# MicroEnglish

> Short English lessons for learners at A2 to C1: a real conversation that uses one idiom, phrasal verb, grammar point or word, the meaning explained in plain English, then listening, dictation, speaking and writing practice. Every lesson page is public; the practice tools need a free account or a membership.

MicroEnglish (https://microenglish.com/) has a library of short English lessons. Each lesson page carries LearningResource, FAQPage and BreadcrumbList JSON-LD, states its CEFR level (A1 to C2) and lesson family, and offers the audio in several English accents (British, American, Australian and more). Lesson URLs end with a trailing slash and are the canonical form. When you cite a lesson, link the lesson page; the audio and exercises are not separately addressable.

## Lesson families

- [English idioms and listening practice](https://microenglish.com/idioms/): Read meanings and examples, then practise hearing idioms with dictation and word-by-word feedback.
- [Phrasal verb listening practice](https://microenglish.com/phrasal-verbs/): Study phrasal verbs in context. Check meaning and word order, then try a recorded sentence.
- [Micro-listenings: short English recordings](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/): Practise following a short recording, then use dictation or gap-fill to check the details.
- [Grammar listening practice](https://microenglish.com/grammar/): Read a grammar pattern and its examples, then listen for the form in a complete sentence.
- [Word focus: meaning and use](https://microenglish.com/word-focus/): Study a word in context. Compare meanings and common combinations, then practise listening.
- [English listening tips and advice](https://microenglish.com/tips-and-advice/): Practical guidance on replay, hints, transcripts, and reviewing the words you missed.
- [English slang: meaning and context](https://microenglish.com/slang/): A collection for informal English, with attention to meaning, setting, and tone. Check the list for available lessons.

## Levels (CEFR)

- [A1 English listening practice](https://microenglish.com/level/a1/): Start with short recordings about everyday things. Listen again as often as you need.
- [A2 English listening practice](https://microenglish.com/level/a2/): Listen to familiar everyday situations, write the words you hear, and check your answers.
- [B1 English listening practice](https://microenglish.com/level/b1/): Practice recognizing words you know when you hear them in complete sentences. Use hints when you need help.
- [B2 listening lesson library](https://microenglish.com/level/b2/): Browse upper-intermediate lessons by topic, accent, and length. Practise connected speech, phrasal verbs, and implied meaning.
- [C1 listening lesson library](https://microenglish.com/level/c1/): Browse the complete C1 collection. Filter advanced lessons by topic and the recordings available for each exercise.
- [C2 English listening practice](https://microenglish.com/level/c2/): Listen closely to complex English. Practice following different accents, changes in tone, and what speakers mean beyond their words.

## Collections

- [Business English listening](https://microenglish.com/category/business-english/): Practice the phrases and phrasal verbs that make workplace conversations easier to follow.
- [English dictation exercises](https://microenglish.com/english-dictation-exercises/): Choose short English dictations with replay controls, progressive hints, and word-level feedback.
- [Phrasal verb listening exercises](https://microenglish.com/phrasal-verb-listening-exercises/): Improve recognition of everyday phrasal verbs through original recordings and focused dictation.
- [Idiom listening exercises](https://microenglish.com/idiom-listening-exercises/): Practise hearing useful English idioms inside natural, memorable situations.
- [Business idioms in context](https://microenglish.com/business-idioms/): Learn workplace idioms by listening to how they function in realistic professional conversations.
- [How to practise B2 English listening](https://microenglish.com/b2-listening-practice/): Practice upper-intermediate listening with short recordings. Write what you hear and use the explanations to check the details.
- [B1 English listening exercises](https://microenglish.com/b1-listening-exercises/): Build intermediate listening confidence through manageable sentences and supportive feedback.
- [C1 advanced English listening](https://microenglish.com/c1-listening-advanced-english-practice/): Refine advanced comprehension with nuanced language, natural delivery, and close listening.

