The 1028 Most Common Words in English
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One of the hardest parts of English is mastering common English words you hear almost everywhere. The good news is that once you learn these words—and how to use them properly—you will be able to express almost any idea.
Below, we have all the information you need to learn the most common words in English, their meanings and what category they fall under to make them easier to learn. We also have some tips to help make your vocabulary studies even easier.
Contents
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Articles
There are three articles in English: a, an and the. All of them are used before words to show that those words are being talked about.
English Articles | How It's Used | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
a | indefinite article; used before a noun that starts with a consonant when talking about something not specific. | I would love to eat a sandwich. |
an | indefinite article; used before a noun that starts with a vowel when talking about something not specific. | She bought an apple. |
the | definite article; used before a noun (person, place or thing) when you want to reference something specific. | The girl I met yesterday was friendly. |
Pronouns
Pronouns are words used to replace nouns or noun phrases.
For example, if you want to talk about a person named “John,” you say “John is a nice person. He always greets me in the morning.” . In that sentence, “he” is used to refer to “John.” Otherwise, your description will sound repetitive and awkward, like “John is a nice person. John always greets me in the morning.”
Here are some of the most common pronouns you should know.
Personal Pronouns
Personal pronouns refer to specific people or things and can change based on person, number and gender.
English Personal Pronouns | How It's Used | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
I | Used when you are talking about yourself. Instead of saying your name, you can use the word I. | I am happy today. |
you | Refers to another person you are talking to directly | What do you think? |
he | Used when you are talking about a male, but not talking to the male directly | My dad is funny. He tells me jokes. |
she | Used when you are talking about a female, but not talking to the female directly | She is reading a book. |
it | Refers to a thing or animal with no gender | Our house is new. It is small and white. |
we | Refers to a group of people you are part of | We like going to the movies. |
they | Refers to a group of people or things not included in the conversation | The students in the class are tired. They need a break. |
Demonstrative Pronouns
Demonstrative pronouns talk about specific people, things or ideas.
English Demonstrative Pronouns | Meaning and Usage | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
this | Refers to a single thing that is near | This is a beautiful ring. |
that | Refers to a single thing that is far | Look at that! It's a wonderful fireworks display. |
these | Refers to multiple things nearby | These are the flowers my beloved gave me yesterday. |
those | Refers to multiple things farther away | Those are called ravens. |
Interrogative Pronouns
Interrogative pronouns are used to ask questions about people or things.
English Interrogative Pronouns | What It Asks About | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
what | things or actions | What is your favorite color? |
which | choices or options | Which book do you want to read? |
who | people | Who is coming to the party tonight? |
whom | object of a sentence | Whom did you invite to the event? |
whose | possession or ownership | Whose car is parked outside? |
Possessive Pronouns
Possessive pronouns indicate ownership or possession of something.
English Possessive Pronouns | Who the Pronoun Indicates Is the Owner | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
mine | you | The red car is mine. |
yours | the person you are talking to | The blue bike is yours. |
his | a male person being talked about | His black coat looks good. |
hers | a female person being talked about | The brown bag is hers. |
ours | a group you are part of | The big house is ours. |
theirs | a group you are talking about | The white boat is theirs. |
Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of a sentence are the same. They are also used to show that something is being done by the subject without any help.
English Reflexive Pronouns | Type | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
myself | First person singular | I will do the dishes myself. |
yourself | Second person singular or plural | You should be proud of yourself. |
himself | Third person singular masculine | He taught himself to play the guitar. |
herself | Third person singular feminine | She bought the dress herself. |
itself | Third person singular neutral or no gender | The cat can clean itself. |
ourselves | First person plural | We prepared the dinner ourselves. |
yourselves | Second person plural | You can fix the problem yourselves. |
themselves | Third person plural | The students organized the event themselves. |
Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns refer to non-specific people or things.
English Indefinite Pronouns | Meaning and Usage | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
anyone | Refers to any person or people | Anyone can join the club. |
anything | Refers to any thing or things | We can eat anything for dinner. |
anywhere | Refers to any place or places | We can go anywhere for vacation. |
someone | Refers to a specific unknown person or people | Someone is waiting for you at the door. |
something | Refers to a specific unknown thing or things | I saw something strange in the woods. |
somewhere | Refers to a specific unknown place or places | Let's go somewhere new this weekend. |
everyone | Refers to every person | Everyone enjoyed the party. |
everything | Refers to every thing | She knows everything about computers. |
everywhere | Refers to every place | The festival attracts visitors from everywhere. |
nobody | Refers to no person | Nobody was present at the meeting. |
nothing | Refers to no thing | He said nothing during the entire class. |
nowhere | Refers to no place | The lost keys are nowhere to be found. |
somebody | Refers to a specific unknown person or people (more casual than "someone") | Somebody left their umbrella in the café. |
anybody | Refers to any person or people (more casual than "anyone") | Anybody can participate in the talent show. |
Conjunctions
Conjunctions are used to connect ideas within a sentence. They can also connect two sentences together.
English Conjunctions | What It's Used For | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
and | Joins two similar ideas or elements together | The girl went to the kitchen and made a cup of coffee. |
but | Shows how two ideas or elements contrast or add to one another | I want to go to the bar, but I have to finish my work. |
or | Presents options or alternatives | Would you like tea or coffee? |
nor | Used in negative sentences as a partner to "neither" | I am neither a doctor nor a lawyer. |
for | Indicates a reason or purpose | She went to the store for some groceries. |
so | Shows a consequence or result | The weather was bad, so we canceled the picnic. |
if | Introduces a conditional clause | If it rains, we will stay indoors. |
because | Gives a reason or cause | She was late because of heavy traffic. |
although | Introduces a concession or contrast | Although it was raining, they went for a walk. |
since | Indicates a time or reason in the past | I have known her since childhood. |
Prepositions
Prepositions tell you where a noun is in relation to other things.
English Prepositions | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
about | concerning or related to something | We talked about the weather. |
above | in a higher position than something | The kite is flying above the clouds. |
across | on the opposite side of something | The bank is just across the street. |
after | following in time or sequence | We will have dinner after the movie. |
against | in opposition to something | The soccer team is playing against their rivals. |
along | moving in a line or direction | The river flows along the valley. |
among | in the middle of a group or surrounded by something | There is a red apple among the green ones. |
around | moving in a circular manner or surrounding something | The children are playing around the tree. |
at | indicating a specific time or location | We'll meet at the park at noon. |
before | earlier in time or in front of something | Please clean up before you leave. |
behind | at the back of something or in a position further back | The book is behind the shelf. |
below | in or to a lower position | The fish are swimming below the water surface. |
beside | by the side of or next to something | I sat beside my friend in class. |
between | in the space separating two things or people | The cat is between the two boxes. |
by | near to or beside something | The restaurant is by the park. |
down | moving from a higher position to a lower position | The ball rolled down the hill. |
during | throughout the course of a particular time period | He ate a lot during the party. |
except | not including or excluding something | Everyone is here except for Sara. |
for | intended to benefit someone or something | I bought a gift for my sister. |
from | indicating the starting point of a movement or distance | The train is coming from the station. |
in | inside or within something | The keys are in the drawer. |
into | expressing movement or direction towards the inside of something | The cat jumped into the box. |
like | similar to or in the same manner as something | She sings like a bird. |
near | close to or not far from a particular place | There is a grocery store near my house. |
next to | directly beside or adjacent to something | The library is next to the school. |
of | expressing the relationship between a part and a whole or possession | A friend of mine visited me yesterday. |
off | away from or not on something | To go to the mall, get off at X train station. |
on | touching or covering a surface | The book is on the table. |
out | outside or away from a place | The cat ran out of the house. |
over | above or higher than something else | The plane flew over the mountains. |
past | going beyond or in front of something | The car drove past the traffic light. |
Interjections
Interjections are words used to show strong emotions. They are usually written with an exclamation point (!) to show that whoever is saying it is doing so in a louder or higher voice than normal.
English Interjections | What It Expresses | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Wow | surprise, amazement or admiration | Wow, that's incredible! |
Oh | surprise, realization or disappointment | Oh, I see what you mean. |
Ah | understanding or satisfaction | Ah, now I understand. |
Ouch | pain or discomfort | Ouch, that hurt! |
Oops | indicates a small mistake or accident | Oops, I dropped my pen. |
Yay | joy, excitement or celebration | Yay, we won the game! |
Hurray | triumph or happiness | Hurray, we did it! |
Hmm | hesitation, thoughtfulness or uncertainty | Hmm, I'm not sure about that. |
Eww | disgust or distaste | Eww, this food tastes terrible! |
Phew | relief or exhaustion | Phew, I finally finished my project. |
Determiners
Determiners are words that introduce nouns and let you know what these nouns are referring to.
English Determiners | Usage | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
any | Used before a singular countable or uncountable noun to indicate an indefinite or non-specific amount | You can choose any book from the shelf. (singular countable noun) Do you have any milk left? (uncountable noun) |
some | Used before a plural countable or uncountable noun to indicate a non-specific amount | He brought some snacks to the party. (plural countable noun) Would you like some water? (uncountable noun) |
many | Used before a plural countable noun to indicate a large quantity or number | There are many books on the shelf. |
much | Used before an uncountable noun to indicate a large quantity or amount | There isn't much time left. |
several | Used before a plural countable noun to indicate an unspecified small number of items | She bought several new dresses. |
all | Used before a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun to indicate the entire quantity or every item | All students should submit their assignments. (plural countable noun) She ate all the cake. (uncountable noun) |
each | Used before a singular countable noun to indicate every individual item separately | Each student received a certificate. |
Nouns
Nouns are words that refer to people, places, things, events or ideas. There are two types: common nouns and proper nouns.
Common nouns refer to a generic person, object, place, events or idea. They are usually not capitalized (written with a bigger first letter) unless they start a sentence. Proper nouns, on the other hand, refer to specific people, objects, places, events or ideas. They are always capitalized.
For the sake of brevity (using as few words as possible to convey as much as possible), we will only tackle common nouns.
