Podcasts about American English

Set of dialects of the English language spoken in the United States

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American English

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Best podcasts about American English

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Latest podcast episodes about American English

Happy English Podcast
977 - Conversational Response Phrases In English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2026 5:26 Transcription Available


Let's go to the beach? Yeah, sounds like a plan. Do you ever notice that when someone makes a suggestion in English, native speakers often answer with very short phrases?  Things like: “Sounds good.” “That works.” “No problem.” “Sounds like a plan.”These responses are everywhere in spoken English — at work, with friends, on the phone, and in text messages.Today, let's look at these very common response phrases native speakers use to respond to ideas, plans, and requests — and how each one sounds just a little different.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Happy English Podcast
976 - Wonder vs. Wander - Speak Naturally in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2026 2:20 Transcription Available


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.Today, let's look at a pair of words that sound very similar, but mean very different things:  wonder and wander.First, wonder. The vowel sound here is a short, relaxed uh sound - also known as the schwa. The one in wonder is like the number one. One wonder. It's a short vowel sound. One wonder  “I wonder what time it is.”  “I wonder if she's coming.”  One wonder - same short sound.Next is wander, wander. The vowel sound here is longer AH sound, like want. I want to Wander. Your mouth opens more and the sound lasts longer - I want to Wander.  “We like to wander around the city.”  “He wandered into the wrong room.” I want to Wander. So listen to the difference:  wonder -  wander /  wonder -  wander /  wonder -  wander The vowel sounds are different lengths: wonder, short. Wander, long. Remember, pronunciation is half listening and half doing, so practice every day!Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Sunday's Speak Naturally in a Minute.  Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Happy English Podcast
975 - That Reminds Me – English Tips in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2026 1:40 Transcription Available


Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every week with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently. Today, let's look at a really useful conversational phrase - “that reminds me.” We use that reminds me when something in the conversation makes us remember something else. It's a natural way to change the topic or add new information without sounding abrupt.Like, if your friend says, “I finally finished that book I was reading.” you can say,  “Oh! That reminds me, I still have a book I need to return to the library.”Or, your roommate says,  “I'm thinking of making pasta for dinner tonight” you can say,  “Oh, that reminds me, we're out of olive oil.”“That reminds me” is like saying, “Your comment just made me think of something related.” It's a very natural way to shift topics in English. Try using it in your English conversations this week.Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Happy English Podcast
973 - Giving Advice in English - Have You Ever Thought About It?

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 8:44 Transcription Available


Do you ever feel a little uncomfortable giving advice in English? Maybe you want to help someone - but you don't want to sound pushy, bossy, or rude. So you're not sure what to say. The good news is, native speakers rarely give advice in a very direct way. Instead of saying things like, “You should do this,” we usually soften our advice and make it sound more friendly and conversational. So today, let's look at some very common, very natural ways native speakers give advice in everyday English.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Happy English Podcast
974 - Find vs. Find Out - Phrasal Verbs in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 1:27 Transcription Available


Is it find or find out? A lot of English learners have this question.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.So yeah, find or find out? Find means to locate a thing.I just moved here last year and I'm still trying to find a good pizza shop.I found my wallet. It fell behind my desk.Find out means discover information. I found out that my grandfather was a pastry chef.Janna found out her boss is gonna quit the company.So remember, you find a thing, but you find out information.How about you? What are you trying to find? What have you found out recently? Let me 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 Verbs in a Minute.  Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Happy English Podcast
972 - Why Americans Don't Say the T in Winter

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2026 1:39 Transcription Available


Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every week 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 Podcast on YouTube.Today, let's talk about something fun in American English: Why “winter” and “winner” often sound exactly the same.This happens because of a sound change called the N-flap. When N + T comes between two vowel sounds, the T often disappears or becomes a soft flap - something like a quick D sound.winter sounds like winnertwenty sounds like twennyplenty sounds like plennyFor example:“I don't like winter weather.” sounds like  “I don't like winner weather.”“We invited twenty people.” sounds like  “We invited twenny people.”This isn't slang - it's just the natural rhythm of 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 Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Happy English Podcast
971 - Talking About Plans and Intentions in English - Want To, Plan To, Be Going To, Hope To, and Intend To

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2026 8:09 Transcription Available


Do you ever notice that when you talk about your plans in English, you use the same phrase again and again?Maybe you say things like: “I'm gonna do this.”  “I'm gonna go there.”  “I'm gonna improve my English.” Those sentences are totally fine. No problem at all.But native speakers don't only use “be going to” when they talk about future plans. We also use phrases like want to, plan to, hope to, and even intend to - and each one sounds a little different. So today, let's look at five very common ways to talk about plans and intentions in English, and how native speakers really use them in everyday conversation.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signupHappy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Happy English Podcast
970 - It Turns Out - English Tips in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2026 1:42 Transcription Available


