English dictation exercises

Understanding an indirect refusal

A colleague says your invitation sounds lovely, then mentions a family commitment and suggests another week. Did they accept or decline?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Unusual names

People with uncommon names repeat louder sound parts to clarify them socially or use short nicknames to make phone bookings faster.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Up to or upto: Which Is Correct?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Using Commas: Where Commas Belong

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Using Like and As for Clear English Comparisons

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Verbs followed by infinitives: choose the next verb

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Volunteer arrival instructions

Volunteers enter through one gate, register at a tent and then split into two teams. Can you put the instructions in order?

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Weather-dependent plans

Two friends want a picnic, but the forecast may change. What will they do in each possible weather condition?

6-second sample
American, British, Australian

When or if: Choosing the Right Word

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

When to Use The: Practical English Rules

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Whenever or When Ever: One Word or Two?

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Who Said What? Passing On a Message

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Who booked the room? A name and I or a name and me

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Whose bag is it? Describing people and their belongings

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Will or Going to: Choose the Right Future

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Will or be going to: choose your future form

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Work out

You can work out a bill, work out why a device failed, work out at the gym, or hope a plan works out. The object and subject reveal the meaning.

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Write a Formal Letter: Clear Rules and Examples

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Your or Yours: How to Choose

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

abstract nouns: everyday rules and examples

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

housewife vs homemaker: what is the difference

6-second sample
American, British, Australian

make or made: choose the right form

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

A ballpark guess

A ballpark guess is a rough numerical estimate based on general knowledge to help people make early plans.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Above board

Above board describes actions or deals that are honest and legal, with nothing hidden.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian