Shows
Bite-sized EnglishLesson 37: "hand" idiomsIn this episode, we will be covering some... "handy" idioms (pun very much intended). We hope you enjoy some of the great idioms below!
lend a hand
hands are clean
blood/dirt on your hands
show your hand
bite the hand that feeds
sitting on your hands
take something off your hands
2019-07-0612 minBite-sized EnglishLyric Series 3: Childish Gambino - "This is America"Matt covers Grammy Award winning song of 2018, the smash hit "This is America." As it is July 4th, Independence Day in the United States, seems like the most fitting choice. Enjoy a break down of some of the more colloquial style of language used by Gambino!
Childish Gambino - "This is America":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYOjWnS4cMY
https://open.spotify.com/album/7arx9qPJexCsDz67El4qvk
https://y.qq.com/n/yqq/singer/001HS2h02NYN1m.html
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, y...
2019-07-0510 minBite-sized EnglishLesson 36: Game IdiomsDespite Matt's misleading intro, this episode covers idioms with the word game in them. Different uses and very different means, but still all quite common in English.
Help support the show with a review and warm recommendation to friends or family!
Idioms in today's show:
blame game
numbers game
two can play at that game
off one's game
at the top of one's game
2019-06-2807 minBite-sized EnglishLyric Series 2: Smash Mouth - "All-star"Why not go back to this 90s classic and look at some of the great language available? We cover some cool words and phrases in the song so you can really rock your English!
Smash Mouth - "All-star": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_jWHffIx5E
https://open.spotify.com/album/0QluVU5ReXs7oI1ZyS101F
https://www.xiami.com/song/1771446391
Somebody once told me the world is gonna roll me
I ain't the sharpest tool in the shed
She was looking kind of d...
2019-06-2609 minBite-sized EnglishLesson 35: Funny IdiomsWe return to the idiom series talking about these 6 idioms that have to do with laughing, humour, or joking. Matt also gives his unsolicited opinion on the humour of Aussies, Kiwis, and Brits.
Idioms in today's episode:
butt of the joke
barrel of laughs
pull one's leg
take a joke
all joking aside
(just) for kicks
If you like today's lesson, please subscribe, recommend the show, and leave a review!
2019-06-2110 minBite-sized EnglishLyric Series 01 - Shawn Mendes "Treat You Better" We kick off our new lyric series with the music from Canadian musician Shawn Mendes. Matt goes into some of the great language Shawn uses to convey romance, relationships, and more.
Help support the podcast by subscribing!
Shawn Mendes - Treat You Better: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY2yjAdbvdQ / https://open.spotify.com/album/3wBabo4pmzsYjALMSKY7Iq / https://y.qq.com/n/yqq/singer/001NODJ71LGPD5.html
Lyrics
I won't lie to you
I know he's just not right for you
And you can tell me if I'm...
2019-06-1909 minBite-sized EnglishRaptors TalkI talk unscripted (obviously) about my fourth favourite sports team, the Toronto Raptors. Learn a little about the North American sports culture and why this run of the Raptors is so important to Canada.
There is plenty of content upcoming over the next month and I am really excited for you guys to listen. Please support the show with a review, a follow, and a recommendation.
2019-06-0707 minBite-sized EnglishLesson 34: pre- and post-In this episode, we will be kicking off a new series exploring the wide variety of prefixes available in English. Today we will be learning about pre- and post-.
Words uses in this lesson:
Postscript
Preview
Postgraduate
Postmortem
Predict
Preempt
Pre-workout
Post-workout
Pregame
Postgame
Preschool
Email your assignment submissions to bitesizedenglish@gmail.com!
2019-05-0308 minBite-sized EnglishLesson 33: Peace and PieceThese two homonyms are very different in meaning, but are both very useful! In this episode Matt covers the means of the words, and some common phrases you might encounter:
peace and quiet
peace out
peace in our time
falling to peaces
piece of cake
bits and pieces
piecing something together
For today's assignment, I want you to describe the pieces of something. How would you describe it as pieces rather than parts? Try to avoid food and challenge yourself to come up...
2019-05-0208 minBite-sized EnglishLesson 32: Returns and ComebacksMatt is back with a brand new series of Bite-sized English! We kick of with a lesson about returns, coming back (getting back, going back as well), and the word comeback.
Questions can be directed to bitesizedenglish@gmail.com. I am very happy to be back behind the mic after so much time away. I would like to make a special mention of listener Marcia who encouraged a comeback of the podcast!
2019-04-2311 minBite-sized EnglishApril 09 - ThanksMatt walks through just a few alternate ways of saying thank you.
There is no assignment for today, but do send questions to bitesizedenglish@gmail.com
2018-04-0907 minBite-sized EnglishApril 08 - Tip(s) for Our Listening and SpeakingMatt talks about a few tips when talking to native English speakers, watching a film, and flashcards.
2018-04-0812 minBite-sized EnglishApril 07 - Third ConditionalWe finish our week on the conditional with the third and perhaps most complicated of the three. Matt talks about the differences between "could have" "should have" and "would have."
