Core Vocabulary — 20 Essential Words
Study each word carefully. Notice the part of speech, definition, and two example sentences. The first example is everyday; the second is slightly more formal.
happy
adjective
Feeling pleasure or joy; contented and satisfied.
"I am very happy to meet you today."
"She felt happy when she received the good news."
buy
verb
To get something by paying money for it.
"I want to buy a new bag."
"He bought a dictionary to improve his vocabulary."
family
noun
A group of people related by blood or marriage.
"My family has four people: mum, dad, my sister and me."
"She lives with her family in a small town."
work
verb / noun
To do a job or task; a place or activity where you earn money.
"I work in a school."
"He goes to work every morning by bus."
hungry
adjective
Feeling the need to eat; having an empty stomach.
"I am hungry. Can we eat now?"
"The children were hungry after their long walk."
travel
verb / noun
To go from one place to another, especially over a distance.
"I love to travel to new countries."
"She travels by train to the city every week."
friend
noun
A person you know well and like very much.
"My best friend is called Sara."
"He made many friends at his new school."
open
verb / adjective
To move something so it is not closed; not shut.
"Please open the window. It is very hot."
"The shop is open from 9 am to 6 pm."
beautiful
adjective
Very pleasing to look at; attractive in appearance.
"What a beautiful flower!"
"They live in a beautiful house by the sea."
speak
verb
To say words aloud; to talk to someone.
"Do you speak English?"
"She speaks three languages: English, French and Arabic."
tired
adjective
Feeling the need to rest or sleep; not having energy.
"I am very tired after work today."
"He looked tired after the long journey."
ask
verb
To say something as a question; to request information.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"She asked the teacher for help with the exercise."
need
verb / noun
To require something that is necessary or important.
"I need to drink some water."
"Do you need any help with your homework?"
early
adjective / adverb
Before the usual or expected time; near the beginning.
"I wake up early every morning."
"She arrived early to prepare for the meeting."
money
noun
Coins and notes used to buy things; currency.
"I do not have enough money to buy that bag."
"He saves money every month in a bank account."
understand
verb
To know what something means; to get the meaning of.
"I don't understand this word. Can you help?"
"Do you understand the instructions for the exercise?"
busy
adjective
Having a lot to do; occupied with work or activities.
"Sorry, I can't talk now. I am very busy."
"The office is always busy on Monday mornings."
place
noun
A particular area, location, or position.
"This is a nice place to have lunch."
"The library is a quiet place to study."
learn
verb
To get knowledge or a skill by studying or practising.
"I want to learn English quickly."
"She is learning to drive a car this month."
important
adjective
Having great value, significance or meaning; necessary.
"Water is important for our health."
"It is important to arrive on time for a job interview."
10 Exercises
Exercise 1 — Fill in the Blank
Choose the correct word from the box: happy / tired / busy / hungry / early
1. I did not eat breakfast. Now I am very ___.
2. She worked 12 hours today. She is very ___ now.
3. It is his birthday today. He feels very ___.
4. I cannot meet you today. I am very ___ with work.
5. She always arrives ___ to class — before the teacher!
Exercise 2 — Choose the Correct Word
Select the best word to complete each sentence
6. I want to ___ a new phone next week.
7. Can you ___ the door please? It is very cold.
8. Do you ___ Spanish or only English?
9. My teacher asked me to ___ 10 new words every day.
10. I do not have enough ___ to buy a new laptop.