speech vocab words

Words for Speaking: 30 Speech Verbs in English (With Audio)

Speaking is amazing, don’t you think?

Words and phrases come out of our mouths — they communicate meaning, and we humans understand each other (well, sometimes)!

But there are countless different ways of speaking.

Sometimes, we express ourselves by speaking quietly, loudly, angrily, unclearly or enthusiastically.

And sometimes, we can express ourselves really well without using any words at all — just sounds.

When we describe what someone said, of course we can say, “He said …” or “She said …”

But there are so many alternatives to “say” that describe the many different WAYS of speaking.

Here are some of the most common ones.

Words for talking loudly in English

Shout / yell / scream.

Sometimes you just need to say something LOUDLY!

Maybe you’re shouting at your kids to get off the climbing frame and come inside before the storm starts.

Or perhaps you’re just one of those people who just shout a lot of the time when you speak. And that’s fine. I’ve got a friend like that. He says it’s because he’s the youngest kid in a family full of brothers and sisters — he had to shout to make sure people heard him. And he still shouts.

Yelling is a bit different. When you yell, you’re probably angry or surprised or even in pain. Yelling is a bit shorter and more “in-the-moment.”

Screaming is similar but usually higher in pitch and full of fear or pain or total fury, like when you’ve just seen a ghost or when you’ve dropped a box of bricks on your foot.

“Stop yelling at me! I’m sorry! I made a mistake, but there’s no need to shout!”

Bark / Bellow / Roar

When I hear these words, I always imagine something like this:

These verbs all feel rather masculine, and you imagine them in a deep voice.

I always think of an army general walking around the room telling people what to do.

That’s probably why we have the phrase “to bark orders at someone,” which means to tell people what to do in an authoritative, loud and aggressive way.

“I can’t stand that William guy. He’s always barking orders at everyone!”

Shriek / Squeal / Screech

Ooooohhh …. These do not sound nice.

These are the sounds of a car stopping suddenly.

Or the sound a cat makes when you tread on her tail.

Or very overexcited kids at a birthday party after eating too much sugar.

These verbs are high pitched and sometimes painful to hear.

“When I heard her shriek , I ran to the kitchen to see what it was. Turned out it was just a mouse.”

“As soon as she opened the box and saw the present, she let out a squeal of delight!”

Wailing is also high pitched, but not so full of energy.

It’s usually full of sadness or even anger.

When I think of someone wailing, I imagine someone completely devastated — very sad — after losing someone they love.

You get a lot of wailing at funerals.

“It’s such a mess!” she wailed desperately. “It’ll take ages to clear up!”

Words for speaking quietly in English

When we talk about people speaking in quiet ways, for some reason, we often use words that we also use for animals.

In a way, this is useful, because we can immediately get a feel for the sound of the word.

This is the sound that snakes make.

Sometimes you want to be both quiet AND angry.

Maybe someone in the theatre is talking and you can’t hear what Hamlet’s saying, so you hiss at them to shut up.

Or maybe you’re hanging out with Barry and Naomi when Barry starts talking about Naomi’s husband, who she split up with last week.

Then you might want to hiss this information to Barry so that Naomi doesn’t hear.

But Naomi wasn’t listening anyway — she was miles away staring into the distance.

“You’ll regret this!” he hissed , pointing his finger in my face.

To be fair, this one’s a little complicated.

Whimpering is a kind of traumatised, uncomfortable sound.

If you think of a frightened animal, you might hear it make some kind of quiet, weak sound that shows it’s in pain or unhappy.

Or if you think of a kid who’s just been told she can’t have an ice cream.

Those sounds might be whimpers.

“Please! Don’t shoot me!” he whimpered , shielding his head with his arms.

Whispering is when you speak, but you bypass your vocal cords so that your words sound like wind.

In a way, it’s like you’re speaking air.

Which is a pretty cool way to look at it.

This is a really useful way of speaking if you’re into gossiping.

“Hey! What are you whispering about? Come on! Tell us! We’ll have no secrets here!”

Words for speaking negatively in English

Ranting means to speak at length about a particular topic.

However, there’s a bit more to it than that.

Ranting is lively, full of passion and usually about something important — at least important to the person speaking.

Sometimes it’s even quite angry.

We probably see rants most commonly on social media — especially by PEOPLE WHO LOVE USING CAPS LOCK AND LOTS OF EXCLAMATION MARKS!!!!!!

