English dictation exercises

Punctuation Marks: Rules and Everyday Examples

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Put behind

A mistake may still be part of your history, but it does not have to control your next decision. You can learn from it and put it behind you.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Put off

Rain can put off a picnic until Friday, while an unpleasant smell can put you off your lunch. One meaning changes the time; the other changes how you feel.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Put on

Before guests arrive, you might put on a clean shirt, put the lights on and put on some music. The object tells you which action happens.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Put out

You can put out a candle, a company can put out a statement, and a late request can put someone out. The object changes the meaning.

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Put up with

A neighbour's music may be annoying, but you might accept it for one evening. If you continue accepting the annoyance, you put up with it.

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Reasons to Learn English: Practical Personal Goals

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Redelivered parcel

The parcel has visited one address, could go to a depot, and may reach a neighbour. Where will it actually be left tomorrow?

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Reflexive Pronouns: Choose the Right Form

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Reflexive Pronouns: Rules and Examples

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Relative pronouns: choose the right word

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Renewing library items

A borrower has two books and one DVD, but only two items receive new due dates. What blocks the other renewal?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Repair inspection fee and quote

The technician mentions £35 and up to £120, but only one amount is definitely charged. Which cost needs permission first?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Reporting a home repair

A tenant reports water near an electrical fitting. Which detail makes the repair urgent, and what should happen before the contractor arrives?

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Rescheduled interview voicemail

An employer changes both the day and format of an interview, then asks for confirmation. Which original details no longer apply?

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Resume experience lines: write clear bullet points

7-second sample
American, British, Australian

Returning an online order

A customer can return a faulty item even without its original box, but several other conditions still apply. Which requirements remain?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Returning faulty headphones

The headphones work on one side, the paper receipt is missing, and the customer considers two remedies. Which solution is agreed?

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Rip off

A dishonest seller might rip you off, while you might rip a label off a parcel. A person object signals cheating; a physical object often signals quick removal.

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Root words: understand word parts

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Rule out

A test may rule out one illness, but a doctor who cannot rule it out still thinks it is possible. The negative form reverses the practical message.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Run into

You might run into an old friend, run into a technical problem, or run into another car. The object tells you whether the meeting is pleasant, difficult or physical.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Run out of

If we run out of coffee, the coffee has run out. Both sentences describe an empty supply, but the subject and grammar are different.

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Said or Told: Choose the Right Verb

4-second sample
American, British, Australian