246. There is / are and extended family

Practising English

#M. A. Bilbrough #Practice #English #Cambridge #Exam #Listening #Grammar #Vocabulary #Stories #Podcasting Education #Speak #Explanation

34:07

In this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Jay Crone, Managing Director and Venture Capitalist at Deloitte Ventures, to explore the firm’s strategic approach to corporate venture capital. Jay shares Deloitte Ventures’ investment thesis, focusing on supporting innovative Canadian startups at Series A and B stages across key sectors like cybersecurity, climate tech, fintech, future of work, health tech, and AI. Listeners will gain an inside look at how Deloitte leverages its vast network of 1,500 partners and 15,000 employees to source deals and add value beyond capital by helping startups navigate Deloitte’s complex ecosystem and access enterprise clients. Jay also discusses his diverse career journey—from government and investment banking to entrepreneurship and corporate VC—and how those experiences shape his investment philosophy. The episode delves into Deloitte’s due diligence process, the importance of founder relationships, and the firm’s strategic role as a co-investor. Jay highlights emerging trends, particularly the promise of vertical AI tailored to industry-specific needs, and shares his bullish outlook on fintech innovations like stablecoins and cross-border payments. He offers candid advice for entrepreneurs on risk-taking and aligning business vision with funding goals. This episode is a must-listen for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of corporate venture capital and innovation in Canada. Learn more about Jay's work at https://www.deloitte.com/ca/en/services/program/ventures.html Connect with Jay on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaycrone/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

about a year ago 13:51

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Anyway, let’s meet some of the family first of all. I can’t name all of them because it’s a very extended family tree. But here are some you might often meet while reading or listening to native English speakers.

There is, there are, there was, there were, there has been, there had been, there will be, there won’t be, there can be, there can’t be, there may be, there could be, there might be, there must be, there would be, there should be…

Read the transcript: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-246.htm

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

249 episodes

Practising English

246. There is / are and extended family

Practising English

342 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Read the transcript: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-246.htm

249 episodes

#M. A. Bilbrough #Practice #English #Cambridge #Exam #Listening #Grammar #Vocabulary #Stories #Podcasting Education #Speak #Explanation

All episodes

Practising English

1
249. The Mushroom Murders (B2 English) 20:21

10 days ago20:21

20:21

This is about the trial in Australia that finished just last week and is popularly known as "The Mushroom Murders". Today, I'll ask the famous detective, Hércules Poirot (from Agatha Christie's novels) to explain to his exclusive audience of people involved in the crime and to us, the listeners of the podcast, what happened exactly, and who the murderer is. This is a B2-level podcast with focus on the third conditional. e.g. If I had studied more, I would have passed my Cambridge exams. Listen for examples of the third conditional. You can read the full transcript of Hércules Poirot's speech at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-249.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy . You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)…

Practising English

1
248. The Unexpected Visit (animal vocabulary) B2 Story 19:29

19 days ago19:29

19:29

This is a B2-level recording and story with vocabulary about animal sounds and movement: Animal words: warren - where rabbits live together in the ground roar - sound like a lion makes thunder - sound like large animals running past scream - high pitched sound that sounds angry or scared hop - to jump (in humans - on one leg) poke your head out - look out briefly from somewhere twitching - quick movements like a rabbits nose or ears crouch - when somebody or an animal moves their body down, or down flat to the ground beast - an animal whine - high pitched sound like a car engine when going fast, a dog 'crying'. slip back in - move quickly into a place hum - sound similar to that the bees make B2 words: beyond - further away than generation - referring to people or animals, the sons, then sons of sons etc. mutter - talk quietly unfamiliar - something you have not seen before tremble - shake, often with fear whistle - sound made with lips, often with a tune uneasy - a little frightened giggle - a laugh like a little girl's glance - look quickly to fade - sound getting quieter To read the Transcript of the story, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-248.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy . You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)…

