Introduction
Idioms and phrases are a very important part of our syllabus. These things are also slippery and challenging for anyone to keep memorized in our head, Especially for those who are starting. So we are going to discuss How to Learn Idioms and Phrases in this article for Beginners.
Do you wonder why some things are completely stuck in your memory on the other hand there are a lot of things that slip away from your mind, even if you try your best not to let them. Let us break down the logic behind this
How our mind works in memorizing things:
Before we learn some tips about memorizing things. First, let us understand why we forget the information we have learned with so much effort.
When we think of the shape of our mind, an image of “a big complex thing with a lot of veins” pops up in our head.
Well, that’s not how our mind is, (I mean it is) but not in the way it works in memorizing things.
Our mind is in a hollow cylindrical shape. When we keep adding information to our mind from one side, the previous information slips away from another side.
Two basic steps of memorizing something:
Step 1: Repeat Pronouncing
When you read a new idiom or phrase from your book. Pronounce it at least 3 to 5 times. Keep in mind that you are speaking it into your head but you are pronouncing it properly, as you are speaking from your mouth. This might sound childish but trust me this is a proven method to remember anything.
How does it work:
when we speak something, we are pronouncing and hearing it at the same time. When our mind interacts with such activity, it tends to mark that data necessary and store it.
For example, You must be familiar with almost all the songs that are trending currently and used for making reels (or any other short video form content). Why so? Because our mind has been interacting with these specific songs or music again and again and thus it marks it as necessary data.
Step 2: Writing down
Again, Sounds weird! but trust me, it works. Every time we write anything consciously, it engages the focus of our mind till we spell it down on paper. So write 2 to 3 times each idiom while remembering.
How does it work:
It takes a bit more time to write something than reading it. So it means it is engaging more with your mind.
Thus writing down things is one of the best ways to learn.
Tips to learn Idioms and Phrases
Now let us learn some tips to learn idioms and phrases.
1. Teach or Explain Idioms to Someone Else
Teaching is a powerful tool for memorization. Try to explain idioms and their meanings to someone else and you will find out that it is deepening your understanding and helping you to retain the information.
2. Use Mnemonics and Stories
Create mnemonic or short stories to learn complex idioms.
Example-1:
To remember “kick the bucket” meaning: “to die”, you can imagine someone literally kicking a bucket at the end of their life.
Example-2:
For the idiom “break the ice,” meaning: “breaking silence” you might visualize someone literally breaking a block of ice with a hammer at the start of a conversation.
Always remember The more unusual or exaggerated the image, the better it will stick in your memory.
3. Understand the Meaning
Before you try to learn an idiom or phrase, make sure you fully understand its meaning. Look up examples of how the idiom is used in sentences to understand its context. Understanding the meaning of any idiom makes it easier to remember.
4. Make sentences
Write 2-5 sentences using that idiom or phrase. Forming sentences for each item will make you understand the actual meaning and its usage. It will lead to clear your confusion and it will be added to the list of easier ones.
5. Apply Spaced Repetition Technique
Try the spaced repetition technique to keep your memory revised. According to this technique, you need to revise every phrase you learned at increasing time intervals. This process will help to move the information from short-term to long-term memory. Apps like ‘Anki’ can be useful for this.
6. Practice with Real-Life Examples
Try to use idioms in your daily conversations or writing exercises. It will help to understand their meaning and usage better, also making them easier to recall during tests.
7. Group Idioms by Themes or Situations
Try to categorize idioms based on it’s themes or situations where they might be used. E.g., idioms related to time, emotions, or success.
Grouping similar idioms will help you to remember them by association.
8. Focus on High-Frequency Idioms first
Focus on those idioms and phrases that are commonly used in everyday English and are likely to appear in your tests. It will build your confidence. And, then move to the tougher ones.
9. Engage Yourself in Reading and Listening Actively
Read newspapers, and magazines, Watch movies, and TV shows, or listen to podcasts where idioms are used frequently. Pay attention to how idioms are being used in conversations and narrative contexts. Hearing or reading idioms in context will help you solidify your understanding and recall them during exams.
10. Use Contextual Learning
Contextual learning means, Learning something in context rather than in isolation.
For instance, When you are memorizing an idiom, try to understand the context and look at how it’s used in a sentence or conversation. Understanding the context makes it easier to remember and apply the idiom correctly.
11. Mock Test Regularly
Attempt mock tests regularly to analyze the growth of your knowledge of idioms.
Conclusion
Learning idioms and phrases is not easy. But there are solutions for every problem try these tips and they will help you out.
Comments