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A review of present perfect with ever, never, just, yet, already, for, since.

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A review of present perfect with ever, never, just, yet, already, for, since.

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Present Perfect Tense, never, ever, just, already, yet, for, since

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Read the article about Artificial Intelligence vs Jobs (for humans!) and complete the vocabulary and reading tasks. Discuss in English with a friend or classmate if possible.

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Twelve Days of Christmas with Lyrics Christmas Carol & Song

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Merry Christmas and a very happy new year to you all 🎄🤗

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Merry Christmas and a very happy new year to you all 🎄🤗

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Christmas Songs and Carols - Love to Sing

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Twelve Days of Christmas with Lyrics Christmas Carol & Song

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Discussing pros and cons of reading a book vs watching a film

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Discussing pros and cons of reading a book vs watching a film

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Homework: writing a letter of complaint (ideas)

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Structure for a letter of complaint

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Read these formal letters and look at the structure and language used in letters of complaint.

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Using a spidergram to plan an article about your ideal home

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IELTS Speaking Lesson: Home - Keith Speaking Academy

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Advanced level vocabulary practice related to houses and accommodation

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IELTS Speaking Lesson: Home - Keith Speaking Academy

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Vocabulary, expressions, idioms, and collocations to help you talk confidently about the IELTS Speaking topic of Home and Accommodation.

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IELTS Speaking Vocabulary - Talking about accommodation

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IELTS Speaking Vocabulary - Talking about accommodation

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GERUND (-ing) or INFINITIVE (to) - When & How to Use them! (+ Free PDF & Quiz)

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How to Use the Past Perfect Tense in English - English Grammar Lesson

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Still not sure about the past perfect? Try watching this video lesson for a clear explanation and examples.

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How to Use the Past Perfect Tense in English - English Grammar Lesson

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Online explanation and practice exercises for the past perfect 🧐

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Look at these examples to see how the past perfect is used.

He couldn't make a sandwich because he'd forgotten to buy bread.
The hotel was full, so I was glad that we'd booked in advance.
My new job wasn't exactly what I'd expected.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

Read the explanation to learn more.

Grammar explanation

Time up to a point in the past

We use the past perfect simple ( had + past participle) to talk about time up to a certain point in the past.

She'd published her first poem by the time she was eight.
We'd finished all the water before we were halfway up the mountain.
Had the parcel arrived when you called yesterday?

Past perfect for the earlier of two past actions

We can use the past perfect to show the order of two past events. The past perfect shows the earlier action and the past simple shows the later action.

When the police arrived, the thief had escaped.

It doesn't matter in which order we say the two events. The following sentence has the same meaning.

The thief had escaped when the police arrived.

Note that if there's only a single event, we don't use the past perfect, even if it happened a long time ago.

The Romans spoke Latin. (NOT The Romans had spoken Latin.)

Past perfect after before

We can also use before + past perfectto show that an action was not done or was incomplete when the past simple action happened.

They left before I'd spoken to them.
Sadly, the author died before he'd finished the series.

Adverbs

We often use the adverbs already (= 'before the specified time'), still (= as previously), just (= 'a very short time before the specified time'), ever (= 'at any time before the specified time') or never (= 'at no time before the specified time') with the past perfect.

I called his office but he'd already left.
It still hadn't rained at the beginning of May.
I went to visit her when she'd just moved to Berlin.
It was the most beautiful photo I'd ever seen.
Had you ever visited London when you moved there?
I'd never met anyone from California before I met Jim.

Do this exercise to test your grammar again.

Language level

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Do you know how to use phrases like They'd finished the project by March or Had you finished work when I called? Test what you know with interactive exercises and read the explanation to help you.

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Keeping adults safe category page for Live Well in Cheshire East.

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What to do if you're a victim of scams or fraud | Age UK

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Often when we talk about scams, we discuss them in financial terms and don't talk about the emotional impact they can have. But they can leave us feeling embarrassed, unsettled and unsafe, and have a lasting impact on our confidence. They can also leave us feeling unsure about who we can trust.

But if you've been scammed, it's important to reach out and talk about what's happened. It's nothing to feel embarrassed about - these scams are increasingly sophisticated and are purposefully designed to steal your money by posing as people or organisations you trust.

They can catch you on a day you're busy doing something else, or just having one of those days. We've all had them.

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What to do if you're a victim of scams or fraud | Age UK

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If you have fallen victim to a scam, it can be devastating. Age UK provide details on what you can do if you are a victim of scams. Visit Age UK now.

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Listen to 6 minute discussions on topical subjects - BBC

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Listen to 6 minute discussions on topical subjects - BBC

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Our long-running series of topical discussion and new vocabulary, brought to you by your favourite BBC Learning English presenters.

From the archives

All 6 Minute English programmes pre-September 2014 can be found here.

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Our long-running series of topical discussion and new vocabulary, brought to you by your favourite BBC Learning English presenters. All 6 Minute English programmes pre-September 2014 can be found here.

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BBC Learning English - BBC Learning English - Podcasts

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Test your Level 1 grammar with this Kahoot quiz

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Test your Level 1 grammar with this Kahoot quiz

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Join a game of kahoot here. Kahoot! is a free game-based learning platform that makes it fun to learn – any subject, in any language, on any device, for all ages!