Common Nouns for People
Common Nouns for People | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
accountant | a person who helps manage and keep track of financial records for individuals or businesses | My friend's mom is an accountant. She helps people with their taxes and budgeting. |
actor | a person who performs in plays, movies or TV shows to entertain others | The actor played the role of a brave superhero in the movie. |
activist | a person who works to bring about social or political change by speaking out and taking action on important issues | The activist organized a peaceful protest to support environmental protection. |
adult | a fully grown person who is no longer a child or a teenager | In many countries, you become an adult when you turn 18 years old. |
aide | someone who helps and supports another person, especially in their work or daily tasks | The teacher's aide assists students with their homework and class projects. |
artist | a person who creates art (such as paintings, drawings, sculptures or music) to express themselves or evoke emotions | The artist painted a beautiful landscape with bright colors and stunning details. |
athlete | a person who participates in sports or physical activities, often competing against others | She trained hard to become an athlete and compete in the upcoming marathon. |
aunt | the sister of someone's mother or father | My aunt gave me a lovely birthday present last week. |
boss | a person in charge of a company, organization or group of workers | My boss is always busy, but he is fair and supports us in our work. |
chef | a person who cooks professionally, often in restaurants or hotels | The chef prepared a delicious three-course meal for the guests. |
child | a young person who is not yet an adult, usually under the age of 12 or 13 | The children played games and had fun at the birthday party. |
coach | a person who trains and guides athletes or sports teams to improve their skills and performance | The soccer coach taught the players new techniques to play better. |
comedian | a person who tells jokes and funny stories to entertain an audience | The comedian had everyone laughing with their hilarious stand-up comedy. |
cousin | the child of one's aunt or uncle | My cousin and I like to play games together whenever we visit each other. |
coworker | a person who works together with you in the same company or organization | My coworker and I collaborated on the project to finish it on time. |
customer | a person who buys goods or services from a store or a business | The customer was happy with the quality of the product they purchased. |
dancer | a person who moves rhythmically to music as an art form or for entertainment | The ballet dancer performed gracefully on the stage, captivating the audience. |
doctor | a person who practices medicine and treats people's illnesses and injuries | The doctor examined the patient and prescribed some medicine for their cold. |
driver | a person who operates a vehicle, such as a car, bus or truck | My dad is a good driver, and he takes us safely to school every day. |
economist | a person who studies and analyzes economic systems and issues | The economist predicted that inflation would go down in the next year. |
employee | a person who works for a company or an organization, usually receiving a salary or wages | The employee was happy to receive a promotion for their hard work. |
engineer | a person who designs and builds machines, structures, or technological systems | The engineer created a new device that makes our lives easier. |
firefighter | a person who works to put out fires and rescue people from dangerous situations | The firefighter bravely entered the burning building to save the trapped residents. |
flight attendant | a person who assists passengers during a flight, ensuring their safety and comfort | The flight attendant served refreshments and provided instructions before takeoff. |
friend | a person you like and enjoy spending time with; someone you trust and care about | My best friend and I share secrets and have fun together. |
grandchild | the child of one's son or daughter | My grandparents love spending time with their grandchild during the holidays. |
grandparent | the parent of one's parent | My grandmother bakes delicious cookies for us every weekend. |
guest | a person who is invited to someone's home or an event | The host welcomed the guests and offered them drinks. |
host | a person who organizes and invites others to an event or gathering | The host of the party prepared a variety of games and activities. |
immigrant | a person who moves to a new country to live there permanently | The immigrant worked hard to build a better life in their new homeland. |
journalist | a person who writes news stories and reports on current events for newspapers, magazines or TV | The journalist interviewed people to gather information for the article. |
judge | a person in a court of law who decides the outcome of a legal case | The judge carefully listened to the evidence before making the verdict. |
lawyer | a person who practices law and represents clients in legal matters | The lawyer helped the client understand their rights and legal options. |
man | an adult male person | The man helped the elderly woman cross the street. |
musician | a person who plays a musical instrument or sings | The musician performed a beautiful song on the guitar. |
neighbor | a person who lives near you, usually in the same neighborhood | My neighbor and I often chat while walking our dogs. |
nurse | a person who provides medical care and support to patients, often in a hospital or clinic | The nurse checked the patient's temperature and gave them medicine. |
parent | a mother or father who takes care of and raises a child | The parent read a bedtime story to their child before sleep. |
patient | a person receiving medical treatment or care from a doctor or a nurse | The patient felt better after taking the prescribed medicine. |
photographer | a person who takes pictures or photographs as a profession or hobby | The photographer captured beautiful scenery during their travels. |
pilot | a person who operates and flies an aircraft, such as an airplane or helicopter | The pilot announced that the flight would land soon. |
police officer | a person who works in law enforcement to protect people and maintain order | The police officer helped the lost child find their parents. |
politician | a person who is involved in politics and works for the government or public office | The politician campaigned to improve education and healthcare. |
programmer | a person who writes and develops computer programs or software | The programmer created a new app that helps people learn languages. |
receptionist | a person who works at the front desk of a hotel, office or organization, welcoming and assisting visitors or guests | The receptionist greeted the guests and directed them to the meeting room. |
refugee | a person who has been forced to leave their home country to escape war, persecution or disaster | The refugee found safety and assistance in a neighboring country. |
referee | a person who ensures that the rules are followed in sports games or competitions | The referee awarded a penalty kick to the opposing team. |
relative | a person who is connected to you by family ties, like a cousin, aunt, uncle or grandparent | My relatives from out of town came to visit us during the holidays. |
salesperson | a person who works in sales, helping customers choose and purchase products | The salesperson showed the customer different models of smartphones. |
scientist | a person who studies the natural world and conducts experiments to discover new knowledge | The scientist conducted research to find a cure for the disease. |
shopper | a person who goes to stores to buy goods or products | The shopper filled their cart with groceries for the week. |
singer | a person who sings songs or performs vocally | The singer had a beautiful voice that touched the audience's hearts. |
sibling | a brother or sister | My sibling and I love playing games together. |
soldier | a person who serves in the military to defend their country or participate in wars | The soldier bravely fought on the front lines to protect their homeland. |
student | a person who attends school or college to learn and study | The student studied hard for the upcoming exam. |
teacher | a person who educates and instructs students in school or other learning settings | The teacher explained the lesson clearly and answered students' questions. |
tour guide | a person who leads and provides information to tourists during sightseeing or visits to places of interest | The tour guide showed the group around the historical landmarks. |
tourist | a person who travels to different places for leisure and exploration | The tourist took pictures of famous landmarks during their vacation. |
uncle | the brother of someone's mother or father | My uncle taught me how to ride a bike when I was little. |
vendor | a person who sells goods or services, often in a market or on the street | The vendor offered fresh fruits and vegetables at the market. |
voter | a person who participates in elections by casting their vote to choose political leaders or decide on issues | As a responsible citizen, I registered to be a voter and cast my vote in the election. |
waiter | a person who serves food and drinks in a restaurant | The waiter brought us the menu and took our orders. |
woman | an adult female person | The woman smiled and thanked the helpful stranger. |
writer | a person who creates written works, such as books, articles, or stories | The writer published a new novel that became very popular. |
Common Nouns for Objects / Technology
Common Nouns for Objects / Technology | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
app (short for "application") | a small computer program you can install on your phone or tablet for various tasks or entertainment | I downloaded a language learning app to help me practice English. |
audio | sound or the part of technology that deals with recording and playing sound | The audio quality of the music player was excellent. |
bag | a container used to carry things | Sarah carries her books to school in a blue bag. |
battery | a device that provides power to electronic devices and can be recharged or replaced | My phone's battery is low, so I need to charge it. |
belt | a strip of material worn around the waist to hold clothes in place | The brown belt matches well with his trousers. |
blanket | a large piece of fabric used to keep warm, usually on a bed | During winter, I like to get under a warm blanket. |
book | a collection of pages with information or stories, usually bound together | Mary enjoys reading adventure books before bedtime. |
bottle | a container, usually made of glass or plastic, used to hold liquids | Please pass me the water bottle. I'm thirsty. |
box | a container with a lid, used to store or carry items | Grandma keeps her old photos in a wooden box. |
bracelet | a piece of jewelry worn around the wrist | Jenny received a beautiful silver bracelet as a birthday gift. |
broom | a long-handled cleaning tool used to sweep floors | Every morning, she uses a broom to clean the kitchen. |
brush | a tool with bristles used to clean or groom | Dana uses a brush to straighten her hair every morning. |
bucket | a container with a handle, used for carrying liquids or other materials | Mark filled the bucket with sand to build a sandcastle. |
cable | a wire used to connect devices together, like a charging cable for a phone | Please plug the cable into the computer to transfer the files. |
camera | a device used to capture photographs or record videos | Lisa loves taking pictures with her new digital camera. |
can opener | a tool used to open the lid of a can | James used the can opener to open a can of soup. |
chair | a piece of furniture with a seat and a backrest for one person to sit on | This chair is very comfortable. |
charger | a device used to supply power to recharge electronic devices | I need to find my phone charger; my battery is low. |
clip | a small metal or plastic fastener used to hold things together | She uses a clip to keep her papers organized. |
clothespin | a wooden or plastic clip used to hang clothes on a line to dry | Mom hung the wet laundry on the line using clothespins. |
clock | a device that shows the time | The clock on the wall tells us when it's time for lunch. |
coin | a small, flat piece of metal used as money | I found a shiny coin on the sidewalk. |
colander | a bowl-shaped container with small holes, used for draining liquids from food | After boiling the pasta, she used a colander to drain the water. |
comb | a tool used to untangle and style hair | Emma brushed her hair with a comb before going to school. |
computer | a machine that can process information and perform various tasks | He uses his computer to write essays and watch videos. |
cup | a small container with a handle, used for drinking liquids | Can you pass me a cup of hot cocoa, please? |
cutting board | a flat surface used for cutting and preparing food | Before chopping vegetables, she placed them on the cutting board. |
data | information or facts that can be stored and used by a computer | The data on my computer includes pictures from my last vacation. |
detergent | a cleaning substance used for washing clothes or dishes | Mom added detergent to the washing machine to clean the clothes. |
dustpan | a flat scoop used to collect dust and dirt from the floor | After sweeping the floor, she used a dustpan to pick up the dirt. |
earrings | jewelry worn on the ears | Sarah received a pair of beautiful earrings as a birthday gift. |
electronic messages sent and received using the internet | I sent an email to my friend, inviting her to the party. | |
eraser | a small rubber tool used to remove pencil marks | Ben used the eraser to correct his mistake on the paper. |
fork | a utensil with three or more prongs used for eating or serving food | The fork is essential for eating spaghetti. |
floss | a thin thread used for cleaning between teeth | Experts recommend using a dental floss daily to keep teeth healthy. |
fridge (short for "refrigerator") | a household appliance used to keep food and drinks cold | The milk is in the fridge. |
glass | a transparent container used for drinking liquids | The waiter brought a glass of water to the table. |
glue | a liquid used to stick things together | He used glue to fix his broken toy. |
grater | a tool with sharp-edged holes used to shred or grate food | She used a grater to grate some cheese for the pasta. |
hanger | a device used to hang clothes in a closet | Please put your coat on the hanger when you come inside. |
headphones | a pair of speakers worn over the ears to listen to audio | I like to listen to music with my headphones on the bus. |
ice cube tray | a container used to make ice cubes in a freezer | The ice cube tray should be full at all times. |
internet | a global network that connects computers and allows access to information | I use the internet to search for information and watch videos. |
key | a small metal object used to unlock doors or start vehicles | Don't forget your house key when you go out. |
keyboard | a set of keys used for typing on a computer or smartphone | He typed an email using the keyboard on his laptop. |
knife | a sharp-edged utensil used for cutting or slicing | The chef used a knife to cut the vegetables for the salad. |
ladle | a large spoon with a long handle, used for serving soup or stew | Mom used a ladle to serve the delicious soup. |
lamp | a device that produces light, usually with a shade to cover it | Tim turned on the lamp to read his book in bed. |
laptop | a portable computer that can be used on one's lap | She carries her laptop with her when she travels. |
magnet | an object that attracts and holds metal objects | The magnet stuck to the fridge door. |
mop | a tool used for cleaning floors, typically with a long handle and absorbent material | After spilling juice, he used a mop to clean the floor. |
mirror | a reflective surface | She looked in the mirror before leaving the house. |
microphone | a device used to amplify and record sound | The singer held the microphone and sang a beautiful song. |
microwave | an appliance used to heat or cook food quickly | He warmed up the leftovers in the microwave. |
modem | a device that connects a computer to the internet through a phone line or cable | The modem allows us to access the internet in our home. |
mouse | a small device used to move the cursor on a computer screen | He clicked on the icon using the mouse to open the program. |
nail clipper | a tool used to trim fingernails and toenails | John used a nail clipper to cut his nails neatly. |
necklace | a piece of jewelry worn around the neck | Jane received a beautiful necklace as a gift. |
oven | a kitchen appliance used for baking and cooking food | Mom baked a delicious cake in the oven. |
paper | a thin material used for writing, drawing and printing | He wrote a letter on a piece of paper. |
pen | a writing instrument with ink used for writing or drawing | My pen ran out of ink. |
perfume | a scented liquid used to make someone smell pleasant | She put on some perfume before going to the party. |
pencil sharpener | a device used to sharpen the tip of a pencil | Jimmy used a pencil sharpener to make his pencil pointy. |
peeler | a tool used to remove the skin or outer layer of fruits and vegetables | Sarah used a peeler on the apple. |
phone | a device used for making calls and sending messages | When the phone rang, she answered it quickly. |
pillow | a soft cushion used to support the head while sleeping | She fluffed the pillow before going to bed. |
pin | a small thin object used to fasten or hold things together | She used a pin to attach the badge to her shirt. |
