You want to learn English, but you're not sure where to begin. There's so much advice out there: apps, courses, books, YouTube channels. It's overwhelming. Which one do you actually need?
Here's the truth: most beginners fail not because they lack resources, but because they don't have a clear starting point. They try everything, learn nothing properly, and give up after a few weeks.
This guide gives you that clear starting point. We'll cover exactly what to focus on, in what order, and how to measure your progress.
Starting Point: Assess Your Current Level
Before planning anything, know where you stand. There's a difference between "I know zero English" and "I know some English but can't speak."
Complete Beginner (Level 0)
You know very few English words. You can't read English text. The alphabet might be unfamiliar. If this is you, start with absolute basics: the alphabet, numbers, and common sight words.
False Beginner (Level 1)
You studied English in school but forgot most of it. You can read slowly, recognize common words, but can't form sentences. Most Indian adults fall into this category. Your foundation exists; it just needs rebuilding.
Passive Beginner (Level 2)
You understand more than you can produce. When someone speaks English, you get the gist. But when you try to speak, words don't come. This is a speaking problem, not a learning problem. Your focus should be on activation, not acquisition.
In Telugu: Meeku artham avuthundi, kaani maatlaadalemu. Idi common problem.
In Hindi: Samajh aata hai, bola nahi jaata. Yeh bahut common hai.
Be honest about your level. The right approach for Level 0 is wrong for Level 2, and vice versa.
The 4 Skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking
English has four core skills. They're interconnected but require different practice. Here's how beginners should approach each:
Reading (Start Here)
Reading is the easiest skill to develop alone. It builds vocabulary, shows you grammar in context, and requires no conversation partner. For beginners:
- Start with children's books or graded readers
- Read content with pictures that support meaning
- Don't look up every word; guess from context first
- Read the same text multiple times
Listening (Build Alongside Reading)
Listening connects written words to sounds. Many Indian learners can read a word but not recognize it spoken. Practice listening early:
- Start with slow, clear speech (BBC Learning English, VOA)
- Use subtitles initially, then remove them
- Listen to the same content repeatedly
- Focus on common words, not everything
Speaking (Don't Delay Too Long)
Many beginners wait until they "know enough" to speak. This is a mistake. Start speaking simple phrases early:
- Talk to yourself while doing daily activities
- Read aloud everything you read silently
- Don't worry about perfection; clarity matters
- Record yourself to track improvement
For detailed speaking practice, see our guide on learning spoken English at home.
Writing (Last Priority for Beginners)
Writing is useful but not urgent for most beginners. Focus on reading, listening, and speaking first. Writing can wait until your foundation is stronger. When you do start:
- Write what you can say; don't try to write complex things
- Keep a simple daily journal
- Don't obsess over spelling initially
Daily Practice Routine (30 Minutes)
Consistency beats intensity. Thirty minutes daily produces better results than three hours on weekends. Here's a sample routine:
First 10 Minutes: Input (Listening + Reading)
- Watch a short English video with subtitles
- Read a short article or story paragraph
- Note 3-5 new words
Middle 10 Minutes: Processing
- Review words from previous days
- Write simple sentences using new words
- Look up pronunciation of difficult words
Final 10 Minutes: Output (Speaking)
- Read today's content aloud
- Describe something simple in English
- Practice one conversation phrase
This routine works because it covers all skills without overwhelming you. Adjust the time split based on your weaknesses, but keep all three components.
Free Resources for Beginners
You don't need to spend money initially. These free resources are excellent:
For Listening and Reading
- BBC Learning English: Structured lessons, slow speech, transcripts available
- Voice of America Learning English: News in simple English, three difficulty levels
- News in Levels: Same news story written at different difficulty levels
- YouTube: Search "English for beginners" - thousands of free videos
For Vocabulary
- Duolingo: Gamified, good for absolute beginners
- Anki: Flashcard app with spaced repetition (requires setup but very effective)
- Word of the Day apps: Many free options, learn one word daily
For Grammar
- British Council Learn English: Clear explanations with practice exercises
- Grammarly's Blog: Free articles explaining grammar rules
- Our grammar guide: See basic grammar for beginners
For Speaking
- HelloTalk: Connect with language exchange partners
- Your phone's recorder: Free, simple, effective for self-review
- Mirror practice: Costs nothing, builds confidence
Common Beginner Mistakes
Avoid these errors that slow progress:
Mistake 1: Trying to Learn Everything at Once
You don't need all grammar rules and vocabulary before you start speaking. Learn enough to communicate simple things, then expand. Attempting too much too soon leads to overwhelm and quitting.
