What is The Best Way to Learn English?

Grover Laughtonreviewed byNataliia Afonina / more about Editorial Process14 min
Created: Dec 22, 2022Last updated: Aug 1, 2024
The Best Way to Learn English

Learning English is not just a matter of attending English classes or studying grammar books. It takes much more effort to master the language and become proficient. It is a process that requires hard work, dedication, and consistency. Depending on your level and individual learning style, there are different approaches to English learning, from structured classes to self-study with audio and visual materials. So, this guide will give you a complete overview of what is the best way to learn English, and you can decide for yourself which method is more suitable.

How Long Does It Take to Become Proficient in English?

The first thing you may want to know is how long it will take you to learn English. It depends on several factors: your starting level, how much time and effort you put into studying the language every day or week, what learning methods you use, etc. The most important factor, however, is your motivation. If you are highly motivated and set goals for yourself, you will learn English much faster than someone who does not have the same level of motivation.

Assuming you are starting from scratch, it would take an average learner around three months to develop a basic understanding of the language and be able to hold simple conversations. However, it will take much longer if your goal is to become proficient at communicating in English. The time frame depends on your goals and how often you use the language. On average, it takes around two years to achieve a B2 level of English, which is considered sufficient for most practical purposes such as work or travel.

Of course, there is no magic formula for becoming fluent in English. The key is to find the best way to learn English for you and stick to it. Note that consistency is essential in language learning, and you will only progress if you study regularly – even if it is just for a few minutes every day.

The Best Way for Learning English: Check These Three Methods

There is a vast range of methods for learning English. Your chosen method depends on your goals, needs, interests, and learning style. Some learners prefer attending classes, while others prefer self-study with books or online materials. So, we will look at the best ways to learn English below.

Structured Classes

One of the most common ways to learn English is by attending structured classes with a qualified teacher. You will usually work on all aspects of the language in an English class, including grammar, vocabulary, listening, reading, and writing.

Here are some advantages of taking English classes:

  • A good teacher can help you identify your weaknesses and advise you on improving.
  • In a class, you learn from other students, for example, by working together on group projects or discussions.
  • It is often the fastest way to reach your goals if you attend regular classes and do your homework.
  • It can be more enjoyable than self-study, as you can socialize with other learners.
  • With classes, you usually have a schedule that can help you stay motivated and make consistent progress.

The good news is that you can now attend English lessons online from the comfort of your own home. It is a flexible and convenient option that is becoming increasingly popular. The best online English classes will have native-speaking teachers, small group sizes, and a focus on practical language skills.

Online learning is the best way to learn English for many people, as it is flexible, convenient, and often cheaper than attending traditional classes. It can also be more enjoyable as you can study at times that suit you.

Apps for Learning English

In recent years, there has been a boom in language-learning apps. Some of these are designed for specific purposes, such as improving pronunciation or grammar. Others focus on helping you learn vocabulary relating to a particular topic (e.g., business English). 

There are also general English apps that aim to improve your language skills – and an application developed by Promova is one of them. The app provides you with different kinds of exercises to test your knowledge and progress. From vocab and grammar quizzes to mini-stories – Promova’s app has it all.

The best thing about learning with an app is that you can do it anytime and anywhere – even if you only have five minutes free! Another advantage is that most apps use modern technology, such as gamification, to make learning more fun and engaging than traditional methods such as textbooks or workbooks.

With so many language-learning apps available, knowing which is right can take time. Try a few and see which ones you like the most. Depending on your learning style, you might prefer an app with short and frequent lessons or one that allows you to work at your own pace. It is also worth considering whether you want a free app with in-app purchases or are willing to pay for a premium version.

Self-Learning: Is It The Best Way to Learn English?

Lately, more and more English learners have opted for self-learning. It involves using books, audio materials (e.g., podcasts), or online resources such as YouTube videos to teach yourself the language independently of any formal classes or guidance from a teacher.

One advantage of learning on your own is that you are in control – meaning you can study at whatever time suits you best without having to worry about organizing class times with other people's schedules! You also don't need to pay for classes or buy costly books. 

The disadvantage of self-learning is that it can be much slower than attending structured lessons with an experienced teacher to guide you and correct your mistakes. It can be incredibly frustrating for those without previous experience with the language, as it can be challenging to know where to start. Therefore, self-learning is indeed not the best way to learn the language for most people.

