Happy English Podcast

Has this ever happened to you? Someone invites you to do something - maybe go out for dinner, or join a party - but you can't go. Maybe you're too busy. Maybe you don't want to go. But you feel a little nervous about saying no? Yeah... totally understandable. Saying no in English isn't always easy, so today let's learn how to do it.In this lesson, we're going to look at how we invite people in English, and more importantly, how to politely say no when you can't accept that invitation. This is super helpful for conversations at work, school, or even with friends.Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signupWatch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts

Thanks for joining me today! If you've ever wondered what the difference is between “Have you eaten yet?” and “Are you still eating?”... or if you're not sure when to use anymore - then this episode is for you. These four little words - still, yet, already, and anymore - seem simple, but when it comes to questions and negative sentences, things can get a little tricky. So today, we'll take a deep dive into how they work, with plenty of real, everyday examples.Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signupWatch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts

Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every Sunday with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Michael on YouTube.In fact, the idea for today's lesson came from a listener's question on YouTube. It's all about reductions. In language learning, reduction means shortening or softening sounds when we speak quickly - it's what makes English sound smooth and natural. One really common example is when we say the phrase “I'm trying to.”  It usually sounds like, “I'm tryin' uh.” “I'm tryin' uh.” There are three things happening here. First, I'm is pronounced as Ahm. Then, we drop the g of trying, so it sounds like try-in, and third we drop the T in the word TO and pronounce it as uh. Ahm try-in-uh. Here are some examples in context: “I'm tryin' uh finish this report.”“I'm tryin' uh get up earlier.”And these days, “I'm tryin' uh learn Japanese.”It's quick, relaxed, and totally natural - especially in everyday conversation and songs. You'll hear this kind of reduction all the time in American English, like what we studied last Sunday: Lemme, gimme, and gemme. So next time you say I'm trying to, relax your mouth and let it flow: “I'm tryin' uh.”  That's the rhythm of real American English.Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Sunday Speak.  Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch the video version of this Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every Saturday with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently.And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Michael on YouTube.Today, let's look at a really common phrase you'll hear in everyday English - “Does that make sense?”We use does that make sense? to check if the other person understands what we just explained. It's a more natural and friendly way to say “Do you understand?” - which can sometimes sound a little too direct.For example, if you're giving directions, you could say: “Go straight two blocks, turn right at the light, and the café's on the left. Does that make sense?”Or, if you're helping a coworker with a report, you might say: “So, we'll send this out by Friday, and then follow up next week. Does that make sense?”It's polite, warm, and shows you care that the other person understood you. So next time you're explaining something, try ending with a friendly “Does that make sense?” - just to make sure!And hey, does that make sense to join me again next time for another podcast English lesson? Lemme know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Saturday's English tips in a minute.  Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch the video version of this Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to Phrasal Verbs in a Minute from Happy English.I'm here every Friday with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak. And if you want to watch this lesson just look for Happy English Michael on YouTube.Today's phrasal verb is rattle off.  When you rattle something off, it means you say or list things quickly and easily - usually without stopping to think much. It's like when someone just fires off information from memory.Like, my friend Lisa is amazing with dates. You can ask her about any historical event, and she'll rattle off the exact year it happened.And my coworker Tom can rattle off ten phrasal verbs in thirty seconds - no problem at all.Here's a pronunciation tip: rattle off - ra-dl-off. The T sound of rattle  is a flap T sound, and the  L sound of links with off, so it sounds like ra-dloff.So how about you? Is there something you can rattle off - maybe song lyrics, movie quotes, or English phrasal verbs?Lemme know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Phrasal Verb Friday.  Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch the video version of this Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/happyenglishnyBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

I get it - make and do can be super confusing. You've probably learned that both verbs mean "to take action" in some way. But for example, how do you know when to say make a mistake or do your homework? That's what we're going to clear up.Today we're going to talk about two small but mighty verbs in English: make and do. These verbs show up everywhere - but the tricky part is knowing when to use which one. So today, we'll go over the core difference between make and do, and I'll give you lots of real-life examples along the way. Let's get started!Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

I guess you're here because you think podcasts are a good way to learn English. Yeah, absolutely — I was thinking the same thing. You might even think they are the best way to learn. Well, I see your point, but I'm not sure everyone would think so. Maybe we can agree to disagree. That's the language we'll look at today. In this podcast English lesson, we're going to talk about something that happens all the time in conversations — agreeing and disagreeing. But not just saying “yes” or “no.” We're going to look at how to do this politely — whether you're in a meeting, having a group chat, or just talking with a friend.Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

In everyday spoken American English, we often use reduction. Here, reduction means we shorten or soften sounds when we speak. It's when certain words or syllables lose their full sound to make speech smoother and faster. Today, let's look at three really common reductions: lemme, gimme, and gemme.Like, instead of saying let me, we reduce it to lemme. The T sound at the end of let, is dropped. Lemme. You can say things like, “Lemme see that.”  “Lemme know when you're ready.” or “Lemme know what time the meeting starts.” Lemme. And instead of saying give me, we reduce it to gimme comes from give me.The V sound at the end of give, is dropped. Gimme. You can say things like,  “Gimme a second.” “Gimme that pen.” Or “Can you gimme a hand moving this desk?. GimmeFinally for today, instead of saying get me, we reduce it to gemme. The T sound at the end of get is dropped. Gemme. You can say things like, “Gemme a coffee, please.”  “Can you gemme a towel?” Or, “You're going for donuts? Can you gemme one?”These reductions happen naturally in everyday casual conversation. And reductions aren't a lazy way of speaking. They're just how people really talk smoothly.  So next time you hear lemme, gimme, or gemme, you'll know the meaning. And when you use them yourself, your English will sound smoother and more natural.Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Today, let's look at a really natural and friendly phrase you'll hear all the time in everyday English - “Sounds like a plan.” We use sounds like a plan when we agree to someone's suggestion or idea. It's a casual, upbeat way to say “That's a good idea” or “Let's do that.”For example, your friend says:  “Let's meet at 6 for dinner.” You can reply: “Sounds like a plan!”Or maybe your coworker says: “How about we finish this project on Monday?” You can say: “Yeah, sounds like a plan.”It's short, friendly, and works perfectly in everyday conversation - at work, with friends, even with your family.So remember, the next time someone suggests something you agree with, skip the formal “That is a good idea.” and just say “Sounds like a plan!” It's a natural way to reply!Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Today's phrasal verb is whip up.  When you whip something up, it means you make or create something quickly - usually food, but it can also be ideas, energy, or excitement.Like, yesterday morning I was in a rush, so I whipped up some scrambled eggs before heading out the door.And the other day, my neighbor whipped up a batch of cookies and brought them over. Best surprise ever!Or my friend Amy is so creative - she can whip up a great PowerPoint presentation in no time.So how about you? What's something you can whip up quickly - maybe a meal, a project, or even a good idea?  Leave a comment, and remember to follow or subscribe!Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Let's table this. That's what the boss said. And then someone else said, we need to pivot. So then I suggested we take it off line, but the boss said, Let's not reinvent the wheel. Ah, the language of business.have you ever been in a meeting or on a Zoom call and someone says something like, “Let's circle back on that” or “We need to pivot”… and you're just sitting there thinking, “Wait, what did that mean?” Today, let's take a closer look at what these buzzwords really mean in plain English - and how native speakers use them in everyday business conversations. Visit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

I know that I promised to keep you in the loop, so I'm touching base with you in this podcast English lesson to let you know I've been thinking outside the box and everything you need to improve your English is here in the pipeline. Today, we're going to look at six of the most common idioms you'll hear in American offices, and help you sound more natural and confident at work - or at least understand what your coworkers are saying.Visit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

One of the biggest secrets to sounding natural in English is something called the schwa sound. It's the most common sound in American English, and it's a huge reason why native speakers sound so smooth and relaxed when they talk.The schwa sounds like uh - not strong or clear, just soft and lazy: uh. We use it in many unstressed syllables and small words: Like the vowel sounds in umbrella, the a in what [whut], the i in anima [AN-uh-muhl] and the a in  Sofa  [SO-fuh]. Visit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

