Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start learning English from zero?
Begin with the Beginner level on the Learn page: alphabet, verb to be, pronouns and simple present. Study 3–5 topics per day, then take a Beginner quiz.
How many topics are in LearnViz English?
More than 2,000 topics: grammar, vocabulary, writing, idioms & phrasal verbs, and pronunciation & common mistakes — across five levels from Beginner to Advanced.
What are the five levels?
Beginner (A1), Elementary (A2), Intermediate (B1), Upper-Intermediate (B2) and Advanced (C1–C2).
How long does it take to become fluent?
It depends on your starting point and practice time. With 30–60 minutes daily, many learners move up one level in 3–6 months.
What is the difference between "much" and "many"?
Use many with countable nouns (many books) and much with uncountable nouns (much water). In positive sentences, prefer a lot of.
When do I use "a" and "an"?
Use an before vowel sounds (an hour, an apple) and a before consonant sounds (a university).
What is the difference between present perfect and past simple?
Present perfect connects past and present with no finished time (I have seen it). Past simple is for finished times (I saw it yesterday).
How do I remember irregular verbs?
Learn them in groups with similar patterns (sing–sang–sung, ring–rang–rung) and use them in short sentences daily.
What is the best way to build vocabulary?
Learn words in context, review with flashcards using spaced repetition, and use each new word in your own sentence within 24 hours.
How does the Vocabulary flashcard page work?
Click a card to flip it. Mark words as Known or Learning. Known words are saved and counted in your progress.
Can I search for topics?
Yes. Press Ctrl+K (or ⌘K) or click the 🔍 icon to search topics, words, quizzes and FAQs from anywhere.
How is the quiz scored?
Each correct answer is one point. You see your percentage, correct answers with explanations, and the score is added to your progress chart.
What are the example tests?
Timed mock tests that mix grammar, vocabulary and usage questions at your chosen level, with a countdown, score breakdown and review.
Is my progress saved?
Yes, in your browser local storage. Clearing browser data or using another device resets it. You can reset manually from the Progress page.
Do I need an internet connection?
Once the page is loaded, everything works offline. Pronunciation uses your browser speech engine, which may vary.
How do I improve my writing?
Study the Writing topics, practise in the Writing Lab with the live word counter and checklist, then proofread your text aloud.
What is the difference between "its" and "it's"?
It's = it is / it has. Its shows possession (The dog wagged its tail).
How do I improve pronunciation?
Listen and repeat with the 🔊 button, learn word stress, and record yourself to compare with native speakers.
How do I prepare for IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge exams?
Aim for Upper-Intermediate/Advanced topics, practise timed tests, and focus on essay structure, linkers and academic vocabulary.
What are phrasal verbs?
A verb plus a particle that creates a new meaning, e.g. give up (stop), look after (care for). They are very common in speech.
What is the difference between British and American English?
Mainly spelling (colour/color), vocabulary (lift/elevator) and some grammar. Both are correct; stay consistent.
Why are English spelling and pronunciation so different?
English borrowed words from many languages and its pronunciation changed over centuries while spelling stayed fixed. Learn patterns and exceptions.
What is the difference between "who" and "whom"?
Who is the subject (Who called?). Whom is the object, mainly in formal English (To whom did you write?).
Should I learn grammar or just speak?
Both. Grammar gives structure; speaking builds fluency. Alternate learning a topic with using it in conversation.
How often should I take quizzes?
Daily short quizzes (5–10 questions) work best. Review wrong answers the next day.
What is the difference between "since" and "for"?
Since + point in time (since 2020). For + length of time (for five years).
How do conditionals work?
Zero: facts. First: real future. Second: unreal present. Third: unreal past. Study them in order in Grammar.
Is it okay to end a sentence with a preposition?
Yes, in natural English: Who are you talking to? Avoid it only in very formal writing if it sounds awkward.
How can I stop making common mistakes?
Review the Pronunciation & Mistakes topics, keep a personal mistake list, and correct it each week.
What is the difference between "affect" and "effect"?
Affect is usually a verb (to influence). Effect is usually a noun (a result).
How do I switch between light and dark mode?
Click the 🌓 button in the top bar. Your choice is remembered.
Can I use LearnViz English on my phone?
Yes. The layout is responsive and works on phones, tablets and desktops.
Is LearnViz English free to use?
Yes. All lessons, quizzes, tests and the Writing Lab are free to use in your browser. No sign-up is needed to start.
Where is my progress saved?
Your progress, completed topics, quiz scores and theme are saved in your own browser storage. They are not uploaded to a server, so use the same browser and device to keep them, and clearing site data will erase them.
Which level should I start with?
Take the placement test in the Tests section first. If you are unsure, start at Beginner (A1) and move up once you can complete most quiz questions without help.
What does A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1 mean?
They are levels from the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). A1 is beginner, A2 elementary, B1 intermediate, B2 upper-intermediate and C1–C2 advanced. LearnViz uses these five bands to group its topics.
How long should I study each day?
Twenty to thirty minutes of focused practice every day is more effective than a long session once a week. Study two or three topics, do a short quiz, then review the mistakes you made.
How do I know which grammar topic to study next?
Work through one category and level at a time, starting with the topic that feels least familiar. Each topic page links to related topics at the same level, so you can follow a path from simple to complex.
Are the examples on each topic page enough to learn the rule?
The examples show the rule in use, and the key rules and common mistakes sections explain the pattern. For lasting learning, write your own sentences using the rule and check them against the examples.
What is the difference between grammar and vocabulary topics?
Grammar topics explain how sentences are built, such as tenses, articles and word order. Vocabulary topics explain individual words and their meanings, with example sentences that show how each word is used.
What are phrasal verbs?
A phrasal verb is a verb plus a particle such as up, out, off or on, for example give up, look after or run out of. The meaning often changes from the original verb, so learn each phrase as a unit.
Are idioms and proverbs the same thing?
No. An idiom is a fixed expression whose meaning is not clear from its words, such as break a leg. A proverb is a short traditional saying that gives advice or a general truth, such as the early bird catches the worm.
Are phrasal verbs always separable?
Some are. You can say turn the light off or turn off the light, but when the object is a pronoun, it must go in the middle: turn it off. Some phrasal verbs, such as look after, never separate, so check each one.
How do I use the Writing Lab?
Open the Writing section and choose a template or type your own text. Use the topic lessons on sentence structure, linking words and formats such as emails and essays, then review your text against the checklist.
How are the quizzes and tests different?
Quizzes are short sets of questions, with instant feedback after each answer, to help you practise one level or topic. Tests are timed and show your overall result, so they are useful for checking your level.
What is the best way to practise pronunciation?
Listen to the example sentences, repeat them aloud, and record yourself. Pay most attention to the sounds you find hard, such as short and long vowels or the endings of past tense verbs, and compare your recording with the model.
Why do learners confuse 'its' and 'it's'?
Its is a possessive pronoun, meaning belonging to it, while it's is short for it is or it has. A simple test: if you can replace the word with it is, use it's. Otherwise, use its.
What is the difference between 'practise' and 'practice'?
In British English, practise is the verb and practice is the noun: I practise every day, and daily practice helps. American English uses practice for both forms.
How can I stop translating word by word from my first language?
Learn set phrases, collocations and idioms as whole units, such as make a decision and do homework. Think about the meaning of the whole sentence rather than building each word separately.
Should I learn British or American English?
Both are valid. Choose the variety you will hear most often, such as American English for many online media and business settings or British English for British schools and media. The main spelling and vocabulary differences are covered in the lessons.
Can I use LearnViz English to prepare for an exam such as IELTS or TOEFL?
LearnViz English helps build the grammar, vocabulary and writing skills these exams test. It is not an official exam course or practice test, so use official sample materials from the exam provider alongside it.
How do I measure my progress?
Open the Progress page to see completed topics and quiz scores over time. Retake the placement test after a few weeks of study to check whether your level has changed.
Why should I write example sentences of my own?
Making your own sentences forces you to recall the rule and apply it, which helps memory far more than reading alone. Compare your sentences with the examples to check your accuracy.
Is there a search function?
Yes. Press Ctrl+K (or Cmd+K on a Mac) or the search icon in the top bar to search topics, vocabulary and FAQ questions. Pressing / also opens search when you are not typing in a field.