There are many advantages to learning English as a second language, from expanding your job prospects to enhancing your memory and cognition; the benefits abound. As anyone who has struggled to learn the difference between their, there, and they're can attest, learning English is not an easy task.
However, once you start to get a handle on the language, you will quickly realize that many of the words we use on a daily basis are actually quite simple. In fact, there are a number of English words that are used so frequently you probably didn't even realize they were English!
If you have the desire to study abroad, you will be required to take some form of English language proficiency test in order to register for programs in many educational institutions.
There are different exams for different levels of English language proficiency, but the one thing in common is that they all test your understanding of basic grammar and vocabulary. One way to increase your score on these exams is to learn English words that are used daily.
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Table of Contents
- The importance of knowing basic English words for daily use
- What are English Language Proficiency Tests?
- Types of English Language Proficiency Tests
- 75 English words used daily in chart form
- Tips to help you memorise and use daily-use English words
- Go forth and use your daily words!
This list of 75 English words used daily (and their meanings) will help you with your grammar and vocabulary, prepare you for any upcoming language assessments, and better understand how native speakers use these words in everyday conversation.
Are you ready to learn more about them? Great.
Let’s take a closer look.
The importance of knowing basic English words for daily use
In a world where the English language is increasingly becoming the international standard for communication, it's more important than ever to have a strong command of the language. This is especially true for those who use English as their second language.
One of the best ways to improve your English vocabulary is to focus on words that you can use in your everyday life. These are what we call "daily use" or "functional" words, and they are words that you need to be able to use quickly and correctly in order to communicate effectively.
By increasing your vocabulary of these functional words, you will also be more prepared when it comes to taking (and passing!) your English language proficiency test when it comes time.
What are English Language Proficiency Tests?
An English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) assesses your ability to use and understand English. The test is usually taken by non-native English speakers who are applying to study at an English-speaking university or college or who need to demonstrate their language proficiency for work or visa purposes.
There are many different types of ELPT, but most tests include reading, writing, listening, and speaking sections. Some tests also have a grammar and vocabulary section.
The difficulty level varies depending on the test. Still, most ELPTs are designed to assess whether you have the language skills necessary to study or work in an English-speaking environment.
Also read: Is IELTS necessary for UK education?
Types of English Language Proficiency Tests
There are four types of English Language Proficiency Tests:
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This test is an international standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native speakers of English.
- The International English Language Testing System (IELTS). This assessment is another international standardized English language proficiency test, specifically for individuals who wish to study or work in an English-speaking country.
- The Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE). This is a qualification offered by Cambridge English Language Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge.
- The Oxford Test of English (OTE). This is a new English language proficiency test developed by the University of Oxford in collaboration with the British Council.
If you’re starting to feel some pre-test anxiety by reading about these tests, fear not! We will get you started on your way to success by starting you off with 75 English words used daily.