In today's Saturday Short, Michael talks about one of the newest slang expressions to hit the English language — “6-7.”You'll learn where this Gen Z phrase came from, how people use it online, and why it's more about vibe than grammar.It's short, fun, and a perfect look at how English keeps evolving.So, what does “6-7” really mean? Let's find out together!Visit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to another Happy English, Phrasal Verb Friday. I'm here every Friday with a quick, one-point English lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.Today's phrasal verb is zone out.  When you zone out, it means your mind starts to wander and you stop paying attention - especially when you're tired, bored, or distracted. Basically, your body's there, but your brain takes a little break.Like the other day, I was in a long meeting, and about halfway through, I totally zoned out.Or my friend Olivia said she was watching a movie, but she zoned out and missed the ending.And when I ride the train home at night, sometimes I just zone out and stare out the window. It's kind of relaxing, actually.Here's a pronunciation tip: zone out - zohn-out. The N connects smoothly with out, like zoh-nout.So how about you? When do you usually zone out - at work, in class, or maybe when someone's talking too long? Leave a comment, and don't forget to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Phrasal Verb Friday.Thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Boo! Did I scare you? I hope not. Halloween is literally right around the corner, and depending on where you live that may or may not have any particular meaning for you. But in the USA? Well, let's go trick or treating...Thanks for tuning in. And hey, Happy Halloween!

“Are we there yet?” That's a question you've probably heard - or maybe even asked - especially if you've ever taken a road trip with kids:  “Are we there yet?” “Not just yet!” Yet is just a three-letter word, but it's packed with meaning. It helps you talk about time, expectations, contrast, and even emphasis. And once you learn how to use yet naturally, your English is going to sound a whole lot more fluent. So today, let's look at four of the most common ways we use yet - and I'll show you how this tiny word makes a big impact in everyday conversation. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Let me ask you something - have you ever noticed how often people say get in English?  I mean seriously - we get tired, we get pizza, we get better, we get going, we get caught in the rain, and we get used to the cold. Well, some of us.  Get is one of the most flexible and common verbs in English - and native speakers use it all the time in conversation. So today, let's get into it… and take a look at five of the most useful ways we use get in natural, everyday English.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Hey there! It's Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English Sunday Speak. I'm here every Sunday with a quick one-point tip to help you speak English more naturally. Now, In spoken American English, we often connect words together, and when we do, the sounds change. That's called connected speech. You'll hear it all the time in words and phrases like ya, didja, and whaddaya.So instead of saying “Do you”, Americans usually say “d'ya” or just “ya.” “Do you like sushi?” → “D'ya like sushi?” or “Ya like sushi?”Instead of “Did you”, we say “didja.” “Did you see that movie?” → “Didja see that movie?”And instead of “What do you,” we say “whaddaya.” “What do you think?” → “Whaddaya think?” “What do you mean?” → “Whaddaya mean?”This kind of connected speech makes English sound smoother and faster — the way people really talk. So next time you listen to native speakers, try to catch those little sound changes. Ya hear 'em? That's connected speech!Thanks for listening. And remember to like, follow, and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Sunday Speak. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Hey there! It's Michael here, and welcome back to another Happy English Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English better.Today, let's look at two really common and super natural phrases you'll hear in everyday English: “You know what?” and “Guess what?” We use both of these when we want to grab someone's attention - usually before we share some news, an idea, or an opinion. They make your speech sound lively and conversational and they're kind of like how we say, “Hey, listen to this!”Like:  “You know what? I think I'm finally getting used to this cool weather.” Or: “You know what? I've decided to start going to the gym again.”And guess what? is even more playful. We use it when we're excited to share news or something surprising. Like:  “Guess what? I passed my driving test!”  