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Try the imitation technique to improve your pronunciation and intonation

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Try the imitation technique to improve your pronunciation and intonation

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Lesson 1 - Speak English Clearly! The Imitation Technique

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By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

KNOW-HOW

Adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the milk sours it slightly, mimicking sharp-tasting buttermilk, often used in scones but sometimes tricky to find. The slightly acidic mix gives a

boost to the raising agents in the flour and baking powder.

JANE SAYS...

Scones are so quick to make that my mum would often emerge with a plateful before we'd even noticed she'd gone! I've borrowed her tip of using warm milk, and added a few tricks of

my own for light scones that rise every time

TOWERING TALL

For toweringly tall scones, always pat the dough out a bit thicker than you think you should. I say pat rather than knead because scones are essentially a sweet soda bread and, like other soda breads, will become tough when over-handled. Kick-start the scones' rise with a hot baking tray and don't leave the dough sitting around. If you like your scones with lots of juicy fruit, stir 85g plump sultanas into the mix at the same time as the sugar.

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Make classic scones with this easy recipe, perfect for everyday baking and occasions. Find more baking and cake recipes at BBC Good Food.

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I will put the scone recipe on here soon! 😁

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Happy holidays everybody and thank you for a lovely party 🎉🤩🎶

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2nd Conditional explanation and exercises

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2nd Conditional explanation and exercises

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We use the second conditional in English when we want to talk about unreal situations or things we don't think will happen. We use it to talk about the possible results of these situations. It is made like this:
if + past simple, ... would + infinitive
Here are some examples:
If we all recycled more, there would be a lot less waste in the world.
If I lived by the sea, I'd go swimming every day.
A conditional sentence has two parts. The if part tells us about the unreal or unlikely situation. The would part tells us the possible results of this situation.
If I lived by the sea, ... (This is the imaginary situation.)
If I had more free time, I would be more relaxed.
I would be more relaxed if I had more free time. If it were time to leave, I'd go.
We'd have lunch outside if it weren't raining. ... I'd go swimming every day. (This is the result of the imaginary situation.)
The two parts can come in any order. When the if part comes first in the sentence, we put a comma between the if part and the would part. You don't use a comma when the would part comes first.

We use the past simple in the if part - but second conditional sentences aren't about the past. We use the past form to show that the situation isn't real. The would part tells us the result of this imaginary situation.

We sometimes use were instead of was in the if part of a second conditional sentence. It means the same, but when we use were, the sentence sounds more formal.

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BBC Learning English - Course: lower intermediate / Unit 24 / Grammar Reference

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We use the second conditional in English when we want to talk about unreal situations or things we don't think will happen. We use it to talk about the possible results of these situations. It is made like this: if + past simple, ...

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Practice with zero, 1st and 2nd conditionals

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Practice with zero, 1st and 2nd conditionals

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Look at these examples to see how zero, first and second conditionals are used.

If you freeze water, it becomes solid.
If it rains tomorrow, I'll take the car.
If I lived closer to the cinema, I would go more often.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

Read the explanation to learn more.

Grammar explanation

Conditionals describe the result of a certain condition. The if clause tells you the condition ( If you study hard) and the main clause tells you the result ( you will pass your exams). The order of the clauses does not change the meaning.

If you study hard, you will pass your exams.
You will pass your exams if you study hard.

Conditional sentences are often divided into different types.

Zero conditional

We use the zero conditional to talk about things that are generally true, especially for laws and rules.

If I drink too much coffee, I can't sleep at night.
Ice melts if you heat it.
When the sun goes down, it gets dark.

The structure is: if/w hen + present simple >> present simple.

First conditional

We use the first conditional when we talk about future situations we believe are real or possible.

If it doesn't rain tomorrow, we'll go to the beach.
Arsenal will be top of the league if they win.
When I finish work, I'll call you.

In first conditional sentences, the structure is usually: if/ when + present simple >> will + infinitive.

It is also common to use this structure with unless, as long as, as soon as or in case instead of if.

I'll leave as soon as the babysitter arrives.
I don't want to stay in London unless I get a well-paid job.
I'll give you a key in case I'm not at home.
You can go to the party, as long as you're back by midnight.

Second conditional

The second conditional is used to imagine present or future situations that are impossible or unlikely in reality.

If we had a garden, we could have a cat.
If I won a lot of money, I'd buy a big house in the country.
I wouldn't worry if I were you.

The structure is usually: if + past simple >> + would + infinitive.

When if is followed by the verb be, it is grammatically correct to say if I were, if he were, if she were and if it were. However, it is also common to hear these structures with was, especially in the he/ she form.

If I were you, I wouldn't mention it.
If she was prime minister, she would invest more money in schools.
He would travel more if he was younger.

Do this exercise to test your grammar again.

Language level

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Do you know how to use the zero, first and second conditionals? Test what you know with interactive exercises and read the explanation to help you.

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Thank you for the lovely birthday cake and all the good wishes! :)

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Thank you for the lovely birthday cake and all the good wishes! :)

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Test yourself on If / Unless with this fun quiz!

