Basic English: 100 common words

English is essential in many aspects of our lives. Even having a basic level of English can significantly ease communication while traveling. Many students may feel apprehensive about using English in everyday situations, such as making purchases, walking, or resolving daily issues. However, even at the initial stage of learning English, the language barrier diminishes, making it easier to engage in conversations.

Contents

1. Peculiarities of the beginner English course
2. What a good English lesson for beginners look like
3. 100 basic English words with translation
    3.1. Common English language phrases
    3.2. TOP-70 basic English words for everyday situations
          3.2.1. In the city
          3.2.2. In the store
          3.2.3. Health

Peculiarities of the beginner English course

1. Lessons format

The initial aim of the language learning will help to decide on the format. The aim has to be specific, otherwise, organizing the learning process might become challenging. Setting deadlines for students is equally important as it helps instill discipline during their studies. If a student has already set a target date for achieving a beginner-level proficiency in English, individual classes may be more suitable. However, for students more interested in overcoming a language barrier without strict time constraints, group classes are a better choice.

2. Study materials

Diversity in tasks and study materials is significantly important in lessons. In addition to the main textbook, it is recommended to incorporate video- and audio materials. An ideal choice for a core textbook would be publications from American or British publishers, chosen according to the students` age, or a textbook authored by the instructor.

3. Frequency and length of classes

Consistent attendance, especially for beginners, is of utmost importance. This does not necessarily include daily grammar exercises, students can also engage in crosswords and games that involve lesson vocabulary.

What a good English lesson for beginners look like

1. Accurate lesson structure

At the beginning of the lesson, it is essential to start with an easy task, often referred to as a warm-up. This allows students to ease into the lesson gradually. If you dive straight into the class material, students` minds might not be prepared to absorb the information. An excellent approach for teaching primary English is the PPP methodology (Presentation, Practice, Production). 

2. Lesson material deversity

While a textbook serves as the foundation for the entire study program, it is crucial to incorporate additional resources. This enhances a teacher`s ability to make lessons more engaging, capturing students` interest. These materials can take various forms, including not only printed content but also video and audio resources like films and music. Applications can also be beneficial.

3. Avoid the use of the native language

Even in English courses for beginners, the use of the students` native language is discouraged. Creating an English language environment is especially vital for students residing in non-English-speaking countries, as they may not have the opportunity to hear English throughout the day. A creative teacher can employ visuals, cards, or videos to explain vocabulary and grammar concepts. 

4. A teacher 

A teacher working with students at the primary level of language learning should possess certain characteristics, including experience, creativity, organizational skills, and flexibility. Beginner students often experience apprehension and insecurity, and a teacher should pay attention to the difficulty level of the topics and allocate more time to them when needed.

100 basic English words with translation

Any teacher cannot predict an exact date when a student will be able to communicate rapidly in English, as it depends on their work pace and motivation level. However, after completing the initial stage of studying English, a student will be capable of using a basic vocabulary. This forms the lexical minimum necessary for a certain level. We`ve compiled a list of 100 words essential for primary-level language learning. 

Common English language phrases

First and foremost, students should familiarize themselves with basic words and phrases. Let`s start with greetings.

• hello
• hi
• bye

These phrases are typically used in informal conversations. Formal greetings in the English language generally consist of two words: «good» and a time of day (morning, afternoon, evening). In the English language, it is well-defined when you can use different terms for time periods:

• morning starts at 5:00 and lasts until 12:00;
• from 12:00, we have afternoon, which extends until 17:00;
• evening spans from 17:00 to 19:00;
• after that, it`s nighttime.

Between 00:00 and 12:00, we use «a.m.», and between 12:00 and 00:00, we use «p.m.»

• good
• morning
• afternoon
• evening
• goodbye
• night

When we meet a person at night, we would typically say: «Hi», «Hello», or «Good evening». It`s important to note that the expression «Good night» is used to wish someone a peaceful sleep. After going through all the greeting and farewell phrases, let`s proceed with the phrases we use to make acquaintances.

• to be (am , is, are)
• I
• you
• he
• she
• it
• they
• we
• name

The verb «to be» is fundamental in the English language, which is why every student at the primary level of learning English should know it and be able to differentiate between its forms. This verb is essential when we introduce ourselves or name objects.

«To be» has three forms in the present tense: «am», «is», and «are». We use the form «am» with the pronoun «I», as in – «I am Ann». The form «is» is used with the third person singular – «he», «she», «it». The form «are» is used in the plural.

A primary English course also aims to introduce students to question words. Question words help in constructing questions to gather specific information about place and time of an action. With question words, we can inquire about an interlocutor's name and origin.

• who
• what
• when
• where
• how

Question words are easy to remember: all of them, except «how», begin with the letters «wh».

In addition to this, even at the primary level of learning English, one should be familiar with how to use adverbs. We can use adverbs to answer the question, «How are you?» There are seven primary words that, when known, allow us to engage in conversations and express our mood.

• fine
• good
• ok
• super
• tired
• bad
• thank you

TOP-70 basic English words for everyday situations

Once you`ve mastered basic English language phrases, you can progress to more advanced vocabulary. 

In the city

Students use vocabulary related to the topic of «In the City» in their daily lives. It`s crucial to know the names of different buildings and objects in the city, especially when students need to describe their location.

• chemist’s
• bank
• library
• hospital
• zoo
• café
• cinema
• shop
• museum
• park
• post office
• market
• stadium
• theatre

Afterward, students can delve into learning directions.

• go
• turn
• walk
• get
• to
• right
• left
• straight
• across
• go past
• street
• near
• here
• can
• sorry
• excuse me

With this list of phrases, you will be able to inquire about directions to a specific place and also understand others when they provide directions. Let`s explore the following dialogue that includes such phrases: 

– Excuse me! How can I get to the supermarket?
– Go straight, turn right.
– Thank you!
– Then go past zoo and here you are.
– Oh, thank you. Bye!

In the store

Purchasing food, clothing, and household items is essential for everyone. To do so, we must have a foundational grasp of English vocabulary related to «In the Store» topic, starting from the primary English level. In addition to knowing the names of supermarket departments, it is also crucial to be able to count in English to specify the required quantity of a product.

• department store
• shopping center
• grocer’s shop
• butcher’s shop
• bakery
• fishmonger’s
• clothes
• bag
• trolley
• basket
• change
• receipt
• pay by
• price
• fresh
• one
• two
• three
• four
• five
• six
• seven
• eight
• nine
• ten

Let`s examine a dialogue from the supermarket:

– Hello!
– Hello! Where is the butcher’s shop?
– It is near the fishmonger’s. Go straight and then turn left.
– Thank you! Bye!
– Bye! 

Health

Another crucial aspect of our lives is our health and well-being. It`s essential to know how to describe your overall feeling. Here are some words that will help you explain what is bothering you:

• health
• ache
• pain
• head
• tooth
• back
• ear
• eye
• stomach
• doctor
• have
• need
• help
• want
• sick

To solidify your understanding of these 100 basic and most necessary English phrases, consider enrolling in an interactive online course by booyya – https://bit.ly/3fngrDA.

Undoubtedly, there are many more English words that are essential for everyday communication. However, by familiarizing yourself with these 100 words, which are typical for the primary English level, you will be able to greet or introduce yourself to others, discuss the location of objects, describe your health, and make purchases at a supermarket.