😭 “I know the word, but I just can’t use it!” 😭 I hear this ALL THE TIME—especially from intermediate and upper-intermediate learners. It’s frustrating, right? You recognise the word when you read or hear it, but when it’s your turn to speak… nothing. So, what can you do? Here’s a tip I always share: 👉 Use the word in your writing and speaking. Don’t just memorise it—live with it. For example, if you’ve just learned the word “stifling” (meaning hot, uncomfortable, hard to breathe), try journaling about a summer holiday where the weather was stifling. Or pretend you’re talking to a friend: “The heat in Bangkok was absolutely stifling—I couldn’t even breathe!” That’s how you make the word yours. I’m Grace—Cambridge-certified, with 7+ years of experience working in top bank and educational charity in the UK. I specialise in Business and Conversational English. If this sounds like something you struggle with, message me or book a lesson on italki. Let’s work on it together.