improve writing skills vocabulary

• Personal Development
• Sales Training
• Business Training
• Time Management
• Leadership Training
• Book Writing
• Public Speaking
• Live Speaker Training With Brian
• See Brian Speak
• Coaching Programs
• Become a Coach
• Personal Success
• Sales Success
• Business Success
• Leadership Success

How to Improve Your Vocabulary for Writing & Speaking Success

Language is a powerful tool, and the better you are at wielding it the better your results will be. If you want to engage your audience and pique their interest, you need to develop exceptional written communication skills. A big part of improving your writing skills is simply learning how to improve your vocabulary .

Below, we’ll take a comprehensive look at why improving your vocabulary matter, and we’ll review a variety of methods that you can use to quickly grow your vocabulary.

Why Learn Vocabulary?

When you’re working as a writer, words are the only tool that you have available to help you communicate a personality, an emotion, or an idea.

Therefore, the more words you know and can use, the more likely it is that you will be able to find the perfect way to string together your thoughts into a message that will get the job done.

Having a large vocabulary allows you to say the same thing in a variety of different ways.

This means that you will be able to rewrite ideas from resources that you find without plagiarizing the original source.

You’ll also be able to better customize your message to specific audiences.

Of course, having a mastery of the English language will also improve the quality of your writing as well, and help you establish a sense of professionalism and expertise.

Is one of your dreams to learn how to write a book ?

Writing a book that is free of grammar and spelling errors will increase your chances of actually getting it published. By the way, this free guide to publishing books  will show you a lot more ways to improve your odds with a publisher.

In summary, if you intend to use written material to share a message or communicate with the masses, in any way, expanding your vocabulary is an excellent way to make it easier for you and for your readers.

Expand Vocabulary No Matter What Level

You may already have an impressive vocabulary or you may be starting out with only a basic set of words that you are able to pull from when you’re writing.

The good news is that no matter where you are starting out, the process for improving your vocabulary even further remains the same.

How to Expand Your Vocabulary as a Writer

Expanding your written vocabulary is, fortunately, much easier than expanding your speaking vocabulary.

The reason for this is that writing offers two big advantages that speaking does not: time to think and a backspace key, however this time to think, something introduces people to writer’s block .

When you’re writing, you’ll have all the time you need to search your mind (or a thesaurus) for the exact word that you need.

You’ll also have the ability to delete a word or a sentence and start over if need be.

Nevertheless, the goal is to eliminate the need for these things as much as possible.

Consulting a dictionary or a thesaurus every few minutes may be fine starting out, but it’s going to make for a slow, painstaking writing process.

You’ll be much better served by having a deep vocabulary that you can draw from at-will in your writing so that the words flow quickly and effortlessly from your mind to the keyboard.

Vocabulary Strategies

If you’re ready to start improving your vocabulary, there are a variety of strategies that you can employ. It’s important to note, though, that all of these strategies take time and effort.

Mastering the English language overnight is no more possible than it is to master any other skill overnight.

With that said, these strategies are still designed to help you improve your vocabulary skills as quickly and as effectively as possible.

Without further ado, let’s dive into some of the strategies you can use to expand your vocabulary.

How can I Learn Vocabulary Words?

Some effective strategies for learning new vocabulary words that you can put to use in your writing include:

1. Read…a lot

Reading everything you can get your hands on is one of the most passive and most effective ways to boost your vocabulary.

When you read, you’ll see new words put into use by writers who are likely to have a diverse vocabulary and you can add these words to your own vocabulary as you come across them.

The best part about reading to improve your vocabulary is that it doesn’t matter what it is that you read; whether it’s a how-to guide on the internet, a romance novel, or anything in-between, the simple act of digesting written material will drastically improve your vocabulary over time.

2. Keep a Thesaurus and a Dictionary Nearby

Dictionaries and thesauruses are the two most effective vocabulary-expanding tools that you have available, and you can use each of them in a slightly different way.

Whenever you come across a word that you don’t understand, look it up in a dictionary and take the time to commit the word and its definition to memory.

Meanwhile, you can look up words that you already know in a thesaurus at any time to find other words that mean the same thing.

Commit a few of those words to memory and you’ll have the ability to say the same thing in a number of different, more eloquent ways.

3. Make Flashcards

There’s a good reason why flashcards are a favorite memorization tool for students everywhere, and that reason is that they work well.

Start by putting together a few dozen flash cards filled with words that you don’t yet have committed to your vocabulary, and frequently add new flashcards to your collection.

If you run through these flashcards just once a day you will be well on your way to expanding your vocabulary.

4. Describe Your Surroundings

Whenever you’re sitting in traffic, relaxing at home, waiting in line at the coffee shop, or otherwise not preoccupied, try a mental exercise where you describe your surroundings in your head.

Do you know the name of everything in your setting?

What words would you use to describe the people around you?

Ask yourself questions such as this and paint a mental picture of the world around you using the most descriptive language that you can.

Exercises such as this will help you put the new words you use into practice in order to better commit them to your memory.

5. Listen to Music

In the same way that reading grows your vocabulary, listening can grow your vocabulary as well.

Listening to music is one good option, especially if you are listening to artists that are creative with their verses and rhymes.

However, listening to podcasts, audiobooks, and more can also improve your vocabulary over time as well.

6. Commit to Learning One New Word Every Day

Learning just one new word a day isn’t a particularly challenging goal, yet it is one that can make a dramatic difference in your vocabulary.

Each day, choose a new word to memorize and try to use that word as often as you can throughout the day.

Daily Vocabulary Words

Learning just one new word every day is a highly effective way to incrementally expand your vocabulary over time.

To use this method, you can pick a word at random from the dictionary or you can use one of many daily vocabulary word programs that will send a new word to your inbox each day.

Dictionary.com and other online dictionaries also feature a new word each day on the homepage of their website that you can check out.

However, you choose your daily word, though, take the time to memorize the word and try to use it as much as possible in conversation or in your mind throughout the day.

If you give your daily word enough focus, you should be able to make it a permanent part of your vocabulary after just 24 hours.

Learn a New Word a Day

Learning a new word a day is such an effective strategy thanks to the fact that it requires only a minimal amount of commitment and effort yet still allows you to add a new word to your vocabulary each and every day.

If there’s only one vocabulary-building strategy that you choose to implement, it should be this one.

Vocabulary List

An effective addition to your strategy of learning a new word a day that you might want to consider is keeping a list of the words that you choose to learn along with their definitions.

If you keep a list such as this, you’ll be able to review it from time to time in order to further commit your daily vocabulary words to memory and ensure that you don’t forget them as time goes by.

Your list will also serve as a visual example of how much your vocabulary has expanded, which can be a big motivator to keep up your progress.

Vocabulary Practice

Learning new words alone isn’t enough to truly improve your vocabulary; in order to make the words you memorize a functional part of your vocabulary that you can use in your writing, you also need to put the words you memorize into practice.

In the next section, we’ll look at some activities and exercises that you can use in order to practice using the words that you learn.

Vocabulary Activities to Help You Grow

There are plenty of effective activities that you can use to put the words you learn into practice as well as learn new vocabulary words in the process.

These activities include things such as:

1. Vocabulary Games

There is a wide range of online games designed to help you improve your vocabulary.

These games can serve as a fun and entertaining way to learn new words and put the words that you already know into practice.

Many online dictionaries such as Dictionary.com offer free vocabulary games, and a quick Google search for vocabulary games will turn up even more options.

2. Vocabulary Test

Vocabulary tests allow you to test your current vocabulary and receive a score at the end of the test that lets you know what level you are on. In addition to improving your vocabulary by exposing you to new words, these tests also allow you to gauge your progress so that you will know if and by how much your vocabulary is improving.

As with vocabulary games, a wide range of vocabulary tests can be found with a quick Google search .

3. Vocabulary Quiz

Vocabulary quizzes are similar to vocabulary tests, but are typically shorter and may not provide a very detailed analysis of your vocabulary level once the quiz is complete.

Nevertheless, vocabulary quizzes are still a great way to practice your vocabulary and measure your results.

4. Vocabulary Worksheets

Vocabulary worksheets come in a wide range of formats.

Some can be completed online while others can be printed off and completed by hand, and the exact goal and instructions for the worksheet vary from worksheet to worksheet.

Whatever format you choose, though, vocabulary worksheets are a great way to practice your vocabulary skills.

What is the Best Way to Learn Vocabulary?

There is no single best way to learn vocabulary, and the most beneficial approach will come from implementing a number of different practices and strategies.

Hopefully, this guide has given you plenty of vocabulary-building methods for you to consider implementing.

If you choose a handful of these methods and commit to them each day, you can rest assured that your vocabulary will improve over time, helping you write more effective content for your business.

« Previous Post The Ultimate Guide to Business Coaching [With a Special Offer From Jack Canfield] Next Post » How to Maintain the Willpower to Achieve Your Goals

About Brian Tracy — Brian is recognized as the top sales training and personal success authority in the world today. He has authored more than 60 books and has produced more than 500 audio and video learning programs on sales, management, business success and personal development, including worldwide bestseller The Psychology of Achievement. Brian's goal is to help you achieve your personal and business goals faster and easier than you ever imagined. You can follow him on Twitter , Facebook , Pinterest , Linkedin and Youtube .

• Most Recent
• How to Start a Speech: The Best Ways to Capture Your Audience
• How to Develop Self-Discipline to Succeed
• The Art of Business Success: A Blueprint for Entrepreneurs
• How to Develop a Habit That Will Last
• How to Write an Author Bio (Examples Included)
• 165 Inspirational Quotes To Keep You Motivated In Life
• 9 Tips to End a Speech With a Bang
• The Power Of Positive Thinking
• Personal Development Plan Templates for Success
• Eat That Frog: Brian Tracy Explains the Truth About Frogs
• 30 Motivational Sales Quotes to Inspire Success
• How to Be Successful in Life – 15 Habits to Adopt Today
• How to Set Priorities Using the ABCDE Method
• Potential Ways To Make More Money: 20 Creative Ideas
• Free Webinar: How To Write a Book and Become a Published Author
• Free Video Series: 3-Part Sales Mastery Training Series
• Free Assessment: The Confidence Factor
• Free Assessment: Discovering Your Talents

Browse Categories

• Financial Success

Follow Brian & Join the Discussion

• Free Resources
• Best Sellers
• Knowledge Base
• Shipping & Returns
• Privacy Policy
• About Brian
• Brian Recommends

Your Privacy is Guaranteed. We will never give, lease or sell your personal information. Period!

© Copyright 2001-2024 Brian Tracy International. All Rights Reserved.

25 Ways to Improve Your Writing Vocabulary - The Ready Writers

A great vocabulary is just one essential tool in a writer’s toolbox, along with punctuation, grammar, and many others. Vocabulary can make your writing more powerful and more effective and help you say exactly what you mean. This indispensable tool will help you choose the best word for every job and avoid vague words that do not give your readers a good sense of your meaning.

Building your vocabulary is one of the easiest ways to improve the power of your writing and make any writing task that much easier, as you will have several synonyms in your repertoire to pull from every time. Developing your vocabulary need not be difficult or painful. Here are 25 ways you can improve your writing vocabulary every day.

Use New Words

Use a word immediately after you learn it. Try to make a game out of using a new word as soon as you learn it. Every day, try to slip in a new word into the conversation, a journal entry, an assignment or an email to a friend. Do this as often as possible, and repeat the word to yourself.

Read Every Day

Once you’re out of school, word drills and assigned reading become things of the past. While these were tools for building your vocabulary repertoire while you were young, it doesn’t mean you should abandon reading. Try to read a well-written and edited essay, magazine article, book or news article every day. Nonfiction and technical books will quickly teach you new ways to think and speak with words you may be unfamiliar with, but any type of reading will help you along.

Learn Roots

Learn the roots of words. Most words in the English language are built from a common root, prefix, and suffix, usually with an origin in the Greek or Latin language. Once you learn a root, you’ll begin to understand more words that use the same root. For example, -duc- (Latin root word) means to lead or to make, such as in the words produce or deduce.

Use a Thesaurus

Keep a thesaurus handy. As you write, keep a thesaurus handy and use it when you find yourself using a word too often, or using a word that you know doesn’t quite convey the right meaning. This will help you better express yourself, and you’ll also learn a new word in the process.

Develop Practical Vocabulary

This means you should start by learning words that express what’s important to you for the task at hand. A good example of this is learning trade language or words you use often in a hobby or vocation. Rather than immediately turning to cliches or jargon that’s tossed around, look for clearer words to express to peers what you’re writing about.

Learn New Words Every Day

To improve your vocabulary quickly, make an effort to learn at least one new word every single day. There are plenty of ways to do this, such as a Word of the Day calendar or email list, or simply picking a word from a thesaurus or dictionary.

Look up Words You Don’t Know

How often do you come across words that are unfamiliar as you read? Don’t just gloss over them; take the time to look them up, and if you don’t have the time right then, write them down and look them up later.

Keep a Journal

Journaling won’t just help you develop your writing style, it will also help you improve your vocabulary. Try to use new or interesting words you’ve learned recently into a journal entry for the day or the week.

Identify Empty Words

You’re probably familiar with empty words in your speech (such as “uh” or “um”), but your writing probably has empty words as well. Look for these empty words in your writing that do not offer any substance to your reader and replace them with something more appropriate. The same principle applies to phrases and sentences, so make sure that you haven’t used six or seven phrases to say something that could be better communicated in one sentence filled with carefully-chosen words.

Diversify Your Reading List

If you tend to read the same sort of things day in and day out, you may not be exposing yourself to a wide enough range of vocabulary. Diversify the topics you read to include natural science, Shakespeare, contemporary literature, politics, history, philosophy or any other topics you think you may enjoy.

Do Word Puzzles

Word puzzles in the newspaper or a magazine aren’t just a fun way to fill time, they’re also perfect for boosting your working vocabulary. Crossword puzzles are a challenge that get your brain working hard to search your memory for words you do know but don’t use, and this can help you move words from your memory banks into your working set of vocabulary which will come across in your writing.

Try Word Board Games

There are plenty of word games on the market designed to improve vocabulary and language skills without being a bore. Some of these games you may have played as a child, so it’s time to break them out again and get to “work.” If you have a friend who could also use some help — or someone with a great vocabulary you think will challenge you — invite them over for a game night.

Practice New Words in Divergent Ways

It takes between 10 and 20 repetitions to make a new word a part of your vocabulary. To help the word settle into your mind and memory, write it down (both the definition and a sentence you make up using the word), use it in conversation, include it in an email or any other way you can think of.

