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Choose an English variety that fits your goals and keeps you motivated; Vanessa explains the practical differences among American, British, Australian, and Canadian English.
Vanessa answers a common question from English learners: should they study American or British English? Her first advice is not to let the choice hold up learning. Learners need motivation to keep studying English at all, and the useful variety often depends on what they plan to do with the language. Someone moving to the UK may want to feel comfortable with British English; someone planning to live in the US or Canada may choose a variety they expect to hear there.
She also points out that learners may already have a preference or a starting point. A school may have taught British English because of historical influence, or it may have focused on American English. A learner might enjoy Hollywood movies or American television. Vanessa suggests choosing the version that feels familiar or interesting, rather than treating one choice as a barrier to progress.
The video acknowledges real differences: varieties of English can use different vocabulary and grammar, and accents vary too. But Vanessa emphasizes that these varieties are still forms of the same language. Choosing one variety does not harm a learner's chances of improving, and a learner can study with a teacher whose accent they enjoy, whether that teacher speaks British, Australian, or American English. Her advice is to find material that works for you and that you enjoy.
The lesson is about sustaining a practical learning habit, not mastering every regional difference at once. Learners can begin with one variety, listen to engaging material, and remain open to other accents. If a future job, move, or study plan gives them a specific need, they can adjust their focus then. Vanessa closes by asking viewers which variety they are learning and what they think about the question. A useful practice task is to explain your own preference and give a reason, using phrases such as “it depends what you're using English for,” “on the other hand,” and “to tell you the truth.”
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Select an expression for its meaning · 0:00
Vanessa frames the choice and says motivation to learn matters most.
Hi, I'm Vanessa from Speak English with Vanessa. Should you learn American English or British English? Let's talk about it. English learners ask me all the time, “Vanessa, should I learn American English or British English?” . Number one:
Try it: What question do English learners often ask Vanessa?
Phrase cheat sheet
Review each expression, hear it, save it, or jump to where it appears in the video.
Showing 12 of 12 phrases
Vanessa frames the choice and says motivation to learn matters most. · expression
The response to the question is not complicated.
Tone and use: Reassuring and conversational. Use it before giving a direct answer or a few clear points.
May not fit: It can sound dismissive if the question is sensitive or genuinely complex.
Example“The answer to this question is pretty simple: start with what you need most.”
She encourages learners to stay motivated and then considers their purpose for using English. · expression
Do not allow this question to prevent you from continuing.
Tone and use: Encouraging and direct. Use don't let + noun + verb to encourage someone not to be discouraged by something.
May not fit: It is advice, not a command to ignore important practical information.
Example“Don't let one difficult conversation stop you from practising.”
She encourages learners to stay motivated and then considers their purpose for using English. · expression
The best choice changes according to your purpose for using English.
Tone and use: Conversational and practical. Use it depends + what/where/how to introduce a choice shaped by circumstances.
May not fit: Add the relevant purpose so the listener knows what the answer depends on.
Example“It depends what you're using English for—travel, work, or study.”
The variety may depend on where a learner plans to live, but without a move planned, personal preference can guide the choice. · expression
It is reasonable or practical to become familiar with something.
Tone and use: Matter-of-fact and supportive. Use it makes sense to + verb when an action is logical in a situation.
May not fit: It describes what is reasonable, not what is absolutely required.
Example“If you'll work with local clients, it makes sense to feel comfortable with their preferred terms.”
The variety may depend on where a learner plans to live, but without a move planned, personal preference can guide the choice. · expression
Introduces a contrasting situation or alternative.
Tone and use: Neutral, commonly used in speech and writing. Use it to connect two different cases or viewpoints.
May not fit: It needs a contrasting idea before or after it.
Example“I enjoy studying grammar. On the other hand, I learn a lot from conversation too.”
School background and media preferences can also shape which variety feels familiar. · expression
Used to introduce what the speaker honestly thinks or feels.
Tone and use: Candid and conversational. Use it before sharing an honest opinion, often as a transition.
May not fit: It can imply you are correcting or softening an earlier statement, so use it thoughtfully.
Example“To tell you the truth, I learn best from short videos.”
Vanessa acknowledges differences in vocabulary and grammar while stressing that varieties are still English. · expression
After considering everything; ultimately.
Tone and use: Neutral and conversational. Use it to state the final conclusion after details or contrasts.
May not fit: Do not use it when you mean literally at the end of a physical object.
Example“There are several routes, but in the end we'll take the train.”
She says learners can choose a teacher they like and that choosing one variety does not harm their progress. · expression
You are not reducing the possibility of succeeding or improving.
Tone and use: Reassuring. Use harm your chances of + noun or -ing to talk about something that may reduce an opportunity.
May not fit: Use this form when the risk is meaningful; do not overstate small effects.
Example“Asking questions is not harming your chances of getting help.”
Vanessa recommends enjoyable learning material and encourages steady study across English varieties. · expression
Choose learning resources that suit your needs or learning style.
Tone and use: Practical and encouraging. Use works for you to say something is suitable or effective for a particular person.
May not fit: It means suitable for you, not universally best for everyone.
Example“Try a few podcasts and find material that works for you.”
Vanessa recommends enjoyable learning material and encourages steady study across English varieties. · expression
Continue doing well; keep making the effort you are already making.
Tone and use: Warm encouragement. Use it to praise and encourage someone to continue.
May not fit: It may sound insincere if you do not know what effort the person is making.
Example“You're practising every day—keep up the good work.”
She invites viewers to say which variety they are learning and share their opinion. · expression
I am pleased to anticipate hearing your opinion.
Tone and use: Warm and polite. Use look forward to + noun or -ing form for something you anticipate positively.
May not fit: After to, use a noun or gerund, not the base verb.
Example“I look forward to hearing what you think about the book.”
The final captions are an e-book promotion and sign-off. · expression
Remember or make certain to download something.
Tone and use: Direct instruction. Use be sure to + base verb as a reminder.
May not fit: It is a reminder, not a guarantee.
Example“Be sure to download the worksheet before class.”
Knowledge check
Use it in a sentence · “don't let this question stop you”