EnglishClub

Finding it hard to memorize new words? 

You’re not the only one!

Even the most talented multi-linguists need help sometimes.

Luckily, there are many effective methods that can help you to expand your vocabulary.

And we’re not going to tell you to sit with a textbook for hours until you have successfully learned all the words. No, no! 

Instead, we’re going to share some useful but also fun ways to improve your vocabulary.

Play Word Games

Is there a better way to learn new words? 

This way of expanding your vocabulary is fun and effective. 

Many entertaining games require you to memorize new words and phrases.

For a start, try playing Scrabble, Upwords, or Apple to Apple.

You can also start with more simple games, like those where you need only paper and pen such as Charades, Pictionary, or Guess the Word. 

These are even more fun because you can play with your friends. Snacks, juice, paper, and pen can be an ideal way to spend time with your friends. Besides enjoying your evening, you will also learn new words.

Connect New Words With Familiar Ones

Connect a new word to something familiar so that you can remember it easily. This is known as word association. Depending on what works for you, you can choose to associate them by sound, or by meaning.

To associate new words by sound means that you will associate them with the familiar words that have similar sounds. For example, if you already know the word ‘write’ it’s easier to learn the word ‘right’ which sounds similar.

Association based on meaning means that you can memorize new words that are related to the ones you already know. For example, if you want to remember the word ‘open-hearted’ then you can think of several synonyms like ‘friendly,’ or ‘sympathetic’.

Watch English Movies

Don’t forget to turn on the subtitles. It’s an ideal and fun way to improve your vocabulary. Thanks to the movies, you can improve your listening and speaking skills. 

Not only will you learn new words, but you will see how they are used naturally, in casual conversations.

When you come across a new word or phrase while watching, you can always pause the movie, write down or come up with an example where you will use that word.

Hire a Tutor

Hiring an English tutor is a great way to expand your vocabulary. Learning with a professional teacher is an ideal opportunity where, besides learning new words and expressions, you can learn how to properly use grammar, practice tongue twisters and improve your pronunciation.

Learning English with a real person has always been the most effective way not only to learn the language but to boost your vocabulary. 

The key is in the conversation. 

Nothing better than a teacher who can explain the meaning of a new phrase, and teach you how to speak like a native speaker.

Read Every Day 

This method of learning new words and expressions happens to be one of the most effective ones. And yet it’s quite simple: the more you read, the more new words you will discover and memorize.

So, give your best to find time to read in English every day. Apart from reading books, you can read magazines, newspapers, blogs, poems even.

Try to guess the meaning from the context. If you can’t, then you can always search for help in the dictionary.

Final Thoughts

Vocabulary is the main tool in a language. If you don’t know words, then you can’t communicate at all. Your reading and speaking skills can’t be improved.

So, the more words you know, the better your skills will be.

In the end, speaking English fluently is every learner’s goal. And you can succeed with a richer vocabulary.

You are probably, just like me, stuck at home due to the COVID19 lockdown. While we are self-isolating and staying safe, we are also trying to find smart ways to spend our time.

One of the best decisions you can make now is to work on yourself and your skills.

Learning a new language, learning how to cook, watching documentary movies are some of the productive things you can do when bored at home.

But don’t forget to work on your English skills.

That’s why I wanted to share with you some tips on how to boost your English knowledge during quarantine.

1. Binge-watch English speaking shows

This is by far the most interesting way to improve your vocabulary. It’s fun and effective, so you should definitely consider it during quarantine.

Decide which show suits you best. What is your language level? What’s your favorite genre?

For example, here are some phrases and expressions you can learn from watching Friends, one of the best shows to binge-watch and learn new words.

If that’s not your cup of tea, then choose a TV show you like and start watching. Prepare a pen and paper, turn on (or off) the English subtitles and enjoy the learning process.

2. Play learning games

There are a bunch of interesting games out there that are made to help you learn a new language.

You can choose Pictionary or Scrabble, as long as you play them in English. You can also play with a partner or alone, however you decide.

Playing games has proven to be a very useful language resource. It’s so effective, because you learn and have fun at the same time. Perfect combination!

3. Install language apps

Apps like Duolingo or Language Drops can come in handy when you are bored at home. You will learn new words every day, that’s a guarantee.

What makes these apps so wonderful is that studying feels like a game. You really enjoy it.

Make sure you check them and out and let me know in the comments what your favorite language app is.

4. Hire an online tutor

Now is the perfect time to find an online English tutor.

The power of the internet is so big that you can now talk to native speakers from the comfort of your own home. Make sure you seize that opportunity.

Plan out your budget. Read about available tutors. Then choose your new one and boost your language skills!

5. Listen to podcasts

Podcasts are my favorite productive thing to do. Why? Because you can listen to them on the go, while you are cooking or cleaning.

There are a lot of language learning podcasts that will help you improve your listening skills but your vocabulary as well.

Great thing about them is that you get to listen to native speakers chat with one another. Also, you’ll definitely hear some useful slang and every day expressions that you can later use in your life.

6. Follow useful Instagram accounts

Chances are you are probably spending a huge amount of free time on Instagram.

Why not make it productive?

Follow useful accounts. Follow native speakers or influencers in the language learning niche.

This is how spending time on social media will feel better and less time-consuming. You will have fun and learn new words every day.

7. Keep a journal

Writing down your thoughts regularly is very healthy. But writing them down during quarantine is the best thing you can do for your well-being.

Why wouldn’t you start keeping a journal in English?

You will learn how to use new knowledge in practice. You could also show it to your tutor later so that they could check out your grammar and spelling.

Journals are a handy tool when you need some practice, so make sure you try it out.

Final thoughts

As you can see, it is possible to still work on your language skills while you are self-isolating. Use this opportunity to boost your English skills.

Let me know how you’re spending your time in quarantine. How do you practice English these days?

Do you speak American English, British English, or just English?

There’s no denying: British English and American English are very different.

Of course, it is the same language, but you’ll be surprised by how many differences there are.

If you speak English fluently, the chances are high that you will be able to interact with both British and American people easily; it’s not like you will misunderstand anything or get lost in your conversations.

However, we should always aim for perfection, so why not try to learn all the differences and similarities?

Today, I want to talk to you about the three main ones.

Vocabulary

If a British person tells you ‘I’ll wait for you on the first floor,’ and an American person tells you ‘I’ll be on the first floor waiting for you,’ my question for you is: Will all three of you meet on the same floor?

The likelihood of that happening is rather small.

Why?

Well, in British English, there’s the ground floor, then the first floor and then the second floor.

But in American, there’s the first floor, second floor and third floor.

ground floor in British English = first floor in American English

And this is only the start… You wouldn’t believe how many more words are different in British and American English.

Here’s a few more.

• autumn (British) / fall (American)
• trainers / sneakers
• crisps / chips
• chips / fries

Past tense verbs

If you’ve ever wondered whether the correct form is learned or learnt, don’t worry because they are both correct.

Americans have only one option, and that is learned, while on the other hand, the British are open for both learned and learnt.

Not only with this verb, but with all other regular verbs, you will notice that Americans tend to use -ed for the past tense.

Spelling

We cannot disregard spelling, one of the biggest differences between American and British English.

For example, while the British will write centre, Americans will write center.

More differences in spelling are:

• fibre / fiber
• litre / liter
• theatre / theater

Conclusion

There are a lot more differences between British English and American English.

The point is, you don’t need to worry that much about it; it will come to you with time.

British and American people won’t get mad because you are using the other nation’s variety of English. They might educate you, but that’s for your own good.

What you can do is work on your English skills, practice them, and learn from your mistakes.

Are you looking for a fun and effective way to learn English?

You are lucky, because unlike in old times, nowadays there’s plenty of creative resources to help you out.

One of the best ways (and certainly my favorite one!) is to learn English by watching TV shows and sitcoms.

What do you get by watching TV shows in English?

Well, let’s start by the fact that you are more likely to hear how real conversations sound on television, than in grammar books.

There’s a bigger chance you’ll learn popular slang and idioms, but most importantly you will get your ear used to the way English is used in real life.

A lot of students have been in your shoes. So, without further ado, here are the TV shows that have proven to be very effective in the language learning process.

1 Friends

I have this amazing show to thank for my ability to joke around in English (which was not possible before, trust me). It is very hard to develop your personality in another language. But this show has more than enough characters for you to identify with. Are you Monica? Or rather, Joey? With this show, you will be prepared for all social activities in English.

2 Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is the type of show that will help you build a rich and high-quality vocabulary. I would probably recommend it to intermediate level students who want to up their English game. Very sophisticated sentence structures and unusual words make Game of Thrones stand out.

3 Grey’s Anatomy

Even if Grey’s Anatomy is happening in the hospital with a lot of medical terms, it is, above all, a show about life. It’s a drama, not a medical show. So you are guaranteed to learn a lot about life situations too, but more importantly, you will learn it in English. Very emotional dialogues and complex narratives will definitely enhance your speaking skills.

4 The Simpsons

The Simpsons is not your usual cartoon, but it is very enjoyable and helpful. Homer Simpson, one of the greatest television characters, will help you identify your English mistakes and avoid them moving forward. The show is created in a very witty way so that you learn a lot about American culture, not just their language. Every language student should watch at least one season of The Simpsons.

5 Modern Family

One of the greatest family shows ever! There’s a lot of different characters, so naturally, you will learn a lot of different idioms and expressions if you choose to improve your skills with Modern Family. Gloria, a Hispanic character, will give you the confidence you need to get out there and speak in English. She is an inspiration for her energy and constant efforts to be a good English speaker. If she can do it, you can do it!

6 How I Met Your Mother

Similarly to the show Friends, How I Met Your Mother teaches you about real life, about friends and relationships. It is also a must-watch show if you want to improve your daily conversations. Episodes are short and sweet. You will also laugh a lot. I would recommend you watch Friends first and save How I Met Your Mother for later, as a rebound show after you are done with watching Friends.

7 Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl is for you if you prefer soap operas, constant drama, and mystery. It is a teen show, but adults are likely to enjoy it (I know I do). It is very easy to follow the shows without subtitles even if you don’t speak English that well. They speak nicely, and understandably so you will definitely enjoy the learning process while trying to solve the ‘Who is Gossip Girl’ mystery.

Final thoughts

Have you ever watched any of these shows?

I am sure you have watched at least one of the above. So why wouldn’t you watch these shows from another angle now?

Use your binge-watching superpowers to your advantage.

Soon enough, you will notice the improvement.

In the way you construct your sentences. In the way you think in English, not just translate from your native language.

Most importantly, you will feel more comfortable and free to talk with native speakers – and at that moment, you will know for sure that you are a fluent English speaker!

See also:
TV Series Vocabulary