Need to read in English more, but don't have much time? Then go to Peanuts and read the daily comic strip. Smile while improving your vocabulary.
OWAD's Word a Day
Make building vocabulary fun with OWAD. Try to guess the meaning of the day’s word and learn not only its definition, but also the word’s history.
Yesterday’s term was one I was not familiar with: Bristol fashion.
Bristol fashion
noun phrase
- in good order; efficiently arranged
Collins Dictionary
Note: This phrase is often written in the extended form: “ship-shape and in Bristol fashion"
PHRASE ORIGIN
The phrase "Bristol fashion" (from 1827) has an interesting etymology rooted in the maritime history of the city of Bristol.
Although the earliest recorded use of this phrase dates back to 1827, the concept certainly existed earlier.
Maritime hub: During the 18th and 19th centuries, Bristol was a major port city on the west coast of Britain. It boasted a thriving maritime industry with high standards for ship maintenance.
Quality craftsmanship: Bristol's ship suppliers, providing materials and equipment, were renowned for their craftsmanship and attention to detail. This contributed to the city's reputation for ships being kept in top condition.
Bristol also has the second highest tidal range in the world, causing ships to lean over heavily at low tide. There is speculation that "Bristol fashion" humorously referred to ships being "righted" and put in good order after the tide came in.
The two phrases “ship-shape” and “Bristol fashion” merged in the mid-19th century and have become a standard phrase in English meaning “in excellent order”.
Crossword Puzzles
Crossword puzzles are a quick and easy way to practice your vocabulary skills and this site has a large number of puzzles ranging from “very easy”, which features the most commonly used words, to “difficult”. Why not give one a try?
American vs British English
Unlike Japanese, English doesn't have radically different dialects (方言). The average American can understand the average Brit with little difficulty. An Irishman can converse easily with someone from New Zealand.
There are some words, however, that are different.
Most Common Words
List of 100 Most Common Words
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Most_common_words_in_English
List of 1000 Most Common Words
https://www.ef.com/english-resources/english-vocabulary/top-1000-words/
List of 3000 Most Common Words
https://www.ef.com/english-resources/english-vocabulary/top-3000-words/
Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary
1. Read, read, and read.
The easiest way to do this is to read about things you like in English. If, for example, you like gardening, then read about gardening in English. You can find all kinds of websites, magazines and books on that topic.
Another way is to read what are called Graded Readers. These are often simplified versions of famous novels. Oxford Bookworms have books in five levels 1~5. Penguin, too, has a similar series. There are also graded readers for children. The Step Into Reading series is recommended.
2. Keep a dictionary and thesaurus handy.
3. Use a journal.
4. Learn a word a day.
5. Play some games.
6. Engage in conversations. That is, talk A LOT with MANY different people.
7. Use Online Vocabulary Building Tools, such as:
Dictionary.com's Word-of-the-Day
Free Rice: Learn Vocabulary, Donate Rice to UN World Food Program
Vocabulary.com: Free Word Puzzles and Activities
WordPlays.com: Word Games