Peter Horton - Educator

Unit 12: Using The Most Commonly Used English Words in the World

To begin with, how can you make full use of the list?
Absolutely, integrating “The Most Commonly Used Words in the English World” into English learning can transform vocabulary development and language skills. Therefore, let’s dive into it!

Top 20 Benefits of Using Commonly Used Words for Learning English

• First of all, Everyday Relevance: These words are used in daily conversations, making learning practical.
  Next, Improved Comprehension: This enhances understanding of websites, books, and classroom instructions.
  In addition, Vocabulary Expansion: Students can rapidly increase the range of known words.
  Moreover, Contextual Learning: This helps students understand how words fit in sentences.
  As a result, Communication Confidence: It boosts confidence in speaking and writing.
  Furthermore, Listening Skills: Students can recognize common words in spoken language.
  Consequently, Reading Fluency: Learners read more smoothly with familiar words.
  In the same way, Spelling Mastery: Practice improves spelling with frequent exposure.
  Equally important, Writing Skills: This enhances writing ability by using common words correctly.
  On top of that, Pronunciation: Learning assists in mastering correct pronunciation.
  At the same time, Syntax Understanding: It helps grasp the structure of sentences better.
  Not only that, Memory Retention: Frequent exposure aids in long-term retention.
  Additionally, Cultural Insight: Words often carry cultural significance.
  As a result, Academic Success: This leads to better performance in English classes.
  In fact, Critical Thinking: It encourages deeper understanding and usage of words.
  Beyond that, Cognitive Development: Language learning stimulates brain function.
  Similarly, Peer Interaction: This facilitates better interaction with peers.
  At the same time, Teacher Support: It becomes easier for teachers to build lessons around common words.
  Moreover, Resource Availability: There are plenty of materials available for practice.
  Finally, Adaptability: Common words are useful in multiple contexts—conversations, writing, reading, and listening.
  
  

The list of words, with the definition, example sentences, and part of speech, can go to 3–5,000 words. In fact, I have a handout of 5,000 words for students to use. However, the most words that any ESL/EFL student has gotten to was 3,700 words. Therefore, I hope that students in middle school or high school can complete all 5,000 words.

So, why is the list so important? The first 650 words represent 65% of the words used in everyday communications, on TV, the internet, and written in books. Furthermore, the first 1,000 are 70%, and the 2,000 words represent 80% of the words used. Consequently, the themes or topics are for you to write sentences about.

Sentence

But first, what is a sentence? A sentence starts with a capital letter, it has a subject and verb, and it ends with a punctuation mark such as a period, exclamation point, or question mark. In other words, many people describe a sentence as a subject and predicate.

Now, let’s look at some examples:

The (article): used to specify a particular thing that is known or obvious.
Example: The cat sat on the mat.
SCS: Students copy the sentence. Copy the sentence on the line below. The cat sat on the mat.
SMS: Students make a sentence. On the line below use the word “the” in a sentence.

Of (preposition): expressing the relationship between a part and a whole.
Example: The sleeve of the shirt was torn.
SCS: SMS:

To: used to show purpose or intention.
Example: I left early to catch the first train.
SCS: Example: She walked to the door to see who was there.
SCS: SMS:

And: used to join two words or parts of sentences.
Example: A knife and fork is used to eat.
SCS: Example: Peter knocked on the door and went in.
SCS: SMS:

A: the first letter of the alphabet or the sixth note in the musical scale of “C.”
Example: I want a thousand dollars for my birthday.
SCS: Example: It is a wonderful day today.
SCS: SMS:

In: used to say the place or container where someone or something is.
Example: The cheese is in the fridge.
SCS: Example: Billy looked in her bag.
SCS:

Is: the third person singular of the present tense of be.
Example: Is it 5:00?
SCS: Example: She is a very beautiful girl.
SCS: SMS:

It:
A. Used to refer to something that has already been mentioned.
Example: Where is the bread? It is on the counter.
SCS: SMS:
B. The situation that someone is in now.
Example: How is it going? Or, I like it here.
SCS: SMS:

You:
A. Used as a subject or object.
Example: You must be hungry. Or, I can’t hear you.
SCS: SMS:
B. People in general.
Example: You can’t trust anybody these days.
SCS: SMS:

That:
A. Used to talk about someone or something that is not near in space.
Example: Who is that man over there?
SCS: SMS:
B. Used to talk about someone or something that has just been mentioned.
Example: I must remember to give that book back to my cousin.
SCS: SMS:

He:
A. A male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is already known about.
Example: Does Josh still live in New York? No, he lives in Ohio now.
SCS: SMS:

Was: the past tense of be.
Example: It was a nice day yesterday.
SCS: SMS:

For:
A. Meant for somebody. Intended to be given to or used by a certain person or group.
Example: Save a piece of cake for Billy.
SCS:
B. Used to show the purpose of an object.
Example: A knife is for cutting bread.
SMS:

On:
A. Touching, being supported by, or hanging from.
Example: I got mud on my pants.
SCS: SMS:
Example: The picture is hanging on the wall.
SCS: SMS:

Are: the present form of be.
Example: Are you going to Bill’s house?
SCS: SMS:

If you use the above method or strategy, you will learn the meaning of the word, how to use the word in a sentence, and how to write a sentence with the correct order. In addition, you will learn to use capital letters and punctuation correctly.

Now, pick 20 more words from “The Most Commonly Used Word List” to create sentences. As you practice, once you become good at writing sentences, you will then start creating seven sentences to form a paragraph. To explain further, for a paragraph, sentence one is the topic sentence. Sentences three through six are supporting sentences, and the last sentence, number seven, is the summary or closing sentence. Eventually, in time you will learn to write an essay.

The following paragraph, for example, uses the most used words in the paragraph. Notice carefully where and how the words are used.