Espresso English Podcast

Did you know that in more formal English, we tend to avoid using two-word verbs like ask for, throw away, and give out? These are very common in everyday spoken English, but we typically use slightly more formal words when writing professionally. Today you'll learn how to transform10 informal sentences into more formal ones that are appropriate in business English. If you're learning English for your career, then you'll find my Business English course very helpful! You can join for 50% off until Friday. OK, let's look at how to make these 10 sentences more formal: 1. We asked for an update two weeks ago. We requested an update two weeks ago. 2. My manager is thinking about your proposal. My manager is considering your proposal. 3. The stores are giving out free samples. The stores are distributing free samples. 4. I need some time to look over the information. I need some time to review the information. 5. The defective products were thrown away. The defective products were discarded. 6. I have found out the reason for the error. I have discovered/determined/identified the reason for the error. 7. Our visitors are going back to their country tomorrow. Our visitors are returning to their country tomorrow. 8. You need authorization to go ahead with the purchase. You need authorization to proceed with the purchase. 9. I will deal with the customer complaints. I will handle the customer complaints. 10. We talked about marketing strategy at the meeting. We discussed marketing strategy at the meeting. Remember, it's NOT that the first sentences are wrong - they are perfectly fine and correct! But we can make our writing a little more formal by using the second versions. Again, make sure to check out my Business English Course to learn a ton of practical phrases and vocabulary. This is the best time to join because you get a 50% discount!

Today we’re going to do a vocabulary with pictures lesson to help you learn 20 words for shapes in English, both two-dimensional and three-dimensional ones. You’ll learn both the noun form (the name of the shape itself) and the adjective form (how to describe something else with this shape) – in some cases those are the same, and in other cases they’re different.

Have you ever wanted to say something in English, but you just couldn’t think of the right word? That’s a vocabulary problem, and it can be really frustrating! If you want to expand your vocabulary fast, come join my Vocabulary Builder Courses. Not only do they have lessons that are full of useful words and pictures, but they also have quizzes and exercises to help you put the new words into practice right away.

Do YOU know these common expressions in everyday English?

Test yourself with these 10 questions!

I’ll show you a sentence, and you need to choose the right word to complete the phrase. After a few seconds, I’ll tell you the right answer.

What was your score? Let me know how many of these questions you got correct, and whether you learned a few new phrases today!

If you want to learn lots more phrases and expressions that native English speakers use, come check out my Everyday English Speaking Courses.

They will help you learn to speak more fluently and confidently!

✨ Espresso English Academy: https://courses.espressoenglish.net/academy/

⭐ $1 English grammar e-books: https://courses.espressoenglish.net/1-english-grammar-e-books/

Do you have difficulty speaking English? Sometimes the hardest part is simply starting a conversation. Today you'll learn 40 conversation starters that native English speakers use in various real life situations – formal or informal, at work, school, or other contexts! These aren’t especially “deep” conversation starters like you might want to use on a first date, when you’re interested in getting to know someone extremely well. Instead, they are more suited for “small talk” – casual conversation about topics of general interest.

You will learn lots more phrases inside my Everyday English Speaking Courses - they cover tons of situations, like what to say during:

• travel
• shopping
• eating in restaurants
• socializing
• agreeing/disagreeing
• making invitations and requests
• giving criticism or advice
• expressing your thoughts
• ...and much more.

I hope to see you inside!

We’re coming up to Valentine’s day on February 14th in the U.S. This holiday celebrates love and romance, so today’s lesson will teach you 20 essential words and phrases for talking about love and relationships. I’ve divided today’s vocabulary into three groups – starting a romantic relationship, being in a relationship, and ending a relationship.

When you want to expand your vocabulary, it’s very effective to learn groups of words like we’re doing today. This keeps the vocabulary more organized in your mind, and then it’s much easier to talk about the topic. You can continue learning this way inside my Vocabulary Builder Courses, which will teach you hundreds of common and extremely useful English words!