Tired of Forgetting English Words? Here’s How to Make Them Stick!
Tips to Expand and Retain Your English Vocabulary
Have you ever learned a new word in English, only to forget it the next day? You're not alone. Expanding your vocabulary is crucial for improving both your speaking and comprehension skills, but it can be frustrating when those new words don't stick. To truly master new vocabulary, you need more than just exposure; you need effective strategies to help you remember and use the words confidently. In this guide, I’ll share practical methods to help you expand your vocabulary, retain those words, and put them into practice. Let’s turn that forgotten vocabulary into lasting knowledge.
1. Expand Vocabulary with Bite-sized English Content
Movies, series, and books are fantastic for improving overall comprehension, but they might not be the best for expanding vocabulary. Our brains need more than a single encounter with a new word to remember it. Repetition is key to making new words stick. That's why I recommend using bite-sized content like short videos with subtitles, podcasts with transcripts, or articles. This type of content allows you to review new words frequently without getting bored. For example, you can:
Listen to a podcast
Read the podcast transcript
Write down new words in your English notebook
Listen to the podcast again
This approach helps you see and hear the words multiple times, making them easier to remember. Whatever media you choose, be intentional with your vocabulary practice using an English notebook to jot down the new words.
2. Retaining and Using New Vocabulary
Writing down new words in your notebook is a good start, but it’s not enough to truly remember them. Your brain often needs to see a word between 7-20 times to remember it well. Here are some practical methods to help you retain and use new vocabulary:
Frequent Review: Review the new words the same day you learn them, the following day, and a few days later.
Flashcards: Create flashcards with the new words on one side and their meanings or example sentences on the other. Use them to test yourself regularly. You can also use apps to make digital flashcards, like Ankiapp.
Sentence Examples: Practice making your own sentences with the new words. This helps you understand how they fit into different contexts and reinforces their usage.
Contextual Reading: Read example sentences that use the new words. This helps you understand how they are used in different situations. You can search different contexts using this website, https://context.reverso.net/translation/
By incorporating these methods into your study routine, you’ll better retain them!
3. The Importance of Using New Vocabulary
Learning new words is just the beginning. To truly master them, you need to actively use and practice them in different contexts. Applying new vocabulary in conversations, writing, and daily activities helps solidify your learning and make these words a lasting part of your language skills. It’s beneficial to have friends, language partners, or a teacher with whom you can interact and practice using your new vocabulary.
How Peach Teach English Classes Can Help
In my classes, we focus on conversation-based activities and use materials filled with vocabulary appropriate to your level where you’re encouraged to use new words naturally. During the lesson, I note down any new words or vocabulary that you lacked during the conversation. After each lesson, I send you feedback which includes these new words, and a PDF of the lesson so that you can review and learn any new vocabulary.
You get the chance to interact naturally and learn new vocabulary while receiving the tools you need to review and expand your skills even outside of the classroom. Together, we’ll ensure your vocabulary grows and becomes a powerful part of your English fluency! Sign uo for a FREE CLASS at peachteachenglish.com and let’s start making real progress!
Use These Tips and Make Vocabulary Stick!
Expanding and retaining vocabulary can be challenging, but it’s entirely achievable with the right approach. By using bite-sized content, consistently reviewing new words, and actively practicing them in context, you’ll make those words stick. Remember, it’s not just about learning new vocabulary—it’s about using it regularly to make it a natural part of your English skills.
Ready for more tips on making vocabulary stick? Listen to my podcast episode 1 with Samuel Mejía: How to Grow Your Vocabulary and Remember It
