Is English Hard To Learn? Find Out Why You Think It’s Difficult

is english hard to learn

Millions of people learn English worldwide, and it is the third-most-popular spoken language. Many enroll in an English-speaking class as adults or as young as kids.

It is classified as among the top complex languages to master. Its instability can be a challenge for learners and native speakers.

Many people desire to learn a different language to communicate in it. Learning English is an enjoyable experience that opens the door to various other cultures. Anyone who is not an English language speaker can speak fluently in English. Anyone dedicated and eager to explore something new can satisfy this need.

We’ll examine some of the main reasons people have difficulty mastering English.

is english hard to learn

Why should you learn English?

There are many reasons it is beneficial to learn English is beneficial. It lets you socialize with people from different cultures. It also allows you to understand another’s culture or view things differently.

It can help you become more attentive. It could even benefit your health as studies have shown that people who study at least two languages in their lives have more active minds!

Reasons Why You Should Learn the English Language?

There are many benefits to studying English. For example, it allows you to connect with new people. It lets you view things from a different perspective or gain a deeper understanding of a different culture. It helps you develop as an improved listener.

Here are some reasons to learn why English is beneficial for one’s life.

  • It is the case that there are 53 nations worldwide that use English as their official language. Learning English lets, you speak in any country where English is the primary language.
  • These are the most frequently spoken languages.
  • It can also help you in securing the best job.
  • It is the Language of the Media. English is utilized by some of the world’s most significant news media, including magazines, newspapers, television, and radio. The majority of content on the internet can be written in English.
  • English is the second most spoken language. Therefore, knowing English helps you travel to any location you’d like. Train schedules, announcements for planes, and emergency alerts street signs are usually translated into English, particularly in countries that use an alphabet different from the one you are using.

In Comparison To Other Languages, How Hard is English?

English is a confusing language with its tangled rules, absurd nouns, and words that sound alike. While the English language has a few irregular nouns compared to French, it isn’t necessary to figure out if every noun is feminine or masculine. The English alphabet is, however, only comprised of 26 letters. Compare this to those of the Mandarin alphabet’s 3000 characters!

Finnish, Russian, Japanese, and Mandarin are tricky to master.

Is English Hard To Learn?

However, English isn’t an easy language to master, and it is challenging to master. Other languages in the same category comprise Mandarin, Russian, and Japanese.

With more than 1.5 billion people using English at the time of their lives, it’s an exceptionally commonly spoken language globally. Your commitment to learning about its many nuances and distinctions will pave the way to a myriad of options in the future.

Because of various reasons that affect learning, English is challenging and complicated. It is difficult to grasp the grammar structure, pronunciation, definitions, and standards. Be aware that English people learning a foreign language are in the same situation.

Learning English has never been more straightforward or more accessible than it is today. What matters most is your determination to master the basic rules and your capacity to master these rules. The final question is whether it is challenging to master an individual preference.

Learning English is simpler when you’re not concerned about the regulations. While reading or listening to native English, concentrate on the materials. It is more complicated to master English, and the more complex your goals for learning a language will be. It’s that simple.

Why is English challenging to learn?

There are many reasons why English is thought of as one of the most challenging languages to master. We’ll examine some of the most common reasons people have trouble learning English.

1. Language Families

The number of languages spoken around the planet is currently estimated to be at least 6000. The languages are generally considered as families within scientific circles. They have developed into distinct family trees due to their interplay.

Since English is part of the Germanic language family, learning when your primary language is closely related to Dutch and German is more breeze.

If your home language is comparable to English, you may find it easier to master it. However, learning English, on the other hand, could be complicated if you speak Japanese. It is not akin to the Romance and Germanic languages. This means that the pronunciation and appearance differ dramatically.

2. Some Things Are Nonsensical:

Inconsistencies and absurd statements are typical throughout the language. Also, inconsistencies and illogical arguments are commonplace in the English language. For instance, non-native English speakers may be confused by various terms.

What is pineapple, for instance, have to do with the terms “pine” or “apple”?

Verbs can also be used as nouns in certain situations. Teachers, for instance, taught while preachers gave sermons. It’s not easy for native English people to comprehend.

Please look at what it’s like for English learners to understand the contradictions.

Related Article: 20 Top ways to learn English in 2021

3. Rules and Exceptions:

Rules are aplenty throughout this English language, just like in every other. It isn’t a matter of whether they’re grammatical or if they’re using it to aid in spelling. There are plenty of them. There are many possibilities for them to be disputable, challenged, or distorted.

