Hi i recently got Mastering the chess opening volume 3 the english from the library.I had some freetime and started looking over it and playing some games.I really enjoy playing it but I have been told to play e4 to improve my tactical ability untill my rating is higher.Is this sound advice? Can i improve my tactics while playing the english?

Who told you this? I am not an expert player, I play for enjoyment. Different people like different things, and I like to vary my openings a lot. If you feel unsteady with e4 and safe with English (or vice versa) by all means continue to use English in important games, and maybe play e4 in non-tournament matches. Do what you enjoy. For most of us chess is not about being a grandmaster. Most tactics occur in the middle game. I say mix it up a little.

The person who told me is a 2000 USCF OTB player.I think i will play both as you said english n important and e4 for practice.

Joshua - The English is an excellent opening to learn and has many diferent things going for it.  I have had very good success with the Advanced Fianchetto Variation of the English Opening - 1. c4  2. g3  3. Bg2  This is a very potent line.  Using the Opening Explorer at 365Chess.com, we can see this line has very high winning percentages.    Enjoy!