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Plain English
Hosted by Jeff at Plain English · EN
Improve your English and learn about the world at the same time. Plain English brings you short, modern stories about culture, science, travel, business, and everyday life, all told in clear, natural English designed for learners.
You’ll grow your vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and build your confidence one episode at a time.
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61episodes
Episodes
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Spain outlasts Argentina to win its second World Cup
Yesterday00:17:26Tap to summarizeToday's story: Spain won its second World Cup on the strength of its defense, allowing just one goal in the entire tournament. In the final game, La Roja needed extra time to defeat defending champion Argentina 1-0, though the game was more one-sided than the score makes it seem. The 2026 World Cup was the first to feature 48 teams, and the first to be hosted by three nations. All three hosts exited in the same round, in three consecutive days. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/885Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/885--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
Transcribe →Expression: Carry out
5d ago00:08:38Tap to summarizeLearn what it means to "carry out" plans or wishesGet the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/carry-out--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
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What’s it like when the sun never sets?
1w ago00:13:29Tap to summarizeToday's story: In cities of the far north, it never gets fully dark around the summer solstice. Cities and towns celebrate with festivals, outdoor events, and late-night traditions, from baseball in Alaska to White Nights in St. Petersburg. But constant light can also affect sleep, so people use blackout curtains, dim lights, and other routines to help their bodies adjust. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/883Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/883--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
Transcribe →Expression: Put on
2w ago00:08:35Tap to summarizeLearn a new way to use the phrasal verb, "put on."Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/put-on--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
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Summer vacation: a short history
2w ago00:13:44Tap to summarizeToday's story: Have you ever heard that “summer vacation” from school started so kids could work on the farm? That common story is not true. The modern summer break began in cities, where wealthy families wanted to escape hot weather and schools adjusted their calendars. Over time, countries standardized school schedules, paid holidays became more common, and the family summer vacation became a tradition. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/881Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/881--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
Transcribe →Expression: Turn down
3w ago00:09:45Tap to summarizeLearn what it means to "turn down" an offerGet the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/turn-down--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
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Five early stories from the World Cup
3w ago00:19:46Tap to summarizeToday's story: The 2026 World Cup is making headlines both on and off the field. FIFA's high ticket prices have not hurt demand, new hydration breaks are changing the pace of games, and fans are creating memorable moments—from South Korea and Mexico's soccer friendship to Scotland's takeover of Boston. Even ranch dressing has become an unlikely symbol of the tournament as European visitors discover a uniquely American favorite. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/879Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/879--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
Transcribe →Expression: Stay put
4w ago00:10:32Tap to summarizeLearn what it means to "stay put."Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/stay-put--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
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America turns 250 without a proper party
4w ago00:15:15Tap to summarizeThe United States celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, but the milestone has lacked the excitement and national unity that marked the bicentennial in 1976. Years of delays, partisan disagreements, competing organizations, and cancelled projects have left the country without a coherent celebration.Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/877--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
Transcribe →Expression: All of a sudden
Jun 2500:11:00Tap to summarizeLearn the English expression, "all of a sudden."Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/all-of-a-sudden--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
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