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Jack from To Fluency

Looking for effective English lessons? Join Jack from To Fluency as he gives you English learning advice and detailed lessons to help you improve. Learn key vocabulary, the most powerful ways to learn English, and get the best listening practice so you can start understanding native speakers. If you're looking for an English podcast that will take you to an advanced level, this is for you.

To Fluency Podcast: English with Jack

Learn conversational English phrases that you'll actually use and hear for bars and restaurants.
Even if you don’t drink, these phrases will boost your small talk, invitations, ordering, paying, and polite conversation skills. Stick around to the end for UK–US differences and useful idioms.

How to learn these words and phrases: 

 ALL PHRASES FROM THE LESSON

• Fancy going for a drink? – friendly UK invite
• Do you wanna grab a drink? – casual US invite
• Do you want to grab a drink? – neutral variant
• Fancy going to the bar? – UK invite variant
• Fancy going to the pub? – UK invite variant
• Let’s go for a pint. – suggest getting a beer
• Do you know anywhere good? – ask for recommendations
• Do you know anywhere good around here? – local variant
• There’s a great place just around the corner. – close by
• There’s a great place just round the corner. – UK spelling
• It’s got a good vibe. – nice atmosphere
• Happy hour. – time with cheaper drinks
• I could use a drink. – need to relax
• I could really use a drink. – stronger emphasis
• We haven’t been out in ages. – it’s been a long time
• Let’s invite a few friends. – suggest a small group
• I’ll meet you there around eight. – plan the time
• I’ll meet you there round eight. – UK variant
• I’m running a little bit late. – polite late notice
• It’s packed tonight. – very crowded
• Shall we grab a table? – polite suggestion
• Let’s grab a table. – direct suggestion
• Do you wanna sit inside or outside? – seating choice
• Let’s sit at the bar. – sit at the counter
• Do we order at the bar or at the table? – clarify ordering
• What you having? – very casual offer to buy
• What are you having? – neutral version
• It’s my round. – I’ll pay for this round
• What do you want? – follow-up to buying
• Can I help you? – what you’ll hear at a busy bar
• What can I get you? – what you’ll hear from staff
• Can I have a pint of lager, please? – ordering
• Can I get a pint of lager, please? – US-style ordering
• Can I get a Diet Coke? – soft drink
• Can I get a lemonade? – soft drink (note UK/US lemonade differs)
• I’ll have a gin and tonic, please. – ordering with “I’ll have…”
• Could I get a soft drink? – polite request
• Could I get another beer? – another of the same type
• What’s on tap? – ask about draft beer
• What’s on tap tonight? – “tonight” variant
• Do you have any non-alcoholic options? – alcohol-free choices
• Can I see the drinks menu, please? – ask for menu
• Do you have a menu? – shorter variant
• Do you serve food? – ask about food service
• Are you serving food at the moment? – kitchen open?
• Can I get another one of these? – repeat same drink
• Could I get another one of these? – more polite variant
• Same again? – staff offer to repeat your drink
• Cheers! – toast before drinking
• So, how’s work been? – easy conversation starter
• How’s your trip been? – traveler version
• So, how have you been? – general check-in
• I’ve been good. – common reply
• I’ve been busy, but I’ve been good. – nuanced reply
• It’s been amazing. – present perfect trip reply
• I can’t believe how expensive drinks are now. – friendly complaint
• $10 for a pint—that’s ridiculous. – stronger complaint
• It’s a bit loud in here. – noise comment
• It’s a bit bright in here. – lighting comment
• Do you wanna go somewhere quieter? – suggest moving
• Do you wanna sit somewhere quieter? – seating variant
• I’ll finish my drink and then we’ll head out. – plan to leave
• Let’s head back soon. It’s getting a bit late. – suggest leaving
• Can I close my tab, please? – pay and finish (US)
• Is this on one check or separate? – split payment question (US)
• Can we pay separately, please? – ask to split the bill
• That was such a good night. – positive wrap-up
• It’s on me. – I’ll pay
• Let’s call it a night. – finish the evening
• Hair of the dog. – a drink the next day for a hangover
• A bit tipsy. – slightly drunk
• I’m feeling a little bit tipsy. – variant