Or:  “Guess what? My favorite band is coming to Japan!”When you use you know what or guess what, your tone matters. Both phrases sound best with energy and a rising intonation - it builds a little excitement before you say your news. So remember...you know what and guess what, are great for starting a story, sharing good news, or giving an opinion in a fun, natural way. And you know what? I think you're gonna sound even more fluent when you start using these in your conversations!Oh, and don't forget to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Saturday Short. Thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Hey there! It's Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English, Phrasal Verb Friday.  I'm here every Friday with a quick, one-point English lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.Today's phrasal verb is buckle down. When you buckle down, it means you start working seriously and with focus — especially after being a bit lazy or distracted. You stop wasting time and get things done. And we tend to say, buckle down and DO somerthing.Like my buddy Kevin. He was having fun all summer, but now that classes started, he really needs to buckle down and study.Or my coworker Amy — she had a big project deadline coming up, so she buckled down this week and finished everything on time.And me? I'll be honest — I've been putting off updating my website, but this weekend I'm gonna buckle down and finally get it done.So how about you? Is there something you need to buckle down and do — maybe work, study, or a personal goal? Leave a comment, and don't forget to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Phrasal Verb Friday. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

I suggest you listen carefully to this podcast. And if you're with a friend right now, I suggest he listen carefully as well. Or she listen carefully. I mean, if I were you, I'd definitely stick around for this one.Today we're diving into a part of English grammar that doesn't follow the usual rules - but native speakers use it all the time without thinking twice. Especially in American English. It's called the subjunctive mood - and while that might sound technical or tricky, it's actually pretty simple once you know how it works. So today, I'll walk you through four common ways we use the subjunctive - all with real-life, everyday examples.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Hey, let me ask you a question - have you ever made a decision… and then later thought, “Oh man, I shouldn't have done that”? Or maybe you've thought, “If only I had done it differently.” Yeah. That, my friend, is regret - and we all feel it sometimes. Regret is one of those universal emotions - something everyone experiences. And in English, we've got a few really natural and emotional ways to talk about it. So today, I'll show you how to use phrases like “I should have,” “I wish I had,” and “If only I had” - plus some everyday expressions people use when they mess up. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to another Happy English Sunday Speak. I'm here every Sunday with a quick one-point tip to help you speak English more naturally.Now, in American English, there's a special sound we make with the letter T. It's called the flap T, and it sounds kind of like a soft D sound. You'll hear it in words like better, water, and pretty. So instead of saying “BET-ter,” “WAH-ter,” and “PRIT-ty,” Americans usually say “BEH-der,” “WAH-der,”  and “PRI-dee.” This sound happens when the T comes between two vowel sounds — like the a and e in water, or the i and y in city. Let me give you some sentences to practice this:  “I feel better today.” → “I feel beh-der today.” “We had a pretty nice day in the city.” → We had a pri-dee nice day in the sih-dy.” “Can I get a glass of water?” → “Can I gedda glass of wah-der?”This flap T sound makes your English smoother and more natural — just like how most Americans really speak. Thanks for listening. And remember to like, follow, and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Sunday Speak. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Hey there! It's Michael here  -  and welcome back to another Happy English Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English better.Today, let's look at a super common phrase you'll hear in everyday English: “You know what I mean?” We use you know what I mean? to seek agreement or to check if the other person understands us. It's kind of like soft tag questions, like isn't it? that keeps the conversation friendly and connected.Like, in the office, you might say: “There's something strange about the new marketing manager, you know what I mean?” OR  “That meeting felt way too long, you know what I mean?”And on a rainy Monday, “Man, this weather makes me so sleepy, you know what I mean?”Again, when you say you know what I mean, you're not really asking for information. You're just trying to connect what you're thinking with the other person. It makes your English sound more relaxed, natural, and conversational. And here's a quick pronunciation tip  -  in real life, we often say it like this: “Y'know what I mean?” Go ahead, try saying that out loud.So remember, you know what I mean? is a great way to show understanding, invite agreement, and sound more like a native speaker. You know what I mean?Oh, and don't forget to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Saturday Short. Thanks for listening  -  and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to another Happy English, Phrasal Verb Friday.  I'm here every Friday with a quick, one-poi nt English lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.Today's phrasal verb is flake out.  