Complete Guide to Learning English From Scratch

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Learning English is a useful tool that can open many doors for you, whether it is for work or social, and it can connect you with people from all over the world as this language is considered the language of commerce, technology, travel, and culture.

Although it may seem daunting and difficult at first, learning English is entirely achievable, but only with a persistent, structured and determined approach. This guide will help you learn English from scratch, step by step, and with practical resources.

Setting  Goals

Language learning can be short or long-term, depending on the commitment of the individual, which is why it is so important that everyone sets their own clear and achievable goals in the process to avoid becoming demotivated; without these it is easy to lose your way or feel that you are not making as much progress as you should. Here is a structure for how you might start:

1. Define the main purpose of this process. Ask yourself why you want to learn English – is it for work, study, or just for pleasure?

Once you have answered the question, you can get started. Having a clear reason will help you stay focused on what you want to achieve.

2. Set small goals. For example, if your main goal is to be able to understand correctly, start with specific goals, such as:
   • Listen to a podcast in English every weekend on a topic of personal interest to you.
   • Practice vocabulary for at least 10 minutes a day.
   • Learn 15 new phrases every week.

With all these small goals you can create a printed or digital schedule so that you can be motivated to do your weekly activities.

Choosing the Best Learning Method

Choosing the right method will depend on your learning style as well as your availability and resources. Here are some ideas that you can choose from to suit your own learning style:

1. Face-to-face classes: This option would be ideal if you prefer face-to-face and more structured teaching with a teacher trained in teaching or in a specialised institute. If you are from Peru you can count on institutes such as ICPNA and El Británico, which are the most prestigious in this country.
2. Online classes: Platforms with many opportunities to learn in a specialised way, but from the comfort of your own home.
3. Self-taught courses: This gives us options on how to learn in apps that feel like games; that way, you can learn without thinking this is boring or something you might lose interest in.
4. Textbooks: Classics such as English Grammar in Use or very relevant courses such as Cambridge and Oxford would be a good choice.
5. Learn by immersing yourself in the language: If you are a traveller, you can go to countries or cities where English is the native language to speak directly and learn from them, or join international online communities to practice.

Face-to-Face and Online Courses

Courses can be an excellent way to get specialised and personalised career guidance in your learning. In the case of face-to-face courses, you can choose locations such as:

• Universities or language centres belonging to them.
• Depending on the country you are in, specialised language institutes will vary, and you can look for information about this and find out dates and costs to see if they suit your pocket.

If you want something more relaxed and don’t have to travel to other places, you can choose online courses such as:

• Coursera and edX offer courses from recognised universities to help you in your quest to improve your English.
• BBC Learning English, where you can find free and entertaining courses that are designed to help improve the language skills of learners of all levels.
• Preply, which has one-to-one lessons with native teachers where each teacher has a fee that can be adjusted to suit the amount of money you have available.

Mobile Applications

We live in a world where technology is at its peak so that we can take advantage of this. Apps are practical tools that can be very useful on your journey, for example:

• Duolingo: It has short, fun lessons that you can complete at any time of the day, any day of the week. It is perfect for beginners as you can learn basic vocabulary in a didactic way.
• Tandem: As a social network to connect with native speakers and practice conversations either by messages, calls or voice messages.
• ELSA: Artificial intelligence-based application designed to improve your pronunciation, perfect your accent and speak more fluently.
• Babbel: This one stands out for offering structured lessons that focus on practical situations and real dialogues. If you are willing to invest in your learning you can try this app, start by trying the free one-month version and see if you like it.

Linguistic Immersion

Immersion is one of the fastest ways to learn a language because, in one way or another, it forces you to use it constantly. If you are not a frequent traveller and prefer to stay at home, there are also options to create an immersion from there, for example:

• Changing the language of your phone, computer, tablet, etc., to English so that whenever you use these devices, you will read the words in English and learn new vocabulary.
• Writing reminders, notes or even the market list will force you to think in English in order to transcribe.

