Tired of being the odd one out when an English conversation begins?
Fret no more.
Learning English can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
In this post, you’ll find 27 tips on how to learn English quickly.
How To Learn English
Ready? Let’s make your journey as easy as possible.
How To Learn English At Home
1. Find A Reason To Learn English
Having a reason will help keep you motivated and interested in what you’re doing.
It can be hard work if you do not desire to learn English.
But if there are things you want in life that are possible with good English skills, then it becomes easier to stay focused on learning.
Ask yourself: Why do I want to learn English? What does this skill mean for me in my life and career?
Maybe you’re going on an internship in England. Or perhaps you want to be able to speak with locals when you visit New York next summer holiday.
So think about it.
2. Set Goals And Track Your Progress
Setting goals before you start is the key to staying motivated while learning English.
To be successful in your language learning journey, it’s crucial that your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
For example: “I want to improve my speaking skills” isn’t specific enough.
“I want to improve my speaking skills by increasing my vocabulary by 20 words every week and talking to my English-speaking friends every two days” is much better because it indicates how much progress you can expect when you reach your goal.
Don’t forget to track how well you are doing on your goals. Each week or month, review your progress and see if there is anything else you can do to improve.
3. Use Technology To Your Advantage
The internet has practically everything on it now, including plenty of free sites to learn English online.
You can also find videos on YouTube that help teach you how to speak English or listen to podcasts where people talk about their lives in English.
You might be surprised by how much technology can help your language-learning efforts.
Learn English anytime, anywhere, without paying for expensive classes or hiring tutors.
4. Learn English While Having Fun
If you’re a gamer, it should be no surprise that learning English through gaming is one of the most effective ways to improve your language skills.
Many games allow players to immerse themselves in an environment where everyone speaks English.
Plus, these games offer a wide range of quests, challenges, and storylines that can keep you busy for hours at a time!
Also read:
5. Learn About The Culture
Learning English is not just about being able to get by and communicate with people. It’s also about learning about another culture.
This includes learning about the history, customs, traditions, and cuisine.
You’ll be able to connect with people on a deeper level when you know more about their way of life. And who knows? You might even find some common ground with people you wouldn’t have thought possible.
6. Learn In Short, Manageable Bursts
You’re busy with work and family commitments, or you’re just not a morning person.
Either way, chances are your day doesn’t start early enough to fit in an hour-long language lesson before your day starts.
So instead of trying to cram study time into your day, do it in short bursts throughout the day.
If you have five minutes here or there between tasks, use them wisely by listening to podcasts or watching videos (like TED Talks) in English.
Make sure they’re at an appropriate level for your current level of proficiency—don’t try watching something too advanced at first.
Read on: Habits of Successful Students (#7 Is A Must-Try)
7. Use Your Resources Wisely
Many resources are available for learning English, from textbooks and online dictionaries to apps and websites.
However, they aren’t all created equal. Some of these resources will be more helpful than others in helping you achieve your goals.
So make sure the resources you use are up-to-date and relevant.
How To Learn English Vocabulary
8. Try To Guess Words In Context
Try learning new words through context clues. This is one of the best ways to expand your vocabulary because it allows you to guess what a word means based on its use within a sentence or paragraph.
This will help you remember the word better because you’ll use your mind and eyes when learning new English vocabulary.
You’ll probably get it wrong sometimes, but that’s okay! Keep working at it until you get better at guessing English words correctly.
9. Look Up Unknown Words
The next time you encounter a word that is unfamiliar to you, look it up. Here are some places where you can find definitions:
- Online dictionary
- Dictionary app on your phone or tablet
- Physical dictionary
10. Learn New Vocabulary By Reading Everything You See
Reading is one of the best ways to learn new vocabulary. And it’s free!
The more you read, the better you recognize words and understand how they work together.
You might not understand the meaning of every word at first glance, but over time, you’ll start recognizing patterns and making connections between new words and ones that you already know.
11. Learn About Idioms And Slang
English has a lot of idioms and slang. Some are easy to understand, while others are more difficult to grasp.
Idioms are expressions that don’t make sense when taken literally. For example, when someone says, “it costs an arm and a leg,” it means something is very expensive.
Slang is informal language used by some people as part of everyday speech. They can be difficult for ESL learners because they’re often specific to a particular region or subculture.
12. Listen To Music In English
Music is an international language. And listening to music is one of the most enjoyable ways to pick up new words and phrases.
You can listen to music from any genre—pop or hip hop, oldies or jazz—whatever floats your boat.
Choose songs you already know or have heard before so that you can focus on the new words and expressions.
This can be helpful for any level, from beginner to advanced.
How To Learn English Grammar
13. Learn The Grammar Rules Of English
Grammar is one of the most important parts of learning any language. This is how you structure your sentences and how they make sense.
You can start by learning the basic grammar rules, such as how to form sentences (subject-verb-object) and use personal pronouns (I, you, he/she).
Related reading: What Is Direct Speech?
How To Learn English Speaking
14. Find An English Club In Your City Or Town
Many organizations offer free or low-cost clubs for adults interested in learning English.
You can find an English club by checking the community calendar or calling local schools, libraries, churches, or community organizations. You may also want to check with your employer if they offer adult education classes.
If there isn’t a club near you, try joining an online community where people talk about their experiences with learning English. This will give you some ideas about what works and what doesn’t.
15. Surround Yourself With English
It’s time to take the plunge and immerse yourself in English.
You could volunteer in New Zealand for a year or two or get a job working for an international company in Australia.
Or maybe try getting into an exchange program at a foreign university.
Making international friends while traveling abroad is also a great option.
Also read:
How To Learn English Reading
16. Read, Read, And Read Some More
To learn English, you need to read. A LOT.
