To Fluency Podcast: English with Jack

In this English lesson, you're going to practice your listening skills with the story The Uninvited Guest. After the story, we'll explore seven key phrases that will help you understand how to convey suspense, tension, and emotional depth in English. Whether you're here to improve your vocabulary, comprehension, or overall fluency, this lesson will give you practical tools to use in everyday conversations.Chapters: 00:00 intro to the story01:00 the story07:24 learn phrases from the storyRESOURCES FOR LEARNING ENGLISHAffiliate Disclosure Some links in this description may be affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel!Fantastic courses from a teacher friend: https://www.tofluency.com/espresso/Find a language teacher online here: https://go.italki.com/tofluencyLearn English through TV: https://www.tofluency.com/fluentu/Learn English with AI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cIvJsDPmXwSpeaking method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7PGRbvJBkQWriting method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDkiY1lcfgwThe first phrase: A knot form in her stomach 💬 Laura felt a knot form in her stomach when she saw David at the door. 💬 I felt a knot in my stomach before the exam. 💬 She had a knot in her stomach when she realized she'd made a mistake.The second phrase: Good to see you again 💬 David said, "Good to see you again," to James in a neutral way. 💬 It's good to see you again after all these years. 💬 Good to see you again! How have you been?The third phrase: Never one to miss an opportunity 💬 David was described as never one to miss an opportunity, meaning he always took advantage of chances. 💬 She's never one to miss an opportunity to help others. 💬 He's never one to miss an opportunity to show off his knowledge.The fourth phrase: Stick with you 💬 David said some memories stick with you, meaning they remain in your mind for a long time. 💬 The kindness of strangers during my trip really stuck with me. 💬 That lesson stuck with him and shaped how he handled challenges.The fifth phrase: Walking on a tightrope 💬 Laura felt like she was walking on a tightrope during the evening, navigating a delicate situation. 💬 Managing the team while avoiding conflicts felt like walking on a tightrope. 💬 She was walking on a tightrope trying not to upset anyone.The sixth phrase: Lingering gaze 💬 David's lingering gaze added to the tension, suggesting deeper feelings or intentions. 💬 His lingering gaze told her everything he didn’t say. 💬 The lingering gaze between them hinted at something unspoken.The seventh phrase: Let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding 💬 Laura let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding after David left, feeling relieved. 💬 When the test was over, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. 💬 She finally let out a breath as the situation resolved.By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a deeper understanding of these phrases and how to use them effectively in your own conversations. Listen to the story again and focus on how these expressions are used in context. Don’t forget to share this video with friends who are learning English—it helps the podcast grow and reach more learners. Thank you for watching, and I’ll see you in the next lesson!

Money makes the world go round, but how well do you understand the phrases we use to talk about it? In this lesson, we explore key English phrases about money, from saving and spending to investing and everyday idioms. Whether you're discussing finances, planning a budget, or chatting about inflation, these phrases will help you sound more natural in English.RESOURCES FOR LEARNING ENGLISHAffiliate Disclosure Some links in this description may be affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel!Fantastic courses from a teacher friend: https://www.tofluency.com/espresso/Find a language teacher online here: https://go.italki.com/tofluencyLearn English through TV: https://www.tofluency.com/fluentu/Learn English with AI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cIvJsDPmXwSpeaking method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7PGRbvJBkQWriting method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDkiY1lcfgwHere’s what we’ll cover in this lesson:The evolution of money: Learn about barter systems, intrinsic value, fiat money, and the debt-based system.💬 Barter systems were one of the earliest forms of trade.💬 These metals had intrinsic value, meaning their worth came from the material itself.💬 Fiat money has value because the government says it does.💬 Modern money is largely created through lending, a debt-based system.Spending money: Improve your vocabulary for talking about how you manage your finances.💬 My friend blew all of his money on a new car. (blow money)💬 I need to tighten up after our vacation. (tighten up)💬 I feel like splurging on a new sound system. (splurge on something)Saving money: Learn how to talk about saving for the future and emergencies.💬 I'm putting money aside for a new car. (put money aside)💬 They've built a nice nest egg over the years. (nest egg)💬 It's always wise to save for a rainy day. (save for a rainy day)Investing money: Understand the key terms for discussing investments.💬 I invested in tech stocks last year. (stocks)💬 It's important to have a balanced portfolio. (portfolio)💬 Don't put all your eggs in one basket. (spread your investments)💬 I'm going to play it safe and choose low-risk investments. (play it safe)💬 I'm going to take a gamble on this investment. (take a gamble)Debt and loans: Talk about borrowing money and managing repayments.💬 I'm going to pay off my car loan today. (pay off)💬 We're drowning in debt since Paul lost his job. (drowning in debt)Inflation and rising costs: Understand the impact of inflation and how to discuss it in English.💬 Inflation has caused prices to go up significantly this year. (inflation)💬 The cost of living is rising in many cities. (cost of living)💬 Gas prices are going through the roof. (prices are going through the roof)💬 I can't afford to eat out anymore. (can't afford)Everyday money idioms: Add some fun expressions to your conversations.💬 Money doesn't grow on trees. (money is limited)💬 He made a killing in real estate last year. (make a killing)💬 Buying that car was like throwing money down the drain. (waste money)By the end of this video, you’ll not only understand these phrases but also feel confident using them in real conversations. Don’t forget to practice creating your own sentences with these expressions and share this video with friends who want to learn too!