Make up Associations

Start by saying the new word aloud, then relate it to a word you already know. A good example of this is gargantuan, which means “very large” or “gigantic.” Say a sequence aloud: small, medium, large, very large, gargantuan. Then list things you think are gargantuan.

Use Mnemonics

Mnemonic techniques are memory tricks you can use to remember new words. You may remember a word by sounding it out and thinking of a funny sentence that matches the meaning, such as turning egregious (extremely bad) into “Don’t let that smelly rotten egg reach us!”

Visualize New Words

Research shows that visualization is a great way to remember new words and their meanings. A good example of this is the word stratovolcano, which is a high, pointed mountain with a violent explosion. One way to remember this meaning is the fact that the prefix “strato” sounds like “straight-oh,” which may make you think of a straight ruler or a “straight-o-volcano,” which describes the word’s definition.

Make Your Own Vocabulary Tests

Keep a list of the new words you learn each week and incorporate into writing and conversation. At the end of each week, make yourself a quiz using the words to cement them in your memory.

Make Synonym Word Lists

Do you find yourself turning to the same word again and again in your writing? Grab a piece of paper and write it at the top. Next, brainstorm or use a thesaurus to generate a list of ten to twenty new words you can use instead. You can keep these lists in a vocabulary notebook and add to them whenever you learn a new synonym.

Take a Writing Course

There are plenty of online courses as well as in-person classes you can attend to boost your writing vocabulary and learn how to use new words correctly. Try to find a self-paced course that uses assignments and quizzes to hep you increase fluency and brush up on your writing skills. Some classes are aimed at essay writing or creative writing, so you can find a class that will help you improve the style you need the most help with.

Edit Your Own Writing

After you finish writing, be your own editor and go though the piece with a fine-toothed comb to identify overused and nondescript words with something more precise or colorful. Editing is an important process for spotting writing errors, but it’s also great for improving the tone, style, and clarity of your writing. It might help to read the sentences aloud, then note any lack of precision. Search through your memory for more descriptive words, or consult a thesaurus if you need to.

As you replace words, remember that using a large number of complex words won’t necessarily clarify the meaning, and it may just make your writing more pompous. Ask yourself, “Do I know a better word to use instead?” You may replace “use” with “acquire” or “obtain,” or “do” with “perform.”

Move Words from Comprehensive to Expressive Vocabulary

You actually have two types of vocabulary: one is a much larger set of words you understand, even if only vaguely, and the other is a smaller set of words you actually use to express yourself. Moving words from your comprehensive, but passive vocabulary, to your active, expressive vocabulary is easier than you think. To do this, you’ll need to know how to define, pronounce and spell the words. Say them out loud and use them at every opportunity to move them into your active set.

Ask for Feedback

Do you think your writing could use some help? If you’re struggling with your written vocabulary, try asking someone else for help. A second set of eyes can offer a great deal of insight and spot problems you may not notice yourself, including poor word choice. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend, teacher, co-worker or someone online to review your writing for feedback on your vocabulary.

Carry a Dictionary and Thesaurus with You

How often do you find yourself with free time and nothing to do? Carry a pocket thesaurus or dictionary with you and you’ll find time to beef up your vocabulary while you’re waiting for an appointment, commuting to work or waiting for a bus. Whenever you have a few minutes to spare, read a page or two and learn a new word to add to your writing. It’s also a great idea to look up obscure words you don’t quite grasp that come to you on the fly as you go about your day. You can also use the dictionary or thesaurus to look up unfamiliar words you come across in your daily life.

Use College Preparation Tests

College prep tests that use SAT and ACT-type words are a great way to take your writing to the next level. This form of advanced study will challenge your mind and give you a new set of words to use that are practical and offer your writing the clarity it needs. You’ll also get the chance to brush up on the most important Latin and Greek roots and get a new set of words with activities to help move them into your active vocabulary set.

There are tons of non-board games that will help you improve your writing vocabulary while you have fun. Try downloading fun word games onto your phone or computer so you can get some practice while you unwind after a busy day. Some games are designed to build vocabulary skills, but there are plenty of others that will help you practice spelling, phonics, and even typing skills. There are even some designed for college students to prepare for testing and vocabulary-rich exams.

Hopefully, this list has given you an excellent place to start to build your vocabulary a bit at a time. If you think about it, there are opportunities all around you to develop this important skill, so spend time every day reading and listening to take in new words and then develop a system to incorporate these new words in your writing and speech . Before long, you’ll find your vocabulary has grown to a new level and your writing has gained the clarity you need with an ease you didn’t think possible.

Culled from: Word Counter

• word puzzles

Let’s design together

• The Ready Writers
• Free Consultation

Copyright © 2021 The Ready Writers Consult . All rights reserved.

Main navigation

Write & improve.

Improve your English writing online

Want to improve your writing skills? Our free online tool helps you to practise your writing and get valuable feedback instantly. Write & Improve is simple to use: just choose a task, write or upload a written response and use the feedback to quickly improve.

It shows you how to improve your spelling, grammar and vocabulary. Join over 2 million learners of English who have used Write & Improve to improve their writing.

Start practising now

Improve your writing now – it's free!

• There is no limit on how many times you can use the tool – keep practising as much as you need to and build your confidence.
• Encourages you to think about what to improve.
• Keep improving and see your progress.

When I was preparing for my B2 First exam I practised really hard and I succeeded, so I'm in love with this tool that I still use almost every day. Aaron from Ecuador

With Write & Improve my grades get better and I am inspired to do more. It is really graphical and easy to use, highlighting your mistakes in a very visual way. Victoria from Uruguay

Write & Improve helps when practising writing particular types of documents. I've been able to see my progress and how my learning has changed. Jorge from Switzerland

8 Ways to Expand your Writing Vocabulary

Looking for how to become a better writer? Start by improving your writing vocabulary. After all, the stronger your words are, the more powerful your writing will be.

But why is writing important? Why bother expanding your vocabulary and building your writing skills?

For starters, it may lead to fewer revisions during editing stages, meaning your essays and assignments won’t take as long to complete. And it may even result in higher grades for the work you turn in for class.

And who doesn’t want that?

There are many methods you can use to expand your vocabulary as a writer. Here are some tips on how to increase your word power.

1. Read More

Read a lot, and read from a variety of sources. Magazines, newspapers, blogs, novels, comics, and more can fill you up with new words you might never have seen without exploring these texts. The more words you put into your brain, the more words you will have available for you to use in your writing.

Reading other people’s writing can open your mind to a plethora of new words. (plethora=overabundance, excess.)

2. Look Up Words in a Dictionary

As you are reading more varied texts, you will come across words you don’t know. Don’t just simply gloss over them.

Instead, stop and look up the meaning of each new word. If you’re reading an e-reader, such as a Kindle, you just need to highlight the word and you’ll see the dictionary definition. Dictionary.com and the Merriam Webster dictionary app are also helpful to have on-hand.

Taking the time to investigate the meanings will help cement the word into your brain for future use. It helps cohere the new word to your memory. (cohere=to stick to, cling.)

3. Keep a Word Journal

Once you’ve looked up new words using your dictionary, record each new word in a journal. This will put all of your new words in one handy space. Refer back to your journal often to review some of the vocabulary terms you have gained.

Make a goal to incorporate these words into your writing (for school, social media, personal journals, notes, etc). Actively practicing these new words in written form will help you improve your vocabulary.

You will soon acclimate to using your fancier vocabulary. (acclimate=make or become adjusted.)

4. Learn a New Word Each Day

There are numerous sites that can help you learn a new word every day. Merriam-Webster has a Word-of-the-Day feature that has a mini-podcast each day to give multiple examples of how to use the word. Collins Dictionary also offers a Word of the Day .

As you visit these sites, make a note in your word journal of these new words. You can also visit an improve vocabulary app on your phone to get some word coaching on the go.

These circadian visits to learn words can help you stay on track with broadening your vocabulary. (circadian=daily.)

5. Use New Words Frequently in Conversations

Try out your new words verbally in daily conversations. Make a goal to incorporate one new word into your communication with others every day.

The more you speak and use new words, the more they will be committed to your memory. There’s definitely a connection between speaking and writing. Improving your spoken vocabulary also improves your written vocabulary and vice versa (or contrariwise .) (contrariwise=vice versa)

6. Play Word Games

Doing daily crosswords can help you step up your vocab game. There are online options or you can use the simple pencil-and-paper route.

Interactive word games like Scrabble and Boggle can be fun and educational for you and a group of your friends. Apps on your phone such as Words With Friends can also be entertaining ways to increase your vocabulary.

Many of these games are riveting . (riveting=fascinating, gripping.)

7. Choose Better, More Specific Words

Once you’ve started to learn new words and expand your vocabulary, choose better words in your writing. Certain vague words (like big or small ) should be avoided and replaced with specific, more descriptive words.

If the house was big, was it colossal? Enormous? Monstrous? Gigantic? There are better choices you can make with an expanded vocabulary. Using these precise words helps paint a clearer picture for your reader. It also helps your writing be less obscure . (obscure=not easily understood.)

8. Use a Thesaurus

If you’re trying to incorporate more specific words, it’s helpful to use a thesaurus. When you see a vague word in your essay, look it up in a thesaurus and pick a more accurate and effective word.

OneLook has a thorough thesaurus that is extremely helpful. Or should I say practical? Beneficial? Handy? The thesaurus helps you find the exact word you are looking for. It will ameliorate your word choices. (ameliorate=make, become better.)

Becoming a better writer means choosing better words in your writing. The more specific and interesting your words are, the more engaging and comprehensible your writing will be. With a small amount of daily effort, you can increase your vocabulary and take your writing to the next level.

How to Write Essay Titles and Headers

Don’t overlook the title and section headers when putting together your next writing assignment. Follow these pointers for keeping your writing organized and effective.

101 Standout Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

Need a topic for your upcoming argumentative essay? We've got 100 helpful prompts to help you get kickstarted on your next writing assignment.

Writing a Standout College Admissions Essay

Your personal statement is arguably the most important part of your college application. Follow these guidelines for an exceptional admissions essay.

How to Improve Your Vocabulary

Use the links below to jump directly to any section of this guide:

Vocabulary Fundamentals

How to comprehend unfamiliar words , how to prepare for vocabulary questions on standardized tests, how to answer vocabulary questions on standardized tests, how to use your vocabulary in writing, vocabulary games, resources for teaching vocabulary.

Your vocabulary is comprised of all the words you know: words you can read, write, speak, define, and recognize. Improving your vocabulary provides access to a broader range of verbal expression, and helps you perceive the nuances of the English language. When reading a novel or a newspaper article, your grasp of uncommon words allows you to understand the writer's finer points. When writing a paper or essay, your careful articulation makes you sound insightful, original, and authoritative. While using a dictionary or thesaurus can help you vary diction on the go, study tools can help you expand your word retention and recall. This will help you in the classroom, on standardized tests, and in everyday conversation. This guide is a collection of dozens of links to vocabulary resources that we have researched, categorized, and annotated in order to help you improve your vocabulary and test-taking skills.

What does "vocabulary" really mean in practice? Why is it important in real-world situations? How does vocabulary acquisition and development work? This section contains blog posts and articles that introduce you to the basics of vocabulary, from its definition to its relevance.

"Vocabulary" (Wikipedia)

Wikipedia's article defines "vocabulary" and discusses cognitive assessments, types of vocabulary, the process of vocabulary growth, and methods of vocabulary enhancement.

"Why A Substantial Vocabulary Is Important" ( Gray Matter Blog)

This blog post from Elevate's Gray Matter  talks about how vocabulary improves your life outside of reading and writing—by making you a faster thinker, a more productive worker, and a better citizen. It also offers five lifestyle tips for improving your vocabulary.

"Vocabulary and Its Importance in Language Learning" (TESOL)

This excerpt from an English-as-a-second-language teacher's handbook is helpful for thinking about the abstract benefits of vocabulary, as well as showing what vocabulary knowledge is and how it can be measured in practice. 

"Definition and Examples of Vocabulary" (ThoughtCo)

In this blog post, you'll find definitions of vocabulary, links to related topics like etymology, word roots, and regional English dialects, and links to worksheets and games to improve your vocabulary.

"The Importance of Vocabulary In Writing" ( Time4Writing )

This article from a popular writing blog explains how having a good vocabulary makes your writing more descriptive, more suited to your audience, and more varied. It ends with simple tips to improve your vocabulary. 

If you're looking to expand your vocabulary, you'll need to go through a few steps. First, you need to find a list of words. Second, you need to devise a way to review these words and their definitions, until you memorize them. Finally, you'll want to read widely so that you familiarize yourself with these words—and new ones—used in context. Explore the resources in this section for a more in-depth look at vocabulary-building strategies.

"100 Words Every High School Graduate Should Know" (American Heritage Dictionaries)

This A-Z list, curated by one of the United States' most popular dictionaries, is available both online and in an expanded book format. 

"Word Lists" (MajorTests.com)

Hundreds of vocabulary lists—both general and geared toward particular classes and exams—are available for free download on this website. 

Vocabulary.com

This website is much more complex than your average flashcard drill or interactive game (though those are good, too). Here, you'll find a wide array of question types and activities to test your vocabulary knowledge. You can even upload your own vocabulary lists into the site; it will generate content for you.

"How to Improve Your Vocabulary" (ThoughtCo)

In this blog post, you'll learn how to use a dictionary and thesaurus, how to navigate synonyms and antonyms, how to create vocabulary trees and themes, and how to use technology to help you improve your vocabulary.

"How to Expand Your Vocabulary" (WikiHow)

This illustrated, step-by-step guide expands upon ways to read for vocabulary, write with vocabulary, and build your vocabulary. Its suggestions include reading the newspaper and studying Latin roots. 

"7 Sure-fire Ways to Drastically Improve Your Vocabulary" (Lingualift)

This article, though geared toward those learning a new language, talks about scientifically proven strategies to improve your retention of vocabulary words: spacing review sessions out over time, using mnemonics, etc.

"Word Up: How to Improve and Enlarge Your Vocabulary" ( The Guardian )

This newspaper article deals with the problem of forgetting words you've learned. The author—a professional memory coach—recommends studying "little and often," making connections, developing visual associations, and using active recall. 

