In learning English, like any other foreign language, regularity is very important. Therefore, a good way to improve it is to use your smartphone when studying, because it is almost always with you. Often in queues, public transport, or just out of boredom, we play some kind of game, or climb on social networks, and you can spend this time with much more benefit! Various applications and services for learning English on Android will help us with this. We have compiled a list of the 10 most useful and high-quality.
Lingualeo
One of the most popular services for learning English. The Android application does not have all the functionality of the site, and is slightly inferior in releases to the version for Windows Phone. Nevertheless, the program is quite functional, since in it you can:- View a list of words in your personal dictionary
- Add new words yourself or from sets
- Practice words with 7 exercises
- Read texts and translate words in one click and watch videos with subtitles from TED
- Take grammar courses (At the time of writing, there was only one and was only available with the purchase of "Gold Status")
Duolinguo
The first thing to note is that Duolinguo is completely free and contains no ads, which is a rarity these days. This is also a web service application of the same name, and from it you can access the full functionality of what is in the web version. Just like in Lingualeo, you have to feed your pet, this time an owl. True, the functionality and method of training are seriously different.You go through levels from the most elementary to the most difficult, in which you need to choose the right word, make a sentence out of words, pronounce it or write it correctly. In this way, all 4 basic language skills are trained.
In addition to English, Duolinguo has about 30 other popular languages.
Polyglot
Paid author's course from the famous polyglot Dmitry Petrov. The free version has only the first lesson out of 16, you will have to pay for the rest. The course is well structured and clearly presented. Does it make sense to pay for it? I would say no more than yes, because all the information can be found for free on the Internet. On the other hand, there are tests and the materials themselves are already ready, you don’t have to look for anything. So let everyone decide for themselves, that's what trial versions are for.
iVerb
This program has only one purpose - to teach you irregular English verbs. Everything is done very high quality and structured. Verbs are divided into groups according to the formation of 2nd and 3rd forms and so they are remembered much easier. You can star the ones you know and then go through them in training. For a little money in iVerb, you can still open some game about phrasal verbs, but this is more, you want to thank the author.
English Grammar Test
English Grammar Test contains over 6,000 grammar tests covering all English grammar. Indeed, it is difficult not to find tests on some topic in it. You can take both mixed tests and tests corresponding to your level or chosen topic. it is very convenient that after passing all the tests from the block, you can see those where you made a mistake, and below you can explain why you should use this particular option, and not the one you chose.
Dictionary.com
Popular English dictionary for Android. The free version has ads, but due to its functionality, you can also buy the paid version. Here you will find examples of sentences, and synonyms, and everything that even the most seasoned linguist can think of.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary is a paid app from the website of the same name. It, perhaps, has the most beautiful design among all dictionaries. Here you have the frequency of the definition, and hints, and just a chic function that shows sentences from popular media where this word or its word forms were found. Moreover, you can choose the subject of such offers, and when you click, go to the original. But not everything is so smooth. Firstly, Vocabulary does not work without the Internet, and secondly, the vocabulary itself is not that big. More precisely, you will find 99% of the necessary words, but if you are translating some specific literature, then sometimes it is not enough.
Urban Dictionary
The most popular slang dictionary. If you like to learn English from movies and series, then this service will help you out many times. Black, slang, obscene language, and just words from the usual speech of Americans and British can be found here.
Google translate
Many people have this standard translator from Google, but not everyone uses it. But over the past year, he has significantly improved the quality of translation and functionality. One of the most useful innovations is voice translation. Just a super handy feature! When you forgot how some word will be in English, just say it in Russian and you will immediately receive a voice and text translation. You can also do the opposite. Speech recognition as always at a decent level.
Yandex translate
In general, it has less functionality compared to its counterpart from Google, but it is aimed specifically at translating Russian and English, so quite often it translates whole sentences and phrases better and shows more detailed use cases. As with most dictionaries and translators, there is an offline mode and the ability to add a word to favorites.Today, you can learn English not only in stuffy classrooms or under the guidance of expensive teachers, but also with the help of applications specially designed for your smartphones. Of course, not everyone believes that with the help of such applications you can learn a foreign language. But, why not use them on a trip, while waiting, or in other cases when we have free time. In this article, we will talk about the best apps for Android and iOS.
Navigation
words
If you look in the "Education" section of the App Store, then the "Words" application can be found there in the first places. And this is not surprising. Its database contains more than 8 thousand words. In addition, by downloading this application and installing it on your gadget once, you can use it offline.
The main merit of the Words application is that it is able to adapt to a specific user. When reusing this application, it will give the user the words with which he had problems with previous launches of the program. This approach allows you to significantly expand your vocabulary without any problems.
