SmithWriting Blog

As a writer, I’m constantly trying to improve the quality of my work. I find that one of the easiest—and most enjoyable—ways to become a better writer is to expand one’s lexicon. Here are some of the ways to do just that:

1. Read

Newspapers, memoirs, how-to books. No matter what the genre, all written works have the power to increase our vocabulary. Next time you pick up a book, take note of the terms you don’t recognize and look them up in a dictionary. Then make it a point to use those new words every day for a week. You’ll be surprised how quickly they become part of your lexicon.

2. Watch Jeopardy!

I learn at least one new word every time I watch Jeopardy! And it’s not only the vocabulary-related categories that are informative; I learn just as much about words from “Amphibious Invasions” as I do from “‘Homophonic Pairs.” Hey, if I can’t win $50,000, at least I can walk away with an enriched vocabulary!

3. Subscribe to the Word of the Day

Most online dictionaries offer free email delivery of their Word of the Day. I use The Free Dictionary by Farlex. I like it because it gives more than a simple definition; it provides synonyms and uses the new word in a sentence. I love it because I don’t have to do anything: My vocabulary lesson is sitting in my inbox every morning when I log on.

4. Do crossword puzzles

I am a Sunday morning crossword puzzle junkie. Pencil in one hand, coffee in the other, I relish in the challenge of filling in those tiny squares. And despite my occasional frustration, it’s all worth it for that glorious moment when that obscure word I learned while prepping for the SATs comes back to me—and fits.

5. Play word games

There are lots of great word games available online. Me, I prefer working with something tangible, like those wooden letter blocks in Scrabble. But if no one’s up for a board game, I’m just as happy unscrambling the newspaper’s Jumble puzzle.

Filed by rebecca at 9:45 am under Copywriting, For the love of words