I get it.
Learning a language can be very overwhelming. And this is all the more daunting when you are faced with a huge vocabulary.
But, it’s like the popular saying: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
You should not look at all the words you want or need to learn in English and tell yourself you have to remember all of them in one go.
That would be impossible.
Instead, focus on the 1000 most common words in English first, and learn these.
If you learn the 1000 most common words in English, you have an excellent grounding for communication and comprehension.
This will give you more confidence in your ability and then you will feel good about yourself.
In this guide, I want to show you the power of these words, and how they can help you understand some basic conversations and help you express yourself in many everyday situations.
Are you ready to begin your journey of the power of the 1000 most common words in English?
Great! Let’s begin…
Why Focus on the Most Common Words?
I think it is a good idea to understand why you need to focus on the most common words in English.
I have outlined three reasons below.
Let’s take a look at them now.
Foundation of Communication
If you learn the 1000 most common words in English, then you can be sure that these words account for a significant amount of vocabulary used in everyday conversations or things that you read.
You learn these 1000 words and then you can join in basic conversations with native English speakers.
You can also participate in many social situations while travelling and generally engaging with other English speakers.
This is a major hurdle that you have passed. And it will give you a tremendous amount of confidence in yourself.
Improved Comprehension
Once you are familiar with the 1000 most common words in English, you will find that your reading comprehension will be much better.
You will be able to read text, the news, novels, other books, short stories, blogs — whatever you want to read — with much more ease.
No longer will you be reaching for the dictionary every two seconds as you try to read something…
You do have a dictionary, right?
But, yes, your ability to read all kinds of things will improve.
Guaranteed.
Efficiency In Learning
By learning the 1000 most common words in English, you are making your English learning more efficient.
It would be much more difficult to just randomly learn thousands of words.
Much better to streamline your learning and look at the most commonly used words in English.
I have seen students do this years ago, where they would buy books that were just filled with hundreds of random English words.
There were no sentences to show how these words should be used in context.
Just the words.
This is a terrible way to learn English vocabulary.
By having a more targeted approach, you will find your motivation to work that much harder, and your ability to remember words much easier.
Learning the 1000 most common words in English will help you to communicate and read texts and your confidence will soar!
How to Identify the 1000 Most Common Words
I would like to show you some resources to help you identify and learn the 1000 most common words in English.
The 1000 Most Common Words In English
First, let me show you this fantastic link that provides a list of the 1000 most common words in English.
Click below…
The 1000 Most Common Words In English
Go through some of the list now.
How many words do you already know?
You see? You are already on the way to learning these words!
Use a Dictionary
Also, you MUST use a dictionary.
Without a dictionary, how can you understand the meaning of the words you are learning?
A good dictionary provides a clear meaning of the word, plus it should also offer a sentence that uses the word in context.
This is essential for your English learning!
Use the following dictionaries below:
Pick one dictionary you like, and stick with that. But please use a dictionary as part of your English learning.
Useful Apps For Learning English Vocabulary
There are also some good apps to help you learn English.
Here are three of the best English learning apps currently available:
These apps are very popular. But they cost money…
Sometimes you might find a special deal for these apps.
Strategies For Mastering The 1000 Most Common Words In English
Right, so we have looked at WHY you need to focus on the top 1000 English words.
We have also found some resources to use.
Now we need to look at ways HOW to master the 1000 most common words in English.
Let’s take a look right now…
Flashcards
Flashcards are used in classes for younger kids all the time.
Why?
Because the kids can match the word with the picture and it helps them to remember everything.
This is not just a useful tool for younger learners!
You can use this method too…
You can make your own flashcards by using an app like Canva.
Just add the word and a picture. It’s very easy.
Now take a look at my flashcard example below…
I have used the word SAFETY from the link that I provided in the previous section.
If you take a look at my flashcard, I have added the word and a picture.
I have also added a dictionary definition of the word SAFETY. Plus a sentence using the word in context.
You don’t have to add all of this information. You can add just the word and a picture.
Or the word, a picture and the meaning.
Or all four things — the word, a picture, the meaning and a sentence.
Up to you!
How To Use Your Flashcards
Let me tell you this.
Just by creating the flashcards alone, you are forcing any new words into memory. This is a good exercise in itself.
But you could create a library of flashcards. Say the first 20 words from our master list.
Then you could add these to your phone. Any time you have a couple of minutes to spare, flip through all your flashcards and read all the words, meanings, and sentences out loud.
No quiet voice here!
Speak with a loud, confident voice.
Contextual Learning
By learning new English words via flashcards, this is what is known as ROTE LEARNING.
You are reciting the words regularly.
But there is another way.
And that is to learn the new English words in context.
Me personally, I think one of the best ways to do this is by reading.
I am a HUGE fan of reading. And I always recommend a daily reading habit to students.
There is no end to what you can read to help you learn the 1000 most common words in English.
Read articles, the news, blog posts, short stories… read anything and everything.
This is just a personal thing, but I love stories. And I think stories are a great way to learn English.
You can find short stories — or flash fiction — all over the internet.
Say, for example, your English level is A2.