## Accents

- [Australian English listening](https://microenglish.com/tag/accent-australia/): Browse lessons from the original Australian accent collection. Check each player for the accent choices available in the rebuilt lesson.
- [London English listening](https://microenglish.com/tag/accent-england-london/): Browse the original London accent collection. Current recordings have their own accent labels; this archive tag does not identify a new speaker.
- [Irish English listening](https://microenglish.com/tag/accent-ireland/): Find lessons from the original Irish accent collection. Use the labels in each player to check which accents are currently recorded.
- [North American English listening](https://microenglish.com/tag/accent-north-america/): Browse the original North American accent collection. Choose from the current recording options shown beside each exercise.
- [Northern England listening](https://microenglish.com/tag/accent-northern-england/): Explore lessons originally tagged Northern England. The rebuilt recordings are labelled separately in each player.
- [Northern Irish English listening](https://microenglish.com/tag/northern-ireland/): Browse the original Northern Ireland collection. Check the player labels rather than this historical tag when choosing a recording.
- [Received Pronunciation listening](https://microenglish.com/tag/received-pronunciation/): Find lessons from the original Received Pronunciation collection. The accent label beside each clip describes its current recording.
- [Scottish English listening](https://microenglish.com/tag/accent-scotland/): Explore the original Scottish accent collection. This historical grouping is separate from the accents available in the current players.
- [Welsh English listening](https://microenglish.com/tag/accent-wales/): Browse lessons from the original Welsh accent collection. Check each player for current recordings and their accent labels.

## Newest lessons

- [under the weather: meaning and everyday use](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/under-the-weather-meaning-and-use-in-english-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level B1 · 12 min
- [English intensifiers: choose the right word](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/intensifiers-make-adjectives-and-adverbs-stronger-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level B1 · 12 min
- [Guilty of or guilty for: choose the right word](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/guilty-of-or-guilty-for-choose-the-right-preposition-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level B2 · 12 min
- [Follow-up questions: keep conversations moving](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/discourse-questions-keep-a-conversation-moving-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level B1 · 12 min
- [How much or how many: simple quantity guide](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/numbers-and-quantities-in-english-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level A2 · 12 min
- [Modal passive: rules and examples](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/modal-passive-voice-form-and-meaning-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level B1 · 12 min
- [Must, might, or can't: express certainty and doubt](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/modal-verbs-for-certainty-and-possibility-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level B2 · 12 min
- [Make, let, and help: how to choose](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/make-let-and-help-causative-patterns-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level B1 · 12 min
- [Inseparable phrasal verbs: keep them together](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/inseparable-phrasal-verbs-keep-the-phrase-together-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level B1 · 12 min
- [Inversion after negatives: clear word order rules](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/inversion-after-negative-adverbials-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level B2 · 12 min
- [Negative questions: form and everyday use](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/negative-questions-meaning-tone-and-word-order-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level B2 · 12 min
- [Personal pronouns: rules and examples](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/personal-pronouns-rules-and-examples-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level A2 · 12 min
- [Much, many, or a lot of: which word fits?](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/much-many-and-a-lot-of-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level A2 · 12 min
- [This, that, these, those: how to choose](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/this-that-these-and-those-choose-by-distance-and-number-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level A2 · 12 min
- [Narrative sequencing: order past events clearly](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/narrative-sequencing-tell-events-in-a-clear-order-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level B1 · 12 min
- [Colons: introduce lists and explanations](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/colons-introduce-lists-and-explanations-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level B1 · 12 min
- [Wh questions: ask for specific details](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/wh-questions-ask-for-precise-information-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level A2 · 12 min
- [Countable and uncountable nouns: how to choose](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/countable-and-uncountable-nouns-a-practical-guide-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level A2 · 12 min
- [Plural nouns: rules and common exceptions](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/plural-nouns-regular-forms-and-common-exceptions-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level A2 · 12 min
- [English imperatives: give clear instructions](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/imperatives-instructions-requests-and-warnings-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level A2 · 12 min
- [Verb patterns: choose the right form](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/english-verb-patterns-verbs-followed-by-objects-and-clauses-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level B2 · 12 min
- [Past perfect: when to use it](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/past-perfect-form-meaning-and-examples-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level B1 · 12 min
- [Phrasal verbs with look: meanings and everyday use](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/phrasal-verbs-with-look-meanings-and-examples-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level B1 · 12 min
- [Past simple questions: did and didn't](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/english-practice-past-simple-questions-and-negatives-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level A2 · 12 min
- [English words with N: six everyday choices](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/english-vocabulary-practice-useful-words-beginning-with-n-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level B1 · 12 min
- [health vocabulary: talk about everyday symptoms](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/english-practice-health-and-wellbeing-vocabulary-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level B1 · 12 min
- [Passive voice: when to use it](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/english-practice-passive-voice-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level B1 · 12 min
- [Logistics meaning: practical planning work](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/logistics-meaning-the-practical-work-behind-a-plan-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level B2 · 12 min
- [Starting a sentence with because: clear rules and examples](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/can-you-start-a-sentence-with-because-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level B1 · 12 min
- [A piece of cake: meaning and common use](https://microenglish.com/micro-listenings/a-piece-of-cake-meaning-and-use-in-english-listening-practice/): Micro-listenings: short English recordings · level A2 · 12 min

