
Ever stumbled during a conversation because the right word didn’t come to mind? Or felt nervous speaking in English despite knowing the basics? The key to confident and natural communication is a strong vocabulary. Every word learned is a step closer to speaking fluently, expressing ideas clearly, and leaving a lasting impression.
This guide presents a curated list of 50 essential basic and advanced English vocabulary words organised into practical categories. Each word comes with its meaning and a simple example sentence, making it easy to understand and apply in real life.
These words form the backbone of daily interactions and help communicate basic ideas clearly. Mastering them ensures smooth, confident conversations in any routine situation.
Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
Go | To move from one place to another | I go to the gym every morning. |
Come | To move towards the speaker | Can you come here for a moment? |
Want | To desire something | I want a cup of coffee. |
Need | To require something | I need help with my homework |
Like | To enjoy or prefer | I like reading books |
Love | To feel deep affection | She loves playing the piano |
Work | To engage in physical and mental activity | He works in a software company. |
Play | To engage in an activity for enjoyment | The children play outside after school. |
Eat | To consume food | We eat dinner at 7 PM. |
Drink | To consume liquids | She drinks water throughout the day. |
Learn to use these common English words confidently with PlanetSpark’s Spoken English Course, designed to make speaking fun, interactive, and practical for everyday conversations!

Start conversations on the right note with the right words and phrases. These expressions make introductions and small talk friendly, natural, and engaging.
Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
Hello | A greeting | Hello, how are you? |
Hi | Informal greeting | Hi, nice to meet you! |
Goodbye | A farewell | Goodbye, see you tomorrow. |
Please | Used to make a request polite | Please pass me the salt. |
Thankyou | Expression of gratitude | Thank you for your help. |
Sorry | Expression of apology | I'm sorry for the mistake. |
Excuse Me | Polite expression to get attention | Excuse me, where is the nearest station? |
How are you? | A common greeting | How are you today? |
Nice to meet you | Polite phrase upon meeting someone | Nice to meet you, John. |
What's up? | Informal greeting | Hey, what's up? |
Whether at a store, restaurant, or airport, knowing these words makes transactions and travel discussions easier. They help express needs and preferences accurately.
Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
Price | The cost of something | What's the price of this shirt? |
Discount | A reduction in price | Is there any discount on this item? |
Menu | A list of food and drinks available | Can I see the menu, please? |
Bill | A statement of money owed | Could we have the bill, please? |
Taxi | A car for hire | Let's take a taxi to the airport |
Hotel | An establishment providing lodging | We booked a hotel near the beach |
Reservation | An arrangement to secure accommodations | Do you have a reservation? |
Luggage | Suitcases or bags for travel | Where can I store my luggage? |
Souvenir | A thing that is kept as a reminder | I bought a souvenir from Paris. |
Flight | A journey through the air | Our flight departs at 6 PM. |
Book a Free Trial Class now and experience how learning English can be engaging, practical, and fun.
Expressing thoughts and emotions clearly is key to effective communication. These words help articulate feelings naturally in any situation.
Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
Happy | Feeling or showing pleasure | She was happy with the results. |
Sad | Feeling sorrow or unhappiness | He felt sad after hearing the news. |
Angry | Feeling strong displeasure | She was angry about the decision. |
Excited | Feeling eager enthusiasm | I'm excited for the concert tonight. |
Bored | Feeling weary due to lack of interest | He felt bored during the meeting. |
Nervous | Feeling anxious or worried | She was nervous before the interview |
Confused | Unable to think clearly | I'm confused about the instructions |
Surprised | Feeling astonished | He was surprised by the gift. |
Proud | Feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction | She was proud of her achievements. |
Grateful | Feeling thankful | I'm grateful for your support. |
Take your English to the next level with these advanced words. Using them correctly enhances fluency, clarity, and makes conversations more impressive.
Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
Articulate | Able to express ideas clearly and effectively | She’s an articulate speaker who can hold anyone’s attention. |
Meticulous | Showing great attention to detail | He’s meticulous about his work; nothing escapes his notice. |
Empathetic | Showing understanding of others’ feelings | A good leader must be empathetic toward their team. |
Cordial | Warm and friendly | They shared a cordial relationship despite their differences. |
Versatile | Able to adapt or be used in many ways | She’s a versatile actor who excels in both comedy and drama. |
Eloquent | Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing | His eloquent speech moved the entire audience. |
Serendipity | The occurrence of good things by chance | Meeting her at the café was pure serendipity. |
Resilient | Able to recover quickly from difficulties | She’s incredibly resilient despite all the challenges. |
Pragmatic | Dealing with things sensibly and realistically | He took a pragmatic approach to solve the problem. |
Magnanimous | Generous and forgiving, especially towards rivals | Despite losing, he was magnanimous in congratulating his opponent. |
Take the first step toward fluent English today!
Book a Free Trial Class
Improving vocabulary is not just about memorising words it’s about learning how to use them effectively in real-life conversations. The following tips are designed for learners of all ages, whether school students, college-goers, or adults aiming to strengthen their spoken English.
1. Contextual Learning
Learning words in isolation can be tricky and easily forgotten. Instead, understand their meaning through real-life examples and situations.
Read in context: Notice how new words are used in books, articles, or comics.
Watch and learn: Movies, cartoons, and news channels show how words sound and fit naturally in conversation.
Associate with actions or images: Connect each word to a picture or feeling like linking “joyful” to a smiling face.
Use story-based learning: Create small stories or scenarios using new words. This is especially engaging for kids.
Example: Instead of just memorising “admire,” use it in a sentence“I admire people who help others.”
2. Regular Practice
Repetition builds retention. Using words daily makes them a part of one’s natural speech and writing.
Speak aloud: Use new words while talking with friends or family.
Start small: Practise 5–10 new words daily rather than cramming too many at once.
Review weekly: Revise older words every weekend to keep them fresh in memory.
Play word games: Games like Scrabble, crosswords, or vocabulary apps help in remembering words in a fun way.
Encourage conversation: Parents and teachers can engage children in English discussions about their day or favourite activities.
Example: Replace simple phrases with new vocabulary say “astonished” instead of “surprised.
3. Flashcards and Visual Aids
Flashcards are timeless tools for learners of all ages. They make recall quick and fun.
DIY flashcards: Write a word on one side, and its meaning and an example sentence on the other.
Use colours: Highlight difficult words or group them by category feelings, travel, food, etc.
Go digital: Apps like Quizlet and Anki make vocabulary practice interactive with images and audio.
Group activity: Kids can make vocabulary flashcards together and quiz each other. Adults can do the same with peers or colleagues.
Example: On one flashcard—Front: “Courage” | Back: “The ability to face fear. – He showed great courage during the storm.”
4. Reading and Listening for Exposure
Exposure is one of the most powerful ways to learn and retain vocabulary words for spoken English.
Read a mix of materials: Books, magazines, blogs, and news help encounter words in different contexts.
Listen actively: Podcasts, songs, and audiobooks train the ear to understand pronunciation and tone.
Make it fun: Younger learners can watch animated shows with subtitles; adults can explore English series or TED Talks.
Keep a vocabulary notebook: Note down interesting words with meanings and sentences from what’s read or heard.
Example: While reading, if the word “remarkable” appears, write it down with its meaning “worthy of attention or admiration.”
Take Your English to the Next Level!
Unlock the power of words, speak confidently, and make every conversation count. Start practising today and see your spoken English vocabulary grow effortlessly!
Join now and start your free trial—turn learning into a fun, everyday habit!
5. Writing Exercises for Retention
Writing is a proven way to make new vocabulary stick. It encourages thinking about how and when to use each word.
Journal daily: Describe daily events using newly learned words.
Story building: Create short stories or dialogues including 5–10 fresh words.
Creative prompts: Write about topics like “My Dream Holiday” or “The Best Day Ever,” consciously using new vocabulary.
Peer correction: For students, exchanging writing with classmates can help spot and correct mistakes.
Sentence challenge: Choose one word a day and write five different sentences using it.
Example: For the word “generous” "A generous person shares without expecting anything in return.”
6. Engage in Real-Life Conversations
Speaking is the best way to test how well vocabulary has been learned.
Role-play: Act out real-life scenarios like ordering food, greeting guests, or shopping.
Discussion circles: In classrooms or family gatherings, hold short English talks on simple topics.
Imitate native speakers: Watch English speakers on YouTube or podcasts and repeat their phrases to learn pronunciation and flow.
Ask for feedback: Teachers or peers can point out if a word is misused, helping improve accuracy.
Example: During a mock restaurant conversation, use words like “menu,” “bill,” or “delicious.”
7. Use Technology Smartly
Technology offers countless tools to make vocabulary learning exciting and personalised.
Apps for vocabulary building: Use platforms like Duolingo, BBC Learning English, or online classes.
Voice assistants: Practise pronunciation with Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant.
Social media learning: Follow English learning pages, reels, or YouTube shorts for quick tips.
Gamified learning: Platforms designed for kids and adults offer points and badges for progress turning learning into a game.
8. Learn with Emotions and Connection
Words stick better when linked to personal experiences or emotions.
Emotional learning: Connect a word to how it makes one feel. Example: associate “calm” with a peaceful scene.
Personal connection: Use new words to talk about personal hobbies, goals, or memories.
Teach others: Explaining a word to someone else helps reinforce memory.
9. Stay Curious and Consistent
Curiosity drives learning. The more interested a learner is, the easier it becomes to expand vocabulary.
Set daily goals: Aim to learn 5–10 new words a day.
Stay consistent: Even 15 minutes a day can create visible improvement in a few weeks.
Reward progress: Celebrate milestones like learning 100 new words it keeps motivation high.
Ready to boost your vocabulary and speak confidently?
Take the first step today—book a Free Trial Class and turn daily learning into fun, interactive English practice!
Learning vocabulary words is one of the most effective ways to improve spoken English fluency. However, both children and adults often make common mistakes that delay progress. Building a strong vocabulary requires smart strategies and consistent practice not just memorisation.
The following points explain what to avoid while learning daily use English words and how to build long-term retention effectively.
Trying to learn dozens of English vocabulary words in one sitting can overwhelm the mind. This often leads to forgetting most of them quickly.
Focus on quality over quantity, learn 5–10 new words daily.
Review old words before adding new ones.
Group words by topics like food, travel, or emotions.
Revise through weekly games or quick self-tests.
Tip: Spaced repetition strengthens memory and helps retain English vocabulary more effectively.
Memorising a word’s meaning without understanding how it’s used is a common pitfall. Context gives meaning to every word and ensures correct usage in conversations.
Always learn vocabulary words through sentences or dialogues.
Observe how meanings shift based on tone or setting.
Example: “Light” can mean not heavy (“a light bag”) or illumination (“turn on the light”).
Watch movies or read short stories to see English vocabulary words in action.
Tip: Learning in context helps words sound natural rather than forced.
Understanding a word’s spelling but mispronouncing it can lead to confusion and loss of confidence. Pronunciation is equally important when learning vocabulary words for spoken English.
Listen to native speakers or use pronunciation tools.
Divide difficult words into syllables and practise slowly.
Record speech to identify and correct mispronunciations.
Encourage kids to learn phonics and mimic real conversations.
Tip: Learning pronunciation along with meaning builds fluency and clarity in spoken English.
Many learners depend on translating every English word into their native language. This habit slows thinking and prevents natural expression.
Try to think in English instead of translating word-by-word.
Visualise meanings rather than converting them.
Use bilingual dictionaries only when necessary; switch to English only versions as confidence grows.
Example: Instead of translating “thirsty,” imagine the feeling of wanting water this builds quicker recall and practical understanding.
Learning words passively through reading or writing isn’t enough. Without real-life use, new vocabulary words fade quickly.
Incorporate fresh words into casual conversations.
