Pre-order “Demystifying Business English”
Language learning
We’ve spent months working on a course English language schools will *hate*. It’s called “Demystifying Business English”. Here’s what’s in it, why you might like it, and how you can get early access to it.
Read more >What Is Signposting in English and Why Does It Matter?
Language learning
Signposting is a simple and easy-to-learn technique that can improve your listening, writing and even presentation skills. In fact, once you know this technique, you will see it everywhere! Let us explain it to you with this step-by-step guide.
Read more >What is The Monitor Hypothesis and Why Does it Matter?
Language learning
The Monitor Hypothesis is one of many ideas developed by Professor Stephen Krashen to help people learn a second language more effectively. What is this powerful idea about self-correction and how can it help you in your speaking?
Read more >Intensive vs. Extensive Listening in English
Language learning
Many English learners use ineffective strategies in their independent listening practice. Avoid this problem with our guide to intensive and extensive listening. We will show you how and why it is important to practise both of these techniques.
Read more >June Conversation Session: Films, Books & TV Series
Leonardo English
Curious about what happened at our June Conversation Session? It was a wonderful evening full of discussions about interesting films, books & TV series. Here's what happened.
Read more >Linking Words in English: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?
Language learning
Without linking words, your writing will be harder for readers to understand. This article explains linking words and their importance, gives plenty of examples and provides extra guidance on the most confusing ones.
Read more >The Best Exercises to Improve Your Pronunciation
Language learning
This guide for English learners will help you identify your weak areas of pronunciation, understand what you need to improve and give practical tips on how to strengthen your vocal skills.
Read more >The Best Podcasts To Improve English Pronunciation
Podcasts
Used correctly, podcasts are a powerful tool to improve your English speaking. In this article we’ll share the best podcasts to improve your English pronunciation, and give you effective strategies to make the best of them.
Read more >Our First Ever Murder Mystery Game
Leonardo English
Learn about our first ever "Murder Mystery" game for members, and guess who the guilty party might have been...
Read more >Translating Business English: A Guide to Corporate Jargon (for non-native Speakers)
Language learning
The business world is full of confusing phrases, acronyms and buzzwords. If you are entering an English-speaking workplace, don’t worry; we can help. We have prepared a handy guide to “translating” Business English.
Read more >How To Better Understand Native English Speakers [Advice from an English teacher]
Language learning
It can feel frustrating when you have been learning English for many years, but you still struggle to understand native speakers. Our guide to better understanding native speakers explains the problems you may face and gives practical strategies to help you.
Read more >The Simple Guide to Word Order in English
Language learning
Word order in English seems at first to be straightforward. However, if you take a closer look with our guide, you can avoid many common mistakes made by upper-intermediate English learners. These are practical tips that you can use in both speaking and writing.
Read more >New Feature || Search Podcasts by Tag
Leonardo English
We've just launched an even easier way of finding an interesting podcast episode to listen to. Here's how to use the "Search by Tag" functionality to find an interesting episode to listen to.
Read more >How to Prepare for a Job Interview in English
Language learning
Job interviews are already stressful, but what if your interview is in English, and you speak English as a second language? Don’t panic! We have some great tips to help you ace your English job interview, even if it’s online.
Read more >8 Confusing English Grammar Rules and How to Deal With Them
Language learning
English grammar is not only hard, but it’s also confusing and sometimes it doesn’t even make sense! From adjective order to whom and who, here are my top tips on how to deal with difficult grammar situations.
Read more >Love Them Or Hate Them, You Need Phrasal Verbs
Language learning
Phrasal verbs are confusing, and there are so many of them. Sometimes, they don’t seem to make any sense. But can you ignore them? And, if not, what are some techniques to master them?
Read more >Members-only “Show & Tell” Icebreaker Session
Leonardo English
We had a special edition of our Members-only Icebreaker session on Wednesday, bringing curious minds together with curious objects in a “show & tell” session. Here’s how it went, and some of the unusual objects that were "showed and told".
Read more >How Can Specific Action Verbs and Strong Action Verbs Boost Your English?
Language learning
If you want to express yourself powerfully in English, you need the right verb. We’ll show you where, when and why this is important and give you tips for learning new action verbs.
Read more >Reflections on The 21 Days of Idioms Challenge
Leonardo English
Our inaugural 21 Days of Idioms Challenge is now over. Here’s how it went, everything we learned, and a full list of all of the idioms in the challenge.
