While you are writing a mail, an article or a report, there could be occasions when you don’t get the correct word to express your idea.
It happens to everyone, even to native speakers of English.
Haven’t you faced such an issue even when you were writing in your mother tongue?
What can you do when faced with such a situation?
Don’t panic
First thing to remember is not to panic. Remember that it happens even to the best in the business.
Take some time off
Take some time off and come back to your writing and you might get the right word to use then.
Ask for help
Speak to your colleague, or friend or an acquaintance about your idea and ask them to suggest a word.
Use a Thesaurus
Use the idea in your mind and check for synonyms in Thesaurus. You will come across many similar words and can choose one that best explains your idea.
Write it down and polish later
The best way to solve the issue is write it down in whatever way it comes in your minds, then edit and polish it later with a better word.
Read something else for some time
For a short period of time, read something else and you will find that you’ve suddenly got the right word to use for your writing.
Always remember that mostly it is about what you write than how you write.
Therefore, not getting the right words to express your ideas is not as bad as not able to write and communicate at all.
If you find that you’re not getting the correct word when writing in English, there are several strategies you can try to improve your vocabulary and word choice:
- Thesaurus: Utilize a thesaurus to find synonyms for the word you’re trying to use. Sometimes, a different word with a similar meaning might fit better in the context.
- Contextual Re-reading: Go back and re-read the sentence or paragraph you’ve written to understand the context better. This can help you identify whether the word you’ve chosen is appropriate or if there’s a better option.
- Consulting Dictionaries and Language Resources: Look up the word you’re trying to use in a dictionary to ensure you understand its precise meaning and usage. Online dictionaries often provide example sentences to illustrate how the word is used in context.
- Expanding Vocabulary: Continuously work on expanding your vocabulary by reading widely and exposing yourself to different types of writing. This can help you discover new words and phrases that might be more suitable for expressing your ideas.
- Practice Writing: The more you write, the better you’ll become at choosing the right words. Practice regularly and pay attention to feedback from others to refine your language skills.
- Seek Feedback: If possible, ask someone else to review your writing and provide feedback. They may be able to offer suggestions for alternative words or phrases that could improve clarity or effectiveness.
- Language Tools and Software: Use writing aids or software programs that offer suggestions for alternative words or phrases as you write. Tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Word’s built-in grammar and spelling checkers can be helpful in this regard.
- Patience and Persistence: Learning a language, including improving your writing skills, takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and keep working at it consistently.
Remember, improving your language skills is a gradual process, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Keep practicing and experimenting with different techniques until you find what works best for you.