Improving your vocabulary

Our vocabulary and ability to speak are something we don’t always appreciate. There is a natural assumption that we know all the words we need to know, and that we know as much as everyone else.

However, if you were to test a group of people, covering a breadth of different ages and backgrounds you’d quickly discover a distinct difference in their range of vocabulary.

How to spot if you’ve got a weak vocabulary

The definition of having a ‘weak’ vocabulary is being someone who doesn’t understand or use as many words as most people your age.

Now, if you’re not sure if you fall into this category, we suggest taking a look at the following situations. Each is an indicator that your vocabulary may not be as strong as you thought:

  1. Feeling confused after reading a book/text because you didn’t understand what was happening or what it was about.
  2. Misinterpreted messages/letters from friends and family.
  3. Regularly misuse common words or have used the wrong word to describe something.
  4. Have got frustrated during a conversation because those listening didn’t understand the point you were trying to make.
  5. Have lacked confidence during a conversation, when writing a letter or when speaking in public because you haven’t felt as smart as those you are talking/writing to.
  6. Have felt unable to get involved in politics or express an opinion on political issues because you’ve been worried that your inability to get your point across effectively would result in you being labelled ‘stupid’.

How to improve your vocabulary

There are many advantages to improving your vocabulary. From bolstering your confidence in interviews to enhancing your writing skills to enabling you to speak without fear during conversations or in public; by adopting any of the following tricks, you will see an immediate difference in your reading, writing, speaking, and listening techniques.

Play word games 

A quick and easy way to absorb new words is to play games such as Scrabble; do a crossword, or download word games onto your phone. All of these will help to expand your range of vocabulary.

Learn a new word every day

Set yourself a challenge of learning a new word each day and then incorporate it into your conversations at least 5 times over 24 hours. This will help you to recall it easier (in the future) and make sure you use it in context. We suggest signing up for some Word of the Day Sites or getting a Word of the Day calendar.

Read more

The simple act of reading daily/regularly can help you to pick up new words and use them correctly. Now, the books you read don’t have to be long or complicated. You can start by reading newspaper articles and magazines, or by setting yourself a challenge of reading a certain amount of your book every day. As you get more confident or find yourself willingly wanting to read and you can expand your reading range to other harder books which spark your interest.

Utilise dictionaries and thesaurus 

Keep a dictionary on hand so you can check out any words that you’re struggling to understand. Likewise, harness a thesaurus to help you to learn new words that have similar meanings.

Do an online course 

There are tonnes of English online courses which you can easily enrol in and use to broaden your vocabulary. More importantly, online courses can give you the flexibility to learn on your terms and at your own pace – no classroom, no pressure, and no need to quit your job.

Write more

Make a point of taking the new words you learn and using them in your writing. From text messages to emails to penning a letter, writing can help you to recall these words and more firmly embed them into your brain.

It is never too late to improve your vocabulary and witness the difference they can make to your writing, speaking, and interview skills. So if you’re looking to broaden your skillset, then why not adopt the tips above into your daily routine?

For more information on our online English courses, visit our website.

Like this article? Spread the word

How To Be Your Own Boss

Ready to be your own boss? Dive into our comprehensive guide to create a solid action plan, gain essential skills, and manage your finances effectively. With practical tips and resources, you'll be well-equipped to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into a successful reality!

From TA and Tutor to Counsellor and Psychotherapist: Unleashing Sally’s Potential

Kids and Anxiety: Growing Challenges in the Classroom Sally, a teaching assistant at a junior school, began considering a shift in her career when she realised how much her students were struggling with anxiety and other mental health issues. “These days, kids seem to be coming through with a lot more problems and anxiety than...

How to get into wedding planning

Whether you want to uncover the hidden world of wedding planning to help plan your own wedding, or you’re simply a natural born organiser; there is no denying that becoming a wedding planner can open doors to a very lucrative career. Think about it… How much easier would your big day be if you were...

Tips for Becoming a Successful Writer

Becoming a successful writer shouldn’t be measured in how much you earn or on how well you’re known. Sure, there are great perks, but what matters is your enjoyment of writing and how others respond to your work. Do you inspire them? Do you grip them? Are you the writer they remember months after finishing...

Endorsed Certifications vs Regulated Qualifications: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to furthering your education and career prospects, you’ve more than likely come across terms like “endorsed certification” and “regulated qualifications.” These terms can be a bit confusing, but understanding the difference between them is crucial for making informed decisions when it comes time to enrol. In today’s blog post, we’ll delve into...

Comments (0)

Join the conversation

Your email address will not be published
What’s on your mind?*
Your name*
Your email*