Great Tips for Learning English Quickly and Easily

English is the world's most widely studied second language. There have never been more study resources, publications promising secret hacks, or online networks to help you. But, if you need to learn English rapidly, which method is the most efficient?

In this guide, we've compiled a step-by-step breakdown of the techniques that have been shown to deliver rapid results, as well as why they work and some resources to assist you in implementing them. What you'll find inside is as follows:

1.       Read everything you can get your hands on

If it's in English, read it: classic literature, paperbacks, newspapers, websites, emails, your social media feed, cereal boxes. Why? This content will be chock-full of exciting new vocabulary, as well as some you may already be familiar with. This aids rapid improvement because re-exposure to previously learned vocabulary provides new examples in context, reinforcing those words in your mind. Learning new words and expressions, on the other hand, is critical to expanding your vocabulary, especially in a language like English, which has so many! Don't just read and move on, though.

2.       Actively take note of new vocabulary

This is a tried-and-true tip for a reason: it works! We often enjoy a new word or phrase so much when we're learning it that forgetting it seems impossible. But believe us when we say that not everything sticks the first time. To combat this, make it a habit to carry a funky notebook with you or use a tool like Evernote. When you hear or read a new word or expression, write it down in context: in a sentence with its meaning noted. This saves you time because you won't have to go back to that word and think, "What did that word/expression mean again?"

3.       Talk with real live humans

What is the purpose of a language if not to communicate? Sure, we humans have mastered the art of communicating without speaking – thank you, Whatsapp! – but When it comes down to it, however, speaking a language rather than reading or writing it helps it stick in your head far better. Consider how many times you've heard someone say, "I understand, but I don't speak English." Many aspiring English speakers have turned conversation into an insurmountable barrier that only serves to psyche them out. Don't be that way. Look for native speakers for a casual language exchange, enroll in a class, or take online classes.

4.       Subscribe to podcasts or Youtube channels (in English)

Do you enjoy a good laugh? Politics? Blogging? Cooking? There's an English-speaking podcast or Youtube channel for every interest imaginable. Subscribe to a few and listen to or watch them while driving to school or work. The native accents may be difficult at first, but stick with it and you'll soon be able to understand what you're hearing (along with learning a lot of new vocabulary from a native speaker!)

5.       Go abroad

If there's a better way to learn English than living and studying in an English-speaking country, we'd love to know about it! It's no secret that English is the most widely spoken language on the planet, and with so many countries to choose from, you can find the perfect learning environment for you based on hemisphere, weather, or your favorite city. Consider Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and South Africa, just to name a few!

6.       Use your friends

Do you have friends who post in English on the internet? Don't let them slip through your fingers in your newsfeed: scan the items they share and make a commitment to exploring one or two of them each day. It could be news or magazine articles, videos, talks, blog posts, songs, or anything else: as long as it's in English and the subject interests you, it'll be useful!

7.       Ask a lot of questions

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it also accelerated the language learner's progress! You'll amass a mountain of questions as you learn English. Don't let your doubts fester – be curious about them and find a way to resolve them! If you're enrolled in a class, ask your teacher (after all, that's what they're there for). If you're learning on your own, don't worry: you can find answers in blogs or language websites, ask other students, or read forums. You'll be glad you did it!

8.       Take a lead from the stars

Pick a native English-speaking actor or singer to add variety to your learning. Now go online and look for a number of interviews they've done – and watch them! Watch for the gist once, then watch again, taking notes on any interesting expressions or words you hear. These interviews will provide you with plenty of slang, stories, humor, and anecdotes to work with!

9.       Start with what you really need

If you keep reminding yourself of your reasons for learning, your English studies will go much faster. Are you participating in a study exchange program? Then concentrate on vocabulary that is relevant to your studies. Are you attending a conference in another country? Prepare a list of conversation starters to use with the other attendees. Are you taking a gap year? It appears that vocabulary related to travel and tourism will be your guide. If you jump into learning English with the expectation of learning everything at once, you're likely to be confused and burned out.

10.   Don’t kick yourself while you’re down

When you feel like you're not making progress – which happens to all learners at some point – don't say things like "I don't speak English" or "I'll never get this." In fact, obliterate those phrases from your lexicon! They only serve to cloud your perception of your progress and persuade you that your dreams of speaking English fluently are unattainable. Instead, remind yourself of the big picture by saying things like "I'm learning English and improving every day," "It's not always easy, but it's worth it," "I'm so much better than I was six months ago," and other similar phrases.

11.   Don’t just focus on memorising grammar rules.

Some people believe that grammar is the most important aspect of language learning and that it deserves your complete focus. Others believe grammar is beneficial, but only as part of a larger language puzzle. The second group recognizes that grammar rules are ambiguous, frequently broken, and often come with a list of exceptions and special use cases. Furthermore, widely spoken languages such as English are always evolving. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle, but the point is this: don't expect to be able to speak flawless English by memorizing grammar rules.

12.   Keep track of interesting words & phrases.

Keep track of new words and phrases as you read, watch, and listen to things in English. This is similar to tip #1 (search for patterns), but goes a step further. Make a list of the words and phrases you want to remember, and keep it somewhere you'll see it often. Try to remember to use them the next time you speak or write in English. This makes it easier for you to keep track of what you've learned. Use a system that works for you to keep track of your words and phrases (a notebook, a memo app, cards, etc.).

13.   Don’t try to be perfect. Nobody is perfect.

The most difficult aspect of learning English is getting over the fear of sounding silly or not being perfect. Most of us are much more articulate and clever in our native tongues, and it can be embarrassing to step into another language and lose our familiarity with words and phrases. We believe that if we sound foolish, others will judge us or think less of us. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, learn from them, and try again. This is true of any new language, and making mistakes and errors is an inevitable part of the learning process. Also, keep in mind that the purpose of language is to communicate. You've succeeded in using language if you were able to say something and someone else understood what you meant.

14.   Have fun!

Finally, keep in mind that learning English should be enjoyable. It also opens up a plethora of exciting and rewarding opportunities for you. As you can see from the suggestions above, there are a variety of enjoyable ways to study English that aren't limited to memorizing grammar rules. Choose a method that you enjoy using and stick to it.

Conclusion

As you might expect, the only "hack" for learning English quickly that actually works is a lot of practice. Remember, everyone who is an expert at something started out as a complete novice! We believe that learning to love your mistakes and accepting them as a part of the learning process is essential.

How do you make it appear simple? Incorporate English into your daily routine and find ways to enjoy the experience. Changing your phone settings to English, subscribing to a great ESL YouTuber, and singing along to the Beatles aren't as "difficult" as working through a language textbook, but they're all valid ways to improve your English skills.