Learn American English

Tips to get to know American English

Even if your intention is to learn American English, it is important that you also know British English to improve your understanding of the language more globally.

There are not many differences between both, but in terms of vocabulary, grammar, spelling, accent, and pronunciation you can find some significant changes. If you want to be a pro in American English, you must know certain aspects that will help you complete your knowledge of this type of English.

1. Learn American expressions

A very useful way to learn the American language is to better understand its culture. With common American expressions you can have a better idea of this matter.

Example:

• My bad. (My fault).
• You can’t see the forest for the trees. (You can’t see the forest for the trees).

2. Use slang to express yourself

Using American slang will fully immerse you in the language’s culture and help you substantially improve your level of knowledge of American English.

3. Put a native in your life

Undoubtedly, the most important advice. If you want to learn to speak American English, don’t hesitate. Find an American speaker to teach you the language. It can be a private teacher or a partner who helps you with the language in exchange for you helping them with Spanish, for example. That way you can learn American English for free.

4. Imitate the accent

One of the most useful things when improving a language is to force its accent. Yes, just as you hear it. Leave shyness aside and imitate the American accent. You have multiple examples of how to do it. You can watch movies, listen to music, watch TV shows…

5. Pay attention to pronunciation

English natives usually join two sounds when a word ends with a consonant and the next one starts with the same sound.

Example:

• I’d decide it later. (I would decide it later.)