We often see people wondering:

Is English The Easiest Language To Learn?

In this episode, we explore the debate around the difficulty of learning English.

Drawing from a Reddit thread, a Medium article, and a blog post from Swap Language, we discuss varying perspectives on whether English is easy or hard to learn.

We’ll examine factors like the simplicity of English grammar, its role as a global language, and how individual experiences—such as native language, language background, and access to resources—shape how challenging English feels to learners.

We’ll also touch on which languages are easiest for English speakers to pick up based on linguistic similarities. Tune in for a deep dive into what really makes English tricky or simple, depending on your starting point.

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The main factors that influence how easy a language is to learn depend on the individual learner and their background. Here’s what the sources have to say:

● Native Language

Languages that share common roots with a learner’s native language tend to be easier to learn. For instance, someone whose native language is English might find it easier to learn other Germanic languages like Dutch or German due to similarities in grammar and vocabulary. Conversely, languages with drastically different linguistic structures can pose significant challenges. For example, native English speakers often struggle with the tonal systems present in languages like Mandarin or Vietnamese.

● Previous Language Experience

Knowing multiple languages, even if unrelated to the target language, can give learners a significant advantage. This is because multilingual individuals have a better understanding of language structures and learning strategies. They are already familiar with concepts like verb conjugations, grammatical cases, and syntactic variations, making it easier for them to grasp similar concepts in new languages. This familiarity allows them to draw parallels, recognise patterns, and accelerate their learning process.

● Exposure and Access to Resources

The pervasiveness of English in media, technology, and global communication makes it readily accessible for learners worldwide. This exposure provides ample opportunities for passive learning through music, movies, and online content, even without formal study. This widespread availability of resources greatly facilitates language acquisition.

● Motivation

A strong motivation, such as personal interest, career goals, or love for a particular culture, can be a driving force in overcoming the challenges of language learning. Learners who are passionate about a language are more likely to invest time and effort, making the process more enjoyable and effective.

● Individual Learning Styles and Preferences

Some learners excel in memorising vocabulary, while others prefer focusing on grammar rules. Tailoring learning methods to individual strengths and weaknesses can make the process more efficient and less frustrating. For example, learners who struggle with grammar might benefit from immersive language learning experiences that emphasise communication over formal rules.

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In this episode, we're discussing essential rules of comma usage in English writing.

We’ll break down common myths, such as the misconception that commas should be placed where you pause. Instead, we’ll explore proper comma use in various contexts, including separating items in a list, joining independent clauses, and setting off non-essential information.

You’ll also learn how to handle commas in dates, addresses, and titles, with clear examples and explanations. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of when and how to use commas confidently, avoiding the most frequent mistakes.

Common Comma Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

● Using a comma to separate a subject from its verb

○ Incorrect: My friend Cleo, is a wonderful singer.

○ Correct: My friend Cleo is a wonderful singer.

● Even if a subject is long or complex, the comma should not be used to separate it from the verb.

○ Incorrect: The things that cause me joy, may also cause me pain.

○ Correct: The things that cause me joy may also cause me pain.

● Using a comma between two verbs or verb phrases in a compound predicate

○ Incorrect: We laid out our music and snacks, and began to study.

○ Correct: We laid out our music and snacks and began to study.

However, using a comma in a compound predicate can sometimes prevent misreading. For example, in the sentence "Cleo spotted the man who entered the diner, and waved", the comma makes it clear that Cleo waved, not the man.

● Using a comma between two nouns in a compound subject or compound object

○ Incorrect (compound subject): The music teacher from your high school, and the football coach from mine are married.

○ Correct: The music teacher from your high school and the football coach from mine are married.

○ Incorrect (compound object): Cleo will wear a sparkly red blazer, and high heels.

○ Correct: Cleo will wear a sparkly red blazer and high heels.

● Using a comma after the main clause when a dependent (subordinate) clause follows it

○ Incorrect: The cat scratched at the door, while I was eating.

This mistake can be avoided by placing the dependent clause before the main clause and following it with a comma. For example, the previous incorrect sentence can be made correct by writing, "While I was eating, the cat scratched at the door".

However, when a dependent clause follows a main clause, a comma can be used in cases of extreme contrast. For example, the sentence "She was still quite upset, although she had won the Oscar" is correct because it is an example of extreme contrast.

● Using a comma to separate essential elements of a sentence

Essential elements, such as clauses beginning with "that", should not be set off by commas. That clauses after nouns and following a verb expressing mental action are always essential.

○ Incorrect: It is critical, that you not put a comma in this sentence.

○ Correct: It is critical that you not put a comma in this sentence.

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Today we're discussing the ambiguity of the words "biweekly" and "bimonthly," which can both mean "every other week" or "twice a month."

We're especially looking at an article on Merriam-Webster.

The article explains that the prefix "bi-" can mean both "occurring every two" and "occurring twice in", leading to this confusion.

The article also suggests alternative words such as "semimonthly" or using phrases like "twice a week" to avoid ambiguity.

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