The program is available not only in the official iOS app store, but also in the Play Market.
Probably, not one list of the best applications for learning English is impossible to imagine without LinguaLeo. This program implements a game form of learning. The web version of this app easily syncs with your tablets and smartphones.
You can find a lot of materials in it: lessons, training texts and dictionaries. But, if there are not enough of them for you (which is unlikely), then there is always the opportunity to add your own materials. Moreover, it can be not only texts in English, but also music, films and videos.
Easy Ten
And this app is one of the best for increasing vocabulary. It will help to increase it by 10 new words per day. At the same time, just 20 minutes a day is enough. You can learn words using this application using special simulators. In "Easy Ten" you can track your progress. By increasing it, any person studying English will increase motivation and craving for knowledge in this area.
Like LinguaLeo, every Duolingo installer will have their own pet to feed. And you can do this only by studying English and raising your level in it. The complexity of this process lies in wasting a life for wrong answers.
Learn English
To improve your English grammar and sentence building skills, download and install Learn English. This application contains a lot of text materials and audio files that will take your English to a new level. Learn it with this application, close the blind spots and gaps.
For all those who like to memorize new words by association, the Rosetta Stone app is just what you need. At the same time, the developers of this program have implemented a pronunciation control module in it.
Thanks to which you can not only learn new words, but also pronounce them correctly. This application can be downloaded for free, but if free materials are not enough for you, then there is always the opportunity to buy paid content.
HelloTalk
And this program is not just another application from the official stores of Apple and Google. This is a whole educational platform, on the basis of which a connection is realized between native speakers of foreign languages and users for whom they are foreign.
You can exchange video calls and text messages with these teachers. By the way, in "HelloTalk" you can also act as an expert and help foreigners learn your native language.
If you want to improve your English, which is already at a high level, then start learning slang expressions. And you can do this with the help of "Urban Dictionary". The knowledge that this program gives you will not always find in official dictionaries and phrasebooks.
This application is completely in English. But do you own it at a high level?
English Grammar in Use Activities
This application will help, first of all, to "pull up" the grammar of the English language. With "English Grammar in Use Activities" you can improve the use of articles and irregular verbs. Thanks to this application, you yourself will not understand how you will use English at an automatic level.
Gaps in spoken English, as well as common idioms in it, can be learned thanks to the Conversation English program. This application will help you improve your listening comprehension, improve your reading and improve your vocabulary.
iCan ABC
With this application, you can immerse yourself in the world of the English language without even knowing its basics. With the iCan ABC app, you can learn letters and sounds, improve your vocabulary and improve your pronunciation. This app is great for learning English with kids.
The main disadvantage of iCan ABC is the short free period of using this application. But, if you like it, then why not buy it.
But for learning business English, the English At Work program is well suited. With its help, you can replenish the dictionary with specialized vocabulary and hone your business correspondence skills. This application is well represented by the ideomatic expressions found in the English-speaking business environment.
Memrise
The Memrise app has been designed with the scientific method of learning foreign languages in mind. With this application you can learn up to 44 words per hour (!!!). And they allow you to remember such a number of words - memes and game modes. Thanks to them, the work of various aspects of memory is improved.
In addition, in this application you can find a lot of materials for learning English: test files, audio and videos. Courses can be downloaded to your smartphone and studied offline.
At the heart of Anki's database is a list of "facts". Each "fact" is a set of objects - words, definitions, pronunciations, etc., from which cards are automatically created according to the templates specified in the database. Objects can consist of text with styles, images, sounds.
Decks (sets of cards) for memorization can be created manually, exported from other similar programs, or loaded from a list created by other users. There are more than 6 thousand ready-made decks of cards in the database of this program.
FluentU
The FluentU app is a catalog of adapted media content for learning English. Here are collected popular talk shows, commercials and humorous videos, music videos, news items, etc. Program algorithms analyze progress and select new words and expressions for better language learning.
Most of the apps in this list allow you to enter your language proficiency level. Not all programs are suitable for people who have only an initial level of knowledge. But, everyone will be able to find from this list the application with which his English skills can be improved.
VIDEO. How to learn English with an Android phone: an overview of applications
All those who study foreign languages have heard more than once that you need to train at every opportunity. And each of us spends some time on the road to work, study or just on business. Why not use this great opportunity to repeat words or grammar structures? After all, we have a wonderful assistant - a smartphone and a large number of different applications for learning. Let's look at some of them.
Free Learn and Play
A very simple app to expand your vocabulary. The free version has three different ways to learn. In the first case, an image is displayed on the display and you should choose the correct one from the three options in English. In the second case, you have three words and a picture is shown: you need to click on it if there is a match. And in the latter case, you must write the word that is shown on your own. A pleasant female voice pronounces all the words. The paid version has no ads and more themes are available.
"Learn English!"
An application with which you can easily memorize up to 500 English words. The learning process is as follows: from several translation examples, you choose the correct one. In the settings, you can choose the number of options offered and the direction of the translation. After you learn a word, you need to mark it with a tick. Unfortunately, voice acting is only available in the paid version.
"Polyglot. English language"
The free version of this app only has one lesson and many links to other learning materials on Google Play. In the first lesson, you need to build a sentence from words. Great beginner level grammar exercises. And I advise you to follow the links in the application: some lessons are also free.
"English language"
The application is very similar to "Polyglot", except that you are not offered different lessons. Immediately from the start of the program, you begin to work - to build a sentence from words. Easier than "Polyglot", because you need to use absolutely all the words and there are no extra ones, which greatly simplifies the task.
English Grammar Free
A simple application thanks to which you will repeat (and some will learn) grammar constructions. Six levels of difficulty - from beginner to advanced. You need to choose the correct version of the missing text from the four options. An app with very annoying ads. Very straight forward.
Mobile phone apps are a convenient way to learn English anytime, anywhere. They allow you to memorize new words, improve grammar and listening skills. And although they are unlikely to replace full-fledged language classes, they will definitely allow you to turn language learning into a good habit.
Appendix 1Voxy
The main difference between this application and all others is that it in real time⏰ adapts to your needs and desires. Every day the user receives new learning lessons from native speakers. Want to learn phrases that might come in handy when traveling or at a job interview? You are welcome! Do you want to prepare for the exam? Welcome!
- Platforms: iOS and Android
- Cost: free
- Updates: Periodically
Appendix 2. Duolingo
With this application, you can learn not only English, but also other languages! For example, I use it to remember Spanish completely! 💃 What's good about Duolingo? Here all skills are trained: written and oral speech (you will be asked to pronounce the studied phrases), reading and listening. First, you can take a test and determine your level of knowledge. Well, a wonderful green owl constantly reminds you of classes, which is an additional motivator.
Interesting: as part of an experiment for tutors and teachers in Duolingo, it is possible to create their own virtual classroom.
- Platforms: iOS and Android
- Cost: free
- Updates: Periodically
Appendix 3. LinguaLeo
One of the most popular applications among Russian users. A free account will allow you to learn new words, hone your spelling skills, watch videos with subtitles, parse lyrics, etc. Application feature - individual training plan. The system itself determines the strengths and weaknesses of the user, takes into account his age, interests and goals. Most of the exercises are free to work with.
There is a motivation system: the user needs to feed Leo the Lion cub with meatballs every day - to complete tasks.
- Platforms: iOS and Android
- Cost: free/paid status
- Updates: Periodically
Appendix 4 Easy Ten
Excellent vocabulary building app. All words are divided into groups and subgroups, 5-10 words are collected in each subgroup. Vocabulary is worked out using several types of tasks: pick up a picture for a word, translate it into Russian, write it from dictation, insert missing letters into it, etc. Every day, the application offers the user to learn 10 new words. There is a motivation system: progress is saved in the calendar, there are ratings and awards.
- Platforms: iOS and Android
- Updates: Periodically
Appendix 5. Memrise
A good helper for expanding vocabulary is the Memrise app.
Uses the interval memory method. The user learns the word over and over again, at regular intervals. The system identifies words that are difficult for the user and focuses on them. Words are voiced by native speakers. Progress is visualized - as you study the word, a pretty flower grows.
- Platforms: iOS and Android
- Cost: free version and paid (PRO) subscription
- Updates: Periodically
Appendix 6. Rosetta Stone
If you haven't heard about the Rosetta Stone learning system yet, then you should definitely try this app. The user is learning English, not using your native language. Language learning happens on an intuitive level. Rosetta Stone is suitable for those who loves associations and pictures. Helps to learn a lot of new vocabulary, basic grammatical constructions. A good pronunciation assessment program is built in.
- Platforms: iOS and Android
- Cost: free version and paid content
- Updates: Periodically
Annex 7. English Grammar in Use Activities
A program from Cambridge University Press that will help improve grammar skills. The use of articles, irregular verbs, nouns can be brought to automatism. Suitable for advanced levels.
- Platforms: iOS and Android
- Cost: you can try several lessons for free (past, present) / everything else is paid.
