Is English really that hard to learn?

English can be challenging to learn due to its vast vocabulary, inconsistent spelling rules, and numerous idiomatic expressions. In addition to this, it has been influenced by various languages over centuries.

1. What Makes English Difficult to Learn?

2. Is it all about the grammar?

3. How is English vocabulary confusing for French learners?

Most English speakers would argue that French is one of the most difficult languages to learn. With exception after exception, complex grammar, and rules within rules, the list seems endless. However, French speakers often have the opposite sentiment: just because English has a lot of complexities, just like their language, it doesn't mean that English is a piece of cake for French speakers.

Each language presents unique challenges to learners. Many argue that English is indeed difficult to learn, and this leads us to the question: if it is the most studied foreign language, with 1.5 billion speakers, why is English so difficult to learn?

What Makes English Difficult to Learn? One of the major challenges of learning English is its pronunciation. English pronunciation can be inconsistent and confusing. For example, words like "tough," "cough," "though," "through," and "borough" show the language can be unpredictable when it comes to spelling and pronunciation. Each word is pronounced differently even though they have similar spellings, which can be frustrating for learners.

Is it all about the grammar? Now let us look at grammar. English grammar has its own set of complexities. While it might not have gendered nouns like French, it does have a lot of irregular verbs, phrasal verbs, and idiomatic expressions that can be confusing to foreigners. For instance, the verb "to sleep" becomes "slept" in the past tense, which doesn’t follow the regular -ed ending rule. Phrasal verbs, like "give up," "take off," or "run into," add another layer of difficulty, as their meanings often cannot be deduced from the individual words.

It is also important to note that regional accents and dialects can alter pronunciation and meaning can further complicate the learning process.

How is English vocabulary confusing for French learners? Vocabulary: English has a vast vocabulary with words borrowed from many languages, including French, Latin, German, and others. This can make English

both rich and challenging. Even though many English words are derived from French, this doesn't necessarily make it easier for French speakers. The meanings, usage, and pronunciation can differ significantly from their French counterparts.

Moreover, we have what is known as false cognates, where a word in one language is similar in form or sound to a word in another language but has a different meaning . For example, lecture vs lecture, avertissement vs advertisement, just to mention a few. Although they may look similar in pronunciation and spelling, this doesn’t mean they have the same meaning.

English has become a global lingua franca but, just like any other language, it poses several challenges for learners: particularly its pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. However, with dedication, a positive mindset, and practice, overcoming these challenges is entirely possible.