plate | a flat dish used for serving or eating food | The waiter brought a plate of pasta to the table. |
printer | a machine that produces paper copies of documents and pictures | She printed the report and handed it to her teacher. |
projector | a device used to display images or videos on a large screen or wall | The teacher used a projector to show educational videos in class. |
remote | a handheld device used to control electronic devices like TVs | She changed the channel with the remote while sitting on the couch. |
ring | a circular piece of jewelry worn on the finger | Linda received a diamond ring as an engagement gift. |
rolling pin | a cylindrical tool used to flatten and shape dough | Mom used a rolling pin to roll out the dough for the pie. |
router | a device that connects multiple computers to the internet within a network | The router at home allows everyone to use the internet simultaneously. |
ruler | a straight measuring tool used to measure length or draw straight lines | The ruler helped her draw a straight line. |
scanner | a device that captures images or documents and converts them into digital files | She scanned the photo and saved it on her computer. |
scarf | a piece of fabric worn around the neck for warmth or fashion | In winter, he wears a warm scarf to keep the cold away. |
scissors | a tool with two blades used for cutting paper, fabric or other materials | She used scissors to cut out pictures for her project. |
sensor | a device that detects changes in the environment and sends signals | The sensor in the room turns on the lights when it's dark. |
shampoo | a liquid used to clean and wash hair | She used shampoo to wash her hair in the shower. |
shovel | a tool with a long handle and a scoop used for digging | The shovel is rusty now. |
sink | a bowl-shaped basin used for washing dishes or hands | She washed her hands in the sink before dinner. |
slippers | comfortable indoor footwear worn for warmth and comfort | After a long day, he put on his cozy slippers to relax. |
smartphone | a mobile phone that has advanced capabilities like internet access and apps | He uses his smartphone to check emails and play games. |
soap | a substance used for cleaning and washing the body | She washed her hands with soap before eating. |
spatula | a flat, flexible tool used for flipping or lifting food | With a spatula, she flipped the pancakes on the griddle. |
spoon | a utensil with a small bowl and a handle, used for eating or serving food | The spoon is perfect for scooping ice cream. |
stapler | a device used to fasten papers together with staples | The stapler helped her keep her papers organized. |
strainer | a device with tiny holes used to separate liquids from solids | She used a strainer to drain the water from the pasta. |
sunglasses | glasses with tinted lenses used to protect the eyes from the sun | When she puts on her sunglasses, she looks like an actress. |
tablet | a portable device with a touch screen for various tasks and entertainment | She reads e-books on her tablet before going to bed. |
tape | a narrow strip of adhesive material used for sticking things together | He used tape to seal the package. |
television | an electronic device used for watching programs and shows | After dinner, we gathered around the television to watch a movie. |
thermometer | a device used to measure temperature | The doctor used a thermometer to check her temperature. |
tie | a long, narrow piece of fabric worn around the neck, usually with formal attire | He wore a tie to the wedding to look smart. |
tissue | a soft, thin piece of paper used for wiping and cleaning | With a tissue, she wiped away her tears. |
toothpaste | a paste used for cleaning teeth | He squeezed some toothpaste onto his toothbrush. |
tongs | a tool with two arms used for picking up and holding objects | She used tongs to pick up the hot toast from the toaster. |
towel | a piece of fabric used for drying the body or hands | After the shower, she wrapped a towel around her body. |
vacuum cleaner | an electrical device used for cleaning floors and carpets | She ran the vacuum cleaner to clean the living room. |
vase | a decorative container used to hold flowers or other items | She placed the fresh flowers in a beautiful vase on the table. |
video | moving images and sound that can be recorded and played | We watched a funny video of cats playing on the internet. |
wallet | a small, flat case used to carry money and cards | He kept his driver's license and credit cards in his wallet. |
washing machine | a household appliance used to wash clothes | Mom put the dirty clothes in the washing machine to do laundry. |
watch | a small timepiece worn on the wrist to tell time | He checked his watch to see if it was time for lunch. |
website | a collection of related web pages that can be accessed on the internet | I found a helpful website with recipes for cooking. |
whisk | a kitchen utensil used for beating eggs or mixing liquids | She used a whisk to beat the eggs for the omelet. |
window | an opening in a wall with glass, used to let in light and air | She opened the window to let fresh air into the room. |
yarn | fibers used for knitting, weaving, or making fabric | She bought colorful yarn to knit a scarf for her friend. |
Common Nouns for Places
Common Nouns for Places | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
airport | a place where airplanes take off and land | We are going to the airport to catch our flight. |
amusement park | a fun place with rides and games | Let's go to the amusement park and try the roller coaster. |
apartment | a place where people live, which is part of a larger building | I live in a small apartment with my family. |
archipelago | a group of small islands | The Philippines is an archipelago with many beautiful islands. |
archway | a passage under an arch or a curved structure | The archway leads to a lovely garden. |
arena | a large place where sports or entertainment events take place | The basketball game will be held at the arena. |
beach | a sandy or pebbly area next to the sea or a lake | We love to build sandcastles on the beach. |
bridge | a structure that connects two areas separated by a river or a valley | The bridge allows people to cross the river easily. |
bus stop | a designated place where buses pick up and drop off passengers | Wait at the bus stop for the next bus to arrive. |
campsite | a specific spot within a campground where someone sets up their tent or camper | We found a nice campsite near the lake. |
canyon | a deep valley with steep sides, often carved by a river | The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous canyons in the world. |
castle | a large, fortified building where royalty or nobility used to live | The castle was surrounded by high walls to protect it from enemies. |
cave | a hollow space in the ground or on a hillside | We explored the dark cave with flashlights. |
cemetery | a place where dead people are buried | We visited the cemetery to pay our respects to our loved ones. |
church | a building where Christians worship and pray | We go to church every Sunday for the service. |
cinema | a place where people watch movies | Let's go to the cinema and see the new film. |
city | a large and busy place where many people live and work | New York city is a bustling metropolis with tall buildings. |
continent | one of the seven large landmasses on Earth | Africa is the second-largest continent. |
countryside | the rural area away from cities and towns | We enjoy the peacefulness of the countryside. |
country | a nation with its own government and borders | Canada is a beautiful country with stunning landscapes. |
desert | a dry, sandy area with little or no vegetation | The Sahara desert is the largest desert in the world. |
downtown | the central business area of a city | We went downtown to do some shopping. |
farm | a place where crops are grown and animals are raised | We visited a farm and saw cows and chickens. |
forest | a large area with many trees and plants | We took a hike through the forest and spotted some birds. |
garden | a place where plants, flowers, and sometimes vegetables are grown | Grandma has a beautiful garden with colorful flowers. |
glacier | a large mass of ice that moves slowly down a mountain valley | We saw the glacier while hiking in the national park. |
harbor | a sheltered area of water where ships can anchor | The fishing boats are docked in the harbor. |
hills | elevated areas of land that are lower than mountains | We climbed the hills to get a better view of the countryside. |
hospital | a place where sick or injured people are treated by doctors and nurses | He stayed in the hospital for a week after his surgery. |
house | a building where people live | Our new house has a big backyard. |
island | a piece of land surrounded by water | We went on a boat trip to explore the island. |
lake | a large body of water surrounded by land | The lake is perfect for fishing and boating. |
lagoon | a shallow body of water separated from the sea by sandbanks or reefs | The lagoon is a great spot for snorkeling. |
library | a place where people can borrow books and other materials | I borrowed a book from the library to read. |
mall | a large shopping center with many stores and shops | Let's meet at the mall and do some shopping together. |
market | a place where people buy and sell goods and food | The local market is full of fresh fruits and vegetables. |
marsh | an area of low-lying land that is often wet and covered in grass | Birds and frogs can be found in the marsh. |
meadow | a field with grass and wildflowers | We had a picnic in the meadow. |
mosque | a place of worship for Muslims | We visit the mosque for Friday prayers. |
mountain | a high, rocky landform that rises steeply above its surroundings | Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. |
museum | a place where objects of historical, cultural or artistic interest are displayed | The museum has ancient artifacts and paintings. |
nature reserve | a protected area where wildlife and natural resources are conserved | The nature reserve is home to many rare animals. |
oasis | a fertile area in the desert with water and vegetation | The oasis provided a refreshing stop during our desert journey. |
palace | a grand and impressive building where royalty or important people live or lived | The king's palace is adorned with beautiful architecture. |
park | a large area of land with trees, grass and facilities for recreation | Families enjoy picnics in the park on weekends. |
peninsula | a piece of land surrounded by water on three sides | The peninsula has beautiful beaches on both sides. |
port | a place where ships load and unload goods | The port is busy with cargo ships. |
reef | a ridge of rocks or coral in the sea, close to the surface | Snorkelers can see colorful fish near the reef. |
restaurant | a place where people go to eat meals prepared by chefs | Let's have dinner at that Italian restaurant. |
river | a large natural stream of water that flows into a sea or lake | We went fishing in the river. |
ruins | the remains of a building or structure from the past | The ancient ruins are fascinating to explore. |
savanna | a grassy plain with scattered trees, typical of tropical regions | Many wild animals roam freely in the African savanna. |
school | a place where children go to learn | The students are excited to go back to school after the summer break. |
seashore | the area of land along the edge of the sea | We built sandcastles on the seashore. |
shrine | a place of religious or spiritual importance | Many people visit the ancient shrine to offer prayers. |
stadium | a large sports arena with seats for spectators | The football match will take place at the stadium. |
suburb | a residential area on the outskirts of a city | They live in a quiet suburb with lots of green spaces. |
temple | a place of worship for religious traditions other than Christianity | The ancient temple is visited by many pilgrims each year. |
theater | a place where people watch plays, shows and performances | Let's go to the theater to see the new musical. |
university | a higher education institution where students pursue degrees | She studies chemistry at the university. |
valley | low land between hills or mountains | The beautiful valley is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. |
volcano | a mountain with a hole through which lava, gas and ash can erupt | The volcano erupted, covering the sky with ash and smoke. |
waterfall | a place where water flows over the edge of a cliff | The waterfall is a popular spot for tourists to take photos. |
wilderness | a remote and uncultivated area | They went on an adventure in the wilderness and camped under the stars. |
zoo | a place where people can see and learn about different animals | Children love to visit the zoo and see the animals. |
Common Nouns for Ideas
Common Nouns for Ideas | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
ambition | a strong desire to achieve something or be successful | She has the ambition to become a doctor and help people. |
assumption | something believed to be true without enough evidence | His assumption was that the bus would arrive on time. |
belief | a strong feeling that something is true or real | Many people have a belief in the power of positive thinking. |
bias | a preference or unfair inclination towards something | The news article showed a bias towards a particular political party. |
capitalism | an economic system where businesses are privately owned for profit | In capitalism, individuals can start their own businesses. |
communism | a system where everything is shared equally among the people | Under communism, the government owns most industries. |
conclusion | the final decision or judgment made after considering information | Based on the evidence, the detective reached a conclusion about the case. |
concept | an idea or thought that represents something | The teacher explained the concept of gravity to the students. |
conviction | a strong belief in something | Despite the challenges, she held onto her conviction to follow her dreams. |
creativity | the ability to come up with new and original ideas | Children often show creativity when they draw imaginative pictures. |
democracy | a system of government where people vote for leaders | The citizens of the country participate in elections to support democracy. |
dictatorship | a government where one person has complete power | Under the dictatorship, there was limited freedom of speech. |
discrimination | unfair treatment of people based on differences | Laws have been put in place to prevent discrimination in the workplace. |
doubt | feeling unsure or uncertain about something | He had doubt about his ability to pass the exam. |
dream | a series of thoughts and images that occur while sleeping | She had a strange dream about flying over a rainbow. |
emotion | a strong feeling, such as happiness or sadness | The movie's ending filled her with emotion and tears. |
epiphany | a sudden moment of understanding or realization | After reading the book, he had an epiphany about the meaning of life. |
equality | treating everyone fairly and equally | The school promotes equality by encouraging diversity among students. |
ethics | the moral principles that guide a person's behavior | The doctor's decision was based on his strict code of ethics. |
expectation | a belief or hope about what will happen in the future | She had high expectations for her birthday party. |
faith | strong trust or belief in something without proof | Religious individuals are known for their strong faith. |
feeling | an emotional state or sensation | After the win, he felt a rush of happiness. |
freedom | the state of being free and not restricted | Many people fought for freedom from oppression. |
goal | something you want to achieve | His goal is to become a professional football player. |
hypothesis | a suggested explanation that can be tested | Scientists are conducting experiments to test their hypothesis. |
ideology | a system of beliefs or ideas | The politician's ideology influenced his decisions. |
imagination | the ability to create mental images of things not present | Children have vivid imaginations and love to play pretend. |
innovation | the introduction of new ideas or methods | The company's innovation led to the development of groundbreaking technology. |
instinct | a natural feeling or behavior that is not learned | Birds have the instinct to build nests for their eggs. |
inspiration | a feeling of motivation or creativity | The beautiful landscape served as inspiration for the artist's painting. |
intuition | a feeling of knowing something without conscious reasoning | Her intuition told her not to trust the stranger. |
interpretation | the explanation or understanding of something | Different people may have varying interpretations of a poem. |
judgment | the ability to form an opinion or make a decision | The judge used her judgment to determine the verdict. |
justice | fair treatment and equality under the law | The court delivered justice to the wronged party. |
knowledge | information and understanding gained through learning and experience | Reading books helps increase your knowledge about the world. |
liberty | the state of being free and having the right to do as you please | People fought for liberty and independence from colonial rule. |
lie | a false statement told to deceive someone | She told a lie to avoid getting into trouble. |
logic | reasoning or sound thinking based on evidence | Using logic, he solved the puzzle quickly. |
mathematics | the scientific study of numbers and related subjects | Mathematics is not my favorite subject. |
misconception | a mistaken belief or idea about something | One common misconception is that bats are blind. |
