Learning English Effortlessly: Is it possible?

As with learning any new skill, you will not wake up one day and magically know how to fly a plane, survive in space or speak English (although learning English is definitely the easiest of the three). Learning English takes effort, but with the right strategies and systems, you can make your learning journey more effective and easier. So here are a few tools to make your path to fluency and improved English a bit smoother.  

Starting at the right level will lead to more efficient learning. It will help guide you in deciding where to start. The EF SET is a free and internationally recognized English proficiency test. If you are a beginner, start with basic vocabulary and simple sentences. For intermediate learners, focus on grammar and conversational skills. Advanced learners should immerse themselves in complex texts and nuanced conversations. Matching your learning resources to your skill level ensures steady progress without frustration. 

One of the best ways to learn English effortlessly is to integrate it into your daily routine and life. Here are a couple of simple and easy ways to do that. 

• Change your phone’s language settings to English  

• Label household items with their English names  

• Narrate your daily activities in English 

• Keep a journal of your day in English 

These small changes make English a natural part of your life, helping you learn without too much effort. This constant exposure reinforces your learning and improves your progress, and is particularly effective for English learners at any level. 

Joining an online English school will give you the tools to learn English efficiently. When you join an online English course like EF English Live, you get a personalized learning plan, professional guidance from a certified teacher and meet learners like yourself. Being able to join private lessons and group lessons anywhere, anytime, means that you do not have to make too much effort to change your schedule or life around learning English. While joining an English course might seem like a lot of effort, if you are serious about learning English, it is the easiest way to.

If you want learning to feel effortless, combine it with spending time with your friends by joining a book club! Start with materials that match your level, for example children’s books for beginners, blogs for intermediates and news articles for advanced learners. Reading helps you understand sentence structure, expand your vocabulary and improve comprehension.

Now that you have your book club, you and your friends can practice speaking and improving your pronunciation together. Regular conversations with friends who are also learning, or native speakers, can dramatically improve your speaking and listening skills. It gives you real-life practice and helps you find your voice and confidence in English.  

Here is a list of fun things that you can do in English (without much effort): 

• Watch movies 

• Play video games 

• Go to an event and only speak English 

• Explain your favorite card game 

• Learn the lyrics to a song 

• Watch YouTube tutorials 

• Use a recipe in English 

• Listen to the radio in English 

• Read random threads on Reddit 

When you encounter a word, expression or something you do not understand – take the time to look it up, write it down, and perhaps try it out in a sentence. Doing this will drastically increase your chances of remembering the words and expanding your vocabulary.  

Learning English is not easy, but there are strategies to make it more effortless. Start at the right level to build a solid foundation and incorporate English into your everyday life. If you want guidance, join an online English school to get personalized support and professional guidance. Read regularly in English to enhance your comprehension, practice with friends to improve your conversational skills, and try to have fun. Remember, consistency is key – a little effort every day, goes a very long way.