“I Wanna Use Those Bombastic Words!”

Recently, a lovely couple visited our school to inquire about adult education. I questioned the husband about his motivation for enrolling in Business English lessons, and he replied jokingly, "I want to use those bombastic words!" In other words, he wants to broaden his vocabulary and utilise sophisticated language when conducting business with clients. Indeed, that is a valid reason, no doubt.

A game-changer for your future success as you begin your career journey can be found in devoting time and effort to learning new terms and their meanings. Additionally, expanding your vocabulary can improve your ability to comprehend complex texts, communicate your ideas more effectively, improve your critical thinking and communication skills, increase your self-assurance and credibility in social and academic contexts, and articulate your ideas with clarity and finesse. Below are six tips and tricks to expand your vocabulary:

1. Read extensively
Reading a variety of books, articles, and other types of content can introduce you to new terms and expressions that you might not have previously encountered. Moreover, learning the meanings and applications of new words can be facilitated by seeing them in use. Reading also enables us to comprehend the intricacies of language and the various applications of words. Our vocabulary and our ability to express ourselves in writing and speaking more clearly and expressively can be increased by being exposed to a variety of writing genres, styles, and topics.

2. Write regularly 
Writing on a regular basis is an effective way to expand vocabulary because it allows for the use of a broader vocabulary than speaking. Furthermore, writing also requires you to think critically about the words you use and how they relate to one another, and it gives you more time to carefully evaluate and select your words. Essentially, this provides an excellent opportunity to practise using new words and phrases in order to consolidate your comprehension of their meanings.

3. Learn root words
Understanding the roots of words can help you develop a strong foundation for your vocabulary. Many words share a similar root and a prefix or suffix that helps you figure out what they imply.

4. Make use of a thesaurus and a dictionary
Keeping your phone or laptop close by to look up and record new terms you come across will help you become a “vocab-u-list”. One might broaden their vocabulary and refine their writing style by consistently using these tools. Furthermore, a dictionary offers context-specific usage examples, pronunciation guidelines, and definitions for words. This not only helps to make a word's meaning more understandable, but it also sheds light on the various contexts in which it may be employed. On the other hand, a thesaurus offers synonyms and antonyms for a certain word, enabling a more complex comprehension of its meaning and usage.

5. Engage in meaningful conversations
We hear a variety of terms and expressions during conversations that we may not have previously heard. We can learn new words and their meanings by actively listening and asking questions. Conversations also give these new terms context, which makes it easier to remember and apply them in the future. In addition, interacting with people from various backgrounds and cultures might introduce us to new terms and expressions that we might not have otherwise come across.

6. Play fun word games
Hangman, crossword puzzles and word games like Scrabble or SpellTower can be entertaining ways to increase vocabulary. Players are exposed to new terms and forced to consider their usage and meanings critically by participating in various word puzzles. Additionally, the repetitiveness of these games can help players retain terms and their definitions. Users can learn new words and test their vocabulary with a variety of free apps.