misinterpretation | to understand or explain something incorrectly | He misinterpreted her smile as a sign of agreement. |
misunderstanding | a failure to understand something correctly | The misunderstanding between them led to an argument. |
morality | principles concerning what is right or wrong behavior | Teaching children about honesty helps develop their morality. |
motivation | the reason or drive behind a person's actions | Her love for music is her motivation to practice every day. |
notion | an idea or thought that represents something | He had no notion of what was going on. |
objective | a specific goal or purpose | The objective of the project is to improve environmental sustainability. |
opinion | a personal belief or judgment about something | Everyone has a right to express their opinion. |
perception | the way someone sees or understands something | Her perception of the movie was that it was entertaining. |
perspective | a particular way of looking at things | The story is told from the perspective of the main character. |
philosophy | a set of beliefs or values about life and the world | His philosophy is to treat others with kindness. |
plan | a detailed scheme for achieving something | She made a plan to visit all the tourist attractions in the city. |
possibility | something that may happen or be true | There is a possibility of rain tomorrow. |
prejudice | unfair opinions or attitudes formed without enough knowledge | It is essential to challenge prejudice and treat everyone with respect. |
principle | a fundamental truth or law | Honesty is a principle valued in many societies. |
probability | the likelihood of something happening | The probability of winning the lottery is very low. |
privacy | the state of being free from public attention | She valued her privacy and didn't share personal information. |
progress | improvement or advancement towards a goal | The team made great progress in their project. |
proposal | a plan or suggestion put forward for consideration | He presented a proposal to improve the school's facilities. |
rationale | the reason or explanation behind a decision or action | The rationale for the new policy was to increase safety. |
reasoning | the process of thinking logically to reach a conclusion | The detective used reasoning to solve the mystery. |
revolution | a significant and often sudden change | The technological revolution transformed the way we communicate. |
sentiment | a feeling or emotion related to something | The sentiment towards the new policy was mixed. |
security | the state of being safe from harm or danger | The security guard ensures the security of the building. |
solution | an answer or way to solve a problem | After much thought, he found a solution to the math question. |
speculation | the act of guessing or thinking about something without certain knowledge | There was much speculation about who would win the competition. |
strategy | a plan of action designed to achieve a goal | The team developed a strategy to win the game. |
suggestion | a proposal or idea put forward for consideration | She made a suggestion to improve the company's productivity. |
supposition | an assumption or hypothesis based on limited evidence | The supposition is that the experiment will yield positive results. |
sustainability | the ability to maintain or continue without harming the environment | Many companies are working towards sustainability to protect the planet. |
theory | an idea or explanation that is based on evidence | The theory of evolution explains how species adapt over time. |
thought | an idea or opinion formed in the mind | Deep in thought, he contemplated the meaning of life. |
trust | belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone | Mutual trust is essential in any relationship. |
understanding | the ability to comprehend or grasp something | The teacher ensured all students had a clear understanding of the lesson. |
vision | a mental image of what the future will be like | The CEO had a vision of expanding the company globally. |
wisdom | the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment | Grandparents are often a source of wisdom for their grandchildren. |
wonder | a feeling of amazement or awe | As she looked at the stars, she felt a sense of wonder about the universe. |
worry | to feel anxious or concerned about something | She couldn't help but worry about the upcoming test. |
Common Nouns for Animals
Common Nouns for Animals | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
alligator | a large reptile with a long body, short legs and a broad snout, found in swamps and rivers in the southeastern United States and China | We saw an alligator sunbathing near the riverbank during our trip to Florida. |
ant | a tiny insect that lives in colonies and works together to build complex underground tunnels and find food | The ant carries food back to its nest to share with the other ants. |
bat | a flying mammal that sleeps during the day and hunts insects at night using echolocation | Bats are excellent at catching mosquitoes in the dark. |
bear | a large mammal with a thick fur coat found in many parts of the world | The bear hibernates in the winter to conserve energy. |
bee | a flying insect that collects nectar from flowers to make honey and pollinates plants | Bees play an essential role in helping flowers grow by spreading pollen. |
beetle | an insect with a hard shell-like covering and six legs | We found a shiny green beetle crawling on the leaves. |
bird | a warm-blooded, flying animal with feathers, wings and a beak | The colorful bird sings beautiful melodies in the morning. |
butterfly | a flying insect with colorful wings | The butterfly gracefully fluttered from one flower to another. |
cat | a small domesticated carnivorous mammal with retractable claws and a love for chasing mice | My cat enjoys sitting by the window and watching birds outside. |
chicken | a domesticated bird raised for its meat and eggs | We had fried chicken for dinner, and it was delicious. |
clam | an animal with a shell found in sandy or muddy shores and often used for food | We found several clams buried in the sand during our beach walk. |
crab | an animal with a broad, flat shell and pincers that lives in saltwater and freshwater environments | The crab scuttled sideways along the shore, looking for food. |
crocodile | a large reptile with a long, powerful jaw that lives in tropical waters | The crocodile quietly approached its prey near the riverbank. |
cow | a domesticated farm animal kept for its milk and meat | The cow grazed peacefully in the pasture. |
cricket | an insect known for its chirping sound, especially at night | We could hear the cricket's song as we sat around the campfire. |
deer | a graceful, hoofed mammal, commonly found in forests and meadows | The deer leaped over the fence and disappeared into the woods. |
duck | a waterbird with a broad flat beak and webbed feet that makes a quacking sound | The duck is protective of its young. |
eagle | a large, powerful bird of prey with excellent vision and sharp talons | The eagle soared high in the sky, scanning for potential prey. |
elephant | a massive, herbivorous mammal with a long trunk and large tusks native to Africa and Asia | The elephant used its trunk to grab branches and feed itself. |
falcon | a swift bird of prey, trained for hunting and known for its high-speed dives | The falcon caught the mouse with incredible speed. |
fish | a cold-blooded aquatic vertebrate with fins and gills, living in water | We saw colorful fish swimming in the coral reef during our snorkeling trip. |
flamingo | a tall, long-legged bird with pink feathers, commonly found in saltwater habitats | The flamingo gracefully waded through the shallow waters of the lagoon. |
fox | a small, cunning mammal with a bushy tail | The fox cleverly outwitted the farmer's attempts to catch it. |
frog | a small amphibian with a moist skin and powerful legs for leaping, often found near water | We spotted a green frog sitting on a lily pad in the pond. |
giraffe | a tall, long-necked mammal with distinctive spotted patterns native to African savannas | The giraffe stretched its long neck to reach the leaves on the tree. |
goat | a domesticated mammal with curved horns often kept for its milk and meat | The goat climbed the rocky hill with ease. |
goose | a large waterbird with a long neck, commonly found in ponds and lakes | The geese flew in a V-shape formation across the sky. |
gorilla | a large, powerful ape native to Africa, known for its strength and intelligence | The gorilla beat its chest to display dominance. |
grasshopper | a hopping insect with powerful hind legs, often found in grassy areas | The grasshopper leaped from blade to blade of grass. |
hedgehog | a small, spiny mammal that curls into a ball for protection when threatened | The hedgehog rolled into a tight ball, keeping its vulnerable parts safe. |
heron | a long-legged wading bird with a long neck, often found near water | The heron stood still, waiting patiently for a fish to catch. |
hippopotamus | a large, herbivorous mammal with a barrel-shaped body and short legs that lives in African rivers and lakes | The hippopotamus submerged itself in the water to stay cool. |
horse | a strong, hoofed mammal often used for riding, pulling carts or racing | She rode her horse through the meadow, enjoying the breeze. |
jellyfish | a gelatinous sea creature with long tentacles, often found in the ocean | We need to be careful of jellyfish while swimming in the sea. |
kangaroo | a marsupial with powerful hind legs that is native to Australia and known for its hopping movement | The kangaroo carried its joey in its pouch. |
koala | a small, tree-dwelling marsupial native to Australia with a rounded face and large ears | The koala slept most of the day, nestled in the eucalyptus tree. |
lemur | a small primate native to Madagascar, known for its long tail and big eyes | The lemur leaped from one tree branch to another with agility. |
leopard | a large, spotted big cat found in various regions of the world | The leopard stealthily stalked its prey through the dense jungle. |
lion | a large, carnivorous cat known for its majestic appearance and loud roar | The lion is often called the "king of the jungle" due to its dominance. |
lizard | a reptile with a long body, short legs and a tail, often found in warm environments | The lizard basked in the sun to warm itself. |
lobster | a marine crustacean with a hard shell and large pincers, often caught for food | We ordered a lobster dinner at the seaside restaurant. |
louse | a small, wingless insect that can be a parasite on humans and animals | The louse infestation in the classroom caused concern among parents. |
mammoth | a large, extinct mammal with long, curved tusks that lived during the Ice Age | The mammoth roamed the icy tundra during prehistoric times. |
monkey | a primate with a long tail and flexible limbs, often found in tropical regions | The playful monkeys swung from branch to branch in the rainforest canopy. |
moose | a large deer with long, palmate antlers native to North America and northern Eurasia | We encountered a majestic moose grazing by the lake on our hiking trip. |
mosquito | a small flying insect known for feeding on the blood of humans and animals | The annoying mosquitoes buzzed around us during our camping trip. |
moth | a nocturnal insect with feathery antennae, often attracted to light | A moth fluttered around the lamp. |
mouse | a small rodent with a pointed snout and a long tail, often found in homes | The mouse nibbled on a piece of cheese left on the kitchen counter. |
newt | a small amphibian with bright colors, often found in or near water | The newt swam gracefully in the pond, its orange belly shining brightly. |
octopus | a marine mollusk with a soft body and eight arms, known for its intelligence and camouflage abilities | The octopus changed its color to blend in with the coral reef. |
ostrich | a large flightless bird with long legs and a long neck native to Africa | The ostrich can run at high speeds, making it one of the fastest birds on land. |
otter | a semiaquatic mammal with a sleek, water-resistant coat and webbed feet | The playful otter slid down the riverbank and into the water. |
owl | a nocturnal bird of prey with large, forward-facing eyes and silent flight | The owl hooted softly from the treetop, its eyes glowing in the dark. |
ox | a domesticated bovine used as a working animal on farms | The ox helped plow the fields, tilling the soil for planting crops. |
panda | a bear native to China, known for its distinctive black and white coat | The panda peacefully ate bamboo leaves in the bamboo forest. |
panther | a large, powerful big cat with a sleek black coat | The panther moved stealthily through the dense jungle, its golden eyes focused on its prey. |
parrot | a brightly colored bird with a curved beak, capable of mimicking human speech | The parrot repeated the words it had learned from its owner, amusing everyone in the room. |
peacock | a large bird with a colorful, iridescent plumage, often displaying its tail feathers in a fan-like manner | The peacock proudly displayed its vibrant feathers to attract a mate. |
pelican | a large waterbird with a long beak, known for its pouch-like throat used for catching fish | The pelican dived into the water and emerged with a mouthful of fish. |
penguin | a flightless seabird with a black and white coat native to the Southern Hemisphere | The penguin waddled clumsily on land but swam gracefully in the icy waters. |
pig | a domesticated mammal raised for its meat | The pig happily rolled in the mud to cool down on a hot day. |
pigeon | a bird with a plump body and short legs, often found in urban areas | A flock of pigeons gathered in the park, searching for breadcrumbs. |
polar bear | a large bear native to the Arctic region, known for its white fur and excellent swimming skills | The polar bear gracefully glided across the ice in search of seals. |
porcupine | a small mammal with sharp quills on its back, which it can raise when threatened | The porcupine warned potential predators by raising its quills. |
possum | a nocturnal marsupial with a prehensile tail native to Australia and the Americas | The possum climbed the tree, using its tail for balance. |
prawn | a small shrimp-like crustacean, often used as seafood | We enjoyed a delicious platter of grilled prawns at the seafood restaurant. |
pufferfish | a fish that can inflate itself into a ball when threatened, containing toxins | The pufferfish displayed its defensive behavior, puffing up to deter predators. |
puma | a large, solitary cat native to the Americas, also known as a cougar or mountain lion | The puma stealthily stalked its prey, ready to pounce. |
python | a non-venomous snake that can be very large, known for constricting its prey | The python coiled itself around the small mammal, squeezing tightly to kill it before swallowing it whole. |
quail | a small game bird with a plump body and distinctive markings, often found in grasslands | The quail chicks scurried behind their mother, seeking safety in the tall grass. |
rabbit | a small, furry mammal with long ears and powerful hind legs, often kept as a pet | The rabbit hopped around the garden, nibbling on fresh vegetables. |
raccoon | a small, nocturnal mammal with a black mask-like pattern around its eyes | The mischievous raccoon raided the trash bin in search of food. |
rat | a small rodent with a long tail, often considered a pest in urban areas | A rat scurried along the wall, seeking shelter in the dark corners. |
rattlesnake | a venomous snake with a rattle at the end of its tail found in the Americas | The rattlesnake warned intruders with its distinctive rattling sound. |
raven | a large, black bird known for its intelligence and association with myths and folklore | The raven perched on a tree branch, its dark feathers gleaming in the sunlight. |
reindeer | a deer species with both males and females growing antlers native to northern regions | Santa's sleigh is said to be pulled by reindeer on Christmas Eve. |
rhinoceros | a large, herbivorous mammal with one or two horns on its snout native to Africa and Asia | The rhinoceros charged at the perceived threat, using its horn for defense. |
robin | a small bird with a red or orange breast, often associated with the arrival of spring | The robin sang a cheerful song, signaling the beginning of a new season. |
salamander | a small amphibian with a long, slender body and a tail, often found in moist habitats | The salamander hid under a damp log, away from the scorching sun. |
salmon | a fish that migrates between freshwater and saltwater for breeding | The salmon swam upstream, returning to its birthplace to spawn. |
scorpion | an arachnid with a venomous stinger at the end of its tail found in warm regions | We cautiously stepped back when we spotted a scorpion crawling on the ground. |
seahorse | a small marine fish with a horse-like head and a curled tail | The seahorse swam gracefully, its tail curling around a strand of seaweed. |
seal | a marine mammal with flippers and a sleek body, often found on the coastlines | The seal basked in the sun, occasionally slipping into the water to cool off. |
shark | a large predatory fish with sharp teeth found in oceans around the world | The shark glided silently through the water, its presence concealed by the deep blue. |
sheep | a domesticated mammal raised for its wool and meat | The shepherd herded the sheep to the grazing pasture for the day. |
shrimp | a small crustacean with a slender body, often used as seafood | We ordered a plate of delicious shrimp at the seafood restaurant. |
skunk | a small mammal known for its ability to spray a foul-smelling liquid when threatened | The skunk released its pungent spray, deterring the curious dog from getting any closer. |