English students, for instance, are taught to use “I” ahead of “E,” except”C” is followed by “C.”

These are the case in the bulk of English words, like “friend” and “believe.” However, there are some exceptions, for example, “science” and “weirdness.”

There are various complicated rules to comprehend concerning sentence structure. Since these words sound just right, native speakers intuitively understand arranging them.

Making the transition to all the rules and their exceptions. Trying to learn how to speak the language could be an absolute nightmare. Governments don’t always work. These are particularly applicable when applying a well-established concept to a brand new image.

4. Writing Rules:

This part of English requires the highest concentration of all language skills. Naturally, even English people make mistakes occasionally, especially in punctuation. They’re the ones who have the most incredible difficulty with the formal aspects of writing. It doesn’t matter if it’s the current Oxford Comma or how to use hyphens to describe compounds. We’ve got it covered. It’s never too late to master something new.

It’s also worth examining the particular case in”I,” the English pronoun “I.” It is possible to be aware that “I” is the sole English pronoun printed in capital letters regardless of the form when we examine all the different English pronouns.

5. Words Order:

If you’re proficient in English, You’ll recognize the word”order” right away. A second challenge for students is determining what orders are valid and which ones are not.

It’s not clear why these words are arranged to sound appropriate. “A tiny cup of fascination” is acceptable; however, “a tiny intriguing cup” doesn’t say right.

Although it’s grammatically correct, how it sounds will determine how it will be spoken. Native speakers, for instance, possess a deep understanding of the subtleties in the dialect.

Also: The Best languages to learn for success in Study Abroad

6. English has a Mixed Vocabulary:

Mainly, Germanic origins account for 26 percent of the English vocabulary. A majority of the people in the country are French, and the remaining 30% are Latin.

This means that French people tend to be able to learn English quickly. Because they already know large portions of the vocabulary. German, as well as Dutch speakers are on the same page.

If we can gain an advantage in learning a new language, it’s much more straightforward. Since our native language is more like the one, we are learning.

7. Perplexing Spelling:

In a certain way, English is essentially difficult to master. One reason is the fact that English is a complex spelling system. It’s confusing even to native English speakers.

The words dough'”tough,” and ‘bough’ are similar in spelling, but they are pronounced differently.

The spelling ‘-ough’ is a remnant from Chaucer’s native country, Middle English. The pronunciation was evident in the spelling.

A number of these pronouns changed as time passed. The spelling, however, remains consistent.

It’s no more utilized for British English pronunciation, just like the sound ‘ch’ found in the Scottish word “loch.’

8. Confusing Idioms:

Idioms are a different topic to learn. Idioms are discovered in every language. It’s not meant for use as a literal translation.

For example, the phrase “she did not kick the bucket” is a signification of “she passed away,” for example. The only thing you should know is the general meaning.

Other examples include ‘She jumped through my neck’ and “He struck the roof. The literal meaning may not be identical to the exact expression. They also contain phrases that a language learner may not comprehend, like “all of a sudden .’

There are thousands of them in English. They can be discovered throughout the world in every language. English idioms stand out due to their length, range, and uncertainty. Non-native English users have difficulty understanding the English expressions.

9. Utilizing Plurals and Tenses is challenging:

Since you need to remember so many different tenses, distinguishing between future tense and future perfect is challenging for an English beginner.

Learning can be complex, not only when you have to memorize grammar rules from a book. However, it is also challenging when the speaker speaks about an upcoming future in an English conversation.

Additionally, there are a variety of variations in the way plurals are employed in English. It isn’t the case in the case of nouns such as mouse and an ox. A non-native learns to add a -s to create a plural.

10. Synonyms Aren’t Always Synonymous:

If you look through the thesaurus, you’ll see that many types of words can mean precisely the same concept. This likely means they could be interchangeable, but it’s not the case.

Even terms that seem to have similar meanings can mean different things.

In the end, people could end up using the wrong words. For instance, you could “see the film” as well as “watch TV,” yet never “see television.” Another example is when you don’t use the phrase “I enjoyed receiving a gift” whenever you say “I received a present .”

Even though both terms are related in context, they could have different meanings.

11. Different Dialects:

Every language, we assume, does have regional dialects. The people of the United Kingdom find it challenging to master English because of the various regional dialects.

There’s a distinct north-south distinction when pronounced “bath” and “castle.” There’s an extended “A” for the southern region but a short “A” to the north. There’s an ongoing debate about whether “cone” should be pronounced as S-gone or S-cone.

Naturally, every English-speaking nation has its style of pronunciation. Every country has its type of pronounced words, for example, those in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. So, where you go to school for English will significantly influence how the words are spoken.

Related Article: Tips to Learn English Speaking: 25 Tips that Work

Do You Think English is that Difficult to Learn?

However, English is a challenging language to master, and it’s not impossible to learn. Other languages, like Mandarin, Russian, and Japanese, are similar to English.

English is among the most popular languages spoken across the globe and has around 1.5 billion people using it at one time or another. Your commitment to learning about its complexities and distinctions will soon open the door to many opportunities.

Learning English is challenging because of a variety of factors. Understanding the grammar structure and pronunciation, as well as definitions and the norms, are problematic. Keep in mind that English people studying an additional language face the same situation.

Whether or not a language is challenging to understand is contingent on the person. What is important is your capacity to master the basic rules of English and your ability to learn them. It’s never been more manageable or more available to master English as it does.

Learning English is much easier if you’re not concerned about rules. Make sure you are focusing on native language information while reading and listening. The more difficult it is to master English, the greater your goals for learning a language are. This is it. That’s all that’s required of it.

Simple Strategies for Learning English Effectively

The following are the best methods to learn English efficiently:

Learn phrases, not words. You shouldn’t be able to remember specific words while studying English or any other language, for that matter, since they make no meaning without any context. Instead, focus on learning the entire phrase. It’s easier to retain the meaning of words when you understand what they mean and how they’re used in a particular term.

1. Study phrases not words.

While books can help learners understand the English language, they shouldn’t be your only source of knowledge. Textbooks are excellent for teaching vocabulary and grammar. However, they’re not always the best at engaging in conversation. Reading instead of listening is the best method to improve your ability to speak English. You’ll be able to master practical grammar and vocabulary without even realizing that you are listening more.

2. Get a placement test.

Before beginning any program, learn You must first identify your current English proficiency level since it will determine the type of program you will follow.

For example, If you’re searching for an original method to communicate, consider If your English level is Intermediate or lower, you’ll be provided with an extensive English program. If your grade is higher than Upper-Intermediate, You’ll be provided with a customized study program.

3. Prioritize quality over quantity

Quality over quantity when learning any language. Instead of learning many new words over a short period, focus on learning a single word and then repeat the word several times. This helps you not get overwhelmed by the amount of information. Additionally, this technique enables you to store the meanings of phrases and words in your brain for a longer time. In the end, you’ll be able to resist not remembering the importance of these words.

4. With “point of view” stories, you can learn grammar

Reading short stories with multiple endings is among the most effective ways to master grammar. These can help you develop your English grammar quickly and naturally. If one story begins with “I do not like bananas, but would like to eat one,” the second one should start with “I disliked bananas, but I wanted to eat one.” .”

5. Listen and answer, not listen and repeat

Do not use this “repeat following the speech” method that English textbooks suggest if you’re improving your English. Instead of reciting the words or phrases of the speaker or phrases, you should be able to respond to queries. When you’re watching a show or video, you should pause it for 20-30 seconds. Then make a summary of what’s being said.

6. take an online course

There is a myriad of online courses to choose from. For instance, a fast Google search will provide the names of several training companies. If you rely exclusively on one-to-one Skype courses to learn, it could be pretty expensive.

Enriching your classes with the online Self-study English program is a way to save money. The overall effect of using the online curriculum to complement your current courses will keep you over half of the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Is English Hard To Learn?

Learning English is much more manageable If you don’t worry about the regulations. It is more complicated to master English, and the more complex your goals for learning a language will be. While reading or listening to native English, concentrate on the content. It’s as easy as that.

Why Should You Learn the English Language?

There are many benefits to studying English, including connecting with new people. It lets you view things in a different light or gain an understanding of a different culture. It assists in developing a better listener.

How hard can you say is English compared to different languages?

English is a very confusing language with its confusing rules, absurd nouns, and words that sound similar.

Conclusion

Hundreds of millions of individuals around the globe study English. Many of them, young or old, are enrolled in the English language course. In the future, English is expected to become the third most-studied indigenous language around the globe.

English is generally regarded among the most challenging languages to master. It’s difficult for students and native speakers because of its irregular spelling and complicated grammar.

Learning a new language can be challenging as it depends a lot on your language of origin and how similar to the language you want to know. It’s not impossible because it’s complicated.