Hey there! It's Michael here — and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every week 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 Podcast on YouTube.Today, let's look at a really useful conversational phrase — “it turns out (that).”We use it turns out to mean actually or in fact, especially when the result is surprising or different from what we expected.Like, I left the house in a hurry, and it turns out I forgot my wallet.Or when talking about relationships: They dated for a while, but it turns out they weren't compatible.We also use this phrase when we discover new information: I did some research, and it turns out my grandfather was a taxi driver for a while.So remember, when something ends up being different than you expected, try using “it turns out…” It's a very natural way to tell that kind of story in English.Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
969 - Map Out - Phrasal Verbs in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2026 1:34 Transcription Available


I'm here every week with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak. By the way, if you want to see the video version of this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Today's phrasal verb is map out. When you map out something, it means you plan it carefully, step by step - just like drawing a map.Like, a lot of people map out their goals for the new year - health, work, hobbies, all of it.My friend Olivia mapped out her budget for 2026 so she can save more.And I just mapped out my podcast schedule for the next few months… busy but exciting!And here's a pronunciation tip. The P of Map links with out. Ma-poutSo how about you? Have you mapped out anything for the new year? Let me 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 Verbs in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
968 - Talking About Obligation in English - Have To, Must, Need To, and Be Supposed To

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2026 9:07 Transcription Available


Do you ever feel like English has too many ways to say the same thing? Maybe you've wondered why English has have to, must, need to, and be supposed to, when they all seem to mean something like “I should do this.” Like, “I have to work late.” “I must finish this.” “I need to call her.” “I'm supposed to send the email.”Today, we'll look at four very common ways to talk about obligation, rules, and expectations - and you'll hear how each one sounds a little different, even though they're all connected to “things we should do.”Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
967 - OR Sounds like ER - Speak Naturally in a Minute

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2026 1:16 Transcription Available


Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every week 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 Podcast on YouTube.One of the biggest pronunciation secrets in American English is how we reduce the sound “or.”In  everyday conversation, “or” often becomes a quick, relaxed “er.”Do you want tea er coffeeShould we meet today er tomorrow?Is your answer, yes er no?This small reduction keeps the rhythm smooth and relaxed.Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Speak Naturally in a Minute. Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
966 - When It Comes To - English Tips in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2026 1:45 Transcription Available


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 Podcast on YouTube.Today, let's look at a very useful conversational phrase - “when it comes to…”We use when it comes to followed by a sentence, to mean regarding or about. When it comes tois a great way to introduce a topic or give your opinion.Like, “When it comes to cooking, my sister is amazing.”Or “When it comes to playing sports, well, it's not my cup of tea.”And you know what, when it comes to learning English, I'm glad you found me here!It's simple, natural, and you'll hear it all the time - at work, in casual conversations, evenin TV shows and movies. So remember, the next time you want to give your opinion about a topic, try using “when it comes to…” It's one of the most natural ways to start that sentence.Lemme know in the comments how it goes, 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 video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
965 - Gear Up For - Phrasal Verbs in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2026 1:43 Transcription Available


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. By the way, if you want to see the video version of this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Today's phrasal verb is gear up for. When you gear up for something, it means you get ready or prepare for it - mentally, physically, or with the things you need.Like, these days a lot of people are gearing up for their New Year's resolutions.And the gym near my house is gearing up for the January rush - they even added new machines.Even I'm gearing up for a busy month of new lessons and new projects.Here's a pronunciation tip: gear up for sounds like geer-uhp-for. The R in Gear links with UP.So how about you? What are you gearing up for this month?Let me 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 Verbs in a Minute.  Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
964 - Talking About Habits in English - Always, Tend To, Keep ing, Used To

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2026 8:01 Transcription Available


Do you have this problem? When you talk about habits in English, you might use the same grammar again and again?  Things like, “I eat breakfast at 7,” or “I go to bed late,” or “I work on Saturdays.” Those sentences are correct - no problem there. But if you always talk about habits that way, your English can start to sound a little flat or mechanical. The good news is, native speakers actually use several different expressions to talk about habits, depending on how strong the habit is, how they feel about it, or whether it's something now or from the past. Today, we're going to look at four very common and very natural ways native speakers talk about habits in everyday conversation. And as we go, I'll show you how each one sounds a little different, even though they're all talking about repeated actions. Let's dive in.Do you want to learn more phrasal verbs? My new 8-week course Speak Naturally with Phrasal Verbs starts January 8. 2026. Join us here: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/snpvWatch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Easy English: Learn English with everyday conversations
83: American English vs British English

