Charm English Pod

In this live English class, we’re looking at phrasal verbs for movement and the literal meaning behind the particles.We’ll look at expressions like:• go up / go down• come up to someone• walk down the street• walk along the river• walk around the city• wander around / wander off• sneak in / sneak out• storm out• barge in• step out• walk across / walk past• go through / go under• come back / get back / head back• walk into a room• run into someone• move over / come overOne of the reasons I like starting with movement is that it helps you see that phrasal verbs aren't always as random as they seem.The particles — up, down, in, out, around, off, back, through, over, into, etc. — often give us information about direction, position, or what happens to the movement.For example:I walked around the park.→ I stayed within the park and moved around without a specific destination.I wandered off.→ I walked away from where I was, without a clear destination.I’m in the room.→ I’m already inside.I walked into the room.→ I moved from outside to inside.We also look at how these literal meanings can develop into more idiomatic expressions:move forward with a projectget through a difficult timeget over someonebe into somethingget back at someoneThis is one of the things I really want my students to understand about phrasal verbs: you don't necessarily need to memorize every expression as a completely separate piece of vocabulary.There is often a logic behind the particle.Think of the verb as describing how you move:walk, run, climb, crawl, creep, dash, tiptoe…And the particle gives you more information about where or how that movement happens:up, down, around, away, into, through, over, back…Once you start paying attention to that relationship, you can become much more specific when you speak.Instead of simply saying:“He walked to me.”you might say:“He came up to me.”“He crept up on me.”“He wandered over to me.”“He stormed over to me.”This is the first class in a series I'm doing on phrasal verbs. We’re starting with the literal meanings and gradually moving toward the more idiomatic uses.🌐 Find my classes at charmenglish.cl

This class was all about relative clauses!

"My sister who lives in Canada is a doctor" vs. "my sister, who lives in Canada, is a doctor." Same words, different meaning!

In this live class we go through defining and non-defining relative clauses: when to use commas, when you can drop "who/which/that" completely, and why "that" never shows up with commas. Lots of student examples in here too, which will help you understand even more!

Full audio version is on Spotify if you'd rather listen: Charm English Pod Live classes happen every week on Saturday on Instagram (11am Chile time), and Tuesday on Tiktok (9:30pm Chile time)

This was the last grammar-heavy class before we move into phrasal verbs in September, so if you've got requests for that topic, drop them below.

Interested in taking a class with me? Group classes available at www.charmenglish.cl

Today's class was all about conditionals — specifically the part everyone gets stuck on, the if + past tense bit. I had students answer questions like "what would make you quit your job on the spot" and "in what situation would you eat a spider," and got some genuinely great answers!

We also got into was vs. were and practiced so many examples that I hope you can write down a few! Good episode if conditionals have always felt confusing to you.

In this live class, we go through several zodiac signs and read their personality descriptions: strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes. Along the way we stop on vocabulary that comes up: bucolic, insatiable, aloof, condescending, martyr, altruistic, and more, plus a few idioms like "to a T," "my way or the highway," and the phrasal verb "come across as."Adjectives covered for each sign:Aries — courageous, confident, passionate / impatient, moody, aggressiveTaurus — reliable, patient, practical / stubborn, possessive, uncompromisingScorpio — resourceful, brave, loyal / distrusting, jealous, manipulativeGemini — affectionate, curious, adaptable / nervous, inconsistent, indecisivePisces — compassionate, intuitive, wise / fearful, overly trusting, escapistCapricorn — responsible, disciplined, self-controlled / know-it-all, unforgiving, condescendingAquarius — progressive, independent, humanitarian / temperamental, uncompromising, aloofSagittarius — generous, idealistic, funny / over-promising, impatient, undiplomaticVirgo — loyal, analytical, hardworking / shy, overly critical, all work no playWe also talk about pronunciation (20th, realm, dull) and go off on a few tangents (as per usual) like Jesus' birthday, the difference between the Western and Chinese zodiac, and whether people actually identify with their sign.Good for intermediate/advanced learners who want to build descriptive vocabulary for talking about personality in English.Comment your zodiac sign and let me know if the description matches you.#LearnEnglish #ESL #EnglishVocabulary #Zodiac

In this episode, I talk about life milestones and the language we use to describe the big steps and changes in our lives, from getting into university and landing your first job to falling in love, getting married, moving out, and becoming independent.

We’ll look at useful expressions like get your foot in the door, learn the ropes, find your feet, work your way up, hit it off, ask someone out, turn someone down, pop the question, tie the knot, settle down, and put down roots.

We also talk about the idea that a milestone doesn't have to be something traditionally "big." Sometimes learning a language, passing an exam, starting over somewhere new, or simply becoming happier with your life can be a milestone too.

This one started with a leak in my apartment and a new vocab word (caulking gun, if you're curious) before we got into the actual lesson — phrasal verbs about trends: catch on, sell out, opt out, fit in, stand out, water down. Real examples, live chat questions, the usual tangents.

Also covered: podcast recs by level, fluency vs. precision, why grammar clicks once you've had enough exposure to it, plus a detour into 2000s eyebrows, Y2K fashion, and why I don't pick up unknown calls anymore.

For intermediate/advanced learners trying to sound less like a textbook.