Practising Pronunciation

Making yourself understood when you speak is just as important as knowing the language, so you need to constantly practise the pronunciation of the words you want to say. There are several ways to practice pronunciation, for example:

• Please familiarise yourself with the sounds of English by learning the phonetic alphabet, either in courses or on websites where you can listen to these sounds and speak them.
• Use pronunciation tools such as Forvo, which is a pronunciation dictionary.
•  Listen to English music by your favourite artists, learn the lyrics, and compare the pronunciations.
• Practise speaking aloud; you can read texts and record yourself to hear how you pronounce words compared to native speakers.

Learn Basic Vocabulary

Having a solid foundation of common words and expressions will enable you to communicate with ease and understand everyday conversations. Essential vocabulary to get you started:

• Days of the week, months, numbers and colours.
• Basic verbs: such as go, do, be, have and talk.
• Everyday expressions: Hello, How are you?, Nice to meet you, What’s your name?

An effective method for memorising vocabulary is the use of flashcards, either physical or digital, using tools such as Anki or Quizlet to practise interactively and reinforce memory. In addition, it is essential to integrate the words and expressions in real contexts, describing your daily activities in English, talking to yourself or participating in conversations with other people. With these strategies, essential vocabulary becomes a powerful tool for communicating in English and making rapid progress.

Watch Films and Series in English

Using films and series as a resource for learning a language is not only highly entertaining, but also effective for improving listening comprehension, expanding vocabulary and familiarising yourself with language expressions and pronunciation.

• If you are a beginner, using subtitles in your native language will help you understand the general context of what is happening in your chosen film or series.
• When you feel more comfortable and experienced, you can progressively change the subtitles to the English language, so that you can relate the pronunciation to the written words.
• Once you have gained confidence, challenge yourself to watch films or episodes of series without any subtitles, starting with short episodes or films you have seen before so you don’t feel lost.

Some recommended series:

•  Glee: It has an intermediate level of English. You will learn expressions related to music, school and interpersonal relationships.
• After life: This is an advanced level. You will learn idiomatic expressions related to emotions and many reflections, as well as listening to different British accents, which enrich your listening comprehension.
• Suits: This is an advanced level. You will learn legal and business vocabulary, as well as how to structure arguments persuasively in English.
• Modern Family: Intermediate level. You will learn family-related terms, as well as common American English phrases and idioms.
• Friends: Intermediate level. You will learn phrases and idioms used in informal conversations and vocabulary related to everyday life, relationships and friendships.

Practice with Native Speakers

Speaking with native speakers gives you a deeper understanding of the culture and everyday expressions. This practice is of great importance for gaining confidence in speaking and learning to use the language in real day-to-day situations.

Interacting with native speakers also improves your pronunciation, as you are exposed to different accents, rhythms and intonations. It is an opportunity to ask questions about the correct use of certain words or phrases and get explanations that only someone who has mastered the language can offer.

What’s more, these conversations are often more dynamic and enriching than traditional exercises, helping you to stay motivated and develop social skills in the language you are learning. The key is to practice without fear of making mistakes and enjoy the process!

Be Consistent and Persevering

Perseverance and perseverance is the key to mastering any language. Much more than long hours of study, what really makes a difference is regular and consistent practice for even short periods of time.

Establish a daily routine, set aside a fixed time to practise the language and use reminders. Track your progress using apps or a diary to measure how far you are progressing. Also reward yourself, celebrate each of your achievements.

Remember that mistakes are part of the process and learning English is a journey that requires a lot of patience and dedication.

Adapting Your Environment to English

Start by integrating English into your daily activities: listen to podcasts, watch series or films in English, and even choose songs you like to practise pronunciation while singing along. Another idea is to put English labels on objects in your home, such as “mirror” on the mirror or “fridge” on the fridge, to reinforce vocabulary as you interact with them.

Take advantage of the social networks and apps you already use by changing the language of your profiles or following accounts of content creators in English. This constant contact with the language will gradually make you assimilate it naturally and feel more comfortable using it in your day-to-day life.

Practising Writing in English

Writing helps you to structure your thoughts and reinforce what you learn, whether it is vocabulary or grammar. You can keep a journal and write about your day, your goals or any thoughts that come to mind in English, and if you have friends who speak English, you can practise with them.

In addition, you can do specific exercises such as writing thematic vocabulary lists, writing imaginary letters or emails, or describing places and objects around you in English. This not only strengthens your memory but also improves your ability to form clear and coherent sentences. 

Participating in online communities where people share texts for language practice is another excellent option. Many of these spaces allow you to receive corrections and advice from native speakers or other advanced learners.

Additional resources

Expand your learning options with useful tools such as physical or online dictionaries like WordReference and Cambridge Dictionary; apps like Memrise and Anki; and free courses available on platforms like Khan Academy, as accessing multiple resources diversifies your study methods and helps you find what best suits your style.

Music in

Listening to songs in English enriches your vocabulary and familiarises you with different accents, providing you with an immersive experience which makes it easier to memorise and understand the language.

Start with songs that have clear lyrics, slow pronunciation and repetitive structures, even if they are children’s songs. Alternatively, you can explore more dynamic genres such as contemporary pop with artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Conan Gray; their narrative lyrics can be easy to understand and are related to interpersonal issues that can help you expand your vocabulary.

Another suggestion is to look up the lyrics and sing along with the music to practice pronunciation and intonation, which can improve your fluency.

Podcasts and  Channels

Podcasts and YouTube channels are great tools for improving your English, allowing you to practise listening comprehension and learn vocabulary in real contexts. You can also adapt them to your level and interests, making learning an entertaining and productive experience. 

Recommended Podcasts:

• The English We Speak (BBC): This short, dynamic podcast teaches common phrases and expressions used in everyday English. 
• ESL Pod: Ideal for beginners, with clear explanations and a focus on practical topics. 
• All Ears English: Perfect for improving your conversational skills and learning about culture. 
• Luke’s English Podcast: An excellent resource for intermediate and advanced levels, with varied topics and a focus on the naturalness of the language. 

Recommended YouTube channels: 

• English with Mr Steve: A fun and motivating approach to learning English through stories and anecdotes. 
• BBC Learning English: A comprehensive channel with lessons on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation, all divided into levels. 
• Rachel’s English: Perfect for those who want to perfect their pronunciation and speak like a native speaker. 
• English with Lucy: Focuses on grammar, vocabulary and tips for effective language improvement. 

Videogames and Interactive Applications

Video games and interactive applications have transformed the way we interact with technology. Beyond entertainment, these tools offer immersive experiences that foster learning, creativity and collaboration. 

For example, educational video games combine fun with learning by allowing users to solve problems, improve skills or discover new knowledge in virtual environments. Interactive applications have made education and personal development more accessible by integrating features such as augmented reality, adaptive learning and real-time simulations. 

In addition, the rise of mobile devices has made these platforms accessible to a wider audience. From games that explore fictional worlds to apps designed to teach languages or train the mind, the impact of these tools continues to grow. Their ability to blend the playful with the educational makes them a powerful resource in the digital age. 

Final Tips for Success

Learning a language is a journey full of discovery, and accepting mistakes is important for growth and progress. Each mistake brings you closer and closer to fluency as long as you keep a positive and open mind. Surround yourself with English daily, whether listening to music, watching your favourite series, or reading about things you’re passionate about. Experience the language every chance you get.

Be patient with yourself. Remember that fully mastering a language takes time and effort, but it can also be fun if you find a method you enjoy. With constant dedication, you will achieve lasting results and discover new opportunities. Trust in yourself and always keep going!

Frequently Asked Questions For Learning English