The 500 Most Common English Words

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442 Words

1 the Used before a noun to show that the listener already knows, or can work out, exactly which thing is meant.
2 of Used to show that something belongs to, or is a part of, something else.
3 to Used before a verb to form the infinitive.
4 and Used to join two words, phrases, or ideas that go together.
5 A The first letter of the English alphabet.
6 in Contained by, inside, or within the limits of something — spatially, in time, or in a more abstract sense.
7 i Used by a speaker or writer to refer to themself as the subject of a sentence.
8 that Used to point out a specific thing, person, or idea, especially one that is more distant (in space, time, or a...
9 for Intended to benefit, belong to, or be given to someone or something.
10 you The person or people being spoken or written to.
11 it Used to refer to a thing, animal, or abstract idea that has already been mentioned or is understood.
12 on Positioned at, upon, or touching the surface of something.
13 with In the company of; alongside.
14 Was A rare surname or initialism found in some records, not a common personal or place name.
15 be To exist or to have a certain identity, quality, or state.
16 this Used to point to something or someone nearby or just mentioned.
17 as Used to compare two things that are equal, alike, or happening at the same time.
18 are A metric unit of area equal to 100 square metres, rarely used today.
19 not A word used to make a statement, verb, or phrase negative.
20 have To own or possess something.
21 at Indicating a specific location or place.
22 he Used to refer to a male person or animal already mentioned or understood.
23 by Near or next to something.
24 from Used to show the origin, starting point, or source of something.
25 but Used to introduce a contrast or exception to what was just said.
26 my Belonging to or associated with the speaker.
27 an The form of "a" used before a word that starts with a vowel sound.
28 or Used to link two or more alternatives, showing that any one of them could be true or chosen.
29 all Every one of; the whole amount, quantity, or extent of.
30 his Belonging to or associated with him.
31 ME The object form of "I" — used for the speaker when they are not the one doing the action, e.g. after a verb or...
32 they Used to refer to a group of people or things already mentioned.
33 so To a great or specified extent; very.
34 we The speaker together with at least one other person.
35 one The number 1; the first positive whole number.
36 your Belonging to, or associated with, the person or people being spoken to.
37 if Used to introduce a condition: supposing that something is or were true.
38 can To be able to do something, or to know how to do it.
39 will A modal verb used to talk about the future, often with a sense of intention or certainty.
40 just Fair, morally right, and reasonable.
41 like To enjoy something or find it agreeable; to be favorably disposed toward someone or something.
42 about Concerning a particular subject; on the topic of.
43 up Toward or in a higher position; away from the ground.
44 what Used to ask for the identity or nature of something, from an open set of possibilities.
45 do To perform or carry out an action or task.
46 were Past tense of "be," used with "you," "we," "they," or plural subjects.
47 No Not any; none at all.
48 out Away from the inside, a home, or a central point.
49 when Used to ask or refer to a point in time.
50 more To a greater degree or extent.
51 who Used to ask about the identity of a person or people.
52 their Belonging to them.
53 which Used to ask someone to specify one or more people or things from a known set.
54 there In or at that place.
55 been The past participle of "be," used to form perfect and passive verb tenses.
56 her Belonging to her — used before a noun to show something is owned by or associated with a particular woman, gir...
57 time To measure how long something takes, or to choose the moment it happens.
58 would Used to describe what someone was going to do, from the point of view of the past.
59 get To come to have or receive something; to obtain.
60 new Made, created, or introduced recently.
61 she Used to refer to a female person or animal already mentioned.
62 people To fill a place with inhabitants; to populate.
63 its Belonging to it.
64 also In addition; as well; too.
65 how By what means, method, or manner.
66 some An unspecified but limited amount or number of something.
67 them The objective form of "they" — used for people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the object of a verb...
68 now At this present moment.
69 other Different from the one(s) already mentioned; additional or remaining.
70 only Being the single one of its kind; sole.
71 than Used to introduce the second part of a comparison.
