One of the most challenging languages to learn is English, with its unconventional structure and constantly shifting rules.  Even though you may have a good grasp on grammar rules, you’ll often run into exceptions to the rule.  Of course, once you learn the exceptions, you find that very seldom do people speak English correctly.  Consequently, you may find that immersing yourself in the English language is the best way to learn.  Passing every online or in-person English class you can take won’t help you to pick up on the nuances of the English language as much as spending some quality time with native speakers will.

Spend Time with English Speakers

Online courses are great for learning the basics of English, but you’ll have to spend time around people who speak English and speak it well to really get a feel for the language.  If you have friends who speak English in addition to your native language, ask if they’ll speak English when you’re around.  If this isn’t possible, try attending an in-person English class so that you can learn from the teacher and other students.  Even listening to recordings to properly-spoken English can help you to learn proper grammar and correct word pronunciations.

Use Immersion to Pick up New Words

Vocabulary is very important to the English speaker.  You’ll sound like a foreigner if you continue to use a limited vocabulary, so remember what you’ve been taught formally, but also try to learn from native English speakers.  Slang is very common in English and is one of the key aspects to sounding like a native speaker.  However, you’ll also need to avoid using too much slang – otherwise you’ll look like you’re trying too hard.

Don’t just focus on vocabulary words, though.  When you start learning English, you’ll quickly realize that different phrases can mean different things.  For example, the word “kick” can mean several different things, depending on how you use it.  “He kicked the ball,” means someone put their foot against the ball and made it move.  “He got a kick out of the zoo,” means someone enjoyed the zoo.  To sound like a native speaker, you have to learn how the common phrases in the English can come together and mean something completely different than you initially thought.

Think in English

This can be difficult, especially if you’re new to the English language.  However, if you force yourself to think in English, you’ll start to get a grasp on the language.  Try to take English phrases and play them over in your head.  Then translate the phrase as you would say it in your own native language and try to notice the differences between the two.  It won’t take long for these phrases to start sticking inside your head, making it easier for you to get a grasp on the English language.

The more you hear English spoken, the faster you’ll pick it up.  Therefore, it’s important to listen carefully as you hear English spoken – whether in a formal English class or when you’re visiting the corner market.  Get an English newspaper and begin to pick out the words you know.  By spending time immersed in your new language, you’ll find that you’re able to pick out new words and phrases everyday.