Hey there! Looking to improve your British English but not sure where to start? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. There are some fantastic apps out there that can help you master British English on the go.
Best Apps to Learn British English for Android and iOS 2023
In this guide, we’ll explore 19 of the top apps for learning British English with a focus on vocabulary, grammar, speaking, writing, pronunciation, tutoring, and chatting with natives.
I’ll explain what each app does, its key features, how it works, and more so you can find the perfect ones to download to your phone or tablet!
Ready to start sounding more like an English bloke? Let’s dive in!
Why You Should Learn British English?
You may be wondering – why specifically learn British English? Well, there are some key differences between British and American English in spelling, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
So if you plan to live, work, or study in the UK, being able to understand and use British English will make your life a lot easier! You’ll better fit in and communicate with locals.
Even if you don’t plan to cross the pond, learning British English expands your understanding of the language as a whole. You’ll be able to watch BBC shows, engage with people from the UK, and consume more English content.
Plus the British accent just sounds downright fancy! App time…
Best British Learning Apps for Android & iOS Users:
Mastering British English will require personal effort and dedication. You need to be patient and practice as much as possible. With the help of good English apps, you can expect your journey to learning this new language to be easier. Here are our handpicked English learning apps:
#1: Promova
Promova offers bite-sized British English lessons focused on practical conversation skills for real life. You can access over 3,000 vocabulary terms around useful topics like travel, business, shopping, and more.
The app uses flashcards, short quizzes, and videos to help cement new vocab in your memory. Track your progress with badges for achievements unlocked. See how many words you can learn in a session!
Key Features:
- Thousands of vocab flashcards and quizzes
- Themed topics like travel, shopping, business
- Badge system to track progress
#2: Duolingo
Duolingo is one of the most popular free language learning apps around. It uses quick, bite-sized lessons to help you build vocabulary.
The app shows you a word in English, you match it to the right translation in your own language. Rinse and repeat! Their spaced repetition approach helps cement new words in memory. Complete themed vocabulary topics to make steady progress.
Key Features:
- Match words to translations to learn
- Themed vocab topics with spaced repetition
- Short daily lessons build habits
- Track your progress and set goals
#3: FluentU
FluentU is one of my personal favorites! It uses authentic English videos to teach you vocabulary in context.
As you watch clips from TV, movies, news, and more, you can click any word or phrase to instantly see the definition. This helps you understand how the words are actually used. You can also do vocabulary exercises and flashcards related to the videos.
Key Features:
- Learn vocab through real English videos
- Click definitions to understand word usage
- Reinforce learning with flashcards and quizzes
- Covers topics from entertainment to business
#4: Quizlet
With Quizlet, you can create and study British English flashcards for the vocabulary topics you need most. Search from sets created by other users or make your own.
The app helps you memorize words using different study modes like Learn, Flashcards, Write, Spell, and Test. Use it to drill tricky technical terms or build a foundation of conversational vocabulary. Take your pick!
Key Features:
- Make custom flashcard sets or use existing ones.
- 5 study modes to Target Vocabulary.
- Track your progress over time.
- Access shared card sets made by others.
#5: Memrise
Memrise mixes science and fun to help cement new words and phrases into your long-term memory. They use mnemonics, silly pictures, and spaced repetition.
I love their wacky examples and pronunciation recordings from native speakers. You really get immersed in the new language. Use it to memorize vocab at your own pace and track progress.
Key Features:
- Uses mnemonics and spaced repetition
- Fun, engaging approach
- Pronunciation recordings from natives
- Track your overall progress
#6: Word of the Day
If you just want to gradually build your vocabulary over time, Word of the Day is a great British English app.
You take a quick placement test, then get a new word delivered to you daily. See dictionary-style definitions, and usage in sample sentences, and save the words you’ve learned to review later.
It’s perfect for a short daily vocab boost to expand your language skills bit by bit. Give it a go!
Key Features:
- Get one new word a day
- See definitions and example sentences
- Short placement test assigns a level
- Review all learned words
Best Apps to Master British English Grammar 2023
Got a good handle on vocabulary? Now let’s look at some outstanding apps to improve your grammar for speaking and writing fluent British English.
#1: LearnEnglish Grammar
This grammar app comes straight from the reputable British Council, so you know you can trust it. With over 6000 activities, it covers all the English grammar fundamentals.
