How Not to Start Learning English: Tips for Beginners

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25 April 2024

English-learners

Женя Шульга

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Learning English is an important goal for many, but not always an easy task😉 Beginners often don’t know where to start or how to study effectively to achieve results.

So before diving into the ocean of the English language without the necessary diving gear, read these tips from Irina Vozna, an experienced teacher and academic manager at the LSE language school.

What NOT to do when starting to learn English:

No, no, learning grammar is very important, but you shouldn’t rush into it headfirst. Otherwise, you might think that English is the most boring language in the world and give up on it;) It’s enough to focus on basic grammar rules and practice them in real-life contexts. Once the material is mastered, move on to the next topic, striving for a balance between grammar study and speaking practice.

The most common mistake beginners make is expecting too much too soon. But learning a language is a gradual and meticulous process—it requires a lot of attention, time, patience, and effort. That’s why it’s crucial to assess your available resources and distribute them wisely. Also, keep in mind that studying for 5 hours once a month is far less effective than spending 25 minutes on English every day. So, let’s take small bites and savor the process😉

This point is crucial for perfectionist beginners who feel the need to do everything flawlessly and see mistakes as failures.

The fear of making mistakes usually slows down the process of learning English. That’s why you need to accept that making mistakes is normal—even native speakers do it—and understand that:

Mistakes are an essential part of the learning process.
Mistakes show what you need to work on more diligently.
Mistakes are opportunities to learn something new.

So, the only person who never makes mistakes is the one who does nothing. If you’ve decided to learn a new language, mistakes will happen—and lots of them. The key is to notice them, accept them, and analyze them to avoid repeating them. So don’t be afraid of making mistakes—they are stepping stones on the path to improving your language skills and personal growth.

A common mistake among beginners is postponing practice. "I’ll start speaking once I’ve learned all the grammar rules, memorized more idioms, and built a solid vocabulary." But that’s not how it works. Language exists to be used. That’s why speaking practice should start from the very first lessons—it helps reinforce what you’ve learned, develops listening comprehension skills, and builds confidence. This is why at LSE Online English School, we prioritize the communicative teaching method.

Bad news—the perfect moment will never come. There will always be a lack of time, someone will be sick, kids will be noisy, worries will creep in, and responsibilities, deadlines, and promises to "start fresh on Monday" will weigh on your shoulders like big, heavy cats. But you can start today. Set your priorities, add learning to your schedule, and commit to it responsibly. Sometimes, discipline gives you freedom, and when it comes to English, consistency and discipline always lead to great results—and, ultimately, freedom.

Not sure where to start? Sign up for a free online test at LSE. It might just be the first step on your English-learning journey.