Have you ever felt that the English language is impossible to master? With its voluminous vocabulary, the English language may appear scary at first glance. However, the good news is that the richness of the language in turn implies that you will never run out of vocabulary words.
Learning new words is a fun-filled activity. Building your vocabulary is one of the easiest methods to improve your writing skills. Any writing task becomes simple since you’ll always have a variety of synonyms to choose from. Hence to that end, the time you spend to improve your vocabulary is the time invested in improving your writing skills.
- Ways to Improve your English Vocabulary
- Important Tips to Enrich your Vocabulary
- Why is it important to expand your vocabulary?
- Can reading improve vocabulary?
- What are the consequences of having a poor vocabulary?
Ways to Improve your English Vocabulary
Have you ever considered how to enrich your vocabulary? With numerous resources available, expanding your vocabulary is no longer a challenging task. Have a look at the following simple tips to learn new words and expand your vocabulary.
Important Tips to Enrich your Vocabulary
Read, Read and Read!
Reading books, articles, etc is the simplest way of enriching your vocabulary. Reading allows you to learn and enhance your vocabulary. While engaged in a reading activity you gain exposure to unfamiliar words and their specific usage as per the context. Seeing words appear in a book or newspaper is far more helpful and interesting rather than viewing them in a list.
Use a Dictionary for Reference
The use of a dictionary is yet another means of bettering your vocabulary. Whenever you come across a new word, make sure to check the dictionary to know more about the word and its usage. A proper dictionary reference helps you infer the antonyms, synonyms, root words, etc.
Be familiar with Synonyms and Antonyms
Familiarise yourself with the antonyms and synonyms of a word. Finding words with similar meanings can make you free from the repeated use of the same word. On the other hand, understanding the antonym of a word is beneficial in two ways: Firstly it helps you to get a better idea about the original word, and secondly exposure to antonyms is in turn exposure to more new words.
Have fun with Word Games
Word games can be one of the best ways to encounter new words. Games like Scrabble, Bogle etc can be beneficial and engaging means to learn new words. Noting down such words in a journal and revising them at regular intervals is vital.
Subscribe to “Word of the Day” feeds
Today various web platforms provide the service of introducing a word a day. This can either be through a website, an app, or via email. Subscribing to such platforms will help you expand your vocabulary.
Use new words in Everyday Conversation
Access to a plethora of words is not just enough. It is always mandatory to put into practice what you learn. Hence make it a point to use words that you have learned in everyday conversation. Only then does the process of enriching the vocabulary gets complete.
Watching/ listening to English Shows and Movies
Paying attention to native speakers of English will ensure that you learn the right pronunciation. Exposure to English movies helps you comprehend English culture. This can in turn influence or inspire you to expand your knowledge of the language.
Make use of Flashcards
Flashcards can be an entertaining way of expanding your vocabulary. The visual appeal of flashcards will surely encourage you to come back to them frequently.
One word for One Day
Make sure to follow the motto “one word for one day”. If you decide to go by the policy of learning at least one new word every single day, the pace at which you master a language will be amazing!
Kickstart your Blog
There is no better way to expand your vocabulary than by beginning your blog. The very act of writing something will make sure that you constantly put into use what you have learned. In addition, writing blogs will urge you to go in search of new words to make sure your writing stays unique.
Discover the Etymology of Words
Having an idea about the origin of a word is useful as it improves your ability to comprehend and apply the word in the appropriate context.
Make it a Habit to Memorize what you learn
Through repetition, words get stored in your long-term memory. Make it a habit to go back and revise the new words you have compiled. This ensures that the words stay forever in your memory.
Be Attentive while Reading
It is useless to read merely for the sake of reading. When you read make sure to keep a close eye on each word that comes across you. Never miss the difficult words you pass by. Make it a point to search more about such words and understand what they indicate.
Attend Vocabulary Tests
Today there are vocabulary tests available online. Attending vocabulary tests will give you an idea of your progress in acquiring new words. Hence vocabulary tests can be the best way to boost your vocabulary.
Get a comprehensive list of English Idioms to expand your knowledge base and grip on the language for free.
FAQs on How to Expand your English Vocabulary
1. Why is it important to expand your vocabulary?
A strong vocabulary helps you explain what you mean and improves your writing. Having a better vocabulary helps you express your opinion and suggestions more effectively.
2. Can reading improve vocabulary?
Reading is one of the best and simplest means of expanding your vocabulary. Reading articles, stories, etc will help you gain knowledge about words in specific contexts.
3. What are the consequences of having a poor vocabulary?
Language imperfections will be more evident if you do not have a good command of vocabulary words. You will encounter difficulty in reading what is written. A poor vocabulary weakens both your oral and written skills.
Conclusion
You can improve your vocabulary any time, anywhere by following the above-mentioned strategies. No matter which of these tips you follow, you will surely enhance your vocabulary if you make it a point to dedicate some time to the process regularly. So once you encounter new words, never hesitate to explore more about them.