English is a global language. It’s the language of business, travel, pop culture, and the internet. It has 1.5 billion speakers in the world, with 58 sovereign states and 28 non-sovereign countries having English as their official language. If you're reading this in Australia, chances are you're already pretty comfortable with English. But for many people learning English, it's a whole different story. English has its quirks that make it both beautiful and frustrating to learn. Whether a child is learning it for the first time as a native speaker or a person is learning it as a second language, English doesn’t come easy to all. It leads us to question how hard is English to learn and what makes it such a tough nut to crack. 

While a top-of-the-head guess will make anyone think that it’s just about grammar, there’s more to the complexity of the English language. As per research, there are many reasons that make English difficult to learn. Let’s jump in and explore why English can be a bit deceptive, even for native speakers sometimes. Here we go! 

The Complex Grammar

One of the first hurdles learners face is English grammar. The rules seem straightforward at first, but once you dive deeper, things get a bit complicated. Several aspects make it challenging for learners, from sentence structure to tenses and phrasal verbs. Here's a quick look at some of the key challenges:

• Sentence Structure

English typically follows a "subject-verb-object" structure (e.g., "She eats an apple"), but questions, negations, and the passive voice change the word order. For instance, questions flip the subject and auxiliary verb, and the passive voice switches the object and subject. These shifts can be tricky for learners, especially if their native language follows a different sentence structure.

• Tenses

English tenses are complex, with present, past, and future forms that each have multiple variations. For example, the present tense includes the simple, continuous, perfect, and perfect continuous forms, such as “I eat,” “I am eating,” and “I have been eating.” Mastering these tenses requires understanding subtle distinctions in time and aspect.

• Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs, like "take off" or "turn up," are combinations of verbs and prepositions or adverbs. Their meanings are often not literal, making them challenging for learners. For instance, "turn up" can mean either "increase the volume" or "arrive at a place," depending on context.

• Exceptions to Rules

English is full of exceptions. Irregular verbs, for instance, don’t follow the usual patterns, like "go" becoming "went" instead of "goed." These exceptions can make learning English frustrating, as they break the rules you think you've mastered, requiring constant adaptation and practice.

Besides grammar, vocabulary also plays a crucial role in learning a language. But what happens when it keeps advancing? 

Also Read: Online Resources to Learn Australian English for Kids

The Ever-Growing Vocabulary

English has one of the largest vocabularies of any language, with over a million words and countless new terms added regularly. While this vast vocabulary provides rich expression, it also presents challenges for learners, especially when it comes to confusion and inconsistency. Here’s a breakdown of some key aspects that make English vocabulary difficult to master:

• Synonyms and Homophones

English has a wealth of synonyms, i.e., words that mean the same thing, as well as homophones, which sound the same but have different meanings. For example, “bare” vs. “bear” or “flour” vs. “flower” may sound identical but have entirely different meanings. These pairs can be especially confusing for learners, as choosing the right word often depends on the context, making it harder to be certain about correct usage.

• Spelling vs. Pronunciation

In English, spelling and pronunciation don’t always align. Words like "though" and "through" look similar but are pronounced differently, and classic pairs like "knight" vs "night" are a struggle. The tricky "ough" combinations are notorious as they can sound like “ow,” “off,” “oh,” and more, making it difficult to predict how a word should be pronounced based on its spelling alone.

• Borrowed Words

English is a linguistic mix, having borrowed words from many languages, including Latin, French, Germanic, and others. While this gives English its rich vocabulary, it also means that words often retain foreign spelling, pronunciation, and meanings. This can be challenging for learners, as the rules governing these borrowed words often differ from typical English language patterns, adding more complexity to vocabulary acquisition.

Since spelling and words are the cause, the effect is shown on pronunciation as well. Let’s understand it thoroughly. 

The Pronunciation Puzzle

Pronunciation in English can be a major challenge, especially because words often sound very different from how they’re spelled. Even if you’ve mastered the spelling of a word, saying it out loud can still trip you up. Here are a few reasons why English pronunciation is so puzzling:

• Inconsistent Pronunciations

English pronunciation can be highly inconsistent. Words that look similar may sound completely different. Take "though" and "through,” although they both start with "th" and have similar spellings, they sound quite different. "Though" sounds like "th-oh," while "through" is pronounced "th-roo." This inconsistency is common, making it hard for learners to predict how words should be said based purely on their spelling.

• Vowel Sounds

English has a wide variety of vowel sounds, many of which can change depending on the word. For instance, "man" and "men" may appear similar but have distinct vowel sounds. Then you have words like "face" and "cat," where the vowel sounds differ entirely. These variations can be confusing for non-native speakers, as the same letter combinations can produce different sounds in different words.

• Stress and Intonation

Stress and intonation play a significant role in pronunciation and meaning. For example, the word "record" can be either a noun or a verb, depending on where the stress is placed. Stress the first syllable ("RE-cord") and it's a noun (e.g., "I’m listening to a record"). Stress the second syllable ("re-CORD"), and it becomes a verb (e.g., "I will record the video"). So, even when you think you understand how a word is pronounced, the way you emphasize syllables can completely change its meaning.

This was about speaking. Sadly, writing is nothing easier in comparison. Let’s understand how spelling discrepancies affect the writing process for non-native English speakers. 

Also Read: English Language Classes in Adelaide for Kids

The Spelling Dilemma

English spelling can be a tricky puzzle, full of unexpected twists and turns. You might think you’ve mastered one word, only to be stumped by a similar one that follows completely different rules. Here are some reasons why English spelling is often considered a dilemma:

• Silent Letters

One of the most frustrating aspects of English spelling is silent letters. Words like "knight" seem straightforward until you wonder why there’s a "k" in there that’s never pronounced. English is full of these silent letters, from the "b" in "thumb" to the "p" in "receipt." These silent letters don’t serve any phonetic purpose but are often remnants of older versions of the language, making spelling harder for learners.