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Pub and Bar Phrases
00:53 Inviting Someone for a Drink
02:01 Finding and Describing a Good Place
05:09 Ordering Drinks and Snacks
11:01 Common Conversations at the Bar
13:00 Paying and Leaving the Bar
14:12 Idioms and Fun Phrases
15:21 Cultural Differences: UK vs USA

English Phrases for Pubs and Bars That You'll Actually Use (Conversational English)

Improving your listening skills is vital if you want to be competent in the English language. In this lesson, you're going to learn how to improve this area in the most efficient and rapid way possible so that you can understand native speakers and fast English.

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR LISTENING SKILLS:

Native speakers don't understand everything they hear. It's true. I sometimes find it difficult to understand:
 • when on the phone
 • when talking to people with accents I'm not used to
 • when watching movies
 • and when listening to music
This is going to happen to you. You'll never reach a stage where you understand everything. But it's important to improve so that you can understand more.

Here is how:
 1. Improve your vocabulary and grammar: the more you know, the more you'll understand. Search for "input To Fluency" to learn how to do this.
 2. Listen as much as possible: get used to the way people speak. You can listen while doing other things.
 3. What you listen to is important: find audio that is enjoyable, specific to you, and comprehensible. I recommend audiobooks that have been adapted for English learners (graded readers)
 4. Work on your pronunciation: if you can make the sounds in English, you'll better understand them when you hear them.
 5. Have natural conversations: this is the best type of listening practice but it's more expensive and harder to find.
I encourage you to try these methods. Start today. Commit to doing more in English. Enjoy the journey. Hope you enjoyed this! Please subscribe if you're new!

Advanced English Listening - Secrets to Understanding Native Speakers and FAST English

Learn key words and phrases all about tariffs in this English lesson. Practice your listening and improve your English.

Useful Vocabulary and Phrases

Tariffs are added to imported goods. 👉 Passive voice for focus. Example: Taxes are collected by the government. 

Tariffs can protect local jobs. 👉 Use modal verbs (can/might/could) for possibility. Example: Tariffs might protect local industries. 

Consumers will end up paying more. 👉 “End up” = final result of a situation. Example: If prices rise, shoppers end up spending less overall. 

Supply chain 👉 Where parts of a product are made and assembled. Example: The global supply chain was disrupted last year. 

Free trade 👉 Trade with no tariffs or restrictions. Example: The EU is an example of a free trade area. 

Retaliate 👉 Respond with an action. Example: One country raised tariffs, the other retaliated. 

Trade deficit 👉 When imports are greater than exports. Example: The US has a trade deficit with 
China.

Conditional Sentences with Tariffs

If tariffs go up, prices will go up. 👉 First conditional (real future). 

If countries keep raising tariffs, it might start a trade war. 👉 First conditional with might (possibility). 

If tariffs were lower, consumers would save money. 👉 Second conditional (hypothetical). 💬 

Idioms About Money and Tariffs 

Pick up the tab – to pay for something, often expensive. Example: Shoppers pick up the tab when tariffs rise. 

Hit the wallet – to negatively affect finances. Example: Tariffs have hit consumers’ wallets hard this year. 

 
Jack up the prices – to raise prices suddenly and sharply. Example: Companies had to jack up prices after tariffs were introduced. 

Tighten your belt – to spend less money. Example: Families are tightening their belts due to higher grocery costs.

English Listening Practice: Learn Key Words and Phrases (Tariffs)

In this English lesson, you’ll learn how to talk about AI naturally in English. You’ll get useful phrases, idioms, and real examples so you can confidently join the conversation.

How to use AI to learn English: https://youtu.be/pysIoC1bb3I

Useful Phrases and Idioms from the Lesson

Hear of / Hear about “Barely anyone had heard of ChatGPT a year ago.” “Have you heard about that new movie?” 👉 Use when asking if someone knows about something. Example: I’ve never heard of that restaurant before.

It saves me hours of work 👉 AI helps us save time. Example: Using templates saves me hours of work every week.

