What is “Working Vocabulary?”

When learning English, you use at least two different types of vocabulary. One is the vocabulary you can understand, and the other is the vocabulary that you are able to use while speaking – your “working vocabulary.” These two different vocabularies could also be called ‘passive vocabulary’ and ‘active vocabulary’.

Why are there two different types of vocabulary? Humans possess two different types of memory – ‘Recognition’ and ‘Recall’. Recognition occurs when you see (or hear) a word, a picture, a symbol, or a song and you remember that you’ve seen such a word before. Perhaps you also remember the meaning of the word, picture, or symbol.

Recall is quite different. When you use your ability of recall, you spontaneously re-create a word, picture, or symbol from memory. This ability is much more challenging than simple recognition. Recall utilizes ‘active memory’ and is essential to a developed “working vocabulary.”

Why is “Working Vocabulary” important?

Often, English students complain that they “can understand, but can’t speak English.” Why is this? Usually, it’s because these students have not spent enough time developing their “working vocabulary.” In traditional classroom settings, the teacher lectures and the students listen. Then, the teacher gives homework which the students must read and understand. Both of these exercises help to develop your recognition and ‘passive vocabulary’, but they are not enough to give you a sufficient “working vocabulary.”

If you want to develop a good “working vocabulary,” you must practice using new words in context. For example, when you learn a new word, don’t just memorize the meaning. Put the word in a sentence, and then speak the sentence aloud. Try to learn different meanings and usages of the word. If the word has noun, adjective and verb forms, learn those too and make more sentences.

Remember, having a good “working vocabulary” is essential to speaking English fluently. As you develop this skill, you’ll find that you are better able to express yourself in English effortlessly.