I need to improve my vocabulary, as i'm not great at expressing myself and I have realised the words I know are limiting. Any suggestions to improve?

[Anonymous]

[WindAtMyBack]

Read a variety of stuff.
Have a dictionary handy.
Look up words you don't know.
Write them down in a notebook, along with the definition.
Say the word out loud.
Use an online dictionary that has audio to learn to pronounce it.
Bookmark each word in a vocabulary folder.

You have reinforced the word by seeing it, writing it and saying it.

Use the word in a sentence. Write it down and say it out loud.
Use a thesaurus. Try to use alternate words in the sentences.

Also write down irregular verbs and nouns. (Goose/Geese or Run/Ran)

Instead of writing in a notebook, you can use index cards. Write the word on one side, and the definition and sentence on the other. Use them like flash cards. Put them in a stack, with the words facing up. Try to define and use the word. Then check the back to see if you got it right. Put words you got wrong in a different stack and go through them more often.

It's all about repetition.

[Asker]

Thanks so much for taking the effort! I actually find myself getting stuck with words in expressing my thoughts and feelings and even my ideas. Its also because English isn't my native langugae. I keep getting stuck & I'll try your tips for sure!

[WindAtMyBack]

A thesaurus is great when you can't think of a word.

Have you used Word Hippo? It's a nice all-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, translator to/from other languages, audio pronunciation, and more.

https://www.wordhippo.com/

[BCRanger10]

Get the Dictionary App and subscribe to their Word of the Day feature.

[Asker]

Thats cool!

[Asker]

Thanks!

[BCRanger10]

You're welcome. And thank you for MHO 🙌

[StarWarGirl]

Dictionary idea isn't so practical. Instead you can start reading habits. Get the book in the language you want to improve. No matter it is story book or any non fictional book, as per your interest. And read it on regular basis. While reading whatever words you get whose meaning you don't know search it online or in dictionary. And next day you read that portion again what you have read previous day and see do you still remember that meaning of that word or not. Like that with regular practice you can get better in that.

[Asker]

That was so helpful!! Appreciate it!!

[purplepoppy]

Use a good online thesaurus rather than a dictionary. Just type "synonym" after a word and a few should pop up. But make sure you know what the suggested words mean as they're not always interchangeable.

[RebelinSteel]

Read some decent literature, mix it with classics and good modern literature.

[RebelinSteel]

Another way is writing, look at joining a local writing group, does not need to be anything serious, just fun. By using written words, you expand your use of them and discover new ones that can be used.

[bowenw]

Read a lot. Look up any words you don't know and try using them.

[DryGermanGuy]

Read and subscribe to a good newspaper. In the United States, the New York Times or the Washington Post.

[The_Sexpert]

Just read a lot... newspapers, Novels , Magazines.. anything
And watch movies of TV shows when you get bored

[Abbycado]

Buy a dictionary. Start at “A”.

[Asker]

Not sure how practical it is to go through all the words in the dictionary. My English was good, but i have been speaking to people who's English isn't native to them... and I have found that I haven't had practice to use varied words

[Abbycado]

Maybe try reading some books. Look up the words you don’t know and learn?

[Asker]

ok. Thanks.

[Fanfare690]

A dictionary

[Billlewis]

No, a dictionary only provides definitions and spelling of words. She'd be much better served to obtain a thesaurus.

[Asker]

@Billlewis Thanks so much. Since English isn't my native language, I just pause and don't know how to express due to the lack of vocabulary in my mind and get stumped and just stop my sentences their without saying more. And I know i'm left with the other person not fully understanding my point and me helpless in how to put things into context.

[In_Trance]

Practice