Expanding one’s vocabulary in the English language is really important in the process of becoming fluent in English and improving one’s communication skills in it. The larger the vocabulary and number of phrases you know, the easier it will become for you to communicate with others and express your thoughts clearly and precisely. We have come up with a few effective solutions on how to expand your English vocabulary. This guide can apply not only to the English language, but also to many other foreign languages in which you may wish to expand your vocabulary.
Tips on how to expand your English vocabulary
Reading: one of the most effective ways of expanding your vocab. Pick out some books, magazines, articles or blogs written in English which interest you or those that refer to the topic in which you need to expand your vocabulary. Try to understand unknown words from context. Write down and repeat them a couple times to commit them to your memory.
Learning from context: learning words in context is more effective than learning them on their own, because it is through learning in context that you begin to associate the words with their meanings and start remembering them better. Try to come up with sentences or stories, using new words, to preserve their meaning and how to use them. Practice using new words in many different ways and combinations to remember their varying meanings and uses.
Listening and watching to english media: listen to podcasts, audiobooks, songs, watch movies, TV series and programmes in english. It’s a great way to expand your vocabulary, learn the right pronunciation and intonation. The Cambridge Online Tutor e-learning platform combines authentic videos in the english language with exercises. By solving these exercises you can see how much you understood from the video and how many words from the video you remember.
Taking part in courses and lessons: Language Courses are the perfect answer to how to expand your english vocabulary. They offer systematic learning and the possibility of practice. The teachers are capable of adjusting the way of teaching to the students’ level, creating a comfortable atmosphere for learning and expanding the students’ skills in the best way for the specific person. Especially valuable are the courses led with the inclusion of a native-speaker, during which you can learn new words used in a practical way.
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Using apps for learning languages: there is a wide choice of mobile apps set for helping you learn a foreign language. They offer games, quizzes, and exercises for expanding your vocabulary in english. You can use those apps in your free time, to consolidate new words and phrases. One of those apps is called uTalk, which includes 2500 useful words and phrases and over 60 topics for every language.
If you want to learn more about how to expand your vocabulary in English without leaving your house, read about our e-learning platforms.
Writing: exercise writing texts in the foreign language you’re learning. Try to use diverse words and phrases to describe your ideas, experiences or feelings. Each of those entries will be a valuable practice for you, which will not only help you expand your vocabulary, but also will help to develop your communication skills.
Repeating and consolidating: repeating and consolidating new words is key in remembering them in the long run. Make yourself a list of words to repeat and regularly look through them. There are many techniques to train your memory, such as remembering by association or creating and later using flashcards.
Remember that expanding your vocabulary is a process that takes time, engagement and regularity. Try to expose yourself everyday to the foreign language you’re learning and actively expand your vocabulary.