Six books that help you improve your English vocabulary are the Oxford Picture Dictionary, McGraw-Hill's Essential ESL Dictionary, NTC's Vocabulary Builders, Word Power Made Easy, the English Vocabulary in Use series, and 504 Absolutely Essential Words. Each suits a different level and way of learning, and this article explains which is which.
Almost everyone can use help building their English vocabulary. English has a huge number of words, many of which most of us have never come across. Learning new words is hard work for many students, and it is one of the biggest challenges in mastering English. Still, there are things you can do to speed up your learning, and the right books can make a real difference, whether you are learning English or want to get better at it.
Expanding your vocabulary opens many doors, academically and professionally. Employers notice applicants who express themselves well, and good grammar and spelling count too. The more words you know, the more you understand, and the more tasks you can take on at work.
Why a larger vocabulary matters
Learning new words in English is important for many reasons. If you know more words, you can choose the exact word you mean instead of a vague one. A larger vocabulary also helps more people understand you. Not every situation is the same, so you need to know which words suit the person you are speaking to. When you do, you can relate to almost anyone.
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A larger vocabulary also lets you say the same thing in different words. One of the biggest problems for people with a limited vocabulary is that they cannot express what they mean. The more words you know, the better you can communicate, and the easier it is to say what you want. Why it's important to expand your vocabulary looks at this in more detail.
Make learning new words fun
Few of us are fond of studying. It often feels like work, and nobody really wants to do work unless they have to. That is why it is so important to make learning new words engaging and fun; otherwise you will get bored and give up. Flashcards work for some people, but many find them dull. Fortunately, there are other ways to learn new words.
You can use group chats and set challenges to see who can come up with a new word. There are also many apps for your phone that are designed to make learning words fun. A simple habit that works well is to learn one new word every day. Pick a random word each day, and if you enjoy it, start learning more than one. Before you know it, your vocabulary will have grown a long way. For more ideas, see these ways to improve vocabulary for ESL students.
6 books to improve your English vocabulary
Whichever way of learning new words you choose, the six books below can add to your knowledge of English. See which one suits you best.
- Oxford Picture Dictionary: a great book if you like to learn visually. Its pictures help you learn new words each day, and there are bilingual editions for learners who want to learn through their native language.
- McGraw-Hill's Essential ESL Dictionary: this dictionary was written specifically for people learning English, so its definitions are easy to understand. It also contains other material to support your learning.
- NTC's Vocabulary Builders: aimed at students whose English is already advanced. If you want to become a confident and impressive English speaker, this book is worth a look.
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis: a classic that teaches words through their Greek and Latin roots, so that one root unlocks a whole family of words. Exercises and quizzes in every chapter make learning fun.
- English Vocabulary in Use: a popular series from Cambridge University Press. It has books for every level, from beginner to advanced, and you can choose between British English and American English.
- 504 Absolutely Essential Words: for learners who want a solid core of useful everyday words. It teaches its 504 words in short lessons, each with exercises.
Keep going
Improving your vocabulary is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. It opens many doors, professionally and personally, and for people whose first language is not English, these books will come in especially handy. With some work and dedication, anyone can master a rich English vocabulary. Once you know a word, start using it: here are 20 words you should start using now.