Students frequently ask me which website they can visit to learn English.
Of course, there are so many out there. In my experience as a trainer, the best one is BBC Learning English. Their material is relevant and engaging.
This is a disclaimer: BBC is not paying me. I’m writing this post so that you could get the most out of the website.
Wait!
Before you google BBC Learning English, let me give you an overview.
The website has a lot to offer. Let’s start:
Vocabulary
The more words you know, the more precisely you can express yourself. When a person has a limited vocabulary, he tends to repeat words and phrases.
Whatever our English levels may be, we all need to expand our range of vocabulary.
It takes time to learn new words. My suggestion to you is this: go slow. Don’t just learn the meaning of words. Practice using them. Become familiar with them. Use them correctly.
I’ve noticed that students at times struggle with phrasal verbs. Do you freak out when you hear the phrase phrasal verbs? Help is at hand. Here’s the definition. If you are working, then you need phrasal verbs, for well, for work. And we all need phrasal verbs for technology.
Vocabulary is not limited to learning phrasal verbs. You also need to learn more words and phrases.
Visit this page to learn words from the news. I liked this episode on fake news.
If you have six minutes to spare, go to 6 minute English. I’ve just listened to the episode Call centres: Are you talking to AI?
English in a minute is a great way to improve your vocabulary. You can hit the nail on the head by learning new phrases within sixty seconds.
Remember, it’s not just about learning new phrases. It’s about using new phrases appropriately. I suggest you select phrases you like and try to use them during the week. Over time, you will be on fire!
Grammar
Are you comfortable with all the tenses that are there? You can confide in me. Be honest.
Tenses with Georgie is a good, fun way to revise tenses.
Prepositions can be confusing. Are you in a train or on a train? Mmm…. Not sure? Check out Prepositions with Georgie and find out.
If you like the idea of learning grammar by watching The Grammar Gameshow , go for it.
There is so much more when it comes to grammar. I know, it seems endless. Visit the main grammar page to find out more.
Pronunciation
Whatever your accent may be, that’s okay. What’s important is that you speak clearly and fluently.
The sounds of English are the building blocks of words. Are you keen to learn these sounds? Do you want to know the difference between voiced and voiceless consonants? You are at the right place.
Check out The Sounds of English on the pronunciation main page. I watched those short videos years ago, and I found them helpful. I hope you do too.
Tim’s Pronunciation Workshop is an effective way to learn about different aspects of pronunciation, such as elision and assimilation. Not familiar with those last two words? No worries. You’re probably doing some it already, in a natural way.
It’s more fun learning pronunciation than it is learning grammar. Do you agree?
Is there anything ‘more’ to do on the website?
On the right hand side of the menu bar, there is an option: More. Click on it with confidence. Don’t hesitate.
I have noticed that students often do not know their level. Do you know yours? Are you at the intermediate level? Upper-intermediate? Advanced?
Here’s the thing. Many students are generous when it comes to deciding which level they are at.
I’ve seen this happen lots of times: a person who is at the intermediate level believes that he is an upper-intermediate student! And the same goes for other levels as well. Many students are bumping themselves up a level.
I’m not a 100% convinced when it comes to online level tests. Having said that, try the level test at BBC learning English. See what you get.
If you enjoy listening to podcasts, try this out. You can listen while travelling.
Do you enjoy drama? I’ve just started listening to The Importance of Being Earnest.
There are many things to do in the ‘more’ section. Find out what works for you.
Before you go…
As you can tell, I’m pretty impressed with this website. It has a depth and breath that I’ve not seen anywhere else.
What do you do now? It’s up to you. If you want to improve your vocabulary, then click on the related links. The same goes for the other topics.
When learning English, be consistent. Consistency is the magic sauce that will help you improve your English.
Apart from BBC Learning English, here are two other websites I recommend.
Happy learning!
amalfabian 