The bite-sized lessons use different quizzes and exercises to reinforce each topic. You’ll master everything from tenses to conditionals to relative clauses and more. Track your progress and take level tests along the way.
Key Features:
- 6000+ grammar activities for all levels.
- Created by the trusted British Council.
- Interactive quizzes and exercises.
- Track your progress.
#2: Johnny Grammar’s Word Challenge
For more advanced grammar practice from the British Council, Johnny Grammar delivers. This app targets the top 10 grammar trouble spots for intermediate learners.
You complete missions like shooting spaceships by choosing the right word to fill in sentence blanks. Test yourself on topics like comparatives, pronouns, modals, countables vs. non-countables, and more. Climb the global high score list!
Key Features:
- Targets top 10 tricky grammar points.
- British Council material.
- Fun, game-style activities.
- Compete on the global leaderboard.
Best British English Speaking and Writing Apps 2023
Ready to start practicing speaking and writing in British English? These fantastic apps can help you hold conversations, improve your accent, and take your writing skills to the next level.
#1: Speak English Conversation
This aptly named app provides tons of conversational British English practice. Choose from over 200 lessons on real-life topics like shopping, directions, making introductions, apologizing, and more.
You can record yourself speaking both sides of the dialogue to improve fluency. Review your pronunciation. It’s perfect for preparing yourself to actually chat with real English speakers!
Key Features:
- 200+ conversational dialogues
- Everyday topics like shopping, directions
- Record yourself and review
- Build confidence for real conversations
#2: Speak English Online Chat
Once you’ve built up some conversational skills, it’s time to put them to the test! This app connects you with other English learners around the world for voice and video chats.
Have casual conversations to practice speaking in a comfortable, low-pressure environment. Find chat partners who match your skill level. The anonymous matching means you can be yourself and make mistakes freely!
Key Features:
- Chat 1-on-1 with English learners globally.
- Practice speaking conversationally.
- Video and voice calls in the app.
- Anonymous user matching.
#3: Grammarly
Want to communicate like a native in writing? Then Grammarly is my top pick. It helps you fix grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style errors in your written English.
Just write out whatever you like in the app or browser extension – an email, essay, social media post, etc. Grammarly will suggest corrections and ways to improve the clarity and impact of your words.
The basic version is free. Upgrade to Premium to get more in-depth suggestions on vocabulary, tone, fluency, and more.
Key Features:
- Checks grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Gives vocabulary and style suggestions.
- Works across different types of writing.
- Upgrade to Premium for extra features.
Apps for Perfecting Your British English Pronunciation 2023
Now let’s focus on sounding more British. These excellent apps can train your ears and tongue to speak with a proper English accent.
#1: Elsa Speak
Elsa is the top app out there for improving your English pronunciation. It uses speech recognition technology to give you detailed feedback.
You’ll start by watching videos explaining how to position your mouth to make particular sounds. Then practice those sounds in words and phrases. Elsa listens to your recordings and gives instant feedback on how accurate you are.
Key Features:
- Detailed explanations of mouth positions
- Listen and repeat practice
- AI gives instant pronunciation feedback
- Covers consonants, vowels, intonation
#2: Sounds: Pronunciation App
Here’s another great pronunciation app from the British Council. Sounds use phonetic symbols to illustrate the specific mouth and tongue positions needed to articulate sounds.
You can tap any IPA symbol for an animated diagram and audio recording demonstrating how to make the sound. Then test your pronunciation and get instant feedback on your accuracy.
Key Features:
- British Council material and recordings
- Animations of how to make sounds
- Record yourself and get feedback
- Covers phonemes, stress, rhythm
#3: Shadowing
Shadowing is an advanced technique that involves listening to a recording and repeating it simultaneously. It’s great practice for mimicking British speech patterns.
The Shadowing app provides speeches and clips aimed at different English levels. Follow along, look up any unfamiliar words, and then record yourself shadowing the speaker. Get feedback on how your timing and pronunciation compare.
Key Features:
- Collection of monologues and dialogues
- Look up unfamiliar vocab
- Record your shadowing attempts
- Get feedback on timing and pronunciation
Download: iOS
Tutoring Apps to Teach British English 2023
Prefer to learn British English with an actual teacher? Check out these amazing tutoring apps that connect you with real UK-based tutors for lessons.
