Home Word of the day Month archive October 2026: English lessons
31 daily entries on one monthly page. Dates follow UTC. This is a public lesson list, not a record of your visits.
From October 20, 2026, lessons rotate through idioms, phrasal verbs, everyday expressions and useful words. Earlier entries keep the original vocabulary selection.
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Slower
Slow
Normal
Fast
Faster
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October 1, 2026 · Earlier vocabulary entry
security protection from danger, loss or unauthorized access
Use a different password for better security.
October 2, 2026 · Earlier vocabulary entry
arrive to reach a place
Please arrive ten minutes before the appointment.
October 3, 2026 · Earlier vocabulary entry
situation the set of conditions at a particular time
The manager handled the situation calmly.
October 4, 2026 · Earlier vocabulary entry
information facts or details about a subject
The website provides information about local services.
October 5, 2026 · Earlier vocabulary entry
city a large town where many people live and work
The city centre is busy at lunchtime.
October 6, 2026 · Earlier vocabulary entry
company a business organization
The company opened a new office.
October 7, 2026 · Earlier vocabulary entry
experience knowledge or skill gained by doing something
She has five years of customer service experience.
October 8, 2026 · Earlier vocabulary entry
coffee a dark drink made from roasted beans
She ordered coffee without sugar.
October 9, 2026 · Earlier vocabulary entry
difficult needing a lot of effort or skill
The form was difficult to understand.
October 10, 2026 · Earlier vocabulary entry
necessary needed for a purpose
No special equipment is necessary.
October 11, 2026 · Earlier vocabulary entry
phone a device used to call, message and go online
My phone needs to be charged.
October 12, 2026 · Earlier vocabulary entry
prepare to make something ready
I prepare lunch before I leave home.
October 13, 2026 · Earlier vocabulary entry
introduce to present a person or idea for the first time
Let me introduce the next speaker.
October 14, 2026 · Earlier vocabulary entry
university an institution for advanced study and research
The university library is open to the public.
October 15, 2026 · Earlier vocabulary entry
decide to choose after thinking
We need to decide which train to take.
October 16, 2026 · Earlier vocabulary entry
communicate to share information or ideas
Good teams communicate clearly and early.
October 17, 2026 · Earlier vocabulary entry
responsibility a duty that you are expected to handle
Safety is everyone's responsibility.
October 18, 2026 · Earlier vocabulary entry
doctor a person trained to treat illness
The doctor explained the test result.
October 19, 2026 · Earlier vocabulary entry
medicine a substance used to treat or prevent illness
Take the medicine with food.
October 20, 2026 · Idiom · Lesson link
break the ice
make people feel more relaxed when they first meet
Listen
Two examples A short introduction helped break the ice at our meeting. We played a simple word game to break the ice.
Usage note Use this for easing social awkwardness, not for ending an argument.
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What does “break the ice” mean in this lesson?
the clear liquid that people drink a dark drink made from roasted beans a place that rents rooms to travellers make people feel more relaxed when they first meet Answer and explanation make people feel more relaxed when they first meet — A short introduction helped break the ice at our meeting. Here, “break the ice” means make people feel more relaxed when they first meet.
Which lesson expression completes this example? We played a simple word game to _____.
once in a blue moon hit the nail on the head break the ice on the same page Answer and explanation break the ice — We played a simple word game to break the ice.
Which usage note is accurate for “break the ice”?
This always means ending an argument. Use this for easing social awkwardness, not for ending an argument. Answer and explanation Use this for easing social awkwardness, not for ending an argument. — Use this for easing social awkwardness, not for ending an argument.
Answer reference make people feel more relaxed when they first meet — A short introduction helped break the ice at our meeting. Here, “break the ice” means make people feel more relaxed when they first meet. break the ice — We played a simple word game to break the ice. Use this for easing social awkwardness, not for ending an argument. — Use this for easing social awkwardness, not for ending an argument.
October 21, 2026 · Phrasal verb · Lesson link
look up
search for a piece of information
Listen
Two examples We can look up the opening times before we leave. Please look up the address in the directory.
Usage note In this sense it is separable: look the address up or look it up.
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What does “look up” mean in this lesson?
a place that rents rooms to travellers a person who buys goods or services search for a piece of information a dark drink made from roasted beans Answer and explanation search for a piece of information — We can look up the opening times before we leave. Here, “look up” means search for a piece of information.
