Learn the best expressions related to using English at work! Best for intermediate-advanced English language learners.

New English US

Business English: English at work (B1-B2 intermediate level)

"To have a lot on your plate"

Eg; “Forgive me, but I’ve had a lot on my plate.”

or 

“Sorry, I can’t do that right now… I have enough on my plate as it is.”


"To bite off more than you can chew”

Eg; “We planned to see too many landmarks in this city in one day. I think we bit off more than we could chew.”

or 

"I signed up for five advanced courses this term, but between the exams and the extra assignments, I definitely bit off more than I can chew."

Have you ever used these expressions before? 

Luke's English Sessions

Ep 11. Food-related Metaphors

'My Legoland Hand Tragedy' 

When I was six years old, I went on a family day out to Legoland. 

Let's just say, it didn't end well...

Do you have an interesting injury story? Perhaps with unusual circumstances? 

Ep 10. (Story #1) 'My Legoland Hand Tragedy'

We all learn in different ways... some of us are visual learners, others prefer self-study, some like to learn through trial and error. 

Of course, it depends on what we are learning.

For the most part, are you an active learner or a passive learner?

Ep 9. What kind of learner are you?

My student wanted to know the meaning of ‘depleted’.

For example, when people talk about their energy levels being ‘depleted’, what do they mean?

Usually after a busy day at work, or for introverts, maybe after a big social gathering, 
and we’ve given all our energy to other people all day, we get home and our energy levels have been ‘drained’, ‘emptied’ or ‘depleted’. 

Another ( more literal ) example is when we’re talking about physical resources:

eg; ’My fridge contents have been depleted (usually by me)…’ 
       ‘The car’s fuel tank is depleted.’ 

Ep 8. 'Depleted'

Here I give a brief take on each of the four seasons. 

What is your favourite season and what season does your birthday reside in? 