20 Useful Tips for Learning English

 

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The history of the English language is steeped in history, and constantly growing. Today, 67 countries list English as their primary dialect, with an additional 27 who use it as their secondary dialect. In Europe, English gained popularity in the mid-20th century, where 51% of its population is now fluent. Before this, the primary business languages in Europe were Latin, and more recently, French. The English language is commonly used as a middleman for diplomacy, trade, technology, and general communication between many countries. Because of this rise in popularity, an estimated 1.5 billion students are looking for the best tips for learning English.

Students looking to learn English have a variety of options available to them. This language is the most commonly used dialect in the world. In fact, 66% of English speakers have learned it as a second language! Because of this, many language learning programs have engineered platforms specifically for English students. In this blog, we will share a few top tips for students learning English. These tips can help you learn everything from the alphabet, to full sentences and phrases. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide to learning this versatile language!

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Learning English: 20 Tips 

  1. Start With the Basics – This can vary depending on your needs. Some people need to be fluent in reading English for work, while some need to speak it first. Whichever it is, you will need to prioritize that method of learning into chunks of language. If you are not limited to either, then you can begin with the Alphabet and gradually learn new vocabulary. The key is to not overwhelm yourself before you’ve even started working on your English skills.
  1. Keep a Vocabulary Diary – Always record new words after you’ve identified them. This is an excellent way to engage your language skills, making it easier to recall them later. To keep it organized, tab sections of this diary based on either alphabetization, genre, grammatical rules, or Engish vocabulary sections!
  1. Authentic Materials – Instead of relying solely on textbooks, which are a popular method, try English literature and fiction. Many popular English books are also available in your native language. If you have the same book in two languages, you can put these new words into context. Try chipping away at the books 1 chapter at a time, recording new words and phrases.
  1. Find an English Speaker – This could be as simple as enlisting help from a friend, or starting your own club! Remember, English is the most popular language in the world. Finding someone to listen to and take pointers from could be as simple as visiting your Facebook homepage! English learners can also take advantage of video lessons and audio recordings to emulate a wide range of English language resources.
  1. Consume English Media – This could come in many forms, but the goal is to diversify your intake of English. This may be watching English-speaking movies, listening to English podcasts, or simply changing your social media language to English. With so much English-speaking media available, adult language learners can find a great variety to learn from.
  1. Embrace Translation Tools – Don’t be afraid to make full use out of translation tools. With the ever-expanding internet, we have many of them at our fingertips. Gone are the days where we stop mid-sentence to flip through a dictionary. We can now leave the book at home and simply pull out our phone!
  1. Reading Often – Reading extensively expands our vocabulary in our native languages, but it’s even more useful for English students. When you read, your mind internalizes repetitive words, drawing new connections between them. Reading has been proven to significantly increase our ability to learn in general. So make time to extensively read in English!
  1. Get Talking! – Studies have shown that this increases our retention of words over time.It’s also important to perfect your pronunciation and understanding of phonetics. This can only be achieved by actually speaking the language you’re trying to learn. Try putting together comprehension questions to recite aloud, or vocabulary notes. Whether this is with a friend, with a computer, or simply to yourself, make sure you’re speaking English.
  1. Make Time – To learn English faster, make sure you’re fully committed to the learning process. It doesn’t help to spend 5 minutes a day here or there. You need to put in the time to see the benefit for language learners. You can begin with 30 minutes every evening, then over time start putting in an hour or two. If you do this daily, you will decrease your chances of forgetting what you’ve learned.
  1. Drop What Doesn’t Work – It’s okay to drop language activities that don’t keep you motivated. With so many methods to improve English out there, you can always find something else. For example, if you’re stumped on comprehension, it might mean you haven’t learned enough vocabulary and grammar. In this case, you can simply drop your comprehension exercise and go back to reading English vocabulary lists for a while.
  1. Mind Your Environment – Different learning environments work best for different people. One student might find learning to be most comfortable and enjoyable from the living room. One student might feel less motivated from the couch, and work better at a desk or in a library. The key is to experiment and find the best place to learn from. Figure out what distracts you, what motivates you, and go from there.
  1. Interactive Notes – Want to keep the ball rolling? Post phrases around your house on your appliances, doors, tables, etc. This will not only increase your chances of recalling the phrase, but it will act as a friendly reminder. Sometimes we get busy with life and neglect our learning, but these notes can keep you on track.
  1. Visit an English Speaking Country – Reward yourself for all of your progress by going on vacation! By visiting English-speaking countries, you can practice what you have learned and feel more immersed in the language. Order a drink, ask for directions, thank a server – find any reason to show off your new skills! This is also a great way to pay attention to grammar and English accents so you can emulate fluent speakers. You will also easily find a conversation partner to practice English conversations with!
  1. Stay Positive – If you feel like you aren’t progressing as much as you should, don’t feel disheartened. Remember that 66% of English speakers have been through the same process. Try joining forums and groups online that are in the same boat as you. By encouraging others, you can boost your own morale and stay motivated!
  1. Set Realistic Goals – Unfortunately, there are many language services online that prey on our impatience. Some say you can learn English in 3 months, others say you only need to put in 5 minutes of work a day. It’s important to be realistic with yourself. Learning English can take anywhere from 9 months to 2 years depending on where you live, and where you’re starting from. European students who share the same alphabet as English will have a much easier time than Mandarin students. Accept that it could take several months before you see real progress.
  1. Learn about English-Speaking Countries – One of the best ways to truly understand a language at a basic level is by learning about the people who speak it. This doesn’t have to be a history lesson – you can learn about anything. A popular method is delving into that country’s popular culture. In English-speaking countries, there are many ways to engage with pop culture. Try reading the news, learning about current events, or start up a new TV show on Netflix.
  1. Listen to Yourself – Try recording yourself speaking English in daily life and playing it back. This acts as a great comparison tool for learning. If you’re looking for a fun exercise, find a Youtube video where someone is speaking English, repeat what they say, and record the differences.
  1. Test Yourself – If you’re learning English outside the classroom environment, you’re going to need tests. Luckily there are plenty of standardized English exams available online, ranging in difficulty. To get the most from this experience, try and take these tests every few months to measure your progress.
  1. Find the Right Apps – It’s important to find useful apps to help you in your English learning process. With the rise of smartphones, we have access to a wide array of helpful language apps. You may find that you use more than one! Different apps deliver different benefits. LillyPad is a great app for English students because it covers a variety of learning methods.
  1. Try the Lilly’s Gold Method! – This feature on the LillyPad app is great for first-time English learners. It’s based on the GoldList method, aiming to strengthen your memory gradually over time. This in-app feature remembers what you’ve learned previously, and tests you by recalling old phrases, and recording what you don’t remember. For several weeks you will gradually learn the phrases you couldn’t recall before. This method is proven to be effective for English students.

