Charm English Pod

Time phrases in English!

In this live English class, we explore a variety of time-related expressions to help you sound more natural and precise in conversation. We start with different ways to say “I’m late,” including phrases like running late, behind schedule, cutting it close, and racing against the clock, along with related expressions such as setbacks and holdups. Then we look at the opposite—how to talk about being early—covering ahead of schedule, on time, and in time, with a clear explanation of the difference between on time (not late) and in time (just before something happens). Next, we focus on describing how time feels. For time passing slowly, we cover expressions like at a snail’s pace, taking ages, time dragging, and it felt like forever. For time passing quickly, we explore time flies, in the blink of an eye, before you know it, and losing track of time, all with practical examples. We also introduce phrases to talk about frequency, such as every now and then, once in a while, from time to time, once in a blue moon, and time and again, highlighting the difference between occasional and repeated actions. Toward the end, we expand into everyday language, including different ways to say sorry (from my sincerest apologies to my bad) and a quick pronunciation tip on apologize vs. apologies. The session finishes with a Q&A on topics like listening skills, accent, and fluency, with practical advice on improving through comprehensible input and effective listening strategies. This class is ideal for intermediate learners who want to build vocabulary, improve fluency, and speak more naturally about time in English.

Interview with Vitoria Tamarindo! (part 2)

In this episode, I’m joined again by Vitória Tamarindo, an English teacher from Brazil! If you missed Part 1, make sure to check it out first. You can follow her here: https://www.instagram.com/teachervitoriatamarindo/ [https://www.instagram.com/teachervitoriatamarindo/] In Part 2, we get into practical strategies for learning English, from how to make the most of just 15 minutes a day to finding the right balance between comfort and challenge. We also share our thoughts on AI in language learning, reading as a tool for improvement, and what really helps students move from passive understanding to active use. Plus, some fun rapid-fire questions at the end.

Stargirl Chapters 1-5 (English Audiobook)

Listen to Chapters 1-5 before this one! Practice your listening with this audiobook reading of Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. It is a coming-of-age story about Stargirl Caraway, a girl who starts high school in Mica, Arizona and immediately stands out from everyone else. Her quirky behavior surprises her classmates at first, but little by little, they begin to warm up to her.

Stargirl Chapters 1-5 (English Audiobook)

Practice your listening with this audiobook reading of Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. It is a coming-of-age story about Stargirl Caraway, a girl who starts high school in Mica, Arizona and immediately stands out from everyone else. Her quirky behavior surprises her classmates at first, but little by little, they begin to warm up to her. Leave a comment if you would like the next chapters!

Past subjunctive: I wish... if only... it's time... I'd rather

Today’s live class is all about the subjunctive in English: how we use past verb forms to talk about wishes, regrets, preferences, and unreal or hypothetical situations. I break down key phrases like it’s time, I wish, if only, I’d rather, and as if/as though, and look at how they actually work in real conversations. You’ll see the difference between present vs past wishes, common mistakes (like was vs were), and how to sound more natural when expressing complaints, desires, or hypotheticals.