5 useful apps for English

Audio: 

Smartphones and easy internet access means that we always have an app to suit our needs.

Games to pass the time, social media to stay connected, even shopping apps so you can get your groceries without even leaving your bedroom! 

So OF COURSE there are apps that are useful for people studying another language.

There are too many to list here, so let’s just look at the top 5 (in no particular order).

GOOGLE PODCASTS

This app usually comes pre-installed on your phone.

You might be thinking “I already know that I have this app!” but honestly, it’s such a useful tool that everyone reading this blog needs to be aware of.

Podcasts are by far one of the best ways to develop listening skills and hear REAL ENGLISH due to the sheer variety of available programs.

The obvious thing to do is search for podcasts meant for study but it’s often worth listening to podcasts connected to one of your special interests.

'Whether it be sport, video games, cooking or crime, listening to a topic you personally enjoy has two benefits:

• Your enthusiasm for the topic will encourage you to keep listening to new podcasts as they are released
• Your knowledge of the subject will help you understand the material, even if it is spoken by native speakers who do not slow down when they talk.

Podcast apps also usually have recommendations for new or popular podcasts, which can lead to you developing new hobbies and interests as well.

So, good for the English student, and good for life too!

DICTIONARY APP

A dictionary is a book that every English student should have on hand.

Since it’s not easy to take a paper dictionary around everywhere, a dictionary app can serve your needs when you are away from home and quickly need to look something up.

Rather than looking up words on google, you are better off using a dictionary for reference as they have a number of bonus advantages.

First of all, a dictionary app contains much more information, ranging from pronunciation to interesting trivia about the words you look up.

Secondly, dictionaries often double as THESAURUSES, allowing you to further develop your vocabulary with synonyms and antonyms, a vital aspect of paraphrasing and writing.

On top of all that, good dictionary apps often have quizzes and other testing functions to help your review words you have looked at or discover new ones.

Finally, most good dictionary apps are free so there is no reason not to have one.

PRONUNCIATION APP

Thanks to your phone’s microphone, there are now apps that can not only teach you correct pronunciation, but they can even it test it!

A good pronunciation app usually has a layout of every basic English sound (In British English, American English or both) and audio examples of each sound individually.

They may also contain diagrams that show you the exact positioning of your mouth necessary for proper articulation of a sound.

Good apps will also have some way to test your pronunciation of the sound, individually (Example: Vuh) and as part of a word (Example: View).

Combine use of this app with your dictionary app to practice your pronunciation with new or difficult words!

DUOLINGO

There’s a reason this is the most popular language study app available!

Duolingo has many features that make it great for self-study.

Installing the app and picking the English course will have you start with a small test that puts you at the appropriate level.

From here you can set how much time you want to spend on the app per day and Duolingo will remind you every day.

If you are the competitive kind of person, the app also features leader boards to compare people with the highest accuracy, streak and time spent learning.

The app is free but the Pro version is definitely worth spending money on if you feel like it.

HELLOTALK

If you’re looking to practice your English speaking but are not in an English-speaking area then this is the app for you.

HelloTalk pairs you up with people who speak English (or another language) and want to learn a different language.

It’s an app for dedicated language exchange – either through conversation or by recorded audio messages (like a modern-day pen pal).

You need to sign-in with an online ID like AppleID or a google account so you can have confidence that the service is secure with no worries. 

And there you have it! 5 indispensable apps to help you improve your English.

Notice that most of these apps are for self-study; although English is a communication skill, it’s important to try and work on it by yourself just as much as with other people.

We’ll talk about more apps next time but if you use any that you think the This Course community could use, comment them below!