sloth | a slow-moving mammal found in Central and South America, known for its laziness | The sloth leisurely hung from a tree branch, barely moving throughout the day. |
snail | a small, slow-moving mollusk with a spiral shell, often found in gardens | The snail left a silvery trail as it made its way across the path. |
snake | a long, legless reptile with scales found in various habitats around the world | The snake slithered silently through the grass, searching for prey. |
sparrow | a small, common songbird with a brown or gray plumage | The chirping of sparrows filled the air, signaling the arrival of spring. |
squirrel | a small, agile rodent with a bushy tail, often seen climbing trees | The squirrel scurried up the tree, clutching an acorn in its paws. |
starfish | a marine echinoderm with five arms found in tide pools or on the seafloor | The starfish slowly moved across the sandy seabed, using its tube feet to glide. |
stingray | a flat, diamond-shaped fish with a venomous stinger on its tail | We spotted a stingray gracefully gliding through the water in the coral reef. |
stork | a large, long-legged bird associated with delivering babies in folklore | The stork built its nest on top of the tall chimney, away from predators. |
swan | a large waterbird known for its elegant appearance and graceful swimming | The swan glided across the tranquil lake, its reflection mirrored in the water. |
swordfish | a large fish with a long, pointed bill resembling a sword | The swordfish sliced through the water with incredible speed, hunting its prey. |
tiger | a large, powerful big cat with a distinctive orange coat and black stripes | The tiger prowled through the jungle, its eyes keenly searching for prey. |
toad | a squat, leaping amphibian with dry, warty skin | The toad sat motionless, blending in perfectly with the forest floor. |
tortoise | a slow-moving land reptile with a high-domed shell, often kept as a pet | The tortoise retreated into its shell when it sensed danger nearby. |
toucan | a colorful bird with a large, brightly colored beak native to Central and South America | The toucan perched on the branch, its colorful beak standing out against the green foliage. |
turkey | a large bird native to North America, often served as the main course for Thanksgiving dinner | The aroma of roasted turkey filled the air, signaling the festive holiday season. |
turtle | a reptile with a protective shell | The turtle crawled slowly along the shore before disappearing into the water. |
vulture | a scavenging bird of prey, often associated with death and decay | A group of vultures circled high above, searching for carrion to feast upon. |
walrus | a large marine mammal with long tusks and thick blubber native to the Arctic | The walrus basked on an ice floe, occasionally diving into the frigid water to find food. |
wasp | a slender, stinging insect, often with black and yellow markings | A wasp buzzed near the picnic table, causing everyone to swat it away. |
weasel | a small carnivorous mammal known for its slender body and quick movements | The weasel darted through the grass, chasing after a mouse. |
whale | a large marine mammal, such as the humpback or sperm whale, known for their size and songs | The whales breached the surface, putting on a spectacular show for the onlookers. |
wolf | a carnivorous mammal known for its pack behavior and haunting howl | The wolf let out a mournful howl under the full moon. |
woodpecker | a bird with a strong, chisel-like beak used for drilling into trees for insects | The woodpecker tapped rhythmically on the tree trunk, searching for its next meal. |
worm | a long, legless invertebrate that lives in the soil | The worms aerated the soil as they burrowed, improving its fertility. |
Common Nouns for Plants
Common Nouns for Plants | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
acorn | the small seed of an oak tree | I found an acorn on the ground and picked it up. |
aloe | a type of plant with thick leaves | My mom applied aloe gel on my sunburn to make it feel better. |
apple | a sweet and juicy fruit that grows on an apple tree | She took a bite of the crisp red apple. |
banana | a long and curved fruit with a yellow skin | He enjoyed eating a banana as a healthy snack. |
barley | a cereal grain used for making food and drinks | Barley is often used in soups and stews. |
basil | an aromatic herb commonly used in cooking | She sprinkled some fresh basil leaves on the pasta. |
bay | an evergreen tree with aromatic leaves used in cooking | The chef added a bay leaf to the simmering soup for flavor. |
bean | a nutritious seed that grows inside a pod on a bean plant | We harvested green beans from the garden for dinner. |
birch | a type of tree with smooth bark that peels off in layers | The birch trees sway gently in the breeze. |
broccoli | a green vegetable with a tree-like shape | Mom cooked delicious broccoli for a healthy dinner. |
bush | a small woody plant with many branches | There's a colorful bush with red flowers in our backyard. |
cactus | a plant that stores water in its thick and fleshy stems | The cactus thrives in arid desert conditions. |
carrot | an orange vegetable with a crunchy texture | She enjoys eating baby carrots with hummus. |
cauliflower | a pale vegetable with a compact head of florets | The cauliflower was boiled and served with cheese sauce. |
cilantro | an herb with fresh and flavorful leaves often used in cooking | The chef garnished the dish with chopped cilantro. |
chamomile | a plant known for its small daisy-like flowers used to make calming tea | I drink chamomile tea before bedtime to help me relax. |
cherry | a small red or black fruit with a stone inside | She picked ripe cherries from the tree to make a pie. |
chrysanthemum | a flowering plant with colorful petals | The chrysanthemums in the garden bloom in various shades. |
coffee | a beverage made from roasted coffee beans | He enjoys drinking a cup of coffee in the morning. |
corn | a tall cereal plant that produces yellow kernels on a cob | We grilled fresh corn on the cob for a summer barbecue. |
cotton | a soft white fiber used to make fabric and clothing | The cotton was spun into yarn to make a cozy sweater. |
cucumber | a long green vegetable with a refreshing taste | We sliced some cucumbers to add to our salad. |
daisy | a small flower with white petals and a yellow center | She loves picking daisies and making flower crowns. |
dandelion | a weed with yellow flowers that produce fluffy seeds | The kids blew on dandelions and watched the seeds fly away. |
elm | a type of tree with serrated leaves and winged seeds | The elm tree provided shade in the park on a hot day. |
eucalyptus | a tall tree with aromatic leaves used in medicine and oils | Eucalyptus leaves are the favorite food of koalas. |
fern | a plant with feathery leaves that reproduce through spores | The fern grows in the shady part of the garden. |
flower | the colorful part of a plant that produces seeds | She received a bouquet of beautiful flowers on her birthday. |
geranium | a flowering plant with rounded leaves and clusters of flowers | The geraniums bloomed brightly in the flowerpot. |
ginseng | a plant root believed to have health benefits | Ginseng is often used in traditional medicine. |
grape | a small fruit that grows in clusters on a vine | He ate a handful of sweet grapes for dessert. |
grass | a green plant with narrow leaves that covers the ground | The kids played soccer on the soft grass in the park. |
honeysuckle | a climbing plant with fragrant flowers | The honeysuckle vine twined around the fence. |
herb | a plant used for flavoring or medicinal purposes | She added some fresh herbs to the soup for extra taste. |
hydrangea | a shrub with large flowers that change color based on soil acidity | The hydrangea bush displayed pink and blue blooms. |
ivy | a climbing plant with dark green leaves | The ivy grew up the side of the building. |
jasmine | a fragrant flower used in perfumes and teas | The scent of jasmine filled the air in the garden. |
kiwi | a small green fruit with brown skin and black seeds | He peeled the kiwi and ate it for a snack. |
lavender | an aromatic herb with purple flowers used in scents and oils | She put dried lavender flowers in a sachet for her closet. |
lemon | a yellow citrus fruit with sour juice | The lemonade tasted tangy and refreshing. |
lettuce | a leafy vegetable used in salads and sandwiches | She made a delicious salad with fresh lettuce. |
lily | a large and colorful flower with a trumpet-like shape | The lily blossoms bloomed in the garden. |
mango | a juicy tropical fruit with a sweet flavor | The ripe mango was sliced and served for dessert. |
marigold | a bright yellow or orange flower | The marigold flowers added vibrant colors to the garden. |
magnolia | a tree or shrub with large fragrant flowers | The magnolia tree's blossoms were stunning. |
maple | a tree with distinctive leaves that change color in the fall | The maple tree's leaves turned red in autumn. |
mint | an herb with a refreshing taste often used in drinks | The mint leaves were used to make a refreshing drink. |
moss | a small green plant that grows on rocks and trees | The moss covered the stones in the shaded area. |
oak | a large tree with strong wood and distinctive lobed leaves | The oak tree provided a lot of shade in the park. |
onion | a bulbous vegetable with a strong flavor | She chopped some onions for the soup. |
orange | a round citrus fruit with a bright orange skin | He peeled an orange and ate the juicy segments. |
orchid | a beautiful and delicate flowering plant | She received a potted orchid as a gift. |
palm | a tree with large leaves growing at the top | The palm tree swayed in the breeze on the beach. |
papaya | a tropical fruit with orange flesh and black seeds | They enjoyed a fresh papaya for breakfast. |
parsley | an herb used as a garnish or flavoring | The chef sprinkled some chopped parsley on the dish. |
pea | a small round green seed that grows in a pod on a pea plant | The peas were steamed and served with butter. |
peony | a large and showy flower | The peony blooms were a beautiful sight in the garden. |
pine | a type of tree with needle-like leaves | The pine tree stood tall in the forest. |
pineapple | a tropical fruit with a spiky skin and sweet juicy flesh | The pineapple slices were served as a dessert. |
pansy | a small colorful flower with distinctive markings | She planted some pansies in the flowerbed. |
poppy | a flower with showy petals and a center containing seeds | The red poppies grew wild in the meadow. |
potato | an edible starchy tuber | She baked some potatoes for dinner. |
primrose | a small delicate flower with bright petals | The primroses bloomed in the early spring. |
pumpkin | a large round orange fruit often used for carving and cooking | They carved a scary face on the pumpkin for Halloween. |
radish | a small crisp vegetable with a peppery flavor | The radishes added a zesty taste to the salad. |
redwood | a tall evergreen tree with reddish-brown bark | The redwood trees in the forest were enormous. |
rice | a cereal grain commonly used as a staple food | We cooked some rice to go with the curry. |
rose | a fragrant flower with thorny stems | He gave her a bouquet of red roses on Valentine's Day. |
rye | a cereal grain used for making bread and whiskey | Rye bread has a distinctive flavor and texture. |
sage | an herb with grayish-green leaves used in cooking | The roasted chicken was seasoned with sage and thyme. |
sunflower | a tall plant with large yellow flowers | The sunflowers swayed in the breeze in the field. |
saffron | an expensive spice derived from the crocus flower | Saffron adds a rich golden color and flavor to dishes. |
strawberry | a sweet red fruit with small seeds and a green leafy cap | We enjoyed fresh strawberries with whipped cream. |
tulip | a bulbous flower with cup-shaped petals | The colorful tulips bloomed in the spring garden. |
tomato | a red fruit with juicy flesh used in cooking and salads | She sliced some ripe tomatoes for the sandwich. |
thyme | an herb with small aromatic leaves used in cooking | Thyme adds a wonderful aroma to roasted vegetables. |
turnip | a round root vegetable with a white or purple skin | She added some diced turnip to the stew for extra flavor. |
vanilla | a flavoring extracted from the vanilla orchid flower | He loves the taste of vanilla in ice cream. |
violet | a small purple or blue flower with heart-shaped leaves | The violet blossoms added color to the garden. |
walnut | a nut with a hard shell that grows on a walnut tree | They cracked open the walnuts and enjoyed the tasty kernels inside. |
watermelon | a large juicy fruit with a green rind and red flesh | They chilled slices of watermelon for a refreshing snack. |
willow | a tree with long flexible branches | The branches of the willow tree swayed gracefully in the breeze. |
wheat | a cereal grain used for making flour and bread | The field was filled with golden wheat ready for harvest. |
yam | a starchy edible tuber | She cooked some yams as a side dish for dinner. |
Common Nouns for Events
Common Nouns for Events | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
anniversary | the yearly celebration of a past event | They had a special dinner to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. |
auction | a public sale where items are sold to the highest bidder | He won the antique vase at the auction last week. |
baptism | a religious ceremony involving water to welcome someone into a faith | The baptism took place at the local church. |
battle | a fight between opposing forces or groups | The soldiers fought bravely in the battle to defend their homeland. |
campaign | an organized effort to achieve a specific goal, often in politics | The politician launched a campaign to improve the city's schools. |
celebration | a joyful event or gathering to mark a special occasion | There was a big celebration for her birthday with cake and balloons. |
ceremony | a formal event with specific rituals or traditions | The graduation ceremony was held in the school auditorium. |
commemoration | a special event to remember or honor something important | The city organized a commemoration to honor the veterans. |
competition | a contest where people or teams try to win | The children participated in a drawing competition at school. |
conference | a meeting where people discuss specific topics or issues | She attended a business conference to learn about new strategies. |
cruise | a trip on a ship for pleasure or vacation | They went on a cruise to explore different islands. |
demonstration | a public display or protest to show support or opposition | The students held a demonstration to raise awareness about climate change. |
exhibition | a public display of art, objects, or items | Many people visited the art exhibition to see the paintings. |
fair | an event with games, rides, and vendors selling goods | The kids had a lot of fun at the local fair, especially on the merry-go-round. |
festival | a joyful event with music, dancing, and various activities | The town organizes a music festival every summer. |
fundraiser | an event to collect money for a specific cause or charity | The school held a fundraiser to buy books for the library. |
gala | a fancy and formal celebration or party | They dressed up for the charity gala at the fancy hotel. |
graduation | the ceremony when students complete their studies and receive diplomas | He was excited to attend his sister's graduation from college. |
honeymoon | a trip taken by newlyweds after their wedding | They went to a beautiful island for their honeymoon. |
inauguration | a formal ceremony marking the beginning of a new position or venture | The president's inauguration took place in the capital city. |
lecture | a talk or speech on a specific topic | The professor gave a lecture on history to the students. |
marathon | a long-distance running race of 26.2 miles (42.2 km) | She trained hard for months to participate in the marathon. |
meeting | a gathering where people come together to discuss or plan something | The team had a meeting to discuss the project's progress. |
negotiation | the process of discussing and reaching an agreement between parties | The two countries entered into negotiations to resolve the conflict. |
networking | the act of meeting and connecting with people for professional or social reasons | She attended a networking event to expand her business contacts. |
parade | a public procession often celebrating a special occasion | The city held a colorful parade on Independence Day. |
party | a gathering of people to celebrate or have fun together | They threw a surprise party for her birthday. |
performance | a display of skill or talent, often in music, theater or sports | The band gave a fantastic performance at the concert. |
picnic | an outdoor meal or gathering in a park or countryside | The family had a picnic and enjoyed the sunny weather. |
seminar | a meeting or class for discussion and learning about a specific topic | The seminar focused on improving communication skills. |
symposium | a conference or meeting where experts discuss a particular subject | Scientists from around the world attended the environmental symposium. |
truce | a temporary pause in hostilities during a conflict | The countries signed a truce to stop fighting and begin peace talks. |
vacation | a time of rest and leisure away from work or home | They went on a beach vacation to relax and enjoy the sun. |
war | a state of armed conflict between different countries or groups | Many soldiers fought bravely during the war to defend their nation. |
wedding | a ceremony where two people get married | The couple had a beautiful wedding ceremony with all their friends and family. |
Verbs
Verbs are action words. Remember that English verbs sometimes change their spelling depending on the subject and tense of the sentence.
