Shadowing Practice: Talk About Your Day In Present Perfect | Daily Routine | A1 Beginner | Real Conversation - Learn English Speaking with Video

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Hello everyone and welcome back to Mr. English Channel.
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I'm Emily and I'm so happy to be here with you all today.
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And I'm Paul.
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We're so happy you're here with us today.
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We really are.
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And before we dive into today's super interesting topic, we have a quick favor to ask.
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Yes, if you like our podcasts and find them helpful, please, please, please subscribe to our channel.
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It helps us a lot.
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And hit that like button.
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It tells us you enjoy what we're doing.
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And don't forget to share this episode with your friends who are also learning English.
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Sharing is caring.
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Absolutely.
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We love helping more and more people improve their English.
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So, about today's topic, Paul, I was thinking about something we all do every single day.
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Oh, I think I know where you're going with this, Emily.
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Our daily routines.
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Exactly.
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But not just any daily routine.
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We're going to talk about daily routines using a very special tense, the present perfect.
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Ooh, the present perfect.
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Some people might find it a little tricky, but we're going to make it super easy and fun today.
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That's right.
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We'll show you how useful it is when you talk about your daily life,
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especially when you want to connect something you did in the past to now.
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So, Emily, let's start with a simple question.
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What have you already done today?
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I'm curious.
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Oh, great question, Paul.
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Let's see.
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I've already woken up, of course.
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That's usually the first thing for most people.
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Yes, unless you're a night owl.
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And after you've woken up, what's next?
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Well, I have already made my bed.
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It's a small thing, but it makes my room feel tidy and ready for the day.
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And I've already had my coffee.
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That's a very important part of my morning routine.
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Ah, coffee.
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A true essential for many.
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I've also had my coffee.
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Actually, I've had two cups already.
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Wow, two cups.
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You're really energetic today, Paul.
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Have you eaten breakfast yet?
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That's a good question.
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I've already eaten breakfast.
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I had some toast and eggs.
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What about you, Emily?
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Have you had breakfast?
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Yes, I have.
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I've already had some fruit and yogurt.
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I try to eat something healthy in the morning.
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So you see, listeners, we're using have or has plus the past participle to talk about things we've completed.
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It's like saying, this action is finished and it's relevant now.
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Exactly.
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And the good thing about the present perfect for daily routines is that you don't need to say when you did it.
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You just say that you have done it.
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That's a key point.
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For example, I've already brushed my teeth.
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I don't need to say, I brushed my teeth at 7 a.m if I just want to say that the action is done.
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Right.
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It's about the completion of the action, not the exact time.
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So, Emily, have you checked your emails yet today?
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I usually do that first thing.
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Oh, yes, I have.
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I've already checked my emails.
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There were a few new messages, but nothing super urgent.
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And I've also checked my social media.
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A little bit of scrolling, you know?
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I know that feeling.
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I've also checked my social media, but I try not to spend too much time on it in the morning.
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So what else have you completed this morning?
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Have you taken a shower yet?
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Yes, I have.
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I've already taken a shower.
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It helps me feel fresh and ready to start my day.
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And I've already gotten dressed.
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I'm wearing my favorite blue shirt today.
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Nice.
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I've also gotten dressed.
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I'm wearing a comfortable sweater because it's a little chilly today.
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So, we've talked about a lot of morning routine things.
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What about things you haven't done yet, but you will do later?
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We can use the present perfect with not for that too.
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That's a great point, Paul.
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For example, I haven't gone to the grocery store yet today.
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I need to do that later.
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My fridge is looking a bit empty.
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I know that feeling.
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I haven't done my laundry yet.
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That's definitely on my to-do list for later.
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And I haven't called my mom yet.
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I usually talk to her in the afternoon.
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Ah, calling mom is important.
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I haven't exercised yet.
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I usually go for a walk in the late afternoon.
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So you see, listeners, I haven't done something yet means I haven't completed this action up to now,
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but I might do it later.
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Exactly.
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It's super useful for talking about your plans and what's left on your list for the day.
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So Emily, thinking about your daily routine, what's something you've always done in the morning, almost every day?
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That's an interesting way to think about it.
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I've always had coffee in the morning, even when I was a student.
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It's a habit that has stayed with me for a very long time.
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What about you, Paul?
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I've always read the news in the morning.
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Not a full newspaper, but I've always checked the main headlines online.
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It helps me feel connected to what's happening in the world.
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It's like it started in the past and it continues to be true now.
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That's a great example of how the present perfect talks about something that started in the past and continues to the present.
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So you've always read the news.
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That's a nice, consistent habit.
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Yes.
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And another thing.
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I've always tried to make my bed.
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My mom always told me it was important and it just stuck with me.
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What about things you've never done in your morning routine, Emily?
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Oh, that's a fun one.
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I've never had a cold shower in the morning.
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I've heard some people do it for energy, but I prefer a warm shower.
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And I've never skipped breakfast.
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I get too hungry if I don't eat in the morning.
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I'm with you on the warm shower, Emily.
