Why Learning English Takes Time
- Nicole Findlay
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
A simple guide to help you stay motivated and see real progress.
So, you can talk about a lot of things in English… but then someone asks: “What have you been up to lately?” instead of “How are you?” and you freeze. Or you notice you use the same safe words again and again. Nice. Good. Comfortable. And you start thinking: I’m not improving.
You are improving. It just feels slower at A2+ to B1, because this is the level where English starts to become a real skill, not just knowledge.
Why it feels slower at A2+ to B1
At this level, you often know the rules, but you do not use them automatically yet. When you speak, you are doing a lot at the same time:
thinking of ideas
finding words
choosing the right tense
building sentences
trying to sound natural
That is why your brain can feel slow. It is normal. The goal now is not learning more rules. The goal is making the language you already know faster and easier to use.
How to stay motivated
Motivation is easier when you have two things: a personal reason, and real people to practise with.
You are already self motivated
If you are reading this, you already have self motivation. You want to improve, even when it feels slow. Learning for yourself matters. When your goal is personal, learning becomes more meaningful and more enjoyable. You are not only studying English. You are building a tool for your real life: your work, your friendships, your daily conversations, and your confidence.
Use real people, not only apps
Apps can help with practice and vocabulary, but they cannot replace real conversation.
To improve at A2+ to B1, you need chances to speak, make mistakes, get corrections, and try again. When you practise with a teacher and with other learners, you get:
real questions and real answers
feedback and corrections
new phrases you can reuse
confidence through repetition
You do not need perfect English. You need practice, support, and feedback.
An exercise that actually works
Do this with any topic: your day, your weekend, your work, your city.
Step 1: Ask a question
How’s it going?
How’s your day been?
What have you been up to lately?
How’s work going?
Any plans for the weekend?
Step 2: Give a short answer
Good, thanks.
Not bad.
Pretty busy, actually.
Step 3: Add one extra sentence
I’m just heading home now.
I’ve had a lot on this week.
I’m trying to get a few things done before the weekend.
Step 4: Add one reason or detail
because + reason
Not bad. I’ve been quite busy this week because work has been full on.
so + result
I’m a bit tired, so I’m taking it easy tonight.
but + contrast
I was going to meet a friend after work, but I might just go home instead.
That is it. Short, real, natural.
Keep the conversation going
Do not stop after your first question. React first, then ask a follow up question.
Simple reactions that sound natural
Really!
Oh no!
No way!
That’s good.
That’s a shame.
Follow up questions you can reuse all the time
How come?
What happened?
Then what?
And now?
Want more than bite size practice?
This is exactly why I created my Everyday Talk course. It gives you guided practice with a teacher and other learners, so you can:
learn real everyday language
practise speaking about your life and experiences
get corrections and suggestions
build confidence through repetition
start moving towards more abstract B2 level conversations
If you want to practise in a supportive group and build your real speaking skills, you can find the course here:
If you’d like support with your English or aren’t sure where to start, you’re welcome to book a FREE 15-minute chat with me.
I offer group courses, fluency sessions, exam preparation, and private English sessions in Amsterdam and online.
See you in the classroom,
Nicole
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