Regular Verbs
Regular verbs follow a standard pattern to form their past tense and past participle by adding “-ed” to the base form (infinitive). For example, play would be played in the past tense and past participle.
English Regular Verbs | Past Tense/Past Participle Form | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|---|
accept | accepted | to agree to take something offered | He accepted the gift from his friend. |
act | acted | to perform a particular action | The children acted out a funny play at school. |
answer | answered | to reply or respond to a question | She answered the phone when it rang. |
arrive | arrived | to reach a destination or place you want to come to | The train arrived at the station on time. |
ask | asked | to pose a question | He asked his teacher for help with the homework. |
bake | baked | to cook in an oven | She baked delicious cookies for her family. |
believe | believed | to have confidence in something as true | They believed the story the teacher told them. |
call | called | to use one's voice to get someone's attention | He called his friend to come and play outside. |
clean | cleaned | to make something tidy and free of dirt | She cleaned her room before her parents came home. |
climb | climbed | to go up something using hands and feet | The kids climbed the tree to get a better view. |
close | closed | to shut something | Please close the door before you leave. |
cook | cooked | to prepare food by heating it | Mom cooked dinner every evening. |
dance | danced | to move to music | They danced at the party and had a great time. |
enjoy | enjoyed | to take pleasure in something | They enjoyed their day at the beach. |
explain | explained | to make something clear | The teacher explained the lesson to the students. |
finish | finished | to complete or reach the end of something | He finished his homework before dinner. |
fix | fixed | to repair something | Dad fixed the broken toy. |
follow | followed | to go after or come after something | The dog followed its owner around the house. |
help | helped | to assist or give support | She helped her friend with the heavy bags. |
hope | hoped | to wish for something to happen | I hope we have a sunny day for the picnic. |
jump | jumped | to leap off the ground | The rabbit jumped over the fence. |
kiss | kissed | to touch with lips as a sign of affection | They kissed each other goodbye. |
learn | learned | to acquire knowledge or skill | The students learned new things in school every day. |
like | liked | to find something enjoyable or pleasing | She liked to read books in her free time. |
listen | listened | to pay attention to sounds | The children listened to their favorite songs. |
live | lived | to stay in a place, usually a home | They live in a big house on the corner. |
look | looked | to direct one's gaze | Look at the beautiful sunset! |
love | loved | to have a strong affection for someone or something | They love spending time together. |
move | moved | to change position or location | The furniture moved to a new house. |
need | needed | to require something essential | We need food and water to survive. |
open | opened | to make something accessible or visible | Please open the door for me. |
paint | painted | to apply color to a surface | She painted a picture of her family. |
play | played | to engage in an activity for enjoyment | The children played games in the park. |
remember | remembered | to recall information from memory | He remembered his friend's birthday. |
repair | repaired | to fix something that is broken | They repaired the car engine. |
save | saved | to keep something for later use | He saved his money to buy a new toy. |
shout | shouted | to speak loudly | They shouted with joy when they won the game. |
show | showed | to display or exhibit something | She showed her artwork to the class. |
smile | smiled | to express happiness with the mouth | The baby smiled at her mother. |
start | started | to begin or commence an action | They started the race as soon as the whistle blew. |
stay | stayed | to remain in one place | They stayed at the hotel during their vacation. |
study | studied | to learn and examine information | He studied for the test all night. |
talk | talked | to communicate using speech | They talked about their plans for the weekend. |
travel | traveled | to go on a journey | They traveled to a new country for their vacation. |
try | tried | to attempt to do something | She tried to solve the puzzle. |
turn | turned | to change direction or position | He turned left at the intersection. |
use | used | to employ or utilize something | She used a computer for her school projects. |
visit | visited | to go and see someone or something | They visited their grandparents over the weekend. |
wait | waited | to stay in a place until something happens | They waited for the bus to arrive. |
walk | walked | to move on foot | The family walked in the park on a sunny day. |
watch | watched | to look at something attentively | They watched a movie at the cinema. |
work | worked | to perform tasks for a specific purpose | He works at a restaurant as a waiter. |
yawn | yawned | to open the mouth wide involuntarily, usually when tired | She yawned after a long day at school. |
zip | zipped | to fasten or close with a zipper | She zipped her jacket before going outside. |
Irregular Verbs
Irregular verbs do not follow the standard pattern to form their past tense and past participle. For example, go becomes went in the past tense and gone in the past participle.
English Irregular Verbs | Past Tense Form | Past Participle Form | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|---|---|
begin | began | begun | to start or commence something | The movie began at 8 PM. |
break | broke | broken | to separate into pieces | He broke his phone. |
bring | brought | brought | to carry something or someone with you | Sarah brought her dog to the park. |
build | built | built | to construct or make | They built a new house in the neighborhood. |
buy | bought | bought | to acquire something by paying money for it | She bought a new dress for the party. |
catch | caught | caught | to capture or seize something | He caught the ball. |
choose | chose | chosen | to select or pick something | They chose the blue car. |
come | came | come | to move toward the speaker or the speaker's location | They came to visit us last weekend. |
do | did | done | to perform an action | She did her homework. |
drink | drank | drunk | to consume liquid | He drank a glass of water. |
drive | drove | driven | to operate a vehicle | She drove the car carefully. |
eat | ate | eaten | to consume food | They ate pizza for dinner. |
fall | fell | fallen | to drop or descend to the ground | The leaves fell from the tree. |
feel | felt | felt | to sense or experience an emotion | He felt happy when he received the gift. |
find | found | found | to discover or locate something | She found her lost keys. |
fly | flew | flown | to travel through the air | The bird flew high in the sky. |
forget | forgot | forgotten | to fail to remember | I forgot my umbrella at home. |
get | got | got | to acquire or receive | They got a new puppy. |
give | gave | given | to transfer ownership or present something to someone | She gave him a present. |
go | went | gone | to move away from the speaker or the speaker's location | They went to the beach. |
grow | grew | grown | to increase in size or develop | The plants grew quickly. |
have | had | had | to possess or hold something | She had a great time at the party. |
hear | heard | heard | to perceive sound | He heard the music playing. |
hide | hid | hidden | to conceal or keep something out of sight | They hid the treasure. |
hit | hit | hit | to strike or collide with something | The baseball hit the window. |
hold | held | held | to grasp or cling to something | She held her sister's hand. |
keep | kept | kept | to retain or have something in possession | They kept the book. |
know | knew | known | to be aware of or familiar with something | I knew the answer to the question. |
learn | learned | learned | to gain knowledge or skill | He learned a new skill. |
leave | left | left | to go away from a place | They left the party early. |
lose | lost | lost | to misplace or be unable to find | She lost her keys. |
make | made | made | to create or produce | They made a delicious cake. |
meet | met | met | to encounter or come across someone or something | We met a friend at the mall. |
pay | paid | paid | to give money in exchange for goods or services | She paid for her meal. |
put | put | put | to place or position something | He put the keys on the table. |
read | read | read | to look at and comprehend written or printed material | She read the book in one sitting. |
ride | rode | ridden | to travel on a vehicle or animal | They rode their bikes to the park. |
run | ran | run | to move quickly on foot | He ran to catch the bus. |
say | said | said | to utter words or express something | She said hello to everyone. |
see | saw | seen | to perceive with the eyes | I saw a movie last night. |
sell | sold | sold | to transfer ownership in exchange for money | He sold his old phone. |
send | sent | sent | to cause to go or be taken to another place | She sent a letter to her friend. |
sing | sang | sung | to produce musical sounds with the voice | They sang a song together. |
sit | sat | sat | to rest on one's buttocks | She sat on the chair. |
sleep | slept | slept | to rest in a state of unconsciousness | I slept well last night. |
speak | spoke | spoken | to communicate verbally | He spoke to the audience. |
swim | swam | swum | to move through water using the arms and legs | They swam in the pool. |
take | took | taken | to hold or grip something | She took the book from the shelf. |
teach | taught | taught | to give knowledge or instruction | He taught the class. |
tell | told | told | to communicate information | She told me a story. |
think | thought | thought | to have a belief or opinion | I thought about the question. |
throw | threw | thrown | to propel something through the air | She threw the ball. |
understand | understood | understood | to comprehend or grasp the meaning | He understood the instructions. |
wake | woke | woken | to emerge from sleep or become awake | She woke up early. |
wear | wore | worn | to have clothing on the body | He wore a suit to the event. |
write | wrote | written | to create words or text on paper or a screen | They wrote a letter. |
Auxiliary Verbs
Auxiliary verbs, or helping verbs, are used with the main verb to provide additional information about the action or state expressed in the sentence. Auxiliary verbs do not mean anything on their own but serve to change the meaning of the main verb.
English Auxiliary Verbs | What It's Used For | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
be | Communicates the existence or state of something | Everyone wants to be free. |
have | Shows ownership or indicate something you need to do | I have a meeting today. (indicates ownership) I have to go grocery shopping because there is no food in the house. (indicates something you need to do) |
do | Talks about completing an action | I will do my work. |
will | Forms the future tense | He will arrive tomorrow. |
shall | Makes suggestions or offers in the future | Shall we go for a walk? |
can | Expresses ability or permission | She can swim well. |
could | Expresses past ability or possibility | I could speak two languages when I was younger. |
should | Gives advice or make recommendations | You should study for the exam. |
would | Expresses a polite request or talk about hypothetical situations | Would you like some tea? |
must | Expresses obligation or necessity | They must finish their homework. |
ought to | Gives advice or make suggestions | You ought to apologize for your mistake. |
You can check out this video for more examples of common English verbs:
Adjectives
Adjectives are words that describe or modify a noun.
