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

" Before the pandemic, there were many companies that were resistant to offering employees flexibility to work from home. A lot has changed over the past year, and companies are increasingly open to remote work options. This could mean more opportunity for neurodiverse employees, who struggle in traditional office environments. Plus, learn “catch-all.” -- 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/350 -- 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 a

" Duty-free shopping is a strange loophole in the retail industry. You can buy expensive, luxury items without paying the usual hefty taxes, but only international travelers can take advantage. For this reason, duty-free shops are usually located in airports. Without international travel, the duty-free industry did not fare well – except in one place. Plus, learn “add 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/349 -- 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 lik

" For years, sports betting was illegal in most of the United States. But in 2018, a Supreme Court ruling opened the door for individual states to legalize sports gambling. Things are ramping up as sports leagues are trying to rebound from a lost year due to COVID. The sports landscape is changing, for better or worse. Plus, learn “stay out of 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/348 -- 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 Pl

" The ‘Nomadland’ cast only had two professional actors, and the rest were people that actually live the nomad life in America. The unconventional cast helped portray the real-life community behind the movie with depth and feeling. In this lesson, you’ll meet some of them and hear about their lives off-screen. Plus, learn what it means to “make ends meet.” -- 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/347 -- 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 fr

" Chloé Zhao’s ‘Nomadland’ explores the reality of nomad life in America through the lens of a widow forced into life on the road. It takes you through an exciting and mysterious plot and might even convince you that all who wander are not lost. This one is worth watching. Plus, learn “run into.” -- 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/346 -- 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

" This winter has brought snow to some unlikely places. Alongside the once-in-a-century pandemic, Madrid, Jerusalem, and parts of the American south all had record-breaking once-in-a-century winter storms this year. This caused a rush of excitement for some, and very dangerous and life-threatening conditions for others. Plus, learn “resort 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/345 -- 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 PlainE

" The sleepy town of Serrana, Brazil was selected as the site for an important vaccine experiment. We know that coronavirus vaccines are effective at preventing symptoms, deaths, and serious cases. But we still don’t know whether vaccinated people can transmit the disease to others. Brazilian and Chinese researches and the residents of Serrana are on a mission to find out. Plus, learn “get in on the action.” -- 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/344 -- 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 supporti

" Jeff Bezos founded Amazon from his Seattle home in 1994. Since then, Bezos has built Amazon into the world’s largest online retailer. Twenty-seven years and billions of dollars later, Bezos is planning to step down as Amazon’s CEO and transition to executive chairman later in 2021. Plus, learn “step back from.” -- 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/343 -- 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 inglé

It was only a matter of time before the pandemic made its way into pop culture, and some TV shows have already started airing COVID-19 inspired storylines. But is it too soon? This lesson evaluates three popular TV shows that incorporated the coronavirusMentioned 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

" Everyone knows about the mega American fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s. But America’s regional chain restaurants are some of the most loved. Several of these chains hail the type of enthusiasts that sport sweatshirts with the restaurant’s logo and post selfies while eating there on social media. Warning: this lesson might make you hungry. Plus, learn “go well with.” -- 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/341 -- 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 o

" Normally, species evolve or thousands, or even millions, of generations. Evolution occurs far too slowly for humans to observe it happening in our relatively short lifetimes. But one species in Australia is evolving differently and faster than scientists have ever seen, and they are also causing all sorts of problems. Plus, learn “pick 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/340 -- 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

" Many people around the world are now accustomed to wearing face masks daily, but an unexpected side effect of this new norm is difficulty communicating. Not only do face masks make it harder to understand someone’s voice clearly, they also make it much more difficult to read facial expressions. Today, we’re discussing some tips to communicate while still masking up. Plus, learn “get away with.” -- 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/339 -- 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

" To start off 2021, GameStop's stock was sitting at about $18 per share. Investors thought it was a dying business. But by the end of the month – and in a matter of just a few days – the stock soared to $469 per share. All of this happened, more or less, because of a group on social media. Plus, learn “run for cover.” -- 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/338 -- 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

" Larry King, who interviewed countless celebrities, politicians, and anyone else with a story to tell, passed away at the age of 87 last month. He hosted the highest-rated cable television talk show, Larry King Live, on CNN for 25 years, and was on radio and television for over half a century. Plus, a personal experience with Larry King and the English expression “partial 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/337 -- 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 learner

" A 36-year-old man lived in the Chicago-O’Hare airport for nearly three months before anyone noticed. Back in October, Mr. Singh was reportedly on his way home to India via a connection in Chicago, but he was too afraid to continue his journey amidst the pandemic. He decided to camp out in the Chicago airport instead. Plus, learn “rely 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/336 -- 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 PlainEngl

" Since just 10 percent of the human population is left-handed, the world is designed for the 90 percent right-handed majority. Everything from using a scissors to computer design to swiping credit cards are daily inconveniences for left-handers – things most right-handers take for granted. Also, the origins of right-handed dominance and why left-handedness hasn’t evolved out of the human population. Plus, learn “cater 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/335 -- 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

" Coca-Cola has officially retired Tab, its first diet soda, in an effort to trim its portfolio. Tab was originally intended for diabetics, but the soda took off amongst dieters seeking a low-calorie, low-sugar alternative to traditional sodas. Enthusiasts rushed to stockpile their supplies of Tab before the drink was off the shelves for good. Plus, learn “turn 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/334 -- 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.

" After a couple deadly crashes grounded Boeing’s 737-MAX two years ago, the aircraft has finally been approved for takeoff again. All eyes have been on Boeing and its fuel-efficient 737-MAX aircraft, and approval processes were more thorough than ever. But passengers are still nervous to board a flight on a 737-MAX with its spotty safety record. Plus, learn “in the eyes 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/333 -- 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

" The biggest vaccination effort in world history is underway. But with that, of course, comes a host of problems, and vaccinations haven’t even begun in the developing world yet. Progress is slow and below initial expectations, but there’s still some reasons for optimism. Plus, learn what it means to “make arrangements.” -- 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/332 -- 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 -- Apre

" Starbucks is accelerating its plans to open more small format locations, adding more contactless ordering and pickup-only options. Fueled by changing consumer preferences – and likely plenty of caffeine – Starbucks will cut its expansion timeline from three to five years down to just eighteen months. Plus, learn what it means to “shake up” a routine. -- 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/331 -- 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 a