Recent Posts

How to Use ‘Sorry’ in British English
Jo Asker Jo Asker

How to Use ‘Sorry’ in British English

Did you know that the average Brit uses the word ‘sorry’ around 8 times a day?

In English, particularly in British English, we use the word ‘sorry’ in many ways that go beyond a simple apology. Whether we’re late, in someone’s way, or simply trying to ask for help, ‘sorry’ slips into our sentences almost automatically.

But why do we say it so much, and what are the different ways we use this little word in everyday life?

Read More
How to Politely Set Boundaries in English
Jo Asker Jo Asker

How to Politely Set Boundaries in English

As a speaker of English as a second+ language, setting boundaries politely can sometimes feel challenging. Expressing your needs clearly is an essential communication skill, whether in personal or professional situations. Here are some helpful tips and examples to guide you in setting boundaries with kindness and confidence, all while practicing your English communication skills.

Read More
English Listening Practice- Goodbye Summer
Jo Asker Jo Asker

English Listening Practice- Goodbye Summer

Today's video is a bit different from my usual Sunday English lesson, as I thought I'd catch up with you after being away for a few weeks. Plus there's a little peek at some video from my recent family holiday in St. Ives, Cornwall. Plus there's a free PDF for you to download.

Read More
Master English Conversation Skills  With A Short Story
Jo Asker Jo Asker

Master English Conversation Skills  With A Short Story

Meet Sophia and Gabriela as they navigate the art of small talk—a skill that’s essential for building connections and feeling at ease in any English-speaking environment. This story is designed to help you practice English listening, pick up natural conversational phrases, and learn how to effortlessly speak English in everyday conversations.

Read More
14 English Phrasal Verbs for Productivity
Jo Asker Jo Asker

14 English Phrasal Verbs for Productivity

Today, we’re exploring 14 essential English phrasal verbs that can help you speak fluently about productivity in both your professional and personal life.

From sorting out to following up and breaking things down, I've got all the phrasal verbs you need to learn plus there's a free PDF.

Read More
10 ways to give encouragement in English
Jo Asker Jo Asker

10 ways to give encouragement in English

Do you stand on the sidelines, cheering on your family and friends with words of encouragement just when they need it most? If so, today's English lesson is perfect for you. We ‘re learning some positive phrases and words of encouragement to support, motivate, and uplift the people around you. These phrases are ideal for making meaningful connections in your everyday English conversations.

Read More
Talking about Positivity and Optimism in English
Jo Asker Jo Asker

Talking about Positivity and Optimism in English

Welcome to another English lesson! Today, we're looking at talking about the subject of positivity and optimism in English —how to discuss it, express it, and even a bit about the concept of toxic positivity. You’ll find all the English vocabulary, collocations, expressions and phrasal verbs that you need to start having English conversations about positivity.

Read More
Mastering Phrasal Verbs for Making Phone Calls in English
Jo Asker Jo Asker

Mastering Phrasal Verbs for Making Phone Calls in English

In today's English lesson, we're going to explore phrasal verbs related to making phone calls. We'll define each verb and provide examples of their usage. Plus there’s a little story at the end which incorporates all the English language that we’re looking at in this lesson. Mastering these phrasal verbs will hopefully help you sound more natural and confident when speaking English.

Read More
Essential British English vocabulary for living, working or studying in the UK
Jo Asker Jo Asker

Essential British English vocabulary for living, working or studying in the UK

Sunday English lesson- Watch the video and download your free PDF

Planning on visiting, working, or living in the UK? Navigating everyday British life can be a lot easier with the right phrases and vocabulary. In this blog post, we'll explore 35 essential English phrases that will help you not only survive but thrive in the UK.

Read More
7 Practical Tips for Thinking in English to Enhance Your Fluency
Jo Asker Jo Asker

7 Practical Tips for Thinking in English to Enhance Your Fluency

Are you happy with your fluency in English? Today I’m sharing 7 practical tips on how to start thinking in English to boost your fluency. These tips will help you to stop translating in your head and train your brain to think in English. I also discuss the importance of habit formation in language learning and how introducing these habits into your daily life will make thinking in English come more easily.

Read More
How to improve your conversation skills in English
Jo Asker Jo Asker

How to improve your conversation skills in English

Tips and tricks on how to become better at conversation in English as a foreign language. Today we're looking at a topic that's essential for anyone looking to enhance their communication skills in English: how to have better conversations. Whether you're a professional, a student, or just someone who loves to chat, these tips are designed to help you navigate your conversations with confidence and ease.

Read More
Advanced English vocabulary for expressing feelings and emotions.
Jo Asker Jo Asker

Advanced English vocabulary for expressing feelings and emotions.

In this English lesson we're going to explore some advanced English vocabulary for talking about our emotions. This language will help you to express and to articulate your feelings more effectively. From being elated to being absolutely devastated, we'll look at language for life's highs and lows.

Read More
Six Ways to Ask Someone to Keep a Secret in English
Jo Asker Jo Asker

Six Ways to Ask Someone to Keep a Secret in English

Learn how to master the art of discretion (in professional and personal life) in English.

Here are six secret English phrases you can use to ask someone to keep something confidential, along with examples of how to use them in conversation.

Read More
How to practice speaking English alone (and for free!)
Jo Asker Jo Asker

How to practice speaking English alone (and for free!)

5 effective tips and techniques for practicing your English speaking skills alone, in the comfort of your own home.

Practicing English speaking skills can be daunting for many learners. Whether you lack access to native speakers, feel shy about speaking in public, or can't afford expensive conversation classes, there are ways to improve your English speaking skills alone.

Read More
English slang for talking about how you feel.
Jo Asker Jo Asker

English slang for talking about how you feel.

Today I'm going to share some slang with you that will help you to express your feelings in an informal, relatable way. Watch the video below for the full lesson and scroll down for a useful free PDF download.

Read More
How to sound polite in English
Jo Asker Jo Asker

How to sound polite in English

Do you ever worry about being polite when you're speaking English? Do you worry about making a good first impression? Today I’ve got a video and a free PDF download with 5 essential tips for sounding polite when you speak English. These tips will help you navigate any professional or social setting with confidence and ease.

Read More
9 English phrases I use every day
Jo Asker Jo Asker

9 English phrases I use every day

This week’s YouTube English lesson is about 9 easy English phrases that I use on a daily basis. I use these expressions with my kids, with friends, at work and with complete strangers. Try including one or two of them in your next English conversation.

Read More
Talking about the great British Summer in English.
Jo Asker Jo Asker

Talking about the great British Summer in English.

Today, I want to look at a topic that holds a special place in the hearts of many Britons: the notorious British Summer weather! While England is known for its picturesque landscapes and historic charm, the weather can often be quite unpredictable and, well, a tad miserable. So, let's explore some key vocabulary and expressions related to the less-than-ideal weather you might encounter during your time in the United Kingdom.

Read More
8 Ways to say ‘No problem’ in English
Jo Asker Jo Asker

8 Ways to say ‘No problem’ in English

Today I’ve got eight alternative expressions to say "no problem" in English. With these phrases you can communicate your willingness to help or assure others that their concerns are unnecessary.

Read More