Learn English with Jo

This website is a space for curious, thoughtful learners who want to speak English more fluently and confidently, especially in real-life situations.

Here, you’ll find:

  • Information about 1:1 Conversation Classes where you can practise speaking with me in a relaxed, personalised setting, perfect for intermediate to advanced learners who want to improve real-life English.

  • Blog Posts on everyday English, self-development topics and cultural conversations written in a warm, accessible style to help you feel seen and supported as you learn.

  • Free Learning Resources like conversation prompts, vocabulary guides, and practice tools to build your fluency, confidence, and expressive range. Plus links to My YouTube Channel where I post weekly content exploring language tips, useful expressions, idioms, British culture, and real-life English for topics like emotions, confidence, boundaries, and everyday communication.

Learn English With Jo Asker

On the blog

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6 Advanced Meanings of the English Phrasal Verb ‘Pick Up’
6 Advanced Meanings of the English Phrasal Verb ‘Pick Up’

When you hear the phrasal verb pick up, what comes to mind?

Most people immediately think of the basics, to pick something up off the floor, or to pick someone up from the airport. And yes, those meanings are completely correct. But if you stop there, you’re missing out on some really useful, natural-sounding ways we use pick up in everyday English.

In fact, this tiny phrasal verb does a lot of heavy lifting, especially in conversations at work, or when describing things like progress, behaviour, or learning.

So let’s explore six slightly more advanced uses of pick up that will help you sound more fluent and confident in real-life English.

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9 English Idioms About Ignoring Problems
9 English Idioms About Ignoring Problems

We all do it sometimes, ignore the obvious, avoid difficult conversations, or hope that a problem will magically disappear if we just don’t look at it. But what do you say in English when you want to describe that behaviour?

In this post, you’ll learn 9 useful idioms and expressions for talking about avoidance, denial, and ignoring uncomfortable truths. These are great for everyday conversation, workplace English, and understanding films, books or TV shows.

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How to Disagree Politely in British English
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.

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