It helps me come up with new ideas 👉 “Come up with” = invent or create. Example: Brainstorming with others helps me come up with new solutions.

It depends on… “It depends on how we use it.” 👉 Use this phrase when giving a balanced opinion. Example: It depends on the weather — we might go hiking.

It’s hard to say for sure 👉 Use when you’re uncertain about the future. Example: It’s hard to say for sure if prices will go down next year.

It feels creative, but it’s copying patterns 👉 Great for talking about AI art, writing, or music. Example: The story felt creative, but it was copying patterns.

I’m excited about AI 👉 Show enthusiasm. Example: I’m excited about how AI will help education.

I’m a bit concerned about… 👉 Express worry. Example: I’m a bit concerned about privacy online.

I don’t know how I feel about it yet / I’m on the fence 👉 Neutral expressions when unsure. Example: I’m on the fence about moving abroad.

The future is here / The future is now 👉 Used when something futuristic is happening today. Example: Self-driving cars make it feel like the future is here.

It’s a game changer 👉 Something that completely changes the situation. Example: The smartphone was a game changer for communication.

Get with the times 👉 Adapt to modern trends. Example: You need to get with the times and start using online banking.

Thank you for watching.

Get English learning resources here: https://tofluency.com/5sp-book-temp/

Learn Natural English: Talk about AI with Confidence & Get Listening Practice

In this English listening‑practice lesson we’re focusing on how to invite someone, make plans, and set dates — from a quick coffee to a full night out. You’ll master natural phrases for casual and formal invitations, learn how to suggest activities without sounding pushy, and discover polite ways to check someone’s availability. By the end, you’ll have new vocabulary, better listening skills, and the confidence to set up plans like a native speaker!

🔗 Get all lessons here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZOJurmtexYqc6KY_Db4-fV7F06af1FkW

📌 Key Phrases from This Lesson
✅ “Would you like to grab a coffee this weekend?” – friendly, informal way to suggest meeting up for coffee
✅ “Would you like to grab lunch this weekend?” – same structure, but for a meal
✅ “Do you fancy going for a drink on Friday?” – British‑English invite, often with a romantic vibe
✅ “Would you like to do this?” – polite, flexible invitation when plans aren’t fixed yet
✅ “I was thinking we could go to that show this weekend?” – sharing an idea while gauging interest
✅ “Want to do something this weekend?” – very casual American way to propose hanging out
✅ “Let’s get together soon.” – open‑ended suggestion without committing to a date
✅ “How about we try that new restaurant on Saturday?” – ‘How about…’ to put forward a concrete plan
✅ “What if we tried that new Italian restaurant?” – ‘What if…’ to float a suggestion and invite feedback
✅ “Why don’t we try it?” – concise ‘Why don’t we…’ proposal for any activity already mentioned
✅ “Why don’t we try that new Italian restaurant?” – specific version of the above, naming the plan
✅ “Should we go for a walk tonight?” – ‘Should we…’ to ask if the other person thinks it’s a good idea ✅ “Should we go for a walk if it’s not raining?” – adding a condition to the suggestion
✅ “Why don’t we check out that new gallery everyone’s talking about?” – inviting someone to a popular event
✅ “Let’s do something fun like bowling.” – enthusiastic ‘Let’s…’ plus an example activity
✅ “Let’s have a catch up next week.” – arranging a future meeting to talk and reconnect
✅ “Should we do this next week?” – checking the other person’s schedule for a postponed plan
✅ “Maybe next time.” – polite way to decline or postpone an invitation without closing the door

20 Common English Phrases to Use in Conversation (Making Plans)

In this English listening practice lesson, we’re talking about food, meal times, grocery shopping, and dining out in the UK and the USA. You’ll learn natural phrases, cultural differences, and interesting facts about how people eat in both countries. By the end of this episode, you’ll have new vocabulary, better listening skills, and a deeper understanding of English-speaking food culture!