75 Daily use English words with meaning
And now, for the main event: here are 75 English words that are used daily and their meanings. Use these charts to help you achieve your English learning goals.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| about | on the subject of; concerning |
| above | in or to a higher place; overhead |
| across | from one side to the other |
| after | following in time or order |
| again | once more, a second time |
| against | in opposition to; contrasting with |
| almost | very nearly, close to doing or being something |
| be | exist; have life |
| became | develop into; change into something else |
| bed | a piece of furniture for sleep or rest |
| Word | Meaning |
| catch | to grab something suddenly; to understand something |
| careful | taking caution or being cautious |
| cat | a domestic animal that is kept as a pet |
| clock | a device that tells time; verb meaning to record the time of an event. |
| close | near in space or time; to shut something |
| dab | to touch or pat with a quick motion |
| dad | a father |
| dailly | happening or done every day |
| damp | slightly wet; not completely dry |
| dare | to have the courage to do something |
| Word | Meaning |
| dash | to run or go somewhere in a hurry |
| data | information that is collected and can by analyzed |
| date | a specific day, month, and year; the time when something happened or will happen |
| day | the time of light between one night and the next; 24 hours in a day |
| eager | very keen or enthusiastic |
| earn | to receive money or reward for work done or services provided |
| easy | not difficult; requiring little effort |
| eat | to take in food or drink; to consume |
| education | the process of giving or receiving systematic instruction, especially at school or college |
| effect | the result or consequence of an action or event |
| Word | Meaning |
| egg | the oval reproductive body produced by a female bird, reptile, fish, or insect, usually containing a developing embryo |
| few | not many; a small number |
| fill | to make something full |
| find | to discover or locate something |
| fit | to be the right size or shape for something |
| finish | to complete something |
| glad | happy; pleased |
| good | positive or favorable |
| great | excellent; wonderful |
| group | a number of people or things that are together |
| Word | Meaning |
| grow | to become larger |
| guess | to estimate without knowing for sure |
| habit | something you do often and regularly, without thinking about it |
| hand | the part of your body at the end of your arm |
| hang | to put something up or be suspended from something |
| happy | feeling pleased, satisfied or content |
| I | use when referring to yourself (most common word in the English language) |
| in | used to describe a location |
| is | an action word (verb) meaning equal to |
| it | use when referring to a thing or an animal |
| Word | Meaning |
| just | in a manner that is fair or right; done without planning |
| join | to become part of something; to cause two things to become connected |
| judge | to form an opinion |
| keep | to have or hold something in your possession |
| key | a small, usually metal object, that is used to open a lock |
| kind | having a gentle or caring nature |
| know | to be aware of or have information about something |
| lie | to say something that is untrue |
| lonely | to feel sad when you aren’t with other people |
| lazy | when you are lazy, you do not want to do anything |
| Word | Meaning |
| lost | when you don’t know where you are; you can’t find something |
| love | to have strong feelings and affection for someone |
| mother | a parent who identifies as female |
| man | an adult male human |
| money | currency or coins used as a medium of exchange |
| month | a unit of time equal to one-twelfth of a year |
| noon | midday; 12 o’clock |
| normal | average or typical |
| note | a short letter or message |
| nothing | zero; not anything |
| Word | Meaning |
| obey | to follow someone’s orders or commands |
| object | a thing you can see or touch |
| obvious | easy to see or understand |
| people | human beings in general |
| place | a specific location or position |
Now that you’ve seen our list of English words used daily and their meanings, you’re probably wondering what your next step will be. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.
Sign up today for step-by-step guidance through your study abroad journey!
Tips to help you memorise and use daily-use English words
Now that you have a list of English words used daily, it’s time to get started committing them to memory and using them when you are out and about!
- Learning new words can be difficult, but it's worth the effort. Not only will it improve your vocabulary, but you'll also be able to communicate better with others. Here are some tips to help you learn daily English words:
- Read as much as possible. The more you read, the more likely you encounter new words. When you see a word you don't know, look it up in a dictionary and try to remember it.
- Keep a notebook handy. Whenever you come across a new word, write it down in a notebook along with its meaning. This will help you review the words later and ensure you remember them.
- Use flashcards. Another great way to memorize new words is to use flashcards. You can make your own flashcards or find some online. Write the word on one side of the card and its meaning on the other side. Then, test yourself by trying to recall the meaning of the word without looking at the card.
- Try a word game. Many online games can help you learn new words in a fun and interactive way. Give them a try and see how quickly you improve!
- Talk to others. One of the best ways to learn new words is to chat with others in English. When you have a conversation, pay attention to the words that are used and try to incorporate them into your own speech.
It’s not easy learning a new language, but these strategies are a great way to break the task into smaller, attainable chunks. By simply practicing these and other simple strategies, you’ll be speaking like a native English speaker in no time.
Go forth and use your daily words!
It is often said that practice makes perfect. The best way to learn English as a second language is to remind yourself that practice makes progress.
By simply taking one word from this list of 75 English words used daily and their meanings each day and incorporating it into your conversation and activities, you will be one step further toward sounding like a native English speaker and one step closer to acing your English proficiency test!
Wishing you all the best of luck on your journey toward speaking fluent English!
