How to practise English with native speakers

The simplest way to practise English with native speakers is a language exchange. You find an English speaker who is learning your language, and you help each other. Part of the chat is in English, part is in your language, and you both correct mistakes. It is free, and you get real, everyday English that textbooks often miss.

This guide is written in clear, simple English for learners at about B1 level. It explains what to expect from an English speaking partner, how to get the most from your practice, where learners usually get stuck in conversation, what to ask, and phrases you can copy.

What is an English speaking partner?

An English speaking partner is someone who practises English conversation with you regularly. In a language exchange, your partner is usually a native English speaker who wants to learn your language. They are not a teacher, and you are not their teacher. You are two learners helping each other.

Not sure if an exchange or a paid teacher is right for you? Read language exchange vs tutor.

Where English learners get stuck in conversation

You may know a lot of grammar and still find real conversation hard. These three areas cause many surprises.

Phrasal verbs

A phrasal verb is a verb plus a small word like up, out or off: take off, make out, sort out. The Cambridge Dictionary grammar guide says their meaning is often hard to guess from the parts. The plane took off means it went into the air. I can't make out what she's saying means you can't hear or understand her.

Phrasal verbs are also often less formal than a single word with the same meaning. We need to sort the problem out sounds more like a chat than We need to resolve the problem. So you will see them a lot in casual messages.

What to do: when your partner uses a phrasal verb you don't know, ask what it means in that sentence. Many phrasal verbs have more than one meaning.

The present perfect

If your language has no tense quite like I have seen or she has lived, this one takes practice. Cambridge describes the present perfect as a way to talk about past events that connect to the present. You use it for experiences when the time isn't important: Have you ever been to London? and We haven't met before, have we?

What to do: in your messages, try questions like Have you ever…? and How long have you…? Your partner will quickly show you when a simple past (I went) sounds better.

British or American English

Your partner might be from the UK, the US, Ireland, Canada, Australia or somewhere else. Cambridge says most differences between British and American English are vocabulary, pronunciation and spelling, with a few grammar differences. For example, Americans say The weather has gotten colder, while in British English the forms are get, got, got. I've got a picture is much more common in spoken British English, while Americans often just say I have.

What to do: don't worry about choosing perfectly. Notice where your partner is from, and ask when something looks different from what you learned.

What to ask a native English speaker

Native speakers can't always explain grammar rules. They are very good at knowing what sounds natural. Use that:

• "Is there a more natural way to say this?"
• "Would you say this to a friend, or only in an email to your boss?"
• "Is this word British, American, or both?"
• "What does this phrasal verb mean here?"
• "Can you rewrite my message the way you would write it?"

For tips on giving and getting corrections without feeling embarrassed, read how to correct someone kindly.

Good first topics

Start with easy, personal topics. You already have the words for them.

• Where you live and what you do on a normal day
• Your favourite food, music, series or sport
• A place you want to visit, and why
• Holidays and festivals in your country
• Why you are learning English, and why they are learning your language

When you want more ideas, read what to talk about in a language exchange. To start a conversation with someone new, read how to write your first message.

Useful English phrases for the exchange

How Talkabout helps

On Talkabout, the "Partners for you" view shows people who speak your learning language natively and are learning a language you speak. You can set how much you want to be corrected: everything, only major mistakes, or nothing. Your partner can suggest a fix on any message, and you see the change inline. Language, level and country filters are free.

FAQ

How can I practise English with native speakers for free?

Use a language exchange. Look for a native English speaker who is learning your language, then help each other: part of the chat in English, part in your language. Because you both give and get help, nobody pays.

Does my English partner need to be a native speaker?

No, but it helps for some things. Native speakers are good at telling you what sounds natural. A fluent non-native speaker can often explain grammar better, because they learned the rules themselves. Many learners practise with both.

Should I learn British or American English?

Either is fine, and speakers of both understand each other. Most differences are in vocabulary, pronunciation and spelling, with a few in grammar, such as "gotten" in American English. Choose the one you hear or need most, and stay consistent in writing.

What level of English do I need for a language exchange?

You can start at A2 on the CEFR scale. At that level you can communicate in simple, routine exchanges about familiar topics, which is enough for a slow text chat. Your partner will help you with the rest.

Start practising

Your English doesn't need to be perfect to start. It only needs to be good enough to say hello. If you speak Spanish, German or Japanese, find a partner on the English for Spanish speakers, English for German speakers or English for Japanese speakers pages, or sign up free. Talkabout is free, works in your browser and is for adults (18+).