Tips to Help Students Train their Brain to Think in English
The journey to thinking in English can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding!
Here’s a collection of tips (some of which you’ve heard before) to help you switch your
brain to English mode.
1. Start Small
Begin with simple daily activities:
o Ask yourself questions in English:
“What will I eat for breakfast?”
“What should I wear today?”
o By sneaking English into your routine, it becomes a habit before you even
realize it.
Make it fun: Pretend you're narrating your life like a movie!
2. Narrate Everyday Life
Describe what you’re doing as you do it:
o “I’m brushing my teeth.”
o “I’m walking to the store.”
Why this works: It helps build vocabulary and reinforces sentence structures.
3. Learn and Use Whole Phrases
Phrase Focus:
o Instead of translating word by word, memorize phrases as single units.
o Example: Learn “Can you please help me?” as a whole, not as separate
words.
Practice Sentence Starters:
o “I’d like to…”
o “Could you…”
o “The thing is…”
Tip: Having these ready-to-use templates makes speaking easier and more natural.
4. Build Vocabulary Contextually
Group Words by Theme:
o Learn words in context instead of in isolation:
Food: “I’m hungry. Let’s eat some pizza.”
Work: “I have a meeting at 2 PM.”
Use Visual Aids:
o Associate words with images, not your native language.
o Example: A picture of an apple = “apple,” not تفاحة.
5. Time Your Translations
The Speed Game:
o If you need to translate, do it fast. The goal is to eventually bypass
translation altogether.
o Example: Someone says a word in your native language, and you respond in
English immediately without overthinking.
6. Use English for Internal Dialogues
Talk to yourself in English:
o “What should I say to the doctor?”
o “Did I lock the door before leaving?”
Why it works: It’s a great way to practice thinking in English without any pressure.
7. Think of Synonyms, Not Translations
When you forget a word, describe it in English:
o “It’s a thing you use to write.” (pen)
o “It’s something you wear when it’s cold.” (jacket)
This trick helps you avoid relying on your native language while expanding your
vocabulary.
8. Watch and Listen Without Subtitles
Subtitles can reinforce translation habits. Instead:
o Start with dubbed content or watch without subtitles. (my experience)
o Choose shows with clear, slow speech.
9. Create a “No Translation Zone”
During debates, it’s a rule to avoid translation:
o Fun rule: If you use your native language (or second), you must give an extra
example in English.
10. Practice Thinking Time Tricks
Use Fillers to Delay Translation:
o “Hmm, that’s an interesting question…”
o “Let me see, I think…”
o These fillers buy you time to think in English without panicking.
11. Have Fun with Improvisation
Play Word Association:
o Start with a word, and respond with the first English word that comes to
mind:
Example: Teacher → Homework → Stress → Coffee
o Why? It encourages spontaneous thinking.
Laugh at Mistakes:
o Share funny examples of mistranslations. It’ll make you feel less self-
conscious and more confident. (my own example: ears/own)
Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection. Thinking in English takes time and effort,
but it gets easier with practice. Trust the process, and don’t forget to have fun along the
way!
