Vocabulary & memory

Remember more words with less effort

Spaced repetition is not a productivity hack. It’s a way to schedule reviews so you meet a word again just before you forget it. Here’s how to use it without turning study into admin work.

Get exercises that match your words Track retention simply Updated Feb 4, 2026

Two ideas that matter

If you only remember two concepts, make them these: retrieval practice and spacing.

Retrieval practice

Try to recall first. Looking at the answer too quickly trains recognition, not recall.

Spacing

Review over days and weeks. Your brain needs time between repetitions to strengthen memory.

Calm rule

If your card system makes you feel guilty, reduce it. A smaller deck you revisit is better than a huge deck you avoid.

Card rules that prevent overload

Most decks collapse because cards are too big or too vague. Use these small rules to keep reviews fast.

One fact per card

A word + a short example sentence. Avoid full grammar lessons on one card.

Prefer phrases

Learn “make an appointment”, not only “appointment”. Phrases stick in real situations.

Tag by context

Add a small label: “work email”, “doctor”, “transit”. This helps recall when you need it.

Back to lesson plan templates Practice these words for free

Sources: Britannica: spaced repetition, APA: memory and learning.