Learn English with LillyPad!

Now you’re reading to start learning, you might be wondering how to combine these tips into real activities. This is where LillyPad comes in. LillyPad has everything you need to improve your English grammar, listening skills, and English vocabulary. For language learners looking for listening exercises from an Ai native speaker, Lilly makes the perfect English language teacher for your one-stop grammar lessons and audio stories. Keep reading to learn more about improving your English levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best method to learn English?


There is no single answer to this question as different students have different learning styles and preferences. Some students may find that they learn best by attending a traditional classroom setting, while others may prefer to learn English online or through immersion programs. The best method of learning English will ultimately depend on the individual student’s needs and preferences. However, all students should make an effort to immerse themselves in the language as much as possible. 

How can I learn English by myself?


There are many ways that you can learn English by yourself. One way is to find a tutor or teacher who can help you to practice speaking and understanding the language. You can also find online resources that can help you to improve your English skills. Additionally, there are a number of apps and software programs that can help you to learn English by yourself. 

What is the most difficult thing about learning English?


One of the most difficult things about learning English is the fact that there are so many irregular verbs. In many languages, verbs follow a regular pattern, making them relatively easy to learn. However, English verbs often have irregular forms, which can make them quite tricky to remember. 

Why my English is not improving?


Many people find that their English skills stagnate after reaching a certain level. This is often because they stop actively trying to improve their language abilities. Instead, they rely on their current knowledge and fail to push themselves to learn new words, grammar rules, and conversational strategies. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to take proactive steps to improve your English. One way to do this is to commit to speaking only in English for a set time each day. 

Tips for learning English at home?


There are many ways to learn English at home, and the best approach depends on your individual needs and learning style. However, there are a few general tips that can help you get the most out of your studies.

First, create a dedicated space for learning. This can be anything from a corner of your bedroom to a quiet coffee shop. Having a designated space will help you focus and stay motivated.

Second, make use of technology. There are tons of great apps and online resources that can help you learn English faster and more effectively.

Third, find a study buddy. Learning with a friend or family member can make the process more fun and help you stay on track. Finally, be patient! Learning a new language takes time, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away. Stick with it, and you’ll be speaking English fluently in no time.

What is the best way to learn English for kids?


There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to learn English for kids will vary depending on their age, level of proficiency, and learning style. However, there are a few general tips that can help make the learning process easier and more successful. First, it is important to provide kids with plenty of opportunities to hear and speak English. This can be done by playing games, singing songs, and reading stories aloud.

English learning tips for beginners?


There is no right or wrong way to learn, so find what works best for you and stick with it. In addition, it is important to be patient and consistent with your studies. Learning a new language takes time and there will inevitably be setbacks along the way. However, by staying positive and continuing to practice, you will gradually improve your skills and become more proficient in English. Lastly, remember that practice makes perfect. The more you use your English skills, the better you will become at using them. So don’t be afraid to start speaking and writing in English as often as possible.

English learning tips for advanced learners?


1. Read as much as possible. This will help you get exposure to a variety of vocabulary and grammar structures.

2. Listen to English-language media, such as TV shows, radio programs, or podcasts. Pay attention to how native speakers use the language and try to imitate their pronunciation and intonation.

3. Practice speaking and writing in English as often as you can. This will help you to become more confident and fluent in using the language.

4. Stay up to date on current events by reading news articles or watching the news in English. This will help you learn new vocabulary and understand how the language is used in different contexts.

5. Finally, don’t be afraid to make mistakes! The only way to really improve your English is to practice using it, even if you make some errors along the way.

Tips for learning English as a second language?


1. Find a method that works for you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning a new language. Some people prefer to study in a classroom setting, while others prefer to immerse themselves in the language by watching movies and TV shows or listening to music. Find an approach that works for you and stick with it.

2. Practice, practice, practice. The best way to learn a new language is to practice it as often as possible. If you can find a native speaker to practice with, that’s even better. But even if you don’t have access to a native speaker, you can still practice by reading, writing, and speaking the language as often as you can.

3. Be patient. Learning a new language takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately – keep practicing and eventually, you will start to see progress.

Which methods are the most effective for learning English as a second language


One of the most effective methods is immersion, which involves surrounding yourself with the language as much as possible. This could mean living in an English-speaking country, attending an English-language school, or even just watching English-language television and movies.

What are the most important pronunciation tips for learning English?


When it comes to pronunciation, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, it is important to learn the correct placement of stress within words. This can be a challenge for non-native speakers, as English words often have irregular stress patterns. However, with a little practice, it is possible to master this skill.

Second, it is important to pay attention to the vowel sounds in English. There are 12 unique vowel sounds in English, and they can be grouped into three main categories: short vowels, long vowels, and dipthongs. Again, with a little practice, it is possible to learn the differences between these sound groups. 

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Learn from History – Follow the Science – Listen to the Experts

What’s the one thing that makes LillyPad so special? Lilly! She is an Artificial Intelligence English tutor, and has people talking all over the world! Lilly makes improving your English easy. With Lilly you can read in four different ways, and you can read just about anything you love. And learning with Lilly, well that’s what you call liberating!

For learners of all ages striving to improve their English, LillyPad combines the most scientifically studied and recommended path to achieving English fluency and proficiency with today’s most brilliant technologies!

Additionally, the platform incorporates goal-setting capabilities, essential tracking & reporting, gamification, anywhere-anytime convenience, and significant cost savings in comparison to traditional tutoring methodologies.

At LillyPad, everything we do is focused on delivering a personalized journey that is meaningful and life-changing for our members. LillyPad isn’t just the next chapter in English learning...

…it’s a whole new story!

Do you want to improve your English? Visit www.lillypad.ai.

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Bethany MacDonald

Bethany MacDonald

Bethany MacDonald has contributed articles LillyPad.ai since 2020. As their Blog Lead, she specialises in informative pieces on culture, education, and language learning

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