Learn English with Coffee Break English

Can you get 5/5? In this episode of Coffee Break English, Nick is back with another vocabulary quiz, this time on 5 tricky adjectives including 'comprehensive', 'eventual' and 'terrific'.

You'll hear each word in context, choose from three possible meanings, then find out why it can catch out speakers of French, German, Italian and Spanish. Keep track of your score, then head to the video version to see the spellings and tell us how you got on.

Click here to watch the video version of the episode

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How well do you know these 5 tricky English adjectives? In this episode of Coffee Break English, Nick puts your vocabulary to the test with words that look very similar to words in other languages but don't always mean the same thing in English. You'll hear each adjective in context, choose from three possible meanings, then find out why it catches so many learners out. Keep track of your score, then head to the video version to see the spellings and tell us how you got on.

➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode.

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When does "I want" sound completely natural in English, and when can it sound too direct? In this episode of Coffee Break English, Nick looks at the verb "want" in restaurants, job interviews and work emails, and explains why it works so well for your own desires, goals and intentions but can sound too strong when you use it to make requests. At the end of the episode you'll have the chance to test what you've learned and practise using "want" to talk about your own plans. So, what do you want to do in the next few months?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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"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.

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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. ☕️

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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