Learning a language tends to be one of those things we say we are going to do, but it rarely comes to fruition due to a lack of time, motivation or simply because we don’t know where to start. 

Many people feel that learning English is an impossible challenge, but with the right guidance, it is not only achievable, but it can even be fun.

In this article, we have compiled the best advice for learning English, including some unusual techniques, practical details and strategies adapted to your level and goals.

Why should you learn English from an early age?

Learning English from an early age is one of the best decisions we can make for our children. Not only because English is a fundamental tool in the world we live in, but also because a child’s brain has a unique plasticity, which makes learning a second language far more natural, intuitive and, above all, long-lasting.

During the first years of life, the brain is constantly developing and has an amazing capacity to assimilate sounds, grammatical structures and vocabulary without any effort. In fact, for a child, learning English can be as natural as learning to ride a bicycle.

In addition, studies have shown that learning a second language at an early age improves concentration, memory, problem-solving skills, academic performance and it even equips you with a cultural sensitivity that opens your mind to different ways of seeing the world.

Five tips for learning English effectively

If you didn’t have the opportunity to learn English as a child, don’t worry. Although it’s easier in childhood, it’s never too late to start. 

If you’re looking for real results without falling into boring or awkward methods, here are five of the most effective tips for learning English, including real examples so you can put them into practice today.

  1. Create a daily study routine

One of the keys to making progress in any skill is consistency. Studying English every day, even if it’s only for 15 minutes, is more effective than studying once a week for two hours.

Don’t have time? Create micro-habits: leave post-its around the house with new vocabulary. Review four new words while having your morning coffee. Play a podcast in English while you cook. Taking the metro to work? Take advantage of those spare moments to practise with your vocabulary app. This way, without even realising it, you’ll be creating a routine that fits in with your everyday life.

  1. Use multimedia resources

Although this advice may sound like a cliché, if you apply it strategically, it can be very effective. It’s not just about watching films or listening to music in English, it’s about how we do it.

For example, start watching a series with English subtitles and turn on YouTube’s automatic subtitles in English to practise listening and reading at the same time. Do you like music? Create a playlist with English lyrics, sing along, translate and learn new expressions while you are enjoying yourself.

You can even record yourself repeating dialogue from your favourite TV series to improve your pronunciation, intonation and become more fluent.

  1. Set clear goals

To speak more fluently, it is advisable to set concrete goals, such as: ‘in 30 days I want to be able to talk about my hobbies for three minutes’. These types of goals are measurable, achievable and, above all, motivating.  

To do this, you can use apps such as Notion or simply a notebook to assess your progress and increase your motivation.

  1. Participate in language exchanges 

Another of the best tips for learning English is to participate in language exchanges. You can register on platforms such as Tandem or HelloTalk. These are not formal classes, but informal conversations where people help each other.

  1. Use applications and online platforms

These days, we can find a wide variety of apps such as Duolingo, Memrise or Busuu, together with more complete platforms such as EF English Live or Italki. Many of them have progress tracking, weekly goals and rewards.

Our advice? Don’t use more than two at the same time. Choose one for vocabulary and one for speaking. In this way, you’ll avoid getting overwhelmed and you can concentrate on making progress.

How can you learn English the best way according to your level?

When learning English, one of the most common mistakes is to apply the same methods for all levels. The truth is that each stage of learning requires different approaches. 

Beginner: focus on the basics

When we are starting out, we don’t need to know how to write complex essays. The most important thing is to know greetings, basic phrases, introducing yourself, asking for directions or prices, for example.

  • Learn the basic verbs (to be, to have, to go, etc).
  • Memorise vocabulary useful in your everyday life: food, clothes, transport, etc.
  • Instead of practising single words, try to use complete sentences.
  • Don’t be afraid to make mistakes: it’s part of the process!

For example: instead of learning the word ‘apple’, learn to say ‘I want an apple’, ‘Do you like apples?’ or ‘I eat an apple every morning’.

Intermediate: consolidate and practise

This is the level at which many people get stuck. You already know a lot, but you find it difficult to express yourself fluently. To speak fluently, you need to practise and continue building vocabulary and more complex structures.

  • Take part in conversation classes.
  • Read news or blogs in English.
  • Listen to podcasts on topics that interest you.
  • Start writing short texts in English, such as personal diaries.

The aim is not to speak perfectly, but to make yourself understood. Even if you use simpler words at first, the important thing is that you are able to get the idea across.

Advanced: perfect and specialise

Even if you are at an advanced level, there is still room for improvement. Try to work on specific areas according to your objectives: professional, academic, technical or even literary English. There is always more to discover.

  • Write essays and ask native teachers to correct them.
  • Watch films without subtitles and discuss them with others.
  • Learn collocations, phrasal verbs and expressions.
  • Improve your accent by listening to different native speakers.

In summary, learning English doesn’t have to be a monotonous or frustrating task. All you need to do is apply the appropriate advice to your level and interests. 

Which advice are you going to put into practice first? How many new words do you think you can learn this month? Whatever your goal, don’t forget that it’s not about knowing everything from the beginning, but about learning as you go along.