Best ways to learn English by yourself for free
Speaking English is an important requirement in the modern world. It allows you to form international relations, travel around the world or even immigrate to a different country. On top of that, it is often included as a desired qualification for new job candidates. For this reason, possessing good English skills will definitely increase your chances of getting a job offer. Learning English may seem like a costly and time consuming process, so many people stop learning because they are not ready to pay for courses and tutors. The good news is that it is totally possible to learn English by yourself absolutely for free!
The method I have developed is based on extensive research as well as my own experience learning languages and guiding my students. For example, after moving to Canada as an international student in 2013, I learned French absolutely from zero without ever paying for courses or tutors.
I was accepted to an English-speaking university in Montreal but didn’t realize that settling down in Quebec would require speaking fluent French as well. I spoke only a few words and could not afford language courses because I was already paying high university tuitions… So I used all available free resources and within a year achieved a basic conversational level that allowed me to get a service job in a local pizzeria.
Three years later, I passed a French exam for immigration (TEFaQ) and got a job as a research assistant in a French-speaking university. The method I have developed really does work and will help you achieve your language goals with only 2 main investments – time and effort. Read on to find out how you can learn English by yourself for free!
Make sure you know the basics
Before you immerse yourself in the English environment, you need to understand the general language structure and build a solid vocabulary base. While many English learners believe it is necessary to attend courses or hire a private tutor to achieve this, there are many free resources that will help you go through the elementary level on your own. You can start to learn English by yourself in your native language but I highly recommend using original English resources right away.
1. Review basic grammar and vocabulary
These are the building blocks of any language and English is not an exception. The most fundamental English grammar topics include: Articles; simple past, present and future tenses; understanding the different parts of speech and sentence structure. British Council and Talk English lessons for beginners give a clear and comprehensive overview of these topics.
For vocabulary, I recommend focusing on the regular everyday situations and dialogues, such as: food, transportation, school and work, sports, shopping, travel and health, among others.
Knowing only about 1000 basic words, will allow you to understand up to 80% of everyday conversations. Once you master those, you will be able to guess what other unfamiliar words mean from the context and expand your vocabulary. Check if you are familiar with these basic words.
2. Read simple texts and watch slow videos
As you are reviewing basic grammar and vocabulary, start practicing your knowledge with resources created specifically for beginners. For example, you can practice easy reading exercises or listen to short stories on various topics. Such audios are accompanied by text to help you to check your understanding and follow the story.
If you like to stay up to date and follow the latest news, use Breaking News English episodes, where you can adjust the audio speed for better understanding. As you are practicing, pay attention to the grammar topics and vocabulary you have learned. If you find any unfamiliar grammar structures or words, note them down for later review.
Advance in your learning journey
With continuous effort and daily practice, you will easily master the elementary level and build a foundation for further learning. Keep going and use the following tips to help you succeed!
1. Expand your grammar and vocabulary
Before you proceed with new grammar lessons, start with reviewing the grammar topics you noted as unfamiliar in step 1. Use the Perfect English Grammar platform to sort by topic and review explanations in detail. Now move on to the intermediate level topics, which would cover more advanced verb tenses, conditionals, passive voice, reported speech and others.
You can start expanding your vocabulary base by learning phrasal verbs and slang expressions. I also recommend researching synonyms for the words you already know. This will help you make your speech more natural and diverse.
2. Continue to learn English by yourself with a broader range of sources
At this point, you have built a solid base that will allow you using intermediate materials for practicing grammar and vocabulary. Although it may still be a little early to work with content created for native speakers, there is still a variety of open sources you can use to challenge yourself at this level!
Best sources to learn English by yourself at the intermediate level:
British Council: A platform created by English teaching experts with a convenient layout and easy filtering by topics or skills
Passport to English: Provides a very good overview of different topics with a sections for grammar, vocabulary, listening, reading and pronunciation.
English Class 101: Create a free account and select your level. Your access will include: new Lessons Every Week, English Word of the Day delivered to your inbox, Vocabulary & Phrase Lists
My English Pages: Includes speaking activities in addition to other language skills. Using this section, you will be able to review dialogues related to everyday conversations
Best way to learn English by yourself is to start using it
It is now time to switch gears and put all your knowledge into the full practice mode! Don’t worry if you haven’t covered all vocabulary topics and still encounter unfamiliar words. Learning a language is a lifelong process, even for native speakers! This will not prevent you from understanding native speakers or expressing yourself when needed.
1. Make English a part of your daily life
You have now reached the level where you can understand English content created by by native speaker for native speakers. Whether you catch up with the news or watch a movies, try to pick the non-adapted sources published in English. Find out more ways to practice English every day as a part of your routine!
2. Speak like a native
Lack of practice is definitely one of the reasons you understand English so well but still cannot speak. Finding a speaking partner will help you use the knowledge you have acquired. For example, use language exchange apps, such as Tandem or HelloTalk, to find someone who is interested in learning your language and can offer English expertise instead. In addition, Meetup platform is designed to connect people based on interests. It is not limited to English learners, so you can connect with native speakers without teaching them in return.
If you are not ready to engage in a fluent conversation just yet, try expressing yourself in writing by starting a blog! You will be able to structure your thoughts, think through all the words and expressions and choose the right grammar structures. You can use any platform you like but social media may be the best source for interacting with other users. For example, you can comment on other posts or start conversations in your account. It is a fun and effective way to immerse yourself in the English speaking environment!
3. Learn English by yourself with my free worksheet!
Finding time and motivation for daily English practice may seem like a challenging tasks considering the rhythm of our busy lives. However, without constant practice, you are risking to lose your skills and waste all that effort you have made so far.
My English Practice worksheet will help you set up a detailed plan, easily follow your personalized schedule and track progress.
Whatever is your current English level, it is totally up to you to improve it. Always remember that ‘practice makes perfect‘ and don’t give up!
Tag:English practice
You may also like
Proven Method to Memorize English Vocabulary
Busy schedule? How to make daily English practice possible
