No, it is not too late. At forty you learn differently, not worse. You have something a child does not: a reason, a plan, and the patience to practise when it is boring.
Children learn sounds faster
A child copies a new sound easily. An adult needs more listening to hear it. This is true, and it is not the whole story.
A child learns quickly. An adult learns with purpose.
Adults learn faster in other ways
You understand grammar ideas. You can read a rule and use it the same day. You can choose your own topics and study with a reason.
Use your life
You already talk about work, money, family and health. Learn the English words for your real life, not for a test.
I need to call the bank. I want to ask about my account.
Ten minutes, every day
Do not wait for a free weekend. Ten minutes a day, at the same time, is stronger than a long class once a month.
Accept the small mistakes
You will mix up words. You will forget names. Everyone does. A mistake is the price of a sentence said.
Words to remember
- purpose — the reason you do something
- practise — to do something again and again
- grammar — the rules for putting words together
- sentence — a group of words with a full meaning
Questions & answers
Q: Will my accent ever sound native?
Maybe not, and it does not need to. Clear English is the goal, not a perfect accent.
Q: How long will it take?
It depends on your time. With fifteen minutes a day, you can hold a simple conversation in a year.
Q: Should I study like a child?
Play and curiosity help, but you can also use rules, lists and planning. Use what works for you.
Q: I am busy. Is one hour a week enough?
It is a start. Add five minutes on the other days: one sentence out loud, one short video.
Q: What if my family laughs at my English?
Let them. Then say one more sentence. Confidence grows every time you speak anyway.