8 things you should try to avoid when learning English

Charlotte Guest
Charlotte Guest
Friends studying together around one big table
Reading time: 4 minutes

Learning a new language is an exciting and rewarding journey, but it can also come with its fair share of challenges. As English learners, it's important to recognize and overcome the common pitfalls that could hinder your progress. Here, we provide advice and guidance on what not to do to make your English learning experience as smooth and successful as possible.

Things to try avoid when learning English
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

1. Avoid listening to people who say learning English is difficult

English is spoken all over the world and is often a top choice for those wishing to learn a second language. That means that a lot of people have already had success learning it. English is sometimes considered a hard language to learn due to the number of exceptions to rules, irregular spelling and pronunciation, and the variety of different accents and dialects. But by maintaining your motivation and breaking up the task of learning English into manageable steps, you can achieve success, too.

Remember, many learners have successfully mastered English despite these challenges. With the right approach and mindset, you can, too.

2. Try not to separate English from the rest of your life

Going to English lessons is a great basis for learning, but don’t switch off your use of the language as soon as you step out of the classroom door. To be a successful English learner, try to immerse yourself in the language outside the classroom. This works particularly well if you also involve your own interests, so listen to English-speaking songs by your favorite artists or watch movies featuring your favorite actors.

There are plenty of other ways to pick up new words or to keep up your learning motivation.

Integrating English into your daily life helps reinforce what you learn in class and makes the learning process more enjoyable and effective.

3. Stop comparing yourself to other learners

No matter what level of skill you have, it’s almost certain that your fellow language learners won’t be at exactly the same level as you. Everyone learns at different paces – and that’s ok. Whatever level you’re at, you’ve worked hard to reach it, so be proud of that fact and keep going. And don’t feel you have to apologize for being at a different level.

Comparing yourself to others can be demotivating. Instead, focus on your own progress and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem.

Explore our language learning tools like Mondly by Pearson

4. Avoid waiting too long to speak English

Learning English is a skill and, just like other skills such as driving a car or playing a musical instrument, you need to practice it. It might be that you’re waiting for the confidence to speak in English, but don’t wait too long – the sooner you try out your English, the faster your ability will improve.

Speaking English early and often helps build confidence and solidify learning. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; every conversation is a valuable learning opportunity.

5. Try not to fear making mistakes

Don’t live in fear of opening your mouth to speak English and making an embarrassing mistake. Nothing bad will happen if you do say the wrong word, and fear can be a strong barrier to overcome. Instead of worrying about how people will react to your attempt to speak English, have the confidence to try it out – and simply learn from any mistakes that you do make.

Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. Embrace them as opportunities to improve and grow more proficient in the language.

6. Avoid getting tangled up in grammar

Every language has grammatical rules, and getting used to them is just part of the process when learning a language. But many languages have easy aspects of grammar, too, so don’t focus on the harder parts of the English language but try to continue your progress by learning the easier bits first. For example, did you know that English has a simple past tense? It isn’t a hard and fast rule, but you can find the simple past tense of many English verbs by adding “-ed” at the end. Yes, there are a handful of irregular verbs – but not many – so once you’ve memorized those, you’re all set.

Focusing on the simpler aspects of grammar first can help build your confidence and provide a solid foundation for tackling more complex rules later on.

7. Don’t rely solely on translating

While it may be tempting to use an online translator to translate everything from your primary language to English, this practice can actually slow down your learning process and lead to misunderstandings. English has its own unique structures and idioms that don’t always have direct equivalents in other languages. Instead, try to think in English as much as possible and immerse yourself in the language.

By reducing your reliance on translation, you'll start to understand the language more intuitively and improve your fluency.

8. Avoid staying in your comfort zone

Learning a new language is full of challenges, and it's easy to stick with what you already know. However, to truly improve, you need to push yourself out of your comfort zone. This could mean speaking with fluent speakers, trying to read more complex texts, or watching films without subtitles. The more you challenge yourself, the more you will learn and grow.

Embrace new experiences and challenges as opportunities to refine your English skills and become more confident in using the language.

Conclusion

Learning English requires dedication, persistence and a positive mindset. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can make your learning process more enjoyable and effective. Remember, every learner's journey is unique, so focus on your own progress and celebrate your achievements along the way.

For more tips and advice on learning English, be sure to check out our other blog posts.

Read our language learning blogs here

More blogs from Pearson

  • University students walking outside on campus
    Elevate your agency’s brand: The PTE Express effect
    By Alice Bazzi
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    In the competitive world of international education, your agency’s reputation is everything. Families trust you to guide them through one of the most important decisions of their children’s lives, and institutions rely on you to send well-prepared students. Every recommendation you make reflects on your brand.

