How to build a strong English vocabulary?
A good vocabulary improves all areas of communication in English. The speaker/writer is able to cohesively voice their opinions and the listener/reader can easily comprehend the message.
There is clarity of thought and understanding. Thus, building a strong English vocabulary can never be overemphasized. It is extremely vital to become fluent in the language.
A strong English vocabulary is fairly easy to achieve, given you practice regularly. Here is a complete list of all the ways that should help you accomplish the same:
New Words
Every time you are reading something or listening to something and you come across a new word, note it down. Then find out its meaning and understand its usage. Frame a sentence using it or use it in your next conversation. This way you will have added one new word to your vocabulary.
Reading
Reading can help you improve in various aspects of life, particularly vocabulary. Reading regularly will expose you to new words as well as the same set of words but in different contexts. This will expand your understanding of the usage of the word. When you read pay close attention to the difficult words and highlight them. Once you are finished, go back and find out their meaning. And then repeat the steps as mentioned under the ‘new words’.
Maintain a journal
Get yourself a diary/notebook/journal in which you can make a list of all the new words that you come across. You can also use these words in your daily diary/journal entry to express your thoughts cohesively.
Word games
This is the most fun way to improve your English vocabulary. Crosswords and scrabble are the most well-known ones. You can play these games at any point of time, either online or offline. Quiddler is another popular word game that exists only in the English language. You can also try spoken word games like word chain if you are with a big group of friends. Solving word puzzles in the newspaper also makes for good practice.
Mnemonics
A mnemonic is a tool that helps us remember certain facts or large amounts of information. Associate new words with an image or make a funny sentence using it. This way you will remember the word, it’s meaning and usage. Example — flabbergasted means to be greatly surprised or astonished. Use it in a sentence like — “Rhea walked in with bright pink hair. The sight left me flabbergasted.”
Test yourself
Putting your knowledge to test is the best way to ensure success. You can either make your own tests or take them online for free.
Synonym word lists
Switching up your words will ensure that your speech does not become monotonous. You can make a synonym word list or find one online. Refer to it whenever you are writing or speaking about anything and use alternative words instead of the ones that you would normally use.
These are a few tips that should come in handy when you are looking for ways to expand your vocabulary in English. Make sure to practise regularly. And turn these into habits so you can become a fluent English speaker easily!