Just in case you were wondering, this is another podcast English lesson. And in case you like what I’m gonna teach here, I’ll give you some tips to help you remember it.  Today, I want to help you out with a handful of phrases that all use the words “in” and “case.” In this lesson, we’re going over expressions like “in case,” “in case of,” “just in case,” “in any case,” “in that case,” and  “whatever the case.” These are super common in daily English, and they each have their own little twist when it comes to grammar and meaning. My AI English Tutor is https://chatgpt.com/g/g-687344c0706c819184e8bda28d7582d9-ask-michael-your-english-teacher Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English better. Today, let’s look at three really natural phrases: kind of, sort of, and a bit. We use these to soften what we’re saying. They make a statement sound less strong, less direct — and that makes your English sound more natural in everyday conversation. For example, let’s say you’re tired after work. Instead of just saying, “I’m tired,” you can soften it by saying: “I’m kind of tired today.”  Or: “I’m a bit tired after work.” Here’s another one. Imagine you saw a movie, but you didn’t really love a it, but you don’t want to sound too negative. You could say:  “That movie was sort of boring.”  It’s not as harsh as, “That movie was boring.” So remember — kind of, sort of, and a bit are like little cushions for your sentences. They soften your opinion and make it sound friendlier and more natural. So, are you kind of ready to try these out in your own conversations? I bet you are! Oh, and don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Saturday Short. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsg Visit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ My AI English Tutor is https://chatgpt.com/g/g-687344c0706c819184e8bda28d7582d9-ask-michael-your-english-teacher 

Today, I want to talk about something that might seem small, but it actually plays a big role in everyday English — and that’s small talk. Small talk is one of those things that isn’t really taught in textbooks… but it’s something people do all the time in English-speaking countries. And if you’ve ever found yourself in an awkward elevator ride or sitting next to someone on a train and didn’t know what to say… this episode is for you.  My AI English Tutor is https://chatgpt.com/g/g-687344c0706c819184e8bda28d7582d9-ask-michael-your-english-teacher Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ Crickets Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/felix_quinol-24608446/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=113945 from https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=113945

Someone recently asked me if teaching English was a side hustle. Really? I hustle, that's for sure, but this is my only job. And I got my foot in the door in 1994 in Japan. Wow time flies! Today, we have another episode in our summer series about American culture. It’s Week 7, and today we’re talking about something that’s kind of a rite of passage in the U.S.—summer jobs. My AI English Tutor is https://chatgpt.com/g/g-687344c0706c819184e8bda28d7582d9-ask-michael-your-english-teacher Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

Lemme tell you something. An outdoor concert is a great way to have a blast and get into the grove. That’s where a lot of people enjoy the vibe and have a great time. Ah, live music in the summer. Nothing beats it! Today, we’re diving into one of the best parts of American summer culture — music and festivals. There’s just something about summer in the U.S. that makes people want to be outside, especially with good food, good friends… and good music.   My AI English Tutor is https://chatgpt.com/g/g-687344c0706c819184e8bda28d7582d9-ask-michael-your-english-teacher Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English Sunday Speak. Every Sunday, I’ll be here with a quick one-point tip to help you speak English more naturally. Now, sometimes in English we need to say “no,” but just saying no can sound too direct or even a little rude. So let’s look at some casual, yet polite, natural ways to say no. If someone invites you to do something and you don’t want to, you can say: - “I’ll pass.” Like, Want to come out for karaoke tonight? → Thanks, I’ll pass. - “Not really my thing.” Like, do you want to go bouldering? → Nah, That’s not really my thing. - And one that I like to use all the time is “It’s not my cup of tea.” Like, Everyone’s watching that new horror movie, but scary films are not my cup of tea. So, I’ll pass,  It’s not really my thing, and It’s not my cult of tea. When you need to refuse or decline something, these all sound softer, more polite, and very natural. So how about you? What’s something that’s Not your cup of tea? Leave a comment below Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsg Visit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ My AI English Tutor is https://chatgpt.com/g/g-687344c0706c819184e8bda28d7582d9-ask-michael-your-english-teacher

Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome to the very first Happy English, Friday Phrasal Verb. Starting today, I’ll be here every Friday with a quick, one-point English lesson to help you learn one new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.  Today’s phrasal verb is toy with. When you toy with something, it means you’re considering it, but not very seriously. It’s like you’re playing with the idea — maybe yes, maybe no, but you’re not 100% committed. And we usually use the phrase “Toy with the idea of” followed by a gerund.  - Like, my friend Alex has been toying with the idea of moving to Chicago, but he hasn’t started packing boxes yet. - And last week, Jessica said she was toying with the idea of starting her own bakery, but right now it’s just an idea. - And me? I’ve been toying with the idea of getting a new guitar, although I should probably sell one of the old ones first. So how about you? Are you toying with any ideas these days? Leave a comment below, at myhappyenglishy.com, or come tell me on Instagram @happyenglishny.  Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsg Visit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ My AI English Tutor is https://chatgpt.com/g/g-687344c0706c819184e8bda28d7582d9-ask-michael-your-english-teacher

Hey there! It’s Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English better.   Today’s point is one that even native speakers sometimes get mixed up: 👉 everyday which is one word vs. every day which is two words. Here’s the deal: Everyday (which is one word) is an adjective. It means “common” or “ordinary.” Like, Having a cup of green tea is part of my everyday routine.  Or These sneakers are my everyday shoes. Your everyday something is common or usual for you.  On the other hand, every day (which is two words) means “each day.” For example: I drink coffee every day. Or Meg goes for a jog every day before work. So, when something happens each day, it is an every day (that’s two words) activity.  Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsg Visit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ My AI English Tutor is https://chatgpt.com/g/g-687344c0706c819184e8bda28d7582d9-ask-michael-your-english-teacher: 

I used to drink a lot of coffee all day, but these days, I tend to just have a cup or two in the morning, so I’m drinking less coffee. Sure, it was hard to get used to, but now that I’m used to it, it’s all good! Today, we’re check out something that looks simple… but I’ve seen it trip up a lot of English learners. I’m talking about used to, be used to, and get used to. Yeah, they all kinda look the same — but they mean totally different things  My AI English Tutor is https://chatgpt.com/g/g-687344c0706c819184e8bda28d7582d9-ask-michael-your-english-teacher Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

I saw one of my old students the other day. I was like, how’s it going, and he goes, I finally found a new job. And I go, that’s awesome. And he was like, I finally got a job using English. And I was like, that’s really fabulous! Have you ever gotten stuck trying to figure out when to use say and when to use tell? These words seem really similar, but they’re used in different ways. So today, let’s break it down, nice and easy, with some everyday examples. And then, I’m gonna show you two other, more natural ways to talk about what someone said, that are not found in most textbooks. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsg Visit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ My AI English Tutor is https://chatgpt.com/g/g-687344c0706c819184e8bda28d7582d9-ask-michael-your-english-teacher: 

Wow! It’s really heating up out there today. In fact, I was totally burning up when I was walking the dogs. Thankfully I can cool down with the A/C.  Today, I've got some phrasal verbs for you that we use to talk about hot weather. Phrasal verbs are such an integral part of English. I mean, native speakers not only use them all the time, but prefer to use them in conversation. And you should to. Using this kind of language will make your spoken English sound much more natural.  My AI English Tutor is https://chatgpt.com/g/g-687344c0706c819184e8bda28d7582d9-ask-michael-your-english-teacher Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

They didn’t even say thank you.  Not “they didn’t say thank you.” They didn’t even say thank you. So… what’s the deal with even in negative sentences? In Episode 880, we looked at how to use even in general - like for comparisons and emphasis. But today, we’re going to zoom in on something more specific… and honestly, something really common - using even in negative sentences. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsg Visit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ My AI English Tutor is https://chatgpt.com/g/g-687344c0706c819184e8bda28d7582d9-ask-michael-your-english-teacher