Logically they're opposites, but we hear so much "I could care less" in (mostly) American media these days, that everyone understands it anyways.
Are we all just used to it already, or does it bother anyone?
I fumbled my first English job interview (not my native language) even though my English level in very high; brain froze, started translating in my head, I looked like I've never spoke English before, got rejected in five minutes.
I took advice, practiced high pressure speaking situations, talked to tutors and did mock interviews, stopped avoiding English in stressful contexts and most importantly I applied to every job I could, just to see if I can land another interview, literally just to practice.
To my surprise got another one, had it yesterday. Not perfect, but I stayed in English the whole time. Didn't freeze that much. The interviewer didn't change his tone halfway through so that's a plus.
Still waiting to hear back, but honestly even if it doesn't work out, I already feel good.
I noticed lately that my English grammar got better, to the point where I can spot it. I've been learning the language for years, but my grammar isn't always perfect. Normal, because when I speak to my friends that are native I just use casual language.
I'm always trying to get better, so I got the Praktika app to try and improve my proper grammar when speaking. I have to say, that new pronunciation tracking feature really helped. I'm still getting used to it and seeing how it works everyday, but so far so good; I can hear that my pronunciation is getting better.
How about anyone else?
Ten years in, I just passed my C2 level certificate, and I can tell you I literally wasted the first few years.
What I'd do from day one.
Stop try to learn "by textbook". Studying English and actually using it are completely different things. I spent years studying grammar I already used correctly in conversation anyway.
Consume content you actually enjoy. I learned more from binge watching my favourite shows than any school textbooks. I also loved reading as a teen, started printing out books in English instead of my native language.
Attach it to something you already do. I stopped treating English as a separate thing to do. Instead I used to listen to podcast during work, watch my shows before bed, I switched my phone language.
Stop thinking in 'streaks'. Streaks and similar systems destroyed me more than helped. I missed one day of learning and quit for a month. Progress is not coming from keeping streaks of any type.
Schedule the minimum, not the maximum. I would try to make myself learn, plan like a two hour study sessions and then be over it right away. Then I started planning for ten minutes a day and actually started doing it.
Basically I disciplined myself with schedule and rabbits that are actually doable. I still do it with other things and will probably always do it that way.
I wonder, what are the things that tourists and non-native English speakers in general say, that you like or that annoys you? Maybe what they say, or how they say it?