Plain English

" You know what’s the worst? Remembering passwords. But you know what else is the worst? Getting your account hacked or a big security breach. 2021 should be the year for improving your password hygiene: ditching reusable passwords, your password Excel document, and signing up for a password manager tool. Today, we’re talking about the best password managers. Plus, learn “a breeze.” -- At Plain En...

" 2020 was a guessing game. We never knew what the next month was going to throw at us. Hopefully, 2021 will be a little more predictable. Today’s lesson ponders five questions for 2021: when life will return to normal, Europe’s leadership transitions, big tech, the rise of populism, and public transportation. Plus, learn “for good.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern worl...

" It’s hard to believe that we started the year with Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex stepping back from their royal duties and mourning Kobe Bryant. January through March of 2020 – pre-COVID lockdowns for most of the world – feel like they happened many years ago. This episode looks back on the wild ride we’ve been on in 2020. Plus, learn what an “arms race” is. -- At Plain English, we make...

" Just when you thought things were getting really weird… Mysterious monolith sculptures have been popping up in random locations around the globe. It’s unclear who is behind the statues, but one witness saw the creators in action. We can tell you about it, but we can’t explain it. Plus, learn “without a trace.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full Eng...

" Less than a year after the first case of COVID-19, the vaccine rollout has officially begun. But distribution won’t be easy. From extreme temperature requirements to the vaccine’s complicated shelf life, hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies will have their hands full. But people are already feeling something they haven’t felt in a while: hope. Plus, learn what it means to be “known for” something....

" Diego Maradona is widely considered one of soccer’s all-time greatest players. He broke many records and played a key role in Argentinian teams that won World Cups. But he was also all too human. His early and sudden rise to stardom came with many ups and downs. Plus, learn “catch up with.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, includi...

" This week we are celebrating one of the greatest composers of all time. It’s Beethoven’s 250th birthday week, but it’s not at all how the classical music world originally planned it. Not unlike Beethoven’s own life, planning and adapting the commemorative celebrations for 2020 has been a turbulent process. Plus, learn “burn through.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern wo...

" Cyber Monday has become a worldwide phenomenon where people shop online deals from the end of October through the New Year. But Cyber Monday deals haven’t always lasted for weeks. We’re taking you back to a time – not so long ago – when Cyber Monday really was just one Monday of online deals. Plus, learn “back up.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s ful...

" Black Friday used to be a fun family tradition for when families got together for the long Thanksgiving weekend. But over the years, American consumerism has driven Black Friday from a one-day shopping event to a full season of sales and spending. It’s evolved into an exhausting, competitive and even dangerous event. Plus, learn “for better or for worse.” -- At Plain English, we make English les...

" NASA scientists have discovered water on the dark side of the Moon. Until recently, researchers had only confirmed water in the sunlit portions. The implications of this discovery are enormous and could change the future of space exploration as we know it. Plus, learn what it means to “cut down on” something. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full Engl...

" In 2016, Trump campaigned on radical slogans and ideas, like building a wall along the Mexican border and “draining the swamp.” But – tweets and drama aside – when you consider the Trump presidency’s accomplishments, was what they did really all that different from any other Republican president? This lesson dives into what the Trump presidency actually did versus what he promised to do. Plus, l...

" Finally, some encouraging news in 2020. Pfizer, the global pharmaceutical company, announced that their COVID vaccine candidate was more than 90% effective in advanced trials. Several countries have already put in orders for hundreds of millions of doses. But are they getting ahead of themselves? Plus, learn the English expression “in sight.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the...

" Just like everything else in 2020, the American presidential campaign season was far from normal. President Trump’s campaign tried to carry on with business as close to usual as possible. Meanwhile, Joe Biden’s campaign took a big risk and ran a socially-distant campaign – and it just barely worked. Plus, learn “make or break.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -...

" Last week, we talked about how much of a hassle it is to buy a used car. In this lesson, several companies around the world are revolutionizing the used car buying process. They’re trying to make it less painful and, dare we say, fun. But this type of industry disruption comes with a host of challenges. Plus, learn “nook and cranny.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern wo...

" Election week in the United States was a bit messier than usual, but after several days of vote counting, Joe Biden was finally elected as the next American president. After a tumultuous four years under President Trump, many are hopeful that some normalcy will be restored. As the mayor of Paris tweeted, “Welcome back, America.” Plus, learn the English expression “tread carefully.” -- At Plain E...

" Buying a car, especially a used car, is one of the worst consumer shopping experiences. The buyer is at a disadvantage, and the seller is in the driver’s seat, so to speak. But with such a huge market for used cars, why hasn’t the industry stepped up to create a better buying experience? Plus, learn what it means to have “peace of mind.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the moder...

" The second wave of COVID-19 is officially here. Across Europe, new lockdown orders are being put in place as countries are seeing a sudden spike in cases. Will it be any easier the second time around? Experts warn a long, hard few months are ahead. Plus, learn what a “balancing act” is. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a...

" In part two on fall’s favorite fruit, we’re sharing how pumpkin is eaten, sipped, and one surprise use. From snacks to desserts to drinks, pumpkin is a versatile ingredient in fall recipes. It has even created a near cult-following for a seasonal Starbucks drink. Warning: this episode could make you hungry. Plus, learn “look forward to.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the moder...

" Pumpkins are a staple in American fall traditions, activities, and recipes. In the first of our two lesson on pumpkins, we’re talking about two things you can do with fall’s favorite fruit: you can pick them and carve them. If you’ve never carved a pumpkin before, this lesson is for you. Plus, learn what it means to “stick with” something. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the mod...

" The pandemic has made food delivery more popular than ever. We’re sharing the inside scoop on the foods and factors that are ideal for delivery – and those that aren’t. Hopefully, you’ll never be disappointed with an order of soggy fries again. Plus, learn what it means to “wreak havoc.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including...

" Rafael Nadal won the twentieth Grand Slam title of his career at the French Open, tying Roger Federer’s record. Like usual, the tennis tournament was played on Paris’s famous red clay courts. But like most things in 2020, this year’s tournament was far from normal. Plus, learn what it means to “wreak havoc.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full Engli...

" At this point, people are taking any excuse to pack their bags and head out of cities, and right now is prime time for fall foliage and “foliage tourism” across North America. Some places even depend on the vibrant and varied colors of fall for the majority of their tourism revenues. Plus, learn what “leaf peepers” are and the phrasal verb “roll around.” -- At Plain English, we make English less...

" Uruguay might be the only country in the world that is currently welcoming foreigners with open arms. The tiny country of 3.5 million is trying to attract 200,000 new residents. For what Uruguay lacks in flare, it makes up for in stability – which might be exactly what people want most right now. Plus, learn the English expression “fed up.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the mo...

" Did you know there are hundreds of thousands of man-made objects circling our planet? The objects are also multiplying: they collide into each other and split into smaller pieces. Scientists around the world are trying to figure out how to harness the objects from space and bring them back down to earth, but there isn’t a proven method yet. Plus, learn what a “close call” is. -- At Plain English...

" It’s all fun and games until all the fun and games are canceled. In the latest in pandemic-related cancelations, Rio’s carnival parade has been postponed indefinitely. Vendors that rely on the carnival for most of their annual income are grappling with the announcement. Plus, learn what it means to “keep your options open.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- To...