English Grammar
162 lessons
162 free lessons across 20 topics — each with a clear rule and real examples.
Open the grammar guideEnglish learning, made to stick
Dobi — Learning English Apps
Everything you need to learn English in one place: apps on the App Store and Google Play, a free grammar guide, and a blog full of practical learning tips.
Our apps
Two apps, one goal
Every app pairs leveled reading with audio, so you can pick whichever one fits how you like to learn.
Free resources
Free English learning resources
Grammar lessons, vocabulary lists, idioms, quotes and names, all explained in plain English with real examples.
English Pronunciation
6 lessons
The 44 sounds with IPA, word stress, linking and the sounds learners confuse, with audio for every example.
Start the pronunciation guideEnglish Vocabulary
1297 words
The 1000 most common English words plus advanced exam vocabulary, each with a simple definition, pronunciation, example sentences and synonyms.
Browse all wordsEnglish Idioms
264 idioms
Common idioms native speakers really use, each with a simple meaning and real example sentences.
Browse all idiomsConfusing Words
70 word pairs
Affect or effect? Make or do? Commonly confused words, each with a quick answer, examples, a memory trick and a mini quiz.
Compare all word pairsEnglish Quotes
418 quotes
Well-known English quotes with their meaning in plain English and the tricky words explained.
Browse all quotesEnglish Names
231 names
Popular boy, girl and unisex names with their meaning, origin and pronunciation, plus tips for choosing your own English name.
Browse all names
Blog
Read all articlesTips for learning English that actually work
Research-backed articles on reading, listening, vocabulary and building a learning habit.
Should You Learn English Words From Lists or From Context?
Word lists teach English words fast, reading teaches them deeply. What the research on graded readers, novels, and 10+ encounters says, and how to combine both.
What Is the Best Age for Kids to Start Learning English?
A 669,498-person study found grammar learning stays strong until about 17. Why start age matters less than input in school settings, and what to do at each age.
How Long Does It Take to Learn English? Hours per CEFR Level
Cambridge English puts B2 at about 500 to 600 guided learning hours and C2 at 1,000 to 1,200. What that means in months if you study 30 or 60 minutes a day.
FAQ
See all questionsQuestions people often ask
A few quick answers about learning English and our apps.
What do the CEFR levels A1 to C2 mean?
The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) describes language ability on six levels: A1 and A2 (beginner), B1 and B2 (intermediate), and C1 and C2 (advanced). Learning materials tagged by CEFR level make it easier to pick content that is challenging but still understandable.
How can I find out my English level?
You can take a free online placement test or compare yourself with the CEFR "can-do" descriptions for reading, listening, speaking and writing. Our guide How to find your CEFR English level walks through both options.
Which apps does Dobi Apps make?
We currently make two English learning apps: Audiobook — English Audiobooks, with audiobooks and ebooks graded by CEFR level from A1 to C2, and Learn English With Stories, a library of over 1,000,000 books, comics, audiobooks and games.
Are the apps free?
Both apps are free to download on the App Store and Google Play, and their core library works without a subscription. Learn English With Stories gives you all of its books and features for free.
What can I find on this website?
Information and download links for our apps, a free English grammar guide, and a blog with practical, research-backed advice on learning English.
Do I need an account to use the grammar guide or the blog?
No. Every grammar lesson and blog article is free to read, with no sign-up and no app required.