How to learn English on your own – 10 tips and 10 tools!

English is the most spoken language in the world. 1.348 billion people speak this language, 379 million of whom use English as their first language. In an increasingly globalized world, whether for study, work, business or travel, knowing how to speak English is very important.

In this context, English can be considered as a language, chosen by multilingual societies as a form of communication. Another reason why it is interesting to learn. But many people wonder: where to start – we understand them. In this OneHOWTO article, let’s take a look together How to learn English on your own!

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Since the end of World War II, in France, we have been influenced by English-speaking cultures. Every day we interact with music, movies and serials in English. Not to mention anglicisms in French such as internet, hot dog, fast food, delivery, airbag, backup, parking.

This first contact is already very useful in training our ears and preparing us to learn English because we already know the sounds, phonemes, pronunciations and English words. It is easy to say that many people have their first contact with the English language through ear or listening.

But… how to learn English by yourself and quickly?

Here are 10 tips to learn English on your own:

1. Listen to your favorite songs in English

Follow the lyrics, pay attention to the new words, try to understand the context of the sentence, and at the same time translate the words you don’t understand into French.

2. Search for TV series and movies in English

Watch your favorite movies and series on VOSTFR as it will allow you to familiarize yourself with the sound and spelling of words. Done, switch to English subtitles. As you progress in learning the language, you will gain the confidence to watch movies in the original language without subtitles.

3. Plan your study

Define the content you want to start learning and the goals to improve your language skills. Learning to speak English on your own requires consistency and discipline.

4. Set learning goals

Set learning goals: small, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. These goals are called SMART (small, measurable, achievable, relevant and time sensitive).

5. Analyze the structure of language

Analyze the structure of language, especially grammar. We recommend that you start by learning how to form verbs. Understand the specifics of each and how they are used. Try using them in everyday sample sentences until you progress to more complex sentences. Taking the time to learn grammar is a good starting point for learning English on your own.

6. Study in English

Do you like English literature? Skip the translations and search for the original versions of your favorite books! We recommend reading aloud, paying attention to their pronunciation, and noting new words and their meanings. Also, for different levels of English learning, you can find abridged versions of great literary works, with simplified vocabulary and structure for students, in specialty bookstores or online.

7. Use the internet wisely

On the Internet, you can find many contents and courses that you can follow to improve your English. There are also many online sites that offer lessons and tutorials so you can practice what you learn on your own.

8. Use English everyday

Expand your vocabulary with selected words from your everyday life. Practice writing, reading and pronouncing these words and incorporate them into your vocabulary.

9. Create glossaries

Create glossaries of everything you learn. Write down new words and phrases as you find them, and then write down their translations and possible variations. You can create glossaries for each topic. Keep this information up to date and refer to it whenever in doubt.

10. Practice English with your own person

There are many “tandem” style apps that allow you to interact with the native.

Find out how to learn a language fast!

Speaking a second foreign language, especially English, is essential to stand out in the job market and in other aspects of life. A bilingual individual can better manage integration into an increasingly global labor market.

Rather than a positive aspect to be emphasized in the curriculum, mastery of the English language becomes necessary because “good formation of global citizens requires tools that allow them to actively participate in the world”.

In the field of culture, learning English allows you to discover new cultures and interact with different people. Thus, your experiences and opportunities for learning gain, professional, personal and emotional empowerment expand.

Find out how to learn a foreign language!

Learning English has diversified over time and with the advancement of technology and the internet, it has become easier. Today, there are many tools available for students to seek autonomy in learning English. Here are some:

• AnkiDroid Flashcards Works on long-term memorization of information. The app uses a Spaced Repetition System (SRS), which schedules content revisions periodically;
• at home Babel, you learn English through real conversations, allowing you to speak and practice English from day one. In addition to the basics of grammar and everyday situations, you can choose more specific topics such as culture and business;
• In 10 minutes a day, Busuu Offers over 1000 lessons that you can customize to build your study plan. The app has voice recognition;
• Cake Allows you to learn automatic exposures through sequences and images. Using voice recognition, the app assesses the person’s pronunciation and provides feedback;
• at home Gamble, focuses on conversation and practice your English with native speakers. In addition to basic courses, advanced training can be chosen, including preparation for the TOEFL and IELTS proficiency exams;
• deep Very useful to see the translation of words and texts;
• Hellotalk It allows you to join a community of people from different cultures with the aim of learning English, which makes your language experience more diverse and allows you to expand your network of friends;
• Learn English Grammar Provides a series of activities to improve your English grammar and practice the structure of the language. LearnEnglish Grammar offers a series of activities that allow you to improve your English grammar while practicing the structure of the language. It distinguishes the peculiarities of American English from British English;
• Lingbe Another real-time chat app that allows you to interact with other students and native speakers;
• Tandem A language exchange program where one of your peers can teach you English while you help them learn French.

Apart from various applications that help people learn English or improve their knowledge of the language, social networks can be a tool that facilitates language learning.

Currently, many English teachers and native speakers are using sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram in an informal and casual way to provide content such as lessons, tips, and tricks to help you practice the English language. Following some of these channels is another way to get daily contact with the language and thus, Learn to speak English slowly.