Are you in a situation where you want to speak English using some fancy and more expressive language or vocabulary?😃
But then, you have limited words 😕
It’s time for you to learn vocabulary using some proven strategies.
Let’s begin –
It is not new to you that to enhance your vocabulary, you must read. Read a lot. And why not
“ Reading is a mere makeshift for original thinking.
~ Arthur Schopenhauer
Read anything and everything. Read fiction, non-fiction, biographies, autobiographies, spiritual text, history, philosophy, etc. Anything and everything!
So, my first suggestion is Read a lot. Make it a habit.
Use Thesaurus – cut off boring vocabulary
A learner never stops learning. I keep updating myself with new and better vocabulary instead of using the same one repeatedly. And using a thesaurus is one of the best ways that I find. You don’t have to do anything much. Just google thesaurus, type a word, normally a word that you use most of the time.
Let’s have a look –
If you type the word ‘Good’, you get an abundance of words.
Wait! That’s not enough. How to use words in sentences?
You can also learn how to apply the word in sentences and use them in your English conversation. Isn’t it one of the powerful ways?
ENGVARTA VOCABULARY SERIES – IT’S FREE !
Engvarta has its own vocabulary series where they have unlimited words daily delivered to your mail account. You get three words along with their meaning, their pronunciation, and sentences. It’s quite a handy way. You don’t have to look for words. It’s all there every morning delivered.
How to subscribe to the Vocabulary series?
Follow the three simple steps –
- Download the Engvarta app
- Go to the ‘Menu’ option
- Subscribe to Engvarta vocabulary series
Use Journal
Keeping is a journal is the best thing that you could do for yourself. Where it is said that maintaining a regular journal is a great habit, maintaining a journal solely for the purpose of building strong vocabulary is also an amazing idea.
Note down every new word you read or hear. A journal will help you to keep a check on the new words you are learning and will motivate you to push the boundaries.
Whenever you read a novel, keep your dictionary, thesaurus, and journal handy.
Inculcate Practical Vocabulary
You must not start by learning the fancy and difficult words. Start developing practical vocabulary. Learn the words that you hear yourself using every day.
For instance, if you are a doctor, you must select the words pertaining to your field first and then graduate to other levels.
Reach the roots
Many people just read the new words, search their meanings and memorize them. But the best way is to reach the roots of the words. Every single word in the vocabulary has Latin or Greek roots. Reaching the roots will also introduce you to another set of words coming from the same root. This will enhance your vocabulary by leaps and bounds.
Mix Learning and Fun
Learning by playing is one of the best ways to build vocabulary. There are many interesting games that are not just fun to play but also, boost the vocabulary.
Play games like Scrabble, crossword puzzles, boggle, word jumble, anagrams, etc. You can download these games on your mobile phones and play these games on the go.
Watch English Movies and Series
Watching English movies and series is also an amazing way to boost the vocabulary. You will discover many new words. Note them down in your journal.
There are several movies that actually help in boosting English speaking skills. Watch movies like The Social Network, The Hunger Games, Cast Away, Twilight, The Hangover, Toy Story, etc.
You can also watch series like Friends, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, The Simpsons, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, etc.
Talk
While having conversations with people, you will surely come across many new words. Regular practice will not only improve your vocabulary but also boost your confidence to speak in English. If you do not have an English-speaking environment around you, you can always take some help from the EngVarta app. The app will connect you with live English Experts who will help you polish your English speaking skills.
EngVarta app offers you a perfect environment to talk in English confidently.
Bring in Use Whatever You Learn
Incorporate the newly learned words into conversations and writing. You are not learning the new words to forget them at some point in time. Making them a part of your regular slang is also important.
Follow the above-mentioned tips and you will see yourself conversing in English with utmost confidence.
Here are some books that will surely help you to boost your vocabulary:
“Leaving Time” by Jodi Picoult
“Mr. “Mercedes” by Stephen King
“Until the End of Time” by Danielle Steel
“Sincerely, Carter” by Whitney Gracia Williams
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling
“The Martian” by Andy Weir
“Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card
“Evil Under the Sun” by Agatha Christie
“The Wright Brothers” by David McCullough
“Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell
So, these were some ways in which you can improve your vocabulary.
If you are practicing any other methods. Do let me know in the comments below.