Why is English hard to learn? Well, the first step is learning some basics. But what do you really need to know? And how will you be able to use it on a daily basis? And how hard is English to learn? Let’s explore this question and answer it with our article about this question.
If you want to know reading comprehension strategies, you can see them on our website.
English grammar is also very different from typical languages of European countries for example German or French. Don’t confuse English with those languages as they are completely different.
You will need a lot of time and many hours of in-class lessons before you’ll be able to speak about almost everything accurately.
Why English is hard to learn? Is English hard to learn for non English speakers?
Read these reasons to know why is English hard to learn for some learners:
1. Illogical expressions
When you haven’t learned English grammar, some phrases seem unclear. These expressions are used quite often in daily life and the meaning of these messages is obvious to everyone even without knowing any rules of language, for example, the difference between using put on my clothes or wear my clothes, they have the same meaning, welcome dear learner, put on is just a phrasal verb.
2. Learned rules aren’t rules anymore that is clear in pronunciation
It is clear when you learn that C is pronounced like K in many words. And also – many times without knowing why – strange words. Do not judge (too harsh). But maybe you will be surprised if one day someone asks “Is it ancient?”. And when you hear the spelling of sure or ocean, don’t worry rules of spelling in English have exceptions.
3. Synonyms usage can be confusing for English learners
Some phrases in English are often used with synonyms to differ their meaning, for example: without a doubt or pretty certain. Some students feel difficult because they think it is more usual/specific way of speaking or introducing other words which can be confusing to the other guys. But if you use only one word at first and work on your vocabulary connected with this phrase – perhaps after a few weeks, there won’t be any problems.
4. The confused homophones usage
The easiest way to pronounce words incorrectly is through their homophones. Yes, we know that I and eye share the same pronunciation, but with different meanings and spelling. It is hard for children and adults, it sounds like another in the English language which became a great cause of understanding problems!
5. Idioms
When you’ll speak in your normal language, it will be very hard to understand others because English words can have different meanings in various contexts. These differences are called idioms.
For example: In black and white is an idiom used with the meaning “to have the paper printed”. It means something quite different.
6. Dialects according to different regions
Generally speaking, the British are quite crossers because of this. And also many people around you will talk in a different way. If I can see in my native region or speak with friends – I can determine which dialect is used. But if somebody lives somewhere far it will be hard.
7. Words order
I understand that you can memorize a lot of English vocabulary as nouns and adjectives but it will be not useful if your usage is wrong, don’t know from whom words came from, and even what is the meaning! It is really worth looking at word meanings as well as knowing it’s part of speech. For example Word “like” means different things which come from diverse origins according to their function in communication.
8. You are a learner, not a native speaker
If you use an English accent, people will think: “Ah! He (she) is not a native speaker of the language. Therefore we won’t be able to understand him or her. So he/ she doesn’t use his own words correctly and speaks many bad things”. Some people try to help by finding telltale mistakes such as copy-pasting grammar rules directly from the Internet without understanding.
9. Emphasis of words syllables
You have already read a lot of English words but still don’t understand the reason for their meanings. Because I know that you can form a word by syllables – it means separate letters from each other and gravely pronounced.
10. Grammar
The English grammar system is a logical one, so it’s not easy to remember words order or have the focus on learning about certain sentence types which are usually used in various situations. Usage regular and irregular verbs in past and perfect tenses will help you to read and understand English texts very easily.
Over 2000 commonly used words of English use in daily life. The book will teach 24 types of the most common verbs (including irregular verbs) that can serve as a lingua franca for communicating with work colleagues, meeting strangers, and ordering food at the newly opened restaurant where everybody speaks perfect English but rarely knows how they should talk properly or order their breakfasts.
11. British English vs American English
There are many people who worry about their English usage because they can’t differentiate between British and American English. They confuse the national varieties of the same language with each other without knowing that there is the following basic difference: It’s hard to tell where one end begins, but it has become common knowledge since a long time ago.
Sometimes Americans use “he”, “she” etc., instead of your native pronouns like he or she, sometimes they. So for English speakers and learners, it can be hard at first to differentiate between British and American English, especially their pronunciation.
12. New language learning difficulties
Many learners have difficulties with acquiring a new language. In the past, these problems were addressed by people learning English from books because there wasn’t very much content out there that was specific to adult beginners or for intermediate level learners which tried to address what could be better in today’s world of technology and media. Nowadays, many textbooks are available targeted towards adult beginner ESL students while some other materials will teach you only basic grammar rules and English pronunciation ones.
We have mentioned some points on why “is English the hardest language to learn?” and any learner can help you to solve your fears. The first thing you should know about is that nobody “can” learn a language, not what everyone wants others to believe nor what society expects from adults who are already proficient in their mother tongue.
You are able to learn any language Spanish, German, Latin, or whatever with the help of native speakers or people who have experience living there for many years or maybe even decades; but when it comes down to expressing yourself and communicating on topics such as social life it will be easy for you.
