Word parts added to the end of a root to determine its grammatical function or tense (e.g., -ology meaning "the study of").
Why it’s useful
: A digital version is available for borrowing at the Internet Archive .
The title Instant Vocabulary suggests speed, and Ehrlich delivers on this promise through the concept of leverage. In the introduction, she argues that learning one root, such as spect (to look), unlocks dozens of words ( inspect, spectacle, perspective, respect ). This multiplier effect transforms vocabulary acquisition from a linear process (learning one word at a time) to an exponential one (learning the root to unlock a family of words).
Since its publication, Instant Vocabulary has garnered a loyal following and a steady stream of positive reviews, which highlight its enduring usefulness. Many reviewers note that the book was instrumental in their own development, with one stating that memorizing the Latin and Greek roots worked wonders for them during their high school years, benefits they continued to reap years later. instant vocabulary ida ehrlich pdf
Instant Vocabulary by Ida L. Ehrlich is a classic, widely used in educational settings.
(out) + Port (carry) = Export (to carry out of a country). 3. Suffixes (The Category Changers)
This three-pronged approach moves beyond simple definitions, aiming to give learners a deep, structural understanding of the English language.
Do this for two months, and you will never need to search for a "vocabulary builder" again. Word parts added to the end of a
: Users often describe it as a "must-buy" for its systematic and easy-to-follow approach to language learning. Availability & Formats Digital Access
Unlike many vocabulary books that front-load information, Ehrlich intersperses learning with testing. Each cluster of word parts is followed by a "Self-Test" or "Check Your Understanding" section. This relies on the psychological principle of retrieval practice, which posits that recalling information strengthens memory traces more effectively than passive re-reading.
Teachers have praised it as a fantastic investment, with one noting that they used their first copy until it literally fell apart in their hands. The book is consistently described as a "great tool," a "very handy and inexpensive way" to work on vocabulary expansion, and a "useful tool" for daily or weekly study sessions. While one minor criticism is the lack of an alphabetical index, making it difficult to look up a specific prefix, reviewers agree that the book's effectiveness makes it well worth the search.
Each chapter provides words that you can use immediately. In the introduction, she argues that learning one
If you are serious about improving your verbal IQ, writing skills, or standardized test scores, Instant Vocabulary by Ida Ehrlich is a "desert island" book.
Dedicate yourself to just one root or "key" per day. Try to actively use at least two words from that root family in your writing or speech over the next 24 hours.
This is the heart of the book. Roots like "Dict" (to speak), "Ped" (foot), or "Spec" (to look).