Plain English | Learn English | Vocabulary, News, And Culture At The Right Speed For English Language Learners

" If an asteroid were on a collision course with Earth, could we avoid disaster by pushing the asteroid off course? That's the question NASA attempted to answer by crashing an unmanned craft into a real asteroid. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""set off."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/515 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso de inglés. Se ha

" Natural gas powers factories, heats homes, and generates electricity. And in Europe, much of the gas supply came from Russia. However, Europe is in a rapid transition away from Russian gas as a result of the war in Ukraine. The transition is not easy. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""run on."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/514 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis en

" The world of chess has been turned upside down after Norwegian Magnus Carlsen accused American teenager Hans Niemann of cheating. Though Niemann's rise has been swift, there's no evidence of foul play--except for the two times he previously admitted to cheating. Plus, learn the English expression ""stop short of."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/513 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende i

" One of the most famous strategy games in human history, chess spread around the world over 1,000 years ago. Though the rules have changed a little, the biggest change has come with the advent of computers and their victory over human champions. Plus, learn the English expression ""tailor made."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/512 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis en líne

" A new type of tomato is about to hit American grocery stores. It’s purple, it has enhanced nutrition, and it’s genetically-modified. But will the purple tomato be able to overcome skepticism about genetically-modified foods? This lesson might debunk some of the misconceptions you have about GM foods. Plus, learn what it means to have “an edge.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/511 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at Plai

" Are ESG funds all that they’re cracked up to be? Last week’s lesson covered what ESG investing is, and in theory, investing in companies that want to do more good sounds like a pretty good thing. However, today’s lesson covers that in practice, these ESG funds are coming up short. Plus, learn to ""welcome with open arms."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/510 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- A

" ESG stands for “environmental, social, and governance,” and ESG investing is a way to funnel your investments toward companies that meet higher standards in these three categories. Not only that, but sponsors of these funds promise that ESG funds will make the same return, or an even better return, in the long run. Plus, learn “nagging doubt.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/509 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at Plain

" A first-place finish at the Colorado State Fair art competition is sparking debate in the art community about whether AI-generated art should be considered art. The winning piece at the fair was an AI-generated image, and critics argue that the art was created by a machine, not a person, and so it isn’t art. But AI supporters beg to differ. Plus, learn “sift through.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/508 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like y

" As Queen Elizabeth II grew into adulthood, it was increasingly clear that she would, someday, be queen. But no one thought it would happen as soon as it did. This lesson covers her unlikely path to the monarch, the story of how she found out she was queen in the Kenyan countryside, her legacy, and more. Plus, learn “open the door.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/507 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/

" Britain and the world are mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II. She died peacefully at the Balmoral Castle in northern Scotland earlier this month at age 96. She served as Britain’s monarch for 70 years, and upon her death, her son, Charles, became King. Plus, learn what it means to “pay respects.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/506 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis

" The mullet hairstyle is known for looking like business in the front, party in the back, and have typically been worn by men from rural, lower income areas of Australia. However, in recent years, the hairstyle has outgrown its unsophisticated reputation. The hairstyle is now popular among city-dwellers and with celebrities, and there is even a festival celebrating mullet-wearers. Plus, learn “catch on.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/505 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive

" Chilean voters recently voted not to adopt a proposed constitution. It all started in 2019, when in response to protests, Chileans first voted on whether they wanted a new constitution. The results showed that they did – sort of. Then, over the course of the past three years, a group of mostly left-leaning representatives drafted a new constitution, and this lesson dives into why it failed to pass. Plus, learn “boil over.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/504 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English course

" Reeling from burnout and an always-on culture, many in Gen Z are subscribing to #QuietQuitting, the idea that they shouldn't give too much at work. But there are multiple interpretations to the term and career coaches warn of the consequences. Plus, learn the English phrase ""above and beyond."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/503 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis en líne

" Ice cream maker Ben & Jerry's decided not to sell its product in the Palestinian territories, claiming that it didn't want to be part of an illegal occupation. But that stance got the company in trouble with its parent company. And the conflict turned ugly. Plus, learn the English expression ""take exception to."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/502 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprend

" Ben & Jerry’s has always taken a unique approach to running its business. When they were acquired by Unilever, they made some unique demands, and Unilever accepted. The company is also known for taking progressive stands on social issues. But recently, their approach has gotten them into a bit of a sticky situation. Plus, learn “come in.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/501 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainE

On this 500th episode, Jeff and JR talk about their favorite places in Chicago, including: Restaurants The lakefront Shedd aquarium Neighborhoods Field Museum History The beach Riverwalk Lincoln Park Zoo Breweries Art Institute Wrigley Field This lesson was live streamed on video. Watch the replay to get the full experience at PlainEnglish.com/500 (Our regular lesson format will return on Thursday.)Mentioned in this episode:Ready to improve your listening?Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

[Countdown to 500] Get ready for the 500th lesson live stream by joining us on social media: Follow @plainenglishpod on Instagram Join the Plain English Listeners Facebook Group Date: September 3 Time: 8:00 am Chicago / Mexico / Colombia New York / Miami: 9:00 a.m. Brazil: 10:00 a.m. London: 2:00 p.m. Paris / Rome / Berlin: 3:00 p.m. Istanbul: 4:00 p.m. New Delhi: 6:30 p.m. Jakarta: 8:00 p.m. Taipei – Hong Kong: 9:00 p.m. Tokyo: 10:00 p.m. On today's lesson: Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States, and home to beautiful urban architecture, culture, and sports. If you like food, you’ll love Chicago. The city has its own signature pizza, hot dogs, and award-winning restaurants. It’s also where Plain English was born. Plus, learn “wiped out.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/499 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current event

[Countdown to 500] Get ready for the 500th lesson live stream by joining us on social media: Follow @plainenglishpod on Instagram Join the Plain English Listeners Facebook Group Date: September 3 Time: 8:00 am Chicago / Mexico / Colombia New York / Miami: 9:00 a.m. Brazil: 10:00 a.m. London: 2:00 p.m. Paris / Rome / Berlin: 3:00 p.m. Istanbul: 4:00 p.m. New Delhi: 6:30 p.m. Jakarta: 8:00 p.m. Taipei – Hong Kong: 9:00 p.m. Tokyo: 10:00 p.m. On today's lesson: Electric vehicles promised to improve safety and reduce harmful CO2 emissions, but they’re also eerily quiet, which is causing safety problems for pedestrians and cyclists. Several countries now have regulations mandating that electric vehicles make noise with external speakers, but it’s up to the car companies to decide on the sound. Plus, learn “walk by.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/498 -- Learning English sho

[Countdown to #500] To celebrate our 500th lesson, we'll be live-streaming on Facebook and Instagram. It will be on September 3 at 9 am New York time. Make sure to connect with us there, so you can join the fun: Join the Facebook group Follow us on Instagram @plainenglishpod All the details of the big event are available at PlainEnglish.com/500 We can't wait to see you on the live stream on September 3! On today's lesson: Oliver Burkeman is a British journalist that writes about productivity and time management and is author of “Four Thousand Weeks.” In the book, the author tells a story about a professor that challengers her students to go to a museum and look at a painting or a sculpture for three hours, so we did a modified version of that. Plus, learn “run out.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/497 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about cur

[Countdown to #500] We're getting ready to celebrate Lesson #500! We'll be live-streaming the lesson on September 3. Here are three ways you can help celebrate: #1 - Record a video, telling us what you like about Plain English #2 - Enter the giveaway for a chance to win great prizes. #3 - Mark your calendars for the live stream on September 3 All the details are available at PlainEnglish.com/500 We can't wait to see you on the live stream on September 3! On today's lesson: Vin Scully was what baseball sounded like for over six decades. He landed a job as a Dodgers baseball announcer shortly after graduating college and stayed on with the team for 67 years until he retired in 2016. Vin Scully recently died, so this lesson is all about remembering his life’s work as a broadcaster. Plus, learn “treat someone to.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/496 -- Learning English should