Charm English Pod

Phrasal verbs with UP - Uses of UP 06.10.2026 52min

To join a small group speaking class with me, visit my website to sign up! charmenglish.clPhrasal verbs with UP ⬆️ Movement: stand up, pick up, come up📈 Increase: speed up, heat up, build up, ramp up✨ Improve: dress up, glow up, cheer up, jazz up✅ Complete: fill up, eat up, use up, clean up, wrap up👀 Appear: show up, turn up, pop up💡 Create: come up with, think up, dream up, cook up🏃 Close a gap: catch up, keep up with, meet up➕ Combine: add up, sum up, team up, pair up🔒 Close/fasten: zip up, button up, lock up💥 Break apart: chop up, tear up, smash up, split up🎯 Final result: end up, wind up

Learn Phrasal Verbs Through Images | Go Through, Get Over, Clear Up... 13.09.2026 58min

Week 2 of our phrasal verb series! Last Saturday we covered phrasal verbs for physical movement. This week we're taking those same ideas and connecting them to metaphors, because pairing an image with a phrasal verb makes it so much easier to remember (there's actual research behind this too).We go through: go through, get over, clear up, burn out, hold back, wrap up, branch out, and sink in; each one starting with the literal, physical meaning and then moving into how it's used metaphorically in everyday conversation.Some highlights:go through a tunnel vs. go through a hard timeget over a wall vs. get over a breakupclear up the sky vs. clear up a misunderstandingburn out (like a candle) vs. burning out at workhold back water vs. holding back your emotionswrap up a present vs. wrapping up a meetingbranch out (tree) vs. branching out into something newsink in (like rainwater) vs. letting information sink inWant the full list of phrasal verbs from this series, plus more speaking practice? Check the link in my bio on instagram you'll find the B1/B2 phrasal verb doc and info on joining a live speaking class.New live class every Saturday, so drop your questions and I'll see you in the next one!

Phrasal Verbs for Movement | Understanding Up, Down, In, Out, Around, Into & More 07.09.2026 49min

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

Relative clauses! (Grammar deep dive: Defining and non-defining) 30.08.2026 55min

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.

Second conditional (If I were/ If I had / If I didn't) 23.08.2026 51min

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

Personality vocabulary and Zodiac signs in English! 16.08.2026 45min

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

Talking about LIFE MILESTONES 📚🏡🎓💍👶🏻🤰 09.08.2026 55min

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.

6 Phrasal Verbs About Trends (Catch On, Sell Out, Water Down & More) + Live Q&A 26.07.2026 58min

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.

Sports Idioms in English: Move the Goalposts, Drop the Ball, and More ⚽🥊 19.07.2026 43min

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:Move the goalposts – changing the rules or expectations after something's already startedDrop the ball – making a careless mistake or forgetting something importantThe ball is in your court – it's someone's turn to act or respondThrow in the towel – to give up (and why it's "throw in the towel," not "throw the towel")Saved by the bell – escaping a difficult situation at the last momentTouch base – checking in briefly with someoneCover all the bases – making sure every possibility is consideredNeck and neck – a very close competitionFront runner – the clear leader in a competitionKick off – to start somethingPlus a couple of British English bonus phrases: score an own goal and crack onWe 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 :)

Describing FOOD in English 🍕 | Food Vocabulary, Textures & Flavors 23.06.2026 1t 4min

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, BitterDelicious, Yummy, Tasty, Bland, TastelessRich & Heavy Foods:Rich (NOT the same as "rico" in Spanish)Cloying / Sickly SweetHeavy, Caloric, FattySavory & Umami Flavors:SavoryUmami (Japanese word for savory/meaty flavor)Meat-forward, EarthyFresh & Bright Flavors:Zesty (citrus, ginger)Tangy (pleasant sour flavor)RefreshingCitric, AcidicStrong Flavors:Pungent (garlic, onion, blue cheese, wasabi)BittersweetPleasant Textures:Creamy, VelvetySilky, SmoothCrunchy, CrispyFluffy, TenderUnpleasant Textures:Gritty (hard, rough pieces)Mushy, SoggyStale (not crispy)Rubbery (tough, chewy meat)Negative Descriptors:Disgusting, NauseatingRepulsiveRancid (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:

When You MESS UP: English Phrases for Problems & Solutions 22.06.2026 38min

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 morePlus: 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.

Time phrases in English! 11.06.2026 51min

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.

Interview with Vitoria Tamarindo! (part 2) 10.06.2026 49min

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.

Stargirl Chapters 1-5 (English Audiobook) 18.05.2026 27min

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.

Stargirl Chapters 1-5 (English Audiobook) 12.05.2026 38min

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!

Past subjunctive: I wish... if only... it's time... I'd rather 28.04.2026 47min

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.

Interview with Vitoria Tamarindo! (part 1) 25.04.2026 47min

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

Using Every English Tense in Real Life 05.04.2026 34min

"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

Q&A: Confidence, Noticing Tips, and the Perfect Tenses 30.03.2026 1t 1min

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!

What's a Phrasal Verb? - Part 1 25.03.2026 32min

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.

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