5 Tips to Learn English Faster

Learning English can open doors to career opportunities, travel adventures, and meaningful connections with people around the globe. Admittedly, with learning different languages, progress can sometimes feel slow. As an experienced ESL teacher, I know what works and what doesn’t.

Free Worksheet for Practice Here!  

So, here are my 5 Tips to Learn English Faster that will make your journey effective and enjoyable!

1. Immerse Yourself in English Media

Think of your favourite movies, TV shows, or songs—now imagine experiencing them in English! Immersion isn’t just fun; it helps train your ears for natural accents and phrases.
How to Start:

• Watch English shows with subtitles to link spoken and written words.
• Sing along to English songs and look up unfamiliar words.
• Follow English YouTubers or podcasters who match your interests.

2. Speak Every Day, Even if You Make Mistakes

The key to fluency is confidence, not perfection. Start small by speaking English daily, even if it’s just a few sentences.
How to Start:

• Practice with a friend or join online speaking groups.
• Talk to yourself in English while doing daily activities (e.g., narrate your cooking routine).
• Use language apps with speaking exercises.

3. Learn Vocabulary in Context, Not in Isolation

Memorizing random word lists is a common mistake. Instead, learn words as part of sentences or situations. This way, you’ll know how and when to use them.
How to Start:

• Keep a journal where you write sentences using new words.
• Group words by theme (e.g., travel, shopping) and practice them.
• Use flashcards with sentences instead of single words.

4. Practice Listening Actively

Listening isn’t just about hearing—it’s about understanding. Active listening will improve both your comprehension and pronunciation.
How to Start:

• Pause English videos to repeat what you heard.
• Try dictation exercises: write down what someone says, then check for accuracy.
• Use English audiobooks or news apps during your commute.

5. Set Specific Goals and Reward Yourself

Without clear goals, it’s easy to lose focus. Make your learning journey exciting by setting achievable targets and celebrating milestones.
How to Start:

• Aim to learn 10 new phrases a week or master a specific skill, like ordering food in English.
• Reward yourself for progress—whether it’s a movie night or a treat!
• Track your growth with a learning journal or app.

Bonus Tip: Think in English

This may be the most challenging tip, but it’s incredibly effective. Thinking in English helps you process the language quickly and naturally, making it easier to speak without translating from your native language.
How to Start:

• Whenever you think about your day, try to describe it in English: "I woke up at 7 AM, had coffee, and went to work."
• If you’re a beginner, try labelling objects in your house with their English names.
• Avoid translating word-for-word; instead, try to think directly in English.

How to Think in English Based on Your Native Language

If you’re a Vietnamese or Korean speaker, the process of thinking in English might feel a bit tricky at first, but here’s how it might work for you:

1. For Vietnamese Speakers:
   In Vietnamese, sentence structures often follow Subject-Verb-Object (SVO), which is similar to English. However, the word order can differ, especially when it comes to adjectives and classifiers. For example:

   • Vietnamese: Tôi ăn cơm. (I eat rice)
   • English: I eat rice.
     But, if you're trying to think in English, avoid translating directly word-for-word. Instead, form the idea in your mind: "What am I doing? I’m eating rice." This allows you to skip the translation step and focus on the meaning.

2. For Korean Speakers:
   Korean sentence structure is often Subject-Object-Verb (SOV), which can make translating to English tricky because the verb comes at the end. For example:

   • Korean: 나는 밥을 먹어요. (I rice eat)
   • English: I eat rice.
     When thinking in English, focus on the meaning of the sentence rather than the structure. Try thinking, "I’m eating. What am I eating? Rice." In this manner, you're thinking about the action and the object in the English order, instead of your native language.

Learning English doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these tips, you’ll not only learn faster but also enjoy the process. Remember, consistency is key, and mistakes are part of the journey.

Start your English adventure today! Want more personalized guidance? Reach out to me for lessons tailored to your needs. Let’s make fluency happen—one step at a time!

Share: