English Words│Building a Basic Vocabulary│100+ Frequently Used Words (2024)

Categorizing English Words: Examples Included

English words can be divided into two broad categories based on their function and nature: function words and content words. Understanding this distinction can significantly simplify the process of vocabulary learning.

Function Words

Function words are used to establish grammatical relationships between different parts of a sentence. They include pronouns, auxiliary verbs, modal verbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and determiners. Here are some examples of function words:

SheOurThoseWhichWhose
EveryoneAnyFewInsideWithout
ThoughItsIsHasDoes
CouldShallMayQuiteVery
WhereWhenWhyTooHad

Content Words

Content words are those that carry specific meanings. They include nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. These words are generally the first ones that new language learners start with, as they are easier to identify and understand. Here are some examples of content words:

JoyfulAnswerNationEagleTable
ExtremelyObserveSoarMoreoverMischievous
ElephantChildCouchStrollMessage
ConsumeLiquidEnchantingAffectionDog
RelaxNecklaceStarDesireButter

As you familiarize yourself with function words and content words, you should also learn about loan words. They form a significant part of any language, and English has a considerable percentage of them.

Loan words are words borrowed from other languages and used without translation in English. These words come from a wide range of languages, including Latin, Greek, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, and Indian languages. Let's explore some loan words, their origins, and meanings.

Loan WordOriginMeaning
RésuméFrenchA summary, often used to refer to a brief account of a person's education, qualifications, and previous occupations.
KindergartenGermanA preschool educational institution for children.
CaféFrenchA small restaurant where simple meals and refreshments are served.
AlgebraArabicA branch of mathematics in which letters and symbols are used to represent numbers and quantities in equations and formulas.
PastaItalianA dish originally from Italy consisting of dough made from durum wheat and water, extruded or stamped into various shapes.
YogaSanskritA Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline, including breath control, meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures.
English Words│Building a Basic Vocabulary│100+ Frequently Used Words (2024)

FAQs

English Words│Building a Basic Vocabulary│100+ Frequently Used Words? ›

come, get, give, go, keep, let, make, put, seem, take, be, do, have, say, see, send, may, will, about, across, after, against, among, at, before, between, by, down, from, in, off, on, over, through, to, under, up, with, as, for, of, till, than, a, the, all, any, every, no, other, some, such, that, this, I, he, you, who ...

What are the 100 most commonly used words in English? ›

A Compilation of 100+ Commonly Used English Words
TheAnI
ManyThatYou
CityRunBelieve
HappenMoveAlways
MotherYoungMonth
20 more rows
Jul 31, 2023

What are the 50 new words with meaning and sentence? ›

50 New Words With Meaning in English
WordMeaning
SonderThe realization that each passerby has a life as vivid and complex as your own.
EffervescentBubbling, sparkling, or full of high spirits.
PetrichorThe pleasant, earthy smell that follows a rain shower.
ResplendentShining brightly, often in a splendid or impressive way.
46 more rows

How can I learn 100 new words? ›

6 Tips for Learning New Words
  • Read, read, and read. The more you read -- especially novels, but also magazines and newspapers -- the more words you'll learn. ...
  • Keep a dictionary and thesaurus handy. ...
  • Build your own dictionary. ...
  • Learn a word a day. ...
  • Play some games. ...
  • Engage in conversations.

What are the basic vocabulary in English? ›

come, get, give, go, keep, let, make, put, seem, take, be, do, have, say, see, send, may, will, about, across, after, against, among, at, before, between, by, down, from, in, off, on, over, through, to, under, up, with, as, for, of, till, than, a, the, all, any, every, no, other, some, such, that, this, I, he, you, who ...

What are the 500 most common words? ›

500 Simple English Words for Daily Use
AboveAbroadAchieve
CryCunningCut
DanceDarkDecide
DeepDefeatDifferent
DisappearDivideDry
37 more rows

Why is English important 100 words? ›

Short Importance of English Paragraph in 100 Words

It has become the language of international communication, trade, and diplomacy. Knowing English opens up a world of opportunities. It enhances employability, as many global companies require English proficiency.

