Top 5 Effective Tips to Speak English Fluently

Top 5 Effective Tips to Speak English Fluently

When did you first start learning English? Do you ever feel like you just can’t get the words out, no matter how much you study? Despite your extensive study time, you still have trouble constructing coherent phrases. With Poly Languages, we will share how you can achieve fluency, boosting your confidence in the process.

It is possible to acquire the skills necessary to speak English with ease, fluency, and consistency. No two students of English learning in the same manner, but everyone may benefit from a few simple strategies for rapid progress.

You need to know what constitutes a competent speaker before we can provide you with advice on how to speak English with confidence and fluency. Someone with this level of proficiency in English is able to converse effectively and comprehend the vast majority of written and spoken English. The next step is to practice speaking English in a natural way until you feel comfortable doing so. 

Well, what does it mean to be fluent in English?

By “fluent,” we mean able to communicate well in a given language. Some individuals consider a high level of proficiency in English to be a native-like command of the language. But there’s more to becoming fluent than just that. When you’re really fluent in a language, you can talk freely and confidently. 

If you are an international student who is interested in improving their English proficiency and/or someone who hopes to study in the United States, worry no more; Poly’s got you covered.

Tip # 1

Have a thesaurus and a dictionary within reach.

Cutting down on unnecessary repetition is one of the most obvious advantages of using a thesaurus. No one wants to struggle through an article or book just because the author reuses the same few descriptive phrases over and over again.

Meanwhile, by ensuring that you are utilizing the right words, an excellent dictionary may enhance your topic knowledge, communication skills, and academic performance. The value of dictionaries in the language classroom cannot be underestimated. Having access to a dictionary outside of class hours may be a huge help to international students like you, as it allows you to work out problems on your own without relying on an instructor.

The advantages of expanding your vocabulary with the help of a thesaurus and dictionary will become immediately apparent in your daily conversations.

Tip # 2

Focus on learning phrases rather than individual words.

Phrases, rather than individual words, are the most beneficial elements to study while acquiring a foreign language since they are easier to memorize and bring up at the right time. With this strategy, you may improve your command of the English language and the rate at which you acquire new vocabulary and grammar structures. 

No matter what your current level of proficiency is, learning useful phrases can rapidly give you the confidence to talk, study, and adopt the mindset that is essential for achieving ultimate fluency. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, you’ll have greater success getting your point across to native speakers if you stick to the most common expressions. 

Tip # 3

Recall and master basic grammar lessons.

The ability to speak English confidently and fluently depends on your command of proper grammar. If you study grammar, you can avoid making the kinds of mistakes that make your English seem unnatural to native speakers.

Using incorrect grammar can lead to sentences being meaningless and the message being unclear, which in turn can lead to misinterpretation by your listeners. Using correct grammar makes listening and reading easier for others to understand and can make the communication process more enjoyable. 

However, learning a language doesn’t require a lot of time spent consciously applying grammatical rules or doing exercises. Learning more advanced grammar won’t help your spoken English any after you’ve mastered the fundamentals, such as tenses, prepositions, verb forms, and subject-verb agreement. The principles of grammar are simple; all you need to do is grasp the fundamental ones.

Tip # 4

Technology is your best friend.

Students of English are benefiting from easier access to modern technology. They are now better able to keep up with regular independent study and appreciate the significance of their face-to-face sessions with professors and peers. 

Online English lessons are becoming more popular as a means to improve language skills through the use of technology. Online English classes provide you with the flexibility to study whenever it works best for you, unlike in a typical classroom setting. Online courses provide students greater leeway in determining their own pace of study. If you want to learn more about studying online and/or in the US, Poly Languages Institute has the perfect plan for you. You may contact us for more information.

Tip # 5

Incorporate the four-skill set: listen, speak, read, and write.

To be considered a “fluent speaker” of a language, one must be proficient in all four areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In the language classroom, activities that target the four skills are vital because they provide students with scaffolded support, opportunities to generate genuine communication in real-life scenarios, tangible proof of learning, and most significantly, self-confidence. 

Whatever your objective, you should have a firm grasp on the set of abilities that will get you there. Effective communication relies on the ability to express oneself clearly and precisely, and the four language skills allow you to do just that. You’ll hone not only your speaking skills but also your ability to listen carefully. Also, keep in mind that being concise while yet conveying your point effectively in writing is a highly prized skill in the corporate world.

Therefore…

Learning a language is never complete; rather, it is a never-ending journey toward greater fluency. Even once you reach fluency, maintaining that level of proficiency in English will require continued study as well as practice. 

Consider this encouraging rather than discouraging, and remember to reward yourself for even the smallest steps forward in your pursuit of fluency in English! Keep going!

We would love to be part of your learning journey. Contact us

Author:
Kate N. Sarador
Poly Languages Institute

Better late than never

Learning English idioms is one of the best strategies to improve your fluency in the language. Learning idiomatic idioms is crucial to your success in understanding and interacting with native English speakers.

Here at Poly Languages, we’ll teach you four of the most practical idioms you’ll ever need—all of them together!

Sample Sentence:

My grandparents finally got married after being engaged for 30 years. They say better late than never, and I couldn’t agree more.

Better late than never means it’s preferable to do something, even if it’s delayed than to not do it at all. It implies that it’s better to complete a task or fulfill a responsibility, no matter how late it is than to not do it at all.

