Easy English Words: A Starter Kit for Beginners

Bodhi Ramosreviewed byNataliia Afonina / more about Editorial Process7 min
Created: Jul 20, 2023Last updated: Dec 6, 2024
Easy English Words

Although learning a new language involves many vital parts, expanding your vocabulary will always be among the first things on the list. There is no need to start with flabbergasting and supercalifragilisticexpialidocious terms – learning a few easy words to participate in casual conversations will be enough. And today, we will gladly help you with that!

Understanding the Basics: English Parts of Speech 

The overall number of words in English is debatable, but in some sources, it varies from 170,000 to almost half a million. Of course, when something comes in such huge numbers, it should be somehow categorized. That is why all difficult and easy words in English are classified into different parts of the speech, linguistic categories that sort words based on their grammatical function, role, and meaning within a sentence. There are eight parts of speech in the English language:

  • nouns – represent a person, place, thing, or idea (all these four words are indeed nouns);
  • verbs – express action, occurrence, or state of being; 
  • adjectives – describe or modify a noun; provide additional information about its qualities and characteristics;
  • adverbs – modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb; provide further details about manner, time, place, degree, etc.;
  • pronouns – replace nouns, referring to a person, object, or idea without explicitly naming it;
  • prepositions – show the relationship between nouns or pronouns and other words in a sentence, indicating location, direction, etc.;
  • conjunctions – connect words, phrases, or clauses; indicate relationships such as addition, contrast, cause, and effect, etc.;
  • interjections – express strong emotions or sudden bursts of feelings, usually stand alone in sentences and are followed by exclamation marks (Wow!). 

Understanding different parts of speech is as vital as learning every new easy word of English. Whether you are a beginner or a fluent speaker, such knowledge helps in constructing grammatically correct phrases, identifying sentence structures, and improving overall communication skills. Now that you are acquainted with the different parts of speech let’s explore some easy words for you to learn.

Easy Common English Words for Beginners 

Like any other word, nouns play a significant role in English. They allow you to name objects, places, animals – literally anything you can think about. The more nouns are there in your vocabulary, the easier it is for you to explain what you are talking about. So, for starters, let’s explore some basic nouns. Each easy English noun in this list describes an object or a popular place.

  • Book – /bʊk/ – A written or printed work consisting of pages glued or sewn together along one side and bound in covers.

I love reading books before bedtime.

Can you hand me that book on the shelf?

  • Bag – /bæɡ/ – A flexible container made of cloth, paper, plastic, or leather used for carrying or storing items.

Don’t forget to pack your bag for the trip.

He put the groceries in the shopping bag.

  • Phone – /foʊn/ – A device used for communication that allows people to speak to each other when they are not in the same place.

Can I borrow your phone to make a call? 

She received a text message on her phone.

  • Car – /kɑr/ – A road vehicle with an engine and four wheels used for transportation.

They drove to the beach in their car.

He parked his car in the designated spot.

  • House – /haʊs/ – A building used as a dwelling place for one or more people.

They live in a beautiful house in the countryside.

I’m going to paint the walls of my house.

  • School – /skul/ – An institution for educating children or adults.

I walk to school every morning.

The school has a large playground. 

Another important thing to remember is that nouns are not only used to describe inanimate objects. They can also represent a person or a group of people. Let’s explore some examples when talking about family members.

  • Family – /fæməli/ – A group of individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption.

I love spending time with my family during the holidays.

Her family went on a vacation together.

  • Brother – /brʌðər/ – A male sibling.

My brother and I often play video games together.

She asked her brother for advice on buying a new car.

  • Sister – /sɪstər/ – A female sibling.

My sister and I enjoy going shopping together.

She has a younger sister who looks up to her.

  • Friend – /frɛnd/ – A person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection and trust.

I invited my friends over for a movie night.

She introduced me to her friend from work.

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Easy English Words: Action Verbs and Activities

Verbs are another part of speech essential for effective communication. There are three types of them: active, linking, and helping verbs. Today, we will focus on the first one. So, without further ado, take a look at these easy English words for beginners.

  • Eat – /iːt/ – To consume food.

Let’s eat dinner together at the restaurant.

He enjoys eating pizza on Fridays.

  • Sleep – /sliːp/ – To rest with your eyes closed and your body inactive.