All questions and assignments can be sent to bitesizedenglish@gmail.com or via Twitter @bitesizedengpod.
2018-04-0810 minBite-sized EnglishApril 04 - Second ConditionalMatt continues talking about the conditional phrasings, covering the hypothetical or second conditional. Used to talk about unlikely or impossible situations, this is a very common phrasing in English.
All questions and comments can be sent to bitesizedenglish@gmail.com.
2018-04-0410 minBite-sized EnglishApril 03 - Degrees of possibilityMatt covers some basic phrases and adverbs we use to determine how likely something is to happen. The phrases he talks about are:
will definitely
will probably
likely to
may well / might
not likely to
probably won't
definitely won't
Send all questions and assignments to bitesizedenglish@gmail.com.
2018-04-0309 minBite-sized EnglishApril 01 - Phrases using the word "game"Matt goes over six different phrases using the word game.
The phrases:
-fair game
-zero-sum game
-game plan
-waiting game
-I'm game
-a whole new ball game
2018-04-0207 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 31 - Phrases using the word "ball"Matt talks about some (but certainly not all!) of the phrases that we use that contains the word ball. The phrases that he discusses are:
-on the ball
-keep your eye on the ball / take your eye off the ball
-have a ball
-the ball is in your court
-a curve ball
-drop the ball / fumble the ball
Please be sure to send all questions to bitesizedenglish@gmail.com!
2018-03-3111 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 30 - Reading Comprehension TipsMatt goes through some basic tips when we are tackling reading comprehension in our English proficiency tests. He discusses some places to find some extra practice like: BBC News, CNN News, CBC News, The Economist, The New Scientist, and the askhistorians and askscientists subreddits on reddit.com.
If you have any questions, comments, or critiques for Matt, fire him an email at bitesizedenglish@gmail.com
2018-03-3012 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 29 - Passive: Present Perfect and Future FormMatt wraps up his short topic on the passive voice with two more tenses, the present perfect and the future form.
Present perfect: have/has + been + past participle
Future form: will + be + past participle
Be sure to practice converting or changing active sentences into the passive voice to develop your skills in the passive voice. Matt is happy to help read and comment on your sentences at bitesizedenglish@gmail.com.
2018-03-2909 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 28 - Chatting w/CeceliaMatt sits down with his long time student, Cecelia, for a quick chat about some interesting topics. They discuss the environment, animals, and Beijing's bikes.
Vocabulary:
QR code
apex predators
refraction
rainbows
2018-03-2811 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 27 - Passive Present Simple/ContinuousToday we continue our discussion on the passive voice using the present tenses. We form the simple with am/is/are + past participle and we form the continuous with am/is/are + being + past participle.
Send your practice sentences to bitesizedenglish@gmail.com.
2018-03-2709 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 26 - Past PassiveMatt begins his week talking about the passive voice with one of the more important tenses of the passive: past simple. We use it to describe some of the major achievements in human history all the way to minor happenings in day to day life.
Please direct all questions and homework to bitesizedenglish@gmail.com or @bitesizedengpod.
2018-03-2610 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 25 - French in EnglishMatt summarises some of the complicated history between France and England, and how that has impacted the English language in very dramatic ways. He also covers a few French words and phrases that we use in day to day English:
-touche
-bon voyage
-mousse
-carte blanche
-entree
-cul-de-sac
Be sure to submit your questions to bitesizedenglish@gmail.com or on Twitter @bitesizedengpod!
2018-03-2415 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 24 - Writing AdviceMatt talks about some important tips we can focus on when we are writing persuasive essays, especially for tests or in a classroom setting. He does introduce a few new words/phrases: anecdotal, infrastructure, stay on topic, rack your brain.
Direct questions and comments to bitesizedenglish@gmail or on Twitter @bitesizedengpod.
2018-03-2314 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 23 - Tricky Uncountable NounsMatt covers some of the trickier uncountable nouns that caused some confusion for submitted answers. He talks about words like news, meats, paper, money (and currencies), and grass.
If there are any more nouns you are not sure of, please do send your questions to bitesizedenglish@gmail.com.
2018-03-2310 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 22 - QuantifiersToday Matt covers the main quantifiers we use in English with countable and uncountable nouns. We practice some of them with examples, and highlight some of the related quantifiers that are interchangable or similar but slightly different.
Send your assignment to bitesizedenglish@gmail.com and Matt will be happy to help!
2018-03-2212 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 21 - Countable and UncountableMatt talks us through countable and uncountable nouns. He covers some important basic points like general rules, basic quantifiers, and some key irregularities. Check in tomorrow for more detail on quantifiers.
Send your assignment to bitesizedenglish@gmail.com or Tweet at Matt @bitesizedengpod!
2018-03-2111 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 20 - SmokingMatt talks about the various words we use when talking about the habit of smoking.
Vocabulary:
cigarettes, tobacco, cigars, pipe, smoking, butts, second-hand smoke, inhale, addicted to, quit, cold turkey, wean off
2018-03-2009 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 19 - GreetingsMatt practices some basic greetings we use in English rather than the boring standard: "hello."
