Here's why it's so hard to get a precise number:
* Different levels of proficiency: Some people speak English as a native language, others as a second language, and some have only basic knowledge.
* Regional variations: The number of English speakers varies significantly by country and region.
* Data collection challenges: It's difficult to conduct accurate surveys and gather data on language use across the entire world.
However, here are some estimates:
* As a first language: Around 379 million people worldwide speak English as their native language.
* As a second language: Estimates range from 500 million to over 1 billion people.
* Total: Depending on how proficiency is defined, estimates for the total number of English speakers range from 1.5 billion to over 2 billion.
Important Note: These are just estimations, and the actual number could be higher or lower.