You're Not Bad at English; You Just Haven't Truly 'Dived In' and Learned to Swim
Does this sound familiar?
We've studied English for nearly a decade, from middle school through college. We bought vocabulary books one after another and knew grammar rules inside and out. But why is it that when we encounter a native speaker, our minds still go blank, and we can't even manage a smooth "How are you?" without stumbling?
We've all fallen into a huge misunderstanding, believing that learning English is like preparing for a history exam—just memorize the textbook, and you'll get a high score.
But today, I want to share a harsh yet liberating truth with you: Learning English has never been about "studying," but about "learning to swim."
Standing on the Shore, You'll Never Learn to Swim
Imagine you want to learn to swim.
You buy every book on swimming available, study every component movement of the freestyle and breaststroke, and you can even recite the formula for water buoyancy by heart. You become an expert in swimming theory.
Then, someone pushes you into the water. What would happen?
You'd only flail frantically and swallow several gulps of water, then realize that all the knowledge you've read is completely useless in the water.
This is the predicament we face when learning English. We are all "swimming theorists" standing on the shore. We've spent countless hours "studying" English, but rarely truly "jumped into the water" to use it.
Those who are fluent in English aren't smarter or more talented than you. They only have one thing in common: They've already jumped in the water, and they're not afraid to swallow some water.
They understand that language isn't a subject to be "memorized," but a skill for "communication." Just like swimming or riding a bicycle, the only secret is this: Get in the water and use it.
How to Move From the 'Shore' to the 'Water'?
Changing your mindset is the first step, but what's next? You need a clear action plan to "push" yourself into the water from the shore.
1. First, Aim to 'Stay Afloat'; Then, Aim for 'Perfect Your Stroke'
No one swims with Olympic-level form the first time they get in the water. Everyone first learns how to keep themselves from sinking.
Speaking English is the same. Forget about perfect grammar and advanced vocabulary. Your only goal right now is this: Make the other person understand what you mean.
It's fine to use simple words, broken sentences, or even body language. The essence of communication is conveying messages, not a grammar competition. When you stop obsessing over "saying it right" and focus on "saying it clearly," you'll find that speaking isn't actually that difficult.
2. Find Your 'Swimming Pool'
You don't need to move abroad to find an English-speaking environment. Today, your phone is your best swimming pool.
The key is to transform English from a "subject of study" into a "part of daily life."
- Swap your favorite Chinese playlists for English pop songs.
- For the shows you follow, try turning off Chinese subtitles and turning on English ones.
- Change your phone's system language to English.
These are all ways to create a mini "English environment."
If you want something more direct, find a tool that lets you "immerse yourself in the water." In the past, finding a language partner willing to practice with you was difficult, but now technology makes everything easier. Chat apps like Intent allow you to communicate directly with native speakers worldwide. Their built-in AI real-time translation acts like your personal coach, gently nudging you when you're stuck for words or can't think of what to say, helping you "swim" along smoothly.
The main point is to create an environment where you "have no choice but to speak English."
3. Get Used to the Feeling of 'Swallowing Water'
When learning to swim, you can't avoid swallowing water. When learning English, you can't avoid making mistakes.
Treat every mistake as "swallowing a mouthful of water." You might choke a bit or feel embarrassed, but it also means you're learning to adapt to the water. True masters aren't those who never make mistakes, but those who can immediately adjust after making one and keep moving forward.
Next time you say something wrong, don't get discouraged. Just laugh it off, tell yourself, "Hmm, learned something new again," and then keep speaking.
Stop Studying, Start Doing
Stop being a theorist on the shore.
You already possess enough "swimming knowledge" (vocabulary, grammar). Now all you lack is the courage to jump into the water.
The language learning curve is never a smooth, straight line. It's more like thrashing around in the water, sometimes moving forward, sometimes choking on water, but as long as you don't climb back onto the shore, you'll eventually be able to swim freely and easily to the other side.
So, from today, forget "learning" English, and start "using" English.
The water isn't as cold as you think.