Even it is hard at first but it is an important language to learn. Learners can make it simple and fun by, first practicing basic pronunciation. Finding a tutor or any native speaker can also help you cope with the hard part of English learning, which is knowing how to express yourself in everyday life. All these reasons tell why is English so hard to learn.
Despite its importance in global affairs and commerce, English is an immensely difficult language to learn. The language features grammatical rules that are often broken, an alphabet that can confuse people who are used to a character-based system, and spelling and pronunciation irregularities that perplex even native speakers. 1
Important Article for you: listening is a skill.
You may want to know also language proficiency levels and is English hard to learn for foreigners.
What is one reason that English is difficult to read?
One reason that English is difficult to read is because of its inconsistent spelling and pronunciation rules. Many words in English do not follow regular phonetic patterns, making it challenging for readers to accurately sound out words they are unfamiliar with.
How do you feel about learning English
I’m excited to learn English! For me, planning my own path and studying by myself is much more fun. Furthermore, language learning are incredibly useful for business opportunities and to communicate in different contexts.
It can also help developing my brain and improve my mental flexibility. English is the lingua franca of our age, so it’s inevitable that learning it opens many doors for me too. Therefore, I am very eager to start improving as soon as possible.
Examples of why English is hard to learn
English is one of the hardest languages to learn because it contains many irregular verbs with unpredictable spelling and pronunciation. It also has a complex grammar system with many confusing rules, such as verb tenses, gerunds and possessives.
Additionally, non-native speakers often struggle with idioms and phrasal verbs which have no literal translation in other languages. Even native English speakers have difficulty mastering some aspects of the language since there often isn’t one definite answer to a question or challenge.
Written English is often considered the most difficult element – even native English speakers make mistakes within their writing, especially when it comes to punctuation. 2
Why is English so hard to learn
English is considered difficult to learn because of its complex grammar rules, extensive vocabulary, and irregular verb conjugations. English also has many exceptions to its rules, making it challenging for non-native speakers to master.
The language also has a variety of accents and dialects, further complicating the learning process. Additionally, English has borrowed words from many other languages, making it a melting pot of different linguistic influences.
All these factors contribute to the difficulty in learning English, but with practice and dedication, it is possible to become proficient in the language.
FAQs:
1. How difficult is English to learn?
The difficulty of learning English can vary depending on various factors such as your native language, your language learning abilities, and the amount of effort and time you dedicate to learning. However, English is generally considered to be a moderately difficult language to learn for non-native speakers. Here are a few reasons why:
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- Vocabulary: English has a vast vocabulary with a large number of words and phrases. Learning and memorizing these words can be challenging, especially since English borrows words from various languages.
- Pronunciation: English pronunciation can be difficult due to irregularities and inconsistencies. There are many exceptions to pronunciation rules, and English has a wide range of accents and dialects, which can make it challenging to understand and be understood.
- Grammar: English grammar can be complex, with numerous rules and exceptions. Verb tenses, articles, prepositions, and word order can be particularly challenging for non-native speakers.
- Spelling and Pronunciation: English spelling does not always correspond to pronunciation, making it difficult to know how to pronounce words you have never heard before.
- Idioms and Phrases: English is rich in idiomatic expressions and phrases that may not have a direct translation in other languages. Learning and understanding these idioms can be challenging for non-native speakers.
Despite these challenges, English is widely taught and learned around the world, and there are numerous resources available to help learners improve their language skills. With dedication, practice, and immersion, it is definitely possible to become proficient in English.
2. How long does it take to fully learn English?
3. What is the most difficult to learn English?
4. Is English the easiest language?
5. How long will it take to learn English?
The amount of time it takes to learn English depends on several factors, such as your current level of proficiency, how much time you dedicate to learning, and the resources you use. Generally, it takes around 600-750 hours of study to reach a conversational level in English, and around 1,500-2,500 hours to achieve fluency.
However, this is just an estimate, and the amount of time it takes varies from person to person. The best way to learn English is to practice consistently, immerse yourself in the language, and use a variety of resources such as textbooks, online courses, and language exchange programs.
6. Is it hard to learn English?
Learning English can be challenging for many reasons. Firstly, English has a complex grammar system with various tenses, verb forms, and sentence structures. Mastering these intricacies requires time and effort.
Additionally, English vocabulary is vast, and memorizing a large number of words can be overwhelming. Furthermore, English pronunciation and intonation can be difficult to grasp, especially for non-native speakers.
Finally, English has many idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, which may not have direct translations in other languages. Despite these challenges, with dedication, practice, and exposure to the language, learning English is definitely achievable.
7. Why learning English is hard?
- English has a complex grammar structure with many rules and exceptions.
- English pronunciation can be challenging due to the variety of sounds and accents.
- English vocabulary is extensive, with a large number of words and phrases.
- English has a wide range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms that can be difficult to understand and use correctly.
8. Why is it hard to learn English?
Learning English can be challenging for several reasons. Firstly, English has a complex grammar structure with many rules and exceptions. This can make it difficult to understand and apply these rules correctly.
Additionally, English has a wide range of vocabulary, including idioms and slang, which can be overwhelming for learners. Pronunciation can also be a challenge as English has many different sounds and accents.
Moreover, English is a global language with numerous dialects and variations, making it harder to comprehend and communicate with native speakers from different regions. Finally, the lack of exposure and practice opportunities can also make it difficult to become fluent in English.
9. What makes English hard to learn?
- English has a complex spelling system with many irregularities.
- English grammar rules can be difficult to understand and apply consistently.
- English has a large vocabulary with many words that have multiple meanings.
- English pronunciation can be challenging due to variations in regional accents and dialects.
10. Why English is difficult to learn?
The following reasons tell why English is difficult to learn:
- English has hundreds of irregular verbs.
- English has difficult spelling rules with many exceptions.
- English grammar and usage can change based on context and region.
- Many words in English have multiple meanings.
11. How long does it take to learn English?
- The time it takes to learn English varies depending on the individual’s level of motivation and dedication.
- Basic communication skills can be learned within a few months of consistent practice.
- Achieving fluency in English may take several years of immersion and practice.
- The use of language learning resources such as textbooks, online courses, and language exchange programs can speed up the learning process.
12. Why English is a difficult language?
English can be a difficult language to learn for a few reasons. Firstly, English has a complex grammar system with many rules and exceptions. For example, English has irregular verbs that don’t follow standard conjugation patterns, making it challenging for non-native speakers to learn and use them correctly.
Secondly, English has a vast vocabulary with many words that have multiple meanings and nuances. This can make it challenging for learners to understand the context in which certain words are used. Lastly, English pronunciation can be tricky, with many words sounding different than they are spelled. However, with practice and dedication, anyone can learn to speak and write English fluently.
13. How hard is English to learn?
- English can be difficult to learn due to its complex grammar rules and irregular verb conjugations.
- English pronunciation can be challenging, with many words sounding different than they are spelled.
- English has a large vocabulary, with many words having multiple meanings and nuances.
- However, English is widely spoken and used as a global language, making it a valuable skill to learn.
14. Why English is so hard to learn?
- English has a complex grammar system with many irregularities.
- English spelling and pronunciation can be inconsistent and difficult to predict.
- English has a large vocabulary with many words that have multiple meanings.
- English has many idioms and expressions that can be confusing for non-native speakers.
15. What is the 2 hardest language to speak?
Tonal languages like Mandarin Chinese can be difficult for English speakers due to the need to distinguish between different tones to convey meaning. Languages with complex grammar structures, such as Hungarian or Finnish, can be challenging to learn due to the need to understand and apply a large number of rules and exceptions.
Languages with non-Latin alphabets, such as Arabic or Japanese, require learners to memorize a new writing system and may present additional challenges in terms of pronunciation and understanding written text. Languages with a large number of irregular verbs, such as English or French, can be difficult to master due to the need to memorize many different forms and exceptions to the standard rules.
16. Why English is hard to learn examples?
English can be difficult to learn for a variety of reasons. Here are a few examples:
- Pronunciation: English has many irregularities in its pronunciation, making it difficult for non-native speakers to predict how a word will be pronounced.
- Grammar: English has a complex grammar system with many rules and exceptions. For example, the use of articles (a, an, the) can be difficult to master for non-native speakers.
- Vocabulary: English has a vast vocabulary with many words that have similar meanings and can be confusing to non-native speakers.
- Idioms and phrasal verbs: English contains many idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs that can be difficult to understand for non-native speakers.
- Spelling: English spelling can be inconsistent and illogical, with many words that are spelled differently but pronounced the same.
Overall, while English can be a challenging language to learn, with dedication and practice, it is certainly possible to become proficient in it.
17. What is the hardest language to learn?
The answer to this question is subjective and depends on the individual’s native language and linguistic background. However, according to the Foreign Service Institute, which teaches languages to US diplomats, the hardest languages to learn for English speakers are Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese, and Korean.
These languages are considered difficult due to their complex writing systems, grammar rules, and pronunciation. However, with dedication, practice, and immersion, anyone can learn a new language, regardless of its perceived difficulty.
In conclusion, English is considered hard to learn due to its complex grammar rules, vast vocabulary, and multiple regional dialects. Additionally, the language lacks consistency in pronunciation and spelling, making it difficult for non-native speakers to master. However, with consistent practice and dedication, anyone can overcome the challenges of learning English and become fluent.
It is important to remember that language learning is a process and requires patience and perseverance. Ultimately, the benefits of being able to communicate effectively in English make the effort worthwhile.
References:
- United Language Group. (2022, November 10). What Makes English Such A Difficult Language To Learn? united language group.
- Is English the Hardest Language to Learn? (n.d.). Oxford Summer Courses LTD.