Is English the Hardest Language to Learn? 

People often say that English is the hardest language to learn. This might seem backwards as English is the most spoken language around the world, but could it be true?

In this blog, we will take a look at where this idea came from, explore the reasons why, and see if there is any truth behind it.

Why Do People Think English Is Difficult?

First, let’s look at the reasons why many people consider English one of the hardest languages to learn. From grammar rules to idiomatic expressions, there are several features that often confuse and challenge learners.

The Complexity of English Grammar

English grammar might look straightforward at first glance, but it quickly becomes more difficult with the introduction of tense structures. Learners must navigate a web of 12 to 16 different tenses, each with its own subtle meaning. 

For example, the difference between “I had eaten” and “I have eaten” may seem small, but it’s significant in context. These differences aren’t always easy to internalise without lots of exposure, and even fluent speakers occasionally mix them up.

Irregular Spelling and Pronunciation

One of the biggest hurdles for learners is the unpredictable relationship between spelling and sound. Take “through,” “tough,” and “though” – each spelt similarly, each pronounced differently. Silent letters like the “k” in “knife” and inconsistent endings like those in “cough” and “though” make phonetic logic almost useless. Learners often rely on repetition and listening practice rather than rules.

Exceptions and Idioms

If there’s one rule in English that learners find frustrating, it’s that nearly every rule has exceptions. Take, for instance, the saying “i before e except after c”—which works in “believe” but not in “weird” or “science.” Plural rules like “add -s” also fall apart with words like “mouse” becoming “mice” and “child” turning into “children.” This is especially true with idioms. Expressions like “raining cats and dogs” or “costs an arm and a leg” make no literal sense, yet are commonly used. Without context, these phrases can completely confuse even high-level learners. Many of these are region-specific as well, which adds another layer of difficulty.

How Language Background Affects Difficulty

Is English harder for some nationalities to learn than others? Let’s take a look at how a learner’s native language can influence their experience with English.

Easier for Germanic and Latin-Based Language Speakers

English shares a substantial vocabulary and structure with Latin and Germanic languages. For native speakers of French, German, Dutch, or Spanish, English can feel more familiar. 

The use of the Latin alphabet and similar sentence structures gives these learners a head start. For example, French and English share many cognates words like “important,” “restaurant,” and “minute” that sound and look the same in both languages.

Harder for Native Speakers of Tonal or Non-Indo-European Languages

On the other hand, speakers of tonal languages like Mandarin, or languages with completely different scripts like Japanese or Arabic, often face a steeper learning curve. English does not follow the tonal or symbolic systems they’re used to, which can mean a total shift in how they think about writing, pronunciation, and grammar. In some cases, learners must first get comfortable with the Latin alphabet before even beginning to focus on grammar and vocabulary.

How Does English Compare to Other Challenging Languages?

English vs. Mandarin Chinese

Mandarin is often considered the most difficult language to learn due to its tone system, where a change in pitch can alter a word’s meaning, and its thousands of characters. Compared to this, English has a more accessible alphabet, but still causes trouble with pronunciation and sentence structure.

English vs. Arabic

Arabic introduces learners to a script that changes form depending on where letters appear in a word. Its grammar system is also highly structured and very different from English. Pronunciation of certain consonants also poses a challenge to English speakers, and vice versa.

English vs. Japanese

Japanese combines three writing systems – hiragana, katakana, and kanji—each with its own rules. Honorific language and levels of formality make it a particularly nuanced language to learn. English may be simpler in terms of sentence structure, but Japanese learners often find English idioms and pronunciation baffling.

English vs. Russian

Russian grammar includes six noun cases, which completely change the form of words depending on their grammatical role. English is less complex in this sense, but Russian pronunciation is often more phonetically consistent, offering some compensation for learners.

Is English Also One of the Easiest Languages?

Simple Verb Conjugations

Compared to languages like Spanish or French, English has relatively straightforward verb conjugations. Most verbs use the same form for many subjects: “I run,” “you run,” “we run.” While irregular verbs do exist (“go” becomes “went”), they are finite and widely used, so learners quickly become familiar with them.

Lack of Gendered Nouns

English nouns are not gendered, which simplifies grammar significantly. There’s no need to memorise whether a chair or a book is masculine or feminine, as is necessary in French, German, or Italian. This makes sentence construction a little more intuitive for learners.

Widespread Global Exposure and Resources

English-language content is everywhere—on social media, in music, films, games, and academic texts. Learners are often exposed to English long before they start formal education. This familiarity helps them feel more comfortable and can significantly shorten the learning curve. Resources for learning English are also among the most extensive in the world.

Expert Insights: What Makes a Language “Hard”?

Language experts often point out that difficulty is highly subjective. A language that feels intuitive to one person may be totally alien to another. It’s often about the distance between your native language and the one you’re trying to learn.

This concept of “language distance” helps explain why English may seem approachable to some and completely overwhelming to others. It’s not just about the rules—it’s about what you already know.

Tips for Learning English Effectively

Immersive Language Environments

Immersive experiences are among the most effective methods for language acquisition. Whether through study abroad, English-language media, or programmes like those at SBC, being surrounded by the language allows learners to absorb vocabulary and structures naturally.

Courses Designed for International Learners

Programmes specifically tailored to second-language learners, such as those at SBC’s summer schools, ensure students receive support suited to their level. From academic English to conversation skills, these courses help build a solid foundation in a supportive, multicultural setting.

Building Confidence in Speaking and Listening

Many learners understand more English than they think but hesitate to speak for fear of making mistakes. Encouraging learners to practise through discussion, presentations, and debates helps them gain fluency and confidence in their abilities. At SBC, we place a strong emphasis on active participation. Rather than simply listening or completing written exercises, students are encouraged to speak regularly, engage with peers, and express their ideas in real-world contexts. This active approach not only improves communication skills but also builds the courage to use English spontaneously.

Conclusion – Is English the Hardest Language to Learn?

In many ways, English presents real challenges: unpredictable spelling, flexible grammar rules, and a massive array of idioms. But it also offers some important advantages, such as a relatively simple syntax, a familiar alphabet, and global accessibility. Whether English is the hardest language to learn ultimately depends on the learner’s native language, learning environment, and previous exposure.

For most learners, the key to mastering English lies in patience, practice, and persistence. With the right support—such as structured learning, immersive environments, and positive reinforcement—it becomes an achievable and rewarding goal.

Explore English Learning Opportunities with SBC

At Summer Boarding Courses, we are dedicated to shaping the leaders and thinkers of tomorrow. Our world-class summer programmes, held at prestigious locations like Oxford and Cambridge, provide a unique opportunity for young learners to thrive academically and socially. With a strong focus on building confidence, nurturing independence, and fostering a spirit of global citizenship, SBC’s courses empower students to exceed their potential.

Whether you’re just beginning your English journey or looking to refine your skills, explore our English Language Programmes and discover how immersive learning can transform your confidence and ability. Contact us today to find out more or submit an enquiry.