How to Learn English Faster: 10 Easy Tips Backed by Real Learners

Simple habits that actually make a difference.

When I started learning Portuguese, I was SO motivated. I began with a simple application (and no, it wasn’t Duolingo😏) But I quickly wanted more and I was constantly searching for other ways to learn by myself. I found You Tube videos, listened to Brazilian reggae and found the lyrics to study at the same time, found an application to exchange with native speakers (thanks, HelloTalk🙏)

But the most important thing was, I did something to study Portuguese every single day. It became a habit. I was a bit extreme, but it was at that time that I realised the most important thing in language learning is motivation and habits! In 6 months, I was speaking Portuguese.

If you ever feel like some people learn English way faster than others… you’re right.
But it’s not because they’re “gifted.”
It’s because they follow small habits that compound over time.

Here are 10 quick, actionable tips you can start using straight away to improve your English faster, without adding hours of study. 👇

1️⃣Do 10/15 Minutes Every Day (Not 1 Hour Once a Week)

Short, frequent sessions help your brain remember more.

Try: 5 minutes listening + 5 minutes reading or speaking.

2️⃣Speak Out Loud. Even If You’re Alone

The fastest learners talk to themselves while cooking, walking, or driving.

It activates your vocabulary instantly.

3️⃣Learn Phrases, Not Words

Many learners try to memorise individual words like improve, reduce, increase

But the problem with single words is that you don’t always know how to use them naturally in a sentence, and you forget them quickly.

What you should learn instead: phrases (chunks)

Phrases are small, ready-to-use pieces of language that native speakers use all the time.

Examples:

• “It turns out that…”

• “One thing I’ve noticed is…”

• “A better way to say this is…”

• “As far as I know…”

These are real-life building blocks.

4️⃣Shadow Native Speakers for 2 Minutes

Choose a short audio and imitate it at the same speed.

It boosts pronunciation, rhythm, and fluency fast.

5️⃣Raise the Difficulty of Your Listening

If everything feels easy, you’re not improving.

Add slightly harder podcasts or YouTube videos once a week.

6️⃣Record Yourself Weekly

Just 60 seconds.

You’ll hear your progress, and your weak points, clearly.

7️⃣Write Mini-Notes Instead of “Studying Grammar”

Write:

• a 3-line summary of your day

• a quick opinion

• a message to a friend
  

Active writing forces clarity.

8️⃣Listen to music in English

Choose a song you like:

👉 Listen to the song several times. Find the lyrics.

Read and listen at the same time. Note interesting words.

9️⃣Track One Thing Only

Choose ONE of these (the one that motivates you most):

1) Minutes listened per day

Super simple. You just note:
👉 “I listened for 10 minutes today.”

2) Number of words/phrases learned

Not every word, just the useful ones.
👉 “I learned 3 new chunks today.”

3) Speaking attempts

Every time you speak (even alone), count it.
👉 “I spoke English twice today.”

🔟 Change Methods as You Improve

What works at A2 won’t work at B2.

Switch your tools, apps, and content as you level up.

✨ Final Quick Reminder

You don’t need more time. You need better habits.

Even 5–10 minutes a day can change everything if used smartly.

👉 Want a personalised plan based on YOUR habits and weaknesses?

I can help you identify what to focus on next. 🎯😁

If you want to learn English with me, I’m Liz Aldam, an English teacher with more than twenty years of experience, having worked with companies like Yamaha, Faurecia, and others. I live in the Val-d’Oise region in France and I teach online. Click the WhatsApp icon below and contact me.