72 first Coming before all others in order, rank, or time.
73 good Acting in a way that is kind, moral, or beneficial.
74 into Moving toward the inside of something.
75 our Belonging to or associated with the speaker and at least one other person.
76 know To have information about something, or to be certain that something is true.
77 see To perceive something with the eyes.
78 two The number after one; the quantity written as 2.
79 him The object form of "he" — used for a male person or animal already mentioned.
80 after Later in time than; following.
81 could Used to express ability, possibility, or permission in the past, or politely in the present.
82 then At that time (in the past or future).
83 over Finished; ended.
84 think To use one's mind to consider, reason about, or form an opinion.
85 go To move or travel from one place toward another.
86 make To create, produce, or build something.
87 any Used to refer to one or some of a thing, without specifying which, especially in questions and negatives.
88 well In a good, skillful, or satisfactory way.
89 back The rear surface of the human or animal body, from the shoulders to the hips.
90 want To wish for or desire something.
91 should Used to give advice, an opinion, or an instruction about what is right or expected.
92 because For the reason that; introduces an explanation or cause.
93 may Used to say that something is possible or might happen.
94 us The object form of "we" — used to refer to the speaker together with one or more other people.
95 where Used to ask about or refer to a place.
96 most The greatest in amount, degree, or number.
97 much A large amount of something, usually something uncountable.
98 way A road, path, or route from one place to another.
99 even Flat, level, or smooth.
100 very Used before an adjective or adverb to intensify it — to a high degree.
101 need A requirement for something essential or important.
102 right Correct, true, or in accordance with fact or good judgment.
103 said Previously mentioned; referred to earlier in a document or conversation.
104 too Also; in addition.
105 years A very long stretch of time (informal, used loosely).
106 work A job or occupation; the activity someone does to earn a living.
107 being A living creature, especially in phrases like "human being."
108 here At, in, or to this place — the place where the speaker is.
109 before Earlier than a particular time or event.
110 day The 24-hour period during which the Earth completes one rotation, from one midnight to the next.
111 really In actual fact; truly, as opposed to seeming or claiming to be so.
112 made (dialectal, archaic) A maggot or grub.
113 many A large but unspecified number of (used with countable nouns).
114 world The Earth, along with all its people, countries, and cultures.
115 year The time it takes the Earth to orbit the Sun once, about 365 days.
116 going The act of leaving; a departure.
117 off Away from a place, position, or reference point.
118 still Not moving; calm and motionless.
119 take To reach out and get hold of something, or to remove or carry it away.
120 why For what reason or purpose; used to ask a question.
121 never At no time; not on any occasion.
122 got Past tense and past participle of "get" — to have received, obtained, or acquired something.
123 life The condition of being alive, as opposed to being dead or inanimate.
124 say To speak words; to express something out loud or in writing.
125 such Of the kind already mentioned or implied.
126 through Moving from one side or end of something to the other.
127 down From a higher place to a lower one.
128 great Very large in size, extent, or degree.
129 last Coming after all others; final.
130 man An adult male human being.
131 while A period of time, especially one of uncertain or moderate length.
132 use To employ something for a particular purpose.
133 between In the space, time, or range that separates two things.
134 used Previously owned or employed by someone else; not new.
135 long Measuring a great distance from end to end.
136 same Identical; not different from another thing or from itself at an earlier point.
137 three The number 3, one more than two and one less than four.
138 both Referring to two people or things together, rather than just one.
139 part A piece or portion of something larger.
140 something An unspecified or unknown thing.
141 Am The first-person singular present form of "to be," used with "I."
142 best Of the highest quality, or most suitable; superlative of "good."
143 come To move toward the speaker, a particular place, or a point of reference.
144 love To feel deep affection or care for someone or something.
145 under Below or beneath something, in position.
146 look To direct one's eyes toward something in order to see it.
147 since From a particular point in the past up until now.
148 every Used before a singular noun to mean each one of a group, with no exceptions.
