English dictation exercises

Albeit Meaning: Use Clear Formal Contrasts

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Although, though, even though: Connect contrasting ideas

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

At first glance

At first glance introduces how something appears when first seen before a closer look reveals new facts.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Backlog

You answer five old emails, but twelve more are still waiting. What do you call the work that has built up behind you?

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Bend the rules

Bend the rules means to relax or ignore a standard regulation slightly for someone in a harmless situation.

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Breathing down my neck

Breathe down someone's neck means to watch someone closely in a stressful way, or to approach quickly as an urgent deadline.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

By the book

Following set rules, laws, or standard steps strictly without taking shortcuts.

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Capricious Meaning: Unpredictable Changes

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Caveat Meaning: One Condition to Remember

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Come out of your shell

Come out of your shell means to become less shy and more willing to talk with other people.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Corner the market

One company sells nearly every reusable bottle in a city, and competing shops struggle to attract buyers. How can you describe the company's position?

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Crossed wires

You arrive for a meeting on Tuesday, but your colleague expects you on Thursday. Neither person meant to cause a problem. How can you describe what happened?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Cut to the chase

Cut to the chase means to stop wasting time on minor details and talk directly about the most important subject.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Cynical Meaning: How to Use It

6-second sample
American, British, Australian

Despicable Meaning: Strong Moral Judgment

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Dichotomy Meaning: Two Opposing Sides

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Distributive Adjectives: Choose Each and Every

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Easier said than done

Someone tells you to stop worrying before an important interview. The advice is sensible, but following it feels much harder than giving it. How can you respond?

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Educational Goals Essay: Planning Your Main Steps

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Elicit or Illicit: How to Choose

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Elusive: Meaning and Everyday Use

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Empathy meaning: how to use it

6-second sample
American, British, Australian

Epiphany meaning: sudden clear realization

6-second sample
American, British, Australian

Expressions with get

Get in touch means start communicating with someone. Get rid of means remove or throw away something unwanted. Get used to means become familiar and comfortable with a new situation.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian