The English We Speak: Passing Ships

The English We Speak: Keep yourself to yourself

Learn an expression to use when someone doesn't socialise much with other people and prefers to be alone. You can get a free transcript for this programme here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260803 [https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260803] Find programmes to help you improve your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/skills [https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/skills] And don't forget to sign up to our free newsletter to receive a message from your favourite presenters and our tips to help you improve your English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599 [https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599] Come back here this time next week for the next episode of The English We Speak

The English We Speak: One size fits all

This expression was originally just about clothes, but it now it can mean anything that doesn't consider individual needs. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260727 [https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260727] For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters [https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters]

The English We Speak: Side quest

Do you ever get distracted by something fun? A side quest is where you do something that's different to your main task. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260721 [https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260721] For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters [https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters]

The English We Speak: Passing Ships

This phrase comes from a longer idiom, ‘like ships that pass at night’. It’s used when two people have busy schedules, and struggle to find time to meet for more than just a brief encounter. Learn how to use it here, with Georgie and Feifei. Find a free transcript here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260713 [https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260713] We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters [https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters]

The English We Speak: Understood the assignment

This slang phrase is about knowing what you have to do for a task, and doing it perfectly. Hear examples and learn how to use it in this programme, with Georgie and Feifei. As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260706 [https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260706]. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters [https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters]