English dictation exercises

Third conditional: explanation and examples

You missed one train and arrived after the interview began. How do you imagine the version of yesterday that never happened?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Till or Until: Choose the Right Word

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Took or have taken? Choose the form for your message

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Train platform change

A station announcement contains a destination, an original time, a delay, and a new platform. Which details describe the train now?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Transferring a ticket

The ticket is transferable, but forwarding the email is not enough. What must the buyer change by five on Friday?

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Turn down

You can turn down a job because it is unsuitable, or turn down the music because it is too loud. One reduces an opportunity; the other reduces a level.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Turn out

A difficult recipe can turn out well, and a rumour can turn out to be false. The phrase often reveals a final result that was uncertain or surprising.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Turn up

A late guest can turn up at your door, lost keys can turn up under a sofa, and you can turn up the heating. Context separates arrival, discovery and a higher level.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

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

Unless vs until: choose time or condition

3-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

Why English class matters: four practical habits

4-second sample
American, British, Australian