Recent Posts
28 Everyday British English Slang Expressions
British people love slang. We use it constantly; in conversations with friends, at work, online, and even with complete strangers. The tricky thing is, a lot of it isn’t taught in English classes or textbooks. That’s why many learners feel confused when they hear phrases like “I had a wobble” or “That meeting did my head in.”
In this post, I’ve collected 28 slang expressions you’ll hear all the time in 2025.
Top 10 British English Passive Aggressive Phrases
Polite British English isn’t always as polite as it sounds. Sometimes our pleasant words are doing a very different job – softening a refusal, hiding disagreement, or gently shutting down a conversation without actually saying so.
Today, I’m going to share my top 10 passive aggressive British English phrases – the ones you’ll hear in everyday life that might not mean what you think. We’ll look at what they sound like, what they actually mean, and how to spot the warning signs.
British English Insults (That Aren’t Really Rude)
If you’ve spent any time in the UK, you’ll know we have a talent for coming up with creative ways to insult people, without actually being mean. It’s one of the quirks of British humour: we can call someone a fool and still sound like we’re being affectionate.
Today I’m sharing a few of my favourite British English insults. They’re all safe to use if you get the tone right. Think smiling eyes, light voice, and a sense of fun.
20 Everyday British English Phrases
There’s the English you learn in class, and then there’s the English we actually use in daily life. The kind of language we use when we’re chatting to friends, colleagues, neighbours, or muttering to ourselves while making tea. These are the real, everyday expressions that British people say all the time. And often, they’re vague, non-committal, and deeply cultural.
So, I’ve put together 20 of my favourite phrases. These are all expressions I genuinely use. If you want to sound more natural and understand what’s really going on in conversation, these are a great place to start.
How to Disagree Politely in British English
Disagreeing with someone isn’t easy, even in your first language. Add a second language, a professional setting, and maybe a sprinkle of British awkwardness... and it suddenly feels like a minefield.
In this post, I’ll show you how to disagree politely in British English. You’ll learn natural softening phrases, useful sentence starters, and tips to help you sound calm, confident, and respectful, even when you don’t see eye to eye.
20 English Phrases to Show Empathy.
When someone you care about is going through a tough time, finding the right words in English can feel overwhelming. You want to comfort them, to be there, but it’s hard to know exactly what to say—especially when English isn’t your first language.
So in this post, I’m going to share 20 natural English phrases for showing empathy. These are expressions you can use with friends, colleagues, or anyone who’s having a hard time.
5 Reasons That You’re Never Too Old To Learn English
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, ‘I’m too old to learn something new?’ Maybe you feel like your brain doesn’t work the way it used to. Or you compare yourself to younger learners—your kids, perhaps—and think, ‘They pick things up so quickly. What’s the point in me even trying?’
If that sounds familiar, then this blog is for you. Because here’s the truth: It’s not too late!
Why Your Mindset Matters More Than Talent (Especially When Learning English)
Welcome to another episode of my English podcast for people who want to feel more confident, more expressive, and more like themselves in English. Whether you're here to practise your listening skills, learn new vocabulary, or explore big ideas in a gentle, thoughtful way, you're in the right place.
This episode is all about something I believe can make a huge difference, not only in your English but in many areas of life: mindset. Don’t forget to download the free PDF for the full transcript and extras.
Talking About Simple Pleasures in English
Want to expand your vocabulary a bit and learn how to express yourself more naturally? You're in the right place.
In this post, we’re going to explore the language of simple pleasures — those small moments that bring a sense of peace, comfort, or joy to everyday life. We'll look at natural English expressions, emotion-rich adjectives, and sentence prompts you can use for journaling or English speaking practice.
10 Daily Habits to Improve Your English
If you're trying to improve your English skills but feel overwhelmed by textbooks, lack of time or just don’t know where to start, this post is for you. Whether you're learning English for work, study, travel, or personal growth, building small, consistent habits can make a huge difference. So here are ten simple daily habits that can be included in your daily routine to can help you grow your fluency and confidence in English
How to Get Better at Small Talk in English
Are you terrified of small talk? Does it feel awkward or pointless? In this blog, I break down how to master small talk in English, especially if you're learning it as a second language. You'll learn practical conversation starters, key phrases, and tips to make small talk feel more natural—even if you're an introvert like me!
9 Ways to Say You’re Bad at Something – Speak English Like A Brit
Want to speak English like a Brit? In British English, we rarely say, 'I'm not good at something.' Instead, we use self-deprecating expressions and informal vocabulary that make us sound more natural, funny, and relatable! In this blog, you'll learn 9 essential British phrases to express when you're bad at something-whether it's sports, cooking, driving, or even small talk.
22 English Idioms With ‘Hand’ And How To Use Them.
Until I started exploring English idioms with the word ‘hand’ I didn’t realise quite how much we use the word in idiomatic phrases and expressions. The word ‘hand’ pops up in so many English idioms (some of which I’ve probably neglected to include!) and quite often, the meaning isn’t as obvious as you’d expect. Amongst other things, we use hand idioms to talk about control, help, fairness, and even sneaky behaviour.
How to Use ChatGPT to Improve Your English Conversation Skills (+free pdf)
In my English conversation classes I often encourage students to practice their English speaking skills using ChatGPT. Not many people can afford daily conversation classes, but using AI you can now practise speaking English regularly. Even better it’s free!
Find out how to use Chat GPT to practice speaking English and download my FREE pdF.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.