by Jacquie Schmall

Created on: July 09, 2011   Last Updated: July 14, 2011

There are simple ways to improve your English vocabulary. The new words begin as a novelty, but are eagerly sucked into your brain, and quickly become part of your personal dialogue. Just be prepared to use them right away, and as often as possible. 

A good rule is to keep a pen, or pencil, handy in order to keep a list of unfamiliar words. A casual conversation with someone, especially on a unusual subject, will often carry a new word. However, a much better way is to study with intention. Write down selected words on flash cards, the definition on the back of the card, so word recognition is accompanied by it's meaning. Repetition is the key to learning. Once you recognize the word, and know the meaning, use it in conversation, or when writing. After two or three repetitions, the word will become part of your vocabulary.

The meaning of words with prefixes, or suffixes, can be identified by the root word, or it's elementary form. For example, if you think of "understanding", and then "mis" understanding, where comprehension of the word meaning is changed by the prefix "mis", meaning hate, not, or wrongly.

Reading what other people write may be the most direct way to learn new words. So a visit to a library would be a great idea. Select fiction, or non-fiction, and begin reading until you discover an unfamiliar word. Write it down, and then look it up. When you have a reasonable list, have read them to yourself, aloud, and know the meaning, begin using them in conversation. 

Expanding vocabulary is a process that requires a combination of curiosity, and repetition. Anyone can find new words in the Scrabble dictionary, but they are seldom useful in everyday conversation. However, when curiosity is the driving force that propels the expansion of vocabulary, the results are more than likely to be spectacular, even life changing.

Increase your vocabulary by reading plays, and non-fiction, may not be as fruitful as poetry, and novels, where the need for descriptive passages is compelling, but this does depend on the motivation for expanding vocabulary in the first place. In any case, a handy notebook, and pencil, is the key to acquiring an expanded vocabulary.

Developing a larger vocabulary, and discovering new ways to articulate feelings, and thoughts, are compelling reasons to expand your vocabulary.

It is a straightforward project to expand your vocabulary, and it is a powerful thing to do for yourself.

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