Is English The Hardest Language To Learn? [5 Reasons]

Although the popularity of English has led to an abundance of learning resources, its complex grammatical structures, pronunciation rules, rich vocabulary, and numerous English idioms make the learning process difficult for many non-native speakers.

However, understanding these challenges and dealing with them positively is the key to success. Through constant practice, seeking help, and utilizing a wealth of learning resources, non native English speakers can gradually overcome these obstacles and improve their English.

Although learning English can be difficult, its importance and usefulness in global communication makes the process worth the effort. Mastering English not only opens up more communication opportunities, but also allows English learners to gain a deeper understanding of and participation in global culture.

Reason 1: English Pronunciation Rules

English pronunciation rules can be a significant challenge for non-native speakers. The English language has a complex set of pronunciation rules, with many exceptions and irregularities. For example, the letter “c” can be pronounced differently in words like “cat” and “circle.” Similarly, the letter “g” can be pronounced differently in words like “go” and “girl.” These irregularities can make it difficult for English learners to predict the pronunciation of a word based on its spelling.

Furthermore, English has a large number of vowel sounds, which can be difficult to distinguish for non-native speakers. English language also has a number of diphthongs, which are combinations of two vowel sounds pronounced in a single syllable. Mastering these sounds and diphthongs is essential for accurate pronunciation, but it can be a challenging task for many learners.

Same Spelling But Different Pronunciation

Unlike many languages that have consistent spelling and pronunciation, English features numerous exceptions, including words with the same spelling but different pronunciations. For example, the “ough” combination can be pronounced in several ways: “though,” “through,” “rough,” and “cough.” This inconsistency can confuse many ESL learners.

• Though: Pronunciation: /ðoʊ/ (thoh)
• Through: Pronunciation: /θruː/ (throo)
• Rough: Pronunciation: /rʌf/ (ruff)
• Cough: Pronunciation: /kɔf/ (coff)

English Word Stress: Nouns & Verbs

In English, some words can function as both nouns and verbs, depending on their placement in a sentence. The stress pattern changes based on their usage. The first syllable is typically stressed for nouns, while the second syllable is stressed for English verbs.

content	Noun: CONtent“The content of the book is fascinating.”	Verb: conTENT“They aim to content their customers.”
record	Noun: REcord“She has a new record in the charts.”	Verb: reCORD“Please record the meeting for later review.”
absent	Noun: ABsent“His absence was noted in the meeting.”	Verb: abSENT“They will absent themselves from the event.”
object	Noun: OBject“The object on the table is an antique.”	Verb: obJECT“They object to the new policy.”
desert	Noun: DESert“The desert is known for its harsh climate.”	Verb: deSERT“They decided to desert their post.”

Reason 2: Complex English Grammar Rules

Although English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, it comes with its own set of difficulties. One of the most challenging aspects of English grammar is the irregularities in English verbs, which often require memorization and practice to master. From irregular English spelling to complex grammar rules, English can be confusing for learners.

I Before E, Except After C

One of the best known spelling rules is “I before E, except after C.” This rule is often taught to children and English language learners as a straightforward solution to the complexities of English spelling. However, while it is a useful guideline, it does not cover all situations.

For non-native speakers learning English as a foreign language, these spelling rules and their numerous exceptions can be particularly perplexing.

The “I before E” rule states that in most cases, when the letters “I” and “E” appear together in a word, “I” comes before “E.” For example:

• Believe
• Achieve
• Field
• Friend

However, the rule includes an important exception: when the letter “C” precedes “I” and “E,” the order is reversed, and “E” comes first. For instance:

• Receive
• Ceiling
• Deceive
• Conceive

This rule helps learners remember the correct spelling of many common words, serving as a handy mnemonic device. It encourages attention to letter patterns, which can be beneficial for developing spelling proficiency.

While the “I before E” rule is helpful, numerous exceptions exist that can confuse learners. Some notable examples include:

• Weird (I comes after E)
• Seize (I comes after E)
• Caffeine (I comes after E)
• Either (I comes after E)
• Neither (I comes after E)
• Foreign (I comes after E)

These exceptions highlight the complexity of English spelling. Understanding that these words do not follow the rule is crucial for learners to avoid common pitfalls.

The Rules for Plural Nouns and Irregular Verbs

While the rules of plural forms may be simple, there are exceptions and variations that can confuse learners. The following will outline the basic rules for plural nouns, provide examples, and highlight some common exceptions.

Adding -s	Adding -es	Changing -y to -ies
Book becomes books Car becomes cars Dog becomes dogs	Bus becomes buses Box becomes boxes Dish becomes dishes Church becomes churches	Baby becomes babies Party becomes parties City becomes cities
Changing -f or -fe to -ves	Irregular Plural Nouns	Special Cases
Leaf becomes leaves Knife becomes knives Wolf becomes wolves	Child becomes children Foot becomes feet Tooth becomes teeth Person becomes people	Sheep (one sheep, many sheep) Fish (one fish, many fish) Deer (one deer, many deer)

However, if the noun ends in a vowel followed by -y, you simply add -s:

• Boy becomes boys
• Key becomes keys

Additionally, collective nouns like team, family, and group can be tricky. Depending on context and whether you are using American or British English, these may be treated as singular or plural.

Irregular verbs are a challenging aspect of English because they do not follow standard conjugation rules. Unlike regular verbs, which form their past tense by adding “-ed” (e.g., “play” becomes “played”), irregular verbs can change completely or partially.

For instance, “go” becomes “went” in the past tense and “gone” as the past participle. Other common examples include “be,” which changes to “was/were” and “been,” and “have,” which becomes “had.”

This lack of consistency requires learners to memorize each irregular verb individually, as they are frequently used in conversation and writing. To master irregular verbs, practice in context, reading, and listening exercises are essential. While they can be daunting, understanding irregular verbs is crucial for achieving fluency in English.

Reason 3: English is Rich in Idioms

Idioms are phrases that have a figurative meaning different from their literal interpretation. They are deeply embedded in the culture and history of the language, making them both colorful and confusing for learners. English is rich with idioms and other forms of figurative language, which can be particularly challenging for non native speakers to understand.

“Piece of cake” – something that is very easy to do.
The exam was a piece of cake; I finished it in no time.
“Once in a blue moon” – something that happens very rarely.
I only go to the movies once in a blue moon.
“Under the weather” – feeling ill or unwell.
I think I’m going to stay home today; I’m feeling a bit under the weather.
“Cost an arm and a leg” – something that is very expensive.
That new car costs an arm and a leg!
“The ball is in your court” – it is now your decision or responsibility to take action.
I’ve done all I can; now the ball is in your court.

The use of idioms adds richness to everyday conversation, but it also demands a level of cultural understanding that many English language learners may not possess. Mastering idiomatic expressions requires exposure to the language in various contexts, which can be challenging.

Additionally, idioms can vary significantly between different regions of speaking English, further complicating matters.

Reason 4: Different English Dialects

A dialect is a form of language that is unique to a region or social group. Even native speakers can find it challenging to understand different dialects due to variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. In the case of English, dialects vary greatly not only in pronunciation but also in vocabulary, grammar, and even idiom expressions. The main dialects include British English, American English, Australia English, etc., each with its own unique characteristics.

British English & American English

One of the most well-known distinctions in English dialects is between British English and American English. While both are fundamentally the same language, they exhibit notable differences in spelling, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

For example, the British use “colour” and “favourite,” while Americans prefer “color” and “favorite.” English vocabulary differences also abound; a British “boot” refers to the trunk of a car, while in American English, the term “trunk” is used.

Regional Dialects

In addition to the major distinctions between British and American English, numerous regional dialects exist within each country. For instance, in the UK, the Geordie accent is prevalent in Newcastle, while the Scouse accent is associated with Liverpool. Similarly, in the US, the Boston accent is distinct, characterized by its unique pronunciation of the “r” sound.

Reason 5: 12 tenses in English

The complexity of English verb tenses significantly contributes to the challenges faced by learners. With 12 distinct verb tenses, each serving a specific function in conveying time and aspect, students often feel overwhelmed.

The presence of simple, continuous, perfect, and perfect continuous forms across present, past, and future tenses requires a deep understanding of not only the structure but also the appropriate contexts for use.

Present Tenses

1	Simple Present	Structure: Subject + base form of the verb (add -s or -es for third-person singular) Usage: The simple present tense is used to express habitual actions, general truths, and facts. Example: “She reads every morning.”
2	Present Continuous (Present Progressive)	Structure: Subject + am/is/are + verb + -ing Usage: This tense describes actions that are currently happening or ongoing. Example: “They are studying for their exams.”
3	Present Perfect	Structure: Subject + has/have + past participle Usage: The present perfect tense is used to indicate actions that occurred at an unspecified time in the past but have relevance to the present. Example: “I have visited France three times.”
4	Present Perfect Continuous	Structure: Subject + has/have been + verb + -ing Usage: This tense emphasizes the duration of an action that started in the past and continues to the present. Example: “They have been working on the project since last month.”

Past Tenses

5	Simple Past	Structure: Subject + past form of the verb Usage: The simple past tense is used to describe completed actions that occurred at a specific time in the past. Example: “He graduated from college in 2010.”
6	Past Continuous (Past Progressive)	Structure: Subject + was/were + verb + -ing Usage: This tense indicates actions that were ongoing at a particular moment in the past. Example: “I was watching TV when she called.”
7	Past Perfect	Structure: Subject + had + past participle Usage: The past perfect tense describes an action that was completed before another action took place in the past. Example: “She had finished her homework before dinner.”
8	Past Perfect Continuous	Structure: Subject + had been + verb + -ing Usage: This tense emphasizes the duration of an action that was ongoing up until a certain point in the past. Example: “They had been waiting for hours when the bus finally arrived.”