Please do email bitesizedenglish@gmail.com for any questions or comments!
2018-03-1909 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 18 - Emotional ReviewMatt reviews some of the highlights of this week's material. Be sure to check out the podcasts from the last week to practice the material we covered.
Comments and questions to bitesizedenglish@gmail.com!
2018-03-1811 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 17 - St. Patrick's DayWe celebrate the national day of Ireland by talking about the origins, celebrations, and meaning of Saint Patrick's Day!
Vocabulary:
-Catholic saint
-shamrock
-diaspora
-Ireland/Irish
2018-03-1708 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 16 - ScaryMatt covers the different feelings of fear, from the mild to the extreme. He explains how different words like startling and spooky are used.
Vocabulary:
spooky and eerie
scary and terrifying
startling / startled
nervous
Phrases:
scared the crap out of me
scared stiff
butterflies in my stomach/tummy
Please do send an email to bitesizedenglish@gmail.com if you have any questions.
2018-03-1510 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 15 - Angry!Matt covers how we express our anger! He covers some important synonyms and some practice on how we can sound angry.
Vocabulary:
-mad, angry, furious
-Short temper (noun) and short tempered (adj)
-enraged
-blood boiling
-hot blooded
Phrases we say when we are angry:
-Oh come on! For Pete's sake! You gotta be kidding me! You must be joking!
2018-03-1510 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 14 - Disappointed w/ ThomasMatt is joined by a guest, Thomas, to talk about the feeling of disappointment. They practice "disappointed in" and the following phrases:
Let down
Bummer
Fall short
2018-03-1417 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 13 - #sadMatt talks about the two main ways we use the word "sad." It can be used as a feeling of unhappiness, but also as an insult for a situation or person that is unaccomplished or pathetic.
Examples:
-I am sad to hear that you are leaving.
-She looked sad when I told her the news.
-Does that make you feel sad?
-That was a sad showing from the local sports team.
-A: Did you see that guy fail? B: Yeah, that was pretty sad.
2018-03-1307 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 12 - HappinessWe start the week of emotions with one of the best ones: joy and happiness. Matt covers the verbs we use with the adjective happy, and reminds us how to use emotional nouns like joy.
Phrases from today:
-happy as a clam
-happy hour
-happy camper (commonly "not a happy camper")
For questions or comments, do be scared to send an email to bitesizedenglish@gmail.com. Matt will be HAPPY to help you.
2018-03-1209 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 11 - Present PerfectMatt covers the basics of the Present Perfect Simple and Present Perfect Continuous tenses. The example sentences are below:
-I have seen that movie before.
-She has written eight books.
-You haven't cooked dinner for months.
-Have you seen my watch??
-I have been living here for three years. OR I have been living here since 2015.
-Frank hasn't been eating much these days.
-Has Sam been watching The Price is Right all day?
-Have you been watching TV all day!?
Remember to comment if you have any questions or send an email to bitesizedenglish@gmail.com!
2018-03-1109 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 10 - Seconds, Minutes, HoursWe have a shorter episode today, covering some ways we use these three vocabulary words in phrases and practical spoken English.
To focus on:
half an hour, quarter of an hour, two and a half hours (NOT 2.5 hours)
24 hours describing a store, 24/7 describing something constant.
"Give me a minute/second/half a minute/18 seconds" - I need more time
"There are only so many hours in a day" - I don't have time to do everything.
Please send an email to bitesizedenglish@gmail.com for any questions or comments about the podcast!
2018-03-1008 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 9 - Phrases using "time"Today's phrases:
"It's time to +verb"
"The time has come"
"On time"
"I don't have the time"
"Time's Up"
"Good times"
"You got me at a bad time"
"It's a matter of time"
"Time flies"
"I am pressed for time"
"It's about time"
Be sure to post your questions or comments to bitesizedenglish@gmail.com!
2018-03-0912 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 8 - Time PrepositionsMatt goes over the main three prepositions we use with time, and also covers three less used (but still very important) prepositions.
We use in with: months, years, centuries, periods of time, times of the day
We use on with: days of the week, days+parts of the day, dates, special days
We use at with: clock times
Be sure to comment or send an email to bitesizedenglish@gmail.com!
2018-03-0808 minBite-sized EnglishMarch 7 - Days and MonthsMatt covers the origins of the names of the days of the week and months of the year.
The vocabulary for today:
Monday - Moon Day
Tuesday - Tyr's Day
Wednesday - Odin's Day
Thursday - Thor's Day
Friday - Frigg's Day
Saturday - Saturn's Day
Sunday - Sun Day
January - Janus, God of Doors
February - purification (the end of winter)
March - Mars, God of War
April - opening (the blossoming of flowers)
May - Maia, Goddess of Fertility
June - Juno, Goddess of Marriage
July - Julius Caesar
August - Augustus Caesar
September - sept=7
October...
2018-03-0710 minBite-sized EnglishPodcasts and IntroductionIn our first podcast, we will be learning what the goals of Bite Sized English will be and what podcasts are in general.
2018-03-0609 min