
To check the transcript: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2379282
Link to the Literature Google Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y-4arXkn8sxfvjzzwWoJhxQdKLtTZDrvspy9HUq4AZs/edit?usp=sharing
Uncalled for
Imagine a friend of yours has recently started learning a new language.
They're excited about it and tell someone about their progress.
But instead of showing interest, the person responds, “At your age? Why would you even bother learning that language? It's not like you're ever going to use it!”
You might think, “Wow, that was completely uncalled for!”
Hello everyone, and welcome to Daily English.
Today's expression is “uncalled for.”
We use this expression to describe something that is unnecessary, inappropriate, or unjustified, especially when someone's words or behaviour are hurtful or disrespectful.
It's a natural way of saying, “There was no good reason for that.”
Let's look at an example.
Imagine a small business owner has just opened a bakery.
A customer doesn't particularly enjoy one of the pastries and leaves an online review.
But instead of simply describing their experience, they insult the owner's intelligence and abilities.
You might say:
“It's perfectly fine not to like the food, but those personal insults were uncalled for.”
Here, you're expressing disapproval of criticism that goes beyond what's reasonable or necessary.
Now, let's look at another example.
Imagine two friends are discussing a film. One loves it, while the other finds it boring.
Instead of simply disagreeing, one says, “Well, you've never had particularly good taste anyway.”
The other replies:
“Wow, that was uncalled for. We're just talking about a movie!”
Here, the expression highlights how an ordinary disagreement can become unnecessarily personal.
Now, let's look at how we use this expression.
We often say:
“That was uncalled for.”
Or, to make it stronger:
“That was completely uncalled for.”
We can also place it before a noun.
For example:
“That was an uncalled-for remark.”
Or:
“His reaction was totally uncalled for.”
Notice that we usually use this expression when we're criticizing someone's words, actions, or reactions.
And although it's a fairly strong expression, it allows us to express disapproval without necessarily using aggressive language ourselves.
Now, there's something I'd like to reflect on.
Disagreements and moments of frustration are inevitable in human relationships.
And sometimes, the line between honest criticism and unnecessary harshness can be surprisingly thin.
What's interesting is how a single remark can change the tone of an entire conversation, sometimes long after the words have been spoken.
Now it's your turn.
Think of a time when someone made an unnecessary or inappropriate comment.
Try making a sentence with today's expression.
For example:
“I know she was upset, but what she said to him was completely uncalled for.”
Thank you for being here today.
And I hope your day is filled with thoughtful words, kind conversations, and very few uncalled-for remarks.
See you next time!
Flere episoder fra "Daily English Pod"



Gå ikke glip af nogen episoder af “Daily English Pod” - abonnér på podcasten med gratisapp GetPodcast.








