To use books to increase your vocabulary, read material that sits a little above your current level, so most of the words are familiar and the new ones stand out. Look up only the words that block your understanding, and let the rest sink in by meeting them repeatedly in context. That is how reading builds vocabulary that actually sticks.
Using books to increase your vocabulary is one of the easiest and most effective ways to grow your language skills.
While many language learners rely on flashcard apps like Anki for vocabulary review, Anki definitely isn’t for everyone. And while there are Anki alternatives like the Goldlist method , sometimes even that can feel like too much.
In this post, we’ll share a simple, no-flashcard method for reviewing words from the books you read. It’s a lazy, stress-free approach that ensures you encounter new words regularly and review old ones without feeling overwhelmed.
Whether you’re reading for fun or learning, this strategy is one of the best ways on how to build vocabulary while enjoying the process.
The beauty of using books to improve vocabulary is that learning happens naturally as you encounter new words in context.
Books are immersive, engaging, and they allow you to explore language in its real-world form. Here are more reasons why books are ideal for vocabulary-building:
The immersive nature of books ensures that you’ll come across new vocabulary, and their unique advantages make them the perfect tool for improving your language skills. Picking a story you already know does a lot of this work for you before you even start, which is why Harry Potter makes such a good first novel.
You can enjoy all the benefits of reading books to increase your vocabulary without any proper review. But while vocabulary practice activities are technically optional, they can speed up your language acquisition process .
Combining immersion from reading with strategic review turns your book into a powerful tool for expanding your vocabulary.
So, am I out of luck because I’m on an (indefinite) Anki/Goldlist break?
I’ve figured out a super easy way to regularly review the new vocab I encounter in books, and today, I’m going to share it with you.
Before we dive into my review strategy, let’s answer a common question: Should you choose e-books or physical books to expand vocabulary?
Do you need to hunt down the only Hunger Games edition in Korean in your country? Or spend hours searching the internet for a digital version of a local book that’s not even on the most obscure platforms?
Well, I have good news! Whether you prefer e-books or physical books, both are great for increasing vocabulary . Here are some of the advantages for each format:
Both formats have their strengths, but the best choice is the one that makes you excited to read. Whether you prefer the convenience of an e-book or the hands-on nature of a physical book, both will support your vocabulary growth—and both work for this method!
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let me introduce you to Bree’s Lazy Vocab Review Strategy (okay, the name might need some work)—an effortless way to recall new words without creating complex study systems. It’s incredibly simple, and I’ve found it easy to stick with, even on my laziest and least motivated days.
You don’t need the best vocabulary apps or a fancy notebook for this method. All you need is:
What sets this approach apart from methods like Anki or Goldlist is its simplicity . You’re still reviewing vocabulary, but in a way that feels natural and fits seamlessly into your reading routine, making it easier to stay consistent even when motivation is low.
Wait about a week, then go through the words again, chapter by chapter, starting from the beginning. This final review will strengthen long-term retention, which is often a key goal when considering the best way to memorize vocabulary.
To stay organized, just add a third bookmark!
Hint : Your bookmarks should look something like this:
By using books to increase vocabulary in a relaxed, stress-free way, you can turn your reading sessions into powerful language-learning tools. Whether you’re flipping through a paperback or tapping through an e-book, this strategy ensures you continue growing your vocabulary with minimal effort.
If you want a gentler on-ramp into reading, our reading decks teach you the most common words and patterns first, so your early books feel less like a wall and more like a story.
So, why not pick up your next book and give it a try? With just a few bookmarks and some intentional reading, you’ll be expanding your vocabulary in no time!