Idiomatic expressions or 'idioms' are phrases or expressions used in everyday speech that don't have literal meanings e.g. 'letting the cat out of the bag' or 'getting the ball rolling'. In this episode Erika and Elizabeth explore several examples of idioms that are commonly used in English, discussing how they can be difficult for a learner but explaining how they can also be useful to be familiar with.
They also speak to Jesús, a client of Elizabeth's, about the difference between Spanish and English use of idioms. Elizabeth tests Jesús's knowledge of certain idioms, invoking a popular jazz song to explain the phrase 'hitting the road'.
To learn more about Professional English Solutions, and to connect on social media, head to proenglishsolutions.com
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Presented and written by Erika McClane and Elizabeth Mc Donnell
Production and editing by Jarek Zaba
Artwork by Danielle Morrison
Storytelling can be an important way of communicating with others, whether we are sharing funny anecdotes, memories from the past, or lessons learned from our experiences.
In this episode Erika and Elizabeth discuss how you can approach storytelling in English, outlining the importance of structure and purpose. To help do this, Erika speaks to Shirley, who tells her own story of a ski-ing adventure.
To learn more about Professional English Solutions, and to connect on social media, head to proenglishsolutions.com
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Presented and written by Erika McClane and Elizabeth Mc Donnell
Production and editing by Jarek Zaba
Artwork by Danielle Morrison
Erika and Elizabeth discuss the challenges of 'small talk' - informal, light conversation that we use with people we are less familiar with.
To help to explore small talk, Elizabeth speaks to her client, Victor, about the weather. They go on to discuss how small talk is used in Spain, with topics ranging from food to sport.
To learn more about Professional English Solutions, and to connect on social media, head to proenglishsolutions.com
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Presented and written by Erika McClane and Elizabeth Mc Donnell
Production and editing by Jarek Zaba
Artwork by Danielle Morrison
To learn more about Professional English Solutions, and to connect on social media, head to proenglishsolutions.com
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Presented and written by Erika McClane and Elizabeth Mc Donnell
Production and editing by Jarek Zaba
Artwork by Danielle Morrison
They interview two speakers of the language. Nico, a non-native English speaker from China, talks with Erika about her experiences of using English in professional and social settings, including a story of a misunderstanding.
Elizabeth then speaks with her son, Jarek. They discuss phrases that a native speaker would naturally use when arranging to meet up with a friend.
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Presented and written by Erika McClane and Elizabeth Mc Donnell
Production and editing by Jarek Zaba
Artwork by Danielle Morrison
