English for Beginners in Singapore | How to Start as an Adult

1. Introduction: starting English from (almost) zero in Singapore

You live in Singapore. You use English every day for work, transport, food and simple tasks. But you still feel nervous when people speak fast. You can read some words, but real conversations are difficult.

If this sounds like you, you are not alone. Many foreign professionals arrive in Singapore with only basic English. They feel tired after meetings, avoid small talk, and worry about making mistakes.

This guide is for you if you want to start again, from near beginner level, in a calm and simple way. You will see:

What to learn first.
What you can do for free on your own.
When it is time to join a class.
Roughly how long progress may take.

You do not need perfect English to start. You only need a clear plan and small, regular steps.

2. Who this guide is for

This guide is for:

Adults living or working in Singapore.
Foreign professionals, partners of professionals, and job seekers.
True beginners and “near beginners” who can use only simple phrases and feel afraid to speak.

This guide is not meant for:

School students.
People preparing for exams like IELTS or TOEFL right now.

If you later need an exam for study, migration or a new job, you can add that goal after you build basic everyday English.

3. Know your starting point

Before you choose a book or class, it helps to know your current level.

3.1 Simple way to think about levels

You may see level names like A1 or A2. These come from an international system for language levels. You do not need to remember all the letters. Just use this simple picture:

Pre-A1 – You can say or understand a few words only. You cannot build a full sentence yet.
A1 – You can say who you are, where you live, what you do. You can ask and answer very simple questions. You need people to speak slowly and repeat.
A2 – You can handle many everyday situations (food, shopping, transport). You can talk about your routine and past in simple sentences. You still make many mistakes but people can usually understand you.

Many adult beginners in Singapore are between Pre-A1 and A1 when they start.

3.2 How to check your level

You can try a quick self-check. For example:

Can you introduce yourself and your job in 3–4 sentences?
Can you order food and drinks without pointing to the menu?
Can you write a simple message to your colleague to say you are late?

If you can do all these with basic English, you may be closer to A2. If you cannot, you are likely at Pre-A1 or A1.

You can also start with a simple online level test. English Express offers an online test you can do in your own time to get a first idea of your level. After that, if you wish to study, a teacher can do a short in-person or online assessment with you. They check your basic speaking, reading and writing, and then tell you your starting level. This helps you choose the right class, so you do not waste time in a class that is too easy or too hard.

4. What to learn first (it’s more than ABC)

Many beginners think they must start with the alphabet and long grammar lists. At English Express, we believe it’s more important to start using useful English as soon as possible. That’s why we make sure that what we teach is Singapore-specific. So you can use it right after you walk out of the classroom.

4.1 The four core skills

To build strong English, you need all four skills:

Speaking – using English with other people.
Listening – understanding when other people speak.
Reading – understanding written English.
Writing – writing messages, emails and notes.

Beginners sometimes try to focus on only one skill, for example speaking. But all four skills support each other. When you read and listen more, you learn new words and patterns. Then speaking and writing become easier.

4.2 Singapore-focused vocabulary

At the beginning, you do not need every word in the dictionary. You need words and phrases that match your daily life in Singapore. For example:

Food and drinks – hawker centres, food courts, kopi and tea, common dishes.
Transport – MRT, buses, taxi and Grab/Gojek, how to give directions to your block or condo.
Housing and services – HDB, condo, deliveries, repairs, contacting the agent or management office.
Workplace basics – your job title, department, colleagues, meetings, schedule, simple email phrases.

When your vocabulary matches your real life, you can use English after only a few lessons. At English Express, beginner materials are built around Singapore situations like ordering food, talking to a taxi driver, and simple office conversations. This lets you test new language outside class and learn faster.

4.3 Basic grammar and sentence patterns

You do not need advanced grammar as a beginner. Focus on simple patterns you can use many times every day. For example:

Simple sentences – subject + verb + object
“I live in Jurong.”
“I work at Raffles Place.”
“I like spicy food.”
Present simple for routine
“I start work at 9 a.m.”
“I take the MRT to the office.”
“I have meetings on Monday and Wednesday.”
Common questions
“Where do you live?”
“What time do you start?”
“How do I get to Tanjong Pagar MRT?”
Basic past and future
“Yesterday I worked from home.”
“Last week I visited a client.”
“Tomorrow I am going to meet my manager.”
“Next month I will travel to KL.”

