Learning English Conversations

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]

The English We Speak: Onto something

Onto something suggests progress or a good idea. Maybe not a complete answer, but you're moving in the right direction. Learn how to use 'onto something' with Becca and Feifei. As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260629 [https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260629]. 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: Sell yourself short

When we sell ourselves short, we say negative things about ourselves. We undervalue or underestimate ourselves. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca. As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260622 [https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260622]. 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: Wrap it up

Sometimes you just want people to stop. That's one way to use 'wrap it up'. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. Find a free transcript and related programmes here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260615 [https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260615] Exams coming up? Practise your skills with BBC Learning English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/skills [https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/skills] Sign up to our newsletter to never miss our updates and learning tips: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599 [https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599]