In this episode, you’re going to learn one of the most effective ways to build confidence in English conversations. This simple and practical method is often overlooked by English learners but can transform how you approach speaking English. By the end of this lesson, you’ll know how to create personalized sentences that will prepare you for most conversations and make you feel more fluent and confident.Listen to episode 52 to learn how to use AI.Listen to episode 19 for the fluency method.💡 WHY PERSONAL SENTENCES ARE SO POWERFUL1. MOST CONVERSATIONS ARE ABOUT YOUConversations often begin with questions about your life, such as your job, hobbies, or recent experiences. If you prepare answers in advance, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and speak more naturally.2. TALKING ABOUT YOURSELF DOESN’T CHANGESince you often discuss the same topics—like your job, family, or interests—you can prepare answers that are nearly perfect and use them repeatedly.3. SPECIFIC SENTENCES ARE MORE INTERESTINGGeneric sentences are fine, but specific details make your answers more engaging and easier to remember. For example, instead of saying "I like tennis," you can say, "I love playing tennis, but I only play in the summer."💡 HOW TO CREATE YOUR PERSONAL SENTENCES1. LIST COMMON TOPICSStart with basic topics like your name, age, and where you’re from, then move to more detailed ones like your job, hobbies, family, and recent experiences.2. WRITE SIMPLE, NATURAL SENTENCESCreate sentences that are clear and easy to say. Focus on natural phrasing instead of trying to sound complex. For example, "I’m a graphic designer. I create logos for small businesses."3. PRACTICE REGULARLYRepetition is key. Use methods like flashcards or the listen-record-repeat-compare technique to internalize your sentences and ensure they sound natural. ADDITIONAL TIPS✨ PRACTICE WITH AI OR TEACHERSUse tools like ChatGPT or practice with a language teacher to refine your sentences further. AI can help you generate examples or correct your sentences.✨ PREPARE COMMON QUESTIONSDon’t forget to practice asking questions too. For example, “What do you do?” or “Are you into sports?” These will make your conversations more dynamic and engaging.🌟 THE BENEFITS OF THIS METHODThis approach builds confidence, improves fluency, and helps you internalize vocabulary and grammar naturally. As your life changes, you can update your sentences while maintaining the same method.Start today by writing 10 sentences about yourself. Practice them regularly, build on them over time, and use them in real conversations. This simple method will help you feel more prepared and confident when speaking English. Try it, and see the difference it makes!

In this episode, you’re going to learn how AI tools like ChatGPT can revolutionize the way you learn English.With four key methods, two bonus tips, and exciting predictions for the future of AI in language learning, this podcast provides a roadmap to faster, more effective English fluency. RESOURCES FOR LEARNING ENGLISHAffiliate Disclosure Some links in this description may be affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel!Fantastic courses from a teacher friend: https://www.tofluency.com/espresso/Find a language teacher online here: https://go.italki.com/tofluencyLearn English through TV: https://www.tofluency.com/fluentu/Speaking method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7PGRbvJBkQWriting method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDkiY1lcfgw 💡 FOUR POWERFUL WAYS TO USE AI FOR ENGLISH LEARNING1. ASKING LANGUAGE QUESTIONS AI provides instant, accurate explanations for grammar, word usage, and more. You can also ask follow-up questions to clarify concepts, making learning faster and clearer.2. GENERATING EXAMPLES Get tailored examples of grammar, vocabulary, or phrases to understand their usage in different contexts. This builds confidence and deepens your understanding of English.3. GETTING WRITING FEEDBACK Use AI to correct your writing, identify errors, and explain how to improve. Practice creating sentences and receive immediate, personalized feedback.4. PRACTICING CONVERSATIONS Engage in role-playing scenarios with AI, like ordering at a restaurant or preparing for a job interview. Use voice mode for even more realistic practice in a comfortable environment.🎁 BONUS TIPS✨ PERSONALIZE YOUR AI EXPERIENCE Share your goals, level, and interests with ChatGPT for responses tailored to your needs.✨ PRACTICE FROM AI-GENERATED NOTES Ask AI to summarize or organize example sentences into tables or text files for focused practice and better retention.🌟 THE FUTURE OF AI AND LANGUAGE LEARNING Advanced AI language teachers and immersive VR experiences will transform learning. Imagine practicing English in realistic scenarios like a train station or pub with AI-guided support.While exciting advancements are ahead, AI today can already help you immerse yourself and learn effectively. Try these methods and discover how AI can transform your English learning journey!