## English from movies

- [English from movies](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/): short animated videos that compare three ways to say one thing, each line heard in a film, with a free lesson page for every episode
- [How to introduce a friend in English: 9 natural lines](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/boys-vs-girls-introducing-a-friend/): Learn short, natural English lines for introducing a friend, from "Have you two met?" to "Nice to finally meet you," with examples.
- [How to say "Are you listening to me?" politely: 8 useful lines](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/how-smart-people-say-are-you-listening-to-me/): Learn 8 polite English lines that check if someone is listening or understands, with tone notes, examples, and a short quiz.
- [How to greet an old friend in English: 8 natural lines](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/boys-vs-girls-greeting-an-old-friend/): Learn what to say when you meet an old friend, from "Long time no see!" to "How have you been?", with tone notes and short dialogues.
- [Speak of the devil: 8 things to say when someone arrives](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/speak-of-the-devil-meaning/): Learn what "speak of the devil" means and seven more natural lines to greet someone who arrives just as you are talking about them.
- [Kind ways to say "you look tired" at work: 8 lines from movies](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/how-smart-people-say-you-look-tired/): Learn 8 kind English lines to use when a coworker looks tired, including three from movies, with examples, tone notes, and a short quiz.
- [What to say when a package arrives: 8 English lines from movies](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/boys-vs-girls-signing-for-a-package/): Learn polite English lines for getting a delivery: asking if a box is yours, signing for it, and warning someone to be careful.
- [How to say food is really good: 8 lines like "That hits the spot"](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/how-to-say-food-is-really-good/): Learn "That hits the spot," "It's to die for," and other natural ways to praise food or drink, with tone, examples, and a quiz.
- [How smart people say "What do you mean"](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/how-smart-people-say-what-do-you-mean/): Three natural English lines for How smart people say "What do you mean", each heard in a film, with tone notes.
- [8 polite ways to say "That's enough" in English](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/how-smart-people-say-thats-enough/): Learn 8 natural ways to say "that's enough" in English, from soft and thankful to calm and firm, with lines from three movies.
- [How to say "hurry up" politely: 9 lines from movies and daily life](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/how-smart-people-say-hurry-up/): Learn 9 polite ways to say "hurry up" in English, from a patient "Whenever you're ready" to a serious "We're running out of time."
- [Bite the bullet meaning: 8 English lines for facing hard tasks](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/bite-the-bullet-meaning/): Learn what "bite the bullet" means, plus 7 more natural English lines for doing a hard task you have been avoiding, with dialogues.
- [How smart people say "I need a minute"](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/how-smart-people-say-i-need-a-minute/): Three natural English lines for How smart people say "I need a minute", each heard in a film, with tone notes.
- [Boys vs girls: sharing a room](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/boys-vs-girls-sharing-a-room/): Three natural English lines for Boys vs girls: sharing a room, each heard in a film, with tone notes.
- [How to say "I don't have time" politely: 10 lines from movies](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/how-smart-people-say-i-dont-have-time/): Learn polite ways to say "I don't have time," like "I can't right now" and "I'm swamped," with tone notes, examples, and a quiz.
- [Give me a hand: 8 ways to ask for and offer help in English](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/boys-vs-girls-give-me-a-hand-means-help/): Learn what "give me a hand" means, how to ask for help or offer it, and which lines sound casual, friendly or polite enough for work.