English Adjectives | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
absent-minded | forgetful or not paying attention to what is happening around you | Sarah is so absent-minded that she often forgets where she put her keys. |
adorable | extremely cute and lovable | Look at the adorable puppies playing in the park. |
amiable | friendly and pleasant, easy to get along with | The new neighbor seems very amiable; she greeted everyone with a smile. |
anxious | feeling worried or nervous about something that might happen | Tom felt anxious before his exam because he hadn't studied enough. |
arrogant | having an exaggerated sense of self-importance, thinking highly of oneself | The arrogant actor refused to sign autographs for his fans. |
awkward | clumsy or uncomfortable in social situations | Sally felt awkward at the party because she didn't know anyone there. |
beautiful | attractive, pleasing to the senses | The sunset over the ocean was a beautiful sight to behold. |
big | something that is greater in size | The elephant is a big animal. |
boring | not interesting or exciting | The movie was so boring that many people fell asleep while watching it. |
brave | showing courage and not afraid of facing danger | The firefighters were brave as they rescued people from the burning building. |
bubbly | full of enthusiasm and energy, cheerful | Anna is always bubbly and makes everyone around her smile. |
calm | peaceful and relaxed, not agitated | After taking a deep breath, Mary felt calm and ready to face the challenge. |
careful | taking precautions and paying attention to avoid mistakes or accidents | Be careful while crossing the road to avoid any accidents. |
chaotic | extremely disorderly and confusing | The classroom was chaotic after the students finished their exams. |
charming | pleasant and attractive, having a likable quality | The little girl had a charming smile that won everyone's heart. |
clean | free from dirt, stains, or unpleasant odors | The kitchen was clean after Mary spent hours tidying it up. |
clear | easy to understand, transparent | The teacher gave clear instructions for the homework. |
clumsy | awkward in movement, often causing accidents or dropping things | He is so clumsy that he tripped over his own shoelaces. |
cold | having a low temperature, opposite of hot | It's so cold outside; don't forget to wear a warm jacket. |
cozy | warm and comfortable, giving a feeling of relaxation | The cabin in the mountains was cozy, with a fireplace and soft blankets. |
creative | having the ability to come up with new ideas or artistic expressions | Emily's creative artwork impressed everyone at the art exhibition. |
cruel | willfully causing pain or suffering to others | It's cruel to tease or bully someone just because they are different. |
cynical | distrusting or doubting the sincerity of others' intentions | After several disappointments, Jack became cynical about love. |
delicate | fragile and easily broken or damaged | Handle the glass vase with care; it's delicate and valuable. |
delightful | giving pleasure and enjoyment | The picnic in the park was delightful; the weather was perfect. |
destructive | causing harm or damage | The storm was destructive; it uprooted many trees and damaged houses. |
different | not the same as others | I look and feel different after going to the salon. |
dirty | not clean, covered in dirt or grime | Please wash your dirty hands. |
disinterested | not having any personal interest or involvement in something | The disinterested judge listened to the case without any bias. |
dishonest | not truthful, prone to lying or deceiving others | It's not right to be dishonest and cheat on a test. |
eager | excited and enthusiastic about doing or achieving something | The kids were eager to open their presents on Christmas morning. |
elegant | graceful and stylish in appearance or behavior | She looked elegant in her long, flowing gown at the formal event. |
eloquent | fluent and expressive in speech or writing | Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches were eloquent and inspiring. |
energetic | full of vitality and enthusiasm | The puppy was so energetic; it ran around the yard all day. |
exciting | thrilling and full of excitement or adventure | Going on a roller coaster ride can be an exciting experience. |
fake | not genuine or authentic, pretending to be something it's not | The detective discovered that the painting was fake, not an original. |
foolish | lacking good sense or judgment, silly | It's foolish to go out without an umbrella when it's raining heavily. |
forgetful | prone to forgetting things or details | Grandma sometimes gets forgetful and misplaces her glasses. |
fragile | easily broken or damaged, delicate | The antique vase was so fragile that it had to be handled with care. |
fierce | very strong or powerful, intense | The fierce lion roared loudly in the jungle. |
funny | causing laughter or amusement, humorous | The comedian's jokes were so funny that the audience couldn't stop laughing. |
generous | willing to give or share, kind in actions or behavior | Mark is generous; he often donates to charity and helps others in need. |
gentle | mild and kind in nature, not rough or harsh | The gentle touch of the mother calmed the crying baby. |
giddy | feeling light-headed or giddy, often due to excitement or happiness | After winning the game, the kids were giddy with joy. |
glamorous | attractive and stylish, associated with luxury and elegance | The actress looked glamorous on the red carpet in her designer gown. |
good | something that is favorable or beneficial | Her grades were good enough to get her into university. |
graceful | elegant and smooth in movement, possessing poise | The ballerina's graceful performance captivated the audience. |
gullible | easily fooled or deceived, believing things too easily | The gullible person fell for the scam and lost all their money. |
happy | feeling joy and contentment | The children were happy to play in the park on a sunny day. |
harsh | severe and unkind, having a rough or unpleasant effect | The teacher's harsh words hurt the student's feelings. |
hasty | done quickly and without much thought, often resulting in mistakes | Don't make hasty decisions; take your time to consider all options. |
honest | truthful and sincere, not lying or deceiving | John was honest and admitted that he made a mistake. |
humble | not boastful or arrogant, showing modesty | Despite his success, the humble actor remained down-to-earth. |
impatient | unable to wait calmly, wanting something to happen quickly | The impatient child kept asking, "Are we there yet?" during the car ride. |
indifferent | having a lack of interest or concern, not caring | The indifferent attitude of the shopkeeper drove away potential customers. |
insecure | lacking self-confidence and feeling unsure about oneself | The new student felt insecure on the first day of school. |
insensitive | unaware or indifferent to the feelings of others, not considerate | It's insensitive to make jokes about someone's appearance. |
inquisitive | curious and eager to learn about things | The inquisitive child asked many questions about the stars. |
jaded | tired and bored of something, often due to having too much of it | After years of traveling, the seasoned traveler felt jaded and wanted to settle down. |
jittery | nervous or anxious, feeling uneasy | He felt jittery before his speech in front of a large audience. |
jovial | cheerful and full of joy | The family had a jovial dinner together, sharing stories and laughter. |
kind | showing compassion and consideration for others, gentle | The kind lady helped the lost child find his way home. |
lazy | disinclined to work or move, preferring to do nothing | On weekends, Sarah likes to be lazy and stay in bed late. |
lucky | having good fortune or being favored by chance | The lucky lottery winner couldn't believe their luck. |
melancholic | feeling sad or sorrowful, often with a sense of nostalgia | The melancholic song reminded her of her childhood days. |
mysterious | puzzling or difficult to understand, with an air of secrecy | The old abandoned house had a mysterious aura about it. |
new | something that has recently come into existence | She bought her new clothes from a famous store. |
noisy | loud and causing a lot of sound | The playground was noisy with children playing and laughing. |
obvious | easily seen or understood, clear | It was obvious that Sarah was upset because she was crying. |
optimistic | having a positive outlook on life, expecting good things to happen | Despite the challenges, Tom remained optimistic about the future. |
organized | arranged in a structured and orderly manner | Her neatly organized desk made it easy to find everything she needed. |
patient | able to wait calmly without getting annoyed or anxious | The doctor was patient and took the time to explain the treatment. |
perceptive | having keen insight and understanding, observant | The perceptive detective noticed the small clues that others missed. |
playful | full of fun and a desire to play | The playful kittens chased each other around the room. |
polite | showing good manners and consideration for others | Always remember to be polite and say "please" and "thank you." |
powerful | having great strength or influence, strong | The superhero had powerful abilities to save the city from villains. |
precious | of great value or highly cherished | The diamond ring was precious and held sentimental value for the family. |
proud | feeling a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction | The proud parents watched their child receive an award. |
quiet | making little or no noise, peaceful and calm | The library is a quiet place where people can study and read in silence. |
rude | showing a lack of respect or consideration for others | It's rude to talk loudly on your phone in a crowded restaurant. |
silly | foolish or showing a lack of good sense | The silly clown made everyone laugh with his funny antics. |
smart | intelligent and quick-witted | The smart student easily solved the challenging math problem. |
sneaky | behaving in a secretive or deceitful manner | The sneaky cat quietly stole a piece of fish from the kitchen counter. |
sore | painful, usually because of injury or overuse | After running a marathon, the athlete's legs were sore and needed rest. |
strict | enforcing rules and discipline, not lenient | The strict teacher didn't tolerate any disruptions in class. |
strong | having great physical power or mental fortitude | The weightlifter demonstrated strong muscles as he lifted the heavy barbell. |
sturdy | strong and firmly built, able to withstand rough treatment | The sturdy oak table had been in the family for generations. |
tall | having a greater height than average | The tall basketball player could easily reach the hoop. |
tardy | late or delayed in arrival or completion | Jane was tardy for class because she missed her bus. |
thoughtful | considerate and showing concern for others' feelings and needs | Sarah sent a thoughtful gift to her friend on her birthday. |
thoughtless | not showing consideration for others, careless | It was thoughtless of him to leave the door open during a storm. |
thrifty | careful with money and resources, economical | She was thrifty and always looked for discounts before making a purchase. |
tough | strong and resilient, able to withstand difficulty or hardship | The tough hiker climbed the steep mountain trail with determination. |
tense | anxious and uptight, often due to stress or nervousness | The tense atmosphere in the room eased once the important presentation was over. |
unlucky | experiencing bad luck or unfortunate events | He felt unlucky as he missed the winning lottery numbers by one digit. |
victorious | experiencing triumph or success | The team felt victorious after winning the championship game. |
vigilant | watchful and alert, keeping an eye out for danger | The security guard remained vigilant throughout the night to protect the building. |
vivacious | lively and full of energy | Her vivacious personality made her the life of the party. |
witty | clever and quick in thinking, able to make amusing or clever remarks | The witty comedian had the audience laughing throughout the show. |
Many of the adjectives you will encounter are descriptive as shown above. However, there are many other types of adjectives you should know—such as possessive and distributive adjectives.
Possessive Adjectives
Possessive adjectives are adjectives that answer the question “Who or what does something belong to?” Unlike possessive pronouns, possessive adjectives do not replace a noun; instead, they describe a noun.
English Possessive Adjectives | Meaning or Usage | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
my | indicates ownership by the speaker | This is my book. |
your | indicates ownership by the listener | Your car is parked over there. |
his | indicates ownership by a male person | His phone is ringing. |
her | indicates ownership by a female person | She is holding her umbrella. |
its | indicates ownership by an inanimate object or animal | The cat is licking its paws. |
our | indicates ownership by the speaker and others | We love our new house. |
their | indicates ownership by a group of people | Their dog is very friendly. |
Distributive Adjectives
Distributive adjectives are words that refer to individual members of a group or distribute an action or quality among the members of a group.
English Distributive Adjectives | Meaning and Usage | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
each | refers to every individual member of a group, one by one | Each student in the class received a book as a prize. |
every | refers to all the members of a group | Every child loves to play in the park. |
either | refers to one of the two members of a group or both members separately | You can choose either the blue or the green shirt. |
neither | refers to not one of the two members of a group or both members not separately | Neither of the candidates won the election. |
both | refers to the two members of a group together | Both sisters are talented musicians. |
all | refers to the entire group as a whole, including all the members | All students must attend the assembly. |
any | refers to one, some, or all members of a group without specifying a particular one | You can buy any of these books for your project. |
some | refers to an unspecified number or portion of the members of a group | Some people enjoy spicy food. |
Adverbs
Adverbs are words that describe or modify a verb, adjective or another adverb. They are different from adjectives in that adjectives can only modify nouns, but not other words.
Below are the most common types of adverbs you will encounter.
Adverbs of Manner
Adverbs of manner describe how an action is performed or the manner in which something happens. They often end in “-ly” and modify verbs.
