Common Mistakes in Learning English
If I were asked to give advice (yes, it’s advice, not advices!) to people learning English, I could provide a long list of ‘do’s.’ However, instead of focusing on what to do, let’s look at what not to do – a simpler and often more effective approach.
Based on my experience, here are the top three mistakes to avoid:
1. Fear of Making Mistakes
The hardest step is always the first one. I vividly remember my first year studying in the UK, living in a university dormitory with British students. I was terrified of embarrassing myself in front of them, so I strategically avoided conversations. By the end of the year, my spoken English was limited to just two words: ‘hi’ when I saw my flatmates, and ‘bye’ when they left. Not exactly the immersive language experience I had hoped for!
Realising that fear was holding me back, I changed my approach in the second year. I embraced mistakes, and learned from them. One unforgettable moment was when I arrived back from a long-haul flight, exhausted and jet-lagged. My housemate asked, “How was your flight?” and instead of saying “jet-lagged,” I confidently blurted out “hijacked.” Their wide-open eyes and jaw-dropping reaction were priceless! After some laughter (and a bit of panic), I learned a valuable lesson – and rest assured, I never made that mistake again.
“It’s okay to make mistakes; I’m learning, and I always will be.”
2. Not Practicing in Real-Life Situations
Learning English without practicing it in real life is like buying a gym membership but never working out – you won’t see results! Many students ace their language exams but struggle to hold a simple conversation. Research consistently demonstrates that active engagement in learning – often referred to as “learning by doing” – leads to better understanding and knowledge retention.
Use every chance to practice what you’ve learned: engage in conversations, binge-watch English shows, join language exchange groups, or speak to yourself in the mirror (I mean it!). I remember the first time I gathered the courage to speak up in a group discussion and struck up a conversation about the weather at a bus stop – it felt awkward at first, but gradually, it became easier, more interesting, and even enjoyable. It’s true what they say – practice makes perfect!
“Practice makes perfect… and also makes speaking English less awkward!”
3. Overemphasizing Vocabulary
Many language learners obsess over vocabulary lists, memorisation tricks, and fancy words to sound sophisticated. It’s tempting to impress others with elaborate words, but let’s be honest— not many people speak like Shakespeare anymore! When I first learned the word “procrastinate,” I thought it sounded impressive. However, when I used it in conversations with other non-native speakers, they often asked me what it meant. So, I started opting for simpler terms like “delay” or “put off,” which made communication far smoother and clearer.
While vocabulary is important, it shouldn’t be the main focus. The goal of communication is to convey and understand messages effectively. As a non-native speaker, I’ve learned to work with the language I know while striving for constant improvement. Ultimately, it’s not about the complexity of your words but how well you express your ideas.
“Learn vocabulary, but remember: communication is about connection, not complexity.”
Final Thoughts
Learning English is a journey filled with mistakes, awkward moments, and plenty of laughter. As Mark Twain once said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” So, embrace your mistakes, keep practicing and improving, and most importantly, enjoy the process!