#1: Preply
Preply makes it easy to find and book online tutors for personalized British English lessons. Browse profiles of potential tutors and see student reviews.
Schedule a lesson time, then have video calls using Preply’s secure online classroom. Get matched with a tutor suited to your skill level and goals. Pay by the hour for occasional lessons or in packages.
Key Features:
- 1000s of qualified English tutors
- Video chat platform built-in
- Search tutors by availability, price, reviews
- Customizable lesson plans
#2: Cambly
Practice conversational British English any time with tutors on Cambly. You can instantly connect with thousands of tutors for lessons on demand through the app.
Before booking lessons in a package, you get a free 5 minute trial chat so you can see if a tutor’s style is a good fit. Lessons are one-on-one over video calls. Use their calendar tool to book times that work for you.
Key Features:
- Video chat platform built-in.
- Thousands of English tutors.
- 5 minute free trial chat.
- Schedule lessons on your calendar.
#3: Verbling
Verbling has an awesome community of UK-based tutors who can work with you on any English skills that need polishing. Search tutor profiles by specialty, availability, pricing, and student reviews.
The virtual classroom has an interactive whiteboard for easily sharing materials. Schedule lessons when it’s convenient for you. You can take one-off sessions or purchase lesson packages for a lower rate per class.
Key Features:
- Search and book UK-based tutors.
- Interactive online classroom.
- Schedule and manage lessons.
- Take individual classes or lesson bundles.
Best Chat with Native Speakers Apps to Learn British English 2023
To really get that British English flowing, you’ve got to talk with actual Brits! Meet native speakers and language learners worldwide through these fun social learning apps.
#1: Tandem
Tandem connects you with native British English speakers for text, audio, and video chats. You can improve your conversational skills from home!
Help others learn your native language in exchange. Correct each other’s messages and have free-flowing discussions. Take your chats to the next level with a virtual face-to-face meetup.
Key Features:
- Chat with native English speakers
- Text, voice messages, video calls
- Get corrections on your messages
- Set up virtual meetups
#2: HelloTalk
HelloTalk has an enormous global community of language learners and native speakers. It makes finding British chat partners a breeze.
Use built-in translation and correction tools as your message. Search nearby users and worldwide. Video/voice call functionality lets you take the conversation further. Unlock additional features with a VIP subscription.
Key Features:
- Chat 1-on-1 with native English speakers.
- Translator and correction tools.
- Search users globally or nearby.
- Upgrade to make unlimited calls.
Comparison of the Best British English Apps
Here’s a quick overview of some of the top apps in different categories to help you decide which to try first:
| Category | Top Apps |
|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Duolingo, Memrise, FluentU |
| Grammar | LearnEnglish Grammar, Johnny Grammar |
| Speaking/Writing | Speak English Conversation, Grammarly |
| Pronunciation | Elsa Speak, Sounds |
| Tutoring | Preply, Cambly |
| Conversation | Tandem, HelloTalk |
This covers some of the standout apps for improving vocabulary, grammar, speaking, writing, pronunciation, getting a tutor, and chatting with native speakers.
Find one or two top apps in each category that appeal to you. Download them to start boosting your British English skills right from your phone!
FAQs About Learning British English Apps
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using apps to master British English:
- Are the apps suitable for beginner or advanced learners?
The apps cover the full range from beginner to advanced. Look for ones tagged with your level or use adaptive apps that adjust based on your skills.
- Which accents do the apps teach?
Most focus on standard Southern British English accents. Some have content featuring other UK accents like Scottish and Northern.
- Do I need to pay for subscriptions?
Many apps offer free basic features. Unlock additional content and capabilities with reasonably priced subscriptions.
- How much screen time do I need for progress?
Aim for at least 10-15 minutes daily in one or two apps. Be consistent and you’ll see steady improvement over time.
- Are the apps safe and secure?
Reputable apps from established companies take measures to protect user data and privacy during sign up and use.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m happy to chat more about finding the perfect apps to become fluent in British English.
Conclusion
I hope this guide gave you a helpful introduction to the vast world of mobile apps for mastering British English.
The key is finding 1-2 apps in each category that suit your goals and learning style. Use them consistently in those spare moments throughout your day.
Before you know it, you’ll have the vocabulary, grammar, accent, and confidence of a true Brit!
Now grab your phone and get started on downloading some of these excellent apps to level up your language skills. Cheerio and best of luck with your British English learning journey!