Mistake 2: Only Passive Learning
Watching videos and reading without speaking doesn't improve speaking. You must practice output. Many learners spend months on input-only activities, then wonder why they can't speak.
Mistake 3: Perfectionism
Waiting until you can speak perfectly before speaking at all guarantees you'll never speak. Accept mistakes as part of learning. Every fluent speaker made thousands of mistakes getting there.
Mistake 4: Inconsistent Practice
Studying intensely for a week, then skipping two weeks, then starting again. This pattern doesn't work. Short daily practice beats irregular long sessions.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Pronunciation
Learning words without learning how they sound creates problems later. When you learn a new word, immediately check its pronunciation. Say it aloud multiple times.
Timeline: What to Expect in 3-6 Months
Progress varies, but here's a realistic timeline for dedicated beginners (30-60 minutes daily practice):
Month 1: Foundation Building
- Learn the most common 200-300 words
- Understand basic sentence structure
- Read very simple texts with help
- Say simple sentences about yourself
Month 2: Expanding Basics
- Vocabulary reaches 500+ words
- Understand slow, clear spoken English
- Read short paragraphs independently
- Have very basic conversations (greetings, introductions)
Month 3: Gaining Independence
- Read simple news articles
- Watch videos with subtitles, understanding most content
- Express basic needs and opinions
- Self-correct common mistakes
Months 4-6: Building Fluency Foundations
- Vocabulary reaches 1000+ words
- Understand normal-speed English in familiar topics
- Participate in simple conversations
- Read and write short messages independently
This timeline assumes consistent practice. Irregular practice stretches these milestones significantly.
When to Move Beyond Self-Study
Self-study works well up to a point. Consider structured help when:
- You've plateaued despite consistent effort
- You need feedback on pronunciation you can't judge yourself
- You want faster progress for a deadline (job interview, exam)
- You learn better with structure and accountability
At 999 English, we work with many learners who started with self-study and wanted to accelerate their progress. Our courses focus on speaking practice, not lectures, because that's what self-study often lacks.
Your First Week Plan
Don't plan months ahead. Start with one week:
Day 1-2: Assessment and Setup
- Determine your current level honestly
- Download one app (Duolingo is fine for beginners)
- Find one YouTube channel you like
- Set a daily practice time
Day 3-4: Basic Vocabulary
- Learn 20 most common words
- Practice saying them aloud
- Watch one beginner video
Day 5-6: First Speaking
- Introduce yourself in English (3-4 sentences)
- Record yourself, listen back
- Read one short paragraph aloud
Day 7: Review
- Review everything learned
- Note what was easy and difficult
- Plan Week 2 adjustments
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I learn first: vocabulary or grammar?
Vocabulary. You can communicate with words even without perfect grammar. Someone saying "I go market yesterday" is understood. Grammar improves communication but isn't essential for basic understanding. Learn enough vocabulary to express basic needs, then build grammar around it.
How long does it take to learn basic English?
With consistent daily practice (30-60 minutes), most people achieve basic conversational ability in 3-6 months. Basic means: introducing yourself, asking simple questions, understanding slow spoken English, reading simple texts. Fluency takes longer.
Can I learn English from apps alone?
Apps are useful tools but have limitations. They're good for vocabulary and basic grammar. They're poor for speaking practice and real conversation. Use apps as one part of your learning, not the entire approach.
Is English difficult to learn?
English has challenging aspects (spelling, phrasal verbs, prepositions) but also advantages. Grammar is simpler than many languages. You don't need to learn gendered nouns. The huge amount of free learning content makes resources accessible. Difficulty depends more on your approach than the language itself.
Should I focus on British or American English?
Either works. Pick one for consistency, especially in spelling and pronunciation. For most Indian learners, American English is more familiar from movies and TV. British English is common in formal Indian education. What matters is consistency, not which you choose.
How do I know if I'm improving?
Record yourself speaking at the start. After one month, record again on the same topic. Compare. You'll hear the difference. Also track: Can you read texts that were difficult before? Do you understand more when listening? These are concrete signs of progress.
Starting your English journey is the hardest step. Everything after becomes easier with practice. Don't wait for the perfect moment, perfect resource, or perfect method. Start with what you have, where you are, today.
New to English? See our complete guide on learning English at home, and explore basic grammar fundamentals.