Whether you're reading a novel, newspaper article, or Tweet, at some point you'll come across a word you don't know. Rather than skip the word (and miss important information), you can use context clues—and even the word itself—to grasp its meaning. This section contains resources to help you comprehend vocabulary words while reading. 

"Understanding Vocabulary Words in Context" (ThoughtCo)

This blog post shows how context clues work with an example; it also includes an exercise (and answer key) for you to practice. The page links to additional practice worksheets. 

"Using Context Clues to Improve Vocabulary" (YouTube) 

This video tutorial from Love Your Pencil introduces the idea of context clues and help you understand why they're important (and easy to use). It uses SAT-style reading passages to demonstrate how to figure out a word, then walks through worksheet examples to simulate an in-class experience.

"7 Strategies for Using Context Clues in Reading" (TeachThought)

By reading this blog post from a teacher-to-teacher website, you'll learn how to use prefixes and suffixes, synonyms, explanations, examples, antonyms, analogies, and appositives to work out what an unknown word means. 

"3 Ways to Understand a Word Without Using a Dictionary" (WikiHow)

WikiHow, with its customary illustrated how-to, suggests using context clues, educating yourself in basic etymology, and building your vocabulary through note-taking, reading, games, and resources like a dictionary or thesaurus. 

"Defining Twilight: Context Clues From 'Twilight'" (YouTube)

This video tutorial from CliffsNotes may use a popular young adult novel as its example text, but the techniques the tutor applies are widely applicable. These include using synonyms and information embedded in the sentence. 

The most likely place for your vocabulary to be tested is on college entrance exams such as the SAT or ACT. Typically, these exams will either ask you to deduce a word's meaning from its context in a passage, or will ask you to choose the best word to communicate an idea. This section contains resources to familiarize you with the ways vocabulary is tested on the SAT and ACT.

"What's Tested on the SAT: SAT Vocabulary" (Kaplan)

This blog post compares the new (post-2015) SAT to the old one, and outlines the types of questions that test vocabulary: words in context, rhetorical usage, and word choice. The post includes examples.

"New SAT Vocabulary" (Magoosh) 

This post from Magoosh also compares the new SAT to the old, emphasizing the importance of context to the types of questions asked. The post suggests a list of words to familiarize yourself with.

"Sample Questions" (College Board)

The definitive, official practice questions from the College Board, available here, are the best way to acquaint yourself with vocabulary-based questions on SAT.

"ACT Reading: Implications, Inference, and Vocab-In-Context" (Kaplan)

This blog post from Kaplan introduces you to the types of questions in which you will encounter vocabulary on the ACT; it includes examples of each.

"Sample Test Questions: Reading" (ACT, Inc.)

By working through these official practice questions from the makers of the ACT, you'll get a sense of the structure and feel of the test's vocabulary-based questions.

Now that you're familiar with the standardized test formats, you need to figure out how to answer vocabulary-based questions on the SAT and ACT. Besides simply strengthening your vocabulary according to the guides and strategies listed above, test-specific strategies can help you improve your performance in these areas. This section links to tips, guides, and video tutorials relating to vocabulary questions on the SAT and ACT.

"Vocab in Context Questions and Strategies for SAT Reading" (PrepScholar)

This blog post from PrepScholar is a thorough introduction to the vocabulary questions on the SAT Reading, as well as a treasure trove of tips, example questions (with answers), and common mistakes to avoid.

"Official SAT Practice" (Khan Academy)

The Khan Academy is an official, free, College Board-sponsored site on which you can find practice tests, games, and guides for vocabulary as well as the other skills tested on the SAT and PSAT.

"SAT Vocabulary in Context" (YouTube)

This recent video tutorial from Chegg uses real material from the new SAT to show you how to work out "vocabulary in context" questions, a particular type of question that relates to a short passage. 

"Vocabulary Words in Context Questions" (YouTube)

Magoosh's video tutorial demonstrates how to answer a particular subset of "vocabulary in context" question—those in which a familiar word (in this case, "support") is used in an unfamiliar way. 

"Vocab in Context Questions and Strategies for ACT Reading" (PrepScholar)

This blog post from PrepScholar is a thorough introduction to the vocabulary questions on the ACT Reading exam, as well as a treasure trove of tips, example questions (with answers), and common mistakes to avoid.

"ACT Vocabulary In Context" (YouTube)

In this video tutorial from Veritas Prep, you'll learn how the format of ACT vocabulary questions is designed to trick you; the tutors suggest tips (like defining the answer choices you know before reading the question) to keep yourself from falling into the test-makers' trap.

On standardized tests and everyday assignments, you have a chance to demonstrate the vocabulary you've learned. A wider range of expression will increase your score on the SAT and ACT, as well as allow you to communicate your ideas more effectively (thus showing your teacher that you really did read and understand The Great Gatsby !). This section contains links to tips and guides for using vocabulary in writing. 

"Tools for Writing: Improving Word Choice" (Aims Community College)

This post recommends varying your word choice, replacing generic words with specific ones, using powerful verbs, and using language appropriate for your audience. It also gives you a starter list of verbs and adjectives to broaden your usage. 

"Using Appropriate Words in an Academic Essay" (National Univ. of Singapore)

This short chapter, excerpted from a longer textbook, walks through the importance of formal vocabulary (over colloquialisms), transitions, and avoiding redundancy (repeating yourself). It is stuffed with examples, as well as a list of commonly misused words. 

"Word Choice" (Univ. of North Carolina Writing Center)

If you're hoping to troubleshoot your writing when using new vocabulary, this is a great guide. Besides warning you of cliches, wordiness, and unclear terms to avoid, the page also offers questions to ask yourself in order to use new words successfully.

"SAT Writing: Word Choice and Diction Errors" (PrepScholar)

From this well-known standardized test prep blog comes a post about frequent blunders on the SAT essay. Here, you'll find a list of commonly confused words (like "accept" and "except") and exercises to help you practice distinguishing between them.

In this digital age, hundreds of apps, online games, and widgets are available to help you improve your word retention and recall skills. This section contains links to some of the best free downloads that will help you learn while having fun, too.

"100 High School Vocab Words" (Quizlet)

From pre-established vocabulary lists, Quizlet generates online flashcards, fill-in-the-blank exercises, audio clips, practice tests, matching games, and more. This is one of several lists available on the site. 

"High School Vocabulary Tests" (Vocabtest.com)

Choose your grade level on this webpage, and you'll find tons of online tests (using question types like reverse definitions, synonym practice, and spelling fill-in-the-blank) and games to help you work on vocabulary.

This highly-rated app is loaded with 1,600 strategic vocabulary words known to appear on the SAT, ACT, GRE, and AP exams. It will help you memorize these words through the "spaced repetition" strategy.

SAT Vocabulary Visuals and Audios (VocabAhead)

For the visual learner, this app pairs over 1,000 words with individual illustrations. Track your progress with mastery charts, review what you've learned with word sheets, and test yourself with in-app assessments. 

Vocabulary Builder (Magoosh) 

This app from the SAT and ACT preparation experts uses multiple choice questions to test your retention of over 1,200 crucial vocabulary words. As you complete levels within the app, you'll unlock even more words and games.

Vocabulary.com App

Vocabulary.com's app contains over 12,000 words and ten times as many vocabulary-testing questions. An in-app dictionary helps you learn about each word's etymology, usage, and connotation, and the addicting games incentivize you to work on your vocabulary daily. 

Classroom Activities for Vocabulary

"Solving Word Meanings: Engaging Strategies for Vocabulary Development" (ReadWriteThink)

This complete lesson plan has five steps: introduce context clues (with a helpful mnemonic), practice context clues, introduce semantic gradients, practice combining semantic gradients with context clues, and give take-home homework.

"20 Vocabulary Lesson Ideas" (Univ. of Missouri)

On this handout, you'll find innovative games like "Anything Goes" (teacher asks rapid-fire questions about known vocabulary words) and "Brainpower Words" (students work to decipher unknown words in small groups) to help students have fun learning and practicing vocabulary. 

"5 Brain-Based Vocabulary Activities for the Secondary Classroom" (Reading and Writing Haven)

A veteran English teacher suggests a version of "3 Truths and a Lie," as well as interactive activities that use everything from posters to film to social media.

"Creative Lesson Plan: Vocabulary Poster" (Bright Hub Education)

This complete lesson plan details the supplies, preparation, and step-by-step execution of a vocabulary poster activity, including a follow-up game that allows students to learn from their peers' posters.

"Games to Reinforce Vocabulary Words" (Bright Hub Education)

Familiar household games like Charades, Pictionary, and Boggle can become tools for vocabulary acquisition and retention if you follow the simple guidelines in this blog post.

Homework Exercises for Vocabulary

"Vocabulary in Context Worksheets" (ThoughtCo)

The five free, downloadable worksheets on this page pair vocabulary-rich passages with SAT-style questions. They require students to deduce the meaning of unknown words in a setting similar to that on most standardized tests. 

"Context Clues Lessons" (Flocabulary)

On this page and through the clickable links, you'll find free, downloadable lessons and worksheets for more practice with context clues. The site even has videos with mnemonic songs that, though a little silly, will help you remember definitions. 

"SAT Vocabulary Lessons and Practice" (Instructor Web)

At the bottom of this page, you'll find links to ten free, downloadable PDF worksheets for practicing synonyms, antonyms, and analogies with SAT vocabulary words.

"Semantic Gradients Plus Contexts Worksheet" (ReadWriteThink)

This worksheet pairs with the "Solving Word Meanings" lesson plan above; it's a take-home exercise of the "semantic gradients" technique, which requires students to place words on a spectrum or to choose between them.

• PDFs for all 136 Lit Terms we cover
• Downloads of 1924 LitCharts Lit Guides
• Teacher Editions for every Lit Guide
• Explanations and citation info for 40,556 quotes across 1924 books
• Downloadable (PDF) line-by-line translations of every Shakespeare play

Need something? Request a new guide .

How can we improve? Share feedback .

LitCharts is hiring!

ThinkWritten

How to Improve Your Vocabulary: 12 Ways to Learn New Words

Building a strong vocabulary is essential as a writer. The more words you know, the easier it is to write! Here are 12 easy ways to improve your vocabulary.

We may receive a commission when you make a purchase from one of our links for products and services we recommend. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for support!

Sharing is caring!

Building a strong vocabulary is essential as a writer. The more words you know, the easier it is to write! Today we’ll share some easy things you can do to improve your vocabulary.

Why a Strong Vocabulary is Important for Writers

Before I go into all the different fun ways you can start building your vocabulary, it’s important to understand just exactly it means to have a strong vocabulary. It is also helpful to know why you might want to expand your vocabulary as a writer.

Vocabulary: Words We Use All The Time

Our vocabulary consists of the words we know and use every single day. The words we use regularly are the very foundation for how we communicate with others. When you have a wide variety of different words to choose from, you can strengthen and clarify your message.

Contrary to popular belief, having a large vocabulary doesn’t mean using big, long complicated words that are hard to pronounce and spell. It doesn’t mean using fancy words no has ever heard before. Instead, it’s about choosing words that best communicate and deliver the message .

Consider these examples:

• I went to the store.
• I rode my bicycle to the farmer’s market.
• I pedaled my bike furiously on a quest for fresh apples.

Can you see how the meaning is different in each of these sentences? The words you choose can change the overall style, tone, and meaning of what you write.

Sadly, many people neglect improving vocabulary as an essential writing skill because it just doesn’t sound like much fun to practice or do. This is especially true if you ever had a teacher who made you practice and learn by making you copy words and the definitions out of the dictionary.

Fortunately, there are many ways to improve your vocabulary and many of them are fun. In fact, many of these things you likely even do already each and every day – you just didn’t know they were a fun way to add new words to your vocabulary!

Don’t worry, these activities are not homework!

#1: Play Word Games

Smart teachers know the best way to help kids learn is to disguise learning as a game. There are a lot of great games that can help you learn new words without it feeling like a chore.

Some of my favorite word games of all time include classic board games such as Scrabble , Boggle ,  Scattegories  and Banagrams . Playing games is always fun, and I love the kinds of games that make you ask, “Is that a word? What does that word mean?”

Crossword Puzzles and Word Search puzzles are also always a lot of fun to do. These may not seem as popular today as they once were, but a lot of people still find them fun to do.

There are also a lot of great word games available for smart phones and tablets. These are a great choice for travel or if you are ever stuck waiting somewhere. I am still forever grateful to the woman who sat next to me on an 8 hour bus ride from NYC and introduced me to a word game app by Word Mill Games.

There are so many great word games to consider that can help you build your vocabulary and become a better writer. We may need to write another post in the future solely dedicated to that topic!

#2. Learn the Jargon and Pick Up Some Slang

Jargon is a set of words that are understood primarily only by people in a certain group or industry. For example, doctors have a different vocabulary from accountants. Slang is similar to jargon, but it is used informally and typically in a circle of people who are friends.

When properly implemented and executed, using jargon and slang in your writing can help you build credibility with your audience. This applies for both non-fiction and fiction writing. If you don’t use the right vocabulary people are going to know that you are an imposter.

Browse a Slang Dictionary

There are a number of great slang dictionaries available on Amazon . No matter what topic or interest you like to write about, it’s important to use words that help build trust and authority with your audience.

#3. Practice the Art of Being Concise

Many writers fall in the trap of using the same words all the time in their writing. This can make your writing seem repetitive or even boring. Knowing a lot of different synonyms can make it easy to write for any type of audience.

As a writer, every word you know is a tool in your writing arsenal.  It is good to know a lot of words and the different ways words can be used.

One of my favorite websites for learning alternative words to use is the Shorter Thesaurus by IronicSans .

Rather than use a hard to spell and pronounce word like atrocious, we can actually use words like awful, evil, or dreadful. See, it doesn’t have to be painful to learn a new way of saying something!

Using shorter, smaller words can help you clearly convey your message without coming across as boring or repetitive.

#4. Learn the Meaning of Root Words, Suffixes and Prefixes

Recently my 11 year old daughter was learning all about the many different suffixes and prefixes . When we learn about these things in school, we generally don’t really know why we learn them or why it is important. Naturally my daughter wondered why anyone would even want or need to know these things.

It may seem tedious or boring, but there actually IS a very good reason to study up on suffixes and prefixes! When you know the meaning of these suffixes and prefixes, you are able to understand the meaning of a word you might encounter, without necessarily needing to look it up.

Most of the words we use in the English language are created using suffixes and prefixes. When you know the basics of prefixes and suffixes, it can help you understand what a word means without necessarily needing to look it up.

