Proper English

This week we're in conversation with our friend, the theatre director, lecturer, playwright and raconteur, Tony Gardner. Listen in on our conversation about Shakespearean words and phrases - and lear…

This week we're talking about the phrasal verbs we use when talking about our health - we're also considering the difference between talking and speaking, and the Idiom of the Week, appropriately eno…

In this episode, we're talking about countable and uncountable nouns - what they are, how you use them, and which words work well with them. We'll also be considering the difference between 'either' …

In this episode, we're talking about some of the strange and wonderful things we say and do to avoid bad luck. We're also considering the difference between the words 'in' and 'inside', and the Idiom…

This week we're talking about Shrove Tuesday, otherwise known as Pancake Day, which is important to Alison as she gets to eat many pancakes! We're also looking at the difference between 'shy', 'embar…

So, this week we're looking at portmanteau words - new words created by combining parts or the sounds of two or more words. We're also considering the difference between 'come' and 'go' - and the Idi…

This week, it's time for a bit of a Spring clean - we're having a look at some more of the little puzzles in the English language that our students and listeners find challenging. We're also looking …

In this episode, we’re back on the subject of contractions, concentrating this time on the verb 'to have'.  We're also considering the difference between the words 'bored' and 'boring', and the Idiom…

In this episode, we’re all about comparatives and superlatives - what they are, how you construct them, and when you use them. The Idiom of the Week is ‘That ship has sailed'.

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In this episode, we’re discussing some of the words and aspects of English grammar that even native English speakers find challenging. The Idiom of the Week is 'bite your tongue‘, and we're also cons…

Mealtimes are on our minds in this week's episode. When is it dinner, and when is it tea? Lunch, brunch or breakfast? We'll also be considering the difference between 'fun' and 'funny'. The Idiom of …

In this, the first episode of the new decade, we're taking it easy, indulging ourselves, being all laidback and talking in hushed tones about the art of relaxation. We're also taking some time (and s…

It's the last episode of the year, so we're taking this opportunity to look back on what we've achieved and all the new friends we've made since we started Proper English back in May. Also, we're rem…

In this bumper episode, we're beside ourselves with excitement, as we share stories of childhood Christmases, talk about traditional Christmas food - and generally get a bit giddy and giggly with Yul…

In this episode, we're incredibly pleased to announce that we're talking about intensifiers - The Idiom of the Week is ‘Many Happy Returns’, and we'll also be discussing the difference between 'got' …

In this episode, we’re back on the subject of phrasal verbs - this time, we're looking at phrasal verbs associated with cooking. The Idiom of the Week is ‘That takes the biscuit!’

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In this week's episode, we're looking at some of the differences between British English and American English - pronunciation, spelling and some of the different words we use on either side of the At…

So this week, we return to talking about the weather, and in particular words associated with weather that we can use in different situations. The Idiom of the Week is ‘As cool as a cucumber’ - and t…

Alison’s back! Hurrah! This week we’re talking about capitals (letters, not cities) and how and when to use them when you’re writing English. The Idiom of the Week is ‘The boot is on the other foot’.

Dave’s flying solo this week - talking about the questions we answer on our Instagram page - Proper English Question Time! The Idiom of the Week is ‘Shutting the stable door after the horse has bolte…