Is English Hard to Learn?

English is the most widely spoken language in the world, bringing people together for everything from business to travel to daily chats. With over 1.5 billion speakers around the globe (as noted by Britannica), it’s easy to see why you might want to learn. Whether you’ve just moved to the U.S. or have been here for a while, you might be asking yourself: Is English hard to learn?

Here’s the truth: English can be tricky, but it’s definitely not impossible.

With the right guidance, daily practice, and some encouragement, thousands of people just like you learn English every year and transform their lives. This blog will explain why English can feel tricky, what makes it easier (especially depending on your first language), and how you can start your English learning journey today.

1. Why English Might Feel Difficult

English isn’t necessarily the hardest language to learn, but it’s definitely not the easiest—especially if your first language is very different. If you speak Spanish or Portuguese, you may find English more familiar because both languages share similar vocabulary. But if your first language is Arabic, Japanese, or Mandarin, you might face more challenges with pronunciation, grammar, and even the alphabet.

One of the hardest parts about learning English is the spelling. Words like though, thought, and through sound completely different, even though they look similar. The “th” sound is also tricky because it’s not common in many languages which makes it challenging for English Language Learners to pronounce correctly.

Another tough part? Phrasal verbs. These are phrases like “get up,” “give in,” and “turn off,” where the meaning changes depending on the context. Then there are slang phrases and idioms, like “break the ice” or “a piece of cake,” that have nothing to do with ice or cake!

Contractions are also confusing. You can say “Why don’t you?” but not “Why do not you?” It’s just one of those weird exceptions that make English tricky.

English, like many other languages, has rules—but then there are exceptions to those rules! So, it’s important to learn the rules as they apply to English, even the ones that don’t always make sense.

Still, even with all these challenges, learners overcome them every day with support, practice, and patience.

2. What Makes English Easier

 If your native language shares roots with English—like German, Dutch, French, Spanish, or Portuguese—you might find English easier to learn. These languages have many cognates—words that look or sound similar and have the same meaning. For example, English "mother" and German "Mutter" (both from the Germanic family), or English "important" and Spanish "importante" (from the Romance family). Because of this, many of the words you need to know in English may already be familiar to you.

English also has relatively simple grammar rules compared to other languages. For example, Spanish, French, and German have gendered nouns while English does not, so there’s no need to memorize whether a word is masculine or feminine. 

Additionally, English doesn’t change its verbs based on the subject (like “yo hablo” for “I speak” vs. “tú hablas” for “you speak” in Spanish), making it easier to learn and use verbs.

Another reason English might be easier to learn is its relatively straightforward sentence structure. English follows a subject-verb-object pattern (e.g., “She eats pizza”), which is similar to many other languages. This consistent sentence structure makes it easier for an English Language Learner to form sentences without worrying about shifting word order or complex conjugations. 

English is also widely spoken and used around the world. This means you have endless opportunities to practice and immerse yourself in the language. Whether it's watching one of Hollywood's blockbuster movies, listening to Taylor Swift or one of your favorite pop artists, or speaking with people from different countries, English is everywhere. The abundance of resources and the ability to practice with native speakers can speed up your learning process. 

Plus, with English being the global language of business, science, and technology, there are many practical reasons to learn it, keeping learners motivated and focused.

3. Learning Independently vs. In a Class

Another reason many new English Language Learners struggle and wonder, "Is English hard to learn?" is how they are learning it. In the age of advanced technology, there are countless language apps available right at our fingertips, but it’s important to remember that everyone has different learning styles.

While it's relatively easy to find an app on your phone to learn English, many people still struggle to make real progress. Apps can be helpful for basic vocabulary and practice; however, they often fall short when it comes to real-world context, structure, and feedback that most learners need to succeed. It’s also common to hit a plateau and feel stuck.

On the other hand, learning English in a class with a community offers so much more. Not only do you benefit from an instructor who can guide you step-by-step—often tailoring the lessons to your learning style (visual, auditory, etc.)—but you also get to practice speaking with others in a supportive environment.

Classes with experienced instructors like our classes at ReDefiners World Languages, can provide the guidance, answers, and motivation you need to overcome challenges. Plus, learning alongside others going through the same experience helps you stay motivated and fosters a sense of camaraderie that you can’t get from an app.

While learning independently can work for some, most students benefit from a combination of regular practice, professional instruction, and a community that helps them succeed in mastering English.

4. Practical Tips for Learning English

1. Practice Speaking Regularly: For most new English Language Learners, the idea of speaking can feel as scary as the idea of walking on hot coals, barefoot. But speaking will help you build up language fluency. So speak, even if you make mistakes. The more you practice speaking, the more confident you’ll become.
2. Use English Every Day: Try to incorporate English into your daily routine. Watch your favorite movie (Lilo and Stitch anyone?) or TV shows in English, listen to English podcasts or read books and articles in English. As you get more exposure to the language, it will become easier to understand and use the language.
3. Join a Language Community: Whether it’s a formal English class or a group of friends practicing together, having a community to support you makes a huge difference. You’ll have people to practice with and encourage you, thus less likely to give up.
4. Set Realistic Goals: Set small, achievable goals for yourself, like learning 10 new words a week or being able to hold a basic conversation. Achieving these goals will keep you motivated!
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes: Learning a new language and mistakes go hand in hand—it’s a normal part of the process! Embrace your errors as learning opportunities, and don’t let them hold you back. Remember, perfection is your enemy!

If you’re looking for more practical tips on learning English, check out our How to Learn English Fast: 10 Tips that Work.

5. Final Thoughts

Is English hard to learn? Like any language, it has its challenges, but it is certainly not impossible. If your native language has a different alphabet or distinct grammar rules, English may seem difficult at first.

However, with a good teacher, proper support, and a community to help you, it is definitely an achievable goal.

And remember, “The expert in anything was once a beginner.” – Helen Hayes. No matter your native language, every step forward counts.

Ready to Learn English with Us

If you live in Hillsborough County, Florida, ReDefiners World Languages offers free English classes for:

• Adults 18 and older
• Children ages 9-12
• Children in Grades K–5
  
• All language speakers welcome

Classes are in person and online, designed to help you build real-world skills for everyday life, jobs, or further education.

➡️ Sign up here for FREE classes

Every year, new students start their first class at ReDefiners World Languages unsure of how they’ll do, and before long, they’re greeting classmates in English, introducing themselves, and asking questions with confidence.

No matter where you're starting from, we're here to help you take the next step toward mastering English.