What
are the most common mistakes that English learners make? Which mistakes do
most English learners need to correct, in order to learn English much faster?Here are the top 5 English Learning Mistakes:
1. Focusing
On Grammar
This is the biggest, most common, and worst mistake. Research shows that
grammar study, in fact, actually hurts English speaking ability. Why? Because
English grammar is simply too complex to memorize and use logically.... and
real conversation is much too fast. You don't have enough time to think,
remember hundreds or thousands of grammar rules, choose the correct one, then
use it.
Your logical left-brain cannot do it. You must learn grammar intuitively and
unconsciously, like a child. You do this by hearing a lot of correct English
grammar- and your brain gradually and automatically learns to use English
grammar correctly.
2. Forcing Speech
Both English students and teachers try to force
speech before the learner is ready. The result is that most students speak
English very slowly- with no confidence and no fluency. Forcing speech is a
huge mistake. Don't force speech. Focus on listening and be patient. Speak
only when you are ready to speak- when it happens easily and naturally. Until
then, never force it.
3. Learning Only Formal
Textbook English
Unfortunately, most English students learn only
the formal English found in textbooks and schools. The problem is- native
speakers don't use that kind of English in most situations. When speaking to
friends, family, or co-workers, native speakers use casual English that is
full of idioms, phrasal verbs, and slang. To communicate with native speakers,
you must not rely only on textbooks.. you must learn casual English.
4. Trying To Be Perfect
Students and teachers often focus on mistakes.
They worry about mistakes. They correct mistakes. They feel nervous about
mistakes. They try to speak perfectly. No one, however, is perfect. Native
speakers make mistakes all the time. You will too. Instead of focusing on the
negative- focus on communication. Your goal is not to speak "perfectly", your
goal is to communicate ideas, information, and feelings in a clear and
understandable way. Focus on communication, focus on the positive. You will
automatically improve your mistakes in time
5. Relying On English
Schools
Most English learners rely totally on schools.
They think the teacher and the school are responsible for their success. This
is never true. You, the English learner, are always responsible. A good
teacher can help, but ultimately you must be responsible for your own
learning. You must find lessons and material that are effective. You must
listen and read every day. You must manage your emotions and remain motivated
and energetic. You must be positive and optimistic. No teacher can make you
learn. Only you can do it!
While these mistakes are very common, the good news is that you can correct
them. When you stop making these mistakes, you change the way you learn
English. You learn faster. Your speaking improves. You enjoy learning English.