When you flake out, it means you agree to do something - like meet up, help out, or join an event - but then you don't show up or don't follow through. Basically, you cancel or disappear at the last minute.Like last weekend. My friend Jake said he'd help me move the pianos,  but he totally flaked out.And then the next day, Jenny promised to come to dinner, but she flaked out and texted an hour before saying she was “too tired.”And honestly, I've flaked out before too, totally not something I'm proud of at all. And here's a little pronunciation tip: flake out - flay-kout. The K sound at the end of flake connects right into out. Fla......kout.  flay-kout!So how about you? Has a friend ever flaked out on you? Or maybe you've flaked out on someone before? Leave a comment, and don't forget to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Phrasal Verb Friday. Thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE https://chatgpt.com/g/g-687344c0706c819184e8bda28d7582d9-ask-michael-your-english-teacher

Welcome - and by the way - thanks for stopping by today! I've been thinking… by is one of those little words that shows up everywhere in English.  It's just two letters, but it does a lot of work. Today we're gonna take a close look at by - and I think you'll be surprised at how many different ways we use it. You've probably seen BY in phrases like “by the time I got there,” or “a book by Hemingway,” or even “I'll finish it by Friday.”  Yeah - by is short, but powerful.  Time, location, who did something, how something happens… yep, by does it all.  So, let's break it down - nice and easy.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

With Halloween right around the corner, I thought it'd be fun to do a little Halloween-themed English. So for the next three weeks, we're going to dive into some spooky vocabulary, creepy idioms, and even take a look at how Halloween is celebrated in the U.S. Let's kick it off today with something super useful - Halloween vocabulary!  Now, you might be thinking, “Michael, I'm not a fan of horror movies.” That's totally fine!  But you know what? These words aren't just for Halloween. Native speakers use them in everyday conversation  -  often in a humorous or exaggerated way. So let's jump in before something…jumps out.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE

Did you know? Eating healthy foods can make you healthy, but I heard that drinking certain wines with cheeses can make you happy. Foods? Wines? Cheeses?You know, English is a strange language sometimes. Like, words that are usually uncountable suddenly show up with an “s” on the end. Like…foods, cheeses, and wines? Wait a minute — aren't those uncountable nouns? Well… yes! But also… no. Let me show you how it works — and why it actually makes a lot of sense once you understand the pattern.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Hey there! It's Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English Sunday Speak. I'm here every Sunday with a quick one-point tip to help you speak English more naturally.Now, one of the most common phrases in English is “I don't know.” But in everyday conversation, most native speakers don't pronounce each word clearly like that. Instead, we usually say “I dunno.” (“EYE-duh-NO”) That's right — I don't know becomes I dunno. It's just a natural sound change that happens when we speak quickly. “Who's coming to the party?” → “I dunno.” “What time does the movie start?” → “Eh, I dunno.” “I'm gonna ask Tom where Jenny is” → “He dunno.” The meaning doesn't change — it's just faster, smoother, and more natural. So next time you want to say I don't know, try saying I dunno. It'll make your English sound more relaxed and more natural.Thanks for listening. And  remember to like, follow, and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Sunday Speak. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Hey there! It's Michael here and welcome back to another Happy English Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English better.Today, let's look at a really common and powerful phrase: “Let me tell you something.” We use let me tell you something when we want to share our feelings, give an opinion, or emphasize what we're about to say. It helps grab the listener's attention and makes your speech sound more natural — and more emotional.Let's say your friend just ask you about a new restaurant in town. You could say: “Oh, let me tell you something - their pasta is incredible!”Or maybe you saw a movie, and a friend says she heard it's boring. You can say: “Let me tell you something, that movie is one of the best I've seen this year.”We also use it when we feel strongly about something:  “Let me tell you something — learning English takes time, but it's totally worth it.”So remember, let me tell you something is a great way to add emotion, confidence, or strong opinion to what you say. It's natural, it's friendly, and it really makes your English sound alive.And let me tell you something - if you keep practicing with these Saturday Shorts, your English is only going to get better and better! Oh, and don't forget to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Saturday Short. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

