I have focused mainly on free apps although there are a few paid ones that are worth it. I have left out dictionaries since there are many options and probably deserve a post of their own.
All the apps reviewed here are available for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.
Category: Reference
Spell Check
Spell Check is an inexpensive Spell Checker and a Dictionary, which requires no internet connection!
• $0.99
• Language: English
Irregular Verb Dictionary for English learners contains over 370 irregular verbs used in modern English. A useful app for learners!
• Free
• Language: English
Sounds
This app lets you hear the English sounds in both American and British English and you can practise and play. There`s a premium version available.
• Free
• Language: English
My WordBook
This app is an interactive vocabulary notebook for language learners. You can browse preloaded flashcards of the most important words in the English language. Each flashcard contains pictures, sounds, example sentences, translations and notes to help you remember.
This version does not contain any translations but you can enter your own translations by editing the words. Regional language versions are available for: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, French and Arabic.
• Free
• Language: English
Free British English Genco Audio Cards
This app has 20 flashcards with sound and you can practice and play games.
• Free
• Language: English
Category: Language Practice
Conversation English
Conversation English is an app for anyone learning English. There are 20 complete Conversation English Lessons that include 200 common English Idioms and Expressions and help you develop your Listening and Speaking Skills.
• $4.99
• Language: English
Dynamic English Lessons - Phrasal Verbs
This app presents phrasal verbs in different categories. You need to solve the category puzzle first and as you do, the phrasal verbs are added to the dictionary section, where you can read the definition. Although it looks a bit difficult, a newer version is being developed to provide more help with solving the puzzles.
• £0.99
• Language: English
Category: Books
Stanza
This free app allows you to download and read books. It is available in many languages.
• Free
• Languages: English, Bulgarian, Chinese, Danish, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Vietnamese
Free books
This paid app (Yes, I know….why is it called free books?) gives you access to 23,469 classic books instantly. There are books available in many languages.
• $1.99
• Languages: English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish
Cinderella – a 3d fairy tale
This app is an interactive retelling of the classic fairy tale. It includes games and music and beautiful illustrations! There is a free version and a paid one.
• Free/ $4.99
• Language: English
Christmas Tale
This is a free interactive Christmas story worth trying.
• Free
• Language: English
Category: Word games
Word challenge
60 Second Word Challenge is a vocabulary game to help improve and widen your English learning developed by the British Council. Really good!
• Free
• Languages: English, German
Word Scramble
Scramble is a fast fun game of finding words in a jumbled grid. Great for vocabulary practice! And addictive!
• Free
• Language: English
Hangman
This classic hangman app let you choose difficulty and word categories, like animals, food, etc. Simple but fun to practise vocabulary.
• Free
• Language: English
Other
Mouth off
Hold your iPhone in front of your mouth and talk, shout, laugh, scream or sing to get the mouth of your choice to animate in time with the sounds you make. There`s a lite version with one free mouth.
• $0.99
• Language: English
Sonic Pics
This app is an easy way to turn your images into custom slideshow movies. The lite version has some restrictions in the number of pictures allowed and maximum recording time of 10 minutes.
• Free/ $2.99
• Language: English
Fotobabble
This app lets you quickly create and easily add your voice to photos and instantaneously share those Talking Photos with friends.
• Free
• Language: English
Dice Roller
This app is a simple dice roller simulator. Simple yet useful.
• Free
• Language: English
Hope you have found something useful! If you know of other apps you use, please add them in your comments!