Easy English: Learn English with everyday conversations

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2026 18:52


In our Easy English Updates, we announce our 'Kick-Off 2026 Challenge' on Monday to improve your English, every day for 14 days. Isi and Mitch then give you 10 everyday word pronunciations that reveal if you're speaking either American or British English, but for we answer a question from Hanan and then Mitch tells a very British joke. Interactive Transcript Support Easy English and get interactive transcripts and bonus content for all our episodes: easyenglish.fm/membership Transcript Intro Isi: [0:22] Hello. Mitch: [0:23] Hi, welcome to the Easy English Podcast. The winter version. Winter has come. We're currently in your parents' basement and it's freezing cold. Isi: [0:35] Hence the jackets. It's cold down here. Mitch: [0:37] Yeah. So, today we're going to show you some of the differences between the British English and American English pronunciation. We're giving you 10 words which you'll be using every day, that you'll need every day. Depending on how you pronounce these, we can sort of figure out, whether you are, or whether you are speaking with American English pronunciation or British English pronunciation. - Oh dear. - Yeah. But, before we get into that, we have quite a nice surprise, that we've already revealed a bit about in some videos and earlier podcasts, don't we Isi? We have a kickstart to our 2026 Easy English year. Easy English Updates Isi: [1:23] Yeah, we have, well, you said it already, the 'Kick-Off 2026 Challenge', which means we give you challenges to improve your English, every day, for a continuous 14 days. So every morning, get a challenge. You have to write something. Maybe make an audio message if you can. You don't need to. You can also write everything, share something, maybe write a letter to your boss, complain about something, apply for a job. It will be like personal, reflective things, but also business English to have you, basically, every day improve your English. We know from past experiences, that if you do those challenges, really every day, that this really boosts your language learning experience. So we are excited. 5th of January, we start for 14 days, come join us. If you become a member, on easyenglish.video/membership you can join us with any membership you're in, it all happens on our Discord server. What else do we need to say Mitch: [2:25] That's it you did explain it very well. It's an intensive, every day, for 14 days, English challenge to level up and improve your English. Get going where you left off and yeah, like Isi said, join any one of our membership levels, we have three different types and all of those gets you access to our Discord server, where Isi and I will be posting each and every day, the challenges for you. Let's go to our Topic of the Week. Support Easy English and get interactive transcripts and bonus content for all our episodes: easyenglish.fm/membership

Happy English Podcast
963 - Shadowing - Speak Naturally in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2026 2:25 Transcription Available


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 Podcast on YouTube.Since this is the first lesson of this series in the new year, let's try something different today. Now, I want to practice with you. Today's tip is shadowing - one of the fastest ways to improve your American English pronunciation. Shadowing means listening to a native speaker and copying them at the same time - kinda like singing along, but with speaking. We'll try it right now. I'll say a sentence twice. First, just listen. Then the second time, shadow me - speak with me at the same time. Ready? Here we go.Sentence 1 - reduction + linking: “I'm tryin' uh learn more English.”(Again for shadowing:) “I'm tryin' uh learn more English.”Sentence 2 - tiny W: “Doowit again.”(Shadow:) “Doowit again.”Sentence 3 - connected speech: “Whaddaya wanna do today?”(Shadow:) “Whaddaya wanna do today?”Shadowing helps you pick up natural reductions, linking, and rhythm without memorizing rules. Just copy the sound - your mouth will learn the pattern.Hey, thanks for practicing with me today! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Sunday's Speak Naturally in a Minute.Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Do you want to learn more phrasal verbs? My new 8-week course Speak Naturally with Phrasal Verbs starts January 8. 2026. Join us here: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/snpvWatch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signupI edited the "ding" sound effect, which came from CambridgeBayWeather https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ding_Dong_Bell.ogg, is used here for educational purposes

Happy English Podcast
962 - Start Off On The Right Foot - English Tips in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2026 1:59 Transcription Available


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 Podcast on YouTube.Today, let's look at a really natural expression you'll hear a lot at the beginning of the year - “start off on the right foot.” We use the idiom, start off on the right foot to mean begin something in a good, positive, or successful way.Like, when it's the first day back at work this year, your coworker might say: “I want to start the year off on the right foot.”Or when you decide to remodel the kitchen, you can say: “Let's start off on the right foot and keep everything organized from the beginning.”We also use this phrase to talk about relationships: Like, Jack started off on the right foot with his new neighbors.It's positive, it's friendly, and it's perfect for January when everyone is thinking about goals, routines, and fresh starts. Start off on the right foot is a natural way to say you want to begin something well - whether it's a new year, a new job, or even a new habit.Lemme know in the comments how you're planning to start your year off on the right foot, 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.To help you stick to your English learning goals in the new year, I created a brand-new 8-week phrasal verb course to help you speak more naturally. It starts on January 8th (this Thursday):https://www.myhappyenglish.com/snpvWatch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
961 - Kick Off - Phrasal Verbs in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2026 1:58 Transcription Available


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. By the way, if you want to see the video version of this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Today's phrasal verb is perfect for the new year - kick off. When you kick off something, it means you start it in an energetic or official way. We use kick of for events, projects, meetings, and even new habits or goals.Like, my friend Emma kicked of2026 by joining a new gym.A lot of companies kick off events with a big team meeting.And me? I'm kicking off the new year with a fresh batch of podcast English lessons like this one.And here's a pronunciation tip: kick off sounds like kik-koff. The K at the end of kick links with off. That makes the sound smooth.So how about you? How are you kicking off the new year? Maybe with a new hobby, a new routine, or a new goal for learning English?Let me 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 Verbs in a Minute.  Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.I'm starting a small live English group next week focused on speaking with phrasal verbs.Keeping it small so everyone can talk. Join us here: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/snpv

The American English Podcast
203 - Preposition Party with Lucas

The American English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2025 31:25


In this episode, I'm joined by my husband, Lucas, for another Preposition Party—a casual, conversation-based way to learn common verb + preposition combinations in American English. You'll hear natural examples of everyday phrases like look forward to, be good at, prefer … over, listen to, and get rid of, along with gentle corrections and explanations that help these patterns stick. This episode focuses on how Americans actually use prepositions in real life, so you can stop guessing and start sounding more natural when you speak. Perfect for intermediate learners who want to build confidence with small words that make a big difference. Learn more with The American English Podcast The Academy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show
Why You Keep Sliding Back To Your First Language

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2025 16:14


Send us audio files for future episodes in our free Schwa Mill telegram group: https://t.me/+TJTAfM5tEyQ1ODMxWelcome to the Schwa Mill, where we review pronunciation files you send us and give feedback to help you achieve a more natural American English sound the next time you talk!❗❗❗❗❗❗Each week I do more than 10 group classes on American English pronunciation and communication training. Want to catch them ALL for a huge discount? Become a Youtube Channel Member to watch every live session, past session, and future session! Press JOIN and be part of the American Accentric level.Who am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.More on Fluent American at www.fluentamerican.com#americanenglish #fluentamerican #pronunciation

Happy English Podcast
959 - The Tiny Y - Speak Naturally in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2025 2:05 Transcription Available


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 Podcast on YouTube.Now, in everyday spoken American English, when a word ends with an “ee” sound and the next word starts with a vowel sound, we often connect those sounds with a very small, quick Y sound.I call this the tiny Y.Like, see it. We don't stop the sound, and in one breath we say, see-yit. It's not see. it. It's see-yit. Like, That movie? I'm gonna see-yit tomorrow. Did you hear the tiny y? I'm gonna see-yit tomorrow. Here are some other examples:  She is sounds like she-yiz. She-yiz the boss.We are sounds like we-yar. We-yar happy to see you!Many apples  sounds like meni-yapples. There are meni-yapples on the table.This tiny Y keeps the flow smooth and natural. Be sure to practice these phrases yourself this week and they will become part of your English.And remember to follow and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Sunday's Speak Naturally in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening! Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
958 - To This Day - English Tips in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2025 1:49 Transcription Available


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 Podcast on YouTube.Today, let's look at a really natural phrase you'll hear in everyday English - “to this day.” We use to this day to mean until now, usually when something began in the past and is still true today. To this day often shows strong feelings - surprise, wonder, and even admiration.Like, I first saw Casablanca when I was in my twenties, and to this day, it's still my favorite movie.”Our relationship ended over 25 years ago, but to this day, I don't know why she broke up with me.You'll hear the phrase to this day a lot in stories, interviews, and even documentaries, because it connects the past and present in a simple, powerful way. So try using to this day in your English conversations this week. Lemme know in the comments how it goes, 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 video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
957 - Luck Out - Phrasal Verbs in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2025 1:45 Transcription Available


Today's phrasal verb is luck out. When you luck out, it means you have really good luck - usually by chance. Something goes much better than you expected, and you didn't have to do anything special. It just happened.For example, this morning I lucked out and found a parking spot right in front of the station.And my friend Jake lucked out last week - he got the last two tickets to a concert that had been sold out for days.And yesterday, I lucked out at the supermarket… strawberries were half price!Here's a pronunciation tip: luck out sounds like luk-kout. The K at the end of luck connects with out.So how about you? When was the last time you lucked out?Let me 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 Verbs in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening. And until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
956 - “So That,” “So as to” “In Order To,” and “To” - Talking About Purpose in English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2025 7:59 Transcription Available


Thanks for tuning in! So… why are you listening to this podcast? Maybe it's so that you can improve your English? Or in order to sound more natural? Or just to have fun learning something today? Well, whether you said so that, in order to, or to, you were talking about the purpose of doing something.And that's what these expressions are all about - showing the reason or goal behind an action.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
955 - Went, Gone, or Been - What's the Real Difference?