- Updates: so far
Instagram account: teaching_and_learning_tips
Developers offer us many educational applications. Among them, of course, are those that will help the user in learning the language. Let's look at those of them that, in our opinion, users will definitely like. The presented applications are as free as possible, only two of them have paid content, but, however, you can do without it.
The interesting thing about this application is that before the first use, you will be asked to independently evaluate and indicate your competence in the field of oral and written speech, vocabulary, grammar. Next, you need to indicate your interests in various areas (technology, society, art, etc.). You can specify the purpose for which you will use the application: for yourself, to improve certain skills, for work, preparing for an exam, etc. After that, you will already be offered a list of tasks based on the completed test to determine the level and your interests. This is very convenient, as the application is suitable for any level of knowledge.
In terms of vocabulary, LinguaLeo has lists of words on topics ranging from flowers and family members to collections of idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs. As for the study of grammar, in each section you can take only one lesson for free, and then you have to pay (activation cost for Ukraine is 350 UAH). However, the Jungle section is free. Here you can watch various videos, read stories, listen to songs, etc. Again - on the topic that you indicated at the very beginning as being of interest to you.
While working with texts, you can click on unfamiliar words - the translation will immediately appear, and they themselves will fall into the "My Dictionary" section. Lexical units from the "Dictionary" will appear in the "Trainings" section, where there are many interesting tasks for training words. In addition, listening to all lexical units is also available, which is a big plus. An Internet connection is required to fully use the application, but the "Workouts" section is also available offline.
Despite the fact that the application has paid content (which is not cheap), the most interesting things in it are available for free. As for the grammar reference, you can use another application as it.
When learning English, like any other language, you need a grammar reference that will always be at hand. There are many options in English, but domestic developers also have something to offer us. The most ideal option in Russian, as for me, can be considered an application called English Grammar, which works offline. The program is an extensive guide of four sections: grammar (morphology, syntax and punctuation of the English language), pronunciation (an excellent phonetics guide), a section with proverbs and sayings, and the last part is devoted to idioms so that your speech does not look boring. I must say that there are really a lot of proverbs and sayings in the application.
In this application, you can also choose a level - easy, medium or difficult. The Grammar section contains exercises on topics ranging from prepositions and irregular verbs to conjunctions and modal verbs. The "Words" section also presents several basic vocabulary topics that you can practice. The program is free and does not require an internet connection.
But let's not forget that comprehensive language learning requires constant listening (listening to the live speech of native speakers). In this case, we would advise you to resort to the official application from the British Council called English Listening. This program has several sections. The first of them - 6 minute English - these are six-minute audio clips on various topics from everyday life. English at work is an audio series about the girl Anna and what she encounters while working in the office. Here you will learn the basics of business English.
Next comes the Express English section. In these audio clips, you will hear how native speakers speak out on a specific issue. Thus, you will learn how to correctly express your opinion in various situations and what constructions and phrases are needed for this. In the Words in the news section, you can listen to various news from Britain and around the world, get acquainted with the vocabulary and constructions that are used in the media.
And finally, The English we speak. In this section, the facilitators explain the meaning of various idiomatic phrases, proverbs and sayings and give advice on how to use them correctly. As for me, one of the most interesting sections, as it will make your speech rich and varied. All audio clips have text accompaniment and explanations of unfamiliar words. In some sections, for example, Words in the news, you will also be asked to complete tasks (there are keys to them, but the tasks themselves are not interactive). We would recommend this application to users who have good knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. Definitely not for beginners. English Listening, of course, only works online.
Grammar is great. But it is also necessary to know the words. This is where the BUSUU app will be very helpful. It is quite popular among users, we can say that it is generally a favorite. With it, you can learn many new words and phrases not only in English, but also in French, Chinese, Japanese, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Polish, Russian and Turkish.
The application offers lessons for several levels: Beginner A1, Elementary A2, Intermediate B1 and Upper Intermediate B2. There is also a section called "Travel Course", which has many lessons with useful vocabulary and phrases on this topic. The app is free, but you can subscribe to get access to additional lessons.
Words and phrases are chosen by topic, which is quite typical. Topics are wide-ranging, from topics like "Daily Duties" and "Work" at the beginner level to "Elections and Politics" and "Exploring Nature and the Universe" at the Upper Intermediate level.
The lessons are structured as follows. First, cards are provided with new words and examples of their use. Next comes the training, then you have the opportunity to listen to the words in the dialogue, the translation of which into Russian is also attached. At the end of the lesson, you have the opportunity to write a written assignment - a short text on this topic, which will be sent to native speakers for verification.
If you know of any other useful applications that should be in this top, please write them in the comments!
