English is the most spoken second language in the world today. But why did English become the global language? The story begins with the British Empire in the seventeenth century. At its height, the Empire ruled over one quarter of the world's population. British trade, science, and education spread English to many regions. Later, the rise of the United States made English even more powerful. After World War Two, America became the leading economic and cultural force. Hollywood movies, popular music, and television carried English worldwide. The invention of the internet also gave English a central role in communication. Today, more than half of online content is written in English. English is also the official language of air travel and international business. It is often the language used when people from different countries meet. An interesting fact is that most English speakers today are non-native speakers. This means English belongs not only to Britain or America but to the world. Many local cultures now use English while keeping their own traditions alive. Another reason is that English grammar is simpler compared to some languages. For example, verbs do not change as much as in French or Spanish. Of course, English spelling can be difficult, but the rules are widely accepted. Today, learning English opens doors to jobs, travel, and education everywhere. That is why English became, and stays, the global language.