Learn English with Coffee Break English

Do you use "I want" for everything in English? There's nothing wrong with it, but in some situations it can sound too direct or even demanding. In this episode of Coffee Break English, Nick introduces 6 natural alternatives that help you make polite requests and talk more precisely about your hopes, plans, ideas and preferences. He also explains when "I want" is exactly the right choice. Don't forget to download the free "I want" alternatives cheat sheet for extra examples and practice: click here to access it now . ➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode . ➡️ Get free mini-lessons and language tips every week by signing up to our newsletter: https://coffeebreaklanguages.kit.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you ever find yourself freezing in English because you need a moment to think? In this episode of Coffee Break English, Nick shares 8 simple phrases that help you keep a conversation flowing while you organise your thoughts, including everyday expressions like "let me think", "actually", "the thing is" and "well". By the end you'll have a small toolkit to fall back on when you're not quite sure what to say next. ➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode . ➡️ Want more tips like these delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free newsletter: https://coffeebreaklanguages.kit.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Native English speakers react to each other constantly with short phrases like "No way!", "Fair enough" and "What a nightmare", but you rarely find them in a textbook. In this episode, Nick teaches twelve of these natural reactions, grouped into surprise, agreement and sympathy, and explains how your intonation can completely change the feeling of the same few words. There's a quick practice section too, so you can try them out straight away. ➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode . ➡️ To receive regular free mini-lessons like this straight to your inbox, visit: https://coffeebreaklanguages.kit.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you often describe everything as 'good', 'nice' or 'interesting'? In this episode, Nick shares two simple techniques that will instantly help your English sound more expressive, natural and confident: describing the experience rather than the object, and describing how something made you feel. You'll hear plenty of everyday phrases you can start using straight away, in conversations, on holiday, in meetings and beyond. ➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode . ➡️ To receive regular free mini-lessons like this straight to your inbox, visit: https://coffeebreaklanguages.kit.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I think" is one of the most overused phrases in English, and it can make you sound less sure of yourself than you really are. In this episode, Nick shares three simple strategies to help you speak with more confidence: when to remove it, how to upgrade it, and when to keep it. ➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode . ➡️ To receive regular free mini-lessons like this straight to your inbox, visit: https://coffeebreaklanguages.kit.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Coffee Break English, Nick shares 7 natural English phrases that help you sound more fluent in conversations and in exams like IELTS. You'll learn simple but powerful expressions that help you respond naturally, connect your ideas clearly and summarise with confidence. So grab a coffee and join us for another Coffee Break English lesson. ☕️ ➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode . ➡️ To receive regular free mini-lessons like this straight to your inbox, visit: https://coffeebreaklanguages.kit.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Coffee Break English, Nick shows you what to say when you can't remember a word. It happens to everyone, and the good news is you don't need the exact word to keep talking. You'll learn how to describe an idea in simpler words, how to keep your language clear and easy, and a few natural phrases that buy you time to think. With these three simple strategies, you can stay calm and keep speaking with confidence. ➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode and find a free worksheet in the comments section. ➡️ To receive regular free mini-lessons like this straight to your inbox, visit: https://coffeebreaklanguages.kit.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Coffee Break English, Nick shows you how to sound more professional at work, without any difficult grammar. You'll learn simple ways to upgrade everyday phrases, like turning "I think" into "it seems", so you can feel more confident in meetings, emails and conversations with colleagues. ➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode . ➡️ To receive regular free mini-lessons like this straight to your inbox, visit: https://coffeebreaklanguages.kit.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you ever feel lost when listening to English because you missed one important word? The good news is that you don't need to understand every word to follow the message. In this episode, Nick shares three simple listening strategies, plus a bonus tip, to help you feel calmer and more confident next time you listen to spoken English. ➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode . ➡️ To practise these strategies step by step, take a look at the Skills Boost listening lessons on Coffee Break TV: https://coffeebreaktv.com/programs/collection-t1mxuaqmw-8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can you name all 9 English modal verbs? In this fast-paced episode of Coffee Break English, Nick gives you a clear overview of all of them: must, should, can, could, will, would, shall, might and may. You'll learn what each one means and how to use it, in just 5 minutes. 🎧 Want to take your learning further? Check out our "A Coffee Break With…" series on modal verbs on Coffee Break TV, where we explore each modal verb in more depth with examples and guided practice. ➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode. ➡️ To receive regular free mini-lessons like this straight to your inbox, visit: https://coffeebreaklanguages.kit.