What are 30 unfamiliar words? ›

Here are 30 unfamiliar words along with their meanings and example sentences:
  • Mellifluous - (adj.) sweet or musical; pleasant to hear. ...
  • Serendipity - (n.) the occurrence of fortunate events by chance. ...
  • Euphoria - (n.) ...
  • Petrichor - (n.) ...
  • Quintessential - (adj.) ...
  • Nebulous - (adj.) ...
  • Ubiquitous - (adj.) ...
  • Mellifluous - (adj.)
Jun 18, 2023

What are the 25 new words? ›

Here's a complete list of new vocabulary words with meanings that we think will help you for your study abroad journey and beyond.
  • Abnegation. Renunciation of a belief or doctrine; Denial. ...
  • Aggrandize. To enhance power, wealth, or status. ...
  • Fatuous. Devoid of intelligence. ...
  • Gratuitous. ...
  • Iconoclast. ...
  • Idiosyncratic. ...
  • Incumbent. ...
  • Inveterate.

Can you tell me 10 new words? ›

The following list provides you with 50 new words in English that we will be using in 2023.
  • Abrogate- To revoke.
  • Anachronism- Something out of place for the time period.
  • Arrant- Entirely and completely.
  • Artless- Without deception.
  • Asperity- Harsh in tone.
  • Belie- To convey a misleading impression of; to distort.
Aug 30, 2023

How to memorize 100 vocabulary? ›

How to memorize new vocabulary faster: 9 tips
  1. Use Memory Techniques. ...
  2. Create a learning environment. ...
  3. Put the words in context. ...
  4. Learn from real-life situations. ...
  5. Take it to the next level. ...
  6. Find the tools that work for you. ...
  7. Make it interactive. ...
  8. Focus on useful words.

Can I learn 100 English words a day? ›

But you can certainly learn 100 words in a day. Sure, you can't learn everything you could ever need to know about these 100 words, and memorise all that information, but you can certainly get a basic understanding of 100 words in a day.

What English words should I learn first? ›

If you're starting to learn English and speak another language, here are some useful and commonly used words to begin with:
  • Hello - a friendly greeting to start conversations.
  • Thank you - an expression of gratitude.
  • Yes / No - basic affirmative and negative responses.
  • Please - a polite word used to make requests.
May 28, 2023

What are the 24 vocabulary words? ›

Full list of words from this list:
  • arrhythmical. without regard for rhythm.
  • bowelless. ruthless in competition.
  • buoy up. keep afloat.
  • Camellia sinensis. a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree extensively cultivated in e.g. China and Japan and India; source of tea leaves.
  • fierce. ...
  • gain vigor. ...
  • hackneyed. ...
  • intertwine.
Sep 22, 2010

What are 30 new words with meaning? ›

Full list of words from this list:
  • betrayal. the quality of aiding an enemy.
  • bully. discourage or frighten with threats or a domineering manner.
  • celibate. abstaining from sexual intercourse.
  • cliche. a trite or obvious remark.
  • coalition. the union of diverse things into one body or form or group.
  • demoniac. ...
  • disappear. ...
  • disposition.
Sep 5, 2011

What are the first 100 high frequency words? ›

  • This word list contains the first 100 common words which children encounter in their reading. ...
  • a, an, as, at, if, in, is, it, of, off, on, can, dad, had, back, and, get, big, him, his, not, got, up, mum, but, put, the, to, I, no, go, into.

What are the top 1,000 English words? ›

Here's the List of the 1000 Most Common English Words
  • be – “Will you be my friend?”
  • and – “You and I will always be friends.”
  • of – “Today is the first of November.”
  • a – “I saw a bear today.”
  • in – “She is in her room.”
  • to – “Let's go to the park.”
  • have – “I have a few questions.”
  • too – “I like her too.”

What is the number 1 most used word in English? ›

100 most common words
WordParts of speechOEC rank
theArticle1
beVerb2
toPreposition3
ofPreposition4
73 more rows

What does 100 words look like on word? ›

A 100 word count will create about 0.2 pages with single spacing or 0.4 pages double-spaced when using normal 1-inch margins, 12 pt. Arial font, and a standard A4 (letter size) page size.

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