Even if you don't follow sports, you've probably used a sports idiom without realizing it. In this episode, I break down common English idioms that come from soccer, boxing, baseball, American football, and horse racing — and show how they're used way beyond the field, court, or ring.

We cover:

We also talk through real-life examples — from immigration paperwork to forgetting a friend's birthday — so you can hear exactly how English speakers drop these phrases into everyday conversation, not just sports talk.

Great episode if you want to sound more natural in work meetings, casual conversations, or just understand what's going on when your English-speaking friend says the candidates are "neck and neck".

🎧 Listen now, and let me know your favorite idiom from the episode!

Keep in mind this was recorded last week so the World Cup conversation is not up-to-date :)

Learn English vocabulary for describing food! In this lesson, we cover an extensive vocabulary list for talking about taste and texture of food (both pleasant and upleasant.)

📚 VOCABULARY COVERED:

Basic Taste Descriptors:

Sweet, Sour, Spicy, Salty, Bitter

Delicious, Yummy, Tasty, Bland, Tasteless

Rich & Heavy Foods:

Rich (NOT the same as "rico" in Spanish)

Cloying / Sickly Sweet

Heavy, Caloric, Fatty

Savory & Umami Flavors:

Savory

Umami (Japanese word for savory/meaty flavor)

Meat-forward, Earthy

Fresh & Bright Flavors:

Zesty (citrus, ginger)

Tangy (pleasant sour flavor)

Refreshing

Citric, Acidic

Strong Flavors:

Pungent (garlic, onion, blue cheese, wasabi)

Bittersweet

Pleasant Textures:

Creamy, Velvety

Silky, Smooth

Crunchy, Crispy

Fluffy, Tender

Unpleasant Textures:

Gritty (hard, rough pieces)

Mushy, Soggy

Stale (not crispy)

Rubbery (tough, chewy meat)

Negative Descriptors:

Disgusting, Nauseating

Repulsive

Rancid (rotten tasting)

Vomit-inducing

✓ "Pig out" = eat a lot
✓ "Finger-licking good" = delicious
✓ "Junk food" = unhealthy food high in fat/sugar
✓ "Hearty meal" = filling, nutritious, homemade
✓ "Rich food" ≠ "delicious food" (it's heavy & creamy)

🎯 USEFUL PHRASES:

In this class, we break down all the ways English speakers talk about mistakes, failures, and obstacles with real examples you can actually use.

Learn these phrases:✓ Drop the ball✓ Snowball✓ Out of hand✓ In a pickle✓ Hit a snag✓ At fault vs. guilty✓ And more

Plus: My microphone has its own problems (and it accidentally becomes a techno remix 😅)

Perfect for intermediate learners who want to sound more natural when things go wrong at work, with friends, or just in everyday life.

In this live English class, we explore a variety of time-related expressions to help you sound more natural and precise in conversation.

We start with different ways to say “I’m late,” including phrases like running late, behind schedule, cutting it close, and racing against the clock, along with related expressions such as setbacks and holdups. Then we look at the opposite—how to talk about being early—covering ahead of schedule, on time, and in time, with a clear explanation of the difference between on time (not late) and in time (just before something happens).

Next, we focus on describing how time feels. For time passing slowly, we cover expressions like at a snail’s pace, taking ages, time dragging, and it felt like forever. For time passing quickly, we explore time flies, in the blink of an eye, before you know it, and losing track of time, all with practical examples.

We also introduce phrases to talk about frequency, such as every now and then, once in a while, from time to time, once in a blue moon, and time and again, highlighting the difference between occasional and repeated actions.

Toward the end, we expand into everyday language, including different ways to say sorry (from my sincerest apologies to my bad) and a quick pronunciation tip on apologize vs. apologies. The session finishes with a Q&A on topics like listening skills, accent, and fluency, with practical advice on improving through comprehensible input and effective listening strategies.

This class is ideal for intermediate learners who want to build vocabulary, improve fluency, and speak more naturally about time in English.

In this episode, I’m joined again by Vitória Tamarindo, an English teacher from Brazil! If you missed Part 1, make sure to check it out first. You can follow her here: https://www.instagram.com/teachervitoriatamarindo/

In Part 2, we get into practical strategies for learning English, from how to make the most of just 15 minutes a day to finding the right balance between comfort and challenge. We also share our thoughts on AI in language learning, reading as a tool for improvement, and what really helps students move from passive understanding to active use. Plus, some fun rapid-fire questions at the end.

Listen to Chapters 1-5 before this one! Practice your listening with this audiobook reading of Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. It is a coming-of-age story about Stargirl Caraway, a girl who starts high school in Mica, Arizona and immediately stands out from everyone else. Her quirky behavior surprises her classmates at first, but little by little, they begin to warm up to her.

Practice your listening with this audiobook reading of Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. It is a coming-of-age story about Stargirl Caraway, a girl who starts high school in Mica, Arizona and immediately stands out from everyone else. Her quirky behavior surprises her classmates at first, but little by little, they begin to warm up to her.

Leave a comment if you would like the next chapters!

Today’s live class is all about the subjunctive in English: how we use past verb forms to talk about wishes, regrets, preferences, and unreal or hypothetical situations. I break down key phrases like it’s time, I wish, if only, I’d rather, and as if/as though, and look at how they actually work in real conversations. You’ll see the difference between present vs past wishes, common mistakes (like was vs were), and how to sound more natural when expressing complaints, desires, or hypotheticals.

