How to Learn English Quickly?

We all love to hear people speaking fluent English. Don’t we? It instantly sets an environment depending on what they are talking about. For a non-English speaker, this might sound like a dream. But veritably, it isn’t that tough! If you admire someone in life who can speak English fluently, it’s obvious you’d try to copy him/her someday.

Indeed, English has influenced the lives of mankind to a great extent. It is considered as a matter of status, knowledge and pride to be able to speak good English. If you are a beginner, trying to get a grip of this foreign language, worry not! It’s never too late to learn anything new and when it’s about learning English, take your time, practice, make mistakes and then try to rectify yourself. There is no alternate way to master a new language other than thorough practice.

However, if you want to learn English fast, read this complete article. Learn the tips and tricks to become a pro in a short period of time. If you search the google today on how to learn English, you’ll find lakhs of articles suggesting on the do’s and don’ts on how to learn English faster. The best way to start off with learning this language is by believing in yourself. As a language learner, if you have the confidence, you can learn any language without worrying about mistakes and what your peers or friends will say, no one can stop you from mastering the language.

Here are 6 tips that can guide you throughout your English language learning process.

Tip 1: English is weird as well as a funny language

English is an exceptional language. It has some patterns and rules to be followed while speaking and writing.  For example, ‘read’ (present tense, pronounced as ‘reed’) and ‘read’ (past tense, pronounced as ‘red’), is spelt the same way but pronounced differently. The plural of  ‘Ox’ is ‘Oxen’, but ‘boxes’ is the plural of ‘Box’.

Some people say English is a funny language. Actually, if you try to go deep into it, you’ll find a few things weird and unexplainable. So, rather than breaking your head over it, it is better to memorise those exceptions and move on.

Eg: a) We have  ‘noses’ that run and  ‘feet’ that smell.

b)  Let’s eat, Grandma. and Let’s eat Grandma. A single comma can make a huge difference.

c) Found missing, act naturally, seriously funny, little more etc. are some of the Oxymorons that are very confusing to understand.

Tip 2: Spending an hour with English isn’t enough

If you are serious about learning English, then spending just an hour in English lessons every day won’t be enough to make real progress. Try to make it an essential part of your life. Challenge yourself and read, listen and try saying things in English that you usually find difficult.

Here are some of the best ways to quickly improve your English:

• Make a study plan– Focus on small things. Take one step at a time. If you start trying to execute the relatively bigger tasks in the beginning, you might get stuck as you proceed. This can further make you lose interest.

• Measure your progress– To make learning more effective, start documenting it so as to assess and analyse the progress you have made. This way you can also define the areas where you can improve.

• Set goals and speed– Try to set a goal for yourself and accomplish it at your own pace, without hampering your daily life. This plan will make English learning an easy task.

Tip 3: Start thinking in English

The right attitude can make a huge difference. Start thinking in English. For example: If you want to say the word ‘pumpkin’, you will most probably think of the word in your native language first, and then try to think of the correct word in English. Instead, try imagining a picture of pumpkin and then think of the English word ‘pumpkin’.

This small change will make you feel more confident and help you to use the English you already know, more effectively. Fluency in English speaking happens when you stop translating conversations, mentally.

Tip 4: Learn to listen carefully

When someone asks you a question, pay attention and try to listen carefully. If you do so, you can answer in perfect English each time. Each question is like a mirror.

Example:

1. Does she…? → Yes, she does.

2. Can he…? → Yes, he can.

3. Is it…? → Yes, it is.

If you’re unsure about how to answer a question, start by repeating the question in your mind and think about the words used in the question. The other person has already said most of the words. You just need to frame the answer!

Start looking for patterns like the above one instead of remembering the grammar. A simple trick can make you remember the right words easily.

While learning something new, kindle your listening skills to the fullest. Listening to native speakers, most students most are able to understand what all the words mean. This isn’t the only thing you benefit from listening. You also learn the pronunciation of words and formation of sentences when you listen to a native English speaker carefully.

Tip 5: Have a clear vision

A clear vision is needed before starting anything new in our lives. Without a vision or a definite aim, there are chances that all your hard work will go in vain. Similarly while learning the English language, you should have a clear reason as to why you want to learn this language.

A clear vision will:

• help you stay focused and consistent throughout the learning process.

• motivate you to stay on the path, even when you find yourself losing interest while learning.

• create an atmosphere, in which you study not because you have to, but because you want to.

The day you are able to find a reason on why learning this language is so crucial,  you’ll be able to focus more and make your learning process faster and easier.

Tip 6: Use the right resources- Books, audio and videos 

If you want to upgrade your learning skills from zero to at least Upper-Intermediate (B2) level within a short period of time, then choose study materials that are suitable for your level, in particular.

For example, if you’re still a beginner, reading a novel will not help you. Instead, you can start with easy and short storybooks like storybooks for kids. You can even search for audio and videos online. Try downloading and follow them regularly.

If you’re an intermediate English learner, try to read books that are of your interest. You can even challenge yourself with biography or autobiography of the person you admire the most. Besides, make sure that the resources you use are not too simple.

If you’re an advanced English speaker, reading kids books you will be of no use, as you will focus on words that you are already an expert in. So, it is suggested that you read the books of the genre you like. Opting to read classics, is the best thing to do.

Through this process, every time you come across new words, note it down in a diary/notebook. This will help the word settle down in your memory. You can even use it while writing an email, article or during conversations to improve vocabulary.

The English language is one of the most spoken languages, worldwide. It helps in personal growth and overall development of a person. All you need is determination, and patience to practice & rectify your mistakes. Never be afraid of making mistakes. If you’re over-conscious about it, remember that you’ll never be able to improve your English language skills. Just stay confident in whatever you do.