I need to sleep for eight hours to feel refreshed.

She fell asleep while reading a book.

  • Read – /riːd/ – To look at and understand written words.

I like to read books before going to bed.

She read the newspaper to stay informed.

  • Talk – /tɔk/ – To communicate or have a conversation with someone.

I enjoy talking to my best friend on the phone.

They talked for hours about their favorite movies.

  • Listen – /lɪsən/ – To give attention and hear what someone says or other sounds.

It’s important to listen carefully during a lecture.

She listens to music while doing her homework.

Main Adjectives for Describing Things

When it comes to describing the world around us, adjectives play a vital role in painting a vivid picture and expressing our perceptions. From the size and appearance of objects to the emotions they evoke, adjectives add depth and specificity to our descriptions. In this section, we explore a selection of easy adjectives commonly used to describe different things.

  • Big – /bɪɡ/ – Having a large size or quantity.

The elephant is big and majestic.

She bought a big house for her family.

  • Small – /smɔːl/ – Having a size that is less than average.

The puppy is small and adorable.

She carries a small bag with her.

  • Beautiful – /bjutɪfəl/ – Pleasing to the senses or aesthetically pleasing.

The sunset over the ocean was beautiful.

She wore a beautiful dress to the party.

  • Happy – /hæpi/ – Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.

She was happy to see her best friend after a long time.

They had a happy celebration on their anniversary.

  • Sad – /sæd/ – Feeling or showing sorrow or unhappiness.

The news of his friend’s passing made him feel sad.

She felt sad after watching a sad movie.

Learn Basic Words in English for Beginners with Promova

Expanding vocabulary is one of the primary goals people have when it comes to learning English. But, of course, there are many more. Some students aim to get rid of the accent, others to enhance communication skills. We know that each person has individual needs and requirements. That is why we want to introduce you to Promova, a language-learning platform that has a lot to offer.

If you want help from real experts, you can choose between our personal or group classes (based on your preferences) with certified tutors. Just pass a quick test to determine your level, provide some information about yourself, and enjoy your personalized curriculum based on your skills and interests. 

For those who prefer to study on the go, Promova offers a convenient application available for both iOS and Android devices. Install it now, and access interactive lessons, helpful exercises, and different tools for tracking your progress. 

And if you want to practice speaking skills, we are glad to invite you to our free Conversation Club, where every Saturday, people from all over the world can get together and discuss amazing topics. Just choose the option that suits you best, and take your first step towards fluency.

Conclusion

In summary, it’s remarkable how even the simplest word can have a profound impact on one’s language skills. From the easiest word to say to the most complex, each one contributes to the development of our linguistic abilities. So, let’s continue our journey of language learning, embracing even the easiest words as valuable building blocks in our quest for fluency.

FAQ

Why is it important to learn new English words?

Learning difficult and simple English words is essential for many reasons. It has a significant impact on effective communication and better comprehension. The more words you know, the easier it is for you to share your thoughts, explain your opinions, and discuss various topics. As a result, you can not only freely speak with other people but also feel very confident when doing so.

How many words should I know to become fluent in English?

There is no particular number of easy words to remember to reach English proficiency. It all depends on your studying goals. For example, for casual conversations, you need approximately 2,000–3,000 words. However, if you need to communicate in more professional settings, this number can reach 5,000–6,000 words.

What are the most widespread English words?

Surprisingly, some of the most common terms are also the easiest words to say – the article “the,” different forms of the verb “be,” and prepositions “to” and “of.” The most used noun in English is the word “people.”

What are the best practical tips for learning new English words?

With so many easy English words to learn, it is essential to find the effective strategy that works best for you. Some common practical tips for memorizing new terms include reading extensively, using vocabulary-building resources like flashcards or apps, keeping a vocabulary journal, implementing new words in various contexts, and seeking opportunities for real-life speaking practice.

Comments

PromovaAug 29th, 2023
Great question! Easy English words are the building blocks of communication. They help learners establish a strong foundation in the language, allowing them to express themselves in a clear and straightforward manner. Starting with simple words enables learners to form basic sentences and engage in basic conversations, which boosts their confidence and motivates them to explore more complex vocabulary as they advance in their language journey.
Lilian BarefordAug 29th, 2023
Why is it important to focus on easy English words before progressing to more complex vocabulary?