You recognise a word when you read it. But when you need it in a conversation, it disappears. Sound familiar?
Let me show you how to choose useful English words, learn them in context and practise remembering them before you look at the answer. You'll leave with a method you can actually use.
By the end of this guide, you'll know how to do four useful things.
Choose words and expressions you will genuinely need.
Remember vocabulary using active recall and short reviews.
Learn natural word combinations, not disconnected lists.
Use new language in everyday, work and travel situations.
Improving your English vocabulary is not about collecting the longest possible word list. It's about choosing relevant language, noticing how it works and returning to it often enough that you can remember and use it.
Try this with me. Rather than memorising only the word decision, learn the natural phrase make a decision.
You can use this process with vocabulary from podcasts, books, videos, conversations or your English lessons.
Start with the situations you face. A traveller might need “change a reservation”. Someone at work might need “raise a concern”. Words are easier to work with when you can imagine using them.
English words often appear in predictable combinations called collocations. We say “make progress”, “meet a deadline” and “raise a concern”. Learning the whole expression helps you use it naturally.
Cover the English phrase, read a meaning or situation, and try to produce the expression from memory. This is active recall. Simply rereading the answer can feel familiar without proving you can retrieve it.
Use the expression to describe a real plan, problem or opinion. Say the sentence aloud, write it or send it in a suitable conversation. Personal context gives the phrase a reason to stay useful.
Return to a small group of phrases after a delay. A practical starting schedule is today, tomorrow, three days later, one week later and two weeks later. Those are flexible checkpoints, not a scientific promise. If you forget a phrase, practise it and review it sooner; if it's easy, leave a longer gap.
A list of translations can help you identify meanings, but you also need to know how a word behaves. For each useful expression, record its meaning, a natural example and something that connects it to your life.
For difficult words, add pronunciation, word stress, a word family or a common grammar pattern. A good learner's dictionary can help you check these details.
Small tip: Use one notebook, document or flashcard app. You don't need several systems—the important part is returning to the language and testing yourself.
Useful for workplace and everyday discussions.
Notice the complete phrases. They are more immediately useful than isolated words because you can put them straight into sentences.
To improve or move forward.
“I'm making progress with my English.”
To finish by an agreed time or date.
“Will we meet the deadline?”
To mention a worry or possible problem.
“Can I raise a concern about the plan?”
To experience an unexpected difficulty.
“We ran into a problem with the booking.”
To give someone the latest information.
“I'll keep you updated on the changes.”
To choose what to do after considering options.
“We need to make a decision by Friday.”
Simple language isn't wrong. These alternatives can help you express the same idea with greater precision.
“There's a problem with our booking.”
↓ A natural alternative
“We've run into a problem with our booking.”
“I'll tell you when something changes.”
↓ A shorter expression
“I'll keep you updated.”
Try these three activities. The first two work directly on this page; the third helps you make the language personal.
Read the situation, try to say the English expression aloud, then reveal the answer. Move through all six cards.
You are improving little by little.
“I'm making progress with my English.”
Select one answer for each sentence. Then check your answers for explanations, or open the answer key below.
Write a real sentence for work, an everyday situation and an upcoming plan. These notes stay in this browser page while it is open; they are not sent to Adriana or saved to an account.
Say each sentence aloud once. Tomorrow, try to say it again without reading your notes.
You don't need to study for an hour. Here is a simple routine you can repeat with three expressions at a time.
Pick three useful phrases from something you read or heard.
Check meaning, a natural example and any key word combination.
Hide the English. Use clues to retrieve each phrase.
Say one sentence that is true for you.
Test an older phrase and choose when to revisit it.
A practical goal: three phrases you can use is better than twenty phrases you've only copied.
Use the same small set of useful expressions throughout the week, adding new ones only when you can manage the earlier ones.
Choose three phrases and make your own examples.
Cover the answers and recall yesterday's phrases.
Find your phrases in real texts or conversations.
Try another recall test; review anything you missed.
Use two phrases in a short spoken or written story.
Explain the phrases aloud without checking notes.
Review again, celebrate what you recall and choose the next phrases.
Choose a few useful words or expressions from English you encounter, learn them in real sentences, recall them without looking and use them in your own examples. A short routine you can repeat is more helpful than an ambitious routine you abandon.
Recognising a word on a page is easier than producing it without a clue. To develop active vocabulary, hide your notes, practise recalling an expression from its meaning and use it in short spoken sentences. Speaking confidence can affect retrieval too, but vocabulary practice is the main focus here.
There is no single correct number. Try two or three phrases if you are busy, or more if you can review and use them well. Measure progress by what you can recall and communicate, not simply how many words you have recorded.
Combine meaningful context, active recall and spaced review. Test yourself after a delay, check what you missed and review difficult items sooner. Then use those words again in reading, writing or conversation.
Both can help, but phrases show how words work together. For example, learn make a decision as a unit rather than only decision. Include meaning, grammar and a personal example.
Yes. They introduce language in context and expose you to natural usage. To remember useful expressions, save a small selection, check meaning and then practise recalling and using them. Reading or listening alone may not be enough to make every word part of your active vocabulary.
I’m Australian, and I’ve made Croatia my home. Along the way, I learned Croatian—and it taught me something important about speaking another language.
Knowing the words and feeling comfortable using them aren’t always the same thing. When you’re trying to share an opinion, make a connection or simply be yourself, you don’t want to be thinking about every single grammar rule.
That’s why I teach the way I do: with practical speaking, honest encouragement and small daily steps. I’ll support you, but I’ll also ask you to show up and practise. Because your English deserves to be used, not just studied.
More about me
Find your next step
Whether you're taking your first small step, building a regular speaking habit, or looking for personal support, there's a way to move forward that feels right for you.
You already understand more English than you can comfortably say. Let's help you turn that knowledge into your own words.
My free seven-page starter guide takes you through HEAR IT → SAY IT → USE IT, using one everyday expression and gentle, guided practice to help you start speaking aloud.
Free PDF · Small steps · Confidence first, perfection later.
You already know more English than you think. Now it's time to start using it.
Explore interesting topics, learn useful language and express your own ideas through meaningful, everyday speaking practice — all at your own pace.
Guided practice · Encouragement · Weekly live Q&A support.
Sometimes what you need isn't another English lesson. It's someone who understands where you're getting stuck and helps you move forward.
Through personalised coaching, we'll work on your real-life speaking challenges and help you express yourself more naturally.
A personal approach, built around you.
