It would be impossible to learn English as an adult, right?
Sure, it might feel like that. But with the right steps and an effective study plan, it’s something you can definitely achieve.
But where do you begin?
Well, I’ll give you three steps to start with as a beginner, followed by four self-study tips, including a basic study plan, to get you going.
You can even apply these tips to other languages. I’ll be drawing on my experience of learning a language as an adult.
Ready? Here we go.
Step 1: Set a goal for learning English
First, you need to figure out why you’re learning English. What is your learning goal?
A goal will help you decide what materials to use and set you up for the long run.
Perhaps you want to go on a trip to an English-speaking country for a while, but learning the language has stopped you from going. ✈️
Or maybe you just want to spend your free time studying and talking to other English speakers. That would be a great way to socialize and meet new people! 🤝
It’s possible that learning English will even open up doors for you at work!
Whatever your goal is, write it down, stick it on a wall somewhere, or make it your phone wallpaper for motivation.
But remember, even if you have a goal, the motivation can be fleeting.
My advice? Set a schedule to study English consistently even when it’s no longer fun or exciting. Consider it a hair or doctor’s appointment.
Something you wouldn’t dare miss during the week.
Step 2: Learn essential vocabulary and phrases
Secondly, start learning basic vocabulary and numbers. Refresh your knowledge of the alphabet and phonic sounds if you need to.
There are plenty of YouTube videos and articles available for beginner English vocabulary and phrases. Watching videos will help you with pronunciation, too.
You could try vocabulary flashcards with images on apps like Memrise and Anki or make your own flashcards!
When you start at a basic level, it can feel like you have a long way to go. But if you start, then you’re already setting yourself up for success.
Learning the very basics will give you a good foundation for learning other vocabulary words and phrases for things you’re interested in.
Step 3: Focus on grammar rules
Depending on your native language and knowledge of other languages, English grammar could be totally out of the ordinary for you.
Learning basic sentence structure and tense patterns will be beneficial in this case.
Examples:
Subject + verb + object - The chair is red
Subject + be verb + verb -ing (Continuous tense) - They are sewing
Subject + verb -ed Past tense - He cooked
Other key grammar includes prepositions and conjunctions.
Examples:
- Prepositions of time - in, at, on
Example “on”: The party is on Friday. Example “in”: My birthday is in January. Example “at”: I have school at 12 PM. - Conjunctions - and, or, because
Example “and”: I like apples and oranges Example “because”: I am happy because I have ice cream. Example “or”: Do you want coffee or tea? 
Get your hands on a grammar textbook with exercises and activities to go through by yourself. Alternatively, find a YouTube video to learn certain grammar rules and structures.
Try to write down basic sentences yourself. Even if you’re not sure it’s right, It’s okay. Keep going.
Here’s a pro study tip:
Choose a favorite English song, print out the lyrics, and start studying it with a dictionary and translator. You can learn new words and study sentence structure with it.
Tip 1: Self-Study Plan for English Beginners - Weekly Self-Study Plan
Great. Now you know the three steps! But how do you execute them?
You’ll need a study plan to stick to.
There are quite a few English skills to master, so focusing on different parts daily will give you a well-rounded knowledge of English.
Choose days and times you can study. Maybe it’s two hours on the weekend or 20 minutes every other day. Whatever works for your schedule!
Here’s a beginner English self-study plan. Modify and use it as you see fit!
Self-Study Plan
Monday - Vocabulary | ⌛ Time: 15+ minutes
Tuesday - Listening | ⌛ Time: 10-15 minutes.
Wednesday - Grammar |⌛ Time: 15-20 minutes
Thursday - Speaking | ⌛ Time: 5-20 minutes