Which lesson expression completes this example? Please _____ the address in the directory.
get along with look up find out run out of Answer and explanation look up — Please look up the address in the directory.
Which usage note is accurate for “look up”?
In this sense it is separable: look the address up or look it up. A pronoun must go after up: look up it. Answer and explanation In this sense it is separable: look the address up or look it up. — In this sense it is separable: look the address up or look it up.
Answer reference search for a piece of information — We can look up the opening times before we leave. Here, “look up” means search for a piece of information. look up — Please look up the address in the directory. In this sense it is separable: look the address up or look it up. — In this sense it is separable: look the address up or look it up.
October 22, 2026 · Everyday expression · Lesson link
no worries
a relaxed way to say that something is not a problem
Listen
Two examples When I thanked Jo for waiting, she replied, "No worries." You are only two minutes late; no worries.
Usage note This is informal reassurance; a more formal reply might be that is not a problem.
Three-question check Choose one answer for each question. No timer, score submission or answer storage.
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What does “no worries” mean in this lesson?
the clear liquid that people drink a relaxed way to say that something is not a problem a place that rents rooms to travellers a person who buys goods or services Answer and explanation a relaxed way to say that something is not a problem — When I thanked Jo for waiting, she replied, "No worries." Here, “no worries” means a relaxed way to say that something is not a problem.
Which lesson expression completes this example? You are only two minutes late; _____.
no worries just a moment that makes sense it depends Answer and explanation no worries — You are only two minutes late; no worries.
Which usage note is accurate for “no worries”?
This is the standard opening for every formal business letter. This is informal reassurance; a more formal reply might be that is not a problem. Answer and explanation This is informal reassurance; a more formal reply might be that is not a problem. — This is informal reassurance; a more formal reply might be that is not a problem.
Answer reference a relaxed way to say that something is not a problem — When I thanked Jo for waiting, she replied, "No worries." Here, “no worries” means a relaxed way to say that something is not a problem. no worries — You are only two minutes late; no worries. This is informal reassurance; a more formal reply might be that is not a problem. — This is informal reassurance; a more formal reply might be that is not a problem.
October 23, 2026 · Useful word · Lesson link
water
the clear liquid that people drink
Listen
Save word
Two examples Could I have a glass of water? There is clean water in the bottle.
Usage note In this drinking sense, water is normally uncountable: some water.
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What does “water” mean in this lesson?
the clear liquid that people drink reveal information that was meant to be kept secret make people feel more relaxed when they first meet very rarely Answer and explanation the clear liquid that people drink — Could I have a glass of water? Here, “water” means the clear liquid that people drink.
Which lesson expression completes this example? There is clean _____ in the bottle.
explain invite prepare water Answer and explanation water — There is clean water in the bottle.
Which usage note is accurate for “water”?
In this drinking sense, water is normally uncountable: some water. In this sense, always say a water for an amount of liquid. Answer and explanation In this drinking sense, water is normally uncountable: some water. — In this drinking sense, water is normally uncountable: some water.
Answer reference the clear liquid that people drink — Could I have a glass of water? Here, “water” means the clear liquid that people drink. water — There is clean water in the bottle. In this drinking sense, water is normally uncountable: some water. — In this drinking sense, water is normally uncountable: some water.
October 24, 2026 · Idiom · Lesson link
miss the boat
lose an opportunity by acting too late
Listen
Two examples If we wait until Friday, we may miss the boat on the discount. Apply today so that you do not miss the boat.
Usage note This can describe a lost chance even when no boat is involved.
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What does “miss the boat” mean in this lesson?
the clear liquid that people drink a dark drink made from roasted beans a place that rents rooms to travellers lose an opportunity by acting too late Answer and explanation lose an opportunity by acting too late — If we wait until Friday, we may miss the boat on the discount. Here, “miss the boat” means lose an opportunity by acting too late.
Which lesson expression completes this example? Apply today so that you do not _____.
keep an eye on cost an arm and a leg miss the boat the ball is in your court Answer and explanation miss the boat — Apply today so that you do not miss the boat.
Which usage note is accurate for “miss the boat”?
