How to learn English in three months

If someone told you that you could learn English in three months, would you believe them? We all know that learning a language takes time, effort, and dedication, so surely it is impossible to master one in just a few months.  

Well, although learning how to speak English in three months seems impossible, there are ways to achieve a basic level of English within that time. With the right tools, and motivation, you will soon be on the path to mastering English. Read on for our top tips for learning English within a shorter timeframe. 

Is it possible to learn English in three months? 

Life is busy – and it is not always possible to fit learning a language into your weekly schedule. However, if you want to learn how to speak English in four months or less, you will need to form good learning habits. At the end of the three months, if you have used our helpful tips, you should have a basic level of English and be able to speak it confidently.  

Top tips for learning English in three months 

Here are our top tips for learning English in just three months: 

1. Set clear goals 

The important first step is to decide on your main reason for learning English. Is it for your studies? To get a job? Or to travel abroad? Whatever your reason, decide it before you start learning. You could write it down on your phone or above your desk as motivation!  

Then, create some more detailed goals. What do you want to achieve in these three months? Setting yourself a target of ‘learn English’ is too vague and is more likely to lead to failure. Here are some alternative goals you could use to get started: 

  • Read a book in English  

  • Learn ten phrasal verbs 

  • Practice conversations with three different people 

  • Master the present perfect tense 

  • Learn how to ask for directions 

This is also the time to be realistic with yourself. Are your goals achievable? The more achievable the goal, the more confident and motivated you will feel.  

2. Create a study plan

Our next tip is to create a study plan. Three months is not a long time, but making a daily or weekly study plan will help you stay on track. Make sure you are spending enough time on all four disciplines of learning English: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.  

We are not saying you have to spend hours learning each day; sometimes ten to 15 minutes is enough. Consistent practice will lead to English learning becoming a habit. If you study or work during the day, early morning study sessions could work for you. Or if you prefer to learn later in the day, try to set aside time each evening. 

3. Do not skip the basics 

Learning a language is like building a tower of bricks. If you do not have a solid foundation, the tower will quickly fall down. Although it might seem like rushing through lessons is the best way to learn more quickly, taking time to learn the basics first will ensure you retain information and can gradually increase your knowledge.  

We advise starting with simple topics like describing yourself and your daily routine and starting to build your vocabulary. A top tip is to write down all the new vocabulary you learn and practice using it in a sentence daily.  

4. Sign up for a course 

One of the fastest ways to learn is to speak English online, with an online English course. We have a variety of English courses to suit different goals, from Business English to General English. Learning in private and group classes with our amazing teachers can improve your speaking confidence in English, while our self-study exercises enable you to study in your own time, at your own pace.  

5. Immerse yourself in the language

We have said it before, and we will say it again. Total immersion in the language you want to learn is the fastest road to fluency. We are talking about TV series, movies, books, newspapers, and radio – whatever works for you! This is the perfect opportunity to try new things, broaden your skillset, and have fun. Some other options include word puzzles, changing your phone’s language to English, or writing your shopping list in English.  

Do not be afraid to make mistakes – in fact, the more mistakes you make in the beginning, the better. Learning from your mistakes will help you become more fluent and in time you will notice that you make fewer errors.  

6. Practice with native English speakers

We know from over 50 years of teaching experience that true mastery of a language depends on how often you speak it. Finding some native English speakers to practice with will therefore have a significant effect on both your knowledge of English and your confidence.  

If you are taking an online English course, ask some fellow learners from your group class to practice with you. Or if you work in an office, why not reach out to some English speakers for help?  

7. A good workspace 

If you want to learn English in three months, you are going to have to be diligent. Setting up a private workspace is an effective way to avoid distraction and improve your focus. Choose a quiet spot with good lighting and make sure you have a proper desk and chair. If you are tempted to scroll on social media, try putting your phone in a different room for an hour and use pens and post-it notes instead. 

We hope you have learned some useful tips for learning English from this article. Although learning how to speak English in three months is a challenge, remember that learning a language should also be fun if you are going to succeed. And as always, the more you practice, the faster you will learn. If you would like to know more about the fastest ways to learn English, EF English Live are always here to help.