25/07/2022 Duration: 24min" Twenty-one teenagers were tragically found dead in a South African nightclub after they were out celebrating the end of the school term. One survivor said she smelled a bad odor in the nightclub, but weeks later, authorities still do not know for sure what happened. Plus, learn “pass out.” -- 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/488 -- 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
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California dreamin': kids can snooze their alarm clocks | Learn the phrasal verb ‘stay up' | Active learning workshop
21/07/2022 Duration: 21min[Free Workshop]: Make faster progress in English by being an active learner. See a preview of our free workshop at PlainEnglish.com/active On today's lesson: A new California law mandates that high schools start the school day no earlier than 8:30 AM and middle schools no earlier than 8:00 AM. This is in an effort to work with teenagers’ biological clocks that naturally tell them to sleep around 11 and wake up around 8. But how will this work logistically? Plus, learn “stay 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/487 -- 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
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Planning for your digital death | English expression ‘up to date’ | New workshop
18/07/2022 Duration: 24minAnnouncing: Want to make faster progress in English? Check out our new workshop, all about active learning strategies at PlainEnglish.com/active End-of-life planning is a terrifying thing for most people to consider, but just a few minutes of planning can set your loved ones up for success with your digital assets. Last week, we covered what exactly happens to your digital assets when you die, and this lesson covers how exactly to set up your digital legacy. Plus, learn “up to date.” -- 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/486 -- 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
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What happens when you (online) die | Learn the English expression ‘in progress’
14/07/2022 Duration: 24min" In estate planning, it’s common to think about who will inherit personal possessions, bank accounts, investments, real estate, and other property. But we rarely consider what happens to our digital assets and accounts. This lesson dives into what happens when you die – digitally. Plus, learn “in progress.” -- 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/485 -- 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 gra
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K-pop band BTS is taking a break | Learn the English expression ‘loom over’
11/07/2022 Duration: 22min" BTS – the most popular band in the world –are taking a “temporary break.” The band announced the break during a live-streamed anniversary dinner party for fans. They spent over 40 minutes explaining the reasoning behind the break, and you can tell it was an emotional moment for the band. Plus, learn “loom over.” -- 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/484 -- 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 ingl
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Should you bring your ‘whole self’ to work? | Learn the English expression ‘on the surface’
07/07/2022 Duration: 19min" In an effort to improve company culture and employee morale, many companies have put out messaging encouraging employees to bring their “whole selves” to the workplace. But what does that mean, exactly? And should we really be doing that? This lesson puts that idea to the test. Plus, learn what “on the surface” means. -- 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/483 -- 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
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A controversial new tour is dividing the golf world | Learn the phrasal verb ‘pass up’
04/07/2022 Duration: 24min" An upstart league called LIV Golf is disrupting the tranquility that has long defined professional golf. The decision to join – or not join – the tour has torn the golf world into two. The tour is offering some of the world’s best players enormous sums of money to play, but there is controversy surrounding where exactly that money is coming from. Plus, learn “pass 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/482 -- 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
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The benefits of keeping a journal | Learn the expression ‘get off on the right foot’
30/06/2022 Duration: 21min" Journaling is an age-old practice that is known for its mental health benefits. There are many ways to keep a journaling practice that don’t require long entries on pen and paper. In fact, you don’t need to devote much time at all to experience the benefits. Plus, learn what it means to “get off on the right foot.” -- 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/481 -- 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
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A Wimbledon without rankings points | Learn the phrasal verb ‘hand out’
27/06/2022 Duration: 20min" Wimbledon is the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, but this year, players won’t earn any points towards their world rankings by competing in the tournament. Wimbledon is caught up in a political controversy, which led the governing body of tennis to strip it of its ATP points. Plus, learn “hand out.” -- 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/480 -- 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
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Just how big is the world’s largest plant? | Learn the phrasal verb ‘look into’
