Improving your spoken English after moving to the UK

Many people arrive in the UK with good written English and find speaking harder. Speech is quick, and local people use phrases that books skip. The fix is more speaking, in small, regular doses.

Speak a little every day

Twenty minutes of speaking beats a long session once a week. Try these:

• Say your plan for the day out loud while you get ready.
• Order in English at the café, even if the staff speak your language.
• Record a one-minute voice note about your day. Listen back and note one thing to fix.

Listen to how people really talk

British speakers shorten words and link them. "Do you want to" can sound like "dya wanna". Listen for this in radio, podcasts and shows with English subtitles. Then copy a few lines, aloud, at the same speed.

Learn phrases, not single words

Phrases are what people say. "How are you getting on?" is more useful than a rare word. Keep a small list on your phone and add three phrases a week.

Find someone who answers back

A language exchange pairs you with a native English speaker who is learning your language. You speak English for half the time and your language for the other half. You get real replies, and you help them as well.

Nearly Fluent matches people near you in Surrey and London. It is free. Join free, add your languages and say hello to a good fit. Not sure where you stand? Take the English level quiz.

Meet in a group if one to one feels too much

A language table is four to six people at a café, hosted by a member. Book a place in the app. You can listen for a while before you speak. The first table cards have topics to start with.

Be kind to yourself

You will make mistakes. Partners expect them, because they make them too. Ask for corrections on the mistakes that repeat. The guide to correcting and being corrected shows polite ways to do it.

Next step

Read how to find a language partner, then practise English in Surrey and London.