Practising English

The B2 phrases we'll be studying are:
Full story transcipt: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-317.htm
on behalf of
Definition: Instead of someone else, or representing another person or group.
Example 1: I am writing this email on behalf of my manager who is on vacation.
Example 2: On behalf of the whole team, I want to say thank you for your help.

come to this conclusion
Definition: To decide that something is true after thinking carefully about all the facts.
Example 1: After reviewing all the documents, I have come to this conclusion.
Example 2: How did the police come to this conclusion without any real proof?

conscious of
Definition: Noticing something, or being aware that something exists or is happening.
Example 1: She was conscious of the fact that everyone in the room was looking at her.
Example 2: You need to be more conscious of how much money you spend each week.

out of nowhere
Definition: Very suddenly and unexpectedly, without any warning.
Example 1: A dog ran out of nowhere and nearly hit my bicycle.
Example 2: It started raining out of nowhere while we were having a picnic in the park.

grab hold of
Definition: To take or hold something or someone firmly with your hand.
Example 1: Make sure you grab hold of the railing while walking down the stairs.
Example 2: The little child grabbed hold of his mother's coat so he would not get lost.

every single one
Definition: All of them, used to emphasize each individual item or person in a group.
Example 1: I have watched every single one of the movies in this series.
Example 2: Every single one of my classmates passed the final exam.

as far as I know
Definition: Used to say what you think is true, based on the information you have.
Example 1: As far as I know, the local library is closed on Sundays.
Example 2: The meeting is still happening at two o'clock, as far as I know.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

Here are the words and expressions we''l study today:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-316.htm
1) to handle
Definition: To deal with a situation, a person, or a problem successfully. 
Examples: Don't worry about the cooking tonight, I can handle it. 
Our manager is very calm and knows exactly how to handle angry customers.
2) sound like
Definition: To seem true or interesting after hearing or reading about it, or to make a noise similar to something else. 
Examples: Going to the beach this weekend sounds like a fantastic idea!
 I heard a strange noise outside last night that sounded like a cat. 
3) about to
Definition: Ready to do something very soon, or very close to happening. 
Examples: Hurry up and get in the car! The train is about to leave. 
I was just about to call you when your text message arrived.
4) for hours
Definition: For a very long period of time. 
Examples: We had to wait at the airport for hours because our flight was late. 
My brother can play video games for hours without taking a single break. 
5) get worse
Definition: To become more bad, difficult, or painful than before. 
Examples: If your cold gets worse tomorrow, you should definitely see a doctor.
 The traffic in the city center always gets worse around 5:00 PM. 
6) dozens of
Definition: A very large number of things or people (usually groups of twelve, but used generally to mean "a lot of"). 
Examples: There were dozens of people standing in line to buy the new phone.
 She has dozens of beautiful plants all over her apartment.
7) take a deep breath
Definition: To fill your lungs with a lot of air, usually to help yourself relax, calm down, or feel better. 
Examples: Before the important job interview started, he took a deep breath to calm his nerves. 
Just take a deep breath and explain to me what happened.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

Here are the B2 phrases we'll be studying today:
1) far too many/much/few etc.
There are far too many games in this new 48-team tournament, and our players look absolutely exhausted.
The manager chose far too few midfielders in the starting line-up, which is why we completely lost control of the ball.

2) in any case
I don't think the referee should have given that penalty, but in any case, we played poorly and didn't deserve to win.
It is going to be incredibly hot in Miami for the next match, but in any case, the team must adapt if they want to reach the semi-finals.

3) demand (verb)
After that terrible performance against Canada, millions of fans back home demand that the manager changes his tactics for the next round.
Spanish supporters demand beautiful, attacking football, so we cannot just defend a 1-0 lead.

4) no guarantee
Even though we have a fantastic squad this year, there is no guarantee that we will defeat a strong team like Argentina.
Winning our group easily gives us confidence, but it offers no guarantee that we will survive a penalty shootout in the knockout stage.

5) relevant
Past defeats against Germany are not relevant to this young squad; they are only focused on making history in 2026.
Having experience in big Champions League finals is highly relevant for our players during a high-pressure World Cup tournament.

6) As for...
The defense looked solid today, but as for our strikers, they missed too many clear chances in front of the goal.
I’ve already bought my match tickets for the group stage, but as for the final in New York, the flights are just too expensive.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B1 phrases we'll be studying today!
See full story audioscript here with B1 words highlighted: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-314.htm
1. Take care of. Definition: To look after someone or something and make sure they have what they need. 
I need to take care of my little brother while my parents are at work.
Please take care of your new books and do not lose them.
2. Alive. Definition: Living and not dead. 
We found a small bird in the garden, and it was still alive.
My grandfather is 90 years old, but he is very active and very much alive.
3. Recover. Definition: To get better after an illness or an injury. 
It took her three weeks to recover from the bad cold.
The athlete needs to rest and recover before the next big game.
4. Explanation. Definition: The reasons you give to make something clear or easy to understand. 
The teacher gave a clear explanation of the math problem.
He did not have a good explanation for being late to class.
5. Make up one's mind. Definition: To make a decision or choose what to do. 
I cannot make up my mind about which movie to watch tonight.
She finally made up her mind and bought the blue jacket.
6. By hand. Definition: Made or done by a person using their hands, not using a machine. 
My grandmother makes all of her beautiful sweaters by hand.
In the past, people had to wash all their clothes by hand.
7. Instead of. Definition: In the place of someone or something else. 
I will have water instead of juice with my lunch.
We decided to walk to the park instead of taking the bus.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B2 phrases I'll be studying today:
(See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-313.htm
as far as sth is concerned
Definition: When talking about a particular subject or issue. 
Example:
 As far as money is concerned, we need to be careful. 
a misunderstanding
Definition: A situation in which people do not understand each other correctly. 
Example:
The argument started because of a misunderstanding.
what on earth...! / why on earth...!
Definition: Used to show strong surprise, confusion, or annoyance. 
Example:
What on earth are you doing here at midnight? I thought you were in bed!
flirt
Definition: To behave in a way that shows romantic or sexual interest in someone, often in a playful way. 
Example:
He was flirting with a woman at the party.
be devoted to
Definition: To be very loyal to, committed to, or focused on someone or something. 
Example:
She is devoted to her family. She visits them every week.
clear up the question of
Definition: To explain or solve something that is unclear or uncertain. 
Example:
The meeting helped clear up the question of who was responsible. (See: misunderstanding)
make out (find the answer to) 
Definition: To understand, discover, or find the answer to something that is difficult. 
Example:
I couldn't make out what the reason was Dave getting upset at the party.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...