Plain English

Five more favorites from 900 episodes

Today's story: We continue our look back at 900 Plain English lessons with five more favorite topics. We revisit stories about airport chapels, the history of QR codes, w

Highlights from 900 Plain English stories

Today's story: This week, Plain English is celebrating its 900th episode. We've touched on stories big and small over the years, and this is a time to look back on some o

France lends the Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum

Today's story: The Bayeux Tapestry, a nearly 1,000-year-old embroidered account of the Norman Conquest, has traveled from France to the British Museum for a rare exhibiti

America is united in opposition to data centers

Today's story: As artificial intelligence drives demand for more computing power, huge new data centers are being proposed across the United States. But local communities

Dolly Parton was a great singer and a better person

Today's story: Dolly Parton, the country music singer, died at age 80. She rose from rural poverty to become one of the most celebrated musical artists of her generation.

Expression: Eat away at

Learn the English expression, "eat away at" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/eat-away-at -- Plain English helps you impr

Postcards are fading into the past

Today's story: The first postcards were sold in the late 1800s and quickly became a popular way to communicate. In the days before social media (and even consumer photogr

Expression: Better off

Learn the English expression, "better off" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/better-off -- Plain English helps you improv

Meet the lab-made SpudCell

Today's story: Scientists at the University of Minnesota built a synthetic cell entirely from non-living chemical ingredients. Called SpudCell, it can absorb nutrients, c

Expression: Distance yourself

Learn what it means to "distance yourself" from someone or something Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/distance-yourself -

Europe’s new border system causes airport chaos

Today's story: Europe’s new Entry/Exit System replaces passport stamps with digital records and biometric checks. But its rollout during peak travel season caused long li

Expression: On hand

Learn what it means to have something "on hand" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/on-hand-2 -- Plain English helps you im

Frozen yogurt is making a comeback

Today's story: Greek-style frozen yogurt is becoming popular around the world, thanks to its tangy flavor, bright appearance, and colorful toppings. Although it is market

Expression: Up to date

Learn what it means to keep something "up to date" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/up-to-date -- Plain English helps yo

E-bikes: just like bicycles, but a bit less effort

Today's story: E-bikes combine traditional cycling with battery-powered assistance, helping riders travel faster, climb hills, and cover longer distances with less effort

Expression: Above and beyond

Learn what it means to go "above and beyond" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/above-and-beyond -- Plain English helps yo

Spain outlasts Argentina to win its second World Cup

Today's story: Spain won its second World Cup on the strength of its defense, allowing just one goal in the entire tournament. In the final game, La Roja needed extra tim

Expression: Carry out

Learn what it means to "carry out" plans or wishes Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/carry-out -- Plain English helps you

What’s it like when the sun never sets?

Today's story: In cities of the far north, it never gets fully dark around the summer solstice. Cities and towns celebrate with festivals, outdoor events, and late-night

Expression: Put on

Learn a new way to use the phrasal verb, "put on." Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/put-on -- Plain English helps you im