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Test yourself on If / Unless with this fun quiz!

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Wordwall - Create better lessons quicker

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Quiz - A series of multiple choice questions. Tap the correct answer to proceed.

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Useful expressions for agreeing and disagreeing in discussions

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Useful expressions for agreeing and disagreeing in discussions

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This page is about words and phrases that we use when we agree or disagree with someone in English.

Stating an opinion

In my opinion...

The way I see it...

If you want my honest opinion....

According to Lisa...

As far as I'm concerned...

If you ask me...

Asking for an opinion

What's your idea?

What are your thoughts on all of this?

How do you feel about that?

Do you have anything to say about this?

What do you think?

Do you agree?

Wouldn't you say?

Expressing agreement

I agree with you 100 percent.

I couldn't agree with you more.

That's so true.

That's for sure.

(slang) Tell me about it!

You're absolutely right.

Absolutely.

That's exactly how I feel.

Exactly.

I'm afraid I agree with James.

I have to side with Dad on this one.

No doubt about it.

(agree with negative statement) Me neither.

(weak) I suppose so./I guess so.

You have a point there.

I was just going to say that.

Expressing disagreement

I don't think so.

(strong) No way.

I'm afraid I disagree.

(strong) I totally disagree.

I beg to differ.

(strong) I'd say the exact opposite.

Not necessarily.

That's not always true.

That's not always the case.

No, I'm not so sure about that.

Interruptions

Can I add something here?

Is it okay if I jump in for a second?

If I might add something...

Can I throw my two cents in?

Sorry to interrupt, but...

(after accidentally interrupting someone) Sorry, go ahead. OR Sorry, you were saying...

(after being interrupted) You didn't let me finish.

Settling an argument

Let's just move on, shall we?

Let's drop it.

I think we're going to have to agree to disagree.

(sarcastic) Whatever you say./If you say so.

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Expressions for Agreeing and Disagreeing

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The English words and expressions we use to agree with or argue against other people. With example sentences. For ESL learners.

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Video and exercises about two men getting their hair cut in the UK

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Watch Dev from India and Fernando from Spain visit the barber's.

Getting your hair cut when you are abroad can be scary. The language related to getting a haircut is very specific and rarely used away from the barbershop.

The challenge this week is all about communicating with the barber.

Who do you think will win?

Language you need at the barbers!

The following activities will help you if you need to have a haircut in the UK. The first activity is a comprehension activity that should help you notice the important language in the video.

Your turn

What hairstyle do you have?

How often do you go to the barbers or hairdressers?

Rank

Name

Score

Rank

Name

Score

Rank

Name

Score

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تعلم اللغة الإنجليزية

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выучить английский язык

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In this video, Dev from India and Fernando from Spain visit the barber to get their hair cut.

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Learn to recognize and understand a Manchester (Mancunian) accent!

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Learn to recognize and understand a Manchester (Mancunian) accent!

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BBC Learning English - BBC Learning English - Podcasts

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Do you want to improve your English pronunciation? Well, you've come to the right place. Tim's Pronunciation Workshop shows you how English is really spoken. It'll help you become a better listener and a more fluent speaker.

The Sounds of English

Scroll down to the bottom of this page for The Sounds of English, our video guide to all the consonant and vowel sounds in the English language. Watch, listen and repeat. It's as simple as that!

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Do you want to improve your English pronunciation? Well, you've come to the right place. Tim's Pronunciation Workshop shows you how English is really spoken. It'll help you become a better listener and a more fluent speaker.

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Use this resource to check the top 3000 words that you need to know in English! You can filter by level, listen to British or American pronunciation and click on the word to see definitions and examples. 

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Use this resource to check the top 3000 words that you need to know in English! You can filter by level, listen to British or American pronunciation and click on the word to see definitions and examples. 

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Oxford 3000 and 5000: the most important and useful words to learn in English | OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com

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Listen to people discussing New Year's resolutions (BBC - 6 Minute English podcast)

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Listen to people discussing New Year's resolutions (BBC - 6 Minute English podcast)

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This week Dan and Kate discuss their New Year's resolutions and hear what some people are promising themselves for 2010.
This week's question:
What is the most common goal for people making New Year's resolutions? Is it:

a) to sort out their finances and money
b) to lose weight
c) to learn a new language

Listen out for the answer in the programme!

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Dan and Kate discuss their New Year's resolutions, 6 Minute English, 7 Jan 2010

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Listening practice: discussing New Year's Resolutions

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Listening practice: discussing New Year's Resolutions

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Happy Sankranti! Thank you Swapna and Sneha for the delicious treats!

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Happy Sankranti! Thank you Swapna and Sneha for the delicious treats!

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all! Here is an easy traditional recipe for mince pies, like I made for you :)

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all! Here is an easy traditional recipe for mince pies, like I made for you :)

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Video: how to make easy mince pies
The humble mince pie is a Christmas staple and for good reason... they are blooming delicious. But even though they have been on the festive menu for years (traceable back to the 13th century), many people actually don't know how to make them. Do you?
If you're a mince pie novice then you've come to the right place. Our food editor has opened up her recipe book and given you access to the simplest step-by-step guide there is.