    That’s why it’s important to choose solutions backed by a strong, trusted global reputation. PTE Express, powered by Pearson, is more than an English test; it also helps strengthen your organisation’s credibility in a competitive market.

    Why reputation matters in student recruitment

    Parents and students do not just look for speed and convenience, but also look for efficiency, reliability and integrity. When you recommend a test that universities recognize, you strengthen your own position as a trusted advisor. Furthermore, Pearson assessments are renowned for their quality and transparency: values that resonate with both your customers and your university partners.

    The Pearson advantage: Global recognition and trust

    Pearson is known throughout the education sector for its excellence. With decades of experience in learning and assessments, Pearson has built a reputation that institutions around the world rely on. PTE Express reflects this heritage, offering a secure, reliable English proficiency test designed with admissions in mind.

    When you recommend PTE Express, you are not just offering speed to your students but also offering a test backed by credibility, innovation and a well-trusted brand.

    How PTE Express enhances your brand

    • Professionalism: Recommending a Pearson-backed test signals that your agency prioritizes quality and compliance.
    • Reliability: Institutions know PTE Express scores are authentic and secure, reducing friction in the admissions process.
    • Client confidence: Families feel reassured when they see a globally-recognized name associated with their child’s academic future.

    The alignment positions your agency as a market leader, capable of delivering solutions that meet university standards.

    Security and speed: A winning combination

    PTE Express not only protects integrity through its high-quality security but also accelerates success. Students receive certified results within 48 hours, enabling them to meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.

    For agents, this means fewer delays, smoother workflows and happier clients who will most likely refer more students in the long run. By promoting a test that combines speed with security, you differentiate yourself from competitors.

    Building long-term relationships through trust

    Your reputation grows through consistently supporting your students and earning the trust of families who recommend you to others. As more students progress to your partners, your agency gains wider recognition.

    When you offer a secure and efficient English test, families feel more confident in your process. That trust supports stronger partnerships, repeat business, and referrals.

    Lead with value in every interaction

    When discussing PTE Express with students or institutions, emphasize the benefits of what matters the most:

    • Pearson’s global reputation
    • Secure testing environment that is also flexible for the student
    • Rapid turnaround for results

    Elevate your brand today and find out more about PTE Express here.

  • Teacher talking to girl working on laptop in classroom smiling
    Designed for learning, built for growth: How Big Ben Education Group reimagined short-term programs
    By Emma Currie
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    The challenge: Creating meaningful learning in short-term programs

    In recent years, Big Ben Education Group faced a challenge: how to deliver meaningful learning within short-term programs. Although teachers were passionate and students motivated, their short-term courses lacked a clear academic structure, making learning feel rushed and less impactful. At the same time, they relied heavily on a single market and sought to attract a more diverse, global student mix.

    This raised a critical question: How do you design a short-term program that is both academically meaningful and appealing to a global student audience? That question led to the launch of their first Winter Camp in 2024.

    The turning point: From camp to structured learning experience

    The Winter Camp marked a major shift. For the first time, students from across China, Korea, Japan, Central Asia and the Middle East were brought together. Managing this level of cultural and linguistic diversity required more than enthusiasm; it required structure.

    The school introduced Big English as a core academic framework, giving teachers clarity on learning objectives and ensuring consistency across levels, even within a condensed timeframe.

    But the transformation didn’t stop in the classroom. Excursions were redesigned with clear learning goals, turning them into opportunities for real-world language application. This shift from activities to outcomes required careful planning and strong collaboration between academic and operations teams.  What emerged was something new – a structured, student-centered learning experience that balanced academic rigor with real-world engagement.

  • Students sat at a table with microphones talking
    Building fluent, confident speakers: better ways to assess speaking
    By Charlotte Guest
    Reading time: 6 minutes

    Why traditional speaking assessments can make students feel stressed

    Traditional speaking tests often feel high-stakes and performative. Students are asked to respond on demand, usually in front of a teacher or peers, with little room for hesitation or self-correction. This setup can make it harder for students to show what they can really do because:

    • Time pressure shifts focus from communicating meaning to avoiding mistakes
    • Teacher-centered evaluation can feel judgmental rather than supportive
    • One-off testing may not capture a learner's true abilitiy, especially if they're nervous. 

    When people feel anxious, it often affects their fluency. They find it harder to think so they pause more, forget words and feel less confident. As a result, assessments may reflect how comfortable someone feels under pressure, rather than how effectively they can communicate.

    Key components of speaking fluency to evaluate

    Fluency isn't just about talking fast. It involves several clear signs.