If you are an English as an additional language learner, you have probably already asked the following question: how long does it take to speak English fluently? Right?
The ultimate goal of (almost) all language learners after all is being able to speak to other people naturally, and fluently.
In this article, we will consider some ways of answering this extremely difficult question. If you want to find out the answer to it, keep reading!
How Long Does It take to Be Fluent in English?
Fluency vs Accuracy
First things first.
We need to define what we mean when we say “fluent”.
In the scientific texts about language learning, fluency is understood differently from the everyday use of this word.
Fluency, for language learning specialists, refers mostly to the ability a person has to communicate naturally, without hesitating too much for looking for words and structures they need to say what they want to say. This means that even beginner English learners can be fluent if they use what they already know naturally.
On the other hand, the everyday use of the word fluency is similar to what language specialists call proficiency. In this sense, proficiency goes from basic users of the language to proficient users of the language (from beginner to advanced speakers).
Considering that if you are reading this article you are probably looking for the answer to the question how long does it take to be proficient in English?, for the purpose of this text we will consider that proficiency and fluency are synonyms.
Now, Let’s Go… How Long Does It Take to Become Fluent in English?
There are different answers to this question available out there.
If you look for popular estimates shown by people on the internet you will find results similar to the one shown below.
| LEVEL | NUMBER OF HOURS OF STUDY |
| 0 to A1 | 70 to 80 hours |
| A1 to A2 | 150 hours |
| A2 to B1 | 300 hours |
| B1 to B2 | 200 to 225 hours |
| B2 to C1 | 200 hours |
| C1 to C2 | 200 hours |
However, for the attentive reader, there is something really important that becomes evident: what is the source of this information? None.
So, be careful! Don’t believe everything you see out there.
Ok. Now what?
Well, Speak English by Yourself will provide you with some insights based on science!
We will provide you with two reliable sources that you can compare: first, Cambridge English, and second, a scientific study called English as an additional language pupils: how long does it take to acquire English fluency?
Cambridge English
Cambridge English estimates that an English as an additional language learner would need the amount of time displayed below to achieve the levels described by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:
| CEFR LEVEL | HOURS OF INSTRUCTED STUDY |
| A1 | 90 to 100 |
| A2 | 180 to 200 |
| B1 | 350 to 400 |
| B2 | 500 to 600 |
| C1 | 700 to 800 |
| C2 | 1.000 to 1.200 |
English as an additional language pupils: how long does it take to acquire English fluency?
This scientific study reports that for children aged 6-11 living in Britain it took an average of 5 to 6 years to acquire academic proficiency in English. Academic proficiency in English is equivalent to the highest level of fluency described by the Cambridge English estimates that an English as an additional language learner would need the amount of time displayed below to achieve the levels described by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Even if you have been learning English as an additional language in a very different context and at a very different age, this study gives you an idea that the learning process takes time.
So, be careful when you see (unprofessional) people on the internet offering you a miraculous course to become fluent in English in 3 months (Want to know our reaction to this claim? Read our article Is It Possible to Learn English in 3 months?).
In the End, How Long Does It Really Take to Become Fluent in English?
The answer to this question is: it depends!
Why?
Because there are a lot of factors that can influence how long you will need to study to become fluent in English, such as:
- How much time you actually study the language (by the way, Is It Possible to Learn English in 3 months?)
- How much time you are exposed to the language (everything adds up: tv shows, movies, music, books, etc.)
- Your age (young people tend to learn faster, but it is not a rule without exceptions)
- Your routine (and everything that comes with it: anxiety, stress, etc.)
- The materials you use to learn English (the more varied the sources are, the better)
- Your motivation to learn English (do you really want to learn it or feel you have to?)
- Whether you speak any other language (the more experienced in the process, the better)
- And many others
Conclusion
Now that you know the answer to the question how long does it take to speak English fluently? is not as straightforward as you would like it to be (but at least you have some scientific insights about it), it is time to act!
Create a daily schedule for your English studies and go for it!
If you need some tips on how to create a daily study plan to reach your fluency in English, check out our awesome article on How to Learn English by Yourself!
The earlier you start, the earlier you will get there!