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I've also had a cold shower, and I've never gone for a run before coffee.
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My brain just wouldn't be ready for it.
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Those are great examples.
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So, listeners, I've never done something means I haven't done this action at any point in my life up to now.
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Right.
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It's a strong way to say something has not happened.
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So let's think about a typical workday.
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What have you usually done by lunchtime?
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By lunchtime, I've usually answered a lot of emails.
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And I've usually had a few meetings.
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Sometimes virtual meetings.
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Sometimes in person.
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And I've definitely already thought about what I'm going to eat for lunch.
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That's a universal truth, Emily.
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By lunchtime, I've usually finished my most important tasks for the morning, and I've usually gone for a short walk to get some fresh air.
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It helps me clear my head.
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That's a really good habit, Paul.
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So we can use already with the present perfect to say something has been completed even earlier than expected,
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or just to emphasize completion.
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And we can use yet to ask if something has happened or to say it hasn't happened.
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For example, have you finished your work yet?
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Or no, I haven't finished my work yet.
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Perfect.
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So, let's try a little practice for our listeners.
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Imagine you're at the end of your day.
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What are some things you would say you have done or haven't done yet?
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Okay, I can start.
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By the end of the day, I've usually cooked dinner, and I've usually watched a little TV.
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But I haven't gone to bed yet, of course.
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Good examples, Paul.
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By the end of the day, I've usually read a chapter of a book.
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I love reading before bed.
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And I've usually called my family to say goodnight.
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But I haven't packed my bag for tomorrow yet.
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I usually do that right before I go to sleep.
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That's smart.
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Packing the night before saves time in the morning.
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So you see, listeners, the present perfect is very versatile.
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You can use it for things that have just happened, things that started in the past and are still true now,
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or things that have happened at some point in your life up to now.
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It really is.
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And it's so helpful for talking about your daily routine without always needing to say at 8 a.m or at 9 p.m.
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It focuses on the action's completion and its connection to the present.
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So, let's think about some common activities.
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Emily, have you ever lost your keys?
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I have many times.
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Oh, yes, I have.
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I've lost my keys so many times.
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It's always a little moment of panic, isn't it?
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And then you find them in the most obvious place.
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Always.
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So there, I've lost my keys means it happened at some point in the past, and it's relevant because it's a common experience.
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or I've just found my keys means it happened very recently.
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Exactly.
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Or I haven't found my keys yet, which means I'm still looking for them.
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This tense is really good for those situations.
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It gives a natural flow to your conversation about everyday events.
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It does, and it's super common in English, so mastering it really helps you sound more natural.
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Let's talk about something else.
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Have you ever forgotten to set your alarm clock?
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Oh yes, I have.
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And then I've overslept.
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That's happened a few times, especially when I'm really tired, and then I've rushed to get ready.
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Me too.
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I've forgotten to set my alarm, and then I've woken up super late.
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It's not a fun way to start the day, but thankfully, it hasn't happened recently.
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Knock on wood.
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So listeners, you can see how flexible this tense is.
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It's not just for big, important events.
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It's for all the small, everyday things, too.
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It really is.
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Think about things you've learned.
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Emily, what's one new thing you've learned recently, even if it's small?
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That's a nice question.
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I've recently learned how to make a new kind of pasta sauce.
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It's delicious, and it's been a great addition to my cooking routine.
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What about you, Paul?
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That sounds lovely.
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I've recently learned a few new words in Spanish.
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I'm trying to practice every day.
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So, this action of learning started in the past, and it's still ongoing or relevant now.
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Perfect.
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So, when you talk about your daily adventures,
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your daily routine, remember that the present perfect can help you express things clearly and naturally.
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It's like a bridge between the past and the present.
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A very useful bridge.
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So, instead of saying, I ate breakfast this morning, you can say, I've already eaten breakfast,
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to emphasize that it's done and you're ready for the next thing.
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Or instead of saying, I didn't call my friend, you can say, I haven't called my friend yet, to show that you still plan to do it.
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And it also sounds more polite sometimes, doesn't it?
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I haven't had a chance to call my friend yet sounds better than I didn't call my friend.
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Absolutely.
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It adds a touch of politeness and also implies that you still intend to do the action.
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So listeners, we really hope this episode has helped you understand the present perfect a little better,
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especially how you can use it in your everyday conversations about your routine.
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We encourage you to start using it today.
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Think about your own morning, your own afternoon.
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What have you already done?
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What haven't you done yet?
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Practice makes perfect, and the more you use it, the more natural it will feel.
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So as we wrap up In today's episode, we have one more friendly reminder.
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Yes!
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If you enjoyed this podcast and found it helpful, please subscribe to Mr. English Channel.
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And give us a big thumbs up by clicking the like button.
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And please, share this episode with your friends who are also learning English.
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Help us spread the word.
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And finally, we would love to hear from you.
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In the comments below, tell us, what's one thing you've already done today, and one thing you haven't done yet, but plan to do?
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We love reading your comments and seeing how you're using what you've learned.
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It makes our day.
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So thank you so much for joining us today on Mr. English Channel.
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We hope you had fun and learned something new.
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See you next time, everyone.
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practicing your English.
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Bye for now!

