For many English beginners in Singapore, there are certain words that can be considered challenging to learn. Words like “quaint”, “oblivious” and “often” may be tricky in terms of pronunciation, spelling and writing. Some of these words may also
come with silent letters, which can result in mispronunciation mistakes.
We’ve previously covered
how to learn English faster but if you’re aiming to enrich your vocabulary, do note that this will take some time as you’ll want to remember – and in turn use – more words effectively. Here are some tips to help you improve your command of the English language.
How to Tackle Difficult English Vocabulary
For starters, to get a hang of any difficult word, you must first be aware of its definition. Will this be a word that you can use on a daily basis?
Words like “mischievous” and “epitome” are, no doubt, fancy words to use but they can be replaced with something easier to learn, especially if you are still not proficient in English. Learning more complex words at beginner or even intermediate level can otherwise confuse you.
When approaching a difficult word, be sure to look up what it means and learn the other synonyms first. For instance, you can use “bad” or “naughty” in place of “mischievous”. Whether easy or difficult, you want to be able to use these words the right way. If you know you’ll need to learn these words to express yourself in everyday situations, it will then be important to memorise them.
For Memorising
In general, certain words are easier to grasp as you use them repetitively. In the initial stages of studying English, there are phrases and sentences that you’ve used numerous times and still remember. The same will apply when you’re learning difficult words in your English course or coming across a word you don’t know very well. By familiarising yourself with its meaning, you can then incorporate it into your daily conversations. Using any difficult word frequently will make it simple to remember. It will eventually become natural to use these words, whether you’re writing or talking to someone.
Even if you’re not using these words in context, make sure to have a notebook at hand to take down any words you’ve learnt and revisit them. On top of taking English classes in Singapore, there are some great ways to be exposed to new English words at a leisurely pace such as
using subtitles when watching your favourite shows and movies.
For Speaking
However, let’s say you have an upcoming English presentation. You’ve already done your best to
avoid using filler words while rehearsing your part but there are just some words that are hindering the flow of your speech. Try splitting the word up into parts to make it digestible for you to learn and read out loud. Don’t hesitate to check with your
English class teacher or friends and colleagues to ensure you’re pronouncing it correctly. Once you’re confident in pronouncing the word alone, say it again together with the full sentence and keep practicing. You’ll be ready to present to your audience in no time!
Expand Your Horizons with ULC
Overall, it is important to constantly learn new English words, no matter the difficulty. That way, it will become easier to understand information when it’s written or spoken when you can relate it back to something else that is familiar. This can also help you become a more advanced speaker and support you in your professional life if you are working with people who speak English as their first language.
To learn even difficult words and other concepts at ease, check out our
ULC’s course schedule and fees to kickstart your English-learning journey in Singapore.
Get in touch with us for more information today.