Read more >How to Use Minimal Pairs to Improve Your English Pronunciation
Language learning
Minimal pairs are a simple tool to identify and correct pronunciation issues. Here is how you can practise them and use them as a tool to speak more naturally.
Read more >The Definitive Guide to British Regional Accents
Language learning
People often talk about “the British accent”. The reality is that there are many British accents and they can sound very different indeed! We will guide you through the main types of British accents and explain what all this means for an English learner.
Read more >The Teacher’s Guide to Improving Your English Vocabulary
Language learning
A wide range of vocabulary is the very foundation of good English language skills. In this article you'll learn practical tips and simple strategies for improving your vocabulary from an experienced English teacher.
Read more >Filler Words in English - What Are They and How Do You Use Them?
Language learning
Is your goal to speak fluently with no hesitation? Perhaps that shouldn’t be your goal at all. This article shows how filler words can actually help you to express yourself more clearly.
Read more >⚡️ Announcing the 21 Days of Idioms Challenge
Leonardo English
Our next challenge will start on March 28th. Here's everything you need to know about it, and how you can take part.
Read more >10 Ways to Speak More Naturally in English
Language learning
Every English learner wants to speak English more naturally. Here are our top ten tips to sounding more natural in English, and the practical methods you can start using today.
Read more >Idioms in English: Do They Really Matter?
Language learning
Many English learners become obsessed with idioms and see them as a way to become a natural speaker of English. Let’s explore just how important idioms are… and the dangers of using them.
Read more >10 Ways to Start a Sentence in English
Language learning
Using sentence starters is an easy way to lift your English to the next level. We will give you ten categories of sentence starters that are simple to use, explain each one, and provide you with plenty of examples. You can use them straight away!
Read more >Special Offer: 1€ Private English Lessons from British Council approved Tutors
Language learning
We’ve teamed up with British Council EnglishScore to offer 1€ private lessons with British Council approved English tutors. Read on to see how you can get a private English lesson for less than the cost of a cup of coffee.
Read more >Members-only January 2022 Icebreaker Sessions
Leonardo English
This week some amazing curious minds came together for not one but two different Icebreaker meetings. Here's how they went, and a sneak peek into some of the "icebreaker" questions we answered...
Read more >How to Make Learning English Grammar Great Again
Language learning
Do you avoid learning grammar? Do you feel that it’s boring and unhelpful? Read our guide for independent learners and let us change your mind. We’ll show you how to make grammar a “great” part of your English practice.
Read more >A Guide to Business Writing in English: How to Write in a Professional and Modern Style
Language learning
Business English isn’t as complicated as you might think it is. Here are a the most important steps that you can take to make sure your business writing impresses your clients and co-workers.
Read more >The Best Activities To Improve Your English With TED Talks
Language learning
TED.com is an amazing resource for English learners. This guide shows you how to get the maximum benefit from the site by applying active listening techniques.
Read more >The Most Common Mistakes in English For Spanish Speakers
Language learning
Spanish is a beautiful language with many things in common with English. However, you just can’t speak English in the same way you speak Spanish! Use our guide to discover the common mistakes that Spanish speakers make in English and how to avoid them.
Read more >IELTS vs. TOEFL vs CAE…Which English Certificate Is the Best for You?
Podcasts
English learners have a lot of options when it comes to choosing an English certificate. Learn the differences and find out which one is best to achieve your goals in English.
Read more >Does My Foreign Accent Really Matter? The Guide for English Learners
Language learning
Are you afraid that your accent is holding you back from speaking better English? This article will help you understand the role of accent in pronunciation, and we’ll give you tips to speak more clearly.
Read more >Member Profile: Isabella, from Germany [AUDIO]
Members
Meet (and listen to!) Isabella, a curious mind from Germany. Learn about how she has developed a wonderful English accent despite having spent very little time in an English-speaking country.
Read more >Why Learning In Context Is The Most Important Way Of Improving Your Vocabulary
Language learning
Do you hate vocabulary lists? Do you feel that new words disappear from your memory soon after you learn them? It's time to learn about a much more effective way.
Read more >The 10 Best English Listening Activities for Independent Learners
Language learning
Listening is a powerful way to increase your fluency in English, but you need good strategies to become an active and independent listener. Here are our favourite 10 activities that will help you improve faster and more effectively.
