... common words The first step is to understand this idea: that the words you need to notice and pay attention to are the words you probably ignore as being too simple to learn. You recognise them, but ... use them? This is a small but hugely important step - don't ignore familiar looking words.Learn to see patterns The next step is of course to practise (note the spelling!). I will add, however, ... widen• shorten• lengthen• broadenNot only do they end in" -en", they are verbs. The point being that once you have seen this a few times, you will learn how to make intelligent guesses...