Let us now begin with English language learning. This article will especially concentrate on one of the core uses of a language: understanding its vocabulary. Vocabulary can be considered as the building block that provides ways of language articulation, self-expression, and comprehension of others. Without vocabulary, speaking or writing out any sentences or having any conversations is rendered impossible. So let's turn our attention to the everyday English vocabulary that will be appropriate for starters who would wish to start speaking English on a daily basis.
Why is vocabulary important?
Before we look at such kinds of words in this article, let us first establish the need and importance of vocabulary. Whenever you learn a new word, you are learning a new aspect of communicating more effectively than what you were capable of before. Each vocabulary unit is like a tool that lets you relay an idea or comprehend someone's speech. However, vocabulary is not necessarily knowing some grandiloquent words. Rather it is the knowing of basic vocabulary which will be the frequently encountered words which is more of interest. Knowing this vocabulary will enable you to handle situations of introductory nature, make inquiries and follow directions.
Types of Vocabulary which we use Everyday
To start, we will define vocabulary relevant to the different categories that will be most appropriate in your daily tasks. Such categories will include the following ones:
- Greetings and Introducing.
- Words of Food and Drinks.
- Numerals and Times.
- Some Useful Adjectives.
- Words Used in the Description of other People/objects.
- Questions about Places.
- Words related to Shopping.
Let's tackle all the above categories one by one.
1. Greetings and Introductions
In what follows we explain the steps you need to take at the start of the conversation that will require you to provide a self-introduction or make a polite request for a handshake. While this format may vary depending on contexts, the following words and expressions would be appropriate here:
- Hi / Hello – Used when casually greeting individuals.
- Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening – Respectful forms of greetings depending on the time of an encounter.
- How are you? – An expression meant to raise concern or to express good wishes to someone.
- I am alright, thank you. And you? You may also respond to this question by asking the same question: How are you? – An automatic response to how someone is feeling.
- Thanks for having me. Margaret, please I'm prepared. I'm up for the IQ test. This is an expression used when meeting someone for the first time.
- Bye / Goodbye – Used when bidding someone farewell.
- Goodbye. I hope to see you soon. This means that the subject cannot determine the exact time to see the Other Party, though he or she is confident about meeting again in the near future.
These customary resources will be beneficial for you, regardless of whether you are introducing yourself to a new person or welcoming a friend back.
2. Food and Drink
Knowing how to say and understand food and drinks can be beneficial at a restaurant, a cafe, or even a supermarket. Allow me to list a few important absolute terms:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Bread
- Rice
- Chicken
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Soup
- Sandwich
Apart from identifying food items you may wish to eat, you may wish to mention some simple actions that one does with their mouth, as in:
- Eat - "It is in the morning when I eat breakfast, at 8 am."
- Drink – "Is there coffee for you to drink?"
- Order - "I would like to order a sandwich."
- Cook - "I make dinner every day."
3. Numbers and Time
The ability to read numerals and understand the concept of time and its representation through clocks and watches is rather important in the world today. Let us begin with basic numbers: 1-10:
- When 1 of something is: One
- When 2 of something is: Two
- When 3 of something is: Three
- When 4 of something is: Four
- When 5 of something is: Five
- When 6 of something is: Six
- When 7 of something is: Seven
- When 8 of something is: Eight
- When 9 of something is: Nine
- When 10 of something is: Ten
When telling time, the following may also be useful:
For instance, What time is it? It's three o'clock.
Minutes: The train will depart in 10 minutes.
Early in the day's light, later in the day / evening / or at night.
If I may say, "I have a practice in the morning, aimed at intellectual growth and development."
How about tomorrow, or the day before today? "Tomorrow, uh, I have a meeting within me."
A few of these simple words will come in handy when booking a meeting, setting plans, and figuring out the time when some activity will take place.
4. Common Verbs
Every one of us engages in an activity or action, and such activities or actions are denoted as Verbs. Below, there is a list of commonly used verbs in the day-to-day life:
- Go – "I go to school every day."
- Come – "Come on, let's go to the party."
- Do – "What do you do on weekends?"
- Have – "I have got a new book."
- Make – "Will you make a cake, please?"
- Like – "I like eating ice-cream."
- Need – "Oh no! I need help with my homework."
- Want – "I want to learn English for the coming examination."
- Read – "I presume I'll read a book by this author very soon, as I like his style."
- Write – "Please write your name here."
These types of verbs give you the ability to indicate the performance of activities and oblige another person to do something. Apply them in different instances.
5. Describing People and Objects
It is always good to know how to describe people and objects. Here are some adjectives (descriptive words) that you can use:
- Big / Small – "This house is big."
- Hot / Cold – "That coffee is hot."
- Old / Young – "My grandfather is old."
- Happy / Sad – "She looks happy today."
- Fast / Slow – "That car is fast."
- New / Old – "This phone is new."
Adjectives are a wonderful beginning for people when explaining anything in their daily life situations.
6. Asking for Directions
Be it a new city or just looking for something specific, one must always learn how to ask for directions. Some useful questions include the ones below:
- Where is…? – "Where is the railway station?"
- How do I get to…? – "How do I get to the shopping mall?"
- Turn left / Turn right – "Turn right from the traffic lights."
- Go straight ahead – "Go straight ahead for two blocks."
- Near / Far – "Is park near that place?"
Knowing the above questions will assist you in moving around in the different places and seeking assistance wherever necessary.
7. Shopping Vocabulary
If you are out shopping for clothes, groceries, or any other type of items, then you might find these phrases useful:
- How much is this? – "How much is this shirt?"
- I'd like to buy… – "I'd like to buy a pair of shoes."
- Do you have…? – "Do you have this in a different size?"
- Expensive / Cheap – "This watch is expensive."
- Cash / Credit card – "Can I pay with a credit card?"
You will understand some of these words and our responses to questions where you will be required to make a purchase or request for more information.
Practice and Review
Now that we have looked at some of the frequently used words, the next stage is the application of these words in practical settings. One may want to talk to a partner, compose a few sentences with recently acquired vocabulary, or listen and watch these words on TV and around other people. As with most things, the more one does it the easier it becomes to remember and use the words.
Let's not forget all the words are not learned by rote and recalled. Context is important. How are they used in phrases? In sentences? Practice but don't be shy to make silly mistakes and practice as much as you can.
In this article, we have presented some basic words in English that French speakers will frequently use in common everyday situations: phrases of greetings, food, numbers, common verbs, talking about people and things, asking for directions, and shopping. Such lexis will enable you to begin speaking and understanding the English language in practice.