Taken from the method she used to bake traditional pies when she was still in school, this recipe can be followed by everyone.

Using classic 'mincemeat', which consists of fruit and spices and then encased with a buttery shortcrust pastry, these treats are sure to not go to waste.

And once you've mastered those, keep reading. We have some fancier alternative mince pie recipes for you too.
Tips for living well - get our free Food & Health newsletter - shop savvy, eat well, stay healthy

1. Set oven to 200°C/190°C Fan/gas 6. Grease a 12-hole bun tin with butter.

2. Make pastry. Rub 100g fat into 200g plain flour gently, until you have crumbs.

3. Add icy cold water splash by splash until you get a dough.

4. Store pastry in the fridge for 10 minutes.

5. Lightly flour table top and roll pastry out on it.

6. Cut out 12 circles using a large pastry cutter and 12 stars using a small pastry cutter.

7. Place the 12 large pastry circles into the bun tin. Add a teaspoon of mincemeat to each bottom. Then place one of the stars on top of each.

8. Brush each top with a little milk and then dust with a sprinkling of sugar if you wish.

9. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until lightly browned.

10. Lift out onto a wire cooling rack and serve once slightly cooled.

How to make easy mince pies

200g plain flour

100g fat (butter or spread) or 50g butter and 50g spread

300g jar of mincemeat

Splash of milk to glaze

Sugar to sprinkle on top (optional)

For 12 pies, you will need:

1. Set the oven

200°C/190°C Fan/gas 6. Grease a 12-hole bun tin with butter.

2. Make the pastry

Rub 100g of fat cut into small cubes into 200g plain flour gently with your fingertips, until you have crumbs.

Make sure your hands are nice and cold when you're rubbing in the fat with the flour by running very cold water over the pulse points in your wrists.

3. Add icy cold water

Add the water splash by splash until you get dough. The amount of water needed will depend on the type of flour and fat used, so just add a little each time. You can stir it with a spatula to start with, but as it gets wetter you'll want to get your hands in to gather the ball of pastry together.

Once you have your ball of dough, rub it around the sides and bottom of the bowl to pick up any loose bits that remain, so you end up with a clean bowl.

Made your pastry too wet? Just add a little more flour to bring it back to a dough-like consistency.

4. Store pastry in the fridge for 10 minutes

This is known as leaving your pastry to rest. You do it to try and minimise the pastry in your baking tins from shrinking once you cook it. You can simply leave it in the bowl and pop it into the fridge.

5. Lightly flour table top and roll pastry out on it

You want to get your pastry thin enough to cut out the 24 shapes you are going to need. Try and roll the pastry big enough so you can cut as many of the shapes for your mince pies out in one sitting. If you run out you'll have to screw the remaining pastry up into a ball and re-roll it. But any re-rolling isn't great for your pastry's health, so try and avoid it.

6. Cut out 12 circles

Using a large pastry cutter make 12 circles and then 12 stars using a small pastry cutter.

7. Place the 12 large pastry circles into the bun tin

Add a teaspoon of mincemeat to each bottom. Then place one of the stars on top of each.

Don't be tempted to add in too much mincemeat. It might not look much but it will bubble up.

Over-fill your pies and you'll end up with mincemeat that leaks over the top of the pastry and turns into hard, burned bits on your pie tin.

8. Brush each top with a little milk

Then dust with a sprinkling of sugar if you wish.

9. Bake in the oven

They should take around 15-20 minutes. Keep checking and take them out when they are lightly browned.

10. Lift out onto a wire cooling rack

Serve once slightly cooled. Don't be tempted to eat your pies too quickly as the filling will be molten and will burn your mouth.

Getting the perfect bake

While you're baking your pies do keep an eye on them. There are plenty of oven variables that can affect how your food is cooked. Through our rigorous oven lab tests we found that some models don't evenly spread heat as you'd hope, causing uneven browning. If so, try rotating the baking tray a couple times while cooking.

Are you thinking of buying a new oven in time for the Christmas cook up? We check everything from the heat supply to how easy it is to use; read our to ensure you get the most out of our baking.

The best mince pies to buy

If you don't fancy making your own. Our experts have taste tested premium mince pies and there was one clear winner. Discover which supermarket made this year's .

Easy mince pies with pastry that will impress

If you've got the hang of easy mince pies and you want to add a little something to impress your guests at Christmas dinner, why not try making mince pies with this delicious Austrian sweet pastry?

225g plain flour

50g caster sugar

150g butter or spread

50g ground almonds

Grated rind of a lemon

1 egg

1. Set your oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4

2. Rub your fat and flour together with your fingertips until they become crumbs. Add in the rest of the pastry ingredients and mix to a firm dough. You might need to add a splash or two of water as per above.

3. Follow on from step 4 in our easy mince pies recipe above.

For the Austrian pastry, you will need:

What type of pastry makes the best mince pie?

Over the years the core ingredients of the mince pie have been tested, altered and adjusted. One of these interchangeable ingredients is the pastry casing.

Typically baked with a shortcrust pastry, the mince pie as most of us know it has a slightly biscuit like, crumbly texture and is pretty sturdy. Shortcrust is the easiest to make, too - see our recipe above.