Self-learning requires a lot of discipline, motivation, and perseverance. Attending English classes or using online resources with guidance from a teacher will be a better option, at least in the beginning.

Finding The Best Way to Learn English

Now, let's look at the best way to learn English. First, you need to decide your goals. Do you want to be able to communicate in English for work or study purposes? Or are you more interested in passing an international language exam such as TOEFL or IELTS? Once you know your goals, choosing which learning methods are most suitable for you will be easier.

  • Attending group classes is likely the best option if your goal is practical communication. If you want to focus on a particular skill, such as grammar or listening, then some classes and materials can help you.
  • To pass an English exam, you must understand all language areas (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). For this purpose, taking formal exam preparation courses with experienced teachers is often the best way forward.
  • If you want to learn English for traveling or personal interest, you can download apps, listen to podcasts, or read books and blogs in English. These methods are often more enjoyable than attending classes, and they can be done at your own pace.

Regardless of your goals or methods for learning English, remember that the most important thing is to be consistent in your efforts. It takes time and practice to improve at any skill – including learning a new language – so don't give up if you don't see results immediately. With dedication and hard work, you will eventually reach your goals.

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8 Effective tips for maintaining the skills you have already acquired

The road to becoming fluent in a language is long. After choosing the best way to learn English and setting some goals, you must develop new skills and support the ones you already have. With time, you might forget things if you don't use them regularly. That is why it is essential to find ways to maintain your existing skills. Below, we will look at eight tips to help you do that.

Set short-term goals 

Setting achievable objectives is key to mastering any new skill or knowledge area – including learning languages. You should take small steps towards understanding all elements at a good pace that won't overwhelm you yet still challenge your proficiency level. It could mean reading one article per week related to something that interests you or taking 15 minutes daily to practice conversation with an English speaker. 

By setting short-term goals, you remind yourself regularly that language learning is still ongoing, even though class time may be over. Also, allow yourself to celebrate successes along the way.

Read books in English

One way of maintaining your reading skills is by reading books in English. It doesn't matter what type of book you read, as long as it is in English. Try children's books or comics if you find regular novels too tricky. Also, you may look for easy versions of classic works of literature.

The best way to make reading a habit is to set aside daily time for it. It will still be beneficial even if you only read a few pages. Moreover, try to read books that are interesting to you. If you force yourself to read something you don't enjoy, it will be more of a chore than anything else.

Listen to English podcasts

Listening to English podcasts is also among the excellent ways to learn English and maintain your listening skills. It is a great alternative if you don't have much time for reading. Podcasts are usually shorter than other audio materials, such as movies or TV shows. And since they are often conversational, they can help with your speaking skills.

As with books, make sure that the podcasts are interesting to you. If a topic or genre captures your interest, start looking for related materials and listen regularly.

Use flashcards

Flashcards are an excellent way to maintain and improve your vocabulary. You can use them to practice the words you already know so that they stay fresh in your mind. When making revision cards for yourself, focus on words and phrases you often use in real life.

Try making flashcards whenever new vocabulary pops up, like when reading a book or listening to podcasts. You can review your cards every couple of days so that they stay firmly planted in your memory.

Record yourself speaking in English 

Recording and analyzing your spoken English is another great way to maintain language skills. You can record a conversation with someone or talk to yourself. Later, review the recording and listen for errors that could improve. 

In such a way, you will be able to objectively assess your speaking style and identify areas where the further practice is needed. It can help you become more aware of how well (or poorly!) native speakers would understand what you're saying in different contexts so that the result could be better next time.

Keep notes while studying English

Taking detailed notes is an effective way to maintain the language skills you've already acquired. It will help you keep the material fresh and serve as a valuable reference for future studies.

When taking notes, focus on what's important to you and avoid writing down every detail of an English lesson or book chapter. Instead, summarize everything into critical points that are easily recalled when needed.

Engage with English-language content online

Nowadays, many websites offer English materials, such as news articles, comments, discussions on forums, etc. You can also find plenty of interesting videos, including tutorials and entertainment material like shows or films – all provided by native speakers!

By regularly engaging with English content online, you can maintain the language and stay up-to-date on current culture and trends. This way, you will start to sound like a genuine native speaker yourself!