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 7:04 Transcription Available


Have you ever gone somewhere… and then realized you should've been somewhere else? Or maybe you went somewhere, and now you're trying to explain that… but the grammar just won't come out right. Don't worry - this happens to a lot of English learners. So today, we're going to clear it all up.Went, Been, Gone. Yeah - I know. These words all seem similar, and sometimes even native speakers mix them up. But there is a pattern. There is a logic behind when we use went, gone, and been. So today, I'm gonna break it down for you in a clear, simple way - with a bunch of examples to make it all stick.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Fearless Presentation
Music Is the Key to Accent Reduction?

Fearless Presentation

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 22:14


A few years ago, my wife and I went to see the movie Bohemian Rhapsody. When I was a kid, I remember hearing Another One Bites the Dust and We Are the Champions, but I was by no means a Queen fan. I was surprised, though, how many songs from the movie I knew every word to.But, I have to admit, the most surprising thing to me was that Freddie Mercury was a Persian Indian man who lived in England. When I listened to the songs, there was no Persian accent. No Indian accent. And there was no British accent. It reminded me of a conversation I had with one of my instructors who specialized in accent reduction.She told me that, “Music is the secret weapon for accent reduction. When people sing, everyone sounds like they speak American English with no accent.”English is a musical language. If it were a band, it wouldn't be a quiet little string quartet. It would be a jazz ensemble — bold, abrasive, and filled to the brim with rhythm and melody changes. And to speak American English fluently, you have to master those rhythmic and melodic changes.There are three main components that influence your accent:-- Vowel Sounds (consonant and vowel pronunciation)-- Rhythm (stress patterns between words and syllables)--Intonation (the rise and fall of pitch in a sentence)Music mimics all three of these elements, and trains your ears and mouth at the same time. So, on this episode, I'm going to break each of these three items down and look at how real language learners have used music and speech techniques to achieve clearer communication.By the way, although this episode is focusing on the non-native English speaker, the tips can help anyone who wants to become a better presenter. If you think of great speakers like MLK, one of the reasons why he was so popular was that he spoke with a rhythm.You can do something similar to captivate your audiences as well.Show Notes: Music 101: A Musical Guide to Accent Reduction(https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/music-101-the-key-to-accent-reduction/)

Happy English Podcast
954 - The Tiny W - Speak Naturally in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2025 2:02 Transcription Available


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 Podcast on YouTube.Now, in everyday spoken American English, we often connect vowel sounds with a very small, quick W sound. I call this the tiny W. The tiny W happens when when one word ends with an “oo” sound and the next word begins with a vowel sound. Like, do it. We don't stop the sound, and in one breath we say, doo-wit. It's not do it, it's doo-wit. I'm gonna doo-wit tomorrow. Did you hear the tiny w? I'm gonna doo-wit tomorrow. Here are some other examples:  You are sounds like yoo-wahr. Yoo-wahr a nice person. Who else sounds like hoo-welse. Hoo-welse is coming to the party?To ask sounds like too-wask. You need too-wask the boss.Be sure to practice these phrases yourself this week and they will become part of your English. And remember to follow and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Sunday's Speak Naturally in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening! Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

English Makes No Sense
Why Do Americans Celebrate Ugly Sweater Day?

English Makes No Sense

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2025 10:06


Why do Americans wear the ugliest sweaters they can find—and celebrate it?In this episode of English Makes No Sense, you'll learn the origin and history of Ugly Sweater Day, how it became a popular workplace tradition, and what it really means in American culture.This episode is perfect for:ESL learners (B1–B2)English students working in the U.S.Anyone confused by American holiday traditionsWorkplace English & cultural understanding

Happy English Podcast
953 - The Next Thing I Knew - English Tips in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2025 1:40 Transcription Available


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 Podcast on YouTube.Today, let's look at a really useful expression for telling stories - “the next thing I knew.” We use the next thing I knew when something happens quickly or unexpectedly, especially in a story. It's another way to say “and then suddenly…” or “after that…”Like, “I sat down on the sofa to rest, and the next thing I knew, I fell asleep.”Or: “I was looking at instagram on my phone, and the next thing I knew, it was after midnight.”We use this expression to show a jump in time - like your story skips ahead to the next big moment.So remember, if you want to make your storytelling more natural and dramatic, try using “the next thing I knew.” It brings your story to life.Lemme know in the comments how it goes, 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 video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
952 - Chew Out - Phrasal Verbs in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 1:51


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. By the way, if you want to see the video version of this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Today's phrasal verb is chew out. When you chew someone out, it means you scold them strongly - usually because they did something wrong or made a big mistake. It's a very informal, very American way to say “tell someone off.”Like yesterday in the office, my manager chewed out the team because the report wasn't finished on time.And my friend Olivia got chewed out by her mom for coming home too late.Even I got chewed out once - I forgot to reply to an important email, and the client was not happy.Here's a pronunciation tip: chew out sounds like choo-wout. The W sound in chew links with out.So how about you? Has anyone ever chewed you out - or maybe you had to chew someone out?Let me 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 Verbs in a Minute. Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show
To Sound American, You Need To Break Things

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 15:16


Get more practice focusing on vowels when you speak: https://youtu.be/XiYGrFxvkp8Welcome to the Schwa Mill, where we review pronunciation files you send us and give feedback to help you achieve a more natural American English sound the next time you talk!❗❗❗❗❗❗Each week I do more than 10 group classes on American English pronunciation and communication training. Want to catch them ALL for a huge discount? Become a Youtube Channel Member to watch every live session, past session, and future session! Press JOIN and be part of the American Accentric level.Who am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.More on Fluent American at www.fluentamerican.com#americanenglish #fluentamerican #pronunciation

Tales From The Kentucky Room
Appalachian Englishes with Dr. Jennifer Cramer (2025)

Tales From The Kentucky Room

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 22:55


David sits down with Dr. Jennifer Cramer, Director of the Appalachian Studies Program at the University of Kentucky and a Professor in the department of Linguistics to talk about the myths and realities of Appalachian Englishes. They talk about her research into dialects in Kentucky and Appalachia and how Appalachian English dialects are similar and different from other American English dialects, and how that influences the ways people think about the region. They also discuss her work with the Kentucky Humanities Council and participation in the Speakers Bureau, a program that provides high-quality speakers to libraries and other non-profits.Thank you for joining us on Tales from the Kentucky Room this year!

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show
How To Speak American English Clearly

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 18:41


Get more practice focusing on vowels when you speak: https://youtu.be/XiYGrFxvkp8There's also a free audio/mp3 version of this video: www.fluentamerican.com/podcastWelcome to the Schwa Mill, where we review pronunciation files you send us and give feedback to help you achieve a more natural American English sound the next time you talk!❗❗❗❗❗❗Each week I do more than 10 group classes on American English pronunciation and communication training. Want to catch them ALL for a huge discount? Become a Youtube Channel Member to watch every live session, past session, and future session! Press JOIN and be part of the American Accentric level.Who am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.More on Fluent American at www.fluentamerican.com#americanenglish #fluentamerican #pronunciation

Happy English Podcast
951 - Does "I hear you" mean "I can hear you?"

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 6:36 Transcription Available


Have you ever been in this situation? You're venting to a friend about having a long and tough day, and your friend's response is  something like, Yeah, I hear you.”  That little phrase - "I hear you"- has nothing to do with your friend's ears. So - let's talk about those moments when someone is telling you about a bad day, a tough situation, or something that's just not going well. You want to respond in a way that shows you care, right? That you're listening. That you understand. There are actually a bunch of phrases like that in everyday English that help you sound more natural when someone is complaining, venting, or just needs to feel heard. That's what we're going to look at today!Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
950 - Stress Shift With Do and Did - Speak Naturally in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2025 2:20 Transcription Available


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 Podcast on YouTube.Sometimes, in everyday spoken American English,  we use stress, to show meaning. That means saying certain words louder or stronger to give emphasis in a sentence. A great example of this is when we use do or did for emphasis. When we really want to strongly confirm something, we put the stress on do or did. Like if someone says, how come you didn't finish that report? You can say “I did finish the report.” And I sent it to you.Or if you got a bad grade on an exam, and someone accuses you of not studying. You can tell them, “I did study. That was just a really tough exam”Or maybe someone has the wrong idea about you. Like if your friend says, “we can't go to that new sushi place, because Michael doesn't like sushi. You can say, “I do like sushi.”When you use do or did this way, the meaning becomes stronger and clearer. That's how native speakers show emphasis.  So next time you want to correct someone or strongly confirm something, try saying things like, “I did do it.” OR “I do wanna do it.”  That's the music of natural American English.Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Sunday's Speak Naturally in a Minute.  Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
949 - Sure Enough - English Tips in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2025 1:52 Transcription Available


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 by the way, if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Today, let's look at a really natural conversational expression - “sure enough.” Sure enough means, “as expected.” We use sure enough to talk about something that happened exactly the way we thought it would.Like,  “I was wondering if Jack would come late to the meeting - and sure enough, he did.”And yesterday, on the way to the bakery, I was wondering if they would still have sesame bagels left, and when I got there, sure enough, they were sold out. Here's one more. The weather looked iffy all morning and sure enough, it started pouring during lunch.Again, sure enough is not negative or positive. It just means, “Yep… that's exactly what I thought would happen.”Try using this phrase in one of your English conversations this week. And hey - sure enough, I think you're gonna sound even more natural when you do. Lemme know in the comments how it goes, 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 video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

On Point
The once and future dictionary

On Point

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 34:30


The quest to define and canonize new words in American English is as old as the country itself. In the new book "Unabridged: the thrill of (and threat to) the modern dictionary," author Stefan Fatsis explores how that quest has changed in the age of the internet.