Adverbs of Manner | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
abruptly | suddenly or quickly, without warning | She stopped talking abruptly when the teacher entered the classroom. |
accidentally | by mistake or unintentionally | He accidentally spilled his drink on the table. |
angrily | in a way that shows strong displeasure or irritation | The little girl stomped her feet angrily when she couldn't have a cookie. |
anxiously | nervously or with worry | He waited anxiously for the test results. |
awkwardly | in a clumsy or uncomfortable manner | He tried to dance, but he moved awkwardly on the dance floor. |
badly | poorly or in an unsatisfactory way | She played the piano badly, hitting the wrong keys. |
beautifully | in a way that is very pleasing or attractive | The flowers bloomed beautifully in the garden. |
boldly | fearlessly or with confidence | He spoke boldly in front of a large audience. |
briskly | quickly and energetically | The old man walked briskly in the park every morning. |
carefully | with great attention or caution | She handled the fragile vase carefully. |
cheerfully | in a happy and positive manner | The children sang cheerfully during the school performance. |
clearly | in a way that is easy to understand or see | She spoke slowly and clearly so everyone could hear. |
closely | near or in proximity to something | The cat followed the mouse closely. |
curiously | in a way that shows interest or wanting to know more | The little boy looked curiously at the strange object. |
deliberately | intentionally or on purpose | He deliberately stayed up late to finish his project. |
differently | in a way that is not the same as others | Each person approached the problem differently. |
eagerly | with enthusiasm or excitement | The children eagerly opened their presents on Christmas morning. |
easily | without difficulty or effortlessly | She solved the puzzle easily. |
efficiently | in a way that gets things done well and quickly | The new system allowed them to work more efficiently. |
elegantly | gracefully or with refinement | The ballerina moved elegantly across the stage. |
enthusiastically | with great interest and excitement | The fans cheered enthusiastically for their favorite team. |
fearfully | in a scared or afraid manner | The child looked fearfully at the dark room. |
freely | without restraint or restriction | The birds flew freely in the sky. |
graciously | in a polite and courteous manner | She graciously thanked her host for the delicious dinner. |
happily | in a joyful or contented manner | The children played happily in the park. |
hesitantly | with uncertainty or reluctance | She answered hesitantly when asked about her plans. |
honestly | in a truthful and sincere manner | He honestly admitted his mistake. |
hungrily | full of hunger | The child hungrily ate their food. |
incredibly | to a remarkable or unbelievable degree | The magician performed incredibly impressive tricks. |
indifferently | without interest or concern | She shrugged indifferently at the news. |
joyfully | in a joyful and happy manner | They danced joyfully at the celebration. |
lazily | in a relaxed or idle manner | The cat stretched lazily in the sun. |
loudly | in a high volume or noisy manner | The kids laughed loudly at the funny joke. |
lovingly | with affection or care | She hugged her pet lovingly. |
nervously | in a worried or anxious manner | He tapped his fingers nervously on the table. |
patiently | with tolerance and endurance | She waited patiently for her friend to arrive. |
politely | in a respectful and courteous manner | He said politely, "Please, may I have some water?" |
powerfully | with strength or force | The athlete threw the discus powerfully in the competition. |
quickly | in a fast or speedy manner | She ran quickly to catch the bus. |
quietly | in a low volume or hushed manner | The librarian reminded everyone to speak quietly in the library. |
rapidly | in a fast and speedy way | The water flowed rapidly down the river. |
reluctantly | with hesitation or unwillingness | He reluctantly agreed to help with the chores. |
rudely | in an impolite or disrespectful manner | The customer spoke rudely to the waiter. |
sadly | in a sorrowful or unhappy manner | She looked sadly at the old photograph. |
seriously | in a sincere or solemn way. | He seriously asked for advice about his future career. |
silently | in a quiet or noiseless manner. | The ninja moved silently through the darkness. |
sincerely | with genuine honesty or authenticity | She expressed her gratitude sincerely in the thank-you note. |
slowly | in a leisurely or unhurried manner | He walked slowly through the park, enjoying the scenery. |
smoothly | in a fluid and even way | The car glided smoothly along the highway. |
softly | in a gentle or quiet manner. | She whispered softly to avoid waking the baby. |
thoughtfully | in a reflective and considerate manner | He gazed at the painting thoughtfully, pondering its meaning. |
Adverbs of Time
Adverbs of time indicate when or how often an action takes place.
Adverbs of Time | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
ago | in the past; before the present time | He left the house five minutes ago. |
daily | occurring or done every day | The newspaper is delivered to our house daily. |
early | before the expected time; at or near the beginning | She woke up early to catch the first bus. |
eventually | after some time or at a later point; in the end | With hard work, he eventually learned to play the guitar. |
frequently | happening often; at frequent intervals | The teacher frequently praises students for their good work. |
later | at a time subsequent to the present or an earlier time | We will have dinner later when Dad comes home. |
monthly | happening or done once a month | They pay their rent monthly. |
never | not at any time; not ever | She never eats spicy food because she doesn't like it. |
now | at the present moment; immediately | We're busy now, but we can talk later. |
often | many times; frequently | He often goes for a walk in the evening. |
once | on one occasion only; one time | I saw that movie once, and I really enjoyed it. |
rarely | not often; infrequently | They rarely go out to eat at fancy restaurants. |
recently | not long ago; in the recent past | I saw her at the mall recently. |
seldom | rarely; not often | They seldom visit their relatives who live far away. |
sometimes | occasionally; now and then | Sometimes I like to take a long walk in the park. |
soon | in a short time; before long | The movie will start soon, so get your popcorn ready. |
still | up to and including the present or the time mentioned | It's late, but she's still working on her homework. |
then | at that time; afterward | We went to the beach, and then we had a picnic. |
today | on the present day; this day | Today is a beautiful day for a picnic. |
tomorrow | on the day following the present day | We will visit the zoo tomorrow. |
usually | in most cases; generally | He usually wears a hat when it's sunny outside. |
weekly | happening or done once a week | The students have a weekly spelling test. |
yesterday | on the day before the present day | She watched a movie at the cinema yesterday. |
yet | until now; so far | Have you finished your homework yet? |
Adverbs of Place
Adverbs of place indicate where an action takes place or the location of something. They answer questions like “where.”
Adverbs of Place | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
abroad | in a foreign country or overseas | My friend is studying abroad in France to learn French. |
above | at a higher position | Hang the picture above the sofa, please. |
away | at a distance from a particular place | The nearest restroom is just a short walk away from here. |
backward | in the opposite direction to usual | He fell backward when he slipped on the wet floor. |
below | at a lower position | The keys are below the bookshelf, on the small table. |
beside | next to or by the side of something | Please sit beside me; there's an empty chair here. |
between | in the space separating two objects or locations | The playground is between the school and the park. |
beyond | at a point or place further away than another | The mountains are beyond the river; we can't see them from here. |
close | at a short distance away | The supermarket is close to my house, so I often shop there. |
downstairs | on or to a lower floor or level in a building | The kitchen is downstairs, where we prepare meals. |
east | in the direction of the East | The sun rises in the east every morning. |
far | at a considerable distance away | The park is far from here, so we need to take the bus. |
here | in or at this place | Come here and sit next to me. |
home | at one's place of residence | I can't wait to go home and relax after school. |
in front of | facing or ahead of something | The playground is in front of the school building. |
inside | within the limits or boundaries of something | It's raining outside, so let's stay inside the house. |
nearby | at a short distance away | There's a nice café nearby where we can have coffee. |
north | in the direction of the North | Canada is north of the United States. |
on top of | positioned over or above something | Place the vase on top of the table. |
outside | beyond the limits or boundaries of something | The children are playing outside in the garden. |
sideways | in a direction to the side; horizontally | The crab moved sideways along the sandy beach. |
south | in the direction of the South | It's warmer in the south during the winter. |
there | in or at that place | The bus stop is over there, near the big tree. |
under | positioned below or beneath something | The cat is hiding under the bed. |
upstairs | on or to a higher floor or level in a building | My room is upstairs, on the second floor. |
west | in the direction of the West | The sun sets in the west, painting the sky orange. |
within | inside the boundaries or limits of something | The keys are within the drawer. |
without | outside the boundaries or limits of something | You can't play outside without your jacket; it's cold. |
yonder | at or in a distant place | Look yonder, where the mountains meet the sky. |
Adverbs of Degree
Adverbs of degree modify adjectives or other adverbs to indicate the intensity, extent or degree of something. They answer questions like “how much” or “to what extent.”
Adverbs of Degree | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
almost | nearly; not quite | The bus is almost full. |
barely | only just; almost not | She barely passed the exam. |
completely | totally; entirely | The project was completely successful. |
entirely | wholly; completely | The book was entirely different from the movie. |
extremely | to a very high degree | The view from the mountain top was extremely beautiful. |
fairly | reasonably; moderately | The price of the product was fairly affordable. |
hardly | barely; almost not at all | The room was so dark; I could hardly see anything. |
highly | to a great extent; with much praise | He is highly skilled at playing the guitar. |
just | exactly; precisely | He arrived just in time for the meeting. |
merely | only; simply | It's merely a suggestion, not a requirement. |
mostly | mainly; for the most part | The day was mostly sunny. |
nearly | close to; almost | We are nearly there. |
partially | to some extent; not completely | The task was only partially completed. |
quite | to a moderate extent; somewhat | The movie was quite interesting. |
rather | somewhat; to a certain extent | The dress was rather expensive. |
really | truly; in actuality | She is really talented at singing. |
simply | merely; only | She simply forgot about the meeting. |
slightly | to a small extent; somewhat | The coffee is slightly bitter. |
too | to an excessive extent | The water was too cold to swim. |
utterly | completely; totally | The idea was utterly ridiculous. |
very | to a great extent or high degree | The cake was very delicious. |
Adverbs of Certainty
Adverbs of certainty indicate the level of certainty or doubt about an action or statement.
Adverbs of Certainty | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
absolutely | completely or without a doubt | "I absolutely love ice cream!" |
certainly | without a doubt or definitely | "Can you help me with my homework?" " Certainly!" |
definitely | certainly or for sure | It will definitely rain later, so take an umbrella. |
inevitably | unavoidably or bound to happen | With such dark clouds, rain is inevitably coming. |
invariably | always or without changing | The bakery's pastries are invariably delicious. |
likely | probably or with a good chance of happening | It's likely to snow tomorrow, so wear warm clothes. |
maybe | possibly or perhaps | I'm not sure yet; maybe I'll go to the party. |
may | used to express permission or possibility | May I use your phone to make a call? |
might | used to express possibility or uncertainty | I might go to the park later if the weather is nice. |
must | used to express necessity or strong certainty | You must finish your chores before you can play. |
perhaps | possibly or maybe | Perhaps we'll see each other again someday. |
probably | most likely or likely to happen | It will probably be sunny tomorrow, so bring your sunglasses. |
surely | with confidence or undoubtedly | You will surely enjoy the movie; it's very funny. |
unquestionably | without a doubt or certainly | The team's victory was unquestionably well-deserved. |
undeniably | without a doubt or unquestionably | The view from the top of the mountain is undeniably beautiful. |
undoubtedly | without question or certainly | The little boy is undoubtedly excited about his birthday. |
Miscellaneous
The words below can serve multiple purposes and may be categorized differently depending on context. We will focus on the most common uses of each word below.
The word not helps express negation. It explains the absence of a thing, action, state of being, etc.
n’t
Okay, here is a weird one.
No native English speaker would tell you that n’t is a word. However, since it is used so frequently to show negation, it gets its own space in the Corpus of Contemporary American English word list.
Adding n’t to the end of words shows when not is being used as a contraction.
When combining not with another word, not is shortened to n’t. It is then added onto the end of the other word. This creates a new word.
For example, the two words is and not are combined to make the contraction isn’t.
Why Is It Helpful to Learn Common English Words?
It is no good knowing big and complicated words if you do not understand the small and simple ones.
Think of common English words as the building blocks of language. They allow you to build many different types of sentences. You will use them again and again to express basic ideas in English.
Knowing common English words also helps you better understand English speakers. Otherwise, you will have a big gap in your English comprehension.
Finally, it is important to study common English words because it can be easy to mix them up. Some of them look very similar or have similar meanings. Others may be hard to explain or may have slightly different meanings when used in different contexts.
Learning common English words is especially when you’re starting out and studying English for beginners.
Practical Activities to Help You Learn Common Words
Seeing, reading and using words consistently will help them become memorable to you.
Use Sticky Notes
Choose the common English words that are most important or difficult to you. Write each word on a sticky note (like Post-it notes). Then place the sticky notes around your house or workplace.
Each time you pass one, read or say the word. Try spelling it out and using it in a sentence.
This activity will boost your memory and help you to use words in your daily conversations and writing.
Keep a Diary
Diaries help you reflect on your learning. Look back and write about moments in your day and try to use at least five or 10 common English words. Using the words you have learned helps keep them in your brain.
Writing your learning in a diary also makes you feel good! It gives you a confidence boost. It also means you have a handy notebook you can use whenever you feel stuck for words.
Play Games with Words
Learn a language game such as hangman, crosswords or Scrabble. These are popular English word games where you will encounter many common words. They help create a fun and memorable learning experience.
Be a Word Detective
Look for common English words around you every day. Look at English signs and posters. Search in newspapers and magazines. Browse the internet. Challenge yourself to see how many common English words you can find.
This activity makes you realize just how often English speakers use these words! It turns every day into an engaging English lesson.
Ask What They Mean
Do not be shy. Learning common English words is as easy as asking!
When you are in English class or talking to native English speakers, do not be afraid to ask what a word means if you do not understand it.
Ask them to repeat the pronunciation and why they used the word the way they did. Asking an English speaker directly is a great way to get helpful explanations that you will understand.
Learning the most common words in English will greatly improve your communication skills. Then you can go on to enjoy speaking, reading and writing with confidence!
Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)
And One More Thing...
If you like learning English through movies and online media, you should also check out FluentU. FluentU lets you learn English from popular talk shows, catchy music videos and funny commercials, as you can see here:
The FluentU app and website makes it really easy to watch English videos. There are captions that are interactive. That means you can tap on any word to see an image, definition, and useful examples.
For example, when you tap on the word "searching," you see this:
Learn all the vocabulary in any video with quizzes. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning.

FluentU helps you learn fast with useful questions and multiple examples. Learn more.
The best part? FluentU remembers the vocabulary that you’re learning. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. You have a truly personalized experience.
Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)