Building a large, impressive vocabulary suitable for professional use is something like constructing an office building for the same purpose. You need:

• a firm foundation to support the entire structure
• small and large rooms for a variety of purposes
• a way to connect the building internally and to the outside
• places for storage, parking, and trash/recycling bins

Dig deep to create a solid base for your studies. The most stable buildings are ones that have been built on a foundation and reinforced for strength. The results of your vocabulary study will be much more long-lasting if you support them with research into word origins; knowing the roots of words helps you identify new vocabulary with the same roots, and saves you time in the future. In addition, you’ll be better able to relate words to each other and use them correctly in context if you have a sense of the history of the word.

Break up your study lists and your study time. You might find it easier to study words if you break your word lists into smaller sections, or group your words into categories of nouns, or verbs, or words related to your profession or academic pursuit. Working on related words will keep your mind focused on the same general themes. And speaking of being focused, you might also benefit from taking your vocabulary study into a different setting, especially if you’re easily distracted. If you often study in a room with a television, and find yourself switching on the news instead of concentrating, move to another room, or go to a library or quiet park bench. If you can, set aside a corner of your desk or work area that is devoted to vocabulary study, where you can hang up your notes and file your word lists.

Stay connected to the wider world of vocabulary. These days, no office building is built without internet and telephone connection, and your vocabulary study should take advantage of this technology. Use the internet to look up words or play vocabulary games. Use the phone to call your study partners and set up an evening to work on your word lists and quiz each other. There’s always something new to learn about vocabulary, and the World Wide Web is a good place to start exploring.

Keep track of your studies – but don’t keep what you don’t need. If you’re studying vocabulary for a specific purpose (an upcoming GRE or SAT, or for a presentation or proposal) then organization is key to your success. Write down the words you’re reviewing, and set aside ones that you believe you already know. “Park” these words in a file somewhere so that you can do a last-minute review. After a few months, if you’re sure you’re completely familiar with the words, you can take them out of the file and make room for a new set. There’s always the dictionary, if you really do forget!