English dictation exercises

To get a word in edgeways

One person has talked for ten uninterrupted minutes. You have something useful to add, but every pause disappears before you can begin.

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

To jump ship

A company loses its biggest clients, and several senior employees immediately accept jobs elsewhere. Their timing suggests more than an ordinary career change.

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

To not lift a finger

Three people cook, carry boxes, and clean the room while a fourth person watches from the sofa. How do you emphasise that the watcher contributed nothing?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

To pull the plug

A promising project keeps losing money. Its sponsor finally ends the funding, and the whole operation must stop immediately.

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

To put someone on the spot

During a public meeting, someone unexpectedly asks you to choose which colleague should lose their budget. Everyone waits for your immediate answer.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Torn between

One job offers meaningful work near your family. Another offers better pay in a city you love. Both choices matter, and neither feels easy.

6-second sample
American, British, Australian

Touch a nerve

A casual remark about school closures suddenly changes your friend's expression. You did not intend harm, but the subject connects with a painful experience.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Trauma meaning: physical injury and shock

6-second sample
American, British, Australian

Up in the air

You may travel next month, but the dates, budget, and permission are undecided. The trip has not been cancelled, yet nothing is settled.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Up to scratch

A report contains good ideas, but several figures are wrong and key evidence is missing. It is not terrible, although it cannot be accepted yet.

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Up to speed

You return after two weeks away. The project has changed, and you need the latest decisions before you can contribute confidently again.

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Vain meaning: pride and failed efforts

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Vulnerable: Meaning and Everyday Use

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Whatever or what ever: choosing the right form

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

When it comes to

Your friend is generally relaxed, but money makes her extremely careful. You want to narrow a broad description to that one particular subject.

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Who or Whom: Choose with Confidence

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Word of mouth

A tiny café buys no advertisements, yet every table is full because customers keep recommending it to friends and colleagues.

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Yours faithfully or Yours sincerely: How to Choose

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Zeal meaning: Energetic Commitment to Goals

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

apathetic meaning: unconcerned or indifferent

6-second sample
American, British, Australian

austere meaning: strict, plain, and serious

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

benevolent meaning: kind people and actions

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

disposition meaning: character and tendency

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

paradox meaning: clear everyday examples

6-second sample
American, British, Australian