Practising English

1
247. Future Continuous for B1 (and B2) with story 20:06

26 days ago20:06

20:06

Hello, dear students! Future continuous for fixed events, which are expected to happen. (This is B1 grammar with interest for B2 students too!) will + be + verb+ing I'll be giving a talk at that time, but I could see you afterwards for a coffee. This time next week I'll be flying into paradise I'll be seeing you soon, then. Yes. Holidays finish next week. Not about making decisions but sth decided anyway Shall I take you into town? Don't bother No bother. I'll be going to the shops anyway. Polite - not to influence people's decision about plans Will you be staying the weekend? Yes, if that's OK with you. Of course, we'd be delighted to have you stay with us. Compare; Are you going to stay the weekend? (Come on! Tell me! I want to know now!) Note often with non-ing verbs like want. Will you be wanting breakfast tomorrow? Yes, please! Say what people are doing now. Don't call now. They'll be having lunch at this time. Well, the managers will be deciding who leaves and who doesn't. I'm just hoping I won't lose my job. For transcript of story, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-247.htm For more help on Future Continuous, also listen to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-25.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy . You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)…

Practising English

1
246. There is / are and extended family 13:51

5 weeks ago13:51

13:51

Today, I’m going to talk about the family of ‘there is’! At first, that might seem very basic English grammar. Indeed, the phrase ‘there is’ is A1 level. However, at B1 and even B2 level, I must admit there are few students who talk about this family. Why? Because it’s not a structure that has a literal word for word translation in many other languages. Anyway, let’s meet some of the family first of all. I can’t name all of them because it’s a very extended family tree. But here are some you might often meet while reading or listening to native English speakers. There is, there are, there was, there were, there has been, there had been, there will be, there won’t be, there can be, there can’t be, there may be, there could be, there might be, there must be, there would be, there should be… Read the transcript: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-246.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy . You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)…

Practising English

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245. B1 Linking Words with a story 17:27

6 weeks ago17:27

17:27

B1 Linking Words Linking words join two sentences together. Here are the ones I mention during the podcast: A Rainy Adventure Tom wanted to go hiking. The sky looked grey but he didn’t mind – no problem With linker: Tom wanted to go hiking, although the sky looked grey. He packed his bag. He wanted to be ready the moment his friend Anna called. With linker: He packed his bag in order to be ready as soon as his friend Anna called. Anna wasn’t sure if they should go or not. The weather looked bad. With linker: Anna wasn’t sure whether they should go or not because of the weather. It was raining. So what? They decided to try. They wore boots and jackets. They didn’t wear their normal clothes. With linker: Despite the rain, they decided to try. They wore boots and jackets instead of their usual clothes. The rain was heavy. The trail was wet and muddy. If they walked slowly it would be safe. If they walked fast they might risk falling.. They chose to go slow. With linker: Due to the heavy rain, the trail was wet and muddy. They could either walk slowly and be safe, or go fast and risk falling. They chose to go slow. They reached the top. The rain stopped. The view was beautiful! They took photos and ate lunch. With linker: Once they reached the top, the rain stopped. The view was beautiful! They took photos and ate lunch. They were tired. They sat down and rested. They hoped the weather didn’t get worse. They wanted to stay longer. With linker: Since they were tired, they sat down to rest. Unless the weather got worse, they planned to stay longer. In the end, they were happy they went, the rain at the start wasn’t a problem. It was a fun day full of adventure. With linker: In the end, they were happy they went, despite the rain at the start. It was a fun day full of adventure. See the full transcript of the second story at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-245.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy . You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)…

Practising English

1
244. The Breath of the Mosquito (complete version) B1 Story 37:18

7 weeks ago37:18

37:18

For health reasons, I'm afraid I cannot share a new podcast with you today. I include instead, one of my favourite stories that I wrote for students studying for B1 English level: The Breath of the Mosquito as a complete version. This extract will help you understand what the story is about... 'If… if something went back in time and existed in the past, something or somebody who was not there before, he/she/it would change time in the present. Things would not be the same when he or she returned. It would take just a moment, the tiniest movement in the past would have the effect like a stone thrown into a pond. The circles of effect would move out, growing and growing for ever and changing the world as they go.' 'But, Emil,' interrupted his friend. 'I was only there for a minute or so.' 'Mathew, a minute is a long, long time. Listen to me, even the breath of a mosquito 33 million years ago would change the world and events in history as we know them today. Just one breath of a mosquito. Imagine how incredibly small that would be.' Has time changed in the present? If so, in what ways? Enjoy the story! At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy . You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)…

Practising English

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243. B1 adjectives (short story) 20:50

8 weeks ago20:50

20:50

Here are the B1 words we're studying today: acceptable accurate amusing annoyed convenient embarrassed forbidden grateful hopeless miserable To see the transcript of the story: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-243.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy . You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)…