Happy English Podcast
948 - Bang Out - Phrasal Verbs in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 1:54 Transcription Available


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. By the way, if you want to see the video version of this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Today's phrasal verb is bang out. When you bang something out, it means you produce it quickly - often a lot of it - without spending too much time on perfect details. It's all about speed and getting things done fast.Like, the other day, I had so many emails to answer that I just banged them out one after another.And in my neighborhood, my friend Atsuko bangs out a lot of bagels at her bakery Cocon.Yesterday, I banged out a quick pasta dish using whatever I had in the fridge.And here's a pronunciation tip: The G at the end of bang links with out. So it sounds like ban-goutSo how about you? What's something you can bang out quickly - homework, ideas, or maybe dinner?Let me 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 Verbs in a Minute.  Hey, thanks for listening. And until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Listening Time
American English - How To Ask For Things Politely

Listening Time

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 4:24


Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtimeUS Conversations: https://www.patreon.com/USConversationsTranscript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ts0ekZ7lU6b9uQRKFdiwSjwbc7v0nYoY/view?usp=sharing

Happy English Podcast
947 - Verb + To Do Patterns With Special Meanings

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 8:56 Transcription Available


You know, English is funny sometimes. We've got a ton of verbs that go with “to + verb” - like want to do, like to do, plan to do - and most of them just talk about an action, right? I want to go. I like to cook. I plan to travel. That's easy.  But! There are some verb + to do combinations that have a special meaning - a nuance - a deeper idea behind them. And that's what we're going to look at today.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
946 - Phrases With “It's Time” In English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2025 7:55 Transcription Available


So, the other day, I was on the phone with my friend Ed. We had plans to meet at 1pm, and it was already 1:15. I said, "It's time to go." And he goes, "It's about time!" Ha! You ever hear that phrase? "It's about time"? What does that even mean? Well, today, we're going to talk about how to use a bunch of conversational phrases with “It's time” in English. Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: learnenglish,englishpodcast,englishconversation,phrasalverbs,americanenglish,englishgrammar,englishpronunciation,eslpodcast,speakenglishnaturally,englishlessons,englishforbeginners,englishlistening,englishspeaking,improveyourenglish,studyenglishonline,learnenglishusa,learnenglishcanada,learnenglishgermany,learnenglishbrazil,happyenglishpodcastBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
945 - Speak Naturally in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2025 2:20 Transcription Available


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 Podcast on YouTube.Today, let's continue our discussion of reduction in American English, you know, when we shorten or soften sounds when we speak. Can't you, Aren't you, and ain;t you are usually pronounced as can'cha, aren'cha, and ain'chaWhen we say can't you, the T of can't blends with the Y of you. Can't you becomes can'cha.  “Can'cha see that?,”  “Can'cha hear me?,”  “Can'cha stay a little longer?”And when we say aren't you, the T in aren't also blends with the Y of you. Aren't you becomes aren'cha. “Aren'cha coming to the party?,” “Aren'cha ready?” “Aren'cha going home soon?”And finally, It's the same with ain't you. The T in ain't also blends with the Y of you. Ain't you becomes ain'cha. “Ain'cha coming to the party?,” “Ain'cha ready?” “Ain'cha gonna tell me?”Can'cha, aren'cha and ain'cha. This is how it goes in spoken American English.  They help the rhythm stay smooth and make the whole sentence easier to say.And if you want to sound more natural yourself, try using them in casual conversation. Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Sunday's Speak Naturally in a Minute.  Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
944 - All + Adjective - English Tips in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2025 2:13 Transcription Available


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 by the way, if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Today, let's look at a really casual, really conversational pattern you'll hear in everyday American English - all + adjective. We use all before an adjective to mean very or totally, and it adds emotion to what we're saying.  You'll hear this especially when people are talking about feelings, reactions, or moodsLike, Maybe last night, you came home after a long day. You can say: “I was all hungry and tired when I got home last night.” all hungry and tired means very hungry, and  very tired.Or maybe your boss saw last month's sales numbers and wasn't happy. You could say: “The boss was all grumpy when he saw last month's sales data.” Here's another example. “Jen was all excited about her vacation.” It's casual, it's expressive, and it sounds very natural in everyday American English.  Just remember - this is spoken English, not something you'd use in formal writing.Try using this pattern the next time you want to describe a strong feeling - like “I was all surprised!”  It really brings your English to life. Lemme know in the comments how it goes, 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 video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
943 - Weigh In (On) - Phrasal Verbs in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 1:52 Transcription Available