But some bakers now also use puff pastry for their pies. The main difference is the fat content (puff pastry has more fat) and how simple it is to prepare. Puff pastry requires the baker to layer butter into the pastry to allow for puffing, thus creating a lighter, flakier casing. That's why many at-home cooks tend to buy shop-bought puff pastry rather than making their own.

Puff pastry Christmas recipe tip - Always end up with leftover Christmas pudding? Or experts suggest crumbling it in between two circles of shop-bought puff pastry to make Christmas pudding Eccles cakes. Read our Christmas pudding reviews .

Jamie Oliver has added another option to the mix as well! Filo pastry mince pies... Using a mixture of home-made or shop bought filo and puff pastry, the British chef says they are 'super easy' to make. If you fancy giving them a go, check out Jamie Oliver's perfect mince pie recipe.

What can you add to your mince pie pastry?

We talked to our food editors to find out what their top tips were for mince pie pastry additions. Suggestions included lard in the pastry, marzipan balls and icing sugar in the flour. But our favourite was tangerine rind. This citrus twist tastes delicious and makes for a 'zingy outer shell'.

The mince pie filling

Nuts - Depending on what your tastes are, adding almonds, Brazil nuts and hazelnuts will all work with your mincemeat. If you're a real nut lover then why not add all three?

Orange/Lemon zest -Some people find that shop bought mincemeat can be a too sweet. Try adding some orange or lemon zest to balance out the flavours.

Mascarpone -Add some indulgence to your pies by stirring through a spoonful of mascarpone.

Chocolate - If you really want to experiment then try stirring in a little grated chocolate or melting it into the mincemeat.

Rum -Give your pies a little Caribbean twist with rum instead of brandy.

The early mince pie was also known as a mutton pie or a Christmas pie and was filled with meat, such as lamb, beef and game, rather than the dried fruit mix they are today. The pies were bigger and oval shaped then and came about as a way of preserving the meat.

Nowadays, the classic mincemeat ingredients are a lot sweeter and include a variety of fruits such as apples, dried raisins, lemon, currants and brandy. But like all long-serving recipes, they can be open for interpretation. Here are some tasty additions to jazz up your shop bought mincemeat...

Mince pie recipes from top chefs
You will need
Patrick Moore's ultimate mince pie recipe

250g good-quality shortcrust pastry - your own or ready-made.

Patrick runs the Artisan Bakery and is one of our Which? baking experts, helping us in our quest to find the best mince pies and Christmas puddings you can buy. Here is his recipe for the ultimate mince pies. We first published it in 2011 and it's so good that one of our Which? experts has been making these mince pies every year since. She says they are a great alternative pies for those people who don't really like traditional mince pies.

50g ground almonds

50g salted butter

50g icing sugar

1 whole egg

15ml double cream

5ml dark rum or amaretto

2 drops almond extract

To finish: 20g flaked almonds

25g castor sugar,

Icing sugar to dust

1. For best results use a food mixer with paddle attachment to make this topping.

2. Add all ingredients to bowl starting on lowest speed first (or the room will be engulfed by sugar dust!) and gradually increase the speed to fastest and mix for five minutes, until the mixture lightens in colour and texture.

3. Using the uncooked pastry shells, evenly apply around 400g mincemeat for the large tart or 50g to individual tarts and smooth the top.

4. Top with frangipane, smooth and sprinkle with flaked almonds and then a tablespoon of castor sugar.

5. Bake at 180C/fan oven 170C/gas mark 4 for 30-40 minutes, cool slightly and serve with a dusting of icing sugar, or with rum butter and vanilla ice cream.

Rather than make your own, Patrick says a good 'cheat' is to buy a good-quality ready-made and stir through a little amaretto liquor.

Frangipane topping

Gluten-free mince pies
What do you like to serve mince pies with?
To make sure everyone can enjoy their best version of a mince pie we have also tested the shop-bought gluten-free mince pies on offer in the supermarkets. Our food experts have informed us that they have improved since previous years. So, if you still don't want to get your bake on, then take a look our gluten-free mince pie Best Buys .
Hot or cold mince pies?
How to get the best from your mince pies
Is it best to freeze mince pies cooked or uncooked?
Dan Lepard, award-winning baker and Which? expert

A food writer friend suggested putting a slice of the best cheddar on top. It's like apple pie and cheese... so good. But another is with double cream whisked into soft peaks with brandy, a little sugar and vanilla.

When you serve them warm the flavour is much more pronounced and sweeter. Should you keep the foil case on when reheating? I take the mince pies out of the foil and sit them on a tray lined with non-stick baking paper before heating, as this makes the pastry extra crisp.

You will get the best results if you freeze puff pastry mince pies uncooked, whereas shortcrust pies can be frozen either cooked or not.

Expert view: Serving supermarket pies

Patrick Moore | Award-winning artisan bread maker

If you want your shop-bought mince pies to create a real wow factor with your guests, try some of the following ideas. Mulled wine, port, hot chocolate (family-friendly or with a splash of rum), sloe or damson gin are always well received with mince pies - as is a nice cup of refreshing Earl Grey tea. I prefer mine served with clotted cream or Cumberland rum butter - a combination of dark brown muscovado sugar, butter, rum and a hint of nutmeg.

