The English language often lacks both rhyme and reason. It’s full of synonyms, homophones, homonyms, and other confusing words that seem to make it especially difficult to learn. Luckily, you can use the same five skills to improve your English vocabulary as you did when learning your first language: reading, listening, writing, watching, and conversing.
Reading is a wonderful way to learn new words. Because reading is a one-person activity, you can really take your time with a new word and work out its meaning and usage.
As a non-native English speaker, building a strong English vocabulary is essential for effectively communicating, getting ahead in your career, achieving academic success, and so much more With over 171,000 words in current use, mastering English can feel like an uphill climb
Luckily, there are proven strategies you can use to quickly improve your vocabulary skills, remember new words more easily, and unlock fluency in English. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 25 research-backed techniques for rapidly expanding your knowledge of English words and phrases.
Whether you’re currently at a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level, you’re sure to discover helpful tips to start actively growing your vocabulary right away. Let’s dive in!
Read…A Lot
Extensive reading in English exposes you to new vocabulary in context, which is the number one way our brains make sense of and retain new words. Aim to read one book or long article each week on diverse topics and take note of interesting words. Revisit definitions for retention
Learn Word Roots, Prefixes and Suffixes
Many English words share common roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Learn the most productive ones to rapidly expand vocabulary. For example, learning just one root like “tract” (meaning pull, drag) helps with trucks, tractor, extract, contract, distract, etc.
Study Synonyms, Antonyms, and Collocations
Build vocabulary by studying related words Learn synonyms that share meanings (small = little) Study antonyms or opposites (up = down), Note common collocations like “strong tea” and “heavy rain”,
Use Spaced Repetition Flashcards
Flashcards are scientifically proven to boost memorization. But simple flashcards lack spaced repetition, which is key. Use digital flashcard apps like Anki that optimally space out card reviews based on how well you retain words.
Listen to Educational Podcasts and Videos
Find English learning podcasts on vocabulary. Or watch YouTube channels on English language topics. Great listening practice that incidentally teaches new vocabulary in context. Take notes on new words and usage.
Write Regularly in a Journal
Journal about your daily experiences and thoughts in simple English. Look up words you wish you knew how to express. Build these into your writing to master usage. Re-read journal entries to reinforce retention.
Play Vocabulary Games and Puzzles
Crossword puzzles, word searches, Scrabble, and spelling bees are fun ways to build vocabulary. Make it social by competing against friends. Apps like Lumosity also have engaging games to learn words.
Immerse Yourself in English Media
The more English input the better. Immerse yourself by setting TV shows, movies, news, music, and books to English only. Repeated exposure across contexts aids vocabulary building.
Take an English Course with New Vocabulary
Sign up for structured English courses with vocabulary lessons, like at school or an online platform like EdX. Following course materials helps systematically build vocab. Review regularly.
Study the Most Common English Words
Start with the 500-2000 most common words which account for about 80% of usage. Search “2000 most common English words” for lists. Make flashcards. Study the pronunciations with audio support.
Learn Idioms, Slang and Phrasal Verbs
Idiomatic expressions, slang, and phrasal verbs add flair to your English. Learn the most popular American and British idioms. Study common slang but avoid using rude/offensive words. Phrasal verbs like “look into” or “figure out” also help.
Use Mnemonics and Associations
Relate new words to visual images or stories to make them more memorable. Or break words into smaller parts and link to things you already know. These mnemonic devices and associations help with recall.
Say Words Aloud and Write Them Out
Physically saying unfamiliar words builds muscle memory. Write out words and definitions by hand repeatedly to reinforce learning. These actions help imprint words into long-term memory.
Use New Words Immediately in Conversation
After learning new words, try casually working them into your next English conversation. This retrieval practice strengthens your grasp and makes words stick better than passive studying.
Learn Words in Categories
Group words thematically to learn more efficiently. Make vocabulary lists for categories like food, travel, business terms, technology, animals, academic subjects, etc. See how many words you can build in each.
Take Word Quizzes and Tests
After studying new vocabulary, take mini self-quizzes to test your knowledge. Flashcard apps make this easy. For bigger challenges, find English vocabulary practice tests online or from test prep books. Identify weak spots to focus re-studying.