Better yet, it can even help you create new words! A great example of this is  The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows , and is a very fun way to increase your vocabulary AND practice the meaning of different prefixes and suffixes.

#5. Study the History of Words and Language

Etymology is the study of words and their origins. Learning about the origin and history of words can be very fascinating and a great way to learn about the history, customs and cultures in past times.

One of my favorite websites for etymology is the site Etymonline.com . The origins and definitions are very interesting to read about!

Understanding the history of how different words came to be can be very interesting. Often times when I need inspiration for writing, sometimes just looking up the history and origin of the topic can give me some new things to explore!

#6. Be an Artist With Words

Writers in many ways are like artists. Instead of using paint, we create using words. Just as an artist might like to have many different colors of paint to choose from, writers can choose from many different words to express themselves.

Part of being able to use words effectively in your writing is to understand not just the basic meaning and definition of a word, but to also understand the connotation and different ways a word can be used.

If I look at the thesaurus for other words to use for the word red, I see many different words I could use instead. We have all sorts of alternative words to choose from: crimson, scarlet, burgundy, rose, wine, healthy, blushing, glowing, flaming.

However, just because all of these words are synonyms, this does not mean they have the same meaning! The color red also has many different meanings in symbolism. For example, the color red could imply love and romance, or it could mean anger and warning of danger.

One way to have fun with this is to use a sketchbook and draw a picture to illustrate a word or concept. You could also consider taking pictures of different words and concepts.

Finding ways to express your thoughts visually can give you all sorts of new insight into what a word means or different ways it can be used. As the saying goes, one picture is worth a thousand words!

#7. Make Friends With People From Around the World

One of the biggest advantages to writing online and having a website for me is that it has helped me connect with people all around the world. I have friends on nearly every continent.

Learning to communicate with others who do not speak English as their native language is a great way to increase your vocabulary and practice ways to clearly communicate with others.

Here’s a Couple of Ways to Practice Writing World-Wide:

• Learn a New Language
• Get a Pen Pal
• Join International Forums
• Participate in International Facebook Groups

Making friends around the world helps introduce you to new ways of saying things, as well as helps ensure you don’t write in a way that is confusing.

#8. Study Idioms, Expressions and Clichés

One of the things many people will tell you about writing is to avoid using clichés. These expressions, often also known as idioms, are frequently overused. However, when you explore them you can often find they stretch your vocabulary and increase your creativity!

The Free Dictionary Idiom Search is one of my favorite websites which features different idioms and phrases. If I look up the word “bird” for example, I can find a whole list of different phrases, sayings, and meanings.

By using the Idiom dictionary feature, I can learn many new uses for the word bird – it could mean airplane, an odd person, a hundred dollars, or even to describe an insult to some.

While it’s best to come up with your own way of saying things, you can often find a lot of inspiration simply by looking at how different words are used in these sayings and phrases.

#9. Read as Much as You Can

Ever wonder why many established writers tell you to read as much as you can? This is because in reading you can learn many new ways to improve your own writing skills and build your vocabulary.

There are more books on this earth than any of us could ever possibly read in a lifetime, so probably the hardest thing to decide is what to read! However, it doesn’t really matter so much what books you read as it does to read a wide variety.

You can learn a lot just by reading different formats and writing styles. You can benefit just as much from reading cookbooks and magazine articles as you can from reading the literature classics.

Not sure what to read? The Amazon Bestsellers Book List is always a great place to start. You can also explore sites such as OverDrive.com and access thousands of free books to read online – all you need is a library card!

[sc name=”azonbestsellers”]

#10. Write Your Own Dictionary: Keep a Vocabulary Journal

Writing in a journal is another great way to naturally improve your vocabulary. The more you write, the more words you need to use! One way to do this is to make your own dictionary by keeping a vocabulary journal.

Creating a vocabulary journal is very easy to do. Start with a blank notebook and write a word for the day at the top of the page. The word can be one you use all of the time, or it can be a word that you just recently learned. If you’re stuck on choosing a word, open up a random book to a random page and use the first word you see.

Once you have a word, try to create a definition for this word without looking up the meaning. This can be very challenging for words we use all of the time!

How would you explain this word to someone who does not speak the language? How would you explain it to an alien from outer space who has never been to our planet?

Need some inspiration? This list of One Word Journal Prompts is a great way to get started in writing your very own dictionary and learning new words and their meanings.

#11. Practice Free Association and Stream of Consciousness Writing

One of my favorite methods of writing is from a stream of consciousness. Free association in writing means that you simply write whatever you think about, without worrying about how everything connects.

For example, if I start with a random word, I will then think of all the things I associate with that word. Let’s use the word “baseball” as an example.

When I think of baseball, my first thoughts are all of the people who I know who liked the game. I also think of different aspects of the game, such as the outfield, 9 innings, a bat, a ball, first base, second base, a home run.

I also think of an umpire, yelling “Strike Three, You’re Out!” as the player drops his bat into the dirt. Of course, I also think of that classic song mentioning buying peanuts and cracker jacks.

Using free association and simply writing whatever comes to mind first is a great way to consider words and how they relate to one another.

#12. Get in the Habit of Revising and Editing

Lastly, as all publishers and professional writers know, it is important to revise and edit your work . Taking some time to revise and edit your writing can help you ensure you effectively communicate your message with your audience.

If you can, have someone else read your work. Someone who is objective and unbiased will be able to help you spot any areas that may seem confusing, inaccurate, or even boring and repetitive.

You can also learn a lot simply by offering to give feedback to other writers you know. Sometimes when you read someone else’s work it is easier to see room for improvement than when writing your own work.

It can sometimes be brutal when you see how others edit what you write, but it’s often an important part of learning to become a better writer.

Words Are Power: Practical Use of Vocabulary in Every Day Situations

Many people think vocabulary is something limited to school or writing. However, there are many practical, real-life situations where a strong vocabulary is important!

There are many benefits to increasing your vocabulary, even if you are not a professional writer.

Learning to effectively communicate is important in your relationships with others and can help you achieve many great things in your life.

Improved communication means stronger relationships with friends, family members, and partners. People who are able to communicate with others often have healthy and enjoyable relationships with others.

You can also find a strong vocabulary is beneficial in career or business.  It is very easy to collaborate and cooperate with a diverse range of people when you are able to share a mutual understanding with others. Your vocabulary and word choice is also a great way to demonstrate knowledge, experience, and proficiency in your field of expertise.

As you can see, there are many ways a strong vocabulary can serve us well in life! Expand your vocabulary and you will naturally have more words to choose from to effectively communicate with others.

Do you have any ideas for fun ways to develop your vocabulary? What are some of your favorite activities and exercises to learn and use new words? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!

Chelle Stein wrote her first embarrassingly bad novel at the age of 14 and hasn't stopped writing since. As the founder of ThinkWritten, she enjoys encouraging writers and creatives of all types.

Similar Posts

How to Mind Map a Novel Plot

Character Development: How to Write Strong Characters in Your Novel

How to Write a Short Story

How to Outline a Novel Plot in 5 Easy Steps

How to Avoid Over Planning Your Novel

Tools & Resources for Writers and Authors

Excellently written! Kudos! indeed, this is inspiring and has ignited the spark in me to begin a journal and I have placed the order to buy one. Word(s) can make your day!! 🙂

Thank you Arun, glad it inspired you!

Great article. One thing I’m struggling with is coming up with all the necessary categories for putting my new vocabulary words. For example, I have topics like “Good and Evil,” “Lying, Swindling & Conniving,” and “Pride and Humility,” but I’d like to complete out my folders with all the topics even though I don’t yet have my words placed into the topics. Hopefully that makes sense. I’m having a hard time finding a good, comprehensive list of topics that someone has found useful for themselves. If you or anyone can help me, please message me. Thank you! Pamela

i like to make up my own games for learning Vocaulary and for spelling

Thank you a million for all of it.

Really worth Ideas Iam going to follow. Thanks a lot for the nice work you have done.

Thankyou very much

Thank you for this useful information! All the best with your activities.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

British Council India

How to improve your English writing skills

By Rajul Goveas

31 august 2021 - 12:16pm.

by Rajul Goveas

Are you the kind of person who picks up a pen to write and has words on the tip of your tongue, but they refuse to come on to the paper? Or maybe they quickly fall on to the paper, show up on your screen, but you don’t want to show anyone your writing? Don’t panic. Even the best writers get writer’s block or have had their work rejected many times.

Writing requires vocabulary, grammar, spelling, punctuation, structure and, most importantly, ideas.

But the first step is a simple one: Just sit down and get started.

In this post, we’ll look at some general tips to help you improve your writing, whatever you want to write. Then we’ll focus on some specific areas to help you get better at different types of writing.

These areas are:

• Email and letter writing
• Creative writing
• Paragraph writing
• Cohesion in writing

I’ll also share some useful links for some more practice below, so don’t forget to check those out too.

Why should you write? There are many reasons to write: Maybe you need to write emails or letters in English for work or business. You might be a creative person wanting to write stories in English or content for an advertisement. Perhaps you are a script writer wanting to write dialogues in English. Maybe you have an English exam coming up, such as IELTS, and want to get a high band score with that perfect essay.

On top of all this, you can also write for fun! Write because you like to use the words you know and see them on the screen or on paper. Writing for fun is also a great way to build your confidence and ability.

Tips for improving your all-round writing skills

There are some good ways to improve your all-round writing skills, whatever you want to write:

• To write well, read a lot and read different things e.g. storybooks, newspapers, magazines. As you read, notice the words, their spellings, ideas in the writing and the message they are trying to convey. Try to use this in your own writing to build your range of expression.
• You can improve your writing by reading texts in the style you want to write in (emails, stories, scripts and adverts all have different structures and rules). Look beyond the text and try to understand how they are structured – are headings used? How are paragraphs written? What kind of language is used?
• Some people like to keep a diary. Do you keep one? Try making some notes in it often. This means you will get into the habit of writing which will help you improve.
• Try expressing yourself when you message using words instead of using emojis. This will help you build vocabulary.
• Remember what you heard in the news, or on TV talks etc. and recreate it in your own words. This will help you build your information-giving and storytelling skills.  
• Be creative. Rewrite fight scenes into romantic or comedy scenes to enjoy your writing. Share with your friends to have a good laugh. Creativity is good to help you generate ideas and make your writing interesting.
• Plan your writing and check what you have written after completing it. Read it as if you are the intended reader and not the writer. Will your reader understand everything?

I mproving your writing approach

It’s a good idea to follow the same approach whenever you write, whatever you are writing.

Well, here’s one simple and POWER ful technique:

POWER writing

Watch this video for some more great tips to help you improve your writing skills.

Improving specific writing skills

Now let’s look at how you can improve specific areas of your writing. We’ll cover:

Tips for emails or letter writing in English

Do you write emails and or letters? If the answer is yes, here are some easy to remember tips.

(Do note, there are many similarities between emails and letter; so, let’s put the two together and call it email writing as there are more emails written these days than letters.)

• Write with the reader in mind – what message do you want to get across?
• Write in an active voice instead of passive voice, this makes your message clear.
• Avoid jargon to help your reader understand fully.
• Develop a personal, warm tone – personal emails are usually informal and business emails are usually formal or semi-formal.
• Avoid long sentences as these can be difficult to read.
• Use short paragraphs so you reader can follow easily.
• Write to the point and avoid unnecessary information.

Look at this email between colleagues. Notice the tips from above in action.

From : Sonika Gomez To : Simran Raj Subject : Request for new price list for Golden Glow face creams

Dear Simran,  

We are presenting to some new clients next Monday 10 December and they are interested in our Golden Glow face creams.

I understand from Anya that the prices have changed recently. She mentioned that you have the new price list. Do you think you could email it to me?

I would be grateful if we could have it by close of business on Thursday 6 December. That would give us time to prepare for our presentation.

Thanks very much for your help.

Best regards,

Finally, there are a couple of important things you need to remember; email etiquette and the ‘KISS’ rule.

Email etiquette means you choose the right approach and level of formality. Semi-formal or formal emails, for example, use the correct salutation and sign off and usually avoid using contractions (I’d, we’re, you’ll etc.)

Learn more about email etiquette here .

The KISS rule is: K eep I t S hort & S imple – your reader will thank you!

Tips for creative writing

Let’s turn our thoughts to some fun writing; story writing in English, or creative writing. Are you curious as to what I am going to say here? Good! Then you are on the right track as creative writers should always be curious. Why? Because that’s where you will get your ideas from.

Look around you for inspiration, your family and personal experiences are great sources for interesting stories. The ordinary or the extraordinary events and people you have experienced lend colour to your life, don’t they?

Think of other stories from movies or plays you have seen. Are there ideas from there you can borrow?

• Think of stories that have different emotions. Step back into the past and think of your time in school, the friends you made and lost, your best friends in college and the ones you were so jealous of. Then the lovely warm moments, like being at home with wonderful grandparents you wished would live forever.

Turn your inspiration into a story. Think of the setting or backdrop of your story. All the people become the characters and all the emotions help you develop the narrative.

Develop your vocabulary, especially nouns, verbs and adjectives that will help you describe things and vary your language.

Are you starting out as a story writer? You can find some great beginner tips here .

Do you want to build your vocabulary to help your describe things? Start here with an activity on describing appearance.

Tips for paragraph writing

Why do we need paragraphs? Because they help the reader progress through your writing and understand your ideas. It is a good idea to write a new idea in each new paragraph. You can follow a basic paragraph structure to help you write clearly and logically.  

Note that is normal to leave a line between each paragraph to clearly mark the division.

Look at this example to see good paragraphing in action:

My last holiday was a 3-week trip to Cairns in North Queensland, Australia. I know Cairns well because I lived there when I was at university, more than fifteen years ago.

Instead of staying in a hotel, I stayed with two of my old friends in their lovely spacious home. It was so much fun, and a little bit like my old life. I wanted to do all the same things I did in my university days, so I visited all the familiar places and mainly the university. It has changed, is a lot bigger and looks more modern. I also cycled down to the supermarket near my old house. I loved seeing all the different foods. I was really happy to find my favourite Woodside cheese and double coated chocolate Tim Tam biscuits, but they were a bit more expensive than I remember!

• Each paragraph has one central idea.
• There is a topic sentence which tells you what the paragraph is about. This is usually the first sentence in the paragraph.
• Add a few more sentences to give a supporting point or develop the idea written about in the topic sentence.
• The last sentence in each paragraph sums up the main idea of the paragraph and it can also link to the next paragraph.

