Actually English

Many Spanish speakers assume that because a word looks like a word in their native language, it must have the same meaning. These are called "false friends" (or false cognates), and they are one of the biggest hurdles for advanced students! In this episode of Actually English , I’m breaking down the most common traps you’ll encounter in business and education settings. We’re going to cle...

Struggling with past modals in English? In today's episode of Actually English , we take a deep dive into Could Have, Should Have, and Would Have so you can finally use them with confidence. Using funny and real-life Google Reviews (from airport complaints to massive dessert portions). Today I explain how native speakers use these structures to express past regrets, possibilities, and missed o...

Are you confused about when to use could , should , and would in English? In this episode of Actually English , you'll learn these essential modal verbs through real Google reviews—some serious, some hilarious, and all packed with natural English. You'll discover: ✅ How to use could for possibility and suggestions ✅ How to use should for advice and recommendations ✅ How to use would for...

In this episode of Actually English, we continue following Carlos and Maya on their journey to learn real-world English through stories. This time, Carlos heads to a local Pride festival to work on his first big journalism assignment—and along the way, he encounters even more idioms, expressions, and phrasal verbs used by native speakers. Instead of memorizing long vocabulary lists, you'll lea...

In this episode of Actually English, you'll follow Carlos, a journalist attending his first big meeting with his new boss. Carlos speaks excellent English, but there's one problem: his boss loves using workplace idioms. Luckily, his coworker Maya is there to help him understand expressions like: • Get the ball rolling • Dive in • Behind the eight ball • Cut through the noise • On it • Left and rig...

In this English lesson, we break down one of the most confusing grammar topics for ESL learners in a simple and natural way. You’ll learn how native speakers actually use these expressions in real conversation. In this lesson, you’ll learn:✅ The basic difference between either and neither✅ How to agree with negative sentences naturally✅ “Me neither” vs “Neither do I” vs “I don’t either”✅ How t...

Three women, two children, two dogs, broken-down cars, wild street dogs, tow ropes snapping on the highway, and hours stranded in the middle of nowhere… this story has everything. If you’re an advanced English learner, this episode will help you: • Improve your listening comprehension with real natural English • Learn advanced vocabulary through storytelling • Understand native expressions and cas...

Want to understand the REAL English native speakers use every day? In this episode of Actually English, we break down a viral Reddit “Am I the Asshole?” story to teach you natural English slang, idioms, phrasal verbs, and expressions that English learners rarely hear in textbooks. You’ll learn expressions like: • stand your ground • cause a scene • come to terms with • hard pill to swallow • good...

Want to understand how native speakers actually talk? In this episode of Actually English , we break down real English slang, idioms, and phrasal verbs using a viral Reddit story. This lesson is perfect for advanced English learners (B2–C1+) who want to:  Understand natural, fast English   Learn slang used in real conversations   Sound more like a native speaker   Improve listening and vocabulary...

Want to improve your English fast in 2026? In this episode of Actually English, we break down the 4 essential skills you need to become fluent in English: reading, writing, listening, and speaking—and how to practice all of them from home. Whether you're a beginner or intermediate learner, this video gives you a simple daily study plan (just 40–60 minutes a day) to build real fluency. You&apo...

Want to learn real English through stories instead of boring textbooks? In this episode of Actually English , you’ll improve your listening and vocabulary with a mystery story (Part 3: The Last Message) while learning 8 powerful emotional words and expressions used in real life. This podcast is perfect for intermediate to advanced English learners (B1, B2, C1) who want to understand how English is...

Can you keep it together under pressure? In this episode of Actually English, we follow Elena as she races to find her missing friend Daniel — and you'll learn 10 powerful English expressions for intense emotions along the way. This is Part 2 of "The Last Message." Haven't heard Part 1? Go back to Episode 7! ✅ Expressions covered in this episode: 1. To send a chill down your s...

Join me in this episode where we unpack the interesting life of Katherine Switer, the first woman to run in the Boston Marathon. We go over phrases and keywords that deal with emotion and perseverance. 

In this episode, we break down a TED Talk from Lera Boroditsky. From how an Aboriginal community from Australia doesn't have the words "left" and "right", to how some languages avoid fault by only using passive voice, we touch on many aspects of how language shapes the way we see the world. 

Part 1 of the suspense story, The Last Message. Follow us in this story while we listen to Helena after she finds a mysterious message from a coworker that leads to his disappearance. For intermediate to advanced learners. 

Do you ever get confused when you have to choose between the verb "do" or "make"? Don't worry, it can be confusing! After this episode, I'm sure you'll be a master. Join us as we dive into this topic and learn the difference between "do" and "make". 

In this episode of Actually English, we are back on Reddit, where we will learn lots of useful phrases through context, like "kill the vibe" and "it's a whole thing". Listen for yourself and tell us if you think this poster was the a**hole or not! 

Phrasal verbs don't have to be a list you memorize and forget. In this episode of Actually English Grammar Bites, we learn 5 essential phrasal verbs through two stories — one with explanations, one without. Back out, burst out, call it off, bring up, and turn out. Plus a challenge at the end. Find us on Instagram @actuallyenglishpodcast 

Ever feel lost the moment you walk up to a coffee shop counter in an English-speaking country? This episode breaks down a real New York City coffee order — and the fast, casual phrases native speakers use every single day that most textbooks completely skip. In this episode, you'll learn five key expressions, including "Can I get..." , "Actually, you know what..." , and &q...

Today's post comes from r/relationship_advice — one of Reddit's most active communities. It's a deeply human story about a long friendship that seems to be fading without explanation. The language in this post is rich with emotional vocabulary, idioms about relationships, and the kind of raw, honest informal English that native speakers use when they're genuinely struggling wit...

In this episode, we read a real-style Reddit post from the subreddit r/AITA (Am I The Asshole) and decode the slang, internet language, and informal expressions that make it almost impossible for most learners to follow. This is one of the most popular corners of the internet in English-speaking countries - understanding it means you're truly reading at a native level.