🔗 Listen to more podcast episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZOJurmtexYqc6KY_Db4-fV7F06af1FkW

🍽️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode
✅ The difference between British & American breakfasts 🥞☕
✅ What time people eat in the UK vs. the USA ⏰
✅ Why snacking is so popular in the US 🍪
✅ Grocery shopping & why American supermarkets are so big 🛒
✅ Eating out in restaurants & tipping culture differences 💰
✅ Fast food & takeaway – why they’re different in each country 🍔
✅ Fun food idioms & famous quotes about food 🍎

📌 Key Phrases from This Lesson
✅ “What’s for tea tonight?” – In northern England, “tea” can mean dinner.
✅ “I’m in the mood for Italian food.” – A natural way to say what you feel like eating.
✅ “We need to get some snacks.” – Snacking is a huge part of American food culture!
✅ “Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches” – A classic American lunch that’s not common elsewhere.
✅ “Fish and chips” – A traditional British meal, still very popular today.
✅ “Let’s eat out tonight.” – A way to say you’re going to a restaurant.
✅ “Would you like a refill?” – In the USA, many drinks have free refills!
✅ “Tipping is expected.” – Unlike the UK, tipping in the US is not optional.

🥗 Famous Food Quotes
🍎 "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." – Eating healthy keeps you from getting sick.
🍋 "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." – Turn challenges into opportunities!
🥚 "Don’t put all your eggs in one basket." – Don’t take unnecessary risks.
🍰 "It’s a piece of cake!" – Something is really easy.
🍮 "The proof is in the pudding." – You’ll only know something is good by experiencing it.

Learn Natural English: Talking about Food in the USA and UK (+ Learn New Phrases)

In this English listening practice, you'll learn real phrases and natural English expressions while discovering the key differences between houses in the UK and the USA! 🏠🇬🇧🇺🇸
From house sizes and layouts to renting, buying, and home design, this lesson is packed with essential vocabulary, cultural insights, and idioms to help you speak and understand English fluently.

👉 Stay until the end to learn common phrases, idioms, and housing vocabulary differences between British and American English!

📌 Watch more English podcast episodes:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZOJurmtexYqc6KY_Db4-fV7F06af1FkW

📚 Key Differences Between UK & US Houses
✔️ House Sizes
• UK: 76 m² (~800 sq ft) 🏡
• USA: 201 m² (~2,000+ sq ft) 🏠
✔️ Layouts & Design
• UK: Smaller, separate rooms
• USA: Open-plan living spaces
✔️ Storage & Closets
• UK: Wardrobes 🚪
• USA: Walk-in closets 👕
✔️ Heating & Cooling
• UK: Radiators, no air conditioning ❄️🔥
• USA: Forced air systems (AC & heating) 🌬️
✔️ Renting & Buying
• UK: Homes are often furnished 🛋️
• USA: Homes are usually unfurnished 📦
✔️ Neighborhoods & Suburbs
• UK: More people live close to city centers 🏙️
• USA: Suburban living is more common 🚗
✔️ Outdoor Spaces
• UK: Gardens 🌿
• USA: Yards 🌳

📌 Useful Housing & Home Phrases
✅ "Cramped" – Small and lacking space
"UK homes feel a bit cramped compared to the US."
✅ "Furnished vs. Unfurnished" – Whether a house comes with furniture
"In the UK, many rental homes come furnished."
✅ "To hire movers" – Paying professionals to move your furniture
"We hired movers to make the process easier."
✅ "Open-plan layout" – A design where rooms are not separated by walls
"Many US homes have an open-plan kitchen and living room."
✅ "Terraced house" – A row of houses attached together
"She lives in a terraced house in London."
✅ "Suburbs" – Residential areas outside city centers
"Most American families live in the suburbs."
✅ "A roof over your head" – A home or shelter
"Even though the apartment is small, at least I have a roof over my head."
✅ "To feel at home" – To feel comfortable in a new place
"After a few weeks in Spain, I started to feel at home."
✅ "Make yourself at home" – A phrase to welcome guests
"Come in and make yourself at home!"
✅ "The walls have ears" – Be careful what you say, someone might be listening
"We shouldn’t gossip too much at work—the walls have ears."