• Spelling Rules (and their Exceptions)

You may have learned rules like "i before e, except after c," but in English, even the rules have exceptions. For instance, words like "science" and "weird" completely defy this rule. This tendency to break its own guidelines makes English spelling especially challenging, as learners can’t always rely on rules to help them predict how a word should be spelled.

• Homonyms

English is filled with homonyms, i.e., words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Classic examples include "there," "their," and "they’re," which are all pronounced the same but have distinct meanings and spellings. And that’s just the beginning. Words like "bare" vs. "bear" or "right" vs. "write" can confuse even native speakers. The sheer number of these homonyms increases the complexity of mastering English spelling.

Next up is the confusion raised by idioms and slang. Needless to say, as more people use the English language, more slang keeps coming up. 

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The World of Idioms and Slang

Even if you've conquered English grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, the world of idioms and slang can still throw you off. These expressions often don’t make sense literally, which can be confusing, especially for non-native speakers. Here's why idioms and slang are such a challenge in English:

• Non-literal Phrases

English is full of idioms, expressions whose meanings don’t align with the literal meanings of the words. For instance, “kick the bucket” doesn’t refer to an actual bucket but means "to die," and “break the ice” means “to initiate a conversation,” not physically breaking the ice. These non-literal phrases are difficult because they require understanding context and cultural background rather than just translating the words directly.

• Regional Slang

Slang can vary greatly depending on where you are. For example, you might think you’ve got a handle on Australian English, only to realize that slang used in the UK, the US, or Canada differs, sometimes with entirely different meanings. For instance, in Australia, "arvo" means afternoon, while in the US, people would simply say "afternoon" instead. These regional variations can be especially confusing for learners, as words and expressions can mean entirely different things in different English-speaking countries.

Last but not least is the difference between British and American English. If you’re familiar with Australian English, you already know that it uses a mix of both these languages. Let’s see how it affects non-native English speakers. 

Also Read: A Parent's Guide to Finding English Classes in Sydney for Kids

British vs. American English

If you've learned English from a textbook, you're probably familiar with "British English." However, when interacting with people from Australia or the US, you'll quickly notice that English varies significantly in terms of vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation. These differences can make learning the language even more challenging for learners.

•  Vocabulary Differences

One of the most noticeable differences between British, Australian, and American English is vocabulary. For instance, in the UK, you’d ask for a “biscuit,” but in Australia, it's more common to refer to it as a "cookie." Similarly, in the US, you might call an “elevator” to reach a higher floor, but in Australia, it’s simply a "lift." These variations in everyday language can make communication a bit tricky if you're accustomed to one version of English.

• Spelling Variations

Spelling is another area where British, Australian, and American English differ. British English tends to use more traditional spellings, such as “colour” and “favour,” while American English drops the "u," using “color” and “favor.” These spelling differences can be confusing, especially when writing or proofreading, as different regions follow their own set of rules. Australian English typically follows British spelling rules but may incorporate some unique terms.

• Pronunciation Differences

Pronunciation varies widely across the English-speaking world. Not only do accents differ between countries, but even within a single country like Australia, you’ll hear different pronunciations depending on the state. For example, someone from Sydney might speak differently than someone from Melbourne. These regional variations in accent can sometimes make understanding English challenging, even for native speakers.

Now that we’re aware of the struggles of learning English, how about we look at some easy to go solutions? Here are some tips to improve English. 

Tips to Improve English

Improving English takes consistent effort, but with the right habits, it can be both effective and enjoyable. The key is to stay curious, keep practicing, and make English a part of your daily life. Here are tips to make it easier for you. 

• Read Every Day

Reading books, articles, or blogs in English helps you naturally absorb grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. Choose topics you enjoy to stay motivated and try reading aloud to improve fluency.

• Watch and Listen in English

Movies, TV shows, and podcasts expose you to native accents, slang, and pronunciation. Start with subtitles, then gradually try without them to improve listening skills and comprehension.

• Practice Speaking Daily

Speak English every day, even if it’s to yourself or through a language app. Practicing regularly builds confidence and fluency. Recording yourself or mimicking native speakers helps polish pronunciation.

• Expand Your Vocabulary

Learn a few new words each day and use them in sentences to make them stick. Flashcards and language apps are great tools to grow and retain your vocabulary effectively.

• Write Often

Writing improves your grammar and clarity. Keep a journal, write short paragraphs, or post in English online. Use grammar tools or get feedback to sharpen your writing.

• Think in English

Train your brain to think in English instead of translating from your native language. Describe your actions, ask yourself questions, and talk to yourself in English to boost fluency.

• Be Consistent and Patient

Language learning takes time, so practice daily and stay consistent. Set small goals, track progress, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes as they’re essential for growth.

Conclusion

So, is English hard to learn? The answer is a definite "yes," but it’s also a "yes" that’s worth it! From the tricky grammar rules to the endless list of exceptions, unpredictable pronunciation, and endless vocabulary variations, mastering English can feel like an uphill battle at times. However, once you break through the challenges, you'll welcome the power of a language that's not only rich and diverse but also used around the globe. Whether it’s the wild world of idioms or the unique quirks of British vs. American English, every obstacle along the way helps you build a deeper understanding of this fascinating language.

And if you're looking for a fun and engaging way to help kids improve their English skills, the FunFox Program is a great resource! It’s designed to make learning English enjoyable and effective, with activities that cover everything from vocabulary to pronunciation.

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