If you are reading this then it is safe to say that you have spent quite some amount of time trying to master English. With so many elements like grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, collocation, vocabulary, the process of learning English can get complicated. However, we have tried some ways that can help you learn English effectively, without much hassle. Provided that you know the basics, here are 5 ways by which you can enhance your English skills.
5 Ways to Learn English:
1. Study phrases not words
When you study English, or any language for that matter, you shouldn’t learn individual words because memorizing them makes no sense without context. Instead, you should study whole phrases. Memorizing the meaning of words is much easier if you know what they mean and how they are used in a sentence.
To commit new English words to memory, it’s important to keep using them. Keep a notebook of new words you learn, and try to use them in three different sentences. Write your sentences down and say them out loud. The repetition will help you to remember the word, and working out different uses of the word will help expand your bank of vocabulary. Remember, taking small steps like these will still help you to reach your goal.
2. Learn by listening
While reading textbooks can help you learn the English language, you mustn’t rely solely on them. Textbooks are great for teaching you about grammar and vocabulary, but they may not be too much of a help when it comes to carrying out a conversation. If you want to learn how to speak English, learn by listening and not by reading. By listening more, you’ll be able to learn useful vocabulary and grammar without even realizing or memorizing them.
Not only will your favorite song wake up your mind and put you in a positive mood to learn English, but the lyrics can help you expand your skills. Research demonstrates how music can help second language learners acquire grammar and vocabulary and improve spelling.
Songs almost always contain a lot of useful vocabulary, phrases and expressions. And since the intended audience is native speakers, the latest tunes include up-to-date language and colloquialisms. The language used in songs is casual and usable, if you pick the right music. Music also has an uncanny ability to stick in our heads, so this can help you to remember your new English words.
3. Prioritize quality over quantity
When it comes to learning any language, it’s all about quality over quantity. Instead of learning dozens of new words in a short time, you should focus on learning one word and repeating it dozens of time. This prevents you from suffering from information overload. In addition, this strategy allows you to place the meaning of words and phrases deeper into your brain. As a result, you won’t forget them easily.
4. Learn grammar with “point of view” stories
One of the best ways to learn grammar is to listen to short stories told in various tenses. This will help you improve your English grammar automatically and more naturally. For example, if a story starts with “I don’t like banana but I want to eat one,” the other story should be “I didn’t like bananas but I wanted to eat one.”
One of the most effective and easy ways to learn English is to fully immerse yourself in the language. Find an English-speaking radio station to listen to, watch an English-speaking movie or TV show or surround yourself with people having conversations in English. Listen carefully to conversations in restaurants, on the bus or in shops and try to pick up the everyday use of the language. Not only will this help your listening skills, but you can also try to pronounce the words yourself in context to improve your speaking skills. With modern technology and apps, this can be done practically anywhere.
5. Listen and answer, not listen and repeat
If you want to improve your English, don’t use the strategy used by English textbooks, which is to “repeat after the speaker.” Instead of mindlessly parroting the words or phrases spoken by the speaker, you should answer the questions asked. For example, if you’re listening to a podcast or video, pause it every 20 to 30 seconds and create a brief summary of what has been said.
In A Nutshell:
When you’re learning English, it’s important to keep your motivation up. As with any task, there may be times when it feels a bit more difficult, so switch up your methods and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – you’ll reach the level you want to be at. Surround yourself with English and you’ll see improvements in your language confidence and skills while having fun at the same time. Know More – The Fluent Life
