Why English Writing Is Difficult: Causes and Effective Study Methods
- Manami
- Apr 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 8
One of the most common challenges faced by English learners is writing in English. This is particularly true for people living in the U.S. or those preparing for English proficiency exams like IELTS or TOEFL. However, how many of us have stopped to think why writing in English feels so difficult?
In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the difficulty of writing in English and provide practical, effective study methods to help overcome these challenges.
Why Is Writing in English Difficult?
Lack of Vocabulary
One of the main reasons people struggle with English writing is the lack of sufficient vocabulary. You might be able to use common words in daily conversations, but when it comes to writing, finding the right word or phrase can be tough. The vocabulary needed for writing is often more formal or specific than what we use in spoken English. When you don't have the right vocabulary, expressing your ideas clearly becomes a challenge, and it can make your writing sound repetitive or awkward.
Difficult Grammar
English grammar differs from ones from other countries. Key elements such as subject-verb agreement, article usage (like "a" or "the"), and proper sentence structure can be challenging. For instance, English requires you to follow a specific word order (subject-verb-object) and use tenses correctly. These grammar rules, combined with the need to be precise, can make writing difficult, especially for those not accustomed to the structure of English sentences.
Limited Expressive Skills
Trying to directly translate thoughts from your language into English often results in unnatural or stiff expressions. Some languages and English have very different structures, cultural influences, and ways of thinking, which can lead to awkward or incorrect sentence construction. As a result, learners may end up using phrases that don’t sound natural to native speakers, affecting the overall flow and clarity of their writing.
Difficulty in Structure
Writing in English isn’t just about stringing together words; it involves logical organization. An essay, for instance, should have an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This structure ensures that ideas are communicated clearly and in a logical sequence. For those unfamiliar with writing in English, organizing their thoughts in this manner can be difficult. Even experienced writers often struggle to ensure that their ideas flow seamlessly.
Effective Study Methods for Improving English Writing
To improve your English writing skills, you need to address the underlying challenges. Here are some effective study methods:
Strengthen Your Vocabulary
The first step to improving your writing is to build a stronger vocabulary. You can do this by:
Learning new words daily: Focus on high-frequency words that often appear in the IELTS, TOEFL, or general English writing tasks.
Creating a vocabulary notebook: Write down new words and phrases, and review them regularly.
Reading English texts: Reading books, newspapers, and articles will expose you to a variety of vocabulary used in different contexts.
Master English Grammar
Improving your grammar is essential for writing clear and correct English. Consider the following methods:
Use grammar books: Choose books that focus on the basics of English grammar. There are specialized books for IELTS or TOEFL grammar practice.
Practice with exercises: Reinforce what you've learned by solving grammar exercises and doing drills.
Get feedback on your writing: Submit your writing to native speakers or English teachers for correction and advice.
Develop Natural Expression
Writing in a natural, fluent style takes practice. Here’s how you can improve your expression:
Write a daily journal: This will help you practice thinking and expressing yourself in English regularly.
Imitate native speakers: Copy short passages from newspapers or books. Pay attention to sentence structure and phrasing.
Engage in conversation: Practice speaking with native speakers to internalize how phrases and expressions are used in daily life.
Practice Writing with Structure
Learning to organize your ideas effectively is crucial for good writing. Here’s how to improve your writing structure:
Make outlines: Before you write, organize your ideas in an outline with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This will help you stay on track while writing.
Write short essays: Start with simple topics and practice writing essays with clear structure. Gradually increase the length and complexity of your essays.
Read well-written essays: Analyze essays from high-scoring IELTS or TOEFL samples to understand how experienced writers structure their ideas.
Practical Examples of Study Methods
Vocabulary Example
Learn 10 new words daily. For example, after learning the word ubiquitous, use it in a sentence like:
"Smartphones are ubiquitous in modern society."
Grammar Example
Practice grammar by working through tense exercises. Try writing sentences using past, present, and future tenses, like:
"I visited New York last year."
"I am visiting New York now."
"I will visit New York next year."
Natural Expression Example
Start a habit of writing a daily journal. For example:
"Today, I went to the park and saw beautiful flowers."
As you progress, challenge yourself with more complex sentence structures.
Structure Example
When writing about the benefits of traveling, create an outline:
Introduction: Importance of traveling
Body:
New cultural experiences
Rejuvenation and relaxation
Meeting new people
Conclusion: Overall benefits of travelingWrite an essay based on this outline, ensuring your ideas flow logically.
Conclusion
Writing in English can indeed feel challenging, but with consistent practice and the right approach, you can overcome these difficulties. By focusing on vocabulary building, grammar practice, natural expression, and logical structure, you’ll gradually become more confident in your writing.
Whether you’re preparing for the IELTS, TOEFL, or simply want to improve your English skills, the methods shared in this article will guide you toward becoming a stronger, more proficient writer. Keep practicing, and the improvement will follow!
Author: Manami Palmini 
Past Support Experience
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