~~~~~~~~901 - Phrasal Verb Frida - Crank OutHey there! It's Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English, Phrasal Verb Friday.I'm here every Friday with a quick, one-point English lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.Today's phrasal verb is crank out. When you crank something out, it means you produce it quickly, often in large amounts. This phrase is often used for things like writing, work, or manufacturing — anything that can be produced at a fast pace, sometimes with a focus on quantity over quality.The factory in the next town cranks out thousands of sneakers every week.My friend Amanda writes for a travel blog, and last week she cranked out five articles in just two days!And I remember when I was in college — we all cranked out our final papers right before the deadline. Typical, right?And hey, here's a little pronunciation tip: crank out… crank-out. The K at the end of crank links smoothly into the O of out. Crank-out.So how about you? What's something you've cranked out lately — work, content, projects, maybe a bunch of emails? Leave a comment, and don't forget to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the nextHappy English Podcast and next week's Phrasal Verb Friday. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Hey, can you believe it? This is Episode 900 of the Happy English Podcast. Nine. Hundred. Episodes. I can hardly believe it myself. Here's what I've learned along the way!I just want to take a moment today to say how grateful I am to YOU. Whether this is your first time listening, your 50th time, or you've been here since Episode 1, thank you. The fact that you listen, learn, and grow with me is what keeps me showing up here week after week. So today, I want to share a little bit of my story, what I've learned from doing 900 episodes, and some advice for you on your English journey.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Here's a question. Have you ever heard someone say ain't in a song or a movie? Like, or “I ain't got no time for that”? Maybe you wondered… is ain't actually English? Well, it sure ain't in the textbooks, but it is in real life! And I ain't kidding. Today we're diving into a word that confuses a lot of English learners - ain't. It's not considered “standard” grammar, but that doesn't mean it's wrong. In fact, native speakers use ain't all the time in casual, spoken English, and especially in music, movies, and everyday conversation. So, if you've ever asked yourself, “What does ain't even mean?” - today's episode is for you.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE

You know, I started this podcast in 2014 so I can help people speak English better. And now, there are so many podcast episodes, It's almost near a thousand. So, check this one out. Today, we're talking about so. Just two letters - S-O. But this little word works overtime in English. We use so to show a result, to give a reason, to add emphasis, and yeah, we even use it when we're not sure what to say next. So let's break it down. I'll show you four ways we use so, with lots of examples to help you sound more natural when you speak English. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Hey there! It's Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English Sunday Speak. I'm here every Sunday with a quick one-point tip to help you speak English more naturally.Sometimes, you need to ask someone to wait. In situations like this, you could say “Please wait a moment.” And sure, that's correct English — but it sounds a bit formal and not something we usually say to friends or coworkers. In everyday conversation, we have a more natural and friendly way to ask someone to wait: “Hang on.”Like, when you're on the phone and need to check something. You can say, “Hang on, let me grab my notes.”Or, if you're in the middle of doing something, and your friend says, “Hey, can you look at this?” You can say, “Hang on a second.”Even if someone's talking too fast, you can say, “Whoa, hang on! Say that again?”It's short, casual, and super natural. So next time instead of “Please wait a moment,” just say “Hang on.”And remember to like, follow, and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Sunday Speak. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Hey there! It's Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English better.Today, let's look at three really natural phrases: kind of, sort of, and a bit. We use these to soften what we're saying. They make a statement sound less strong, less direct — and that makes your English sound more natural in everyday conversation.For example, let's say you're tired after work. Instead of just saying, “I'm tired,” you can soften it by saying: “I'm kind of tired today.”  Or: “I'm a bit tired after work.” Here's another one. Imagine you saw a movie, but you didn't really love a it, but you don't want to sound too negative. You could say:  “That movie was sort of boring.”  It's not as harsh as, “That movie was boring.”So remember — kind of, sort of, and a bit are like little cushions for your sentences. They soften your opinion and make it sound friendlier and more natural. So, are you kind of ready to try these out in your own conversations? I bet you are! Oh, and don't forget to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Saturday Short. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Hey there! It's Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English, Phrasal Verb Friday. I'm here every Friday, with a quick, one-point English lesson to help you learn one new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak. Today's phrasal verb is jazz up.When you jazz something up, it means you make it more interesting, exciting, or attractive. It's like giving something a little extra style or energy. Like, my friend Lisa was hosting a party last weekend. She jazzed up her living room with some cool lights and a new playlist. At work, Tony jazzed up his presentation by adding some funny memes. And me? Well, I jazzed up my dinner the other night by adding some hot chili sauce.So how about you? Do you like to jazz up your cooking, your house, or maybe even your social media posts? Leave a comment below, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Phrasal Verb Friday. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