Practise short dialogues or storytelling.
Set a “Word of the Day” and use it multiple times.
Parents can encourage kids to describe their day using new daily use English words.
Tip: Words actively used become permanent parts of one’s vocabulary list.
Speak confidently, effortlessly!
Regular revision keeps words fresh in memory.
Schedule weekly reviews of your English vocabulary words.
Maintain a personal vocabulary notebook or app.
Revisit learned words through fun quizzes, puzzles, or flashcards.
Revise during idle time on the bus, before bed, or during breaks.
Tip: Repetition and review make new words stick for long-term use in spoken English.
Using words without knowing how they fit grammatically can make sentences sound unnatural.
Learn a word’s part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, etc.).
Understand common collocations like “make a decision” or “take a nap.”
Observe prepositions, tense, and article usage in examples.
Practise full sentences, not isolated words.
Tip: Grammar gives structure to vocabulary words and ensures accurate, confident communication.
Fear of making mistakes prevents practice, especially in spoken English. Confidence grows through trial and correction.
Mistakes are a sign of learning don’t let them stop progress.
Practise speaking with teachers, peers, or family members.
Record and listen to personal conversations for improvement.
Create a supportive environment for kids to speak freely.
Tip: Every error helps refine pronunciation, tone, and word usage.
Some learners rely heavily on reading and writing but skip listening and speaking. For English vocabulary, both are essential.
Listen to English podcasts, songs, or news channels daily.
Watch English videos with subtitles for better comprehension.
Imitate native speakers to develop rhythm and tone.
Engage in short debates or fun storytelling to practise speech.
Tip: Combining reading, writing, listening, and speaking ensures complete mastery of vocabulary words for spoken English.
Vocabulary building is a long-term habit, not a one-time effort. Irregular practice results in slow progress.
Set daily goals for learning and revising words.
Track progress using a calendar or app.
Stay consistent just 15 minutes a day can show big results in a month.
Reward milestones like learning 100 new daily use English words.
Tip: Consistency transforms effort into natural fluency.
Mastering vocabulary words for spoken English becomes easier with structured learning and expert guidance. PlanetSpark’s Spoken English Course offers:
Live interactive sessions with certified English coaches
Personalised feedback to improve pronunciation and fluency
Gamified learning for kids and adults
Real-life speaking activities to use new words confidently
Progress tracking to monitor vocabulary growth
Whether a student building confidence or a professional aiming for better communication, PlanetSpark ensures visible improvement in both English vocabulary and overall fluency.

Mastering vocabulary words is the key to confident and natural spoken English. Regular practice, contextual learning, and smart revision transform basic words into tools for effective communication. Whether for daily conversations, school, work, or travel, a strong vocabulary makes speaking clearer, expressive, and enjoyable.
For learners of all ages, PlanetSpark’s Spoken English Course turns vocabulary learning into an engaging, interactive, and results-driven experience. With live sessions, personalised guidance, gamified exercises, and real-life speaking practice,
A strong vocabulary improves communication, makes conversations more engaging, and helps express thoughts clearly. It builds confidence in both casual and professional interactions.
Start with a few words daily, learn them in context, and practise using them in sentences. Flashcards, stories, and visual associations help with long-term retention.
Kids can learn through games, songs, storytelling, role-playing, and interactive apps. Combining play with learning makes vocabulary memorable and enjoyable.
Daily practice, even 10–15 minutes helps retain words effectively. Writing, speaking, and listening exercises integrated into everyday life work best for adults.
Yes! Reading books, articles, and comics or listening to podcasts, songs, and stories exposes learners to daily use English words in real contexts, improving both understanding and usage.
PlanetSpark offers live, interactive sessions where learners practise spoken English vocabulary in real-life scenarios. Personalised coaching and gamified exercises make learning engaging for all ages.
Yes! Practice with short daily conversations, journaling, role-play activities, or by joining online classes like PlanetSpark, which provide structured speaking exercises and feedback for improvement.
Record a video to get a AI generated personalized communication report for your child