Read more >What Is Active Listening and How Can It Help You Learn Faster? A Guide For English Learners
Language learning
There’s a lot more to improving your listening skills than just listening. This guide shows you how switching to active listening can help you learn faster and more effectively.
Read more >Happy 2nd Birthday To English Learning for Curious Minds
Leonardo English
It’s now 2 years since we released the first episode of English Learning for Curious Minds. Here’s everything that happened this year, and some fun statistics about who was listening.
Read more >Member Profile: Aminah, from Thailand
Members
Meet Aminah, a curious mind from Thailand who moved to the UK last year. Learn about her English goals, and how she is planning to get her IELTS test to get her license to practise dentistry in the UK, all while taking care of her young baby.
Read more >Improving Your Writing Will Help You Speak English Better - Here’s How.
Language learning
Writing is an incredibly powerful skill for English learners that will help you improve your vocabulary, stop making the same mistakes, and become a more confident and eloquent speaker of English. In this guide, English teacher Emile explains why, and how you can make the most of this technique.
Read more >English Teachers: Here Is How Podcasts Can Help Your Students
Language learning
Used correctly, podcasts are a fun and effective way for your ESL students to improve listening skills. Your students will thank you for introducing them.
Read more >How to Find The Perfect Private English Tutor
Language learning
There are hundreds of thousands of English teachers to choose from. Here are our top tips on how to find the perfect one for you.
Read more >Black Friday Deals for English Learners [2021]
Language learning
Looking for a bargain on your next English course? Here are some of the best deals for English learners this Black Friday, including italki, Preply, Mosalingua and Linguix.
Read more >Speak Up! How to Improve Your Confidence in English
Language learning
Do you feel embarrassed and shy when using English? It doesn’t need to be this way. Here’s how you can become a more confident speaker of English and take your English to the next level.
Read more >How To Learn A New Word Every Day With Google (for free)
Language learning
Did you know that there was a way to use Google to learn a new word in English every day? Google launched this feature at the end of October, and it is available for free to anyone with an Android or iPhone device. Here's how it works (and why you should use it).
Read more >Member profile: Nadia, from Russia
Members
Meet Nadia, a curious mind from Russia who is keen to improve her pronunciation in English. Learn about her English-learning routine, and how she uses podcasts to improve her speaking skills.
Read more >italki vs. Preply vs. Cambly vs. Verbling: The Battle Of The English Tutoring Websites
Reviews
What are the differences between the big four English tutoring platforms and how can you find out which is best for you? We asked English teacher Emile to review each website and report back with the good, the bad and the ugly.
Read more >Finding an English Teacher Online with Cambly: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Reviews
Cambly is one of the biggest tutoring websites, offering English lessons online since 2012. How it is different to all the other English-tutoring websites, and what are some smart ways to use Cambly to learn English?
Read more >Finding an English Teacher Online with Verbling: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Reviews
Verbling is one of the most popular tutoring websites, offering thousands of tutors for English and other languages. Can you use Verbling to learn English quickly and easily?
Read more >Finding an English Teacher Online with Preply: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Reviews
Preply claims to offer over 25,000 English tutors and private classes for as low as $2 an hour. How does it work, and is it actually any good? Read on for our detailed review of Preply.
Read more >Finding an English Teacher Online with italki: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Language learning
italki is one of the biggest websites for English teachers, with almost 8,000 teachers to choose from. How does it work, and is it actually any good? Read on for our detailed review of italki.
Read more >What Are Graded Readers and How Can They Help You Learn English?
Language learning
If novels and news articles are too difficult to read, graded readers are a fantastic choice. You can enjoy a story and improve your English at the same time.
Read more >The Travel Adapter: A Review
Language learning
Matt Halsdorff and Christian Saunders recently teamed up to work on an amazing project about how native English speakers can adapt their language. Here’s what’s in it, and why it matters.
Read more >What Is Business English and Does It Really Matter?
Language learning
Tens of millions of people every year take Business English classes in the hope of getting a better job. But what actually is Business English, do you actually need it, and does it really matter?
Read more >What Is Global English and Does It Really Matter?
Language learning
There are 3 non-native speakers of English to every native English speaker. If you are learning English, what does this mean for you?
