logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2025
5m 59s

The past perfect

BBC Radio
About this episode

Where had John already gone when Mary rang his doorbell? We give you the answer.

Have you tried our podcast 'Real Easy English'? Find it with a free worksheet and transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english

Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

For more of our podcasts, search for these in your podcast app: ✔️ Learning English for Work ✔️ Learning Easy English ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English Stories ✔️ 6 Minute English ✔️ Learning English Conversations ✔️ Learning English Vocabulary

Up next
Jan 20
Film genres
tail spinning
7m 30s
Jan 13
First dates
Was Pippa's date with her friend a success? Neil and Beth talk about dates and teach some phrasal verbs like 'get on', 'hit it off' and 'settle down', with grammar guru Georgie.TRANSCRIPT AND WORKSHEET: Find a full transcript for this episode and a worksheet ✔️ https://www.bbc.co ... Show More
8m 22s
Jan 6
A stolen guitar
What possession was stolen from Neil, and who stole it? Neil and Pippa talk about crime, and Beth and Phil discuss the passive, e.g. 'was stolen', with our grammar guru Georgie.TRANSCRIPT AND WORKSHEET: Find a full transcript for this episode and a worksheet ✔️ https://www.bbc.co ... Show More
8m 45s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2025
The English We Speak: Dabble in
Here's an expression that talks about doing something for fun. Learn how to use it here with Phil and Feifei.Have you tried our other podcasts? ✔️ Learning English for Work ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English Stories ✔️ 6 Minute English ✔️ Learning Easy English ... Show More
2m 37s
Jun 2024
Real Easy English: Exercise
Learn how to talk about your hobbies.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english/240614 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https ... Show More
5m 18s
Sep 2025
The English We Speak: Muddle along
An expression meaning you're managing OK even if you don't have a plan. Learn it here.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250901 Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co ... Show More
2m 29s
Oct 2024
The English We Speak: Off the scale
An expression that means goes far beyond what is expected.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2024/ep-241028 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH ... Show More
2m 35s
Oct 21
The English We Speak: -core
This expression describes the vibe of something.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251020 Subscribe to our newsletter ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersFIND BB ... Show More
2m 36s
Mar 2025
The English We Speak: Can-do attitude
If you have a can-do attitude, you don't let anything stop you. TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250310 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co ... Show More
2m 16s
Sep 2025
Binomials
Learn how to use these short English phrases made of two words that go together.FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followusSUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://www.bbc.co.uk ... Show More
6m 57s
Jan 2025
Real Easy English: Talking about wishes
Neil and Georgie have a real conversation in easy English about the future and wishes. TRANSCRIPT You can read along with this podcast and find important vocabulary here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english/250131SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔ ... Show More
5m 24s
Mar 2025
Classic Stories: Great Expectations
Enjoy a classic story in English, and learn 8 uses of ‘great’. FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningengl ... Show More
5m 29s
Aug 2025
Real Easy English: Talking about mess
Beth and Georgie have a conversation in easy English about being messy or tidy.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersWATCH THIS PODCAST: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english/250822FIND BBC LEARNING ENG ... Show More
5m 59s