Reading articles, magazines, or books in a second language will help you learn new vocabulary and grammar structures.
Reading will also help you identify grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes.
You can start by reading newspapers or magazines. If they’re too hard for you, try reading children’s or comic books until you get used to reading more complex texts.
Once you have gotten used to reading different types of text without difficulties, try reading books from different genres, like fantasy fiction or non-fiction books about history and science with complex sentences.
If something confuses you in a book or article, don’t hesitate to look up words in the dictionary to understand the context better.
How To Learn English Listening
17. Watch The News In English
Many people watch the news as part of their daily routine, but they don’t realize that it can be a great way to learn new words and improve their listening skills.
News programs are full of exciting topics and vocabulary that are naturally suited to improving your English listening skills. You’ll also get used to the rhythm and intonation of spoken English.
If you are a beginner, start with short news stories and gradually increase the time you spend listening. When watching the news, pay attention to what people say instead of just hearing it.
18. Listen To English Radio And Podcasts
Like most adults, you probably don’t have much free time in the day for a long English lesson with a tutor. Instead, you want something quick and easy to learn on the go.
Why not sit back and listen to English radio shows and podcasts?
These will help you get used to hearing native speakers speak and understand their accents. You can also pick up new words or expressions used in everyday conversation. They’re also a great way to keep up with current affairs while doing something else.
How To Learn English Writing
19. Practice Makes Perfect
Whether you’re an ESL student or not, writing is a vital part of everyday life, from emails to resumes and cover letters.
Writing in a foreign language can be challenging at first, especially if you are just starting. But it’s worth the effort because it gets easier with practice once you start writing.
Here are some tips:
- Write in English about something that interests you.
- Write more often.
- Look at different types of writing and try imitating them in your own writing style.
- Read widely in English.
- Use an English-English dictionary.
- Rewrite what you’ve written, and then rewrite it again.
How To Learn English
20. Start Immediately
Don’t wait for some special time to begin learning English. The sooner you start, the better.
Even if you’re busy, keep your schedule open.
You’ll find it’s easier to learn when there is less pressure, and you can get used to the new language much more quickly.
21. Ask For Help
Asking for help is a sign of strength. Too often, people feel they have to do everything on their own.
Ask for help when you need it, and you’ll be surprised how much more productive you’ll be.
For example, if you’re struggling with a particular lesson, don’t be afraid to ask your tutor or teacher for help. They’ll appreciate your effort in learning the language and help correct any mistakes you make.
22. Prepare For An English Language Test
Taking a standardized test (such as TOEFL or IELTS) gives you a clear idea of how well you have mastered the language.
Plus, if you are applying for a job or studying in an English-speaking country, having a certificate from an accredited institution will help strengthen your case.
23. Sign Up For A Course Or Class
A course or class can provide you with a structured learning environment. You will have a teacher or instructor who can help you along the way. If you get stuck, they can guide you.
If signing up for an actual class isn’t in your budget (or if there aren’t any nearby), consider using a free online course.
Many websites offer free lessons covering all the basics: grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation drills—everything you need to start speaking English.
24. Don’t Let The Accent Stop You
It’s okay if you don’t speak with a British or American accent.
Focus on what you’re saying and how it makes sense.
If you’re comfortable speaking English and can communicate effectively with others, you’re well on your way to becoming fluent.
Your accent is what makes you unique. It is the cherry on top that makes you a whole person.
Also read: 109+ Tongue Twisters (Easy, Hard, Funny, Long, And More)
25. Learn To Laugh At Your Mistakes
Learning a language is no easy task; we all make mistakes.
When this happens, the best thing to do is to laugh it off and move on.
No one expects native speaker-level proficiency from someone who’s just starting!
Do not let your mistakes discourage you from learning English!
Instead, use them to learn more about the language and yourself as a learner.
26. Learn How To Learn Anything
If learning a new language is your goal, Josh Kaufman’s TED talk is a great place to start.
In this video, Josh Kaufman, the author of the #1 international bestseller ‘The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business,’ shares his insights on how to learn anything.
This video is an excellent introduction for anyone interested in becoming more efficient at learning new skills.
27. Stay Positive, Stay Motivated
It’s easy to get discouraged when you’re learning a new language. You may feel like you’re not making progress quickly enough or that other people understand English better than you do.
However, it’s essential to keep your spirits up and stay motivated by focusing on what you’re doing right rather than what you’re doing wrong.
For example, say something like “I’m proud of how hard I’ve been working lately” instead of “I haven’t learned anything useful this week.”
28. Be Patient And Persistent
Learning English is not a race. It’s a marathon, and those who learn to speak English fluently are those who are patient and persistent.
You can’t expect to learn all grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation rules overnight. You need to be patient and keep practicing every day until you reach your goal.
How Long Does It Take To Learn English?
This is a question many people ask, especially those who are just starting to learn the language.
The length of time it takes to learn English depends on several factors, such as your current level of English, your motivation, what resources you have access to, and how much time you want to put into it. Some people can pick up a new language quickly, while others will struggle for years.
Learning English can seem like an endless process. No matter what level of English proficiency you want to achieve, there’s always room for improvement—even if it’s just by becoming more familiar with common idioms or slang terms.
However, in this TED talk, Chris Lonsdale explains how you can learn any language in six months.
Check it out if you want to make your way up from beginner levels.
Final Words
Learning English is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging.
Now that you know how to learn English, hopefully, you’ll be able to start learning the language on your own.
It can be tricky at times, and there will be days when it feels like your progress is slow and painful. But keep at it!
The more time you spend studying, reading, writing, and speaking the language, the better off you’ll be in the long run.
Feel free to share this article with anyone who might need help with their English skills. And don’t forget to check out other resources at Hi English Hub.
