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Plain English

Jeff at Plain English

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. Like the show? Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com and get a personalized learning path.

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All Episodes

09:45

Expression: Turn down

Plain English ·

2026/07/10

Learn 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

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19:46

Five early stories from the World Cup

Plain English ·

2026/07/06

Today'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

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10:32

Expression: Stay put

Plain English ·

2026/07/02

Learn 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

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15:15

America turns 250 without a proper party

Plain English ·

2026/06/29

The 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

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11:00

Expression: All of a sudden

Plain English ·

2026/06/25

Learn 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

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15:19

Should you 'Skip intro'?

Plain English ·

2026/06/22

Today's story: Television title sequences began as a way to introduce shows and credit the people who made them. As viewing habits changed from channel-surfing to streaming and binge-watching, opening sequences evolved from explanations of a show to mood-setting artistic statements. The rise of Netflix's 'Skip intro' button has led some creators to shorten intros, while others have made them more elaborate in an effort to keep viewers watching. Transcript & Exercises:

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12:06

Expression: With a straight face

Plain English ·

2026/06/18

Learn the English expression, "with a straight face." (Can you keep one?)Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/with-a-straight-face--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

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15:23

Diet Coke and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar are the new cola...

Plain English ·

2026/06/15

Today's story: The 'cola wars' of the 1980s and 1990s pitted Coca-Cola against Pepsi. Both brands had their classic recipes and their 'diet' alternatives. But as consumers pivoted away from full-sugar sodas, makers of fizzy drinks found a new hit: 'zero-sugar' recipes that tasted just like the original. Now, the hot debate among soda drinkers is between diet and zero-sugar recipes. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/873Get the full story and learning resources:

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13:16

Expression: Grow up

Plain English ·

2026/06/11

Learn the English expression "grow up" (and why even fully grown adults sometimes need to do it sometimes)Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/grow-up--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

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15:10

Free and cheap houses in Japan (with a catch)

Plain English ·

2026/06/08

Today's story: Japan has millions of vacant homes, especially in rural areas where populations are shrinking. Some of these properties, known as akiya, are sold for surprisingly low prices or even given away for free. While they attract adventurous buyers from around the world, many require extensive repairs, complicated paperwork, and a willingness to adapt to life in rural Japan. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/871Get the full story and learning resources:

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10:57

Expression: Boil over

Plain English ·

2026/06/04

Learn the English phrasal verb, "boil over."Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/boil-over--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

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14:22

Paris catacombs reopen after renovation

Plain English ·

2026/06/01

Today's story: Beneath the streets of Paris is a huge network of underground tunnels filled with the bones of millions of former residents. Originally built as limestone quarries, the tunnels became a burial site in the 1700s after Paris’s cemeteries became overcrowded and unhealthy. The city recently completed a major renovation project to preserve the catacombs and improve conditions for visitors. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/869Get the full story and learning resources:

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09:15

Expression: Hold out hope

Plain English ·

2026/05/28

Learn the English expression, "hold out hope"Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/hold-out-hope--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

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17:07

Route 66 and the classic American road trip

Plain English ·

2026/05/25

Today's story: Route 66 was created in 1926 as part of America’s new national highway system and soon became a symbol of freedom, migration, and adventure. The highway helped farmers transport goods, guided Dust Bowl migrants west to California, and later became famous for family road trips, roadside attractions, and American car culture. As Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary, towns along the historic road are honoring its lasting influence on travel and tourism. Transcript & Exercises:

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09:04

Expression: Get away with

Plain English ·

2026/05/21

Learn the English phrasal verb, "get away with"Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/get-away-with--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.com

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15:52

Prediction markets let you bet on world events

Plain English ·

2026/05/18

Today's story: Prediction markets allow people to bet on elections, weather, wars, and other real-world events. Supporters say these markets reveal valuable information more quickly than polls or experts can. But recent scandals suggest that some users may be illegally profiting from military secrets, and even manipulating events themselves. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/865Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/865--Plain English helps you improve

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11:34

Expression: Blend in

Plain English ·

2026/05/14

Learn the English phrasal verb, "blend in"Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/blend-in--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.com

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18:09

What it's like to ride in a self-driving car

Plain English ·

2026/05/11

Today's story: What's it like to ride in a self-driving car? Jeff gives you a first-hand account of his first-ever ride in a robotaxi. In cities like Los Angeles, where Waymo operates, the future is already here. Requesting a car is just like using Uber. All that's left is to sit back and let the computer do the driving. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/863Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/863--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn

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10:25

Expression: Straighten out

Plain English ·

2026/05/07

Learn the English phrasal verb, "Straighten out"Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/straighten-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

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15:04

Self driving cars are officially here

Plain English ·

2026/05/04

Today's story: Self-driving cars have struggled for decades because driving requires human judgment in unpredictable situations. Early systems relied on strict rules, which failed in rare “long-tail” events. New AI systems can better handle these complex scenarios, leading to rapid growth in places like China and the U.S., though regulation and mapping still limit widespread adoption. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/861Get the full story and learning resources:

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