- [How to say "I don't believe you" politely: 9 lines from movies](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/how-smart-people-say-i-dont-believe-you/): Learn 9 polite ways to say you don't believe someone, from gentle questions to calm, firm doubt, with lines heard in movies.
- [Since two hours or for two hours? 8 lines that get it right](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/boys-vs-girls-since-two-hours-or-for-two-hours/): Learn when to use for with a length of time and since with a starting point, using movie lines, short dialogues, common mistakes and a quiz.
- [How to say "I'm listening" in English: 9 natural lines](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/how-to-say-im-listening-in-english/): Learn "I'm all ears," "Please go ahead," "I'm listening," and six more ways to show you're ready to hear someone, with tone and examples.
- [How to say "I'm watching a stream" more naturally: 9 lines](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/how-smart-people-say-i-am-watching-a-stream/): Learn natural lines that ask someone to wait, promise you're coming, or explain that you're watching something live and don't want to miss it.
- [What does "I'm down" mean? 9 casual ways to say yes to plans](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/boys-vs-girls-what-does-im-down-mean/): Learn what "I'm down" means, when to use it, and safer ways to say yes, such as "I'm in" and "Sounds good."
- [What does BRB mean? 8 ways to say you'll be right back](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/boys-vs-girls-what-does-brb-mean/): Learn what BRB means and 8 natural ways to say you'll be right back, ask for a minute, or stop someone briefly, with movie examples.
- [How to say "we lost" after a game: 9 natural English lines](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/how-smart-people-say-we-lost-after-a-game/): Learn 9 calm English lines for losing a game, including 3 from movies, with tone notes, examples, common mistakes, and a short quiz.
- [I used to or I'm used to? 10 lines from movies and daily life](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/boys-vs-girls-i-used-to-or-im-used-to/): Learn the difference between "I used to" and "I'm used to," plus 10 natural lines for talking about past habits and things that feel normal.
- [How to use "nice" in English: 9 natural lines, 3 from movies](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/the-story-of-the-word-nice/): Learn 9 natural ways to use "nice" in English, from "Nice one" to "Nice to meet you," and when each line sounds casual, warm, or polite.
- [What's done is done and 7 other ways to accept things in English](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/whats-done-is-done-meaning/): Learn what "What's done is done" means and 7 more English lines for accepting bad luck, with tone notes, examples, and a short quiz.
- [How to say "I support this team" naturally: 9 useful lines](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/how-smart-people-say-i-support-this-team/): Learn 9 natural ways to show support in English, from "You've got this" to "I'm on your side," with tone notes and short dialogues.
- [What does NVM mean? 8 ways to say "never mind" in English](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/boys-vs-girls-what-does-nvm-mean/): Learn what NVM means, how to say "never mind" out loud, and when "Just forget it" can sound cold. With movie lines and practice.
- [Where should we put it? 8 English lines for deciding together](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/boys-vs-girls-where-should-we-put-it/): Learn 8 natural English lines for looking at options, asking where something should go, suggesting a place, and agreeing on a plan.
- [How to talk about choosing something: 8 useful lines from movies](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/boys-vs-girls-choosing-a-notebook/): Learn short English lines for suggesting, liking, and deciding on a choice, with movie quotes, example dialogues, and a quiz.
- [8 polite ways to say "I have a question" in English](https://microenglish.com/english-from-movies/how-smart-people-say-i-have-a-question/): Learn 8 natural ways to ask a question, ask for advice, or ask for help in English, with tone notes, dialogues, and a short quiz.