Read more >English Language Schools: Are They The Best Way To Improve Your English?
Language learning
Millions of learners enrol at English schools every year. Are they wasting their money, and what are the alternatives?
Read more >Announcing The Leonardo English Academy 🎓
Leonardo English
The doors of The Leonardo English Academy will open on September 27th 2021. Here's everything you need to know about it.
Read more >Member Profile: Jenneke, from The Netherlands
Leonardo English
Meet Jenneke, a curious mind from The Netherlands. Discover how she started speaking "International" English, and why she decided to focus on activating her "passive" vocabulary.
Read more >June Vocabulary Builder Challenge: A Review
Leonardo English
We just finished our first “Vocabulary Builder” challenge. Here’s how it went, all the words we covered, and everything we learned.
Read more >Can Translation Help Me Study English?
Language learning
Can classic language learning methods help me improve my English? Here is how using an old-school method in a new way can help you improve your English.
Read more >A Not-So-Secret Secret To Improve Your Speaking: Record Yourself in English Every Day
Language learning
Recording yourself speaking English is a powerful way to improve your fluency and see your progress over time. Here’s how to do it effectively.
Read more >What Is Chunking in English and Why Does it Matter?
Language learning
“Chunking” originated in psychology and it changed how we think about memory. Here’s how you can apply it to learn English more effectively.
Read more >Member Profile: Cassie, from China
Members
Meet Cassie, a Master's student in Translation and Interpreting with plans to become an interpreter. Discover why she decided English Learning for Curious Minds was the perfect tool to help her with real-time interpreting, and how she learned to have a fluent conversation in six months.
Read more >Am I Saying It Right? 9 Ways To Recognise Your Mistakes As An Independent English Learner
Language learning
Saying the wrong word can be really embarrassing, but it’s part of the process. Use these tips and tricks to notice your mistakes and make them less often.
Read more >Member Profile: Laura, from Spain
Leonardo English
Meet Laura, "The Hungry Learner", and learn about her recipe for successful language learning. She has also been kind enough to provide a 7 day planner for how to maximise your use of podcasts to learn English, and how to build your own daily habit.
Read more >Talking To Yourself: Is It An Effective Way To Improve Your English Speaking?
Language learning
Can talking to yourself help you learn English? See what the research says and the most effective ways to do it
Read more >How To Choose An English Teacher: 10 Tips From An English Teacher
Language learning
Here’s an English teacher’s best advice for finding truly effective English teachers to supplement your other English activities.
Read more >Shakespeare’s English: How The Playwright Influenced The English Language
Language learning
How many words did Shakespeare add to the English language? And how do we know if he actually invented them himself?
Read more >How Much Does It Cost To Learn English? Can You Learn English Free?
Language learning
Learning English can be very expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. And, sometimes, even free resources are costly in another way: on your time.
Read more >Announcing The June Vocabulary Builder Challenge
Leonardo English
A 30-day challenge with community accountability to boost your confidence, vocabulary, and writing skills in English.
Read more >Reflections On The April 30 For 30 Challenge
Leonardo English
Our first 30 for 30 Challenge saw curious minds from 13 different countries commit to using English for 30 minutes every day for 30 days.
Here’s how it went, what they learned, and why this format is so powerful for independent learners.
Read more >Should I Use Songs And Music To Learn English?
Language learning
Will listening to Adele or Beyonce really teach me English? Here’s everything you need to know about learning English from music.
Read more >We Have A New Cover For The English Learning For Curious Minds Podcast
Leonardo English
Meet the new cover art for English Learning for Curious Minds, designed by the amazing Katie Mulligan from New York City.
Read more >Connected Speech In English: What It Is And How To Learn It
Language learning
Speaking English is hard because we often don’t say words like we should. Here’s how to understand connected speech and how to speak naturally yourself.
Read more >Member Profile: Dawid, from Poland
Members
Meet Dawid, a software developer from Poland, and a new member of Leonardo English. Learn about his view on the Polish education system, and why he is such a big fan of Shadowing.
Read more >Bonus Episodes Now Available On Your Favourite Podcast App
Leonardo English
You can now listen to all of our bonus, member-only episodes on your favourite podcast app as well as on the website. Listen and learn wherever you want.