Practice with native speakers whenever possible 

Finding someone who speaks only English is one way of improving conversation skills quickly while ensuring they stay strong over time. It might take a while to find suitable partners. Still, it is worth the effort, as there's no substitute for real conversations in English with native speakers or highly proficient learners like yourself. 

You can practice grammar and vocabulary by chatting over text-messaging apps (like WhatsApp) or playing online language games together. You could also join an online community dedicated to learning language, which will help you meet other learners who share your passion for English worldwide!

4 Online Resources to Help You Learn English

As English remains one of the most popular languages to master, numerous online resources can help facilitate your English learning journey. Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced speaker, boundless information caters to every level and context. Here we will outline and discuss the benefits of four such resources. 

  • Grammarly. It is an online platform that assists in improving spelling, grammar, and writing skills. Its services can be accessed on computers or smartphones by downloading their application, making it much more convenient than traditional resources such as books or paper-and-pencil methods. The website also provides detailed explanations of each concept that you may learn and master, in addition to interactive exercises and quizzes.
  • BBC Learning English. It is a language-learning resource from the British Broadcasting Corporation. This platform specializes in teaching its users how to speak British English. With written and audio lessons, learners can work on the fundamentals (grammar, vocabulary) and specialized topics such as business English or preparing for the IELTS exam. Furthermore, every lesson comes with a transcript (if needed) and an interactive quiz to track your understanding of each topic.
  • EF English LiveThis platform provides live classes with native English speakers, pre-recorded lessons, and interactive exercises on specific topics. Prices are determined based on the number of months you wish to subscribe for and whether you want access to the basics or advanced levels. There is also an option for private tutoring sessions if needed.
  • YouglishIt is a website that uses videos from YouTube to show you the practical use of certain words and phrases in real-life contexts. It is an excellent resource to consult when you want to know how native speakers use specific expressions colloquially rather than their literal definitions found in dictionaries. Thanks to Youglish, you can also work on your pronunciation and intonation while seeing the words spoken in their proper context.

With these online resources, you can learn English in an easy way at your own pace and in the comfort of your home. No matter what level you are starting from, there is a resource that will fit your needs and help you improve your language skills effectively. By combining these resources with other methods, like attending English classes, you will be well on your way to becoming proficient.

Promova – The Best Platform for Learning English Online

If you are looking for a comprehensive and convenient online platform for learning English, look no further than Promova. We offer high-quality classes taught by experienced native-speaking teachers, small group sizes to ensure plenty of individual attention, and a focus on practical language skills. 

We understand that everyone learns differently, so we offer flexible study options to suit all learners. You can choose between group classes and private lessons, and you can study at times that work for you – even if that means early in the morning or late at night!

Thanks to our app, you can also take your English classes on the go. Whether you are commuting to work, waiting in line at the grocery store, or taking a break from studying for exams, our app makes it easy to fit English learning into your busy schedule. It also includes fun and interesting features, such as quizzes, games, and progress tracking, to keep you motivated.

So, whether you are a beginner who wants to start learning English from scratch or an experienced learner looking to take your skills to the next level, Promova is here to help. With our platform, you can achieve your goals faster and easier than you ever thought possible.

Conclusion

There is no single answer to finding the best method to learn English. It depends on your goals, interests, learning style, and schedule. However, some methods are more effective than others – such as attending English classes or using online resources with guidance from a native-speaking teacher. Self-learning can also be a good option, but it requires discipline and motivation.

At Promova, we offer the best of both worlds – high-quality classes taught by experienced native-speaking teachers and flexible online learning options that allow you to study at times that suit you best. We also have an app with fun and engaging features to keep you motivated.

Comments

Kade MercerOct 15th, 2023
cool 😎
PromovaJul 13th, 2023
Sure! In addition to the methods mentioned in the article, some recommended online resources and language learning platforms for improving English skills include Grammarly for writing assistance, BBC Learning English for free audio and video lessons, EF English Live for live online courses, Youglish for pronunciation examples, and Promova for interactive lessons and personalized learning paths. These resources can be valuable supplements to enhance your English learning experience.
Cody-BellJul 13th, 2023
thank you for this informative article! in addition to the mentioned methods, are there any specific online resources or language learning apps you would recommend for someone looking to improve their english skills?