How to Learn English from Scratch: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Set your goal: before starting, ask yourself: Why do I want to learn English?

• To get a better job?

• To travel and communicate abroad?

• To watch movies and series without subtitles?

Having a clear goal helps you stay motivated and choose the right learning method.

2. Focus on the most common words and phrases: You don’t need to learn the entire dictionary. Start with essential everyday vocabulary:

• Greetings (Hello, How are you?);

• Numbers;

• Days of the week;

• Basic questions (What’s your name? Where are you from?).

With just a few phrases, you can already communicate in simple situations.

3. Learn to build simple sentences: after memorizing some vocabulary, start building sentences. A good place to begin is:

Subject + Verb + Object
Ex.: I like music.

This structure is the foundation for forming more complex sentences naturally.

4. Practice every day, even if just a little: the secret isn’t studying for hours, but being consistent.

• 15 minutes reading;

• 15 minutes listening to music or podcasts in English;

• 10 minutes repeating sentences out loud.

Consistency matters more than intensity.

5. Use different learning methods:

Variety makes learning easier:

• Language apps: Duolingo, Memrise, LingQ;

• Movies and series: watch with English subtitles;

• Music: follow the lyrics and sing along;

• Classes with a teacher: accelerate your progress.

6. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes: many learners freeze because they’re afraid of speaking incorrectly. But mistakes are part of the process. Every mistake is a step toward fluency.

👉 Remember: even native children spend years making mistakes before speaking correctly.

7. Practice listening and speaking from the start: don’t wait to “know everything” before speaking. From day one, try:

• Repeating lines from movies and songs;

• Talking with friends who are also learning;

• Recording yourself reading in English.

The earlier you practice, the faster you gain confidence.

8. Set small and achievable goals:

Instead of thinking about “becoming fluent,” set small victories:

• Learn 20 new words per week;

• Watch a series episode without subtitles;

• Order food in English.

These goals motivate you and show real progress.

9. Be patient and celebrate your progress:

Learning English is a journey. Don’t demand perfection from yourself—celebrate every step: understanding a song, reading a news article, or having a short conversation.

Learning English from scratch may seem challenging, but with a structured plan, consistency, and motivation, anyone can improve. Start small, focus on the essentials, and don’t be afraid to practice.

Remember: every word learned today is a step closer to fluency tomorrow.