If you can build and change these patterns, you already have a strong base.

4.4 Pronunciation and listening in a multi-accent city

Singapore is a multi-accent city. You hear local Singaporean English, plus many other accents from Asia, Europe and beyond. This can feel hard at first.

To build confidence:

Start with clear, slow English made for learners.
When that becomes easier, add more natural speech.

Many learners struggle with certain sounds, for example “th” in “think” or “this”, or the difference between long and short vowel sounds. Practising these early, with a teacher who can correct you, makes later listening much easier.

5. How learning really works: input vs output

5.1 Input (passive) vs output (active)

You can think about learning English in two parts:

Input – what goes into your brain: listening and reading.
Output – what comes out of your mouth or hand: speaking and writing.

You need a lot of input so your brain sees words and patterns again and again. But if you never speak or write, you cannot build real confidence. The two sides must work together.

5.2 Things you can do on your own (mainly input)

There is a lot you can start today, even without a teacher.

Listening practice

Watch easy videos for beginners on YouTube or similar platforms.
Choose slow speech and clear subtitles at first.
Listen to short, simple podcasts or audio for learners.

Reading practice

Use graded readers or books for beginners.
Read short news texts or stories that use simple language.
Read signs and notices in your block, lift, MRT station or office.

Daily-life input in Singapore

Listen on the MRT, in the office or at the hawker centre.
Try to catch familiar words and phrases.
After you hear a useful sentence, repeat it quietly to yourself.

You can also use basic online tools and apps for input. They can help you learn new words, practise simple conversations, or review grammar. If you want a full overview of online learning options in Singapore, English Express has a separate guide on learning English online.

5.3 Things that are hard to do alone (output + feedback)

Some parts of English are very difficult to improve alone, especially as a beginner.

Real speaking practice – You need another person who listens and helps you correct mistakes.
Writing with explanations – Automatic tools can underline errors, but a teacher can explain why something is wrong and how to change it.

Feedback is important because it shows you patterns in your mistakes. You can fix them faster and stop repeating them.

You can think about it like sports. You can go jogging alone, and this is good for your health. But if you want to run faster, improve your technique and avoid injury, you work with a coach. In the same way, free practice is useful, but a good teacher guides you further and saves you time.

6. Free and low-cost ways to start as a beginner in Singapore

You do not need to wait for a course to begin. You can start building habits now.

6.1 Daily-life practice (no apps needed)

You are already surrounded by English in Singapore. Use this to your advantage.

Use signs, menus, short forms and notices as reading practice.
When you see a new word many times, look it up and write it in a small notebook.
Listen to colleagues and people around you; copy useful phrases.
Practise “self-talk”: describe your day, plan tomorrow, or explain what you are doing, out loud or in your head.

These small, daily steps may not feel like study, but over time they build your vocabulary and confidence.

6.2 Simple books and graded readers

A graded reader is a book written specially for learners at a certain level. It uses simple words and grammar.

For beginners, graded readers are helpful because:

The stories are short.
The font is big and easy to read.
There are often pictures to help you understand.

Start with very easy books. It is okay if they feel too simple. It is better to read a very easy book from start to finish than to stop in the middle of a difficult book.

Public libraries and many bookshops in Singapore have sections for graded readers and easy English books. Staff can help you find the right level.

6.3 Basic use of apps and online tools

Apps and websites can be a useful extra support, especially for vocabulary and short phrases.

You can use them to:

Learn and review common words.
Practise simple dialogues.
Check short sentences or questions.

You can also use simple AI tools or language websites to check a sentence you want to send. However, remember that these tools:

Do not know your full situation.
Cannot watch your mouth and help with pronunciation.
Often cannot explain your mistake in a way that is easy to understand.

They are a good helper, but they cannot replace a teacher, especially for speaking.

For more information about ways to learn English online (live classes, self-study platforms and more), you can read our article on learning English online in Singapore.