Practising English

1
242. FCE Story 2 (B2) 19:50

9 weeks ago19:50

19:50

In today's B2 FCE story, you'll be listening to this B2 vocabulary: heading for Paris his hands were trembling both thrilled and terrified him doubting every shot gazing out of the window an old woman wiped her eyes. the crowd clapped enthusiastically as he nervously walked up his anxiety forgotten To read an annotated version of the full story audioscript go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-242.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy . You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)…

Practising English

1
241. FCE Story (B2 ) 23:59

10 weeks ago23:59

23:59

How to write the FCE story (B2 level) for the Cambridge exam. If you're not taking this exam, this episode will be useful for learning how to express yourself at B2 level in written prose. You can see the transcript at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-241.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy . You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)…

Practising English

1
240. Tudor Conspiracy revisited B1, B2 16:53

11 weeks ago16:53

16:53

I apologise for not bringing you a new podcast this week. I leave you with chapter 1 of the Tudor Conspiracy (from an audio book and reader I published a few years ago). Hope to be with you next week with a new podcast episode! At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy . You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)…

Practising English

1
239. The Letter (B1, B2) 18:51

12 weeks ago18:51

18:51

These are the words I discuss today. They are linking words, essential for your B1 and B2 writing papers in the Cambridge exam. Moreover In addition, Besides What is more, Furthermore, Yet To begin with, In the same way, Similarly, Consequently, See audioscript of story at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-239.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy . You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)…

Practising English

1
238. If so, if not, B1 level with dialogue 14:18

13 weeks ago14:18

14:18

How to use 'if so' and 'if not' in dialogue. A conditional clause to refer a previous direct or indirect 'yes-no' question where the answer might be ‘yes’. Do you think we could study more grammar? If so, could you give us more help with tenses? Is it possible to pay by credit card? If so, which card do you accept? Does Mrs Smith like wine? If so, does she prefer white or red? Could you tell me if she said anything about me? If so, what did she say? I was wondering if we could meet one morning. If so, which day would you prefer? Is this shirt your size? If not, we have plenty of other sizes. Do you open at the weekend? If not, how can I pick up the vacuum cleaner I bought online? I hope next Saturday is ok for you. If not, we can find another date for the excursion. I'd like to know if we'll be going to the beach when I arrive. If not, what plans do you have? See the transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-238.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy . You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)…

Practising English

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237. Candle Burning - B1 short story (complete version) 28:49

14 weeks ago28:49

28:49

These are the four comprehension questions to read before you listen to the story. 1) What was the first thing Nigel did when he went into the shower? 2) What did Nigel decide not to have for breakfast that day? 3) Why did Nigel lose his job? 4) What reason did the doctor give for Nigel's death? Answers are given at the end of the podcast For complete transcript of the story, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-237.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy . You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)…

Practising English

1
236. Complex sentences B1, B2 (4 funny jokes) 15:47

15 weeks ago15:47

15:47

Structure Summary Would like / want / ask I would like you to come to a party on Saturday Object Clause (noun clause): you to come to a party on Saturday Subject + verb + [object = (object pronoun + verb + more information)] I / would like / you to come to a party on Saturday. Other examples: I would like you to come to a meeting on Monday to discuss the terms of the contract. My parents want me to go on holiday with them this summer. You asked me to tell you about the football match. Make (verb that follow are without ‘to’ in the infinitive) She makes me smile Subject: She. Verb: makes Object: me – the direct object of makes Complement (Bare Infinitive Verb): smile – this is the bare infinitive (infinitive without "to") following the causative verb make. Other examples: She makes me laugh when I'm feeling sad. She always makes me angry! Let (verb that follow are without ‘to’ in the infinitive) Let me know if Monday is suitable for you. You are eighteen now, your parents should let you do what you like! I think you should talk with your parents and try to make them understand how you feel. My parents are afraid of letting me go away by yourself, they still think I'm a baby. Help Help (verbs that follow are with or without ‘to’. Please would you help me find something better? Indirect Object: me – the person receiving the help. Bare Infinitive Verb: find – after help, we use the bare infinitive (you can say "help me to find" too.). Other examples: I wanted to help him (to) make some friends. I hope that it will help you (to) keep fit. I hope my advice will help you (to) decide where to go on holiday. This hotel is terrible and I hope you can help me (to) find a better one. For transcripts of jokes see: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-236.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy . You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)…

Practising English

1
235. Future Perfect B2 (short story) 18:31

16 weeks ago18:31