How I Learned to Think in English

Hi, I'm teacher Loren, and the key to learning to think in English is immersion and constant practice . It's not enough to study grammar rules: it's essential to live the language in your daily life, combining listening , reading and speaking . That's why the motto of my website and social networks is Elevate your journey! It's a journey, a process.

Exposing yourself to English on a daily basis — through music, podcasts, movies, series, or changing the language on your phone or social media — makes your brain start to directly associate English with meaning, without relying on translation. In addition, the habit of talking to yourself ("self-talk") in English speeds up your mental adaptation to the new language.

If you want to see my video on YouTube, click on the image below, if you prefer, continue reading below.

If you want to learn to think in English, here is a practical step-by-step guide to guide you:

How to learn to think effectively in English

1. Start with the basics

To begin, name objects, actions, and feelings in English as you go about your daily activities. For example: when you see a car, think "car"; when you feel thirsty, think "I'm thirsty." This simple exercise creates direct connections between thought and English.

2. Practice Listening

Listen to English every day . It could be a song, a short podcast, YouTube videos, or audiobooks. The key is to listen to a variety of content, even if you don't understand everything. Over time, your ear will get used to the rhythm and structure of English.

3. Read in English

Include daily reading in your learning. It could be a news story, a short article or even captions from social media posts. Focus on understanding the general context — without trying to translate word for word.

4. Speak English

Speaking activates your brain to use English in a practical way. Even if you are alone, practice narrating what you are doing: "I'm cooking dinner now" , "I have a meeting at 3 pm" The more you speak, the more automatic it will be to think in English.

5. Watch movies and series in English

At first, use Portuguese subtitles , but as you progress, try using English subtitles or even watching without subtitles . This trains your ability to understand English naturally, as well as helping with pronunciation and sentence construction.

6. Use "self-talk"

Engaging in self-talk is a powerful tool. By practicing self-talk, you create the habit of thinking in English first , even in the simplest everyday situations.

7. Think in sentences, not isolated words

Instead of memorizing individual words, learn complete expressions like:

• "Can I help you?"

• "I'm looking for my keys."

Learning ready-made phrases gives you more confidence and fluency when expressing yourself.

8. Don't be afraid to make mistakes

Making mistakes is part of the process! Accept mistakes as part of the learning process , without judging yourself. Each attempt is an opportunity to improve.

9. Expose yourself to English

The more you are exposed to English , the more natural it will be to think in the language. Take advantage of every opportunity: music, social media, videos, conversations, everything counts!

10. Be consistent

Regular practice is what makes the difference . There is no point in studying a lot one day and stopping the following week. Dedicate at least a few minutes to English every day.

Extra Tips for Thinking in English

• Use apps and websites to practice English news apps and websites are great options for keeping in touch with the language on a daily basis.

• Go on an exchange or travel to an English-speaking country. Nothing replaces the experience of living the language 24 hours a day. But even if it is not possible to travel right now, try to create your own "immersion" at home.

• Find conversation partners Talking to native speakers or other students will speed up your progress.

Learning to think in English is a daily process , made up of small, consistent actions. With dedication and practice, you will notice that, little by little, English will begin to emerge naturally in your thoughts — without the need for translation.

And remember: the most important thing is not to be perfect, but to keep English present in your life, every day!