{"id":4667,"date":"2021-05-02T16:43:50","date_gmt":"2021-05-02T23:43:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/english-speaking\/?p=4667"},"modified":"2021-05-02T16:43:50","modified_gmt":"2021-05-02T23:43:50","slug":"how-long-does-it-really-take-to-learn-english","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/english-speaking\/how-long-does-it-really-take-to-learn-english\/","title":{"rendered":"How long does it REALLY take to learn English?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve even started reading this article, I know you\u2019ve invested a significant amount of time in your English studies already. But how long does it really take to learn English? More specifically, how long does it take to become a fluent speaker of English? You\u2019ve no doubt seen many estimates, anywhere from <\/span>1 month<\/span><\/a> to <\/span>2,000+ hours<\/span><\/a> (or nearly 9 years if you broke that down into 5 hrs\/week!). So how long does it really take to speak fluently? What\u2019s a reasonable timeline for English fluency and how can it be achieved within that time frame?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What\u2019s a reasonable amount of time to spend weekly?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before we get into the more overwhelming units of months and years it takes to learn a language, let\u2019s consider the more important and practical measurement: the number of hours you study per week.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are determined to speak English fluently (ie. confidently and comfortably), you\u2019ve probably gone through that phase where you planned, and even started, to study 5+ hours\/week.<\/span><\/p>\n

How did that work out for you?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For most of us, that\u2019s simply not sustainable considering the other obligations we have in life. So back to reality – what is a total doable plan? How much time are successful language learners actually investing on a weekly basis? <\/span>Ask around<\/span><\/a> and you\u2019ll find that 2-3 hours per week can produce tangible results – no doubt because this is a more attainable, likely scenario for most of us.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Making reasonable assumptions, how long does it really take to learn English?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

As a language learner myself, I\u2019ve tested out those \u201cmagic pill\u201d promises, and I hate to break it to you: there\u2019s no get-fluent-quick solution. Learning a language requires commitment, focus and time. No matter the method you choose to learn English, it will take hundreds of hours to reach fluency.<\/span><\/p>\n

Good news? Fluency doesn\u2019t have to be 9 years away.<\/span><\/p>\n

From what I\u2019ve experienced as both a language learner and English teacher, it\u2019s common for students to improve by about 2 CEFR levels<\/a> per year with the help of a quality learning program. Yes, your current English level, <\/span>native language<\/span><\/a> and personal learning style will play a role in how quickly you reach fluency. But on average, assuming you\u2019re willing to dedicate your time and effort to improve, you could realistically go from a B1-level speaker to fluency in about 2.5 to 3 years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What\u2019s wrong with the promises that many online programs make?<\/span><\/h2>\n

English learning programs that guarantee fluency in a few months (like Lingoda) are selling you an unattainable solution. I hate to burst anyone\u2019s bubble, but if you\u2019re a B1 student, you cannot reach complete, effortless English fluency in 3 months. It\u2019s simply not possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Need we say any more on the \u2018zero to intermediate in 30 days\u2019 promises? (Looking at you, Pimsleur).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What can you do about it?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

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