Beyond “Big English” to Clear Communication

By Itunu Taiwo | BuildWithWords Academy

“Use your vocabulary.”

That’s what my secondary school English teacher used to say whenever I wrote simple sentences. She wanted me to sound “sophisticated,” to prove I knew “big words.”

So I started writing sentences like:

• “I endeavored to utilize the apparatus.”
• “Subsequently, I commenced my perambulation homeward.”
• “The edifice was remarkably capacious.”

I thought I was improving. In reality, I was just making my writing harder to read.

It’s the same thing I tell my students too. To populate their vocabulary bank. But are you aware that building your vocabulary isn’t about collecting big words, it’s about choosing the right words.

Let me show you what real vocabulary improvement looks like, and how it can make you a clearer, more confident communicator.

What Does Good Vocabulary Actually Mean?

Many Nigerian students think having a “good vocabulary” means:

• ❌ Using the longest, most complicated words possible
• ❌ Impressing people with words they don’t understand
• ❌ Sounding like a textbook or dictionary

But professional writers, successful business people, and effective communicators know that good vocabulary actually means:

• ✅ Choosing precise words that express exactly what you mean
• ✅ Using words your audience will understand
• ✅ Varying your language so your writing doesn’t sound repetitive

Example:

Instead of always saying ‘good,’ you might use:

• Excellent (for very good quality)
• Pleasant (for good experience)
• Beneficial (for good effect/result)
• Skilled (for good at something)

Each word is more precise than “good”—but none of them are unnecessarily complicated.

The Three Types of Vocabulary You Need

1. Reading Vocabulary (Words You Understand When You Read)

This is your largest vocabulary. You might not use these words yourself, but you recognize them in books, articles, or lectures.

Example: You might not say melancholy in conversation, but you understand it means a deep, lasting sadness when you read it.

2. Writing Vocabulary (Words You Use in Your Writing)

This is smaller than your reading vocabulary. These are words you’re confident enough to use in essays, emails, or stories.

Example: You might write significant instead of important or demonstrate instead of show.

3. Speaking Vocabulary (Words You Use in Conversation)

This is usually your smallest vocabulary because speaking requires instant recall. You don’t have time to think or search for words.

The Goal: Gradually move words from your reading vocabulary into your writing and speaking vocabulary through practice.

How to Build Vocabulary the Smart Way (Not the Big English Way)

Strategy 1: Learn Words in Context, Not from Lists

❌ Don’t do this: Memorize random word lists like “SAT vocabulary” or “1000 words for success” without understanding how to use them.

✅ Do this: When you encounter a new word while reading, write it down with the sentence it appeared in.

Example: You read: “The government’s decision was controversial.”

Don’t just write: “Controversial = causing disagreement”

Instead, write: “The government’s decision was controversial (causing public disagreement). Example: The new education policy is controversial because some people support it while others oppose it.”

Why this works: You learn the word’s meaning AND how to use it naturally.

Strategy 2: Focus on Word Families, Not Individual Words

Instead of learning one word at a time, learn related words together.

Example: The “Agree” Family

• Agree (verb) – “I agree with your point.”
• Agreement (noun) – “We reached an agreement.”
• Agreeable (adjective) – “She has an agreeable personality.”
• Disagree (verb) – “I disagree with that statement.”
• Disagreement (noun) – “There was a disagreement about the plan.”

Learning word families helps you understand how words change form and function.

Strategy 3: Replace Overused Words with Precise Alternatives

Nigerian students often overuse certain words: nice, good, bad, very, a lot, things, get.

Instead of trying to eliminate these words completely, learn specific alternatives.

Examples:

Instead of “very good”:

• Excellent
• Outstanding
• Impressive
• Remarkable

Instead of “bad”:

• Poor (quality)
• Harmful (effect)
• Incorrect (answer)
• Unpleasant (experience)

Instead of “get”:

• Obtain (get something formal)
• Receive (get something given to you)
• Acquire (get something valuable)
• Understand (get an idea)

Strategy 4: Learn Academic and Professional Vocabulary for Your Field

Different contexts require different vocabulary.

For Students:

• Analyze, evaluate, compare, contrast, discuss, explain, justify, describe

For Job Seekers:

• Manage, coordinate, implement, develop, collaborate, achieve, contribute

For Business:

• Strategy, stakeholder, leverage, optimize, facilitate, align, execute

Action Step: Make a list of 10-15 essential words for your specific situation (school, job applications, your field of study) and practice using them in sentences.

Strategy 5: Use New Words Within 24 Hours

Research shows you’re more likely to remember a word if you use it immediately.

Try this:

• Learn a new word today
• Use it in a sentence (written or spoken) within 24 hours
• Try to use it again within the next week

Example:

• Monday: Learn “implement” (to put a plan into action)
• Monday evening: Write in your journal: “Tomorrow, I will implement my study schedule.”
• During the week: Say to a friend: “Our school is implementing a new attendance system.”

Common Vocabulary Mistakes Nigerian Students Make

Mistake 1: Using Words You Don’t Fully Understand

❌ “I will perpetrate my studies with diligence.”

(Perpetrate = commit a crime. The writer meant “pursue” or “continue.”)

Fix: Only use words you’re 100% confident about. When in doubt, use a simpler word you know well.

Mistake 2: Choosing Fancy Words Over Clear Words

❌ “I endeavored to utilize the computational apparatus to facilitate my academic objectives.”

✅ “I used the computer to help with my schoolwork.”

Remember: Clarity beats complexity every time.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Collocations (Words That Go Together)

In English, certain words naturally pair together. Using the wrong combination sounds awkward.

Wrong Collocations:

• ❌ “Do a mistake” → ✅ Make a mistake
• ❌ “Say a speech” → ✅ Give a speech
• ❌ “Take a decision” → ✅ Make a decision
• ❌ “Do homework” is correct, but ❌ “Make homework” is wrong

Solution: Pay attention to which verbs go with which nouns when you read.

The 30-Day Vocabulary Challenge

Want to genuinely improve your vocabulary? Try this:

Week 1: Choose 5 overused words in your writing (very, good, bad, nice, thing). Find 3 alternatives for each.

Week 2: Read one article or book chapter daily. Write down 3 new words with their context sentences.

Week 3: Practice using your new words in writing. Write 3 sentences with each new word.

Week 4: Use your new words in conversation or social media posts. Make them part of your active vocabulary.

Recommended Free Resources

1. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary – Clear definitions with example sentences
2. Oxford Learner’s Dictionary – Great for Nigerian students; shows collocations
3. Vocabulary.com – Interactive learning with quizzes
4. Your Favorite Nigerian Books – Read authors like Chimamanda Adichie, Wole Soyinka, or Sefi Atta

Final Thoughts

Finally, you mustn’t forget that the goal of building vocabulary isn’t to sound impressive but to express yourself precisely and clearly.

When you choose the right word, your meaning becomes clearer. Your writing becomes stronger. Your confidence grows.

So stop chasing “big English.” Start building a vocabulary that serves you—one that helps you communicate your ideas, pass your exams, land your dream job, or write the stories you’ve been dreaming about.

Remember: The best vocabulary is one you can actually use.

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About the Author: Itunu Taiwo is a bestselling Nigerian author, certified TEFL instructor, and founder of BuildWithWords Academy. She’s passionate about helping young Nigerians communicate clearly and confidently without the pressure of “big English.”

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