This can only describe water transport. This can describe a lost chance even when no boat is involved. Answer and explanation This can describe a lost chance even when no boat is involved. — This can describe a lost chance even when no boat is involved.
Answer reference lose an opportunity by acting too late — If we wait until Friday, we may miss the boat on the discount. Here, “miss the boat” means lose an opportunity by acting too late. miss the boat — Apply today so that you do not miss the boat. This can describe a lost chance even when no boat is involved. — This can describe a lost chance even when no boat is involved.
October 25, 2026 · Phrasal verb · Lesson link
calm down
become less upset or excited
Listen
Two examples Let us wait a minute and calm down before we reply. A quiet walk helps me calm down after a tense meeting.
Usage note With another person, use calm someone down; a pronoun goes in the middle.
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What does “calm down” mean in this lesson?
a place that rents rooms to travellers a person who buys goods or services become less upset or excited a dark drink made from roasted beans Answer and explanation become less upset or excited — Let us wait a minute and calm down before we reply. Here, “calm down” means become less upset or excited.
Which lesson expression completes this example? A quiet walk helps me _____ after a tense meeting.
set up calm down give up carry on Answer and explanation calm down — A quiet walk helps me calm down after a tense meeting.
Which usage note is accurate for “calm down”?
With another person, use calm someone down; a pronoun goes in the middle. For another person, always say calm down them. Answer and explanation With another person, use calm someone down; a pronoun goes in the middle. — With another person, use calm someone down; a pronoun goes in the middle.
Answer reference become less upset or excited — Let us wait a minute and calm down before we reply. Here, “calm down” means become less upset or excited. calm down — A quiet walk helps me calm down after a tense meeting. With another person, use calm someone down; a pronoun goes in the middle. — With another person, use calm someone down; a pronoun goes in the middle.
October 26, 2026 · Everyday expression · Lesson link
so far
up to the present point in time
Listen
Two examples We have checked ten forms so far. The new route has worked well so far.
Usage note This leaves open what may happen later; it does not guarantee a final result.
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What does “so far” mean in this lesson?
the clear liquid that people drink up to the present point in time a place that rents rooms to travellers a person who buys goods or services Answer and explanation up to the present point in time — We have checked ten forms so far. Here, “so far” means up to the present point in time.
Which lesson expression completes this example? The new route has worked well _____.
so far by the way after you excuse me Answer and explanation so far — The new route has worked well so far.
Which usage note is accurate for “so far”?
This guarantees the same result for all future time. This leaves open what may happen later; it does not guarantee a final result. Answer and explanation This leaves open what may happen later; it does not guarantee a final result. — This leaves open what may happen later; it does not guarantee a final result.
Answer reference up to the present point in time — We have checked ten forms so far. Here, “so far” means up to the present point in time. so far — The new route has worked well so far. This leaves open what may happen later; it does not guarantee a final result. — This leaves open what may happen later; it does not guarantee a final result.
October 27, 2026 · Useful word · Lesson link
problem
a situation that needs a solution
Listen
Save word
Two examples Please call if there is a problem with the booking. We found a problem with the new lock.
Usage note Use a problem with something; the noun is countable.
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What does “problem” mean in this lesson?
a situation that needs a solution reveal information that was meant to be kept secret make people feel more relaxed when they first meet very rarely Answer and explanation a situation that needs a solution — Please call if there is a problem with the booking. Here, “problem” means a situation that needs a solution.
Which lesson expression completes this example? We found a _____ with the new lock.
beautiful comfortable dangerous problem Answer and explanation problem — We found a problem with the new lock.
Which usage note is accurate for “problem”?
Use a problem with something; the noun is countable. Always say a problem at something to identify the faulty object. Answer and explanation Use a problem with something; the noun is countable. — Use a problem with something; the noun is countable.
Answer reference a situation that needs a solution — Please call if there is a problem with the booking. Here, “problem” means a situation that needs a solution. problem — We found a problem with the new lock. Use a problem with something; the noun is countable. — Use a problem with something; the noun is countable.
October 28, 2026 · Idiom · Lesson link
once in a blue moon
very rarely
Listen
Two examples We see our former neighbours once in a blue moon. I travel overnight by train once in a blue moon.
Usage note This informal phrase expresses rarity, not an exact timetable.