6.4 Everyday habits from “7 simple ways to learn English effectively”

In another article, we share seven ways to learn English effectively. Here are three ideas that are very useful for beginners:

Make English a daily habit – Even 10–15 minutes a day is powerful if you keep going for months.
Mix skills – Listen to a short dialogue, then repeat it. Read a short text, then write a few sentences about it.
Choose topics you enjoy – If you like cooking, use recipes and food videos. If you enjoy travel, read about places in and around Singapore.

If you want more ideas, you can read the full “7 simple ways” article later. For now, start with one or two habits and keep them simple.

7. Do you need an English class yet?

Free methods can take you a long way, especially for listening and reading. But there is a point where progress becomes very slow without guidance.

7.1 Signs that self-study is not enough

It may be time to join a class if:

You understand more, but still cannot speak in real situations.
You repeat the same mistakes and do not know why.
You feel shy or stuck when colleagues speak fast or use local expressions.
You start studying again and again but stop after a few weeks because you have no structure.

A good beginner class gives you structure, regular feedback and a group of people who are learning with you.

7.2 Types of beginner classes in Singapore (pros and cons)

There are several types of beginner classes. Each has strong points and weak points.

Small-group beginner classes (face-to-face)

Pros: you speak with classmates, get real-time feedback, and feel other people’s energy.
Pros: you have a fixed time, so it is easier to build a routine.
Cons: you must travel to the school.

Online or hybrid beginner classes

At English Express, we have hybrid online classes. Every lesson, you can choose to join online via Zoom, or come to the classroom and meet your teacher and fellow learners in person.

Pros: you can join from home or office.
Pros: more flexible if you travel often.
Cons: you need good internet and a quiet space.
Cons: it is easy to get distracted or tired of the screen.

Private lessons

Pros: the teacher can focus 100% on your needs.
Pros: you may move faster, especially if you are very motivated.
Cons: cost is higher.
Cons: some beginners feel shy when all attention is on them.

Self-study only

Pros: cheap or free, very flexible.
Cons: slow progress for speaking and writing.
Cons: easy to lose motivation without a schedule.

Many learners find that a mix works best: some self-study plus a regular group or private class.

7.3 How a good beginner class should feel

In a good beginner class, you should:

Understand most of what the teacher says, even if they speak slowly.
Have classmates at a similar level, so you do not feel lost.
Practise useful Singapore situations, like ordering food, small talk with colleagues, giving directions and making appointments.
Get time to speak, not just listen.
Feel safe to make mistakes and ask questions.

If you leave class feeling tired but satisfied, with 2–3 new phrases you can use the same day, that is a good sign.

7.4 How English Express supports beginners

English Express offers beginner and basic English courses for adults. The focus is on practical communication in Singapore. The focus is on practical communication in Singapore.

In our classes:

Lessons are built around real Singapore scenarios, such as talking to taxi drivers, ordering at hawker centres, and simple conversations at work.
Classes are small, with adult learners from different countries.
You can study several times a week. We run daytime classes, for example 10.30 — 12.30 and 13.30 – 15.30, so you can choose to join extra lessons if you want to learn faster.

Unfortunately, English Express can not help you to apply for a student pass. Our students are already living in Singapore and we support them with learning English.

8. How long will it take? Example for beginners

8.1 Why there is no exact answer

Many people ask: “How long will it take to learn English?” There is no single answer. It depends on:

Your first language.
Your age and study habits.
How much you use English at work and outside class.
How many hours you can study each week.

Some people move quickly because they use English all day. Others need more time because they use their first language at work and at home.

8.2 Simple way to think about hours and levels

You can still use a simple guide to plan. Many learners need around 150–200 hours of guided study and practice to move up one basic level, for example from A1 to A2. We explain these level ranges in more detail in our guide to CEFR hours per level.

This number is not a rule. It is only a rough idea. But it can help you understand why one or two lessons are not enough. Language learning is more like training for a long race than a short sprint.

8.3 Example paths for adult beginners

Here are two simple paths.

Busy professional path (3–4 hours per week)

2 hours in class each week.
1–2 hours of self-study: short listening, reading and writing tasks.

With this plan, many learners see noticeable improvement in 6–12 months. They can handle everyday situations more easily and feel more relaxed in simple work conversations.

More intensive path (up to 80 hours per month)

Some learners want to move faster. For example, they may:

Attend 4 hours of class per day, 5 days a week (about 80 hours per month).
Add short daily practice at home.

With this kind of schedule, you can move through beginner levels more quickly, because you are learning English on an almost full-time schedule. Of course, this is not possible for everyone, especially if you work full-time.

At English Express, the timetable is flexible. You can choose the number of lessons per week that fits your life and budget, from lighter weekly study to a more intensive plan.

For a deeper look at how long different levels may take, you can also read our article on conversational English courses and timelines in Singapore.

9. Sample weekly routine you can start this week

9.1 If you are not ready to join a class yet

You can begin with a simple 5–7 hour plan. For example:

Most days – 10–15 minutes of listening to easy English.
Most days – 10 minutes of reading a short text or graded reader.
Twice a week – write 3–5 sentences about your day or your plans. Ask a friend with stronger English, or an online tool, to check your writing and tell you about your mistakes.
2–3 times a week – do self-talk or shadowing. Listen to a short audio fragment and repeat after the speaker.

Write your plan on paper and put it somewhere you can see. The goal is regular practice, not perfection. If you miss a day, just start again the next day.

9.2 If you join a beginner class

If you join a class, you can build your week around it.

With 1 class per week (2 hours) – add 2–3 hours of self-study: review your notes, repeat new phrases, and use them in real life.
With 2–4 classes per week – add 1–2 hours of review and daily listening.

After each lesson, choose one or two phrases and use them the same day:

Greet your colleague in a new way.
Order food using a complete sentence.
Explain a work task to a teammate.

Make a habit of applying what you learn immediately. This way, what you learn will stay with you. You will still forget things from class – don’t worry about that, that’s normal. And you will come back to it later on until you remember. But if you use the phrases soon after you learn them, you will remember a lot more.

10. Frequently asked questions about English for beginners

10.1 Is my English too weak for a class?

Probably not. Good beginner classes are designed for very low levels. Teachers use simple language, pictures and examples. Many schools, including English Express, have classes for each level.

If you can recognise some letters and words, and you are willing to try, you are ready to start.

10.2 Will people laugh at my mistakes?

Most adult learners feel nervous about this. In a good class, mistakes are normal. The teacher expects them. Classmates are usually kind, because they are making mistakes too.

You may feel shy in the first few lessons. After a few weeks, many learners feel more relaxed. They see that mistakes are simply information that helps them improve.

10.3 Should I focus on grammar or speaking first?

You need both. Grammar gives you structure. Speaking gives you confidence.

A good beginner programme teaches simple grammar and gives you many chances to use it in speaking and writing. You do not need long grammar lectures. You need clear patterns that you can use immediately, plus practice.

10.4 Which accent should I learn?

You do not need to copy one special accent. The most important thing is that other people can understand you.

Many learners aim for clear international English. At the same time, they listen to a mix of accents used in Singapore, so they can understand colleagues, clients and neighbours.

10.5 Do I need exams like IELTS now?

If you are a beginner, your first goal is everyday communication and basic confidence. You do not need to think about exams like IELTS yet.

When you reach a more stable level and have a clear goal, such as overseas study or migration, you can plan exam preparation with your school.

11. Next step: check your level and choose your first step

Your English doesn’t need to be perfect to start. You only need a first step.

Remember the main ideas from this guide:

Learn the right things first: four skills, Singapore-relevant words and basic grammar.
Mix free daily practice with classes, so you get feedback.
Choose a study path that fits your life, your work and your goals and try to stick to it.

If you would like support, you can start with a simple online level test at English Express. It takes only a short time and gives you a first idea of your level. After that, you can decide whether a beginner class, a mix of online learning, or self-study-with-guidance is the best first step for you in Singapore.

At English Express and other Crystal Learning language schools, we see language, first of all, as a tool. It is a tool to understand courses you plan to take or to communicate with your colleagues well.

Many students spend money to take the WPLN test but don't do well because they are not at the correct level.

Over here, we spent years perfecting a test to determine your level. Instead of spending money to do it elsewhere, do it here first for free to quickly find out where you are at now.