They didn't even say thank you.  Not “they didn't say thank you.” They didn't even say thank you. So… what's the deal with even in negative sentences?In Episode 880, we looked at how to use even in general - like for comparisons and emphasis. But today, we're going to zoom in on something more specific… and honestly, something really common - using even in negative sentences.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

It was very cool this morning. Like around 11 degrees celsius. When I took Max for a walk I was actually surprised it was so cool. Like, there's a nip in the air kinda cool. Boy, I'm hoping this coming winter isn't too cold. Let's see how it goes.These three little words - too, very, and so - all come before adjectives, and they all talk about how much of something there is. Like, how hot, how tall, how tired… but the feeling and intention behind each word is a little different. So today, we're going to break it all down with real examples, and I'll show you exactly how to use them naturally. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

I'm so hungry. No time for lunch today. No wonder my stomach is grumbling. That's why i decided to order a double cheeseburger and some fries...at the diner. Because is a great word - and it's totally correct. But when it comes to speaking naturally, we often don't use because directly. Instead, we give the reason in a more casual, fluent way. So today, I'll show you how native English speakers give reasons in conversation - without actually saying because. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Now, when you want to ask why in English, sure, you can just say “why.” But in everyday conversation, native speakers often use a more casual phrase: “How come?” “How come” means the same as “why,” but it sounds softer, friendlier, and very conversational. And, it's easy to use. You can use it by itself!  Like, your friend says, “I'm skipping lunch today.” You can ask, “How come?” Or your coworker says, “I can't make it to the meeting.” You can ask, “Oh really? How come?”You can also put how come in front of any sentence to make a casual question. Like, if your friend never comes to the karaoke party, you can ask, How come you don't like karaoke? Or if a coworker comes to the office late, you can ask, How come you came late this morning. How come. It's short, casual, and super natural. So next time, instead of just “why,” try saying “How come?”Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

We often use a negative question like “Isn't this…?” or “Aren't you…?” in conversation. Technically, these are not questions for asking something. They are a casual and friendly way to confirm something or make a suggestion.For example, if you and your friend are at the peir on a sunny day, you might say:   “Isn't this a perfect day for fishing?”  You're not really asking for information — you're confirming what you already think. OR "Aren't these donuts delicious!”Or if you're making a suggestion, you can use the same pattern. Like:  “It's almost 5pm. Isn't it better to take the subway?”  Here, you're giving your suggestion in the form of a question. Here's another one. “The exam is a week away. Shouldn't you start studying?”So remember, negative questions like “Isn't it…?” and “Aren't you…?” are great for confirming ideas or suggesting something in a very natural, conversational way. “Isn't that interesting!” So, aren't you gonna try to use this kind of English in your conversations?Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE

Today's phrasal verb is slack off.  When you slack off, it means you become lazy about your work, your studies, or your responsibilities. You don't try as hard as you should.Like, my friend Eddie started going to the gym in in July, but by the middle of this month, he really started to slack off. And in the office, Jenny was slacking off all week, so now she has to stay late to finish her project.  And me? Honestly speaking, I've been slacking off on studying Japanese reading and writing. But now that I have Sayaka-sensei's new book, Japanese Kanji from scratch, I'm a lot more motivated. By the way, notice the pronunciation: slack off…slack-koff (2x). We connect the K at the end of slack with off: slack-koff.So how about you? Do you ever slack off — maybe at work, school, or even with your hobbies? Leave a comment below, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Friday Phrasal Verb. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Hey, let me ask you a question - You've studied English grammar, haven't you?  