The basis of all languages is vocabulary. We build our speech out of it while expressing our feelings and ideas. Even if we don’t have a firm grasp of a language, if we know a few words, we are still able to communicate basic information. Even though, in this case, we might convey the information with the elegance of a caveman. Just like in any other profession, the best writers educate themselves on a daily basis. A quick and easy way to improve your writing is to simply read a lot. By reading, you are constantly exposing yourself to new vocabulary and new ways to express it. Writers such as John Steinbeck, Stephen King, and Dan Brown are exceptional at masterfully using language to paint such a detailed picture that it almost seems as if they utilize vocabulary just as if an artist would use a paintbrush when creating a masterpiece. Given the importance of vocabulary in all aspects of the English language, here are 10 ways to improve yours.
So, reading
As stated above, one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve your vocabulary is to read as much as possible. When reading, choose materials across the spectrum, such as articles, newspapers, journals, and literature. In this way, you expose yourself to the vocabulary used in modern English and more antiquated forms of speech. In addition, reading different authors and different types of material will assist writers in creating unique word combinations. For instance, in his book On Writing, Stephen King points out that even when you find an author whose writing style you like, it is usual to endeavor to imitate it at first because you learn and ultimately find your own unique style this way.
The notebook comes in handy
When you encounter a word that you find both interesting and valuable, write that word down in a little journal dedicated to studying. Everybody knows that when you write something down, you actually remember it. In this case, you will always have a list of words to practice when you can spare some time. Another helpful hint is to implement this new piece of vocabulary into your daily speech or your writing assignments. By utilizing this word just a handful of times, you can add it into your personal vocabulary without much effort or thought.
Learning different forms of the word
The internet has plenty of valuable recommendations for writers. One of them is to learn not just one form of a word, such as a verb or noun, but write all of them in the notebook. The most convenient way to organize it is to divide the paper into columns and learn all the forms of the new word at the same time. Practically, it looks like this:
Noun: Belief
Verb: To believe
Adjective: Believable
Adverb: Believably
Consistency is key
Memory retention is needlessly lost if one doesn’t hone their skills daily. If you don’t believe me, think back on how much knowledge you would forget after summer vacation in your youth. So, it’s essential to dedicate at least 15 to 30 minutes a day to improve your English skills somehow. Expanding your vocabulary is one of the best ways to improve your English aptitude in every aspect. Make sure that you write and speak with elegance, sophistication, and maybe even a little wit.
Learning synonyms
Learning synonyms is a great way to ensure that you not only memorize a lot of vocabulary words, but you also know words that are similar to them. It will come in handy when a sentence or a phrase requires you not just to use the correct vocabulary word but to select its best suitable version. In creative writing, continuous usage of the same word will make your language look poor, and the paper will not be interesting for a reader.
Memorizing words that come from one root
Some people enjoy studying new vocabulary using roots. For instance, with the root “-ject”, you can learn many words that sound similar, such as inject, object, subject, and eject. For some people, it is easier to memorize the vocabulary this way, since you study many words that come from one root. However, this particular approach is not commonly used.
Using sticky notes
Another way to diversify your learning is the utilization of sticky notes. Simply write the word on the note and stick it on your bathroom mirror. In this way, every morning or evening, you will be reminded of your daily or weekly vocabulary words that you may wish to integrate into your writing or speech. You can do this to a significant effect by identifying certain places that you know you will frequently visit at some point of the day.
Having flashcards
Flashcards are another tried and true method that has been used for decades to significant effect. Just write a word on one side with the definition and maybe even a few synonyms on the other side. Have a few dozen flashcards in a stack, and make sure to look through them at least once a day. It may not be the most attractive method to learn new vocabulary, but it is effective if given enough attention and dedication, which doesn’t amount to much more than looking through your flashcards at least once a day.
Implementing gamification method
This method is a little more exciting than my previous suggestions. There are many websites and resources online that can help you gamify your learning. Though generally more reserved for younger learners, it can feel great to let the inner child out and use games in order to learn skills that we need anyway. You can even invent your own games, such as renaming the world while you walk around, identifying objects in the language outside your native one, testing your knowledge of it in real-time.
Having a good attitude
My last suggestion is the creative one and comes straight through the heart. Of all the things that I wrote about today, I think this one is the most important. It is so essential to have the right attitude to learning vocabulary or anything in general. When you love what you do, you are always better at it. There is always a creative way to teach yourself the skills you already want to learn in an interesting and fulfilling way, turning a chore into a beloved hobby.