## Feeds and channels

- [Sitemap index](https://microenglish.com/sitemap.xml): lessons, hubs, reading, images
- [RSS feed of new lessons](https://microenglish.com/feed/): the 30 newest lessons with descriptions and images
- [Podcast feed](https://microenglish.com/podcast.xml): each lesson conversation as a short episode
- [Social directory](https://microenglish.com/social/): the official profiles
- [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@microenglish_com): Short lesson videos and listening practice.
- [X](https://x.com/micro_English): Lesson updates and useful English in brief.
- [Threads](https://www.threads.com/@microenglish_com): Short English notes and lesson updates.
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/microenglish_com/): Short lesson videos and learning reminders.
- [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@microenglish_com): Quick English listening and idiom practice.
- [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/microenglish_com/): Save English learning ideas and lesson clips.
- [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/microenglish.bsky.social): Useful English for work and daily life.
- [Mastodon](https://mastodon.social/@microenglish): Lesson news and English learning notes.
- [Tumblr](https://www.tumblr.com/microenglish): Everyday English, idioms, and listening practice.
- [Medium](https://microenglish.medium.com/): Clear explanations and useful examples.
- [Substack](https://microenglish.substack.com/): MicroEnglish posts and lesson updates.
- [DEV Community](https://dev.to/microenglish): English for work and everyday conversations.
- [Quora](https://www.quora.com/profile/MicroEnglish): Answers about everyday English and useful phrases.
- [Blogger](https://themicroenglish.blogspot.com/): Lesson articles with examples and videos.
- [WordPress](https://themicroenglish.wordpress.com/): English learning posts with lesson links.
- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/microenglish): Business English and professional communication.
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/MicroEnglishApp): Community updates and daily English exercises.
- [YouTube Podcasts](https://www.youtube.com/@microenglish_com/podcasts): Full lessons as podcasts on YouTube and YouTube Music.
- [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/0i84Hn9g22ces61g2SvFWK): Listen to MicroEnglish lessons as a podcast.
- [Podcast RSS](https://microenglish.com/podcast.xml): Add the lesson podcast to any podcast app.

## Optional

- [Every public lesson](https://microenglish.com/llms-full.txt): the complete catalogue, grouped by family, with level and length
- [MicroEnglish terms of service](https://microenglish.com/terms-of-service/): Read the terms that apply to using the rebuilt MicroEnglish learning platform.
- [How MicroEnglish works](https://microenglish.com/how-microenglish-works/): See how a short loop of listening, dictation, feedback, and explanation builds stronger comprehension.
- [Contact MicroEnglish](https://microenglish.com/contact/): Find the right way to ask a question, report a problem, or share feedback about a lesson.
- [MicroEnglish refund policy](https://microenglish.com/refunds-policy/): Read how the 14-day first-payment guarantee works and how it relates to your statutory rights.
- [Getting started with MicroEnglish](https://microenglish.com/getting-started-with-microenglish/): Learn a simple routine for completing your first listening lesson without feeling overwhelmed.
- [MicroEnglish cookie policy](https://microenglish.com/cookie-policy/): Understand which cookies support sign-in, security, preferences, and learning progress.
- [MicroEnglish privacy policy](https://microenglish.com/privacy-policy/): Learn how the rebuilt platform handles account details, guest progress, and learning activity.
- [About MicroEnglish](https://microenglish.com/about/): who makes the lessons and how
- [Editorial policy](https://microenglish.com/about/editorial-policy/): how lessons are drafted, reviewed and corrected
- [Pricing](https://microenglish.com/pricing/): free lessons, membership for the practice tools