Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[MinK]

It occur frequently that I know certain words but cannot use those words when speaking in English. When I read, I completely understand what those words mean, but still I cannot use them. I'm dying to know how to solve this problem. In addition, I hope I could expand the range of my vocabulary. I think you could help me out.

Thanks,
MinK

[lotus]

Hi MinK,

Words have no meaning by themselves. They have definitions, but no contextual connotation. Usage, or examples of usage is the only way to get the real meaning of a word. This is achieved by reading or by conversation. You are certainly not the only one with this problem. In fact, my experience with most English learners is that they can get to a high level of technical expertise with very little problem - but, these same learners usually have problems carrying a normal English conversation. Mastery of conversational English can take years.

But, do not despair. Most folks with a command of the English language know this and are very understanding when conversing or corresponding with you. If they really know English, they'll know what you're trying to say.

Now, I'll finally try to answer your question. You appear to be at a point where you have a very good vocabulary, but aren't sure how to use some of words. Try to find a dictionary which have example sentences for the words. Some older dictionaries have this feature. I believe the American Heritage Dictionary may be a good source. There may be others I'm not aware of. The other suggestion I have is to watch TV shows or movies. I know that sounds simple, but it works - and it's fun! Be careful, though, when listening to entertainment conversation - sometimes they can talk in cliches or verbally overact (not something normal people do). Just out of my head, here are some movies or TV shows I'd recommend which are entertaining and have fairly normal conversation.

TV

Friends
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Taxi
The Bob Newhart Show
Barney Miller
The Cosby Show
The Andy Griffith Show
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
The Twilight Zone


Movies

Fred Astaire movies (black & white)
All Hitchcock movies
Casablanca
12 Angry Men

- lotus

[bud]

Great answer, Lotus. I only want to add OneLook Dictionary Search as another source for sample usage. Enter a word and get the results from many online dictionaries at once. I, too, find that American Heritage gives good examples. Another good one for examples is Cambridge Dictionaries. Both are almost always in the result list. Other dictionaries give examples, too, so be sure to look at them as well.

http://www.onelook.com/

Good luck.

[MinK]

I'm a little relieved to know that most English learners have the same problem:-) and thanks for your answer! And I think I'm going to like that way to learn vocabulary. Watching movies is one of my favorite things! Thanks for your suggestion, bud. I just visited that website, and that website is really useful!

MinK

[will]

Hi Mink, A couple of weeks ago you wrote

"It occur frequently that I know certain words but cannot use those words when speaking in English. When I read, I completely understand what those words mean, but still I cannot use them. I'm dying to know how to solve this problem. In addition, I hope I could expand the range of my vocabulary. I think you could help me out".

and

"I'm a little relieved to know that most English learners have the same problem:-) "


Your comments do , of course, highlight a big problem facing most language learners... and the following website...
http://www.wordsurfing.co.uk
... aims to help find a solution through the creation of an "personally organised vocabulary notebook" - and making better use of modern resources, particularly the internet.

The "Word Surfing" vocabulary development strategy can be read about in more detail in the following article
http://www.hltmag.co.uk/jan04/sart3.htm
...and maybe you could also let your teacher know about this??

Anyway, hope this helps..the WS site has useful links to
internet dictionaries http://www.nelliemuller.com/Translate_and_hear.htm
games... http://www.wordsurfing.co.uk/43682.html
videos and dictations ... http://www.real-english.com/
listenings and readings.. http://www.wordsurfing.co.uk/47352.html

All these are suitable for use at different levels, so that with the help of an "organised vocabulary book" you can expand your vocabulary - and start to activate words that are only "understood" (but not yet "known" and available for immediate use)

Practice, of course, is everything. You need to actually use your vocabulary as much as possible - preferably in a fun and real way - (for example through forums such as this) - otherwise it will almost certainly only remain "understood"....or may even be forgotten.

The old saying is true "If you don't use them, you'll lose them".

Finally, I see that you are in South Korea ... and I'm hoping to work there later this year. I think it is a very interesting country.

Best wishes
Will McCulloch
Vocabulary Developer
Marsala, Sicily