149 must Used to say that something is required or necessary.
150 always At all times; on every occasion, without exception.
151 better Of higher quality, more suitable, or more desirable than something else being compared.
152 little Small in size.
153 old Having existed for a long time; not new or young.
154 another One more, in addition to what has already been mentioned.
155 during Throughout the whole of a period of time.
156 find To come across or discover something, whether by chance or by searching for it.
157 high Extending a long way upward; tall or elevated.
158 home The place where someone lives, especially with their family.
159 place A particular area, location, or spot.
160 around Positioned so as to surround or encircle something.
161 own Belonging to a particular person; used to stress possession.
162 state The particular condition someone or something is in at a given time.
163 each Used to refer to every individual member of a group, considered one at a time.
164 give To hand over or transfer something to someone.
165 help Assistance or aid given to accomplish something.
166 things One's belongings, such as clothes, luggage, or personal items.
167 again One more time; once more.
168 against In opposition to; contrary to.
169 found Past tense and past participle of "find."
170 game An activity played for entertainment or competition, following a set of rules.
171 school An institution where people, especially children, go to be taught.
172 without Not having or accompanied by something.
173 end The final point of something in space or time.
174 thing Any object, item, or entity that isn't named more specifically.
175 house A building where people live, typically a single family.
176 next Coming immediately after the current one, in place, time, or order.
177 please To make someone happy or satisfied.
178 god A supernatural being worshipped as having power over nature or human affairs.
179 ever At any time.
180 family A group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption, especially parents and their children.
181 feel To become aware of something through the sense of touch.
182 might Great power, strength, or force.
183 put To move something into a particular place or position.
184 however Nevertheless; in spite of what was just said.
185 name A word or phrase used to identify a specific person, place, or thing.
186 number A value used to count, measure, or label something.
187 second Coming after the first in order, position, or importance.
188 show To let someone see something.
189 left On or toward the side of the body where the heart usually sits, opposite of right.
190 big Large in size, amount, or extent.
191 keep To hold on to something or continue having it, rather than giving it up or losing it.
192 night The period of darkness between sunset and sunrise, when the sun is below the horizon.
193 sure Certain or confident about something.
194 set To put something in a particular place or position.
195 team A group of people working or playing together toward a shared goal.
196 until Up to the point in time that something happens.
197 away From this place or position; to or at a distance.
198 called Named or referred to in a particular way.
199 case A particular situation, instance, or set of facts.
200 days A particular, somewhat loosely defined period of time, often used to refer to an era or phase of life.
201 different Not the same as something else; distinct.
202 group A number of people or things considered together because of some shared connection.
203 money Coins and banknotes used to buy things.
204 let To allow someone or something to do a particular thing, or to happen without stopping it.
205 someone An unspecified or unidentified person.
206 thought An idea or mental image formed in the mind.
207 already By this time, or by a specified earlier time; previously.
208 city A large, important settlement, generally bigger than a town and often with its own local government.
209 play To engage in an activity purely for fun or recreation.
210 public Open and visible to everyone; not hidden or private.
211 system A set of related parts that work together as a whole.
212 doing An action or deed, especially one someone is held responsible for.
213 done Finished or completed.
214 few A small number of; not many.
215 national Relating to an entire nation or country, rather than just a region or local area.
216 real Actually existing or happening, rather than imagined, fictional, or invented.
217 free Not under the control of someone else; not imprisoned or restricted.
218 having The act or state of owning or possessing something.
219 person A human being, or any individual regarded as an entity with rights and identity.
220 change To become different, or to make something different.
221 de Used in French (and some other European) surnames and titles of nobility, meaning "of" or "from."
222 general Applying to or covering a whole group rather than one specific part; overall.
223 lot A large amount or number of something.
224 point The sharp or narrow end of something.
225 times Multiplied by.
226 Women Plural of woman.
227 yet Up until now; so far — often used in questions and negative statements.