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick guides you through four reading strategies you probably already use in your own language and shows you how to use them in English. From reading for the gist to skimming, scanning and slowing down for detail, each one helps you read more confidently and find what you need faster. Which one will you try first? ➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode. ➡️ Want more tips like these delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free newsletter: https://coffeebreaklanguages.kit.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shopping in English is full of phrasal verbs, and if you don't know them, even a simple trip to the shops can feel tricky. In this episode, Nick walks you through 10 essential phrasal verbs for shopping, from "look for" and "try on" to "rip off" and "pick out", with clear examples and a quick practice challenge to finish. ➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode. ➡️ To receive regular free mini-lessons like this straight to your inbox, visit: https://coffeebreaklanguages.kit.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How many meanings of the word ‘get’ do you know? In this final episode of The Coffee Break English Show Season 2, Nick and Anabel will help you build your vocabulary with one of the most versatile words in the English language. You will look at 6 essential meanings of the word ‘get’, with plenty of examples and a quick quiz at the end. ➡️ Click here to access the blog article and worksheet that accompany this episode ⬅️ You can watch the video version of this episode here: 👉 How to use 'get' in English Now watch: 👉 How to use "GET” in English | Coffee Break English Podcast S2E10 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s the difference between ‘PREsent’ and ‘preSENT’? If you’re not sure, then this episode of The Coffee Break English Show is perfect for you! Join Nick and Anabel as they look at syllable stress and how words can change meaning depending on how they are pronounced. 🗣️ They look at the important rules to know, lots of examples, and some common exceptions. Plus, they practise these rules with a fun quiz! ➡️ Click here to access the blog article and worksheet that accompany this episode ⬅️ You can watch the video version of this episode here: 👉 English word stress explained - 'PREsent' or 'preSENT' Now watch 👉 How to pronounce 'eat' and 'it' | The Coffee Break English Show 1.04 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you know when to use ‘so do I’, ‘me too’ and ‘me neither’? In this episode of The Coffee Break English Show, Nick and Mark look at how to communicate similar experiences in conversations using ‘so’, ‘too’, ‘either’ and ‘neither’. They provide plenty of examples and even do a fun quiz to practise. By the end of this episode, you’ll be confident with conversations too! ➡️ Click here to access the blog article and worksheet that accompany this episode ⬅️ You can watch the video version of this episode here: 👉 'So', 'too', 'either' and 'neither' - Key phrases for natural English Now watch 👉 When to say 'is it?' at the end of a phrase - Question tags | The Coffee Break English Show 1.06 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So you have learnt how to use the present perfect? Can you use these three adverbs as well? ‘Just’, ‘yet’ and ‘already’ are great ways to be more specific when talking about recent actions. In this episode of The Coffee Break English Show, Nick and Francesca break down how to use these powerful time phrases so you can sound like a pro 💪 ➡️ Click here to access the blog article and worksheet that accompany this episode ⬅️ You can watch the video version of this episode here: 👉 You can watch the video version of this episode . Now watch: 👉 How to use the present perfect in English | Coffee Break English Podcast S2E04 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you get confused with the present perfect? Do you know when to use ‘been’ or’ gone’? In this episode of The Coffee Break English Show, Nick and Francesca unpack the Present Perfect tense to help you talk about your life experiences with confidence. They give clear examples and show you how to use ‘been’ and ‘gone’ effectively, as well as when to use the past simple. And stay tuned for a fun game to practise the present perfect near the end. 🎲 ➡️ Click here to access the blog article and worksheet that accompany this episode ⬅️ 👉 You can watch the video version of this episode . Now watch 👉 The past simple vs the present perfect tense | Coffee Break English Podcast S1E08 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are now halfway through this series of The Coffee Break English Show! In this episode, we talk about the quantifiers 'too much, 'too many' and 'enough'. By the end of this episode, you will be able to describe quantities with clarity and precision 🎯 ➡️ Click here to access the blog article and worksheet that accompany this episode ⬅️ 👉 You can watch the video version of this episode . Now watch: ‘How much' or 'how many'? | The Coffee Break English Show 1.10 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you find producing the ' th ' sound difficult? In this episode of the Coffee Break English Show, we look at different 'th' sounds and how to make them. Nick and Francesca look at lots of practical examples and provide plenty of practice with tongue twisters to help you master this difficult sound. 👅😵‍💫 ➡️ Click here to access the blog article and worksheet that accompany this episode ⬅️ Now watch! 👉 How to pronounce 'Tuesday' and 'Thursday' | The Coffee Break English Show 1.09 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you know when to use ‘will’, ‘be going to’ and the present continuous?? In this episode, we talk about future plans and how to use ‘will’, ‘be going to’, and the present continuous to be precise about your plans and ideas. By the end of the episode, you will have a clear understanding of when to use each of these important future phrases. 🔮 Plus Nick and Anabel provide clear examples and a mini quiz at the end! ✍️ ➡️ Click here to access the blog article and worksheet that accompany this episode ⬅️ Now watch! 👉 Future in english - how to talk about the future | Coffee Break English Podcast S3E05 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.