Here are some links that provide short stories for you to read for free.
And check out my own Fantastic Tales series too. Lots of short stories to read.
And all FREE!
By reading short stories, you are now learning all of these amazing new words IN CONTEXT.
That means you are reading the words in relation to the meaning and situation of the story.
There may be a central theme or topic of the story and all the words and connected to that one theme or topic.
This is a great way to learn the 1000 most common words in English.
Engage in Conversations
By far the most common way that we use any language at all is by speaking.
And you have to practice speaking English with others if you want to use the top 1000 English words correctly.
Many students feel shy about doing this and may have some confidence issues here.
But you have to try. You have to open your mouth and speak.
Trust me, once you start doing this, it becomes easier and easier.
Speak With Other English Learners
The first step you can take is to try to engage in English conversations with your classmates or friends.
Other people who are also trying to learn English.
You can do this by first reading short stories together and then discussing the stories.
You can also try role plays. Many of these are to be found online.
Or using a series of discussion questions and asking and answering with each other.
Speak With Native English Speakers
Ultimately, you should try to speak with Native English Speakers.
This can be challenging for some students, but once you start doing this, it will become easier each time.
Plus, it is great for your confidence!
If there are any English Corner classes in your area, then attend one of these.
Or you can look for a language exchange partner.
Maybe you are Japanese. Many people in English-speaking countries would like to learn Japanese too.
Do a language exchange class, where first you practice Japanese with the other person. And then you practice English together.
Check out these language exchange links and have a try!
Use Vocabulary Apps
Some apps that you can use to improve your vocabulary or build upon it are very useful.
This is not something you can rely on completely!
You cannot use vocabulary apps alone in your English learning.
But they can be a great tool to help you, along with all the other methods in this section.
Here are some popular English vocabulary apps that I think are useful.
I have tried to make a list of the best apps at the most reasonable price.
Some of the above you have to pay for, but they are not too expensive.
Some other apps are far too expensive — in my opinion.
Incorporate Words into Daily Life
I know this sounds like a lot of work, but you should really try to make English part of your daily life.
You need to live, breathe and eat English!
You can do this when learning the 1000 most common words in English.
Yes, have a daily reading habit.
Yes, have a daily flashcard learning habit.
And yes, speak with others in English every day and use apps too.
But there are other things you can do too.
English In Your Home
One thing you can do is label all the items and things in your home with their English words.
Things such as:
- Fridge
- Desk
- Wardrobe
- Table Lamp
- Coat Rack
And many more…
Each time you see the label, say the word out loud.
In a very short period of time, you will remember all of these words.
Keep A Journal
I have written a very useful guide on journalling and how you can use it in your English learning.
Click the link below…
How Journalling Can Improve Your English Writing
Use it to remember English words too.
Combine reading with journalling.
This is where you write a list of new words you have discovered and then try to write sentences using those words.
Try to write a short story of your own.
Or some event from your own life.
Write anything.
This is a great learning method for English vocabulary!
So, I have shown you some resources. We have talked about WHY we need to learn the 1000 most common words in English and HOW to do it.
Now let’s look at some examples…
Practical Examples Of Common Words
I have taken FIVE random words from our list in the resources at the beginning of this guide.
These words are:
- Log
- Community
- Status
- Description
- Holiday
Maybe you know some of these words already.
But I want to elaborate on these words and show you a clear dictionary definition.
And then I will include example sentences using each word.
Here they are:
Log
A log is a thick piece of wood, usually from the trunk or branch of a tree. It has been cut to be used for other purposes; either in the building of something or as fuel in a fire.
The man placed the log on the stand and cut it into smaller pieces with his axe. Later, he would burn the logs in his fire during the cold winter months.
Community
A community is a group of people in one defined area or location. They often have very similar characteristics in terms of culture, goals, or resources.
Our local community got together to provide a place for elderly people to meet up and connect with each other.
Status
Status refers to the position or standing of a person in terms of their professional or personal life.
Lily updated her status on Facebook to show she was no longer single and in a relationship.
Description
A description is a way of providing details of someone or something in terms of appearance, features, characteristics, or other qualities.
The police knocked on all the neighbours’ doors asking for a description of the man seen breaking into the car.
Holiday
A holiday is either a recognised public holiday or a time of rest or recreation when people travel to another place.
Every summer, we plan to travel somewhere hot and near a beach for our holiday.
Now try with some words of your own.
Just copy the same pattern as above.
- Word
- Meaning
- Sentence
Do this regularly and you will learn the 1000 most common words in English in record time!
Conclusion
Remember: Mastering the 1000 most common words in English takes time.
It also needs daily regular practice.
You can’t do this by only practising once a week. Try to do it every day.
But if you can make serious efforts to learn these top 1000 words in English, you will find that you can understand more in English conversations.
And your ability to understand more of what you are reading, too.
Try to use all of the methods I outlined above. That way, you won’t get bored and you can mix things up every day.
There will be days when you may feel overwhelmed or you think you are not making progress.
But get rid of those negative thoughts in your mind and keep marching forward.
Eventually, you will have success!
What did you think of this guide?
Was it useful to you?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