📌 British vs. American Housing Vocabulary
🇬🇧 UK → 🇺🇸 USA
🏢 Flat → Apartment
🚪 Lift → Elevator
🏡 Garden → Yard
🔑 Estate agent → Realtor
🏠 Semi-detached house → Duplex
📦 Letting agency → Rental agency
📏 Ground floor → First floor

📩 Want to improve your English?
1️⃣ Subscribe for more English lessons!
2️⃣ Like & Share to help others learn English.
3️⃣ Comment below—What do you think about houses in the UK vs. USA?

🎙️ Listen to more English podcast episodes here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZOJurmtexYqc6KY_Db4-fV7F06af1FkW
Thanks for watching & see you in the next lesson! 👋😊

Natural English for Your Ears: Talking about Housing in the UK and USA (Can You Understand?)

Learning English through TV is possible. But a lot of learners don't do it the right way. Have you ever watched a TV show in English but struggled to understand what was happening? Do fast conversations, slang, and accents make it difficult to follow along? This lesson will give you the tools, strategies, and methods you need to learn English through TV shows and movies effectively.

By the end of this episode, you'll know:
✅ How to choose the right TV shows for your level
✅ The best subtitle strategy for learning English
✅ The pause and repeat method to improve pronunciation
✅ How to use TV dialogue for spaced repetition learning
✅ Why binge-watching can actually help you learn faster

🎬 Watch more episodes → https://www.youtube.com/playli...

⏳ Timestamps
00:00 Best tv shows for English learners 05:00 Should you use subtitles? 06:39 Improve your English through tv 09:08 Learn new vocabulary through tv 12:00 The power of binge watching

📚 Resources & Links 🔗 TV Shows for Learning English – https://storylearning.com/lear...
🔗 How to Read for Fluency (Related Video) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
🔗 The Full Pause & Repeat Method – https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
🔗 Listen and Repeat videos: https://www.youtube.com/playli...

📢 Question for You What TV show are you going to watch next? Or what TV show have you watched that helped you improve your English? Let me know in the comments – your answer might help other learners too! 💬 Like & Share if this lesson helped you! Subscribe for more English lessons.

Learn English through TV: Listen to this Before Watching TV in English

Want to improve your English naturally while enjoying a great short story? 📚 This lesson is perfect for practicing listening, reading, and vocabulary! You’ll learn real-life expressions used in everyday conversations, so you can speak more fluently and understand native speakers better.
✅ Listen & Read at the same time
✅ Learn useful phrasal verbs & expressions
✅ Master natural English conversation

Stay until the end, where we break down key phrases from the story! 

📖 Key Words & Phrases from the Story

• Cut it close – To almost run out of time.
"Ella was cutting it close to finding a seat on the train."
"I woke up late and cut it close to missing my flight."

• Pull out – To remove something from somewhere.
"The guy pulled out one earbud and turned to look at her."
"She pulled out her phone to check the time."

• Sit up straighter – To adjust your posture and become more alert.
"Jake sat up straighter when Ella spoke to him."
"He sat up straighter when the teacher asked a question."

• Catch up – To talk about things that have happened after time apart.
"It was easy, like they were two old friends catching up."
"Let’s meet for coffee and catch up!"

• Drift into – To slowly move into a topic or activity.
"The conversation drifted from books to travel to childhood memories."
"The meeting drifted into small talk after a while."

• End up – To arrive somewhere or in a situation unexpectedly.
"Jake once got lost on a hike and ended up in the wrong town."
"We took the wrong bus and ended up at the beach."

• Slow down – To reduce speed.
"As the train slowed down, people stood up."
"She slowed down as she reached the traffic lights."

• Pull down – To bring something from a higher place.
"People stood up, pulling down bags and stretching their legs."
"He pulled down a book from the top shelf."

• Hold up – To lift or show something.
"Jake pulled out his phone, holding it up."
"She held up the map so everyone could see."

• Step off – To move off a train, bus, or platform.
"Ella stepped off the train and turned back."
"He stepped off the stage after finishing his speech."🎯 

What To Do Next:
✅ Listen to the story again and repeat the phrases.
✅ Practice using these expressions in your own conversations.
✅ Leave a comment: Have you ever met someone interesting while traveling? Which phrase was your favorite? Share it in the comments!

