Apps for learning English

I’m often asked about apps for learning English. Today I’m going to tell you about my favourite ones. You should be able to find them in Google Play or in the Apple App Store.

You should know that most of these apps use 100% English, but some of them (like Duolingo) involve translation and might not be available in your language. 

British Council apps
There are several of these. There's one for grammar, one for vocabulary, and one for learning the sounds of English. There’s also a podcast app and a video app.

Lingoclip (from Lyrics Training)
This is a fun app for people who like music. You can listen to songs and then either type the missing words or choose the correct word from a list. You can also find songs and activities that are the right level for you. Use the Lingoclip app or the Lyrics Training website if you prefer.

Beelinguapp
With this app, you can listen and read at the same time. Some learners know the word when they see it written down but not when they hear it. Others have the opposite problem - they can say the word but don’t know the spelling. Reading and listening together can help you with that. This app is good for listening, reading, spelling and pronunciation.

Duolingo
For beginners and low-level students, Duolingo has courses which teach English using your first language. For example, there’s English from French speakers and English for Arabic speakers, and so on. There are about 30 of these courses so it doesn’t have courses for everyone. These courses are quite good for vocabulary but maybe not for grammar or speaking.

For Intermediate learners, there’s a course which is 100 % in English. In other words, it uses basic English to explain everything to you. You should know that Duolingo uses American English. And I actually prefer the website to the app.

Quizlet
With Quizlet, you can create your own sets of flashcards or use the sets already created by other people. It’s most useful for reviewing vocabulary but you can use it for grammar too.

My Dictionary - Polyglot (by Kataykin)
This is good for saving new vocabulary and reviewing it. I think it's only available on Android devices though.

Word Reference
Dictionaries, grammar, collocations, discussion forums and more in one app.

WordBrain
This is a game where you have to find words hidden in a grid. It might help you with vocabulary and spelling.

Wordscapes
This is another word game. You are given some letters and you have to make as many words as you can with those letters.

ELSA Speak: English Learning
This app helps you with pronunciation. You should know that it's American English. I've never tried it but the reviews are good.

Substack
This is not made for language learners, but it’s full of interesting things to read, especially for more advanced learners, and reading is the best way to build your vocabulary. Maybe you’re reading this in your email and didn’t know that there’s an app. If you follow me in the app, you will find Chat and Notes as well as my weekly newsletters.

Here are some more apps that I’ve never tried so I don’t know how good they are:
Tandem: Language Exchange - find a language exchange partner
WordUp - build your vocabulary
EWA: Learn English Language - learn from books, movies and TV shows (some free content but you have to pay for full access)
Readable: Read English Stories - stories and news at different levels
WattPad - read and write stories

​Do you know any more? Let us know in the comments!


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