23/06/2022 Duration: 20min" The world’s largest plant was recently discovered off the western coast of Australia. The plant is a ribbon weed that researchers estimate to be about 4,500 years old. It grows entirely below the surface of the water and covers and astonishing area. Plus, learn what it means to “look into” something. -- 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/479 -- 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
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A royal party for 70 years as Queen | Learn the English expression ‘look down on’
20/06/2022 Duration: 20min" Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning monarch in the over 1,000-year history of the United Kingdom. She has been Queen of the U.K. for 70 years, or since 1952, when she was just 25 years old. The U.K. through her an epic party to celebrate. Plus, learn “look down 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/478 -- 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
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Unlock the hidden features of Google Maps | Learn the English expression ‘brand-new’
16/06/2022 Duration: 20min" Google Maps, the world’s most popular mapping application, is known for helping people get from one place to another. But did you know that the app is packed with other hidden features? Today’s lesson covers several of those features that you might not know about. Plus, learn “brand-new.” -- 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/477 -- 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 n
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The American UFO craze | Learn the English expression ‘raise the stakes’
13/06/2022 Duration: 25min"The US government has kept a running list of UFO sightings since the 1940s, and until recently, the list was kept secret. Today, we’re talking about the strange history of UFO’s in American culture, including the frenzy they created in the 1960s. Plus, what to expect for the future of UFOs and learn “raise the stakes.”--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/476-- 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 ingl
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What’s the best hard seltzer? | Learn the English expression ‘take the plunge’
09/06/2022 Duration: 23min" In Tuesday’s lesson, we talked about how hard seltzers have become one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the US in just the last few years. Today, we’re revealing the results of our hard seltzer blind taste test. We sampled three brands and five flavors, and let’s just say it didn’t go as we thought it would. Plus, learn what it means to “take the plunge.” -- 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/475 -- 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.
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Hard seltzer industry isn’t fizzling out anytime soon | Learn the English expression ‘fit the bill’
06/06/2022 Duration: 22min" Hard seltzers burst on the scene just a few years ago, and now they are one of the most popular drink options among Americans. Hard seltzers are marketed as a lower-calorie option than beer and cocktails. Brands like White Claw and Truly are leading the craze, but most alcohol companies now have a hard seltzer offering. Plus, learn “fit the bill.” -- 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/474 -- 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 P
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Updates on Covid companies, Djokovic, NFTs, and more | Learn the English expression ‘to have a history of’
02/06/2022 Duration: 24min" Today, we review the latest news on six previous topics: how the Covid business winners are doing two years later, Novak Djokovic’s return to competition, a drastic price drop for a popular NFT, the surfside condo collapse, Juan Carlos settles in the UAE, and Havana Syndrome. Plus, learn “have a history 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/473 -- 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 g
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Buy now, pay later: what could possibly go wrong? | Learn the English expression ‘egg someone on’
30/05/2022 Duration: 24min" Buy now, pay later started as an option for people without credit cards to pay for big purchases, like furniture or airline flights, in installments. But now, people are using buy now, pay later to buy clothing, household goods, and even groceries. Gen Z might especially be in trouble. Plus, learn “egg 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/472 -- 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 gr
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The rise of buy now, pay later | Learn the English expression ‘think twice’
26/05/2022 Duration: 25min" Buy now, pay later is on the rise as Americans learn to love the Brazilian way to pay. People without credit scores and credit cards are able to spread out paying off purchases over longer periods of time. Retailers love it, too, because their customers will buy more, and buy more often. Plus, learn “think twice.” -- 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/471 -- 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 in
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A new highway across South America | Learn the phrasal verb ‘work on’
23/05/2022 Duration: 22min" A new highway will connect the landlocked regions of South America to the Pacific Ocean, and the first link from Paraguay was just completed. South America produces a lot of the world’s food, and the highway will help speed up exports. But not everyone is on board. The highway also threatens areas of forest and indigenous culture. Plus, learn “work 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/470 -- 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 fre