How can I convert my passive vocabulary to active vocabulary?
What is the difference between 'passive' and 'active' vocabulary?
The term ‘passive vocabulary’ refers to words you can understand but can’t use yet, while ‘active vocabulary’ refers to words you can understand and use in your speaking and writing.
If you find that there is a big gap between your passive and active vocabulary, it could be because
- you picked up a lot of words while reading and listening but haven’t had much opportunity to use them in writing or speaking.
- you aren’t really confident that you know words well enough to use them.
Follow these steps to activate passive vocabulary:
- Know it
Make sure you know vocabulary well enough to use it. This means researching and recording vocabulary effectively. It’s not enough just to keep a list of words. These articles explain more about this:
How can I research vocabulary?
How can I compile a vocabulary notebook?
How can I improve my use of collocations?
- Use it
Once you have researched new or passive vocabulary carefully, find or create opportunities to intentionally use it in your speaking or writing. Over time, this type of practice will make it easier for you to recall this vocabulary when you need it.
For instance, you could do some vocabulary research around a specific topic and then practice speaking about that topic on your own.
We also have a number of Recorded Live Lessons where you could practice using different vocabulary in your speaking or writing.
To find out more about how to learn vocabulary effectively, try our Vocabulary Course.
