Language is such an interesting subject matter. It is how we communicate between one another and it's very important to have a good understanding of how language works and can be manipulated in order to develop a strong set of skills in this arena, which can be very helpful in life overall. Learning how to have fun with words can be a great way to develop such skills.

These are some great games to play with the entire family, for kids and adults alike. Word games not only test the brain and put it to work to find a solution; they also can be lots of fun when a twist is added, such as rhyming or other tricks. There is so much one can do to play with words.

Many of the best word games are played using the alphabet as a starting point or as a guideline throughout. One example of such is to choose a subject like countries or animals, and then have each player try to name something that begins with the next letter of the alphabet as the game progresses. So, the first player will use the letter A for their answer, the next will answer using the letter B at the beginning of the word, and so on.

To make things even more challenging and trickier for the brain, switch it up by taking the last letter from the previous player's answer and using it as the starting letter for the next answer. This can turn out to be super fun for everyone, trying to stump one another. Adding a time limit will only heighten the tension.

You can pretty much modify or simplify any game for a younger audience by letting them use paper to write down their answers. Do you remember the game 'Name, Animal, Place, Object'? Put these words as headings across the top of a page and then run the letters of the alphabet down the page on one side.

Setting a timer means every player only has so much time to fill in as many answers as they can, using a different word for the various categories. This is great for home or school, at a social or academic level. It's good for exercising the young ones' brains, but also a great way to get them quiet for a while!

There of lots of ways to take a word game to the next level for more of a challenge. Rhyming is an example, and something that can really stump players. Try putting different words on pieces of paper and everyone has to choose a piece of paper and rhyme with that word four times? Or how about making them use the word in a poem right then and there?

Rhyming isn't the only language trick to have some fun. There are puns and double meanings, or impressive sounding things like onomatopoeia, which is basically the name given to words that reflect sounds. Tongue twisters can be a great deal of fun, and good for practicing articulation. Let each person say it faster every time until someone fumbles. You can even try finding a really long word to make shorter ones out of.