Want to learn more English words fast?
Good news: You don’t need a perfect memory. You just need the right methods.
This guide will show you the best ways to remember vocabulary easily – without wasting time.
7 Best Ways to Learn Vocabulary
1. Learn Words in Groups (Not Alone)
- Your brain remembers connected ideas better.
- Learn: apple, banana, orange together (not just apple).
- Learn phrases like slice an apple or peel a banana.
2. Activate New Words Immediately
New words disappear fast unless you use them right away.
Here’s what works:
- Say the word aloud as soon as you learn it.
- Create a personal example: My boss was generous with bonuses this year.
- Connect it to your life: Generous = like my grandma who always overfeeds everyone.
3. Space Out Your Learning
Cramming doesn’t work for long-term memory.
Try this instead:
- Monday: Learn 10 new work-related words
- Tuesday: Quick review (cover meanings, test yourself)
- Thursday: Another review (try using them in sentences)
- Next Monday: Final check before adding new words
Pro tip: Apps like Anki handle these timing reminders for you automatically. Struggling to make flashcards that actually work? My E-book reveals the method to create cards that help you remember vocabulary 3x faster. Stop wasting time – learn the right way from day one.
4. Learn Through Stories and Conversations
Passive reading won’t cut it.
For better results:
- Watch a TV scene and note 2-3 useful phrases (That’s so awkward!)
- Listen to podcasts and pause when you hear something useful.
- Google real examples: „How do natives use awkward in conversations?”
5. Create Unforgettable Mental Hooks
Our brains love weird associations.
For confusing words:
- Borrow → Picture your hand reaching TO take something „Can I borrow your pen?„(you receive).
- Lend → Imagine your hand pushing AWAY to give „I’ll lend you my book” (you give).
- The stranger the mental image, the better you’ll remember.
6. Use It or Lose It (The 3x Rule)
New words vanish fast if you don’t use them actively. Research shows you need to use a word 3 times within 24 hours to move it from short-term to long-term memory. Here’s how to make it stick:
- Text it to someone: „Hey, can I borrow your phone charger? Mine isn’t working!„
- Say it out loud when alone: „I need to return the charger I borrowed from Sarah.„
- Write it in a journal: „Buy an extra charger so I don’t need to borrow one.„
Key point: Do this within one day for best results.
7. Learn What Matters to YOU
Stop wasting time on irrelevant words. The secret to fast vocabulary growth isn’t memorizing more words – it’s memorizing the right words for your life. Most learners make this crucial mistake: they study random lists from textbooks while ignoring the vocabulary they actually encounter daily.
Why Most People Forget New Words (And How to Avoid It)
The problem isn’t your memory. It’s how you study.
Most learners:
- 📌 Only read words (but never use them)
- 📌 Cram before tests (then forget everything)
- 📌 Learn random lists (without context)
What NOT to Do When Learning Vocabulary
❌ Don’t translate word-by-word
❌ Don’t learn 50 words a day (You’ll remember 0.)
❌ Don’t ignore pronunciation (Say it right from Day 1.)
Bonus: 3 Free Tools to Learn Faster
- Google Images → Type „[word] meaning” (Visuals help memory!)
- YouGlish.com → Hear words in real YouTube videos
- Tandem/HelloTalk → Chat with natives for free
Track Your Progress!
- Keep a „Word Journal” (Digital or paper).
- Add 5-10 new useful words per week.
- Review old words every Sunday.
Ready to Expand Your Vocabulary?
Start with just 5 words today – use one method above. Small steps win the race!
