11 Websites Every English Learner Should Bookmark

Whether you’re self-learning a language from scratch, taking a course through school, or want to keep fluent with the most up-to-date conversational lingo, we’ve compiled a list of websites that are worth saving for regular use! From online dictionaries to practice tests, community forums, and even programs that allow you to “Netflix and learn,” we’ve got you covered at any level!

1) British Council Tests

Do you know what level of learner you are? You will hear a lot about “levels” of learning. We use the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) leveling system, which goes from beginner (A1) all the way to advanced fluency (C2). The British council website offers a free quick English level test to help you better understand which level courses and worksheets will be best for you! Keep the page bookmarked, and go back and retest yourself regularly to know when you can advance to the next level of material. The British Council website also has lesson videos and other tests to practice and supplement courses you may be taking elsewhere.

2) Test English

The Test English website has dozens of free tests for every level, from A2 to B2, in many different categories, to help you practice and assess your understanding of what you have been learning. Choose between grammar, vocabulary, listening, reading, writing, and even language usage to access tests on a variety of topics. They even offer practice tests to help you prepare for any certification you may be trying to get, such as the IELTS or the TOEFL. At the time of writing this article, the tests are all online with no download function, but they have stated the plan to make downloadable content soon! This is a great reason to keep Test English in your bookmarks and check back regularly.

3) Language Exchange 

Language exchange is a great way to practice speaking English with another person. Create a free account and search for speaking partners from all around the world! You can choose a fellow English learner, but we would recommend finding a native speaker who is interested in learning YOUR language! That way, you can practice English with someone who can answer your questions and amend any mistakes. And you can help a fellow learner by doing the same in your own language! In English, we call that a “win-win.”

4) English Forward 

Advertised as the largest online community of English learners, with over 300 million active users, this forum is an excellent resource for asking questions, meeting fellow learners, and connecting with teachers! Whether you have a question about definitions, grammar, or even idioms (they have a whole forum dedicated to them!), you can post your question knowing that it will likely be answered quickly. Unlike other forums that are populated mainly by fellow learners of varying levels, English Forward boasts English teachers and native speakers as well to help answer some of the more tricky and nuanced questions. Best of all, creating an account and asking questions is completely free!

5) Language Usage on Stack Exchange

The English Language & Usage forum on the Stack Exchange website is an excellent tool for more advanced English speakers looking for specific answers. Whether you have a question about English grammar, proper usage of a tricky word or phrase, or even punctuation confusion, posts seem to be answered promptly and thoroughly! If multiple people answer your query, the rest of the forum can vote on the answers they think are most accurate so that you, as the poster, can see what most people agree on. 

6) Linguaholic

Linguaholic is a free online community forum where you can post questions, join conversations, and even get recommendations on apps, classes, and textbooks! You can create a free account and browse any of the various forums to post questions on grammar or even ask for a translation of a tricky word, phrase, or idiom. Our favorite forum offered at Linguaholic is the Language Exchange Corner. There, you can find other language learners to connect with and practice with! You can create a thread of fellow English learners to practice with or even find an English speaker who wants to learn YOUR native language and exchange tips and tricks!

7) Online Dictionary & Thesaurus

Every language learner needs to bookmark an online dictionary so you can access definitions on the go! You may prefer a different one, and that is absolutely fine. But if you haven’t chosen a favorite yet, I recommend Dictionary.com. It is an easy-to-use, no-frills website that does exactly what it needs to do without any unnecessary bells and whistles. For more advanced students, I also recommend having a thesaurus saved to help expand your vocabulary. Again, you can use any you like best, but Thesaurus.com is helpfully attached to Dictionary.com, so you only need to bookmark one of the websites to access both!

8) One Look

This is a website even native speakers use frequently! It is not only an online dictionary but also a thesaurus and even a “reverse dictionary.” Typically, you look up a word and gain the definition, but what about when you know what you want to say but can’t remember the word itself? A “reverse dictionary” can help with that! Search for words based on a phrase or even partial spelling!

Let’s take a look at some apps we recommend for learning.

9) Lingopie

If you watch TV and movies on Netflix, why not use that time to work on English? Lingopie is the original “watch and learn” app that layers on top of your Netflix window and offers things like dual subtitles in your language and English, which are clickable, so you can learn vocabulary while you watch! Then, at the end of the episode, use video flashcards to test how much you picked up. 

10) FluentU 

Similar to Lingopie, FluentU is an app that allows you to watch while you learn! But unlike Lingopie, with FluentU, you can watch YouTube as well as Netflix! And they even have their own curated video library, specifically for early-level learners.

11) PrismaText

Are you more of a reader? PrismaText is an app that uses blended language to help you understand and learn English in context as you read books and stories! It adjusts as you advance and, over time, swaps out your native language for English. In no time, you’ll find yourself reading entire novels in mostly English!

Closing Thoughts

And there you have it! Our picks for some of the most helpful tools for learning English on the internet. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, give these sites a try and make sure to let us know your favorites! And if you’re looking for more in depth courses, helpful videos and worksheets, don’t forget to give lingoni.com a visit for some of the best lessons around!