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
Apr 21
Things we collect
Do you collect anything? Beth and Neil talk about what they collect and have in their house and our grammar guru Georgie explains the grammar of quantities. Learn to use language like 'absolutely loads of', 'some' and 'only a few'. TRANSCRIPT AND WORKSHEET Find a full transcript ... Show More
8m 49s
Apr 14
Regrets
Learn to talk about regrets using the third conditional, 'wish' and regret plus -ing. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comTRANSCRIPT AND WORKSHEET Find a full transcript for this episode and a worksheet ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/ ... Show More
8m 23s
Apr 7
Reminiscing
We talk about our memories all the time. Learn how to reminisce in English with Neil, Pippa and grammar guru Georgie, using used to, would and the past simple.TRANSCRIPT AND WORKSHEET Find a full transcript for this episode and a worksheet ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish ... Show More
8m 23s
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 2025
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