Future Tenses

9	Simple Future	Structure: Subject + will + base form of the verb Usage: The simple future tense expresses actions that will happen at a later time. Example: “I will call you tomorrow.”
10	Future Continuous (Future Progressive)	Structure: Subject + will be + verb + -ing Usage: This tense indicates actions that will be ongoing at a specific time in the future. Example: “They will be traveling to Europe next month.”
11	Future Perfect	Structure: Subject + will have + past participle Usage: The future perfect tense describes actions that will be completed before a specific time in the future. Example: “By next year, I will have completed my degree.”
12	Future Perfect Continuous	Structure: Subject + will have been + verb + -ing Usage: This tense emphasizes the duration of an action that will continue up until a certain point in the future. Example: “By the end of this year, I will have been working here for five years.”

Additional Challenge: The Origins of English Words

Another challenge that English language learners face is the origins of English words. English is a Germanic language that has been heavily influenced by other languages, such as Latin, Greek, and French. As a result, many English words have roots in these languages, which can make them difficult to pronounce and spell.

For example, words like “psychology” and “philosophy” come from Greek, while words like “captain” and “government” come from French. These words often have unique pronunciation and spelling patterns that can be difficult for learners to master.

The Importance of Practice and Immersion

Practice and immersion are essential for mastering the English language. Listening to English speakers, speaking with native speakers, and reading English texts can help learners improve their pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary.

Best Way to Practice English

One of the best ways to practice English is to listen to native language speakers. This can be done by watching English movies, listening to English music, or watching English TV shows. Learners can also practice speaking with English speakers by joining English language exchange programs or finding language exchange partners online.

Reading English texts is also an excellent way to improve English language skills. Learners can start with simple texts like news articles or children’s books and gradually move on to more complex texts like novels or academic papers.

Learning from Native Speakers

Learning from native English speakers is one of the best ways to improve English language skills. Native speakers can provide learners with authentic language input, correct pronunciation, and cultural insights that can help learners better understand the language.

Learners can find an English speaker to practice with by joining English language exchange programs, attending English language meetups, or finding language exchange partners online. They can also practice speaking with native speakers by using language learning apps or online platforms.

Overall, practice and immersion are essential for mastering the English language. By listening to native speakers, speaking with an English speaker, and reading English texts, learners can improve their pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary and become more confident in their ability to communicate in English.

Summary

English is the most widely spoken language in the world, with over 1 billion people. It is considered one of the hardest languages to learn due to its irregular spelling and confusing pronunciation, extensive vocabulary with mixed origins, complex grammatical rules, idiomatic expressions, and regional dialects. These factors combine to create a challenging learning environment for students.

If you’re looking to make learning English simple, easy, and enjoyable, our courses are the perfect solution. With tailored learning experiences, engaging methods, supportive instructors, and diverse learning resources, you will find the joy in language learning that you may have thought was lost.

However, with consistent practice, exposure to the language, and a willingness to embrace its intricacies, non native speakers can overcome these obstacles and achieve proficiency in English. The journey may be arduous, but the rewards of mastering such a dynamic language are undoubtedly worth the effort.

FAQs

1. What is the easiest language to learn?

The easiest language to learn often depends on the learner’s background, but many consider Spanish one of the simplest for English speakers. For speakers of other European languages, learning English can be somewhat easier due to shared vocabulary and grammatical structures. Its phonetic consistency allows words to be pronounced as they are written, making pronunciation easier.

There’s also significant vocabulary overlap due to shared Latin roots; for instance, “information” in English is “información” in Spanish. While Spanish grammar has its complexities, it generally features fewer irregular verbs than English.

2. How long does it take to be fluent English?

The time it takes to become fluent in English varies widely depending on several factors, including your native language, prior language learning experience, the intensity of study, and the amount of practice you get. Generally, for an average learner, it can take anywhere from six months to several years to achieve fluency.

Consistent practice, exposure to the difficult language through conversation, media, and reading, as well as effective learning methods, can significantly accelerate the process. Ultimately, dedication and the quality of practice are key to achieving fluency in English.

3. What resources can help with learning English?

Learning English can be greatly enhanced by utilizing a variety of resources. Here are some effective options:

• Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Wukong education, and Duolingo offer structured courses tailored to different skill levels, covering grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills.
• YouTube Channels: Channels like English with Lucy and BBC Learning English offer videos that cover grammatical rules, vocabulary, and pronunciation tips.
• Books and E-books: Graded readers and English textbooks can help reinforce grammar and vocabulary in a structured manner.
• Social Media and Forums: Joining English-speaking groups on platforms like Facebook or Reddit can provide opportunities to practice writing and engage with other learners.