Want to Speak Fluently? Don’t Stop at Duolingo

What are you learning a language for? 

If it’s to read menus, ask where the bathroom is, or ask for “two pineapples and a peach” at the market, language apps can help.

But if you’re aiming for real conversations, you’ll need more than just an app.

Why language apps alone aren’t enough

Language apps are great for building vocabulary, learning sentence structure, and even picking up a new writing system. But they won’t make you fluent.

That’s because fluency isn’t just about knowing words – or even stringing them into sentences. It’s about having conversations. And that takes regular writing and speaking practice.

How to get writing and speaking practice

Here’s how to fix the gap in language apps so you can get the practice you need:

Join a class 

Classes take you beyond the basics, helping you understand advanced grammar and practice a language with other people. 

If possible, take private classes – they offer more practice and personalized feedback. Tutors are easy to find on platforms like italki and Preply. 

On a budget? Group classes can be just as effective – as long as you get plenty of chances to write and speak.

Find a language partner

Practicing with a native speaker – or someone a step ahead of you – is one of the most effective ways to improve your conversation skills.

Find a native speaker who’s learning your language and lives in a similar time zone. Check out sites like Tandem, HelloTalk, or even Facebook groups for potential partners. Agree on how the exchange will work, then find ways to keep it useful and interesting for both of you.

Read language exchange tips for fun and effective conversations.

Chat with AI

Talking to AI might feel strange at first – but for language learners, it’s surprisingly effective.

AI chatbots are built to keep conversations going – and with the right prompts, they can match your level and help with grammar, spelling, and pronunciation.

You can even talk to them out loud. Voice-chatting with AI is easy – natural, even. Best of all, bots are up for chatting about anything – from your crummy day at work to theories on the ending of that movie only you saw.

What makes chatting with AI different

AI chatbots aren’t people – and that’s what makes them ideal language-learning partners.

They’re always available, never distracted, and will talk about anything, any time. They won’t judge your mistakes – and they’re happy to explain things more than once, in different ways.

Give it a try with one of our 4 ways to boost your speaking skills in any language.

Best of all, you can talk to AI anytime, anywhere, for free. If you’ve got a smartphone and an internet connection, it’s like having a tutor or native speaker in your pocket.

Want to get fluent? Add AI to the mix

Language apps are a great starting point – but fluency takes more.

Tutors, language partners, and AI chatbots all play a role. For consistent, low-pressure speaking and writing practice, AI might just be your most reliable tool.

Curious how to turn AI into your language tutor?

Let us show you how in the FREE AI Language Club training to help you boost your speaking fluency directly inside ChatGPT.