🏹 Myths About Learning English: Let’s Bust Them Together

Learning English can be an empowering and transformative journey. Yet, along the way, many learners encounter misconceptions that hold them back from truly mastering the language.

If you’re an Italian learner, you might have heard a few myths that are, sadly, widespread.

In this post, I’ll help you debunk (=expose falseness) five common myths that might be hindering your progress and offer you a path forward that’s more aligned with your natural rhythm and confidence.

After all, the road to fluency doesn’t have to be paved with frustration and confusion—it can be a smooth, mindful path.

Myth #1: "I Need to Translate Everything Into Italian"

You've all been there—struggling to find the right words in English and immediately translating them into Italian in your minds. But here’s the truth: this slows you down and prevents you from thinking directly in English.

Relying on translations keeps your brain stuck in “Italian mode” and doesn’t allow you to fully engage with English the way native speakers do.

Instead, try to immerse yourself in the language.

Let English become a natural part of your thought process, not something you need to decode.

Imagine feeling at ease when you hear an English sentence and understanding it right away without mentally switching to your mother tongue. This mental shift is powerful—it helps you grasp not only vocabulary but the subtle nuances of the language. With consistent exposure and practice, your ability to think directly in English will improve, giving you the confidence to speak fluidly.

Myth #2: "Learning Grammar Theories Is More Important Than Practicing"

Ah, grammar. It’s the foundation of any language, but obsessing over it before you feel confident speaking can create more harm than good. Many learners believe that learning complex grammar rules is the key to fluency, but they quickly discover that theory alone doesn’t get them far in real-life conversations.

Here’s the thing: grammar should support your communication, not be the center of your study.

A better approach is to engage in conversation.

This allows you to see how grammar works in context, rather than memorising long lists of rules that often seem disconnected from real usage. English grammar will come naturally as you practice speaking, reading, and writing. Allow yourself to make mistakes along the way—because that’s how you grow. After all, language isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection.

Myth #3: "Journaling and Creative Tools Are a Waste of Time"

Many students dismiss the idea of journaling or using creative tools in their language learning. They think it’s unnecessary, or perhaps a little too “artsy.” But I’m here to tell you: creative exercises can unlock a side of you that grammar exercises simply can’t reach. When you engage with the language in a playful, creative way, you’re not just improving your vocabulary—you’re building a deeper emotional connection to English.

Think of it as a journey to discover not just the language, but yourself through the lens of English.

When you journal, you start to express your thoughts, emotions, and dreams in a new voice. Your confidence will grow because you’ll feel more comfortable with your unique expression in English.

This connection is not only empowering but also a reminder that learning English is about discovering who you are and who you can become. Don’t underestimate the power of creativity—it’s one of the most effective ways to make learning a joyful process.

Myth #4: "There’s Only One Correct British Accent"

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that the “proper” way to speak English is with a perfect British accent. But the truth is, English is spoken in many different ways, and all accents are valid. From the rolling hills of Yorkshire to the bustling streets of London, English adapts and transforms to fit the culture and individuality of its speakers.

Instead of fixating on a single accent, embrace the diversity of English pronunciation.

The beauty of the language is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to speaking it.

Don’t let an accent become a barrier—let it be a tool of expression, a reflection of your personality and journey with the language.

Myth #5: "Following Dozens of Instagram Profiles Will Help Me Learn Faster"

In today’s digital age, it’s tempting to believe that following endless Instagram profiles or watching countless “quick tips” will speed up your progress. But all this can do is overwhelm you with information, leading to confusion rather than clarity.

Many learners spread themselves too thin (=try to do too many things at the same time without actual results), hopping from one profile to the next without ever committing to a deep, focused practice.

Instead, choose quality over quantity.

When you follow a profile, ask yourself: does this resonate with your learning style? Is this teacher or content creator helping you grow, or are they simply adding to the noise?

You don’t need hundreds of posts to learn English effectively—what you need is consistent, intentional practice that speaks to your unique learning path.

So, What’s Next?

I’m sure you’re ready to move beyond these myths and find a learning method that truly works for you—one that allows you to develop your own rhythm, build confidence, and embrace English in a way that feels natural.

It’s time to take the next step in your language journey.

Curious to know more? Let’s chat and explore how we can shape your English learning experience together.