And you've probably heard tag questions or negative questions before, right? Well, isn't this going to be an interesting lesson for you!It's a nice day, isn't it? That's a Tag Question, and today, I'll show you how these work - and how you can use them to sound more like a native speaker. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Unless you have something else to do right now, You should listen to this whole podcast episode. And as long as you're listening, why not take notes...In case you want to use the phrases from this lesson in your daily English. These three little phrases - unless, as long as, and in case - all help us talk about situations that might happen. But they each have a different nuance, and getting them right can make your English sound much more natural. Let's dive in!Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

You know what? I've got a question for you. Or… should I say, I have a question for you? Hmm. Which one sounds better? Or… are they both OK?  For many English learners, “have got” can be a little confusing. I mean, we've got “I have a dog,” and “I've got a dog”… and both are correct? What's going on here? Well today, we're going to break it all down — grammar, style, and real-world usage — so you'll know exactly how and when to use “have” and “have got.” Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Hey there! It's Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English Sunday Speak. Every Sunday, I'll be here with a quick one-point tip to help you speak English more naturally.One thing you need to know how to do in English is to communicate that you understood what someone said. Like if someone gives you directions on the street. You could say, Oh ok, I understand. And sure, that's correct English — but it can sound a little formal or stiff in everyday conversation. In everyday, English conversation, we use the compact form of I understand, gotcha. Gotcha is the short and quick version of “I got what you said.” “I gah-twa-cha-said” “gotcha!Like, your friend says, “Let's meet at 7 instead of 6.” You can just reply, “Gotcha.”Or your coworker says, “Don't forget to send that email before lunch.” You can answer, “Gotcha.”Or if someone gives you directions — “Turn left at the bank and then right at the station.” — you can simply say, “turn left, and then right. Gotcha.”It's short, it's casual, and it sounds super natural. So next time instead of “I understand,” try saying “Gotcha.”So what do you think of these Sunday Speak podcasts? Leave a comment below!Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Hey there! It's Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English better. Today, let's look at a commonly used conversational phrase is “by the way.”We use by the way when we want to add something to the conversation, kind of like when we need to change the topic, or bringing up an extra point. It's casual, friendly, and super common in everyday English.Like of you're at a party, catching up with a friend. You can say something like, “It's great seeing you tonight. Oh, and by the way, how's your brother doing?” OR if you're talking to a coworker about something and you want to bring up another point. The conversation can go like this. “Yea, I finally finished that coding project this morning. Oh, by the way, did you get a chance to check your email?”Using by the way is like saying, “Oh, there's one more thing…” but in a natural, conversational way.Oh, and by the way? What do you think of these Saturday short podcasts? Leave a comment belowJoin my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE

Hey there! It's Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English, Friday Phrasal Verb. Every Friday, I'll be here with a quick, one-point English lesson to help you learn one new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.Last week we looked at toy with, which means to consider something not so seriously. Today's phrasal verb is the opposite of that:  mull over. When you mull something over, it means you think about it carefully before making a decision. You're not rushing. You're taking your time to consider the options. Like, my buddy David got a job offer in another city. He said he needs to mull it over before he gives them his  answer. Last week, Emily was thinking about buying a new car, but she told me she wanted to mull it over for a few days first.  And me? I've been mulling over the idea of starting a new project for my students — but I want to be sure it's the right time. By the way, notice the pronunciation: mull over...muh-lover. We link the L at the end of mull with over: muh-lover. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE

Fall is right around the corner. Soon there will be a nip in the air as you look at the harvest moon, while sipping your pumpkin spice latte. When the season changes, so does the way we talk. So today, before Indian Summer comes, let's dive into some seasonal vocabulary and phrases that'll help you talk about fall just like a native speaker.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is englishpodcast, learnenglish, englishconversation, englishvocab, englishidioms, eslpodcast, speakenglish, englishteacher, ingilizce, ingilizcekonuş, ingilizcedersleri, английский, английскийязык, изучитьанглийский, englishlistening, englishgrammar, canadianenglish, americanenglish, adultlearners, languagelearning