To find out more about writing about a holiday like the example above visit this site .

Tips for cohesion in writing

Cohesion is the use of various cohesive devices to link individual sentences and ideas. This is required to make our ideas flow naturally and help the reader follow what we are saying.

Look at this paragraph and notice how the underlined words and phrases link the text together:

It is true that these days everything you want to know is a few clicks away as long as you have internet access. However, not everyone has working internet all the time, for example in certain buildings or remote locations, so we do need to be able to remember information. Moreover, it takes time to look up everything you need to know online, whereas remembering something is immediate. The human memory is a much more efficient system.

Here are some ideas to help you link your text: 

• Use linking words, devices and expressions (although, in addition, what’s more etc.) to link different parts of text.
• Use signposting words like firstly, secondly, and finally.
• Use pronouns to refer to things mentioned before or after (I went out with Jo on Sunday. She looked awful).
• Organise or list your points (see how I use bullet points?)
• Use examples to support your point
• State contrasting ideas (on the other hand, however etc.)
• Write about consequences if any (as a result, due to this etc.)

Find out more about linking words here and here .

Are you ready to write? Get started now!

• Best ways to improve your English speaking skills

12 Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary and Writing Skills

Are you facing discrimination at your workplace due to weak vocabulary skills? Do you wish to possess more vital writing skills? This article might be the solution you are looking for. Let’s discuss some practical ways to improve your vocabulary and writing skills.

Developing reading habits can improve writing and vocabulary skills. Reading exposes you to new words. Moreover, journaling regularly and increasing the use of a dictionary or thesaurus can help you considerably develop these skills.

Writing and vocabulary skills are crucial for effective communication and a successful personal and professional life. These skills can also help you gain academic success and personal growth.

Being able to express your ideas and thoughts can make you feel empowered. It also helps you to build critical thinking and analytical abilities.

Let’s find practical ways to improve your writing skills and learn new vocabulary words. 

How to improve your vocabulary skills 

There are several valuable methods to learn new vocabulary words. Different techniques are effective for different people according to personal capacity. 

Learning new words can help you to avoid misunderstanding and confusion during communication. It can also help you feel comfortable in social and professional situations. A broader vocabulary will add to your self-esteem in multiple ways.

Let’s discuss in detail some efficient ways to improve your vocabulary skills. 

1. Make a habit of reading every day 

Reading every day helps you to encounter new words and phrases regularly. A new term can stimulate your brain and enhance your cognitive abilities, which is an unexplored fact. As a result, these words and phrases are added to your vocabulary list. 

To be able to read every day, you must set realistic reading goals. Moreover, it is recommended to find content that interests you. If you are not interested in what you are reading, developing a reading habit will not be easy.

If it takes you a long time to read, you can use this speed reading tool to help you read faster: AccelaReader .

2. Look up words you don’t know 

A highly effective way to improve your vocabulary is to look up words you don’t know. Doing so will help you understand the meaning of a word better. Moreover, it will also help you to understand its usage in context. 

Writing down the meaning of a new word means you are engaging with the English language. Doing so will help you to retain the new word in your memory and use it later in your writing.

Adding new vocabulary words to your list over time will improve your communication abilities. 

3. Use new words frequently in conversations

To master a language or learn new words, it is necessary to use those words in conversations. Incorporating new words in conversations can help solidify them in your memory. Doing so can also help you to become an effective communicator. 

It is favorable to practice in low-risk situations initially. This way, you can learn the art of word choice without harming your reputation.

Having a sharp memory is necessary to be able to use new words in conversations. 

Iris Reading offers a Maximizing Memory course that you can take to improve your memory. 

You can learn more about this course here: Maximizing Memory.

4. Carry a thesaurus with you

A thesaurus can help you with verbal vocabulary skills, as well as written vocabulary skills. A thesaurus lists together words and phrases with similar meanings. Carrying it with you can help to communicate your thoughts more precisely.

Coming across unfamiliar words during your day is an opportunity to improve your vocabulary. Carrying a manual or digital thesaurus with you will help you instantly look up the meaning of every new word you hear or read.

Using a thesaurus can also help you to avoid repetition in your writing. Hence, it can aid you in improving your creative writing abilities.

5. Learn root words

Learning a root word can help you to understand and learn several words in English. This is because most words in the English language come from these root words. Using this trick, you can break down large words into smaller, easy-to-remember units. 

You can learn hundreds of new words by learning only 20 to 30 root words. Prefixes and suffixes are types of root words that can help you remember larger words’ meanings. Most root words in English have a Greek or Latin origin.

Learning root words can benefit you if you want to excel in story writing, essay writing, or any other kind of writing. 

6. Keep a word journal

A word journal can be beneficial if you want to improve your vocabulary skills. It can help you to review the new words frequently. A word journal can also help you to track your progress and practice using new words in sentences and paragraphs.

Humans can remember a written word more easily than an orally read word. A new word can also be learned by increasing your engagement with it in your writing. The repetition method will also reduce your memorization time.

To learn more about this, read: How Does Repetition Help Memory and Memorization?

7. Play word games

Playing word games is one of the most amusing ways to learn a new word. If you play vocabulary games, you will get a chance to use phonological skills. These skills will help to make connections between words. Hence, making the learning process easier. 

Both adults and children can play word games to learn the meaning and usage of unfamiliar words. Moreover, vocabulary tests can also help add new words to your personal dictionary.

By playing word games, you can increase your chances of discovering new words. These new words will improve your vocabulary and eventually boost your speaking and writing skills.

8. List down similar words

Synonym word lists can enhance your understanding of a specific word. Creating a list of synonyms allows you to learn new ways to express the same idea. Moreover, these lists can help you to expand your usage of non-descriptive and descriptive words.

You can make a synonym list for words that you frequently use. Such lists help you improve your vocabulary and increase your speech and writing versatility. They are also a great way to increase precision in your expression.

Synonym word lists can help you increase your productivity.

How to improve your writing skills 

Improving your writing skills can take some time. However, some tips can help you to achieve your goals. To improve your writing skills, you can

• Take a writing course
• Practice your writing every day
• Edit your writing
• Familiarize yourself with different writing styles

Let’s look into these methods in detail. 

9. Take a writing course 

Taking a writing course is a helpful method to improve your writing skills. These courses are a great way to provide structured learning in the field. Getting guidance from an experienced instructor will improve your skills gradually and permanently. 

A writing course increases an individual’s concentration and improves productivity. Aside from enhancing writing skills, such practices can also help you learn more words daily. Moreover, the feedback received in these courses can help you to excel in this skill.

Taking such courses are also a great way to expose yourself to different styles and genres of writing. Hence, you will be able to discover new forms of writing. 

10. Practice your writing every day

Practicing your writing every day can improve your writing skills noticeably. It will assist you by helping you conserve discipline and make you sharper. This practice will also improve your stamina and encourage creativity within you. 

The feeling of accomplishment from writing every day will help you to find your motivation. Moreover, it will also add to your consistency and dedication. Regular writing is also a great way to improve your choice of words.

If you practice writing daily, it can lead to idea generation. It will also improve your writing voice, turning you into a successful writer.   

11. Edit your writing

By editing your own writing, you can recognize your weaknesses. As you acknowledge the shortcomings, you can improve the clarity of your writing. Editing your own writing also improves your critical thinking skills and builds confidence. 

A useful technique to edit your writing is to read it out loud. As you read what you have written, you can recognize the statements that don’t sound right. This practice helps you to identify the overuse of certain phrases.

Moreover, it also helps to pinpoint and avoid the utilization of vague words. Editing your own writing can refine and polish your work.  

12. Familiarize yourself with different writing styles

Exposing yourself to different writing styles can strengthen your writing. It can also improve the quality of your work. Different writing styles help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Hence, you can choose a genre that best suits your skills.

Another benefit of learning different writing styles is that it enhances your vocabulary. You must be able to identify your audience and choose a writing style that is best matched for them.

Takeaway: Write like a pro with your new found skills!

Be it learning new vocabulary words or improving your writing skills, it is important to take your time.

Writing and vocabulary skills are both fundamental to communication. Rushing the process can lead to superficial learning and decrease your productivity in the long run.

If you want to learn ways to increase productivity, you can take a personal productivity course that we offer. 

You can find more details about this course here: Personal Productivity Course.  

Click here to cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

How To Improve Your Writing Skills And Vocabulary: 14 Tips For Writers

Are you looking to improve your writing skills and vocabulary? If so, you are in luck! In this blog post, we will discuss 12 tips that will help you become a better writer. We will also provide some helpful resources that can assist you in furthering your writing education.

So what are you waiting for?

Let's get started!

Some of the most common questions I get over on Youtube is;

• How can I improve my writing vocabulary?
• How can I improve on my writing skills?
• How can I improve my writing skills every day?

I often repeat the following tips, which vary from response to response. So, instead, I have decided to put them all in one place... Hopefully, these tips help you on your way and aid you in smashing through writer's block if you a struggling!

1. Learn And Use New Words

2.  real-time suggestions, wherever you write, 3.  use a thesaurus, 4.  learn a new word a day, 5.  look up words you don’t (and do) know, 6. make your own vocabulary tests, 7.  keep a journal, 8.  edit your own writing, 9.  play word games, 10.  read more, 11.  write short stories, 12. enter writing competitions, 13. take an online writing course, 14. join a writing group.

One of the best ways to improve your writing skills and vocabulary is to use new words. When you come across a word that you do not know, look it up! This will help you expand your vocabulary and also familiarize yourself with how to use new words in context.

If you need some help learning new words, we recommend checking out the following resources:

• Merriam-Webster Dictionary : This online dictionary is a great resource for looking up words that you come across.
• Word of the Day : This website is an extension of Merriam-Webster and provides a new word each day, along with its definition, pronunciation, and example sentences.
• Vocabulary.com : This website offers a variety of games and activities to help you learn new words.

By taking the time to learn new words, you will be able to use them in your writing and impress your readers with your expansive vocabulary.

Action Step: Make a commitment to learning at least one new word each day.

Use an app like Grammarly or Pro Writing Aid to get real-time suggestions as you write. This can be a great way to catch errors and make sure that your writing is error-free.

Grammarly is an app that checks for grammatical errors and provides suggestions on how to improve your writing.

Similarly, Pro Writing Aid is an app that checks for grammar, punctuation, style, and word choice errors.

Both of these apps are available as desktop applications and mobile apps.

Action Step : Install a writing improvement app on your computer or mobile device and use it while you write.

Another way to improve your writing skills and vocabulary is to use a thesaurus. A thesaurus can be a great tool for finding synonyms for words that you are using in your writing.

A thesaurus is an excellent tool because it allows you to find alternatives to words that you may be using too frequently, or that may not be the most precise for what you are trying to communicate.

For example, if you are writing a book about environmentalism, and you want to use the word "sustainable," but feel like it's been overused, you can look up synonyms for "sustainable" in a thesaurus and choose one that fits your particular context better.

Alternately, if you want to make sure that your language is precise, you can use a thesaurus to find more specific words than those that are listed in your dictionary.

As mentioned previously, a great way to improve your writing skills and vocabulary is to learn a new word each day. When you learn a new word, make sure to take the time to understand its definition and how it is used in context.

You don't always need to use a dictionary or thesaurus, simply reading a new book and paying attention to words that pique your interest can work just as well.

Action Step: Make a commitment to learning one new word each day.

Any time you hear or come across a new word; research it! Don't just continue on with your day. Look at the spelling and definition of the word, and how it's used in a sentence. Not only will you be able to use the word correctly, but you'll also learn more about its meaning.

When most people think of improving their vocabulary, they think they need to know more words. And while this is definitely true, another way to improve your vocabulary is to learn how to use the words you already know.

It might sound odd, but, just as you use the same muscles for different activities, you can use the same word in multiple ways.

One way to make sure you're learning and using new words correctly is to test yourself.

Make a list of words, and then come up with definitions for them. Write sample sentences that use the word in different ways. Not only will this help you learn the word, but it will also help you remember how to use it.

Try coming up with your own word lists based on the topics you're writing about. If you're a science writer, for example, you might want to focus on words related to the body and biology. Or if you write about travel, you could focus on words related to different cultures and destinations.

One of the best ways to improve your writing skills is to keep a journal. Writing in a journal allows you to practice your writing on a regular basis, and it also helps you to come up with new ideas for articles and blog posts.

In addition, keeping a journal can help you to improve your vocabulary by forcing you to come up with new words to describe your thoughts and experiences.

Action Step: Buy a journal and start writing in it every day.

Instead of outsourcing the editing task, take a crack at editing your own work. This will help you become more familiar with the content and also allow you to correct any mistakes.

When editing, be critical of your work and ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the content clear and concise?
• Are there any errors or typos?
• Is the tone appropriate?
• Is the information accurate?
• Is the writing engaging and interesting to read?

If you answer yes to most of these questions, then you’re on the right track. However, if you answer no to any of them, then it’s time for some more editing.

Playing word games can help improve your vocabulary and writing skills. There are many different types of word games that you can play, such as crosswords, Scrabble, and Bananagrams.

This is a fun way to improve your vocabulary, and you can also compete with your friends to see who can come up with the most clever words as there are countless apps to do this.

One I have always enjoyed is Words With Friends . It’s a cross-platform Scrabble game that you can play with friends online.

Action Step: Download some word games onto your phone or computer and start playing!

Reading is a great way to improve your vocabulary and writing. Read material that is both interesting and challenging, and try to emulate the writing style of the author.

You should also try to read different mediums such as books, magazines, newspapers, and even blogs. The more you read, the better your writing skills will become.

Action Step: Actively seek out reading material that will improve your writing skills. Join a book club, subscribe to a magazine, or read the news online.

One of my favorite exercises to improve writing skills is writing short stories . This will help you to develop your plot, characterization, and setting skills. It will also help you to improve your vocabulary, as you will need to use a variety of words to describe the different elements of your story.

You can challenge yourself even further by submitting these stories to self-publishing platforms.

Put yourself to the test by entering short story writing competitions . This will help you to improve your writing skills and learn how to submit your work in the correct format.

It will also give you the chance to receive feedback from experienced writers and readers, which can be invaluable in helping you to improve your work.

Not only that, but many story competitions pay money to entry winners! This could end up benefitting you in multiple ways.

Action Step: Research how to submit your writing to competitions and start entering!

An online writing course can be a great way to improve your writing skills. There are many reputable courses available, taught by experienced professionals.