228 anything Any thing, event, or fact at all, of whatever kind.
229 care Serious attention or effort put into avoiding mistakes or harm.
230 four The number 4, one more than three.
231 including Used to introduce one or more examples that form part of a larger group.
232 nothing Not anything; no thing at all.
233 today On the current day.
234 Water The clear liquid (H2O) that falls as rain and fills rivers, lakes, and seas, essential to all known life.
235 bad Of low quality, unpleasant, or unsatisfactory.
236 business The activity of making, buying, or selling goods or services to earn money.
237 Children The plural of child — more than one young person, or more than one son or daughter.
238 company A business organization that sells goods or provides services.
239 everything All the things being talked about or considered as a whole.
240 live To be alive; to have life.
241 mean To intend or have in mind as a purpose.
242 once On one occasion only; a single time.
243 power The ability to do something, or to control and influence people or events.
244 thanks Used to express gratitude, informally.
245 came Past tense of "come" — used to describe something arriving or happening in the past.
246 country A nation with its own government and defined territory.
247 enough As much or as many as needed; a sufficient amount.
248 following Coming next, whether in a sequence, list, or in time.
249 getting The act of obtaining or acquiring something.
250 head The part of the body containing the brain, eyes, and mouth.
251 later At a subsequent or future time.
252 looking The act of directing one's eyes toward something; a glance or gaze.
253 seen The name of the letter س in the Arabic alphabet, representing an "s" sound.
254 small Limited in size, amount, or importance; not large.
255 start To begin doing something or set something in motion.
256 tell To give someone information by speaking or writing; to say something to someone.
257 Took Past tense of "take."
258 top The highest point or part of something.
259 went Past tense of "go."
260 based Having a particular place as one's main location or headquarters.
261 far Distant in space or time.
262 law The system of rules that a country or community uses to govern behavior and enforce order.
263 less Smaller in amount, degree, or quantity; not as much.
264 making The act or process of creating, building, or producing something.
265 music Sounds arranged in a pleasing or expressive way using melody, rhythm, and harmony.
266 order The arrangement of things in a particular sequence or pattern.
267 party A social gathering held for enjoyment, often with food, drink, and entertainment.
268 though Despite the fact that; although.
269 week A period of seven consecutive days.
270 call To contact someone by phone, or to cry out or shout to get attention.
271 full Holding as much as possible; with no more room left.
272 hard Solid and firm; not easily broken, cut, or dented.
273 men The plural of "man" — adult male humans, or (in older or formal usage) people in general.
274 war Large-scale armed conflict between countries, groups, or factions.
275 yes Used to show agreement, acceptance, or confirmation.
276 read To look at written words or symbols and understand their meaning.
277 side One of the surfaces or edges of an object, or one of two halves (left/right, front/back) of something.
278 stop To cease moving or to bring something to a halt.
279 support To hold something up or keep it from falling.
280 thank To express gratitude to someone.
281 believe To accept something as true without being completely certain.
282 line A long, thin mark or stroke, straight or curved, on a surface.
283 OH Used to express surprise, realization, understanding, or emotion.
284 open Not closed, blocked, or sealed — allowing entry, passage, or view.
285 area The size of a surface, measured in square units.
286 important Having real significance, value, or influence.
287 run To move quickly on foot, faster than walking.
288 using Present participle of use — employing something for a purpose.
289 whole Complete, with no part missing or removed.
290 five The number after four and before six; 5.
291 international Involving or shared by two or more nations.
292 try To make an attempt at doing something.
293 white Reflecting all wavelengths of visible light equally; having the colour of snow or milk.
294 course A structured series of lessons or lectures on a subject, often part of a qualification.
295 early Happening or arriving before the expected or usual time.
296 face The front of the head, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
297 given Taking into account; considering.
298 job A paid position of regular employment.
299 means A method, tool, or resource used to achieve a particular result.
300 social Relating to society, communities, or how people interact with each other.
301 together In the same place or at the same time; in close company with each other.