In this episode, I’m joined by Vitória Tamarindo, an English teacher from Brazil! You can follow her here: @teachervitoriatamarindo https://www.instagram.com/teachervitoriatamarindo/We talk about all sorts of things from where we live and life changes, to hobbies, her backgrounds in English, the role of music and pop culture in language acquisition, and the specific methodologies we use in our online classrooms to help students move past the basics.00:00 – Introduction04:23 – Rural life vs. city07:25 – Living in Chile12:20 – Getting into teaching15:35 – Music and pronunciation18:15 – Student-led topics24:55 – Lexical approach explained29:42 – Improvisation and games34:40 – Pre-tasks and learning

"Why am I learning this?" If you’ve ever asked that while staring at a grammar chart, this video is for you.

Most intermediate and advanced English learners know how to conjugate verbs, but they struggle to use them in real conversations. In this episode, we’re moving away from the textbook and into the real world. I’m walking you through all the major English tenses with practical, funny, and slightly ridiculous examples. Watching this video and taking away a new, highly relevant way that you can use one of these tenses is a win in my book!

Remember that tenses are tools for you to be more precise when you speak and say things in a way that's closer to your intention. We learn grammar to help us with real life situations.

Which verb tense is still hard for you to wrap your head around? Let me know in the comments!

Here's my website for classes: charmenglish.cl

Are you stuck on the intermediate plateau, or struggling to keep up with fast-talking native speakers? In this episode, I break down the mindset shifts and practical tools needed to move toward advanced English fluency.

In this episode, we cover:

Grammar as a Functional Tool: Why we use the Present Perfect for "catching up" and how the Past Perfect acts as the "past of the past." We use a specific (and slightly dramatic) crime scene example to show how these tenses clarify when things actually happened.

The Power of Listening: Why a few months of consistent podcast listening during your commute can create a very obvious difference in your ability to understand connected speech.

Identity & Speaking Fluency: Why your personality might feel different in English and how "playing" with a new persona can help introverted learners lower their inhibitions.

Mistakes: Why staying in your "safe zone" prevents growth and how to treat every error as a hypothesis for learning.

Subscribe for more insights on psycholinguistics, etymology, and practical English tips!

Check out my website at charmenglish.app :)

In this episode, I break down one of the most confusing parts of English: phrasal verbs. Why does bring up mean “mention”? What does hang out have to do with hanging?

I explain why phrasal verbs feel so random (and why they actually do have a bit of logic to them), why avoiding them can hold you back, and how they add nuance and naturalness to your English. Instead of memorizing endless lists, I show you how phrasal verbs are part of a system built on patterns, especially the meaning of particles like up, out, and off.

We also look at what phrasal verbs really are, how they’re different from prepositional verbs, and simple tests you can use to tell them apart. Plus, I walk you through the three main types of meaning, from literal to fully idiomatic, and how these meanings evolve over time.

The goal is to help you stop seeing phrasal verbs as random chaos and start seeing them as something logical, learnable, and even interesting.

Sign up for B1 and B2 speaking-focused English classes at charmenglish.app :)

In this English lesson, I explain several common phrasal verbs in English and how the small particles in phrasal verbs (off, out, up, over) change the meaning. Phrasal verbs are extremely common in everyday English, but they can be confusing for English learners because small words can completely change the meaning of the verb.

In this episode, we look at phrasal verbs such as shy away from, cool down, cool off, dry off, dry out, dry up, hand in, hand out, hand over, back up, back off, and back out. I explain the meaning of each phrasal verb, the differences between similar expressions, and how they are used in natural conversation.

You’ll also learn helpful patterns for understanding phrasal verbs more easily. For example, off often relates to surfaces or separation, out can indicate something leaving or becoming empty, up can signal completion or support, and over often suggests transfer or control. Understanding these patterns can make it much easier to learn and remember new phrasal verbs.

This lesson is ideal for intermediate (or higher level) english learnerswho want to expand their vocabulary, improve their listening skills, and sound more natural when speaking English.

If you want to improve your English vocabulary and better understand phrasal verbs in everyday English, this episode will help you learn how these expressions work in real conversations.

Want to join me in a small group class to practice your English? Sign up here!https://CharmEnglish.app

In this live English class, we talk about awkward but very important vocabulary that many English learners never study: bodily functions. These are words people often feel embarrassed to ask about, but they come up in everyday life more often than you think.

In this lesson, you’ll learn natural, common ways English speakers talk about things like acne, sweating, farting, burping, and using the bathroom. We also discuss the difference between formal, neutral, slang, and childish expressions, so you know what sounds natural in different situations.

Many learners accidentally use expressions that sound too childish, too medical, or too rude, so this class will help you choose the right words depending on the context.

Topics covered in this class include:• Skin vocabulary (pimples, acne, breakouts, flare-ups)• Farting and burping (common words and euphemisms)• Natural ways to say you need the bathroom• Informal vs polite expressions (pee, poop, pass gas, use the restroom)• Sweating expressions and idioms• Talking about body odor and bad breath politely• Student questions about slang like out of pocketandchopped

This class is great for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to sound more natural and confident in real conversations.

If you enjoy practical English lessons like this, subscribe for more live classes and vocabulary explanations.

In this live class, I taught reporting verbs, not just reported speech, but the verbs we use to explain what someone said. These verbs are especially useful in storytelling, conversations, and news contexts.

We started with verbs followed by the to-infinitive when the subject does not change, such as agree, demand, offer, promise, refuse, threaten, and claim. For example, “He agreed to come” or “She promised to help.” These verbs describe someone’s own action.

Then we looked at verbs that require an object + to-infinitive, such as advise, allow, ask, beg, command, encourage, forbid, instruct, invite, order, permit, remind, urge, warn, and want. These involve one person influencing another, like “She reminded me to pay the bill” or “He warned me not to touch it.”

Next, we covered reporting verbs followed by gerunds (-ing), which often express emotion or reaction. These include accuse someone of doing something, apologize for doing something, admit to doing something, boast about doing something, complain about doing something, deny doing something, insist on doing something, suggest doing something, and recommend doing something. We also clarified important differences, especially between deny and refuse.

We discussed how many reporting verbs can also be followed by a that-clause, such as “He claimed that he knew the answer.” I explained backshifting in reported speech, noting that changing the tense to the past is usually the safest option, but keeping the present tense is acceptable when the statement is still true.

Throughout the class, we practiced transforming direct speech into reported speech using different structures. We focused on common challenges, such as choosing between infinitives and gerunds, remembering prepositions, and deciding when to backshift.

At the end, I shared advice on learning gerunds:

Use gerunds as subjects (“Swimming is fun.”)

Use them as objects (“I enjoy reading.”)

Use them after prepositions and phrasal verbs (“I gave up smoking.”)

We wrapped up by emphasizing consistent practice and remembering that small mistakes are part of the learning process as we build confidence with these patterns.

In this episode, I talk about how small details in English—like hyphens—can completely change the meaning of a sentence. We look at examples like man-eating vs man eating, and I explain how compound adjectives work in everyday English.

I also go over:
• When to use hyphens before a noun
• Why we say a seven-day trip but the trip is seven days long
• Common compounds like see-through, well-made, stress-free, and last-minute
• Personality adjectives such as absent-minded, big-headed, and thin-skinned
• Informal expressions you might hear in real conversations

This episode is great for B1–B2 learners who want clearer writing, more natural speech, and fewer grammar doubts about hyphens.

Try this after listening:

Make three sentences with number + noun compounds (for example, a two-hour meeting).

Change a phrase into a compound adjective (plans at the last minute → last-minute plans).

Say your sentences out loud and notice how the words connect when they come before a noun.

I left the pauses in this audio so it's easier to use if you want to imitate me or shadow!

For english classes sign up here! https://charmenglish.app/

We covered a variety of topics, including vocabulary related to reactions in English, the challenges of learning Spanish for English speakers, and the importance of cultural immersion in language learning. I also share personal updates, such as upcoming family events, and discuss the nuances of teaching English, emphasizing the value of both native and non-native teachers. I engage with participants' questions and comments throughout.

We read reddit posts from Am I the A-hole, talked about icks and relationships, phrasal verbs, and more!

We go over some of my favorite conversaitonal phrases that you can use in your personal life or at work!

In this English class we practice using phrases for analyzing pictures taken in 2026, from this BBC article: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250905-the-most-striking-images-of-2025

The phrases wee practiced were:

It captures…

The photographer manages to highlight…

What stands out is…

You can clearly see…

It looks as though…

It might have been taken…

Judging by the lighting…

I get the impression that…

The timing is spot-on

Then at the end we have a Q&A. The conversation covers various themes, including human interaction with technology, activism and symbolism in art, the impact of striking images, improving English speaking skills, balancing language consumption and production, language learning and pronunciation, and managing anxiety in language learning.

Practice these specific sensory adjectives to get better at describing your holiday celebrations in English! Words in this episode:Savoryhaving a salty or rich taste, not sweetcheesepizzasoupFestivefun and happy, like a celebration or holidayChristmas lightsballoonsparty decorationsRusticsimple and natural, often from the countrysidea wooden tablea small country houseclay platesVelvetyvery soft and smootha velvet dresschocolate cake with smooth icinga soft pillowTangya strong, slightly sour tastelemon juiceyogurtorange sauceCrunchyhard and making noise when you eat itpotato chipsapplestoastButterytasting rich and smooth like buttercroissantsmashed potatoes with butterbutter cookiesChewysoft but hard to bite through quicklycaramelsgummy candybagelsWarma little hot or giving comforta cup of teaa sweatersunshineCreamythick, smooth, and softice creamcreamy soupyogurtSpicyhaving a hot or strong tastechili saucecurryspicy noodlesAromatichaving a strong, nice smellcoffeefresh breadherbsLivelyfull of energy and activitya busy marketa partya classroom gameEarthysmelling or tasting like nature or the groundmushroomspotatoessoil after rainTendersoft and easy to cut or bitecooked chickensteak cooked wellsoft breadNostalgicmaking you think about happy times in the pastold photoschildhood songstoys from when you were youngCozywarm, comfortable, and relaxinga blanketa small caféa sofa

This is a meditation from Alan Watts' 1969 album, "Why Not Now: Dhyana, The Art of Meditation"

I answer your questions about how to order a coffee, how to get better at speaking and listening to fast speech, and how to form mixed conditionals.

In this class we talk about when things going wrong can turn into opportunities!

The class includes plenty of phrases like "look on the bright side", "rejection can be redirection" and "hindsight is 20/20".

We also have a lot of practice with the connectors of concession, despite/ although/ even though.

You can check out my website at charmenglish.cl

In this episode I tell you everything you need to know to have a proper uncerstanding of the context of this US holiday. We unpack Thanksgiving: history, traditions, and perspectives often left out. I discuss the common Thanksgiving origin story that you might have been told or seen on TV. I trace the real historical origins to modern celebrations, including Friendsgiving, the turkey pardon, Black Friday’s origin, and Indigenous perspectives that challenge popular myths.
Further reading & sources• History.com — “History of Thanksgiving”https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-thanksgiving• Encyclopaedia Britannica — “Thanksgiving Day”https://www.britannica.com/topic/Thanksgiving-Day• Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian — “Rethinking Thanksgiving Celebrations: Native Perspectives on Thanksgiving”https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/informational/rethinking-thanksgiving• Delish — “The Dark Truth Behind the Origins of Thanksgiving”https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/a33984895/native-american-thanksgiving-holiday/• Boston University — “History of Thanksgiving”https://www.bu.edu/articles/2024/history-of-thanksgivingVideos & episodes to watch / listen• One Mic History — How Black Americans Made Thanksgiving Our Own (YouTube)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZr87VyUTaY&t=1s• Podcast — Is Thanksgiving a Feast of Lies? (Spotify)https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ejgX3JZnaJTNZmxKQ1T7y?si=f19f7e39fc584133

Group classes at www.charmenglish.cl

In this episode, we talk about how water shapes our daily lives, from water consumption habits to global challenges like droughtsand floods.. We talk about potable water and contaminated water.

Most of the class focuses on common English idioms related to water, like to be a fish out of water or "sink or swim".

Key Takeaways

A reminder that “water” is an uncountable noun in English—and why that matters

How water-related idioms enrich English communication

Essential water terminology for clearer, more accurate discussions

Cultural differences in attitudes toward water availability and quality

Sign up for classes here: charmenglish.cl

In this episode, we dive into how to use the prepositions at, in, and on inside common English idioms. I walk you through practical examples, song references, and clear explanations so you can understand these expressions and use them confidently in real conversations. Perfect for learners who want to sound more natural and fluent.

You'll learn:

How at / in / on function inside idiomatic expressions

Idioms for timing, like in the long run and at the 11th hour

Key phrases:

In the long run → future outcomes

At the 11th hour → last minute

In no time → very quickly

In the blink of an eye → extremely fast

On cloud nine → very happy

At your wits’ end → very frustrated

On fire → performing extremely well

On edge → anxious or tense

In hot water → in trouble

At risk → possible danger

In this episode, I announce the winners of our Spooky Story Contest and read the top three horror stories written by English learners! Each story brings something special — suspense, emotion, and creativity — and we explore what makes them so engaging.In this episode I read: the runner-up “The Mystery Story" by Akko, the chilling second-place entry, "My first night by myself at home" by Joao, and the haunting winner “Always Here For You” by Almir. After each reading we break down what we liked about the stories: language choices, pacing, and ways to build fear and emotional impact.

✨ Takeaways:

Creativity and originality make stories memorable.

Listening helps you learn vocabulary in context.

Analyzing stories deepens your understanding of how language works.

Keywords: spooky stories, storytelling, creative writing, writing contest, horror stories, English listening practice, story analysis, narrative techniques, vocabulary in context, engaging stories.

charmenglish.cl

In this episode we unpack how phrasal verbs turn into compound nouns. You will hear clear examples like takeover, breakdown, check-in, follow-up, and meetup, plus easy spelling tips and simple pronunciation rules to help your English sound more natural. Whether you use English at work, in social situations, or when making decisions, these words are everywhere. Listen for practice ideas you can try right away to lock this grammar into your speaking and writing.

What you will learn• How compound nouns form from phrasal verbs• Verb versus noun use, with easy examples• Spelling patterns and why some words change from two words to one word• Pronunciation and stress tips for natural sound• Plenty of examples to practice and remember these forms

Sign up for a class at ⁠charmenglish.cl⁠

In this episode I break down one of the trickiest parts of English grammar: verbs that take gerunds vs infinitives. We cover common patterns, mental-process verbs (think, imagine, recall), verbs of intention (intend, plan), and verbs that accept both forms with little change in meaning. Expect real-life examples, practical chunks you can use in conversation, and teaching tips for ESL learners (B2–C1). Whether you’re preparing for interviews, improving fluency, or teaching English, this episode gives bite-sized rules and plenty of practice ideas to make gerunds and infinitives stick.

Key takeaways

Some verbs require gerunds (e.g., enjoy, avoid) — often for likes/dislikes or ongoing actions.

Some verbs require infinitives (e.g., intend, decide) — often for intentions/decisions.

A small group of verbs can take both gerund and infinitive with little or no change in meaning (e.g., start, begin, continue).

Context and meaning decide which form to use — practise with categorised lists and speaking drills.

Use real-life examples and mixing activities to make the forms feel natural.

Practice suggestions

Make a 2-minute recording using 5 gerund phrases (I enjoy…, I’m used to…, I avoid…).

Role-play intentions: use infinitives for decisions (I intend to…, I plan to…, I decided to…).

Sorting activity: create two columns (gerund / infinitive) and sort verbs from the episode.

Conversation prompt: “What’s something you pretend to do? What’s something you intend to start?”

To watch on YouTube go to: https://youtu.be/TnxcbEHsdos

I chat with my sister Stacey about what it is really like to work in animal control. Stacey shares field stories, the kinds of calls she gets, and the choices officers make when balancing animal welfare and community needs. Along the way we focus on language that learners can use in real life. You will hear natural vocabulary and phrases, pronunciation practice of animal names, and clear explanations of animal behavior that help with safety and pet care. This is a great fast-paced conversation to learn plenty of vocabulary because we don't just use technical words, we also use a lot of conversational phrases and phrasal verbs (clutter up, on the books, etc.)

What learners will get from this episodePractice listening to everyday conversation about animals and jobsVocabulary and pronunciation examples for animal names and common phrasesStories about animals and animal controlPractical pet tips like microchipping and reading body language

In this live Q&A I answer student questions about casual speaking, speaking and learning tips, verb tenses (past perfect and the past participle,) causative verbs, pronunciation difficulties, and small language nuances like the difference between “shade” and “shadow.” I give many examples, correction tips, and practice suggestions you can use right away. Suitable for B1–B2 learners who want practical speaking practice and clearer grammar use.Some takeaways:-Use adverbs at the start of sentences to sound more natural.-Phrasal verbs are essential for conversational fluency.-Use past perfect to show event order/background.-Causative verbs (make/have/get) show actions done by others.-Cultural context improves comprehension and use.-Practice vowel sounds with rhymes and minimal pairs.-Balance communicative speaking with targeted grammar practice.-Solo speaking practice also builds fluency and confidence.

Remember you can watch on youtube at @charmenglishmaggie and you can sign up for a class at www.charmenglish.cl

In this episode, I explore sayings and life mottos that we live by. We dig into procrastination, motivation, and how social media shapes our views of other people’s lives. Along the way I share language tips for learners, cultural expressions you can use today, and simple mindset shifts that make action easier.

What you’ll get from this episode

Life mottos that can guide you and your lifestyle

Idioms that express motivation, acceptance and resilience.

Reflections on beating procrastination and not comparing yourself to others on social media

Language learning + communication tips for speaking English

Chapters (highlights) — jump in at the time that fits you
00:00 Intro • 02:14 Personal life mottos • 16:15 Honesty & communication • 23:06 No pain, no gain • 25:14 Social media comparisons • 27:07 Idioms & cultural expressions • 31:28 Language tips for interviews • 36:58 Final reflections

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In this episode, I break down how to use modals of possibility like may, might, and could in real-life English conversations. We also talk about phrasal verbs and idioms that help you sound more fluent and express uncertainty naturally — phrases like turn out, end up, and up in the air.

If you’re trying to speak English with more confidence, this lesson will help you understand how to talk about odds, likelihood, and future possibilities in a clear and natural way. It’s a great mix of grammar, pronunciation, and conversation practice, so you can use what you learn right away.

What you’ll learn:• How to use may, might, and could to express uncertainty• Common idioms and phrasal verbs for talking about results• Ways to describe odds and possibilities in everyday English• Tips to improve fluency and communication skills

Perfect for learners who want to build stronger English communication skills and sound more natural when they speak.

Sign up for English classes at charmenglish.cl

We talk about so much everyday health vocabulary, from sneezing and tissues and Kleenex, to symptoms, to phrasal verbs like pass out versus pass away.

This is a great episode for anyone wanting to work on their listening skills and useful vocabulary!

In this episode I sit down with Emily, my sister!

We talk about different varieties and dialects of English like AAVE, Scottish vs US English, and Polari. She also shares her experiences moving to Scotland and studying a Master's in teaching English. We talk about her experiences learning several languages and what's worked for her. This is a fast-paced episode with so much great info!

If you'd like to have an English class with Emily, you can sign up at www.charmenglish.cl

Dialects and varieties of English that we mention:

AAVE (African American Vernacular English)is a variety of English traditionally spoken by many African Americans. It has its own consistent grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, and is recognized as a legitimate dialect of English rather than “incorrect” English. To learn more, check out https://www.thoughtco.com/african-american-vernacular-english-aave-1689045 and the YouTube channel What's Good English https://youtu.be/Hw25n4Ehs4o?si=eqnYPAskO1aaqmnF and the work of linguists like Dr. Lisa Green

Polariis a secretive, informal language or slang historically used in Britain, especially by gay men, actors, and sailors, to communicate discreetly. It mixes elements from Italian, English, Romani, Yiddish, and slang. Read more in the work of Paul Baker https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/stories/polari-and-hidden-history-of-gay-seafarers

Scotsis a West Germanic language variety that developed from Early Middle English and is spoken in Scotland. It’s closely related to English but has its own distinct vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Scottish Gaelic (or Gaelic) is a Celtic language spoken in parts of Scotland. It has its own grammar and vocabulary, distinct from English and Scots, and is part of the same language family as Irish and Manx.

In this episode, we take a closer look at the word “as” and all the different ways it’s used in everyday English. You’ll hear common phrases like as soon as possible, as opposed to, as for, as far as, and more. We’ll also go over how “as” works in equative comparisons (I’m as tall as him), to show reason (As it was raining, we stayed inside), and as a time marker (I was looking outside as the bird flew by).

We’ll go over plenty of examples you can use right away in conversation—like as long as you finish your work first, as much as I’d love to go, or as if that were true. By the end, you’ll see just how versatile this small word can be and feel more confident using it in different contexts.

Looking for conversational English classes? There are spots in my B1 and B2 group classes online at www.charmenglish.cl:)

In this class we have so many tongue twisters and other tips and tricks for you to practice your pronunciation!

I show different vibrating sounds like S versus Z, TH, and B versus V.

We also talk about the flap T, which is when a T between two vowels sounds more like a D, and the US English R sound.

Listen and say the tongue twisters along with me!

This episode is all about spicing up your English with some kitchen and cooking vocab. We’re talking all the action words you need—slice, chop, mince, blend—so you can be more specific when telling people about foods from your country. Plus, we’ll hit the cooking methods: grill it, boil it, roast it, you name it.

Then we’ll put it all into practice, walking through how to make dishes step-by-step so you can actually use the words instead of just… knowing them.

If you’re a foodie, a home chef, or just someone who wants to talk about food without awkward pauses, this episode’s gonna give you the vocab to make your English chef’s kiss

In this very special interview episode, I sit down with Will, a fellow ESL teacher and online content creator from Venezuela, living in Colombia.

We talk about his own journey learning English and eventually becoming a teacher, and he shares what worked for him.

Along the way, we also dive into the challenges of mastering English, hear about his hobbies, and even sing a little bit, as to be expected at this point on Charm English Pod, heheh ;)

Whether you’re learning English or teaching it, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and insight in this conversation with Will!

Follow Will on instagram https://www.instagram.com/english_with.will/

and on TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@english.with.will

And follow me on instagram

https://www.instagram.com/charmenglishcl/

and YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@charmenglishmaggie

In this episode we talk about cats, your thoughts on cats, why we love or don't love them, etc.

Then we practiced using cat-related idioms, in particular ones used in the REAL WORLD (I'm an advocate of teaching students idioms that they might actually see and find useful, since there are so many of them out there, it's good to prioritize.)

And finally we had some hypothetical questions like what would you do if you were a cat. You all also taught me about cats in your cultures and how in some countries cats have seven lives instead of nine which was very surprising to find out!

At the end we have some random questions

Hello! Here are my top tips for job interviews and how to answer several common questions.

We go over how to answer "tell me about yourself" using the past, present, and future.

We practice the STAR method for sharing situations when asked behavioral questions (situation, task, action, result.)

We also talk about tough questions like what is your biggest weakness? and why should we hire you?

I hope you enjoy this episode, and please like and comment if you want more content like this :)

Join small group classes! 👩🏼‍🏫 www.Charmenglish.cl

Follow me on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/charmenglishcl/

And tiktok

https://www.tiktok.com/@charmenglishcl

And youtube

https://www.youtube.com/@CharmEnglishMaggie

In this episode, we talk about derivational forms —words that are created by adding prefixes or suffixes to a base word (also called a root). These added parts can change the meaning of the word or its grammatical category (like turning a verb into a noun or an adjective into an adverb).

For example:

From the verb teach, we get the noun teacher.

From the adjective happy, we get the noun happiness.

From the noun success, we get the adjective successful.

These are all derivational forms — words that come from the same root but play different roles in a sentence. Knowing how they work can help you build your vocabulary and communicate more precisely.

In this episode, I:

Explain what derivational forms are and we think of several examples

Talk about word roots and the different types we have in English, especially coming from Latin

Look at common negative prefixes like un-, in-, im-, ir-, and mis-

Practice identifying word families and patterns that can help you guess the meaning of new words

This is a topic that will help you on a standardized test or in your everyday life!

In this episode we explore the topic of connected speech. Learning about this will help you so much with your listening, when people speak quickly!

We tend to connect words when a word ends in a consonant and the next word starts in a vowel (Put it - putit).

Also, when one word ends in a vowel and the next word starts in a vowel. In some cases we add a W or Y sound (I agree - iyagree, go out - gowout)

And when a sound is repeated like big game, nice smile. (Nismile)

We also have elision where consonants in clusters are sometimes omitted, for example with interested.

There are so many tips in this live I think this is one to listen to all the way through!

In this class we talk about the present perfect tense and when to use it, practically in conversations! We also compare the simple past to the present perfect and discuss when to use each one. The present perfect is used for unspecified events in the past as well as events that started in the past and continue now.

Here's a strategy that will help you learn phrasal verbs more effectively: learn phrasal verbs that have double meanings, both literal and figurative. It's usually easier for us to remember literal and concrete actions, so by connecting figuritive uses to literal ones, it can serve as a memory trick.

🎙️ Adjective Order in English: Why We Say "Big Beautiful Desk" (Not the Other Way Around!)

Okay, so here’s something kinda weird about English—when we use a bunch of adjectives before a noun, there’s actually a pretty specific order that sounds right… even if we don’t realize it! 😅

Linguists have noticed a pattern, and it goes like this:
Opinion – Size – Age – Shape – Color – Origin – Material – Purpose.
(Yeah, OSASCOMP... but don’t worry, we’ll break it down!)

🪑 So we say:

a beautiful big wooden desk

a cute little red purse

an old round stone table

a nice new French café

BUT—some words, like big, are kind of pushy and often go in front of opinions:

a big exciting trip

a big terrible mess

a big fun party

It’s not about memorizing every detail—it’s more about getting used to what sounds natural over time. You’ll start to feel it the more you hear and use English. Promise! 💬

Try writing a few examples in the comments. I’d love to see your combos!

🎙️ Episode: Talking about Hypotheticals with the Second Conditional

In this lesson, I break down a powerful structure for expressing your opinions and desires: the second conditional. By the end of the episode, you’ll know exactly how and when to use “if + past tense… would + base verb” to talk about unreal, imagined, or unlikely situations.

Use it to…

📌Express wishes & dreams: “If I knew how to surf, I would move to California.”

📌Give polite advice or soften suggestions: “If I were you, I would ask for feedback.”

📌Speculate about unlikely events: “If aliens landed tomorrow, we would be amazed.”

Common errors:

“Will” vs. “Would”

❌ “If I win the lottery, I will buy a yacht.”

✅ “If I won the lottery, I would buy a yacht.”

Tense pairing

❌ “If she lives closer, we would meet more often.”

✅ “If she lived closer, we would meet more often.”

Everyday chat: “If I had more energy, I would go to the gym before work.”

Business emails: “If we reached our sales target, we would invest in new software.”

Social media & interviews: “If I were CEO, I would prioritize employee well‑being.”

Tip: Swap “were” for “was” in “If I were…” to sound more formal.

Ready to unlock the power of “what if”?🔔 Subscribe now so you never miss an episode📝 Reel to practice ➔ https://www.instagram.com/charmenglishcl/reel/C6bj_9ArmUi/?locale=pt_PT

Live class about reported speech plus a Q&A for the last 30 minutes where you asked me about conditionals, anxiety, pronunciation, and more!

Tips for reported speech:

📌you don’t have to include “that”, I do when I feel it’s needed for more clarity, maybe in writing when I have a long sentence, but in speaking it’s often omitted “she said ((that)) she enjoyed learning languages”

📌when reporting something that happened in the past, you can keep the verb that the person said in the present if it’s still true, but if it isn’t, or you aren’t sure, you have to change it to the past.

Some English tests and courses always ask that you convert the verb to the past but this isn’t always needed when it is still true (“he said he is here” vs “he said he was here”)

In this episode, we explore the power of gerunds in English—those versatile “-ing” forms that function like nouns. You’ll learn which trigger words demand a gerund, and you’ll practice high-utility chunks like I can’t stand and I’m responsible for in real-world contexts: starting and stopping actions, expressing feelings and emotions, making decisions, and tackling challenges.

📚 Further Reading & Resources

Purdue OWL – Gerunds, Participles, and Infinitiveshttps://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/mechanics/gerunds_participles_and_infinitives/index.html

Mango Languages – Gerunds in English: What Are They and How Are They Used?https://mangolanguages.com/resources/learn/grammar/english/gerunds-in-english-what-are-they-and-how-are-they-used

Preply Blog – Understanding English Gerunds: A Guidehttps://preply.com/en/blog/english-gerund/

EnglishAlex – 7 Ways to Use Gerunds (Including Passives!)https://www.englishalex.com/post/7-ways-to-use-gerunds-including-passives-audio-reading-included/

VOA Learning English – Verbs and Gerunds in Speech and Fiction Writinghttps://voa-story.com/2017-11-03-verbs-and-gerunds-in-speech-and-fiction-writing/

In this class we talked about so many different phrases that you can use in a conversation! Here are some:

👉🏻Discourse markers:

So basically…

Long story short…

At the end of the day…

I mean…

Not gonna lie (NGL)...

To be fair…

That being said…

For what it’s worth

Just putting it out there…

Lowkey / Highkey

👉🏻phrases for agreeing

for sure

definitely

no doubt

one hundred percent

I’m with you

that’s fairt

hat’s valid

me too/ I think so, too

me neither

I don’t either

👉🏻phrases for disagreeing

I mean...

I feel you, but...

I hear you, but...

That’s where I disagree

I gotta disagree with you there...

I’m gonna have to disagree with you there

That duoesn’t add up for me

Adding prepositions to the end of sentences!

Collocations with AT or IN

Subject questions with prepositions

Defining relative clauses

All of these topics come up in the live class today! Give it a listen :)

We talk about easily confused words like EFFECT and AFFECT, sensible and sensitive, amongst others!

To continue from the previous week, we had a live class with phrases that contain the word DO. As usual, this is a live class that is taught through instagram on Saturdays at 10am Chile time, and students participate by writing in the chat of the live while I am talking.

Video version coming soon!

Practice your listening and learn phrases at the same time!

Here is a live class we did, with phrases that include the word MAKE. Stay tuned because after this one we had a live class with the phrase DO which I will also upload.

In this class we practiced talking about preferences by answering "would you rather" questions. There is a lot of good everyday vocab in this one!

In this live class, I TAKE you on a journey with different phrases we can use with the word TAKE! During the class, students write commends with examples, which I read out loud during the class.