You will learn how to write in different genres, how to structure your work, how to edit and polish your writing, and more. This is an excellent way to gain the skills you need to produce high-quality work.

Action Step: Research online writing courses and choose one that best suits your needs.

A writing group can be a great way to not only work on your writing chops but also to converse with like-minded individuals and learn new vocabulary words. Groups can be found both online and in-person, so do a quick Google search to find one near you.

Action Step: Join some writing groups or forums.

About The Author

Arielle Phoenix

Related posts.

What Is The Average Time It Takes To Write A Book?

should i write a book or a screenplay?

How to Write a Zombie Book: 8 Easy Steps

PDF Template For Writing A Book

25 Ways to Improve Your Writing Vocabulary

Building your vocabulary is one of the easiest ways to improve the power of your writing and make any writing task that much easier, as you will have several synonyms in your repertoire to pull from every time. Developing your vocabulary need not be difficult or painful. Here are 25 ways you can improve your writing vocabulary every day.

Use New Words

Use a word immediately after you learn it. Try to make a game out of using a new word as soon as you learn it. Every day, try to slip in a new word into the conversation, a journal entry, an assignment or an email to a friend. Do this as often as possible, and repeat the word to yourself.

Read Every Day

Once you’re out of school, word drills and assigned reading become things of the past. While these were tools for building your vocabulary repertoire while you were young, it doesn’t mean you should abandon reading. Try to read a well-written and edited essay, magazine article, book or news article every day. Nonfiction and technical books will quickly teach you new ways to think and speak with words you may be unfamiliar with, but any type of reading will help you along.

Learn Roots

Learn the roots of words. Most words in the English language are built from a common root, prefix, and suffix, usually with an origin in the Greek or Latin language. Once you learn a root, you’ll begin to understand more words that use the same root. For example, -duc- (Latin root word) means to lead or to make, such as in the words produce or deduce.

Use a Thesaurus

Keep a thesaurus handy. As you write, keep a thesaurus handy and use it when you find yourself using a word too often, or using a word that you know doesn’t quite convey the right meaning. This will help you better express yourself, and you’ll also learn a new word in the process.

Develop Practical Vocabulary

This means you should start by learning words that express what’s important to you for the task at hand. A good example of this is learning trade language or words you use often in a hobby or vocation. Rather than immediately turning to cliches or jargon that’s tossed around, look for clearer words to express to peers what you’re writing about.

Learn New Words Every Day

To improve your vocabulary quickly, make an effort to learn at least one new word every single day. There are plenty of ways to do this, such as a Word of the Day calendar or email list, or simply picking a word from a thesaurus or dictionary.

Look up Words You Don’t Know

How often do you come across words that are unfamiliar as you read? Don’t just gloss over them; take the time to look them up, and if you don’t have the time right then, write them down and look them up later.

Keep a Journal

Journaling won’t just help you develop your writing style, it will also help you improve your vocabulary. Try to use new or interesting words you’ve learned recently into a journal entry for the day or the week.

Identify Empty Words

You’re probably familiar with empty words in your speech (such as “uh” or “um”), but your writing probably has empty words as well. Look for these empty words in your writing that do not offer any substance to your reader and replace them with something more appropriate. The same principle applies to phrases and sentences, so make sure that you haven’t used six or seven phrases to say something that could be better communicated in one sentence filled with carefully-chosen words.

Diversify Your Reading List

If you tend to read the same sort of things day in and day out, you may not be exposing yourself to a wide enough range of vocabulary. Diversify the topics you read to include natural science, Shakespeare, contemporary literature, politics, history, philosophy or any other topics you think you may enjoy.

Do Word Puzzles

Word puzzles in the newspaper or a magazine aren’t just a fun way to fill time, they’re also perfect for boosting your working vocabulary. Crossword puzzles are a challenge that get your brain working hard to search your memory for words you do know but don’t use, and this can help you move words from your memory banks into your working set of vocabulary which will come across in your writing.

Try Word Board Games

There are plenty of word games on the market designed to improve vocabulary and language skills without being a bore. Some of these games you may have played as a child, so it’s time to break them out again and get to “work.” If you have a friend who could also use some help — or someone with a great vocabulary you think will challenge you — invite them over for a game night.

Practice New Words in Divergent Ways

It takes between 10 and 20 repetitions to make a new word a part of your vocabulary. To help the word settle into your mind and memory, write it down (both the definition and a sentence you make up using the word), use it in conversation, include it in an email or any other way you can think of.

Make up Associations

Start by saying the new word aloud, then relate it to a word you already know. A good example of this is gargantuan, which means “very large” or “gigantic.” Say a sequence aloud: small, medium, large, very large, gargantuan. Then list things you think are gargantuan.

Use Mnemonics

Mnemonic techniques are memory tricks you can use to remember new words. You may remember a word by sounding it out and thinking of a funny sentence that matches the meaning, such as turning egregious (extremely bad) into “Don’t let that smelly rotten egg reach us!”

Visualize New Words

Research shows that visualization is a great way to remember new words and their meanings. A good example of this is the word stratovolcano, which is a high, pointed mountain with a violent explosion. One way to remember this meaning is the fact that the prefix “strato” sounds like “straight-oh,” which may make you think of a straight ruler or a “straight-o-volcano,” which describes the word’s definition.

Make Your Own Vocabulary Tests

Keep a list of the new words you learn each week and incorporate into writing and conversation. At the end of each week, make yourself a quiz using the words to cement them in your memory.

Make Synonym Word Lists

Do you find yourself turning to the same word again and again in your writing? Grab a piece of paper and write it at the top. Next, brainstorm or use a thesaurus to generate a list of ten to twenty new words you can use instead. You can keep these lists in a vocabulary notebook and add to them whenever you learn a new synonym.

Take a Writing Course

There are plenty of online courses as well as in-person classes you can attend to boost your writing vocabulary and learn how to use new words correctly. Try to find a self-paced course that uses assignments and quizzes to hep you increase fluency and brush up on your writing skills. Some classes are aimed at essay writing or creative writing, so you can find a class that will help you improve the style you need the most help with.

Edit Your Own Writing

After you finish writing, be your own editor and go though the piece with a fine-toothed comb to identify overused and nondescript words with something more precise or colorful. Editing is an important process for spotting writing errors, but it’s also great for improving the tone, style, and clarity of your writing. It might help to read the sentences aloud, then note any lack of precision. Search through your memory for more descriptive words, or consult a thesaurus if you need to.

As you replace words, remember that using a large number of complex words won’t necessarily clarify the meaning, and it may just make your writing more pompous. Ask yourself, “Do I know a better word to use instead?” You may replace “use” with “acquire” or “obtain,” or “do” with “perform.”

Move Words from Comprehensive to Expressive Vocabulary

You actually have two types of vocabulary: one is a much larger set of words you understand, even if only vaguely, and the other is a smaller set of words you actually use to express yourself. Moving words from your comprehensive, but passive vocabulary, to your active, expressive vocabulary is easier than you think. To do this, you’ll need to know how to define, pronounce and spell the words. Say them out loud and use them at every opportunity to move them into your active set.

Ask for Feedback

Do you think your writing could use some help? If you’re struggling with your written vocabulary, try asking someone else for help. A second set of eyes can offer a great deal of insight and spot problems you may not notice yourself, including poor word choice. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend, teacher, co-worker or someone online to review your writing for feedback on your vocabulary.

Carry a Dictionary and Thesaurus with You

How often do you find yourself with free time and nothing to do? Carry a pocket thesaurus or dictionary with you and you’ll find time to beef up your vocabulary while you’re waiting for an appointment, commuting to work or waiting for a bus. Whenever you have a few minutes to spare, read a page or two and learn a new word to add to your writing. It’s also a great idea to look up obscure words you don’t quite grasp that come to you on the fly as you go about your day. You can also use the dictionary or thesaurus to look up unfamiliar words you come across in your daily life.

Use College Preparation Tests

College prep tests that use SAT and ACT-type words are a great way to take your writing to the next level. This form of advanced study will challenge your mind and give you a new set of words to use that are practical and offer your writing the clarity it needs. You’ll also get the chance to brush up on the most important Latin and Greek roots and get a new set of words with activities to help move them into your active vocabulary set.

There are tons of non-board games that will help you improve your writing vocabulary while you have fun. Try downloading fun word games onto your phone or computer so you can get some practice while you unwind after a busy day. Some games are designed to build vocabulary skills, but there are plenty of others that will help you practice spelling, phonics, and even typing skills. There are even some designed for college students to prepare for testing and vocabulary-rich exams.

Hopefully, this list has given you an excellent place to start to build your vocabulary a bit at a time. If you think about it, there are opportunities all around you to develop this important skill, so spend time every day reading and listening to take in new words and then develop a system to incorporate these new words in your writing and speech. Before long, you’ll find your vocabulary has grown to a new level and your writing has gained the clarity you need with an ease you didn’t think possible.

Author: Jovell Alingod

(Image courtesy of Michael Coghlan )

One of the way to improve your vocabulary is to take up a vocab challenge.

Having a good vocabulary is more than knowing a large number of words. It is ability to choose words with greater precision and at the appropriate time.

Any type the word challenge to increase vocabulary is a great way to do this. I personally like to find five new words in the dictionary each day that I didn’t know the meaning to before them. I don’t always remember them all, but I do remember some and this helps me build my vocabulary.

Knowing when to use a word appropriately is far more important to knowing what a word means. It’s like all the students who study English and know the definition of the words, but can’t speak English. it’s the same thing here.

i agree with you Pratigya

well, I agree with you on that statement because most of the time my friend who is studying literature would use words that do not feel appropriate sometimes or just feel off

Linguistically there are two techniques for improving your lexical strength (vocabulary) :

Active learning and Passive learning

1. Passive learning: New words are acquired subconsciously, while doing some daily life stuff, like reading a newspaper.

Vocabulary is an abstract skill due to reasons like reading habits, family background, schooling, culture etc. The conventional methods are very generic and are made of masses. They do not allow personalised learning to an individual’s current vocabulary.

2. Active learning: Active learning methodology has become a preferred way to change the traditional teacher oriented classroom into the newer student oriented approach to learning. In active learning, acquisition of new words is done with conscious and great efforts.

Usually active vocabulary building is quite rigorous and boring due to its monotonous nature.

Thank you for this informative reply. I have never considered it in this way, but it makes a lot of sense. Active learning has always been tedious for me, but I really enjoy reading books, and this has helped improve my vocabulary greatly compared to my classmates. While I know I should spend more time actively learning new words, I feel a lot better knowing I’m subconsciously learning new ones everytime I pick up a book.

not clear meaning vocabulary

Reading is good “Passive” way of improving vocabulary, but when you are resorting to making lists, that is “Active” method. Problem with active method of learning words is that it is cumbersome and boring, and you doing retain and unless you use it in writing sentences to apply the word, very little chance is that you increase your lexical size.

I think it’s important to do both passive and active vocabulary learning. It’s true that you are going to have to figure out a way to make active learning interesting so that you can continue to do it long term, but there are ways to do that. I love getting up in the morning and looking at my new word for the day calendar in trying to figure out how I will use that new word sometime during the day. If you can find an easy way to incorporate active learning into your daily life, it can be fun.

You can improve your vocabulary by playing this different Wordgame based on the Oxford dictionary.

Hey Nicklas do you have a brother named Markus??

I’ve been trying to find good ways to improve the writing vocabulary of my students. Techniques to improve passive vocabulary are quite well established – SRS, etc. However, the jury is still out on the best strategies to improve active/writing vocabulary.

Have you found any to be effective since you left this comment? I’m looking for some good ways to improve my vocabulary and if you found some good ones, that might save me a lot of time experimenting until I found a good method. Anyone else who has had success improving their vocab is also welcome to chime in. I would love to get some good methods going.

thank you for these pics. I want to write but dont have many words.i will try to write daily and follow your tips to improve my vocabulary

I’d say, just start writing. You’ll start to learn which words you use are repetitive, and find words to replace them. It helps me to keep writing. Just because you don’t have a well defined vocabulary yet, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start writing. You learn by positioning yourself to learn, then the waters of knowledge flows.

“the waters… flows.” Waters is your subject and requires a plural verb. Waters…. flow. “of knowledge” is a prepositional phrase and does not impact the verb.

Water is uncountable and it is a universal fact that ,it flows ,hence, i think it is “water flows”.

Exactly dude

This is so important to good writing. If you aren’t improving your vocabulary on a daily basis then you aren’t improving your writing. Thanks for so great suggestions on how to keep those new words coming!

This is something that many writers neglect to their own detriment. You should always be trying to improve your writing and these are some good ideas on how you can improve your vocabulary. Too many writers forget about this, and it shows in their word choices. Don’t forget to spend time improving your craft!!

I agree with this. It’s important to always be trying to improve whatever craft you have chosen to pursue. If your craft has something to do with words for speaking, improving your vocabulary is something that you should spend time doing. But this isn’t limited to just vocabulary. You should be trying to improve other areas of your craft as well.

Yo Starcraft do you play Minecraft???

I try to learn at least one new word every day to improve my vocabulary. I like to read a lot, and I can usually find a word that I’m not familiar with while reading. I will look up this word so that I understand what it means and then try to use it in conversation during the next week. If I don’t find the word while reading, then I’ll just randomly open up my dictionary to find a word that I wasn’t familiar with before.

I think this is a great habit to get into for anyone who wants to improve their vocabulary. If you do this for a while, you begin to love learning new words, and when you love doing something like this, it’s easy to build your vocabulary each and every day.

I’m curious if anyone actively tries to improve their vocabulary each day. If so, how do you do it? I would like to learn tips and tricks on how to improve my vocabulary each day. I look forward to seeing your comments on how I can do this.

I think it’s different for everybody. What will work for one person, won’t work for the next. Chances are you’ll need to experiment quite a bit with a variety of the different suggestions above in the article to find which works best for you. I know that I learned vocabulary very different than my friend does. She does it by rote learning using flashcards. That would drive me absolutely crazy. I like to learn new vocabulary in a more natural way. But each of those ways works for each of us.

I second that! You’ll have to spend time trying different techniques, and using the ones that work well for you. There is no magical answer! There is magic in the word ‘practice’. Allow yourself time to make mistakes, so you do not quit trying. I think often, we do not allow a little wiggle room. You can do this!

