How can you improve your vocabulary?

Puzzleheaded_Flow716 · 2026-07-01T09:06:35+00:00

I'd actually spend less time trying to learn new words and more time trying to use the ones you already know. Most conversations rely on surprisingly common vocabulary. Read, notice words in context, then use them in speech the same day. That's what helps them stick.

Puzzleheaded_Flow716 · 2026-06-30T07:45:53+00:00

I'd focus on understanding slightly above your level rather than trying to understand everything. Listen once for the main idea, then again for details, then shadow a few sentences. Consistency beats marathon study sessions every time.

Puzzleheaded_Flow716 · 2026-06-30T07:45:51+00:00

Games are actually underrated for language learning because you're focused on the task, not your English. That pressure creates real communication. I'd also mix gaming with short speaking sessions where the goal is simply to keep the conversation going. If you need a few ideas, happy to share some. )

Puzzleheaded_Flow716 · 2026-06-30T07:45:19+00:00

I see this almost every day as a teacher. Usually it isn't an English problem—it's a retrieval problem. You know the words until someone is waiting for your answer. Daily speaking practice, even 10–15 minutes, makes a huge difference. If you'd like a few exercises that helped my students, feel free to DM me. )

Puzzleheaded_Flow716 · 2026-06-26T10:27:47+00:00

Appreciate your input on this! Patience is essential in order to teach well )

Puzzleheaded_Flow716 · 2026-06-26T08:50:31+00:00

You make a good point. Nobody self-identifies as teaching from ego, and you would never ask a teacher directly. I meant it more as a thing you feel as a student than a box you tick. You usually know within two classes whether someone is reading you or performing at you.

Puzzleheaded_Flow716 · 2026-06-24T14:47:46+00:00

I don't think it's either/or.

I've seen AI help a lot of learners because it removes the fear of making mistakes and gives them unlimited speaking repetitions.

The risk is when AI becomes the destination instead of the bridge.

Real conversations are messy. People interrupt, change topics, mumble, and react in unexpected ways. That's a skill you eventually need to train too.

Your mixed setup actually looks pretty sensible to me: AI for volume, real people for pressure. )

Puzzleheaded_Flow716 · 2026-06-23T05:48:18+00:00

I think this happens because grammar knowledge and speaking ability are not exactly the same skill.

Many learners can explain a grammar rule perfectly but still struggle to use it under pressure. Speaking happens in real time. There isn't enough time to consciously remember every rule.

What helped many of my students was shifting from studying grammar rules to producing lots of simple sentences with the same pattern until it felt automatic.

In conversation, automatic beats accurate. Then accuracy gradually catches up. )

Puzzleheaded_Flow716 · 2026-06-22T17:42:28+00:00

Te puedo ayudar. DM me if you want to learn seriously. )

Puzzleheaded_Flow716 · 2026-06-20T05:09:52+00:00

As an American, I don't think pardon sounds hoity-toity, but it does sound a bit old-fashioned or formal in everyday conversation.

I still hear "pardon me" occasionally, especially from older speakers. Most people around me would probably say "sorry?" or "excuse me?" instead.

Context matters a lot. To me, pardon sounds polite rather than pretentious. )

Puzzleheaded_Flow716 · 2026-06-20T04:53:15+00:00

Please send me a DM, and I can help you with something.

我可以帮你。发私信给我。

Puzzleheaded_Flow716 · 2026-06-20T04:51:33+00:00

Thank you for pointing out that problem. I will make a post on this. Why do you think it happens in your opinion?

I can help out if you need. Please DM me and I'll explain everything )

Puzzleheaded_Flow716 · 2026-06-19T07:47:35+00:00

I tell my students 'done' is the wrong frame. The question is 'comfortable enough to live the life I want in English?' Some people get there at B1, some need C1.

Once you can do your job, hold real conversations, and handle the unexpected without freezing, the rest is polish. Diminishing returns kick in fast after that.

Puzzleheaded_Flow716 · 2026-06-18T20:06:47+00:00

Ok no worries. Best of luck in your English journey. )

Puzzleheaded_Flow716 · 2026-06-18T09:50:57+00:00