Practising English

Here are the B2 phrases we'll be studying today:
1) far too many/much/few etc.
There are far too many games in this new 48-team tournament, and our players look absolutely exhausted.
The manager chose far too few midfielders in the starting line-up, which is why we completely lost control of the ball.

2) in any case
I don't think the referee should have given that penalty, but in any case, we played poorly and didn't deserve to win.
It is going to be incredibly hot in Miami for the next match, but in any case, the team must adapt if they want to reach the semi-finals.

3) demand (verb)
After that terrible performance against Canada, millions of fans back home demand that the manager changes his tactics for the next round.
Spanish supporters demand beautiful, attacking football, so we cannot just defend a 1-0 lead.

4) no guarantee
Even though we have a fantastic squad this year, there is no guarantee that we will defeat a strong team like Argentina.
Winning our group easily gives us confidence, but it offers no guarantee that we will survive a penalty shootout in the knockout stage.

5) relevant
Past defeats against Germany are not relevant to this young squad; they are only focused on making history in 2026.
Having experience in big Champions League finals is highly relevant for our players during a high-pressure World Cup tournament.

6) As for...
The defense looked solid today, but as for our strikers, they missed too many clear chances in front of the goal.
I’ve already bought my match tickets for the group stage, but as for the final in New York, the flights are just too expensive.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B1 phrases we'll be studying today!
See full story audioscript here with B1 words highlighted: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-314.htm
1. Take care of. Definition: To look after someone or something and make sure they have what they need. 
I need to take care of my little brother while my parents are at work.
Please take care of your new books and do not lose them.
2. Alive. Definition: Living and not dead. 
We found a small bird in the garden, and it was still alive.
My grandfather is 90 years old, but he is very active and very much alive.
3. Recover. Definition: To get better after an illness or an injury. 
It took her three weeks to recover from the bad cold.
The athlete needs to rest and recover before the next big game.
4. Explanation. Definition: The reasons you give to make something clear or easy to understand. 
The teacher gave a clear explanation of the math problem.
He did not have a good explanation for being late to class.
5. Make up one's mind. Definition: To make a decision or choose what to do. 
I cannot make up my mind about which movie to watch tonight.
She finally made up her mind and bought the blue jacket.
6. By hand. Definition: Made or done by a person using their hands, not using a machine. 
My grandmother makes all of her beautiful sweaters by hand.
In the past, people had to wash all their clothes by hand.
7. Instead of. Definition: In the place of someone or something else. 
I will have water instead of juice with my lunch.
We decided to walk to the park instead of taking the bus.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B2 phrases I'll be studying today:
(See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-313.htm
as far as sth is concerned
Definition: When talking about a particular subject or issue. 
Example:
 As far as money is concerned, we need to be careful. 
a misunderstanding
Definition: A situation in which people do not understand each other correctly. 
Example:
The argument started because of a misunderstanding.
what on earth...! / why on earth...!
Definition: Used to show strong surprise, confusion, or annoyance. 
Example:
What on earth are you doing here at midnight? I thought you were in bed!
flirt
Definition: To behave in a way that shows romantic or sexual interest in someone, often in a playful way. 
Example:
He was flirting with a woman at the party.
be devoted to
Definition: To be very loyal to, committed to, or focused on someone or something. 
Example:
She is devoted to her family. She visits them every week.
clear up the question of
Definition: To explain or solve something that is unclear or uncertain. 
Example:
The meeting helped clear up the question of who was responsible. (See: misunderstanding)
make out (find the answer to) 
Definition: To understand, discover, or find the answer to something that is difficult. 
Example:
I couldn't make out what the reason was Dave getting upset at the party.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B1 phrases we're going to study today:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-312.htm
 1. after a while
Definition: after some time has passed
 Example: We talked for a while , and after a while we went home. 
 2. on purpose
Definition: intentionally; not by accident
 Example: John broke his mobile phone on purpose so his parents would buy him a new one. 
 3. put out (a fire) 
Definition: to stop a fire from burning
 Example: There was a fire in our kitchen. Fortunately, the fire brigade arrived soon put out the fire quickly. 
 4. hurry up
Definition: to do something more quickly
 Example: Hurry up , or we will miss the bus. 
 5. help yourself
Definition: take something for yourself if you want it
 Example: There are some biscuits on the table. Help yourself to some. 
 6. lend a hand
Definition: to help someone with something
Example: Can you lend me a hand with these boxes?
 7. knock something/somebody down
Definition: (a building) to destroy a building; (a person) to hit someone so they fall, often with a vehicle
 Example: They knocked down the old factory and built a park there. 
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B2 phrasal verbs we're studying today:
For full stiry transcript: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-311.htm
1. Turn up (Meaning: To arrive or appear)
"We wrapped up the meeting early because the client didn't turn up on time."

2. Get away (Meaning: To escape or evade capture)
"The thieves managed to get away before the security guards could lock the building down."

3. Deal with (Meaning: To handle or take action on a problem)
"Don't worry about the scheduling conflict; our manager will deal with it first thing tomorrow."

4. Turn to (Meaning: To face someone or look to them for answers/help)
"When the map failed us, I turned to a local resident to ask for directions."

5. Fall for (Meaning: To fall deeply in love with someone)
"He was incredibly charming, so it didn't take long for her to fall for him completely."
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...