logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2024
23 m

Do men need to wear ties anymore? (Close...

Plain English
About this episode

Today's story: Neckties were adopted in France in the 1600s as a symbol of power and respect. For many, they were a required part of business dress during the boom in white-collar work in the 20th century, but men are increasingly leaving the tie at home, even if they wear suits. So, is the necktie dead?

Learn this English expression: A 'close call' is when something bad almost happens--but doesn't

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/711

--

Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.

You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English.

How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English.

The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English.

--

Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join

Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email

Mentioned in this episode:

The Expressions are back!

Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Up next
Jul 7
Three words to say exactly where you are
Today's story: A company called what3words has divided the world into 57 trillion squares, each three meters by three meters, and labeled each square with a unique three-word combination. This makes it easier to specify precise locations—even in parks, rural areas, or places with ... Show More
19m 56s
Jul 3
Which way is home? It’s complicated
Today's story: In many parts of the world, buildings don't have formal, complete addresses that can be identified on a map. Locals often use landmarks to explain where they live. But these improvised systems come with inefficiencies and real-world consequences. It's hard for resi ... Show More
16m 12s
Jun 30
The five-star rating system isn’t working [Archive episode]
Leaving a five-star review has become customary for any experience that is excellent, good, average, or even acceptable, and anything below five-stars means terrible in the world of online reviews. As consumers, this system isn’t helpful in identifying the true high performers, a ... Show More
19m 12s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2024
Why Slow English News Comprehension Is Easier Than You Think-If You Do This Ep 779
What if smart glasses could tell you everything about the strangers you see? Today we we improve your English skills while we learn about AI glasses, chickens and how the British https://adeptenglish.com/ people rebel against the system! An English language listening lesson that ... Show More
15m 57s
Dec 2024
Learn English Naturally with 2024's Most Exciting Topics Ep 791
Have you ever wondered what a year of English learning looks like? From lost Lego shipments to the psychology of relationships, Adept English https://adeptenglish.com/ covered it all in 2024. Let's peek into this colourful mix of stories that kept English learners engaged through ... Show More
9m 57s
Aug 2024
Practice English with Me: Changing My Life Through Frugality Ep 771
What is Underconsumption Core? Learn Trendy British English & Save Money! Discover the surprising link between frugality and fluency. This isn't just about pinching pennies – it's about unlocking a whole new world of British culture and conversation. Are you ready to improve your ... Show More
12m 48s
Jun 24
English Conversation — American 🇺🇸 Culture — Intermediate Level English Learners
We had so much fun filming this English conversation video talking about American Culture!We hope you enjoy this video. Let us know what you thought in the comments.LISTEN ACTIVELY: Tune your ear to English by listening to this conversation. Take note of pronunciation, connection ... Show More
21m 48s
Apr 2
Speak Better English with Harry | Episode 529
Struggling to understand everyday English phrases? In this episode, you’ll learn natural expressions used by native speakers and how to use them in real-life situations. These common English phrases often come up in conversations, TV shows, and daily life. You’ll hear short stori ... Show More
15m 43s
Jul 2024
Learn English With Positive News Stories Ep 761
Learn English with a smile, listening to today's positive news stories. You know, the magic of this type of learning is how it combines language learning with fascinating content. You're not just memorizing words - you're absorbing English through engaging stories you want to lis ... Show More
11m 39s
Jul 2024
You're Doing It Wrong: 5 IT English Vocabulary Mistakes Beginners Make Ep 764
Learn English words for computer problems and computer crashes and talk about tech issues easily. This lesson https://adeptenglish.com/lessons/ teaches important software and hardware words and phrases. Great for anyone who wants to get better at speaking, listening, and chatting ... Show More
11m 16s
May 28
Speak Better English with Harry | Episode 537
Learn how to sound incredibly natural when discussing skills and talents in English. In this episode, I'll teach you authentic phrases and expressions that native speakers use every day. If you've been searching for ways to improve your fluency and speak more like a real English ... Show More
13m 58s
Aug 2024
How to Improve your LISTENING in English (Intermediate English B1)
My best tips and advice on improving LISTENING in English. I'll also do an listening and writing exercise called dictation that is very useful when trying to improve your listening in English. SERIES VIDEO 3: IMPROVE YOUR LISTENING 📖📚MY BOOK I TALKED ABOUT: ⁠https://learnen ... Show More
7m 26s
Jan 2025
Best language learning tips for 2025 Feat.‪ AskJackie‬
I'm so thankful for Jackie who took time to sit down with me and share her best tips for language learning in 2025. We talk about AI, traditional learning methods and more. I'm sure you will love this video and podcast. Follow Jackie here / @askjackie You can also find her course ... Show More
25m 37s