The English We Speak: Side quest
Learning English Conversations

The English We Speak: Side quest

B1IntermediateJuly 21, 20262 min

Do you ever get distracted by something fun? A side quest is where you do something that's different to your main task. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260721 For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

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Sentence 8 of 12 · 1:25

Sorry, I just went shopping to buy something for dinner.

, .

And got back here late, I see.

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B1

B1 · Intermediate

Fine if you can follow simple news

A1 41%A2 27%B1 22%B2 11%C1 0%
  • 89% of the words are B1 or easier.
  • 182 words a minute: natural, fairly fast speech.
  • 3 harder words (B2 and up) in the whole episode.

Transcript

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0:00

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. Visit shopify.com. Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain phrases and expressions used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them too. I'm Feifei and here comes…

1:18

I'm Phil. How are you doing, Feifei? Where were you? Sorry, I just went shopping to buy something for dinner. I say I went to buy something for dinner, but then I ended up on a side quest and bought a load of records.

1:31

And got back here late, I see. I would be annoyed, but actually that expression, side quest, would be a good one to learn. OK, yeah, good idea. To explain this one, we have to talk about video games.

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