Finding New Ways to Say Something

Wrap-up

Every household should have one copy each of a dictionary and a thesaurus—the best tools we have for building our vocabulary. Like anything in life, improving your vocabulary takes time and work. But once you get into the habit of learning new words and using them as often as you can, you’ll be amazed how quickly your word power will grow.

In this lesson you:

• Learned about synonyms and picked the right synonym to complete a sentence
• Matched words to their thesaurus entries
• Practiced your alphabetizing skills

On your own:

• Go to a bookstore and buy yourself a thesaurus or find a good thesaurus site online. There are all different kinds. Find one that is right for you.
• Many people use the same words over and over in their writing and in their speech. Be a little different—use a thesaurus to find a synonym for those old, tired words.
• The next time you’re talking with a friend, try using a new synonym to describe a feeling, place, or thing.