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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson

This video has 239 sentences and 2081 words to shadow. The speech runs for 14:30. The speaker talks at a steady 144 words per minute, a comfortable pace for shadowing. 84% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English; the rest is worth studying before you start.

Key vocabulary in this video

15 less common words from the video, with pronunciation and meaning:

  • routine /ɹuˈtin/ (noun) — A course of action to be followed regularly; a standard procedure.
  • listener /ˈlɪs(ə)nɚ/ (noun) — Someone who listens, especially to a speech or a broadcast.
  • everyday /ˈɛvɹiˌdeɪ/ (adjective) — Appropriate for ordinary use, rather than for special occasions.
  • helpful /ˈhɛlp.fl̩/ (adjective) — Furnishing help; giving aid; useful.
  • habit /ˈhæb.ɪt/ (noun) — An action performed on a regular basis.
  • completion /kəmˈpliː.ʃən/ (noun) — The act or state of being or making something complete; conclusion, accomplishment.
  • tense /tɛns/ (noun) — The property of indicating the point in time at which an action or state of being occurs or exists.
  • topic /ˈtɑpɪk/ (noun) — A subject; a theme; a category or general area of interest.
  • connect /kəˈnɛkt/ (verb) — To join (to another object): to attach, or to be intended to attach or capable of attaching, to another object.
  • alarm /əˈlɑɹm/ (noun) — A summons to arms, as on the approach of an enemy.
  • brush /bɹʌʃ/ (noun) — An implement consisting of multiple more or less flexible bristles or other filaments attached to a handle, used for any of various purposes including…
  • podcast /ˈpɑdˌkæst/ (noun) — A program, especially an audio program, produced on a regular basis, delivered over the Internet in a compressed digital format and designed for playback on…
  • subscribe /səbˈskɹaɪb/ (verb) — To write (one’s name) at the bottom of a document; to sign (one's name).
  • emphasize /ˈɛm.fə.saɪz/ (verb) — To stress, give emphasis or extra weight to (something).
  • universal /ˌjunəˈvɜɹs(ə)l/ (adjective) — Of or pertaining to the universe.

Phrasal verbs you will hear

  • talk about (verb) — Used to draw attention to the speaker's characterization of someone or something.
  • think about /ˈθɪŋk əˌbaʊt/ (verb) — To ponder.
  • start in (verb) — To begin (to do something); to get started.
  • do in (verb) — To kill or end; to defeat.
  • go for (verb) — To try for, to attempt to reach.
  • wake up /ˌweɪk ˈʌp/ (verb) — To stop sleeping; to awake.
  • do by (verb) — To perform on behalf of someone or with someone in mind; to behave in a manner befitting someone.
  • eat in (verb) — To eat a meal at home.

Pronunciation to watch

The speaker uses 104 contractions and reduced forms, such as I've, haven't, I'm. Say them the short way, as you hear them.

  • The “sh” and “zh” sounds: completion /kəmˈpliː.ʃən/, brush /bɹʌʃ/, rush /ɹʌʃ/, delicious /dɪˈlɪ.ʃəs/
  • Long words — get the stress right: universal /ˌjunəˈvɜɹs(ə)l/, naturally /ˈnæt͡ʃ.(ə.)ɹə.li/, energetic /ˌɛn.əɹˈdʒɛt.ɪk/, participle /ˈpɑɹtɪˌsɪpəl/

How to practise with this video

  1. Listen to the whole video once without speaking and note the words you do not know.
  2. Shadow it sentence by sentence at normal speed, repeating each one until your rhythm matches the speaker.
  3. Record yourself and compare with the original, paying attention to words like routine, listener, everyday.

Grammar in this video

The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:

StructureIn the video
Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters nowhave you already done · I've already woken · you've woken
Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does itis finished · is done · has been completed
Relative clauses who / which + clause — extra information about a person or thingfriends who are · yet, which means
Verb + -ing enjoy, keep, stop… + -ing — verbs that are followed by the -ing formlove helping · love reading

What is the Shadowing Technique?

Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.

Shadowing technique: read the full step-by-step guide →