Learn English through Story: The Last Seat (+ Language Analysis)

Get English fluency training here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC32mYgIHS-e3C3Eyd2tRw6g/join

Want to describe your free time naturally and confidently? Whether it’s hobbies, weekends, or relaxing, this lesson will help you understand native speakers better and talk about your free time fluently! 🇬🇧 🇺🇸

Watch all podcast episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZOJurmtexYqc6KY_Db4-fV7F06af1FkW

��� Key Phrases from the Lesson

🗓️ Talking About Free Time During the Work Week • I try to wind down in the evening by reading a book. (To wind down = To relax after a busy day) • Some people like to hit the gym straight after work. (To hit the gym = To go to the gym) • I like to put on a podcast and cook dinner. (To put on = To start playing music, a video, or a podcast) • I wish I had more time in the evening. (To wish = To express regret or desire) • Do you wanna head to the pub after work? (To head to = To go to a place)

📆 Weekend Plans – Asking & Answering • What are you doing this weekend? (Using present continuous for future plans) • Do you have any plans for the weekend? (Common way to ask about weekend plans) • I’m looking forward to the weekend. (To look forward to = To be excited about something) • I often take it easy on Sunday mornings. (To take it easy = To relax and do little activity*) • Let’s hang out this weekend! (To hang out = To spend time casually with friends*)

💤 Catching Up on Rest • I like to catch up on sleep at the weekend. (To catch up on sleep = To sleep more to recover lost sleep) • I like to have a lie-in on Sundays. (To have a lie-in [UK] / To sleep in [US] = To wake up late) 🍽️ Weekend Food Traditions – UK vs. US • In the UK, Sunday roast dinners are a tradition. (Sunday roast = Traditional British Sunday meal with roast meat and vegetables) • In the US, people love going out for brunch on Sundays. (Brunch = A meal between breakfast and lunch)

🌞 Talking About Holidays & Vacations • I’m taking a few days off next month. (To take time off = To not work for a period of time) • I’ve been working non-stop—I need a break! (To work non-stop = To work without breaks) • Have you ever been to Japan? (Have you ever been to… = Asking about past travel experiences)

🎨 Talking About Hobbies & Interests • I love playing the guitar. (Simple way to express hobbies) • I’m getting into yoga at the moment. (To get into = To start enjoying a new activity) • I’m thinking about signing up for a pottery class. (To sign up for = To register for an activity or course) • I’ve always wanted to learn how to paint. (I’ve always wanted to… = Expressing a long-term desire) • Okay, I’ll give it a go! (To give it a go = To try something new)

🧠 Inspirational Quotes About Free Time • 💡 “Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.” – Bertrand Russell • 💡 “A man should never neglect his leisure.” – Confucius • 💡 “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” – Anne Lamott

🎯 What To Do Next: ✅ Listen to the episode again and repeat the phrases. ✅ Practice using these expressions in your own conversations. ✅ Leave a comment with your answers: What do you do in your free time? 💬 Which phrase was your favorite? Share it in the comments!

🚀 RESOURCES FOR LEARNING ENGLISH Affiliate Disclosure Some links in this description may be affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel!

Fantastic courses from a teacher friend: https://www.tofluency.com/espresso/
Find a language teacher online here: https://go.italki.com/tofluency
Learn English through TV: https://www.tofluency.com/fluentu/
Learn English with AI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cIvJsDPmXw
Speaking method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7PGRbvJBkQ
Writing method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDkiY1lcfgw

Advanced English Listening Practice | Can YOU Understand? | Hobbies (with Subtitles)

In episode 8 of the To Fluency Podcast (Learn English with Jack), I talk about the strange reason why I started learning Spanish and the mistakes that I made as a beginner.

I then go through what I would have done differently if I knew what I know now (what a great sentence to learn!).

Enjoy this episode and then, head over to https://www.tofluency.com to get your free book.

Thanks for listening.

8: The Weird Reason I Started Learning Spanish and What I Have Would Have Done Differently

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