Mistakes while learning Spoken English

English is a language, and to learn a language, it should be treated as a means of communication rather than as an academic subject. Learning a language requires focusing more on listening and speaking, instead of memorizing grammar rules. However, many learners approach it like a subject, which leads to several common mistakes that slow down their progress

One of the biggest mistakes is overthinking grammar while speaking. For example, a student wants to say something simple like, “Yesterday I go to watch Dhurandhar,” but stops midway, wondering whether it should be go or went. By the time they decide, the conversation has already moved on. It’s better to speak first and correct later. Being understood matters more than being perfect. Another common issue is translating from the mother tongue into English. This often leads to unnatural sentences. For instance, a student might say, “I am having a doubt,” because it makes sense in their native language, even though a natural English speaker would say, “I have a question.” When students start thinking directly in English, their speech becomes faster and more natural.

Fear of making mistakes is another major barrier. Imagine a student in a group discussion who knows the answer but stays silent, worried that others might laugh at their pronunciation or accent. This fear reduces speaking practice, which is essential for improvement. Mistakes are a normal part of learning and should be seen as progress, not failure. Many learners also rely too much on textbooks and written exercises. They may score well on grammar tests but struggle to order food in a restaurant or conduct a phone call. Spoken English improves when students practice real conversations, talking about daily routines, sharing opinions, or telling short stories.

Another area students often ignore is pronunciation, word stress, and intonation. For example, pronouncing “pho-to-GRAPH” instead of “PHO-to-graph” can confuse listeners, even if the sentence is correct. Small pronunciation errors can have a big impact on clarity.

Students also try to use difficult or fancy vocabulary to sound fluent. Saying, “I was utterly exhausted after accomplishing the task,” may sound impressive, but “I was really tired after finishing the work” sounds more natural and confident in everyday conversation.

Finally, many learners expect quick results and compare themselves with others. One learner may feel discouraged when a classmate speaks fluently, forgetting that everyone’s journey is different. Spoken English takes time, regular practice, and patience.

Common Remedies to Overcome These Mistakes

• Consistent daily speaking practice, even for a short time, builds fluency and confidence.

• Reading aloud is another powerful technique. Loud reading improves pronunciation and clarity, mirror reading builds confidence and reduces hesitation, and practicing tongue twisters strengthens accent and speech fluency.

• Join Offline Classes.

• Watching English web series or shows is also highly effective. It helps learners build vocabulary, understand natural conversations, improve listening skills, and absorb correct pronunciation and intonation in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

• Setting realistic goals and practicing consistently with patience and a positive mindset leads to long-term improvement in spoken English.

• Consistent daily speaking practice, even for a short time, builds fluency and confidence.

• Reading aloud is another powerful technique. Loud reading improves pronunciation and clarity, mirror reading builds confidence and reduces hesitation, and practicing tongue twisters strengthens accent and speech fluency.

• Offline Classes allow learners practice spoken English anytime with instant feedback and no fear of judgment.

• Watching English web series or shows is also highly effective. It helps learners build vocabulary, understand natural conversations, improve listening skills, and absorb correct pronunciation and intonation in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

• Setting realistic goals and practicing consistently with patience and a positive mindset leads to long-term improvement in spoken English.

-By Sangyogita Tiwari