Here are some more sample sentences:

I know I’m behind on my assignments, but I’m going to turn them in tomorrow because, as they say, better late than never.

The company had a rough start, but it managed to turn things around and become successful. It’s true what they say—better late than never.

Sample sentence:

Let’s meet up at the coffee shop and chew the fat for a while.

Chew the fat means to have a casual conversation with someone about unimportant things. The term is often used to describe a friendly conversation or gossip session between friends, colleagues, or acquaintances.

Here are some more sample sentences:

Whenever my grandparents come over, they like to chew the fat with my mom about their childhood memories.

We were waiting in line for the movie to start, so we started chewing the fat about our favorite actors.

The Hardworking Mother

Learning Idioms in Context: The Hardworking Mother

Here is a short story about a hardworking mother. You’ll find idiom definitions, example sentences, conversations, and a short quiz after reading the story.

Once upon a time, there was a mother who was very supportive of her husband and worked as a part-time sales lady.  She received a clean bill of health, no matter how busy she was. She also gave her best in all projects to meet the sales target of her company she was working with. Her goal was to provide her family with a good life. Though some people have no roof over their heads, she was thankful for their place.

She was an excellent example for her children because she was very diligent and driven to succeed. She never tried to be as blind as a bat. With this, she was ready to face any challenges. She started working as an assistant in a small law firm and had a baptism of fire, but this did not cause her to stop working hard. She had a full of beans and went to work with a smile. 

A clean bill of health

Meaning
  • when someone or something is examined and identified as legal or healthy or in good condition
Example Sentences

I went to a doctor last Monday, and I was given a clean bill of health.

I have received a clean bill of health as my company has met all the requirements to operate.

A: You look so happy today.

B: I have received a clean bill of health, and that makes me happy.

A roof over your head

Meaning
  • it is a place where you reside
Example Sentences

I have met children in the street without a roof over their heads.

My friend has experienced a whole week to have no roof over his head.

A: I still consider myself lucky, no matter how small my apartment is.

B: You’re right as there are many people outside that have no roof over their heads.

As blind as a bat

Meaning
  • someone is entirely or nearly blind and is never willing to recognize problems or challenges
Example Sentences

My sister is as blind as a bat when she’s not wearing her eyeglasses.

Bella is as blind as a bat when she is with her irresponsible boyfriend.

A: I find out what is our manager’s weakness this morning.

B: Me, too. He is as blind as a bat when he got multiple projects.

Baptism of fire

Meaning
  • a first experience which is very challenging
Example Sentences

My first day of class as a Math teacher was a real baptism of fire.

Jamie’s first few months as a wife is a real baptism of fire for her.

A: What are you most afraid of now these days?

B: As much as possible, I don’t like any baptism of fire.

Be full of beans

Meaning
  • someone energetic and healthy
Example Sentences

I always wanted to be full of beans every time I go to work.

My mother has full of beans every day.

A: Why are you very excited?

B: I have to be full of beans because today is my birthday!

Quiz

  1. Everyone expects ______________ before receiving a diagnostic result.
  2. No one likes to have the street __________________________. 
  3. Sometimes we can be _____________ when we encounter multiple failures.
  4. Leslie’s first day of work is ______________ because she encounters unprofessional colleagues.
  5. You need to be _____________ when you invite someone to be your prom date.

Idioms

An idiom can be a phrase, saying, or a set of words that have a metaphorical definition. The use of idioms is accepted both in daily conversation as well as in a business setting.

Learning Idioms in Context: Lily’s Belief in Life

A blessing in disguise
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
A little learning/knowledge is a dangerous thing
You can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs
You can’t judge a book by its cover

Learning Idioms in Context: Robert’s Big Dream

A dime a dozen
A penny for your thoughts
A snowball effect
You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink
You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar

Learning Idioms in Context: Gary’s Path To Success

Beat around the bush
When it rains, it pours
Well begun is half done
A snowball’s chance in hell
A stitch in time saves nine

Learning Idioms in Context: Todd’s Student Life

Bite the bullet
Break a leg
Weather the storm
A penny saved is a penny earned
A storm in a teacup

Learning Idioms in Context: The Productive Life of James

Call it a day
Cut somebody some slack
Wrap your head around something
We see eye to eye
Waste not, want not

Learning Idioms in Context: Leticia’s Jobs

Cutting corners
Get your act together
Under the weather
Bent out of shape
The best of both worlds

Learning Idioms in Context: A Mother’s Love

Hit the sack
It’s not rocket science
The last straw
A perfect storm
Miss the boat

Learning Idioms in Context: Making New Friends

Let someone off the hook
On the ball
Barking up the wrong tree
Cost an arm and a leg
Throw caution to the wind

Learning Idioms in Context: A Young Man Lived In A Village

Bite off more than you can chew
At the drop of a hat
On a wild goose chase
Rain on someone’s parade
Take a rain check

Learning Idioms in Context: The Apple Tree

Every cloud has a silver lining
Save for a rainy day
Take (something) with a grain of salt
There are other fish in the sea
You can’t have your cake and eat it to

Learning Idioms in Context: The Hardworking Mother

A clean bill of health
A roof over your head
As blind as a bat
Baptism of fire
Be full of beans