English dictation exercises

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

their there they're: choose the right word

3-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

Ad Hoc: Meaning and Daily Use

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Adjective clauses: choose the right word

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

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

Arbitrary: Meaning and Everyday Use

3-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