Use a Dictionary App and Thesaurus
Keep dictionary and thesaurus apps on your phone to swiftly look up new words’ meanings and synonyms. Conduct quick word searches during spare moments of the day.
Subscribe to “Word of the Day” Emails
Sign up for “word of the day” type emails that send you a new vocabulary word each day with examples and quiz questions to help reinforce learning and usage in different contexts.
Follow English Learning Accounts on Social
Follow Facebook pages, Twitter accounts, YouTube channels, etc that teach English vocabulary. Short daily social content can painlessly build knowledge.
Keep a Vocabulary Notebook or App
Track your word learning journey with a dedicated vocabulary notebook or app. Add new words and definitions as you learn them. Review entries periodically so they stick. Celebrate growth!
Analyze English Texts to Learn Words by Usage
Choose short English stories, news articles or passages. Read a section and note down all unfamiliar words. Look up meanings. Re-read and analyze how the words are used in context.
Study GRE/SAT Word Lists
Look up “GRE vocabulary words” or “SAT vocabulary words” for curated word lists college applicants study. These are more advanced but great for building your English vocab.
Use English-English Dictionaries and Thesauruses
Monolingual dictionaries/thesauruses define words through English, not just translations, giving deeper insight into nuanced meanings and usage. Try Cambridge, Merriam-Webster, etc.
Immerse Yourself in English Culture
Books, news, and media are great starts, but also engage more deeply with cultural aspects of English-speaking countries. Travel if you can. Local immersion accelerates language skills.
Set Goals and Track Progress
Define your English vocabulary goals, like x number of new words per week or scoring y on a test. Note new words learned in a journal. Take vocabulary size tests to assess growth over time. Celebrate milestones!
Make vocabulary learning a daily habit instead of a chore. Try out this diverse mix of tips and find techniques that work well for your needs and learning style. With consistent practice, expanding your command of English words will become a rewarding and enjoyable journey. Your improved vocabulary will open doors for travel, careers, academics and beyond!
6Vocabulary building
Learn to look for synonyms. If you want to expand your vocabulary, you’ll have to push yourself to use new words. Grammarly has a feature that can help you learn new synonyms and find just the right word to communicate effectively.
Learn how a new word is used by watching someone use it in context. You’ll learn about the different contexts that may surround a new word as well as the gestures and mannerisms that often accompany it.
7Movies and TV
Watching movies is a casual way to learn words. Similar to reading illustrated books, you get the perk of visual cues, while also benefiting from hearing how the word is usually pronounced. Tip: Combine your listening and reading skills by turning on the closed captioning in English, which can be a helpful way to visualize the words being spoken aloud.
Watch people conversing around you in the world. How are they using their words? What can you learn about the words they’re using by observing the relationships of the people and their mannerisms?
Now it’s time to take your new words for a test drive. Conversing allows you to gain valuable input on your word usage and pronunciation while expanding your vocabulary.
How to increase your vocabulary
How can I improve my vocabulary?
Be consistent. As well as improving your vocabulary, you’ll also keep updated and backdated, your general knowledge will increase, and you’ll be an intelligent, well-rounded person. Read high literature. Challenge yourself by reading as many books as you have the time and inclination for. Read classics. Read new fiction and read old fiction.
How can i Improve my English language skills?
You will find activities to help you learn the meaning, pronunciation and spelling of new words. Learning vocabulary will help you improve your language level and communicate in English confidently and effectively. The pages are organised by topic and include interactive exercises to help you learn and remember the new words.
How do I learn better vocabulary?
Here are five tips for better vocabulary learning. 1. Write down new words It’s a really good idea to write down useful new vocabulary. The act of writing the words helps you remember them better. Plus, lots of people learn better when they see things written on paper, rather than just hearing them.
Why should I learn vocabulary?
Learning vocabulary will help you improve your language level and communicate in English confidently and effectively. The pages are organised by topic and include interactive exercises to help you learn and remember the new words. There are also two fun word games to help you improve your vocabulary.
