Speak Up London

Can I use AI to learn English

Can I use AI to learn English?

Artificial intelligence is becoming a part of our everyday life. Some people are pessimistic about what it might do to the world. Some experts think that AI will replace millions of jobs in the next fifteen years. Others are more optimistic, focusing on the benefits it can bring to humanity.

What about learning a language? Can it help? The simple answer is: yes – AI can help.

Using AI to Learn English

Like Duolingo, AI is best used to *supplement learning. Duolingo alone doesn’t give you the skills to become fluent in another language. It doesn’t:

     ● Teach you slang
     ● Show how ‘real’ people talk
     ● Give you pronunciation tips
     ● Give you real-life practice

However, it can enrich what you already know, like practising the form of the language – such
as the word order.

If you give AI platforms like ChatGPT the right *prompts, it can communicate with you in a way that is very similar to a friend, colleague or teacher.

You could use it to practise your written communication: start a conversation with ChatGPT by saying something as simple as: How are you? Although it’s obviously different from a conversation with a person, having a written conversation with AI might stop you from feeling worried about making mistakes! Or, you can always ask the AI to point out where you make
mistakes and how to fix them.

Learn English

It can also help with grammar practice. Try giving it a prompt like: Give me 10 word-fill exercises to practise the Present Perfect Continuous.

present perfect continuous
present perfect continuous2


AI language learning - substitute or support?

When learning English, it is tempting to use AI tools like ChatGPT to translate, write essays, or answer questions for you. But an MIT study has warned that relying too much on AI can slow down your progress.

For example:
● If you let AI write your essay in English, you don’t practise building sentences or learning new words yourself.

● If AI always gives you answers, you don’t train your brain to think in English.

Think about the question: “If you could have a vending machine, what would it sell?” If you use AI immediately, you miss a chance to practise creativity, vocabulary, and fluency in English.
 
Later, when someone asks you a simple question in English, such as “What do you like to eat?”, you might find it harder to answer without help.
 
So, AI is useful but in English learning it should be a support, not a replacement. Use AI to check your grammar or give you new vocabulary, but try first on your own to express your ideas in English. That way, you train your brain to think in English, not just copy AI’s answers.

Summary

AI has great advantages for any language learner. Using AI to encourage your learning and to give you extra practice and clarification, is a great way to use this tool to improve your language. Remember: AI is still being developed. That means it has many potential problems – so don’t believe everything it tells you!

Glossary:

*supplement – to add to something else to make that thing better
*prompt – something that encourages a person to say or do something
 
 
Author: Kit, a teacher at Speak Up London

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Reviews

keila nunes
4 days ago

Nessa escola estou de fato aprendo a falar inglês, já tinha estudando em outro e infelizmente não conseguia destravar a fala.

Alexandre
4 days ago

Speak up London it's a nice place to improve you English. I recommend you

Debora Lemos
5 days ago

I came to the School through Carla, who is an excellent professional. I have known her for 8 months, and I can only thank her for care and attention. I am very happy with the school I have recommended it to my friends. I want to study until my English is good. I am in love with the school and I am grateful to Carla for introducing me this lovely school.

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Reviews

keila nunes
4 days ago

Nessa escola estou de fato aprendo a falar inglês, já tinha estudando em outro e infelizmente não conseguia destravar a fala.

Alexandre
4 days ago

Speak up London it's a nice place to improve you English. I recommend you

Debora Lemos
5 days ago

I came to the School through Carla, who is an excellent professional. I have known her for 8 months, and I can only thank her for care and attention. I am very happy with the school I have recommended it to my friends. I want to study until my English is good. I am in love with the school and I am grateful to Carla for introducing me this lovely school.