Do you easily forget English words? You’re not alone. Many learners find it hard to remember vocabulary. The issue isn't your memory; it's your method. The good news is that you can improve this with effective vocabulary learning techniques.
In this blog, you’ll discover smart strategies to help you remember new English words more quickly and for a longer time.
1. Learn Words in Context, Not in Isolation
Instead of memorizing long lists, learn new words in real sentences or situations. This helps your brain connect meaning with usage.
Example:
Don’t just learn: “run = courir”
Instead, learn: “I run every morning to stay healthy.”
Try this:
Read simple articles, stories, or dialogues and highlight new words. Understand how they are used.
2. Use Spaced Repetition (SRS) to Lock Words in Memory
Spaced repetition is a proven memory technique. You review words at increasing time intervals before you forget them.
Best tools:
Anki (free flashcard app with SRS)
Quizlet (create flashcard decks)
Memrise (gamified spaced repetition)
This method is effective for long-term vocabulary retention.
3. Create Personal Vocabulary Notebooks
Write down new words you learn, but don’t stop there.
Include:
The word
A simple definition
A sample sentence
A translation (if needed)
A picture or drawing (if helpful)
Example:
Word: “delicious”
Meaning: very tasty
Sentence: “This cake is delicious!”
Translation: délicieux (French)
4. Say the Words Out Loud
Speaking the word helps you remember it better by involving both your brain and mouth.
Repeat new words 5 to 10 times. Try using them in a short sentence each time.
Example:
“delicious”
“This coffee is delicious.”
“My mom makes delicious food.”
Bonus: Record yourself and listen back.
5. Group Words by Topic or Theme
Learning words in groups helps your brain connect them better.
Topic examples:
Food: apple, rice, soup, delicious, eat
Travel: passport, airport, ticket, suitcase
Emotions: happy, tired, excited, angry
Review one topic at a time instead of random words.
6. Use the Words in Your Daily Life
Use it or lose it! Practice using new vocabulary in writing or speaking right after learning.
Try this:
Write a short story using 5 new words.
Use the words in your journal or diary.
Speak about a topic using only your new words.
Or text a friend: try to use the new word naturally in conversation.
7. Learn with Images or Word Associations
Visual learners remember better when they connect a word with a picture or a funny idea.
Examples:
“sleepy” – imagine a cartoon cat yawning
“fast” – picture a racing car
“cold” – think of snow or ice cream
Some learners create funny stories to remember harder words.
Bonus Tips:
Review old vocabulary every week.
Don’t memorize too many words at once (5 to 10 per day is great).
Celebrate when you can use a word in conversation.
Mix reading, writing, speaking, and listening to reinforce learning.
Final Words
The secret to remembering English words isn’t about how many you learn; it’s about how well you learn them. Use these smart strategies daily, and you’ll stop forgetting and start expanding your vocabulary like never before.
Your brain is ready. Are you?
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