How to Learn 4000 words quickly and speak English fluently

Are you struggling to get your message across clearly?

How many words do you need to learn to become fluent? Linguists estimate that advanced level speakers of a language know and use between 4-10,000 words and native speakers about 10,000+

So how can you do it? How quickly can you turbocharge your language learning and reach that magical number of 4000+ words quickly?

Twenty-five words per day is a challenge, but entirely possible if you are organize yourself, stay focused and disciplined, and use the specific techniques below.

Read on to find out more.

1. Repeat at spaced intervals

Spaced repetition means repeating information across increasing intervals of time.For example, say you've learned a few phrases before plan to give a presentation. After you've mastered them, try repeating them a few minutes later, then a few hours, the next day, then a few days, then a week. You get the idea! Spaced-repetition tests and trains your brain (pretty much like physical exercise in the gym) so that your memory muscles can recall information at longer intervals.

2. Use flashcards

If you are more of a visual learner, flashcards might be the answer for you. You can have images on one side and the English word on another or its translated equivalent. It's a great way to study independently and test your memory by yourself. Don't forget though you still need to see and use the words in context and sentences.

3. Post-it notes

New vocabulary can be written down on post-it notes and then stuck up on the walls of your home or office. Put contextual vocabulary in strategic places or write yourself little messages in the target language and have constant visual prompts and reminders as you walk around your home or office environment.

4. Learn the RIGHT vocabulary

Don't just learn any new words. You need to learn useful words, and you need to use them if you want to keep them in your active vocabulary. Why learn words and phrases that people rarely use in conversation? It doesn't make sense, so don't waste your time on words you'll rarely or never use.

Here's a list of the most common verbs in English:
https://www.wordexample.com/list/most-common-verbs-english

By learning the 20% of the lists that allow you to communicate 80% of the time, you can learn languages quickly.

5. Context is king!

Memorizing singular words is one thing, but without context, correct usage is challenging. Instead of writing lists of random words, try to put them in sentences, and check how we use them in context. Does a particular word collocate with another? Why do we say 'trial and error' and not 'trial and mistake'? Learning how they connect and interact with each other is key to correct usage. That way, you'll know how to use new vocabulary in real life situations.

6. Use as much as possible!

'Practice makes perfect' is a typical English proverb, and the more you use a word, the more likely it is that you will remember it. So get out there and find ways to practice with other people as much as possible. Think about who you are practicing with though, because nothing beats working with a professional native speaker teacher!

So make a new year's resolution today and get started! If you can learn 25 words a day, you'll add over 4000 words to your vocabulary in just over five months! Be disciplined, spend thirty minutes every day and use some of the techniques above.

You've got this!

For more information on language learning techniques, get in touch with us @ BBLC today.

+7 495 626 0473

Anthony Kent is the owner/director of BBLC and has 22 years of experience teaching business English programmes in Moscow to the biggest Russian and multinational companies.

Anthony's email: director@bblc.ru