Read more >This Is Why You Understand English Better Than You Can Speak It—and What You Can Do About It
Language learning
It’s normal to understand English better than you can speak it, but it’s still frustrating. Here’s why that happens and how you can fix it.
Read more >American vs. British vs. Australian English—Which Should I Choose (And Does It Even Matter)?
Language learning
Yes, English accents and dialects can be confusing. Sorry. Here’s how to navigate American vs. British vs. Australian English and decide which one you should learn.
Read more >50, 10,000, 100,000 - Three Big Milestones
Leonardo English
Last week, Leonardo English passed three exciting milestones. Here’s what they were and what they mean for our mission of building a more interesting way of improving your English.
Read more >Members-only March Icebreaker Sessions
Leonardo English
After a successful 'test run' in February, we had our second set of Icebreaker sessions. They were a great success, and it's fantastic to see so many curious minds coming together to practise their English.
Read more >6 Lies Your English Teacher Told You
Language learning
Don’t be held back by the lies your English teacher might have told you. Here is the truth behind 6 lies you might have been told in English class.
Read more >The Future of Learning English
Language learning
The way we learn languages is shifting, and it looks promising. Here’s what could change… and what probably won’t.
Read more >Member Profile: Steven, from China
Members
Meet Steven, a Chinese native and a recent member of Leonardo English. Discover why pronunciation is particularly difficult for Chinese speakers, and why he doesn't believe in traditional English learning methods.
Read more >Choosing Wisely From the English Learning Buffet
Language learning
You have unlimited options for English learning resources, but that can make it harder to find what works. Here’s how to find the gems and not get overwhelmed with choice.
Read more >The Introvert’s Guide to Learning English
Language learning
To learn English you have to use it… but what if you’re shy? Don’t worry: introverts can master English, too—here’s how.
Read more >Member Profile: Olga, from Latvia
Members
Meet Olga, a curious minds originally from Latvia, but now living in St Petersburg, Russia. Discover her English learning journey, and why she decided to become a member of Leonardo English.
Read more >Our First Members-only "Icebreaker" Session
Leonardo English
What happens when you put curious minds from 10 different countries together for an "Icebreaker" session? A lot of fun, it turns out.
Read more >Member Profile: Sidi, from Mauritania
Members
Meet Sidi, a new addition to the Leonardo English family. Discover how his English journey started, how it has changed over time, and how he overcame various difficulties to become a successful independent English learner.
Read more >We're Now Part of Stripe Climate
Leonardo English
Now, 1% of all Leonardo English memberships go towards carbon removal projects. It's a small step, but an important one.
Read more >How To Learn English On Your Own | Guide for Independent Learners
Language learning
You don’t need to take classes to master English, but there are challenges to learning English independently. Here are some strategies to overcome them and learn English successfully on your own.
Read more >When (And Why) To Use Subtitles for Learning English
Language learning
Does using subtitles when you watch a movie in English help you learn more effectively? Or is it cheating? It depends. Here’s when you should use subtitles to help your learning, and when you shouldn’t.
Read more >Input vs. Output—What Is the Right Mix for English Learners?
Language learning
Can you learn English entirely by reading? Or just by chatting with native speakers? Neither—you need a mix of input and output activities. Here’s why.
Read more >Lessons From Sun Tzu’s "The Art of War" For English Learners
Language learning
It’s a 2,500-year-old book about military strategy written by a Chinese general. Is there anything that English learners can take from it?
Read more >“Pay attention!”—Why It Will Help You Learn English Faster
Language learning
Paying attention might sound simple, but few English learners do it properly. Here’s why it matters, and how you can teach yourself to pay more attention and be a better English learner.
Read more >Members-only Session: “Strategies for Independent English Learners”
Leonardo English
In our first members-only session of the year, curious minds from 9 different countries gathered to share strategies on how to learn English independently. There were some brilliant ideas, and it was a great chance to discuss tactics and help each other.
Read more >You’ve Made It To the Intermediate Plateau in English… Now What?
Language learning
Learning English goes quickly at the beginning, and then all of a sudden it can feel like you’re not making any progress. Here’s how to continue to make progress when you’re stuck on the intermediate plateau.
Read more >Member Profile: Francisco, from Spain [VIDEO]
Members
Meet Francisco, a member of English and a curious mind with a fantastic sense of humour. Join him in his home in the south-east of Spain, and learn about his English learning journey.
Read more >