This is a pretty extensive list of ways one can improve their vocabulary. I find the best way to increase my vocabulary is to make the conscious effort to use words that I would not normally use in conversation. It takes some work to do this, but a lot of people say I have the best vocabulary of any person that they know. When you begin to learn a lot of new words, you become more articulate and are able to express yourself in ways you might not have been able to do before. I encourage everyone to give it a try.

Also, It pays to converse with people who can articulate outside of your normal word range. I listen to many people speak words that are outside of my range. You’d be surprised at the information that is stored in your subconscious when its time to pull out “that one word”. Try using it even if it sounds silly, others will help you learn too.

Having a big vocabulary isn’t always good, especially if you use it to try and show off like my friend. What’s the use of using words that most people won’t understand just to make yourself feel smarter than others? It’s much better to use words everyone understands so they actually know what you’re trying to say. Don’t act like a pompous jackass.

That’s not having a large vocabulary — that’s simply being an ass. being able to come up with the specifically correct word for a certain situation is a wonderful thing to be able to do. It’s not for trying to show off, but just to be able to express yourself accurately.

Some of us just think it’s fun!! 🙂

The thing that people forget is that it takes a bit of work to improve your vocabulary. It’s better to find ways that are enjoyable like reading books or a “word a day” email than trying to study them which can be boring. If you make it a game, it will be a lot more fun.

I agree that it’s important to find a way to enjoy learning new vocabulary rather than trying to learn it from the list. This is why he did vocabulary in school. All they would do is give you a list of words that you had to memorize. Why can’t teachers figure out a way to make learning new words more enjoyable than just memorizing lists? It seems like it would be a simple thing to do and then students would enjoy English a lot more.

What’s the very best way to learn vocabulary? There are always these lists of different ways, but nobody ever tells you the very best way. I want to know the best way to learn English vocabulary.

daily read English newspaper and magazines.

I not only became better to write and pass examinations at the university but also to improve my colloquial English. In fact, many people do not know even their own language. I’m writing a dissertation and just now I realized that I needed to increase my vocabulary. Without it, a person can not consider himself competent. To write a thesis is important not only choose an interesting topic, but also competently and clearly put down it on paper. Without it your ideas, your thoughts will not be able to understand people and professor – will not be able to evaluate your work. Thesis – that’s what I need, what I have to do for my future. And so I do not regret my time and effort to find more information about thesis writing. I do not cease to learn and improve my skills for my studies, for my future.

Very well said Nancy!

How do you know if you have a good vocabulary or not? Is there a standard number of words you need to know for others to identify you as having a good vocabulary? I think if there was a number of words everyone knows they needed to know, more people would try to reach that goal. As it is now, it’s difficult to know if I have an adequate vocabulary or not.

I’ve been working on improving my vocabulary for the last two months. I found that it was difficult to begin, but once I started, it became much easier. I try to do most of my vocabulary improvement through a lot of reading, but I do make an effort to look up words that I’m not familiar with while I’m reading instead of just passing them over or trying to guess their meaning.

I also try to use new words each day. For me at least, if I use the word I’m able to retain it much better. I would say over this last two months, I’ve been able to learn between one and five words a day and I’ve added well over 100 new words to my vocabulary.

It’s a great or impressive, certainly you made an effort , But me myself I was trying to polish up my Engish for the last months and I attempted to collect and Memorized some of them, but unlucky because I have not the suitable place which I can display my Vacapularies the people of my country do not speak The English Language , Give me your recommendation .

Vocabulary : start with simple words, like house hold, transportation, communication, vegatables, fruits, trees, animals, weekdays, months, numbers.

All basic vocabulary words. It seems like, you are a beginner, dont let people break you down. We are all human, nobody is better than the next.

Sickness and death, reach us all, rich and poor.

I’ve high respect for you mr english i respect your honesty an willingness to help

Does anyone visualize words to help them improve vocabulary? I started doing this a few months ago and it’s help me improve my vocab quite a bit. I’m a visual person, though, so that may be something that applies to me more than others. If you happen to be a visual person, try visualizing new words and you may be amazed at how many you are able to learn over a short period of time.

I like to visualize as well, but I have never done it with vocabulary building. It may be what I’ve been missing. I’m going to give it a try and see if doing so helps me retain more words.

This is something that everyone should be striving to do no matter their age. I think it’s important to teach kids at a young age how interesting words are so they can find value and love within them. Being curious about words and where they came from (and finding the perfect word for what you want to say) is a type of curiosity we’d all be better having.

Why do we need to learn so many different vocabulary words in school??!!?? All I do is spend hours and hours learning new words that I’ll never use when I’m older. It seems so stupid!

Knowing a large number of words will make you much more articulate in your conversations with others. Knowing words can help out in a lot of ways in life. Those hours of learning will pay off. You need to figure out a fun and entertaining way to learn those words.

Before you work on new vocabulary, you should make sure you already understand the basics. There is nothing worse than someone using big words while the small words are being incorrectly used. A sure sign the person thinks big words are important, but has no idea how to use words in general.

I don’t think these two things are exclusive. You can work on the basics and learn new vocabulary at the same time. It isn’t an “either / or” choice. Do both.

It depends on the person who learns the language. If he is a fast learner, he will learn both the basics and big words fast.

Melvin I am also practicing to write English like native speakers.if your English is good then help in writing passage I write a passage on some topic and you will point out my errors.I am so obliged if you help me

Melvin, I too am practicing to write English like native speakers. If your English is better than mine, then would you help me improve my writing. I will write a passage on a topic and if you would point out any errors I make it would help me greatly. I am very thankful for any help you provide.

I am a native English speaker and this is how I would have written the post.

Sure why not?

I am not agree with your ideas Because those people have not english native language Those people how to increase your vocabulary They read english but not understand because english is not whose native language

Please give me some 💡

I want to improve my english vocabulary

start reading books and blogs that you like to read everyday. Consistency is the major key of success in all kind of drills.

then I don’t have time to do something else

yes you said well

you’re are right!

“you’re are right!” ?? = you are are right! Contractions are wonderful when used correctly. There IS a word represented there….

You are so right. I am 40 years old i should know better I’m so rush to high up. In my learning I have a habit of skipping over the small and rush. Myself to the big ones

This looks like a great list of resources/apps. Using a variety of these should make learning vocabulary a breeze.

I don’t understand why so many people don’t like to learn new words. They are so interesting!

I am improve my vocabulary so u tell me why can I do

I am *improving my vocabulary so u *can *advise me *what to do Maybe you should study the Grammar Formation first;before u learn new words.

Woah! That was a little bit savage

No it wasn’t that’s a very good suggestion i myself think i should take go study it.

Hi Louis Alion, “Maybe you should study the Grammar Formation first;before u learn new words” I don’t know the other think. but for me, if you know only the grammar after that you can not make the sentence because of we don’t know new words.

I believe that you should do the same. Practice what you preach. There is always room for improvement, always.

Grammar and Vocabulary, goes hand in hand. Communication and Vocabulary, goes hand in hand.

Dont get confused.

learn vocabulary first

Maybe they have more and better work. Duhhhh!

the power writing is power of vocabulary

for learning the basic knowledge should be complete .every new knowledge need some basic knowledge first

Yes U r right

You are absolutely right Rudra.

Such a thanks for sharing these words and good experience for me ,I saw every point .who became me bold and improve my english skills .today i had built more confidence ,and promise you . I will improve my english as soon as possible Once again Thanks

Thanks for the advice I thing I’ve got an enough idea on how I will improve my grammar and vocabulary. 🙂

When I will summerise the article may be it would be like this, # Increase vocabulary # Read news paper # Play game

Thank’s…

Thanks for writing this wonderful article, I have learned new words while reading the article.

I too learned lots of new words in your Article

It’s really helpful. keep it up!

My vocabulary is vry weak.vocabulary words are vry difficult to learn…

Then you have to study hard.

i really want to improve my vocabulary but ,i always loose concentration whenever i start reading a magazine or a newspaper

Good approach

It is a stepping stone. I am going to improve drastically

game part is not important

Thank for your marevlous explaniation

I enjoy learning new words,but I’m too lazy to do this! Hope that one day I will realize how important it is!

I think reading is quite important. It doesn’t only enrich your vocabulary. But also gives your new knowledges.

thank you for the tips

Hi It is good to know this knowledge.

Thanks, helpful tips. but I don’t understand some things due to my poor education background, wish I could get more explicited ones. But great job though

Great article!

I will give the IELTS test two month later as English isn’t my own language and I will be confused that what am l doing There are a lot of references and books and I don’t have a plan for test Please tell me what am l doing?

Like im in school, so this wasnt that useful. Thank u though about the thesaurus and stuff!

When I see a new word, I looking for a root of that and try to find it on some film and article and know the synonyms and how we can use it I myself use some applications like Word Up which is so useful for me because at the first you can see the root of word, meaning of that, synonym and also some film which help me alot. l recommend you to use it once 😊

Thank you for your valuable suggestions.

This tell how important on reading books or any materials that fully satisfy your vocabulary. And Verily important notice or learning to us, are keep reading books and love it. Specially in this new technological era where people really sucks on gadgets and any technologies . This article help me more.Thanks a lot. And keep it up!!

I want to prove my writing power and also professional email power.

I might try these!

I can say it depends on the person who is learning the language, because even though you are good at vocabulary, if you are poor in grammar your English will never be good, so if you ask me learn both of them at the same time….

Reading is life

Very helpful practical advice thanks

Hello everyone! This is a platform to learn and or improve one’s English speaking and writing abilities, so I think it would be best to help yourself as best as you can. I say this because, going through the comments, I noticed quite a handful of comments written in funny contractions. examples; ‘U’, ‘ur’, ‘re’, and the likes of which literally do not exist anywhere but the “Social media world”. No offense to anyone, but I think his will be a step toward improvement. Thank you!

This simple description sounds to be quite useful. I will try using these tips for my students.

Amazing ideas for a beginner

Best ways to improve self and others in speaking and writing , making choices of words to communicate in dynamic and vibrant manners.

I do appreciate the way you explained, how to improve Vocabulary! In fact, I was not at all comfortable with English Language but some how I managed to start communicating in English, as it was basic need to go ahead with my career. I am still facing issues in writing as my vocabulary is not that good. I will keep trying to get it improved everyday by adopting the ways you explained. Thank You!

I love to learn English how to read, speak and write Vocabularies

I think new words can be practicing by speaking and writing daily on going situation in world . Otherwise native environment in common atmosphere will never be much helpful to learn English quickly . Secondly seeker must have to think in English. Thirdly student must have to write his or her basic routine in English . That what he was doing in entire day on his diary

It is very essential or Vital to follow for the instruction and I will apply and abide by it in order to polish up my English Language.

my son, in junior high, asked his English teacher, “do you know another word for thesaurus? “

Don’t think that only big words is very important and useful but some small words is also there who can improve your vocabulary though there are small words

I get that but don’t big words make our vocabulary grow?

thanks that was very good example

It’s time to break the limits to become limitless and bending the reality.

Thanks very helpful

Very good indeed to have this opportunity to read the 25 way of improvement

I just almost glass over the word itself. Then I use google to find its meaning

It really nice. I’m perfect sure it will help me through the help of God. Thanks

Popular Posts

• The Top 10 Most Difficult-to-Spot Writing Mistakes
• 4 Simple Tips for Great Writing
• Avoiding Wordiness: 330 Examples & What to Use Instead
• The Oxford Comma: The Splice of Life
• Who vs. Whom
• Affect vs. Effect
• How to Take Notes: The 10-Step Guide to Note-Taking (Infographic)
• CMOS vs. AP – Recent Changes & Comparison (Updated 1. Nov. 2021)
• The Daily Word Counts of 19 Famous Writers
• The Ideal Length of Everything You Write Online ( Infographic)

Recent Comments

• Trilby on Avoiding Wordiness: 330 Examples & What to Use Instead
• Trilby on Words Everyone Seems to Hate
• Julie Retallack on Words Everyone Seems to Hate
• Cat on Who vs. Whom
• Cat on The Oxford Comma: The Splice of Life

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

We use cookies on this site to enhance your experience

By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

A link to reset your password has been sent to your email.

Back to login

We need additional information from you. Please complete your profile first before placing your order.

Thank you. payment completed., you will receive an email from us to confirm your registration, please click the link in the email to activate your account., there was error during payment, orcid profile found in public registry, download history, practical ways to expand your vocabulary for academic writing.

• Charlesworth Author Services
• 08 December, 2021

Academic writing is exact writing , and exact writing requires that you use the exact word. Consider the distinction between ‘mass’ and ‘weight’; between a ‘typeface’ and a ‘font’; or a ‘spider’ and an ‘insect’. However, academic writing is not only about technical words or jargon but many other words that help you to convey your thoughts. How do you learn those words? How do you expand your vocabulary? This article provides some practical ways to do so.

1. Read widely to assimilate the word

One of the most effective ways to learn new words is to read widely so that you are exposed to words used in many different fields. This is effective because you learn words in their context – you see them ‘in action’, being used in the ways they are meant to be used. When you have encountered a word half a dozen times, you soon get a pretty good idea of what it means and how it is used.

More importantly, by assimilating the word, you are making it part of your idiolect , which means a ‘person’s individual way of speaking or writing a language’.

2. Look up more than the meaning in a dictionary

When you do look up a word in a dictionary, don’t just look up the meaning but also find out how the word is derived , because it will help you not only to remember the word better but also to guess the meaning of other as yet unfamiliar words derived from the same source.

For instance, consider the suffix ‘-oid’. Once you know that it means ‘resembling’ or ‘like’, you can guess that a humanoid is something (perhaps a robot or an extra-terrestrial) that is like a human being but not quite one. As another example, learn how ‘e.g.’ and ‘i.e.’ are derived and used in this article .

3. But don’t look up every unfamiliar word

You should acquire new words as you go along and not hunt for them actively. Research shows that for such active learning, you should know about 95% of the words you encounter on a page. Reading is no longer enjoyable or even worthwhile if more than 10% of the words on the page are unfamiliar to you, and if you know more than 98%, you are unlikely to be expanding your vocabulary. 

4. Consider using graded readers

If English grammar and vocabulary are major obstacles for you, you should explore graded readers, which use deliberately controlled vocabulary and sentence constructions to ensure that the books are at the right level of difficulty for their target readers.

5. Supplement reading with listening

Audiobooks, podcasts and many online resources are a great help because when you encounter new words by hearing them, you also learn how they are pronounced . This can help you to remember them better because you are using yet another part of your brain that deals with language. 

