Five Tips for Learning English Vocabulary

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When you study English vocabulary, it is very important to learn how to use the word, not just the definition. Knowing the definition will help you recognize the word when you read or hear it, but in order to be able to use the word, you need to know how it’s used and in what situations it’s used. You also need to know the words that are typically used with it.

The next time you come across a new vocabulary word, instead of simply looking up the definition in a dictionary and memorizing it, try these five steps:

1. Study the word in its original context. (What was the original sentence?)
2. Learn the part of speech. (Is it a noun, verb, adjective?)
3. Find out what words are typically used along with it. (Is it used in a phrase?)
4. Write your own sentence with the new word, and have someone check it for you.
5. Try to use the word three times in one day.

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