At a Glance
- Duolingo’s Explain My Answer feature will join free iOS plans on Jan. 1.
- The tool first launched for Duolingo Max users in 2023.
- It provides personalized feedback on grammatical rules like gender.
- Why it matters: Learners will finally get detailed explanations for free, boosting confidence and skill.
Duolingo, the popular language-learning app, announced a major update that will bring its Explain My Answer feature to free iOS users starting Jan. 1. The feature, which was originally exclusive to Duolingo Max subscribers, offers personalized feedback on mistakes and the underlying rules. This move promises to make advanced learning tools more accessible to a broader audience.
What Is Explain My Answer?
Explain My Answer is a tool that breaks down why a learner’s answer is right or wrong. It highlights specific grammatical patterns and offers additional examples to clarify the rule. The feature is designed to help users understand the why behind each mistake.
Duolingo stated:
> “Explain My Answer crafts personalized feedback that takes into account the error you made and what about the pattern or rule can be challenging for learners like you.”
Duolingo added:
> “Mistakes might be necessary for learning, but knowing the why behind rules and exceptions helps you build confidence and improve for next time.”
The feature was launched in 2023 but was limited to Duolingo Max, which costs $30 a month or $168 a year. Max users could access Explain My Answer immediately after answering a question. The feature is now expanding to free plans, broadening its reach.
How It Works
After answering a question, a small button labeled “Explain My Answer” appears near the bottom of the screen. Tapping the button opens a series of slides that explain the question’s components. The slides adapt to the specific mistake or correct answer.
The explanation is tailored to the learner’s level and the particular rule that applies. It may include a short definition, an example sentence, and a comparison to a similar rule that often causes confusion. The goal is to provide context rather than just a right or wrong label.
Typical steps when using Explain My Answer:
- Tap the button after answering.
- Read the slide(s) that break down the rule.
- Review additional examples to reinforce understanding.
Availability and Pricing
Duolingo announced that Explain My Answer will be available to free iOS users starting Jan. 1. The feature will initially launch on iOS before expanding to Android free plans in the future. Users who are already on Duolingo Max will continue to have access without interruption.
Currently, the feature supports English speakers learning Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, and Korean. Duolingo plans to add more languages as the feature matures. The rollout will be gradual to ensure quality and consistency.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Duolingo Max | $30 | $168 |
| Free | $0 | $0 |
While the free plan will not charge for the Explain My Answer feature, Max subscribers will still see it as part of their premium package. The pricing structure reflects the added value of personalized feedback and additional lesson content.
Future Plans
Duolingo is actively working to bring Explain My Answer to other languages beyond the current six. The company also plans to release the feature on Android free plans, expanding its reach to a larger user base. Updates will roll out gradually, with feedback loops from learners guiding improvements.
The company’s roadmap indicates a focus on making advanced learning tools accessible without a subscription. This strategy aligns with the broader trend of offering premium features to free users to drive engagement and retention.
Key Takeaways
- Explain My Answer moves from a paid feature to free on iOS by Jan. 1.
- The tool offers personalized feedback on grammatical rules and helps learners understand mistakes.
- Duolingo plans to extend the feature to Android and more languages in the near future.
With Explain My Answer now free for iOS users, Duolingo is taking a significant step toward demystifying language learning. Learners can expect richer explanations and a deeper understanding of grammar without paying for a subscription.