302 united Joined together as one; in agreement.
303 within Inside the physical limits of something.
304 working Currently employed or in paid work.
305 young In an early stage of life; not yet old.
306 actually In fact; used to indicate that something is true, especially when it may be surprising.
307 American A citizen or native of the United States.
308 black Having the darkest possible color; reflecting no light.
309 kind A type or category of thing that shares common features with others.
310 mind The part of a person responsible for thought, awareness, memory, and reasoning.
311 fact Something known to be true, based on evidence rather than opinion or invention.
312 least The smallest amount, extent, or degree; the superlative of "little."
313 per For each; used to express a rate or ratio between two quantities.
314 service Work done to help or benefit someone, or the act of providing this.
315 trying Difficult to endure; testing one's patience.
316 able Having the power, skill, resources, or opportunity to do something.
317 become To start being something different; to change into.
318 car A road vehicle with an engine, wheels, and seats, used to carry a small number of people.
319 death The end of life; the permanent cessation of all vital functions in a living thing.
320 everyone Every person; everybody.
321 food Any substance eaten or drunk to sustain life and provide energy.
322 information Facts or knowledge provided or learned about something.
323 level Flat and even; at the same height throughout, or matching a given height.
324 local Belonging to or existing in a particular, nearby area.
325 often Frequently; many times.
326 others People other than oneself or the ones already named.
327 several More than two or three, but not very many.
328 true Matching the actual facts; correct or accurate.
329 control To direct or influence the behavior of someone or something.
330 Friends The Religious Society of Friends, a Christian movement better known as the Quakers, founded on the idea that a...
331 Games The Olympic Games, or a similarly large multi-sport competition.
332 half Equal to one of two equal parts of something.
333 maybe Perhaps; possibly, but not certainly.
334 news Fresh information about something that has just happened.
335 problem A difficult situation or matter that needs to be solved or dealt with.
336 air The mixture of gases that makes up Earth's atmosphere, which we breathe.
337 body The complete physical structure of a person or animal.
338 book A set of printed or written pages bound together, meant to be read.
339 Guys A small town in Tennessee, United States.
340 hand The part of the body at the end of the arm, used for grasping and manipulating objects.
341 health The condition of being free from illness or injury; overall physical or mental well-being.
342 hope To want something to happen and believe it might.
343 human Relating to people, or having the qualities typical of people.
344 known Recognized or identified as a particular type of person or thing; well-established in reputation.
345 large Big in size, amount, or extent.
346 president The elected head of state of a republic, or the head of its government.
347 talk To communicate using spoken words.
348 almost Very close to a state or amount, but not quite reaching it.
349 court A place where legal cases are heard and judged, or the judge and officials who preside over such cases.
350 friend A person you know well and like, and who is not a family member or romantic partner.
351 history The study of past events, or the events themselves considered together.
352 lost Unable to find your way or unsure of your location.
353 possible Able to happen, exist, or be done; not ruled out.
354 season One of the four main divisions of the year — spring, summer, autumn, or winter — marked by particular weather...
355 south The compass direction opposite north.
356 story An account, true or invented, of events told for information or entertainment.
357 video Recorded moving pictures, with or without sound, that can be played back on a screen.
358 yeah An informal way of saying "yes."
359 among Surrounded by, or in the middle of, a group of people or things.
360 class A group of people or things sharing common features; a category.
361 else Other than the person or thing already mentioned; additional.
362 girl A female child.
363 nice Pleasant, agreeable, or satisfactory.
364 taking Charming or attractive in a way that draws people in.
365 wrong Incorrect or not true.
366 act To do something; to take action.
367 ago Used after a period of time to mean "before now."
368 close To shut something, removing a gap or opening.
369 coming Approaching; happening soon, especially referring to the near future.
370 guy A man or boy; an informal word for a male person.
371 matter Physical substance in general — anything that has mass and takes up space.
372 office A room or building where people do administrative or professional work.