Another of my favourites is to take 150g of double cream and lightly whip it until it's the consistency of shaving cream. Then add two to three tablespoons of rum, whisky or cognac.
: see what supermarket specials are availabile, from smashing dome christmas puddings to vegan mains
On the cold front, it's hard to beat a scoop of soft vanilla ice cream, with the lovely black seeds from the pod visible. Also, if you wish to go the extra mile, lift the lid on your mince pie, place any of the above inside, then replace the lid and serve to an unsuspecting friend.

Always serve mince pies slightly warm and not hot - molten mincemeat burns are never appreciated.

Make sure you follow the reheating instructions on the box. Of course, you could always simply dust them with icing sugar and serve with a sprig of holly, while throwing another log on the fire and listening to Silent Night...

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Learn how to make the best mince pies with our easy recipe that will impress and get expert tips from Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood and Deliciously Ella. Discover how to get the perfect bake and what type of pastry makes the best mince pie.

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20 British Slang Phrases and Expressions - English Vocabulary Lesson

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Follow this link to learn new vocabulary with videos and interactive exercises

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Follow this link to learn new vocabulary with videos and interactive exercises

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How to Talk About Food and Cooking - Video

In this lesson, you can learn about how to talk about food and cooking using clear, natural English. Learn useful vocabulary to talk about food in English.

See the full lesson here

How to Describe People in English - Video

Learn how to describe people in English. You can learn useful words and phrases to describe a person you know in clear, detailed and natural English.

See the full lesson here

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Free English vocabulary lessons. Learn English vocabulary on many different topics with these free video lessons. Build your English vocabulary fast!

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Some practice with the pronunciation of sounds that are difficult for speakers of Cantonese and Mandarin.

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Some practice with the pronunciation of sounds that are difficult for speakers of Cantonese and Mandarin.

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English pronunciation lesson for Chinese speakers

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Interactive exercises and explanation of the present perfect continuous

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Interactive exercises and explanation of the present perfect continuous

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Look at these examples to see how the present perfect simple and continuous are used.

We've painted the bathroom.
She's been training for a half-marathon.
I've had three coffees already today!
They've been waiting for hours.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

Grammar test 1

Grammar B1-B2: Present perfect simple and present perfect continuous: 1

Read the explanation to learn more.

Grammar explanation

We use both the present perfect simple ( have or has + past participle) and the present perfect continuous ( have or has + been + -ing form) to talk about past actions or states which are still connected to the present.

Focusing on result or activity

The present perfect simple usually focuses on the result of the activity in some way, and the present perfect continuous usually focuses on the activity itself in some way.

Ongoing states and actions

We often use for, since and how long with the present perfect simple to talk about ongoing states.

How long have you known each other?
We've known each other since we were at school.

We often use for, since and how long with the present perfect continuous to talk about ongoing single or repeated actions.

How long have they been playing tennis?
They've been playing tennis for an hour.
They've been playing tennis every Sunday for years.

Sometimes the present perfect continuous can emphasise that a situation is temporary.

I usually go to the gym on the High Street, but it's closed for repairs at the moment so I've been going to the one in the shopping centre.

Do this exercise to test your grammar again.

Grammar test 2

Grammar B1-B2: Present perfect simple and present perfect continuous: 2

Language level

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Do you know the difference between We've painted the room and We've been painting the room? Test what you know with interactive exercises and read the explanation to help you.

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Take a look at our class tips for staying safe online

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Take a look at our class tips for staying safe online

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Test yourself on the present perfect vs simple past in this quiz

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Test yourself on the present perfect vs simple past in this quiz

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Wordwall - Create better lessons quicker

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A video explaining the present perfect in detail

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A video explaining the present perfect in detail

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Present Perfect Verb Tense - English Grammar Lesson

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The first conditional - explanation and online exercises

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The first conditional - explanation and online exercises

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Meaning and use

We use the first conditional to talk about possible future situations (or 'conditions') and their results.We use if for things we think are likely to happen, and when for things we think are certain to happen.

It is't certain that I will go to London.

It's certain that I will go to London.

Form

A conditional sentence usually has two parts: the if/when part and the result ( main) part. For the first conditional we use the present simple in the if/when part, and will + infinitive (without 'to') in the main part.
Conditional clause (if/when part) + Main clause (main part)
If/When + present simple - will + infinitive without to
The two parts can be in any order. When we write, when the if part comes first, we put a comma between the if/when part and the main part. We don't use a comma when the main part comes first.

Positive

Negative
When you finish Take Note: modals school, what will you do?
How will he feel if he doesn't get the job?
We might be late if the shops are busy.
If I feel unwell tomorrow, I may stay at home.
You shouldn't use the kettle if it isn't working properly.
If you can't finish your homework tonight, you can't go out tomorrow.
When you can smell the cake, you'll know that it's cooked.
If you pass your exams, will you go to university?
Question
If we don't leave right now, we're going to be late.
If you're playing tennis later, you'll need to take your racket.
We can use modals such as may, might, can or should in first conditional sentences. May and might show we are less certain than when we use will.

Take note: going to and present continuous with future meaning

We can use going to or the present continuous with future meaning in the if/when part or the main part.

Take note: as long as and unless

We can use as long as and unless with the same meaning as if and if not:

we leave now, we won't be late. (= If we leave now, we won't be late.)
Unless we leave now, we'll be late. (= If we don't leave now, we'll be late.)

Spoken English

The will in the first conditional can be shortened to 'll in both speaking and informal writing. In the negative form, will not can be shortened to won't.

If I lose my umbrella, I'll buy another one.
We won't be pleased if we miss our flight.

It is sometimes difficult to hear the shortened form 'll before the infinitive. But it's important to remember it!

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BBC Learning English - Course: lower intermediate / Unit 23 / Grammar Reference

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We use the first conditional to talk about possible future situations (or 'conditions') and their results.We use if for things we think are likely to happen, and when for things we think are certain to happen. It is't certain that I will go to London. It's certain that I will go to London.

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An explanation in Cantonese of when to use present perfect or simple past. Useful for our Hong Kongers :)

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An explanation in Cantonese of when to use present perfect or simple past. Useful for our Hong Kongers :)

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【英文文法】第5課 Present Perfect Tense和 Past Simple Tense 分別/ 現在完成式/ 過去簡單式 Grammar

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英文文法 #Grammar 第5課 Present PerfectTense vs.

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Video and interactive exercises about beautiful places in Britain: The Lake District and Wales

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Video and interactive exercises about beautiful places in Britain: The Lake District and Wales

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Britain's countryside is great, rich with lakes, mountains and monuments. Richard goes to the Lake District first, before crossing the border to Wales.

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Practice with identifying purpose of texts e.g. instructive, persuasive etc.

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Practice with identifying purpose of texts e.g. instructive, persuasive etc.

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Wordwall - Create better lessons quicker

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1) Go to the window. Open it by placing your hands on the handles and pulling the windows apart in a swift motion. Be careful not to open the windows too quickly, however, as the glass is delicate and may break with force. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 2) Go to the beautiful- crafted, visually-impressive window at the side of this magnificent old room. Place your sensitive, delicate hands on the rough metal handles and move outwards in a beautiful, gliding motion. When the window is opened, lean forward and breath in the fresh morning dew, taking in all the sights and smells of the countryside. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 3) This window was constructed in 1995 by the firm Glassman and Shaper. It is made from the material UPVC, which is a type of material used on most new windows and patio doors. The material is an extremely rigid plastic, and it is regarding as a good innovation in terms of soundproofing and weather-resistance. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 4) This beautiful window is as fine a piece of workmanship as you'll ever see. It is utterly unique in its appeal. Buy now to avoid disappoint. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 5) Andy took Stephanie's soft, gentle hand and gazed lovingly into her eyes. Her head turned and her glittering blue eyes sparkled in the lashing rain. This was love, and she knew it. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 6) Bolton is one of the largest towns in the United Kingdom. The town's leading educational establishment, Bolton Institute of Higher Education, was granted university status in 2004. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 7) The Lake District features some of the nation's finest rivers and greenery. Whether it's visiting the local steam railways, climbing the mountains or relaxing with a quiet pint in a traditional country pub, you'll never be bored. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 8) This is an immediate recall due to a major health and safety fault causing the aerials to catch fire if exposed to direct sunlight. Please return all Globetel 100 mobile phones bought after 21/01/2011 to your nearest Betterworths outlet immediately. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 9) You should not park where you see these signs and markings: 'No Parking', 'Clearway', double yellow lines beside the kerb, double white lines in the middle of the road. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 10) Visit Rome, capital of Italy and ancient capital of the Roman Empire, which is blessed with splendid ruins, delightful markets and intriguing narrow streets that beckon the adventurous explorer. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 11) We're having a brilliant time in Scotland. You get such a feeling of space. The only trouble is the weather - it's not stopped raining since we arrived. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 12) This car has a rust resistance, aluminium bodywork and bumpers that can absorb an impact of 20 mph without distortuion. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative

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1) Go to the window. Open it by placing your hands on the handles and pulling the windows apart in a swift motion. Be careful not to open the windows too quickly, however, as the glass is delicate and may break with force.

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Practice your pronunciation of  -ed endings

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Practice your pronunciation of  -ed endings

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-ED pronunciation - /t/ /d/ or /id/? (pronounce PERFECTLY every time!) (+ Free PDF & Quiz) - Bing video

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Need more practice with the present perfect? Try these interactive exercises and explanations.

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Need more practice with the present perfect? Try these interactive exercises and explanations.

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Look at these examples to see how the present perfect is used.

He's been to ten different countries.
I haven't seen her today.
My phone's run out of battery. Can I use yours?
Have you ever dyed your hair a different colour?

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

Read the explanation to learn more.

Grammar explanation

We use the present perfect simple ( have or has + past participle) to talk about past actions or states which are still connected to the present.

Unfinished time and states

We often use the present perfect to say what we've done in an unfinished time period, such as today, this week, this year, etc., and with expressions such as so far, until now, before, etc.

We also use it to talk about life experiences, as our life is also an unfinished time period. We often use never in negative sentences and ever in questions.

We also use the present perfect to talk about unfinished states, especially with for, since and how long.