Tip : If possible, read the transcript of the talk you are listening to – not while you are listening but either before or after. 

6. Practise using your new vocabulary as often as possible

Merely memorising lists of difficult or unusual words is unproductive, because you do not really assimilate those words. Instead, try to practise using them in everyday conversation . Or, if the words are too technical or specific to your discipline, and not suitable for casual conversation, practise incorporating those words or terms in your writing . 

7. Check your progress – with a concordance tool

Finally, check your progress to see whether you are using the new words you have assimilated over time. You can do this by using a concordance tool, a software utility that compiles a list of all the words that occur in a file. A few such tools are Calibre, AntConc and TextSTAT.

Pool all your writings over the past few months into a single file and run the utility. Select the option to sort the words in the document in ascending order of their frequency and to ignore words with three or fewer letters. This way, the less common words will be at the top, and you can see for yourself some evidence of your growing vocabulary.

In conclusion

Improving your vocabulary helps you use the right word , which conveys that you understand and are familiar with the correct and conventional language of a particular discipline. Think of it as a badge.

Maximise your publication success with Charlesworth Author Services.

Charlesworth Author Services, a trusted brand supporting the world’s leading academic publishers, institutions and authors since 1928. 

To know more about our services, visit: Our Services

Share with your colleagues

Related articles.

How can I reach the level of academic writing needed for a PhD?

Charlesworth Author Services 22/04/2021 00:00:00

Scientific writing in English as an Additional Language (EAL): Presenting your ideas more clearly

Charlesworth Author Services 12/10/2021 00:00:00

Writing about complex scientific concepts in Simple, Accessible language

Charlesworth Author Services 06/09/2021 00:00:00

Related webinars

Bitesize Webinar: How to write and structure your academic article for publication - Module 1: Know when are you ready to write

Charlesworth Author Services 04/03/2021 00:00:00

Bitesize Webinar: How to write and structure your academic article for publication: Module 4: Prepare to write your academic paper

Bitesize Webinar: How to write and structure your academic article for publication: Module 6: Choose great titles and write strong abstracts

Charlesworth Author Services 05/03/2021 00:00:00

Bitesize Webinar: How to write and structure your academic article for publication: Module 11: Know when your article is ready for submission

Tips and tools.

A good tip to improve your English writing: Try to write for ten minutes a day

Charlesworth Author Services 23/09/2019 00:00:00

Academic writing tips: How to construct and write Paragraphs

Charlesworth Author Services 24/11/2021 00:00:00

Three types of Apps to support your Writing

Charlesworth Author Services 15/11/2021 00:00:00

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

How to Improve All 4 Core Language Skills

Just because someone can speak a language, it doesn’t always mean their reading and writing abilities are on par with their verbal communication skills.

Language proficiency is measured in several different ways.

In order for you to reach native-level fluency, you need to balance your time between all the foreign language skills.

In this post, I’ll show you 19 great tips for improving your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in foreign languages, so that you’ll see a steady improvement in your abilities.

How to Improve Speaking Skills in a Foreign Language

1. improve your pronunciation and accent, 2. find a language exchange partner, 3. always read out loud, 4. speak often—and make mistakes, how to improve listening skills in a foreign language, 5. listen according to your interests, 6. diversify your listening resources, 7. don’t forget about passive listening, how to improve reading skills in a foreign language, 8. take advantage of parallel texts, 9. read like a child, 10. venture into comic books, 11. read literature you’ve read before, how to improve writing skills in a foreign language, 12. write by hand whenever you can, 13. keep a journal, 14. install foreign language keyboards, 15. have a native speaker provide feedback, how to improve grammar and vocabulary in a foreign language, 16. immerse yourself in the language, 17. turn language learning into a game, 18. watch foreign language media, 19. give yourself a “word of the day”, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Speaking in a new language can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! To boost your speed, confidence and overall fluency in speaking, keep the following tips in mind.

One of the biggest reasons why people feel uncomfortable when speaking in a new language is because they sound drastically different from natives. That discomfort goes away once you perfect your foreign language pronunciation .

It’s completely normal to sound awkward when you’re a beginner or an intermediate learner. To be honest, there are even advanced learners out there who still haven’t quite nailed their accents yet.

Rather than obsessing over that awkwardness, put the work in to improve your accent . By taking the time and effort in refining your pronunciation, communication between you and native speakers will eventually improve, ultimately boosting your confidence in the language.

If you aren’t ready to casually converse with native speakers or are too anxious to attend language meetups, find a language exchange partner instead. This language exchange partner could be a friend who happens to be a native or fluent speaker of your target language. It could also be a fellow learner interested in studying a language you’re proficient in.

Aside from meetups, you can search for a language partner online through language exchange websites and apps, perhaps participate in some language exchange on Skype . You can also go on WhatsApp for language exchange to connect with like-minded language learners.

If this type of social interaction is just not your thing, you can always find a language tutor to help you with speaking, in addition to the rest of the language skills.

Reading is obviously a very important language skill. Though if you ask me, silently reading in your head is a missed opportunity for improving your verbal communication skills.

Whenever you find yourself reading any kind of text in your target language, say the words out loud! It doesn’t matter if you have a book in front of you or if you randomly spot a vocabulary sticker on your fridge—if you see words in your target language, vocalize them.

Volume isn’t totally necessary for this exercise. If you’d rather whisper because you’re reading in a public space, that’s totally fine. What’s important is that you practice the mouth movements to help you feel more comfortable when speaking in a foreign language.

If you want to know how to speak a language fluently , be vocal as often as possible. Any opportunity you have to speak in a foreign language, do so! Talk to fluent speakers, make those mistakes and learn from them.

And when you fumble on a word or translation, try your best to describe it in conversation rather than resorting back to English. By doing this, you stop translating in your head and start having a natural conversation instead of spitting out textbook responses. It’s achievements like these that push you closer towards language proficiency.

I should add that you don’t have to be with other people to practice speaking. In fact, when you’re on your own listening to or watching foreign media, you’re more than welcome to do language shadowing exercises to learn how to speak as naturally as the natives.

Your speaking ability depends on your listening, so let’s discover how to improve listening skills in a foreign language for better verbal communication.

To make sure you pay attention during your listening activities, choose resources that you’re actually interested in. You’ll be more devoted to the content when you listen to language audiobooks that aren’t only appropriate to your level but also fall under genres that you genuinely enjoy.

The same goes for foreign language audio and video clips. When you listen to and watch foreign language videos that align with your interests, hobbies and whatnot, you tend to pick up new words and concepts quicker because you’re invested in the topic.

FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.

P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Try FluentU for FREE!

Every video is equipped with both foreign language subtitles and English subtitles, so you have all the information you need for comprehension.

Don’t forget that while you’re watching foreign news and movies, you’re also listening to the language. Although some might consider those examples as unconventional ways to learn, you’d be surprised with how much you can pick up from unlikely sources, such as international films and foreign language cartoons .

Here are some resources you could try:

• YouTube is a great place to find all kinds of content in foreign languages, so try searching for things you’re interested in in your target language and see what pops up.
• Streaming sites like Netflix and Disney Plus have options for listening to foreign language dubs on your favorite TV shows, which can be a great way to practice your listening skills.
• Coffee Break Languages has a range of options available for podcasts and other listening resources that you may find helpful.

Active listening is crucial for learning a new language. Arguably, so is passive listening.

Passive listening language learning is language immersion for the subconscious mind where you’re mentally disengaged with the audio . An example of this would be listening to foreign language audio for entertainment purposes or falling asleep to foreign language songs.

Although passive language listening is hotly debated as a method of learning, you can’t deny that it’s an effortless way to immerse yourself in the target language. By immersing your subconscious, you’re basically covering all the bases in order for your brain to retain the language.

Reading, both foreign language e-books and books on paperback, broadens your understanding of the target language as you discover the subtleties between the written and spoken forms.

Bilingual e-books exist for you to transport yourself into the world of foreign literature without having to toggle between the story and a dictionary. Additionally, parallel texts allow you to see how words interact with each other in a descriptive setting.

Parallel texts are perfect for both  intensive and extensive reading purposes. For an intensive reading activity, treat each chapter as a lesson where you take notes on new vocabulary, grammar or syntax.

Once you’ve got a good grasp on vocab and grammar, you can move onto extensive reading, which simply means reading for pleasure.

Need another less intimidating way to practice reading in a foreign language? Go for easy language books . You know, the ones that use simple language and are filled with tons of pictures.

Dual language children’s books let you embrace your inner child, learning language basics in the most adorable, imaginative and uncomplicated context. In all honesty, learning a new language as an adult can be complex and boring at times. Thus, reading children’s stories helps you dial back on the seriousness of language acquisition. It also lets you have some fun with it.

Children’s literature is an escape and an easy way to track your progress. Just as teachers do in school, you can use graded readers to level up your reading and thinking skills in your target language.

Believe it or not, you don’t have to love superheroes or be a graphic novel collector to benefit from foreign language comics . In fact, comics are ideal for visual learners, as the graphics offer picture translations of the comic captions.

Comics are a quick read, yet they also can function as extensive reading activities for teaching language . Instead of immediately blitzing through the comics, read through them in two stages.

First, skip the pictures, skim through the captions for unknown vocabulary, do basic translations and make a prediction about the plot. Next, read through the story, compare it to what your prediction was and then reflect on the story overall.

Bilingual parallel texts are blessings for language learners. But once you reach a certain stage of fluency, you need to progress from bilingual books and move on to foreign language reading material.

To ease the transition, don’t dive into the deep end with new literature. Instead, opt for stories and books that you’ve read before. That way, you don’t get lost in all the foreign words since you already know the plot of the text.

For news articles, one of the foreign language reading strategies you can implement is reading related articles in English beforehand. Doing so will provide you with contextual information needed to understand the foreign language headlines.

Lastly, let’s discuss the ways to enhance your writing skills.

Whether your target language uses symbols or the Latin alphabet, the fastest way to improve your writing skills is simply writing by hand.

Because many of us are learning through our gadgets these days, it’s more important than ever to put a pen to paper as much as we can. If you don’t have a pen and paper, just hand write it on your phone’s note taking app.

Daily writing exercises can be as small as jotting down a list of groceries or as extensive as writing a book review. It’s less about the word count of each writing exercise and more about the frequency of writing to build that muscle memory.

A language learning diary is an effective way to monitor your writing skills and is generally very convenient for daily writing practice.

If you have no idea how to keep a language journal because you can’t even write full sentences in your target language just yet, that’s okay! The truth is that you don’t have to be fluent to keep a language journal.

The earliest entries in a journal always begin as a tracker for new words you’ve learned in your lessons. Once you’ve obtained enough knowledge to formulate sentences, you can start using foreign language writing prompts to guide your entries.

In order to write in a foreign language, not only do you need to learn how to write by hand, but you also need to learn how to type in that language. Typing Cyrillic on your phone or computer is a completely different experience from typing in English.

Foreign language keyboards aren’t just about the symbols. Even if your target language does use the Latin alphabet, having that foreign language keyboard installed on your devices is still extremely helpful since it instantly detects the right spelling in that language.

You could be writing every day. However, that daily foreign language writing practice wouldn’t be as productive without feedback.

Traditionally, feedback comes from language teachers and tutors. So what happens if you’re studying independently, with no authority figure to grade your assignments?

Text exchanges with a language partner would take care of that. If you want to go old-school, another option would be to have a  foreign language penpal and communicate via snail mail. Whatever method you choose for feedback, be sure to pay attention to the colloquialisms in the correspondences and request for your language partner to mention any glaring mistakes in your writing.

Vocabulary and grammar are the building blocks of language skills. Proficiency in those areas automatically improves reading and writing. Moreover, it increases your confidence in speaking and helps you recognize words and structures in conversations.

Enhancing your grammar and vocabulary is critical for boosting foreign language skills, and there’s a myriad of language learning systems you can experiment with to help build that foundation.

Regardless of what language system you set up for yourself, make sure you keep these tips in mind.

Language acquisition isn’t about adding another skill to your CV. To learn a new language means to open yourself up to an entirely new, unfamiliar world, as language intertwines with its country’s history, culture and social customs.

It’s essentially a lifestyle change because you can’t immerse yourself in the language without immersing yourself in the environment.

Think about how children learn a language . They learn it in school with teachers and friends, and they learn it at home with their parents. Children absorb new words and phrases quickly because they’re completely surrounded by the language. Immerse yourself likewise and you’ll be acquiring a language like them in no time.

Tests and quizzes totally take the fun out of learning a new language. Yes, assessments are necessary to see if you actually know your stuff, though why go with the common vocabulary quiz when you can challenge yourself with a game?

Foreign language games are board or card games that can be played with native speakers or fellow language learners. They’re also great as a family bonding activity if you’re learning a language together.

Games can also be a solo activity. There’s a whole collection of language learning video games and apps you can find online to fit your needs.

The truth of the matter is that foreign language media is one of the most underutilized secrets of grammar language learning .

If you’re wondering how to learn a language by watching movies , there are tons of ways to do so. You can watch dubbed versions of movies you’ve already seen, memorize songs from the soundtrack or change the captions on the streaming service to your target language.

Another strategy is dividing the film into half-hour chunks, writing down new words and structures as you watch each segment. This also works well with television shows since episodes are much shorter.

To stay on top of vocab practice, make it a habit to learn one word a day.

By giving yourself this little language learning challenge, you’re turning passive vocabulary into active vocabulary . Rather than memorizing words on flashcards, you find ways to apply the new terms in your day-to-day life. You can do this by incorporating your “word of the day” in conversations or in an entry in your language journal.

You don’t even need to read or write the word down, although it’s good practice to do so. Just thinking about the word is enough, given that you’re recalling the definitions and formulating sentences with the word in your head.

Wow, that was a lot to go through but so worth it! By separating the language skills, you have a better understanding of how to develop each on its own, as well as a skill in conjunction with another.

Now that you have all the tips and tricks to advance your foreign language skills, fluency is just around the corner! Just keep at it!

If you dig the idea of learning on your own time from the comfort of your smart device with real-life authentic language content, you'll love using FluentU .

With FluentU, you'll learn real languages—as they're spoken by native speakers. FluentU has a wide variety of videos as you can see here:

FluentU App Browse Screen.

FluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.

Didn't catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view definitions.

Interactive, dual-language subtitles.

You can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentU's "learn mode." Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning.

FluentU Has Quizzes for Every Video

And FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. You get a truly personalized experience.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Enter your e-mail address to get your free PDF!

We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe