5 Free Places to Learn English Online

English is the most widely spoken language in the world, and as technology advances, people from all regions of the world are communicating like never before.

Thus, learning english has never been more useful.

Many non-English speaking countries have the English language integrated into the curriculums of young children so they can learn it alongside their mother tongues. However, nothing quite compares to learning a language from people who grew up speaking it.

Why English?

There are as many reasons to want to learn English as there are words in an English dictionary.

If you want to travel the world, knowing English means you'll be able to access more people and places. Maybe you have career goals that for one reason or another would benefit from a better understanding of English. Perhaps you have family that speaks and understands English better than they understand your first language.

Or, maybe you know English and want to use this information to help enrich someone else's life.

So if tightening your grasp of the English language is your goal, or if you want to better your english, but cannot afford expensive schooling, then fear not – because I have compiled a list of five free online english learning sources for you to use.

1. Usalearns.org

USA Learns is a website visited by over seven-million people so far. It is dedicated to helping adults learn English for free. Users have the option of learning alongside an instructor or on their own. The website offers lessons in vocabulary, reading, listening, writing, and many other facets of learning English. USA Learns also has many helpful videos and activities to work with.

2. Learn-english-online.org

Since 1999, this U.K. registered non profit has been helping ESL(English as a Second Language) learners achieve their language learning goals. With twelve units, and over fifty lessons this website essentially functions as a free online textbook for those interested in learning how to read, write and speak english properly.

3. learnenglish.britishcouncil.org

Not only does this site offer a placement test to help you decide where to start, it also offers a tool for finding face-to-face courses in your country as well as internationally recognized proficiency tests to help you gauge your progress. With sections like English for emails, the impact of Shakespeare, and elementary podcasts this sight is useful for all kinds of English learners including kids and teens. This site offers help for ESL teachers as well.

4. Free-english-study.com

Another free website for ESL learners, free-english-study.com offers lessons in six different areas: reading, speaking, listening, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. These six areas are then subdivided into six difficulty levels ranging from beginner to advanced. With straightforward organization this sight is easier to navigate than most which may reduce stress for some users.

5. Duolingo

Any of the previously mentioned sights would be a great place to start for ESL learners. However there is one more option. Not only is Duolingo just as free as these other resources but it is also much more mobile.

Duolingo is an app available for iOS and Android that not only helps teach people English-it can help them learn dozens of languages from French to Portuguese.

The app leads learners through fun daily bite-sized and game like lessons. It even notifies the user when it is time to learn each day to help keep them accountable and on track.  

Learn English Online & On Your Terms

Learning english doesn't have to be an expensive process.

Thankfully, you have access to an abundance of resources (many of which I have listed above) to help you on your way to learning the world's most spoken language.

No matter what your schedule, you can almost certainly find time to dedicate to learning English. And from there, who knows, maybe you can go on to study an English Functional Skills qualification.

Did I leave out a resource that helped you or someone you know learn English? Are you a polyglot with useful tips, tricks, or thoughts on language a new learning? We want to hear about your experiences in the comments section below!

Author: Billy Stidham, Lead Content Marketer at Wordify.