She's wanted to be a police officer since she was a child.
I haven't known him for very long.
How long have you had that phone?

Finished time and states

If we say when something happened, or we feel that that part of our life is finished, we use the past simple.

We visited Russia for the first time in 1992.
I went to three different primary schools.
Before she retired, she worked in several different countries.

We also use the past simple for finished states.

We knew all our neighbours when we were children.
I didn't like bananas for a really long time. Now I love them!

Past actions with a result in the present

We can use the present perfect to talk about a past action that has a result in the present.

Again, if we say when it happened, we use the past simple.

He broke his leg last week so he can't go on holiday.

However, we often use the present perfect with words like just, recently, already, yet and still.

Do this exercise to test your grammar again.

Language level

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Do you know how to use phrases like She's called every day this week, I've broken my leg and Have you ever been to Scotland? Test what you know with interactive exercises and read the explanation to help you.

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Watch the video of a job interview and complete the online exercises. You can read the transcript too!

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Watch the video of a job interview and complete the online exercises. You can read the transcript too!

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A video lesson to revise use of the present perfect vs simple past

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A video lesson to revise use of the present perfect vs simple past

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Simple Present Perfect Tense - Bing video

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Interviews - listening practice and useful tips

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Interviews - listening practice and useful tips

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Tip Top Trading is the fastest-growing company in the plastic fruit sector, and Anna desperately wants to be a part of it. Her job interview for a position in sales is going to be a challenge. How will she cope?

Language for interviews

This programme focuses on useful language for job interviews.

Phrases from the programme:

A good example that comes to mind...

I'm particularly proud of...

Timekeeping is important to me.

Listening Challenge
What was Anna's role in the university debating society?

The answer is at the bottom of the transcript below.

Transcript

Narrator
Hold tight please! This is Anna, on a bus going to an interview for a job as a sales executive at Tip Top Trading - one of London's fastest growing companies. How are you feeling Anna?

Anna
Oh, a little nervous but I really want this job.

Narrator
Well don't worry Anna, as long as you say the right things, you'll be fine.

Anna
The right things!? Like what?

Narrator
You need to sell yourself, be confident, not arrogant and give examples. Like: A good example that comes to mind. I'm particularly proud of. Timekeeping is important to me.

Anna
Oh right. Thanks. Perhaps you can come with me?

Narrator
Sorry Anna, you're on your own now - but we'll be listening in. Look! You've just arrived. Good luck!

Paul
Come in. Hello, I'm Paul, the Manager of Tip Top Trading. And you must be....?

Anna
It's Anna.

Paul
Yes, very good. Thanks for coming. Now somewhere in this pile, I've got your CV...

Anna
Err, is that it there?

Paul
Oh yes, thanks Hannah. Your qualifications look impressive but what sales experience can you bring to our company?

Anna
I worked in a shop once.

Narrator: Ohhh Anna! Sell yourself. Give a good example!

Anna: Oh right...mmm....well a good example that comes to mind is when I was involved with a campaign to promote and sell a new range of clothes - I loved doing it and it was...

Denise: Oh sorry, excuse me, here's your tea Paul.

Paul: Thanks Denise. Now Anna, it looks like you've achieved a lot during your time at university. Could you give me an example of good team working during your time there?

Denise
Sorry! I forgot the sugar.

Paul
Thank you Denise.

Anna
Hmm, so you want an example? I was the treasurer of the debating society at university. That was OK I suppose.

Narrator
Come on Anna. Be more enthusiastic - the debating society is exciting!

Anna
I mean... I'm particularly proud of how I organised the finances for the debating society. We had a very small budget and I had to make decisions on what to buy.

Narrator
I like it! "I'm particularly proud of" - Positive but not boasting. You're doing well.

Paul
Very impressive - so you're a good planner Anna! We like organised people here... ooops, silly me. I seemed to have spilt tea over your CV.

Anna
Oh, do you need some help?

Paul
Oh no...I'm sure it'll dry out... carry on please...

Anna
Also... timekeeping is important to me...

Narrator
"Timekeeping is important to me" - that's good!

Anna
I always try to complete my work on time. At university I never handed my assignments in late.

Paul
That's good to hear. We like punctuality here...

Denise
Excuse me Paul. Sorry it's a bit late - but I thought you might like a biscuit with your tea.

Paul
Hmm thanks....oh lovely, custard creams... mmm. Now Hannah, finally I wanted to ask you what exactly made you apply for this job at this company?

Anna
Errrr... ooo... well. The reason I applied is....

Narrator
Yes, yes, yes Anna? Do you need a bit more time to think?

Anna
Errr...mmm...

Narrator
What's she going to say? How would you answer that? Join us next time to find out. Before we go, here's a reminder of some of the great lines Anna's used today... A good example that comes to mind I'm particularly proud of. Timekeeping is important to me. Until next time, bye bye! ·

Listening Challenge - Answer

What was Anna's role in the university debating society?
She was treasurer.

Try Next

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BBC Learning English - English at Work / The Interview

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Tip Top Trading is the fastest-growing company in the plastic fruit sector, and Anna desperately wants to be a part of it. Her job interview for a position in sales is going to be a challenge. How will she cope?

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