Tips to Effectively Build a Strong Vocabulary

We are living in an age of easy-access information including artificial intelligence (AI) programs that use natural language processing to aid us in conveniently comprehending and performing a variety of language-related tasks—all at our fingertips.

In a world where technological advancement has greatly expanded access to information, expertise, and knowledge through a wide array of devices, digital libraries or online databases, the million dollar question is, is it still beneficial to actively expand our English vocabulary? 

The answer is, yes. Indisputably!

Here are a few but effective ways to strengthen your word power:

1. Read extensively!
Studies have shown that reading is the most effective way to build vocabulary. Therefore, setting a daily reading time helps increase one's acquisition and exposure to vocabulary. In fact, one can see positive gains in reading achievement from allotting even 15 minutes of daily reading only. So, in context, imagine what one can achieve if one allocates longer reading time!  

Read a variety of materials such as books, essays, magazines, and newspapers that cover a wide range of topics and genres. Pay attention to unfamiliar words, phrases, idioms as well as expressions, look up their meanings in the process and keep a vocabulary journal. 

2. Consume English media
In today's fast paced environment, it is highly understandable that not all learners are eager readers. While some find it a challenging and a tedious task, most claim they simply cannot find time to sit back and shift their main focus on reading solely. 

Well we say, where there's a will, there's a way! 

A practical alternative to reading is exposure to spoken language through English media like podcasts, news, documentaries, radio programs, movies, TV shows & talk shows, vlogs, and the list goes on and on. Consuming English media can greatly help in picking up natural language usage. Essentially it can also enhance your listening comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and even accent and pronunciation.

Immersion in the language as native speakers use it through English media can be maximized by using subtitles when necessary, actively searching definition of new words and phrases, and paying close attention to word choice when different insights are expressed in situations. Simply put, solidify your understanding by putting in extra work!

3. Go old school with a good dictionary and thesaurus
Tools such as a comprehensible dictionary and thesaurus may sound oldie but boy are they goodie! Pair your reading and consumption of spoken English media with deliberate study habits. Deepen your knowledge by looking up not only meanings of words and phrases but also going the extra mile by exploring their synonyms! Never underestimate the power of synonyms, antonyms and even word association.

Let's take the high frequency word "see" for an instance. How many other synonymous words can you relate to it?

4. Play word games
There are many hidden benefits of word games like word searches, crossword puzzles, scrabble, etc. Not only does it make learning English amusing but it additionally helps you think outside of the box and retain words and expressions longer. Word games challenge your vocabulary and spelling skills and are an excellent way to expand your word knowledge. 

5. Practice, practice and practice some more!
As the saying goes, practice makes perfect, experiments have proven that immediate regular application of newly learned words and expressions into writing and conversation is the key to become better, if not proficient (just yet), in the target language. 

Without consistent practice, it still is like pouring water into a sieve. For this reason, we recommend finding someone as an English buddy you can actively practice conversing English with. This English buddy can be a family member, a close friend, a colleague, a fellow English language learner, and the greatest gain of all--a professional English teacher! Having a practice partner will challenge you, correct you and even hold you accountable during lazy days.

In everything and anything, much like in building a stronger vocabulary, one cannot expand their vocabulary without intentionally making an effort to pursue it. Be motivated, set language goals, remain undeviating, and above all, exercise discipline to never sit on your laurels!

Need help? 
Here at Daily English, we can help you do just that! Enroll now!

 

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