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.By the way, if you want to see the video version of this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Today's phrasal verb is weigh in on. When you weigh in on something, it means you offer your opinion in a discussion — especially when people want your thoughts or input.Like in the office, the boss weighed in on Jack's new marketing idea.And yesterday, my friend Justin weighed in on which laptop I should buy.And whenever I post a lesson like this online, you guys weigh in with awesome comments!And here's a pronunciation tip: The A sound of weigh links with in, and the N of in links with on. Altogether, it  sounds like way-yih-non. Way-yih-non: very smooth and connected.So how about you? What's something you weighed in on recently - maybe a decision at work, a family plan, or even a friend's problem? Let me 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 Verbs in a Minute.  Hey, thanks for listening. And until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
942 - Come vs. Go in English - How to Use Them Correctly

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 11:05 Transcription Available


So I got invited to another one of Jack's parties. If I go by myself, there's a good chance I won't know anyone, which is ok, unless a lot of people come. But if Jenny comes with me, then there's a better chance of having fun. I wonder if she'll go... or come with me. Come and go. That's the magic - and the confusion - of the verbs come and go in English. They seem simple… but they can be really tricky. Today we're going to clear up one of the biggest confusions that even intermediate and advanced learners struggle with: the difference between come and go.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Why Brits eat biscuits and Americans eat cookies. Why brands keep nouning everything. Hamster alert.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 17:46


This week, in honor of National Cookie Day, we look at the vocabulary split between British and American English, including the differences between a cookie and a biscuit, and the two meanings of "pudding." Then, we look at anthimeria, the advertising trend of turning one part of speech into another, as in the slogan "Together makes progress."The anthimeria segment was by Ben Yagoda,whose books include "Gobsmacked! The British Invasion of American English" and the novel "Alias O. Henry." His podcast is "The Lives They're Living."

Happy English Podcast
941 - Though, Even Though, & Although - What's The Difference?

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2025 8:24 Transcription Available


The other day, I was thinking about the difference between though, even though, and although. Even though they all mean but, there's a difference, though. And although you may not have learned it before… you'll learn it today.Though, Even Though, & Although all - express contrast, like you say one thing, but then mention something opposite. But how we use them depends on the situation, how formal or casual we want to sound, and the rhythm of the sentence. So today, I'll walk you through the differences between though, even though, and although... with clear, natural examples to help you speak more fluently and confidently.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
940 - Doncha & Woncha - Speak Naturally in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2025 2:19 Transcription Available


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 Podcast on YouTube.As we've said before, in everyday spoken American English, we often use reduction - that means we shorten or soften sounds when we speak.Today, let's look at two really common question reductions that you hear all the time in natural spoken English: don't you and won't you. These are pronounced like, doncha and wonchaWhen we say don't you, the T of don't blends with the Y of you. Don't you becomes doncha.  Like “Doncha wanna go?” “Doncha know him?” “Doncha like it” DonchaAnd when we say  won't you, the T of won't blends with the Y of you. Won't you becomes woncha.  “Woncha join us for lunch?” “Woncha come inside?” “Woncha tell me?”  WonchaSo remember. Doncha and Woncha. These natural ways to say don't you and won't you in American English.  They help the rhythm stay smooth and make the whole sentence easier to say.And if you want to sound more natural yourself, try using them in casual conversation. Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Sunday's Speak Naturally in a Minute.  Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
939 - What's Up With? - English Tips in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2025 2:17 Transcription Available


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 by the way, if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Today, let's look at a really useful conversational phrase - “What's up with…?”We use what's up with…? to ask about something we don't understand. It's another way to say“What's the situation with…?”  And you can use it for people, for events, or even for weird situations.Like,  Maybe your coworker is acting strange. You can say:  “What's up with John today?”Or if you're confused about a rule at work, you might say:  “What's up with casual Fridays? Can we wear jeans or not?”We also use it to talk about trends or new behaviors we don't get.  Like:  “I don't know what's up with kids these days and that 6-7 thing.”One thing to keep in mind is tone. With a neutral tone, it sounds curious.  With a strong tone, it can sound annoyed or frustrated:  “Oh man, what's up with all this traffic today?”What's up with waiting? Go try this phrase in your next conversation! Lemme know in the comments how it goes, 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 video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
938 - Brush Up On - Phrasal Verbs in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2025 1:59 Transcription Available


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. By the way, if you want to see the video version of this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Today's phrasal verb is brush up on.  When you brush up on something, it means you review it or practice it again so you can improve. We usually use brush up on for skills, subjects, and knowledge.For example, before my trip to Paris, I brushed up on my French a little.And yesterday, my friend Emma brushed up on her Excel skills before her job interview.If you want to brush up on your English, why not take a lesson with me!And here's a pronunciation tip: brush up on sounds like bruh-shuh-pon. The SH of brush links with UP, and the P of UP links with ON bruh-shuh-pon That makes it smooth and quick.So how about you? What's something you want to brush up on? Maybe English, a hobby, or a skill you haven't used in a while? Let me 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 Verbs in a Minute.  Hey, thanks for listening. And until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup