-for people who have a little knowledge on the English language

This article was written not only for people with half-baked knowledge on the English language but is also useful for first time learners. If you need to learn the English language from the scratch or want to improve on your English speaking and writing skills, this article shall prove very valuable to you but it should be known that it would be more useful to people who have started learning the language and who understand a little English. In it are tools, tips to help you with every aspect of the English language you need to know. And just in case you are still young in your English abilities, this article has a shortcut option for you. The shortcut is that all tips and tools have been bolded so all you need to do is to copy any text in bold you see and ask a friend to translate to your language. These letters and sentences in bold are going to form the path you shall use in improving on your English.

The first and most basic tool for a young learner is a dictionary. A dictionary is a book which has all the English words and their meanings in it. Some may also contain words and their syllables and antonyms, phrases and their meanings, good old English sayings (aphorisms) and their meanings. With the world getting more technologically advanced, digital dictionaries are now available and these forms of the dictionary would still serve the same purpose. Also, there are online dictionaries which are as helpful as the conventional dictionaries. You still thinking why you need a dictionary?

Well as we mentioned earlier, a dictionary contains all acknowledged words of the English language and even English speakers themselves most times have one or two dictionaries on their bookshelves. The simple reason is this- the English language is a language which seems to throw its users into a constant state of upgrades and learning. In summary, learning all English words and their meanings, syllables, antonyms and the many other facets of the English language is something most people do not accomplish in a life time.

As a first time learner, the first rule while learning the English language should be this “carry your dictionary everywhere you can or everywhere you need it” and “anytime I come across a word or words I do not understand I must consult my dictionary.”

The rationale behind this first rule is that as you go about your daily activities, you may stumble upon some information and if unfortunately the information is in English you may need the services of a dictionary to understand the information contained in its entirety. Take for example this article, if there are some words that you aren’t sure of their meanings, having a dictionary by your side would not only be good for you but may prove to be the difference between understanding what the article contains or not. In other words, buying or having a dictionary is highly recommended.

Another tool which would help you improve on your English is a thesaurus. A thesaurus is a book or a collection which has the syllables and antonyms to words of the English language. A thesaurus may come in many forms and the ones we are quite familiar with can be grouped into two: thesaurus in form of a book or physical collection and in electronic form. Thesauruses in forms of books are quite common but depending on your location any of them may be available. Depending on your schedule, way of life and many other reasons, you may choose sides on which of the forms of thesaurus you should buy but know that the form of thesaurus you buy is totally up to you.

It is known that while many people are in the learning stages of the English language, if not well guided then to pick up the habit of using wrong words for the right sentences. Having a thesaurus in your possession saves you the embarrassment of conveying your information in a wrong manner. Of course, this thesaurus can only be useful if you make use of it. So an advice to you would be this-“anytime I want to say or write something in English and I am not sure if any particular word or expression to be used is correct, I must contact my thesaurus.” The thesaurus should be very dear to you and is a recommended tool for you to improve on your English.

Even though a thesaurus is a highly recommended tool for improving your English learning skills, it is not quite as important as the dictionary and you need not bother carrying it around especially if its’ bulky but if it is something you are sure you can do with the bulkiness of your thesaurus, you should endeavor taking it along with you. Another option would be to get an electronic thesaurus. An electronic thesaurus may come in form of an electronic device, software to be installed on your PC or even an application for your phone. Which ever form of thesaurus you can lay your hands on is ok.

Although the tools and tips are not all that can help you improve on your learning skills, we encourage you go through the sister article of this present one titled ‘Attaining fluency in your English language’. This article contains information which when added to what you have already read from this present article will give you all you need to improving on your English. Once again here is a summary of the information contained in this article. You may choose to write them down or better still know them by heart.
 
- When I want to say or write something in English and I am not sure if any particular word or expression to be used is correct, I must contact my thesaurus
- Having a dictionary is highly recommended.
- I must carry my dictionary everywhere I can or everywhere I need it”
- Anytime I come across a word or words I do not understand I must consult my dictionary

We believe that this article would be helpful to any English learner who reads it and we sincerely hope that it was helpful to you. We would like to encourage you to continue visiting this website for updates or other articles which may be of help to you.