Learning English vocabulary is important to language acquisition, but many people struggle to remember new words. Here are 5 common mistakes in learning vocabulary that can lead to forgetting 80% of what you’ve learned, and how to correct them to retain new words longer.

Common Vocabulary Learning Mistakes That Lead to Forgetting 80% of What You've Learned

1. Learning Vocabulary in Isolation A common mistake in learning vocabulary is studying individual words without context. When you learn words in isolation, you’ll find remembering and using them difficult. Learning words within the context of sentences or passages will help you remember them better and understand how to use them. For example, instead of just learning the word “apple,” learn it in the sentence “I eat an apple every day.”

2. Not Reviewing Regularly If you don’t review the vocabulary you’ve learned, you’ll quickly forget it. Review is an essential part of the learning process, helping to consolidate knowledge and transfer vocabulary from short-term to long-term memory. Use methods like flashcards or vocabulary apps to review words regularly. Spend at least 10-15 minutes each day reviewing new vocabulary.

3. Learning Too Many Words at Once Trying to learn too many words at once can lead to overload and ineffectiveness. Research shows that learning fewer words but reviewing them thoroughly and regularly is much more effective than trying to learn too many words at once. Break down your vocabulary list into smaller parts and study each part thoroughly.

​

1. Not Connecting New Words with Existing Knowledge When learning new words, if you don’t connect them with words or knowledge you already know, you’ll find it hard to remember them. Creating connections between new words and old ones, or forming images and stories related to the new words, will help you remember them longer. For instance, when learning the word “dog,” you might connect it with “pet” and create a story about your pet dog.

2. Not Using New Vocabulary in Real Life If you don’t use new vocabulary in everyday communication, you will quickly forget it. Try to use new words when speaking, writing, or even talking to yourself to enhance memory. Using new vocabulary in various contexts will help you understand and remember it longer.

Avoiding these mistakes and applying effective vocabulary learning methods will help you retain new words longer and use them confidently. Remember, learning a language is a long-term process that requires patience and perseverance.

>>> Read more: English Center with native speakers

Effective Vocabulary Learning Tips for Those Who Often Forget Knowledge

Learning English vocabulary is a crucial part of improving language skills, but remembering new words can be challenging for those who frequently forget what they’ve learned. To help you overcome this challenge, here are some effective vocabulary learning tips to retain words longer and use them confidently.

1. Learn Vocabulary in Context: Learning vocabulary within a specific context is a very effective. When you learn new words in sentences or passages, you remember the words and understand how to use them in real situations. For example, instead of just learning the word “apple,” learn it in the sentence “She eats an apple every day.” This method helps you remember longer and use the words accurately.

2. Use Spaced Repetition: The spaced repetition method helps you reinforce long-term memory by reviewing vocabulary at increasing intervals. Vocabulary apps like Anki, Quizlet, or Memrise offer this feature, helping you review vocabulary effectively. Regular review with this method helps you maintain knowledge and not forget the words you’ve learned.

3. Create Associations and Stories: Connecting new words with known words or knowledge will help you remember longer. Creating stories or images related to the new words is also a great way to remember. For example, when learning the word “dog,” you can link it with the word “pet” and imagine a fun story about your pet dog. Creating images and stories stimulates memory and makes learning more enjoyable.

4. Use Images and Sounds: Using images and sounds to learn vocabulary helps you remember more easily. When learning new words, look for illustrative images or listen to the pronunciation of the words. Online tools and dictionary apps often provide these features, allowing you to access information from multiple senses and reinforce memory.

5. Practice Using New Vocabulary: Practice is crucial for remembering vocabulary. Try to use new words in daily communication, when talking to friends, writing journals, or even speaking to yourself. Using new vocabulary in various contexts helps you understand better and remember longer.

6. Learn Vocabulary by Topic: Learning vocabulary by topic helps you link words together and remember more easily. Choose a specific topic such as “food,” “animals,” or “travel,” and learn vocabulary related to that topic. Learning by topic helps create a network of related vocabulary, making it easier to remember and use words.

7. Take Notes and Review Regularly: Carry a small notebook to jot down new vocabulary and review it regularly. Writing down vocabulary and reviewing notes helps you maintain knowledge and not forget what you’ve learned. Periodic review strengthens memory and makes vocabulary learning more effective.

8. Be Patient and Persistent: Learning vocabulary is a long process and requires patience. Don’t be discouraged if you find it difficult or forget words. Keep learning and reviewing every day. Persistence and effort will help you improve your memory and use vocabulary more confidently.

Applying these tips to your vocabulary learning process will help you remember new words longer and use them effectively. Good luck with your studies and significant progress in learning English!

By consistently applying these strategies, you will achieve success in learning English!

CONTACT INFORMATION

TRI LINH TRADING AND SERVICE COMPANY LIMITED

Registered address: 1116A Quang Trung, P.8, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City

Office address: 438 Dien Bien Phu, Ward 11, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

Phone: 08 9919 6162

Email: info@eclass.edu.vn

>>> Maybe you are interested in an online English tutor