The 1028 Most Common Words in English
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.
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 Ideas
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 Events
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.
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.
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.
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 Time
Adverbs of time indicate when or how often an action takes place.
Adverbs of Place
Adverbs of place indicate where an action takes place or the location of something. They answer questions like “where.”
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 Certainty
Adverbs of certainty indicate the level of certainty or doubt about an action or statement.
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!
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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.
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.)