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Understanding Active and Passive Vocabulary and its Importance for Achieving a B2 to C2 Level of English.

To achieve a truly proficient level in English requires many things, learning languages is complex and time-consuming, but in the end, what will determine your true level will be your overall knowledge and range of vocabulary. 

When you say that you know a word or phrase, you could mean one of two things. First, you could mean that if someone says the word to you, that you know what it means. This is passive knowledge. The second way of knowing is that you can recall and use that vocabulary appropriately. This is active knowledge.

The difference between passive and active vocabulary

Whether you only speak one language or you speak multiple, you have an active and a passive vocabulary. These two collections of words that are rooted deep inside your memory support each other and continuously grow and change throughout your life. But what are they and how are they different?

  • Active Vocabulary: These are the words that you know. You do not need to look them up. Their meaning comes naturally to you. These are the most basic of words that you use on a daily basis and you can easily use them to communicate with others.
  • Passive Vocabulary: These are the words that you recognize. You have been exposed to them and may or may not have a general idea of their meaning. Often, if they appear in a sentence around more common words, you can grasp the meaning. Most passive vocabulary is learned through subliminal learning such as reading books and articles or watching TV shows or movies.

Words move back and forth between active and passive vocabularies all the time. Your passive vocabulary will always be more extensive than your active vocabulary.

Passive or Active Vocabulary: Which Is More Important for Fluency?

Fluency and proficiency rest on having a large passive vocabulary. Words move from your passive vocabulary into your active vocabulary based on exposure and immersion. And mistakenly, many English programs emphasize focusing on developing a large active vocabulary for speaking.

However, the result is that the learner suffers from a lack of comprehension. Know that having a large passive vocabulary is the first step. The more you understand, the easier it’ll be for you. You can’t gauge your fluency by counting how many words you know.

ADVANCED ENGLISH: Simplifying the Rules of Grammar.

How to Increase Your Knowledge of Passive Vocabulary

Increasing your passive vocabulary requires constant exposure to English. This shouldn’t be a problem if you are studying the language because you’ll be regularly exposing yourself to it.. Consistency develops fluency.

The more words you’re exposed to, the more words you’ll acquire for your passive vocabulary. Don’t worry if you keep forgetting the precise definitions of certain words. Over time, you’ll remember. Language acquisition is a natural process. Even so, there are other tactics you can use to boost your passive vocabulary. Here are a few:

  • Exposure: You have probably heard that a hundred times, but, read, write, listen, and converse as much as you can in your target language.
  • Word Diary: Make a day-to-day diary of things that you don’t remember the word for as you go about your day. When you get home, translate them and then write 3 or 4 sentences using these words in context. Continue this throughout the week. 
  • Using Your Cell Phone Camera: If you are out and you see something, and you are not sure how to identify it, or what it means, take a cell phone photo so that you don't forget it. Then later when you have time, identify what it is and then create 3 or 4 sentences about it using the word in context.
  • Don’t Automatically use the Dictionary: When reading something, instead of trying to define the unknown word right away, use the words around it, the context clues, to figure out what the word means.
  • Actively Listen: This can be exhausting, but when you’re listening to dialogue or a recording in your target language, focus on the words that are being spoken. You’ll grow familiar with common phrases and high-frequency words. 
  • Be Realistic: Don`t be too hard on yourself, even native speakers often forget the definition of the words that they use. It’s natural. You cannot expect to remember them all.
  • Relax: Stress can interfere with the learning process. Relax, let go and absorb the language around you.
  • "Substantial Reading" and it's 7 Benefits For language Learners.









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