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What does “once in a blue moon” mean in this lesson?
the clear liquid that people drink a dark drink made from roasted beans a place that rents rooms to travellers very rarely Answer and explanation very rarely — We see our former neighbours once in a blue moon. Here, “once in a blue moon” means very rarely.
Which lesson expression completes this example? I travel overnight by train _____.
call it a day back to square one once in a blue moon out of the blue Answer and explanation once in a blue moon — I travel overnight by train once in a blue moon.
Which usage note is accurate for “once in a blue moon”?
This tells you an exact number of days between events. This informal phrase expresses rarity, not an exact timetable. Answer and explanation This informal phrase expresses rarity, not an exact timetable. — This informal phrase expresses rarity, not an exact timetable.
Answer reference very rarely — We see our former neighbours once in a blue moon. Here, “once in a blue moon” means very rarely. once in a blue moon — I travel overnight by train once in a blue moon. This informal phrase expresses rarity, not an exact timetable. — This informal phrase expresses rarity, not an exact timetable.
October 29, 2026 · Phrasal verb · Lesson link
find out
discover information that you did not know
Listen
Two examples We need to find out why the train was cancelled. Can you find out whether the shop delivers?
Usage note Use whether or if to introduce an indirect yes/no question.
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What does “find out” mean in this lesson?
a place that rents rooms to travellers a person who buys goods or services discover information that you did not know a dark drink made from roasted beans Answer and explanation discover information that you did not know — We need to find out why the train was cancelled. Here, “find out” means discover information that you did not know.
Which lesson expression completes this example? Can you _____ whether the shop delivers?
come across find out fill in look after Answer and explanation find out — Can you find out whether the shop delivers?
Which usage note is accurate for “find out”?
Use whether or if to introduce an indirect yes/no question. An indirect question after this phrase must use question word order. Answer and explanation Use whether or if to introduce an indirect yes/no question. — Use whether or if to introduce an indirect yes/no question.
Answer reference discover information that you did not know — We need to find out why the train was cancelled. Here, “find out” means discover information that you did not know. find out — Can you find out whether the shop delivers? Use whether or if to introduce an indirect yes/no question. — Use whether or if to introduce an indirect yes/no question.
October 30, 2026 · Everyday expression · Lesson link
let me know
tell me when you have the information
Listen
Two examples Please let me know when your train arrives. If the time changes, let me know.
Usage note Let takes an object plus a base verb: let me know.
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What does “let me know” mean in this lesson?
the clear liquid that people drink tell me when you have the information a place that rents rooms to travellers a person who buys goods or services Answer and explanation tell me when you have the information — Please let me know when your train arrives. Here, “let me know” means tell me when you have the information.
Which lesson expression completes this example? If the time changes, _____.
let me know my pleasure good point fair enough Answer and explanation let me know — If the time changes, let me know.
Which usage note is accurate for “let me know”?
Put to before know: let me to know. Let takes an object plus a base verb: let me know. Answer and explanation Let takes an object plus a base verb: let me know. — Let takes an object plus a base verb: let me know.
Answer reference tell me when you have the information — Please let me know when your train arrives. Here, “let me know” means tell me when you have the information. let me know — If the time changes, let me know. Let takes an object plus a base verb: let me know. — Let takes an object plus a base verb: let me know.
October 31, 2026 · Useful word · Lesson link
decide
to choose after thinking
Listen
Save word
Two examples We need to decide which train to take. We must decide before the shop closes.
Usage note Use decide to do something or decide on a choice.
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What does “decide” mean in this lesson?
to choose after thinking reveal information that was meant to be kept secret make people feel more relaxed when they first meet very rarely Answer and explanation to choose after thinking — We need to decide which train to take. Here, “decide” means to choose after thinking.
Which lesson expression completes this example? We must _____ before the shop closes.
important customer company decide Answer and explanation decide — We must decide before the shop closes.
Which usage note is accurate for “decide”?
Use decide to do something or decide on a choice. Always put about between decide and a to-infinitive. Answer and explanation Use decide to do something or decide on a choice. — Use decide to do something or decide on a choice.
Answer reference to choose after thinking — We need to decide which train to take. Here, “decide” means to choose after thinking. decide — We must decide before the shop closes. Use decide to do something or decide on a choice. — Use decide to do something or decide on a choice.
Today's lesson · Daily 5 practice
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