Why You Keep Forgetting English (And How to Finally Remember It)
Have you ever studied English for months — or even years — only to feel like everything disappears when you actually need to speak? Why do you keep forgetting English?
Several students keep asking me the same desperate question:
“I study English. I do the exercises. I read everything. But I keep forgetting it all. What am I doing wrong?”
If this sounds familiar, keep reading. The answer may completely change the way you see language learning.
Because the real problem is usually not your memory.
It’s how you’ve been taught to study English.
The “Math Formula” Approach That Makes You Forget Everything
Most English learners develop a mechanical relationship with the language.
They unconsciously follow this formula:
grammar rules + isolated words = learning English
And their study routine usually looks like this:
- Memorize verb tenses and grammar rules
- Do grammar exercises
- Correct mistakes
- Review rules again
- Memorize vocabulary lists (verbs, numbers, colors, body parts, house items, routines, etc.)
- Try to “combine” words and rules when speaking
On paper, this looks logical.
In real life, it doesn’t work.
Why This Method Creates Frustration
When you try to speak using this “formula,” your brain has to calculate everything in real time.
It’s like trying to multiply 328 × 437 in your head while having a conversation.
You hesitate.
You freeze.
You translate.
You panic.
And the result?
- Slow speech
- Lack of confidence
- Fear of making mistakes
- Mental exhaustion
Over time, this leads to frustration.
How Frustration Turns Into a Mental Block
Frustration creates a negative emotional connection with English.
That emotional chain usually looks like this:
Frustration → Self-doubt → “I’m bad at languages” → Loss of motivation → Low self-esteem → Giving up
Your brain begins to associate English with stress and failure.
So, unconsciously, it starts rejecting new information.
That’s why you “forget” so much.
Not because you’re incapable—but because your brain is protecting itself.
Proof That You Can Learn English Naturally
Now, let me ask you something.
Did you ever “study” these expressions with grammar rules?
- What’s your name?
- Nice to meet you
- Thank you very much
- I don’t know
- You’re welcome
- See you later
- Good morning
- I love you
- Don’t worry
Of course not.
You learned them as whole units, in real situations, with meaning and emotion.
You didn’t analyze their grammar.
You understood their purpose.
You used them.
And you never forgot them.
Why?
Because your brain learned them naturally.
How Real Language Learning Works
When you learned those expressions, you learned:
- Meaning
- Context
- Usage
- Intonation
- Social function
All at once.
This is how the human brain is designed to learn languages.
Not through formulas.
Through patterns, chunks of language, and real communication.
From Mechanical Learning to Meaningful Learning
When you change how you learn, everything changes:
✔ You become more engaged
✔ You notice patterns naturally
✔ You remember more
✔ You speak more fluently
✔ You feel more confident
Instead of memorizing rules, you start collecting useful expressions in context.
Your brain starts enjoying the process again.
And when learning becomes meaningful, forgetting becomes rare.
The Lexical Approach: Learning Through Chunks of Language
This alternative way of learning is known as the Lexical Approach.
It focuses on learning:
- Chunks of language
- Collocations
- Fixed expressions
- Semi-fixed phrases
- Real-life patterns
Instead of isolated words and abstract rules.
This approach reflects how native speakers actually use English.
And it’s the foundation of all my work—books, courses, workshops, and training programs.
Does the Lexical Approach Ignore Grammar?
Absolutely not.
It simply teaches grammar differently.
Instead of “grammar about the language,” you learn grammar in use.
You acquire grammar through:
- Exposure
- Repetition
- Context
- Practice
- Meaningful interaction
This is called usage-based grammar, and research strongly supports it.
It’s more natural.
More durable.
And more effective.
Why Lexical Learning Improves Long-Term Memory
When you learn through chunks and context, your brain:
- Creates stronger neural connections
- Links language to emotions and experiences
- Stores information in long-term memory
- Retrieves it faster in conversations
That’s why lexical learning improves fluency and retention at the same time.
How to Start Learning This Way
On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of free articles, tips, and lessons about:
- Lexical learning
- Chunks of language
- Collocations
- Fluency development
- Natural grammar
- Teacher training
All available for learners and teachers worldwide.
You can also explore my books and courses if you want a structured learning path.
And, of course, I’ll continue sharing more practical insights here.
Final Thoughts
If you keep forgetting English, the problem is not your memory.
It’s the method.
Change the method—and you change everything.
Learn meaningfully.
Learn in context.
Learn in chunks.
That’s how real fluency is built.
That’s all for today. Take care and keep learning.
» This blog post was first published in Portuguese on February 13, 2012.
