How to Start Learning English from Zero: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
Have you ever dreamed of speaking English fluently but felt overwhelmed because you’re starting from absolute zero? You’re not alone. Millions of people worldwide begin their English journey with no prior knowledge—and many go on to achieve amazing fluency. This complete beginner’s guide will walk you step by step on how to start learning English from zero in 2025, using simple, effective, and fun methods that actually work.
No grammar books. No confusion. Just a clear roadmap designed for total beginners. Let’s begin your journey today!
Why Learn English from Zero in 2025?
English is the global language of:
- Jobs – 80% of international companies require English
- Travel – Speak confidently in 100+ countries
- Education – Access top universities and online courses
- Entertainment – Enjoy movies, music, and games without subtitles
Starting from zero is not a disadvantage—it’s a fresh start.
Step 1: Master the English Alphabet & Sounds
Before words, you need letters and sounds.
What to Do:
- Learn the 26 letters (A–Z) and their basic sounds.
- Practice short vowel sounds: /æ/ (cat), /e/ (bed), /ɪ/ (sit), /ɒ/ (hot), /ʌ/ (cup)
- Use YouTube videos with phonics songs (search: “ABC Phonics Song for Beginners”).
Daily Goal: Spend 10 minutes repeating letters and sounds out loud.
Step 2: Learn 100 Basic Survival Words
You don’t need 10,000 words to start speaking. Begin with high-frequency words.
Top 20 Must-Know Words:
| English | Bangla Meaning |
|---|---|
| Hello | হ্যালো |
| Thank you | ধন্যবাদ |
| Yes / No | হ্যাঁ / না |
| Please | দয়া করে |
| Water | পানি |
| Food | খাবার |
| Help | সাহায্য |
| Name | নাম |
| Good | ভালো |
| Bad | খারাপ |
Pro Tip: Use flashcards (physical or apps like Anki or Quizlet).
Step 3: Build Simple Sentences (Subject + Verb + Object)
English sentence structure is easy: Subject + Verb + Object
Examples:
- I eat rice.
- She likes tea.
- We go home.
Practice Formula:
- Pick a subject: I, You, He, She, We, They
- Pick a verb: eat, drink, go, like, want
- Pick an object: water, book, school, phone
Make 5 sentences daily.
Step 4: Listen Every Day (Even If You Don’t Understand)
Your ears need training!
Best Free Resources for Beginners:
- BBC Learning English – “English at the Movies” (slow & clear)
- VOA Learning English – News in simple English
- Peppa Pig – Yes! Kids’ shows are perfect for beginners
- Duolingo Stories – Short audio dialogues
Goal: Listen 15 minutes daily. Repeat what you hear.
Step 5: Speak from Day 1 (Yes, Really!)
Speaking is scary—but silence keeps you at zero.
How to Start Speaking:
- Talk to yourself in the mirror: “Hello. My name is [Your Name]. I am from Bangladesh. I like tea.”
- Use language exchange apps:
- HelloTalk
- Tandem
- Speaky
- Record your voice and compare with native speakers.
Golden Rule: Mistakes = Progress. Don’t aim for perfect—aim for communication.
Step 6: Learn Grammar the Smart Way (Only What You Need)
Forget complex rules. Focus on 3 beginner grammar pillars:
| Grammar | Example |
|---|---|
| Present Simple | I eat rice every day. |
| Questions | Do you like coffee? |
| Negatives | I don’t speak French. |
Resource: English Grammar in Use (Basic) by Raymond Murphy (with Bangla explanations available online).
Step 7: Read Like a Child
Start with picture books and graded readers.
Recommended Books (Level 0–1):
- Oxford Bookworms Starters
- Penguin Readers Level 1
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar (with audio)
Method:
- Look at pictures
- Read one sentence
- Say it aloud
- Guess unknown words from context
Step 8: Create a 30-Day Beginner Plan
Consistency > Intensity
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Alphabet + 50 basic words + greetings |
| Week 2 | Simple sentences + daily listening |
| Week 3 | Introduce yourself in 5 sentences |
| Week 4 | Ask/answer 10 basic questions |
Track progress in a notebook.
Step 9: Use Free Apps (Your Pocket Teacher)
| App | Best For |
|---|---|
| Duolingo | Gamified lessons |
| Cake | Short video phrases |
| ELSA Speak | Pronunciation practice |
| BBC Learning English | Daily audio lessons |
Use 2 apps daily for 20 minutes.
Step 10: Join a Beginner Community
You’re not alone!
Best Free Communities:
- Reddit: r/LearnEnglish
- Facebook Groups: “English Learners Bangladesh”
- Discord: English learning servers
- Local language clubs
Post one sentence daily—get corrections and confidence!
Bonus: Common Mistakes Beginners Make (Avoid These!)
❌ Waiting to “know enough” before speaking ❌ Translating every word from Bangla ❌ Studying grammar for hours without practice ❌ Being shy about mistakes
✅ Speak early, speak often, speak badly—at first.
Your First English Conversation Script
Practice this today:
You: Hello! My name is [Name]. Friend: Hi! Nice to meet you. Where are you from? You: I am from Bangladesh. I like English. Friend: Great! Do you drink tea? You: Yes, I drink tea every day. Thank you!
Final Motivation: From Zero to Hero
“The best time to start learning English was 5 years ago. The second best time is NOW.”
In 6 months, you can:
- Introduce yourself confidently
- Order food in English
- Understand simple YouTube videos
- Make international friends