373 political Relating to government, politics, or the exercise of public power.
374 question A sentence or phrase used to ask for information or a response.
375 room A separate enclosed space within a building, with its own walls, floor, and ceiling.
376 single Being just one, on its own, without anything else alongside it.
377 taken Past participle of take.
378 wait To stay in one place or delay acting until something happens.
379 along Following the length of something; from one end toward the other.
380 although Despite the fact that; used to introduce a contrast or concession.
381 cause The thing that makes something happen; the origin of an effect.
382 late Arriving or happening after the expected or usual time.
383 remember To bring something back to mind from memory.
384 saw A hand or power tool with a toothed or abrasive blade, used for cutting hard materials like wood or metal.
385 ask To put a question to someone, or to request information.
386 example A single case that represents or stands in for a whole group of similar things.
387 form The shape or visible structure of something.
388 john Informal US term for a toilet.
389 pay To give money in exchange for goods, services, or work.
390 post A long upright pole or beam, such as a fence post or lamppost.
391 research Careful, systematic study of a subject to discover or confirm facts.
392 saying A well-known short phrase that expresses a piece of wisdom or common belief; a proverb.
393 understand To grasp the meaning of something.
394 university An institution of higher education offering degrees, teaching, and research.
395 according Used before "to" to show where information comes from, or to mean "depending on."
396 due Owed, or expected to arrive or happen at a particular time.
397 either One or the other of two options; whichever of two.
398 hit To strike someone or something, often forcefully.
399 idea A thought, plan, or mental impression formed in the mind.
400 million The number 1,000,000; a thousand thousand.
401 months A woman's monthly menstrual period (dated or dialectal usage).
402 needs Of necessity (usually paired with "must," as in "must needs").
403 past The period of time before the present.
404 playing A single performance or showing of something, such as a song or film.
405 pretty Attractive or pleasant to look at, especially in a delicate or charming way.
406 probably Very likely, though not completely certain.
407 rather Used to show a preference for one thing over another.
408 soon In a short time from now; before long.
409 turn To move or rotate around an axis, or to change direction.
410 whether Used to introduce a question or choice between two or more possibilities.
411 win To come out on top in a contest, game, war, or competition.
412 age The length of time someone or something has existed, usually counted in years.
413 anyone Any person at all; anybody.
414 community A group of people who live in the same area, or who share interests, background, or identity.
415 development The process of growing, changing, or advancing.
416 further To help advance or promote something.
417 future The period of time that has not yet happened.
418 heart The muscular organ that pumps blood through the body, traditionally seen as the seat of emotion.
419 leave To go away from a place or person.
420 light Brightness that lets people see, from the sun, a lamp, or fire.
421 major Of great importance, size, or seriousness.
422 minutes The official written record of what was said and decided at a meeting.
423 morning The early part of the day, from midnight or dawn up to noon.
424 north The direction to the left when facing the sunrise; one of the four cardinal directions.
425 york In cricket, to bowl a yorker — a ball aimed to bounce right at the batsman's feet.
426 action The process of doing something, especially to achieve a purpose.
427 child A young human being, from birth up to the start of the teenage years.
428 father A male parent.
429 gonna Informal contraction of "going to," used to describe something planned for the near future.
430 low Close to the ground or to a base level; not high.
431 move To change position or location.
432 police The official organization responsible for enforcing laws and keeping public order.
433 special Different from what is usual or ordinary in a valued way.
434 third Coming after the second and before the fourth in a sequence; ordinal form of three.
435 wanted Desired or sought after.
436 woman An adult female human.
437 comes In a fugue, the melodic answer that responds to the opening theme (the "dux"), usually entering in a different...
438 Data Facts, figures, or other information, especially when collected for analysis or used by a computer.
439 happy Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.
440 living Alive, currently existing (as opposed to dead or extinct).
441 reason A cause or explanation for something; the motive behind an action.
442 red Having the color of blood, ripe strawberries, or a stop light.