Ranting always sounds a little mad, whether you’re ranting about something reasonable, like the fact that there’s too much traffic in the city, or whether you’re ranting about something weird, like why the world is going to hell and it’s all because of people who like owning small, brown dogs.

“I tried to talk to George, but he just started ranting about the tax hike.”

“Did you see Jemima’s most recent Facebook rant ? All about how squirrels are trying to influence the election results with memes about Macaulay Culkin.”

Babble / Blabber / Blather / Drone / Prattle / Ramble

These words all have very similar meanings.

First of all, when someone babbles (or blabbers or blathers or drones or prattles or rambles), it means they are talking for a long time.

And probably not letting other people speak.

And, importantly, about nothing particularly interesting or important.

You know the type of person, right?

You run into a friend or someone you know.

All you do is ask, “How’s life?” and five minutes later, you’re still listening to them talking about their dog’s toilet problems.

They just ramble on about it for ages.

These verbs are often used with the preposition “on.”

That’s because “on” often means “continuously” in phrasal verbs .

So when someone “drones on,” it means they just talk for ages about nothing in particular.

“You’re meeting Aunt Thelma this evening? Oh, good luck! Have fun listening to her drone on and on about her horses.”

Groan / Grumble / Moan

These words simply mean “complain.”

There are some small differences, though.

When you groan , you probably don’t even say any words. Instead, you just complain with a sound.

When you grumble , you complain in a sort of angry or impatient way. It’s not a good way to get people to like you.

Finally, moaning is complaining, but without much direction.

You know the feeling, right?

Things are unfair, and stuff isn’t working, and it’s all making life more difficult than it should be.

We might not plan to do anything about it, but it definitely does feel good to just … complain about it.

Just to express your frustration about how unfair it all is and how you’ve been victimised and how you should be CEO by now and how you don’t get the respect you deserve and …

Well, you get the idea.

If you’re frustrated with things, maybe you just need to find a sympathetic ear and have a good moan.

“Pietor? He’s nice, but he does tend to grumble about the local kids playing football on the street.”

Words for speaking unclearly in English

Mumble / murmur / mutter.

These verbs are all very similar and describe speaking in a low and unclear way, almost like you’re speaking to yourself.

Have you ever been on the metro or the bus and seen someone in the corner just sitting and talking quietly and a little madly to themselves?

That’s mumbling (or murmuring or muttering).

What’s the difference?

Good question!

The differences are just in what type of quiet and unclear speaking you’re doing.

When someone’s mumbling , it means they’re difficult to understand. You might want to ask them to speak more clearly.

Murmuring is more neutral. It might be someone praying quietly to themselves, or you might even hear the murmur of voices behind a closed door.

Finally, muttering is usually quite passive-aggressive and has a feeling of complaining to it.

“I could hear him muttering under his breath after his mum told him off.”

How can you tell if someone’s been drinking too much booze (alcohol)?

Well, apart from the fact that they’re in the middle of trying to climb the traffic lights holding a traffic cone and wearing grass on their head, they’re also slurring — their words are all sort of sliding into each other. Like this .

This can also happen if you’re super tired.

“Get some sleep! You’re slurring your words.”

Stammer / Stutter

Th-th-th-this is wh-wh-when you try to g-g-g-get the words ou-ou-out, but it’s dif-dif-dif-difficu-… hard.

For some people, this is a speech disorder, and the person who’s doing it can’t help it.

If you’ve seen the 2010 film The King’s Speech , you’ll know what I’m talking about.

(Also you can let me know, was it good? I didn’t see it.)

This can also happen when you’re frightened or angry or really, really excited — and especially when you’re nervous.

That’s when you stammer your words.

“No … I mean, yeah … I mean no…” Wendy stammered .

Other words for speaking in English

If you drawl (or if you have a drawl), you speak in a slow way, maaakiiing the voowweeel sounds loooongeer thaan noormaal.

Some people think this sounds lazy, but I think it sounds kind of nice and relaxed.

Some regional accents, like Texan and some Australian accents, have a drawl to them.

“He was the first US President who spoke with that Texan drawl .”

“Welcome to cowboy country,” he drawled .

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

That’s my impression of a dog there.

I was growling.

If you ever go cycling around remote Bulgarian villages, then you’re probably quite familiar with this sound.

There are dogs everywhere, and sometimes they just bark.

But sometimes, before barking, they growl — they make that low, threatening, throaty sound.

And it means “stay away.”

But people can growl, too, especially if they want to be threatening.

“‘Stay away from my family!’ he growled .”

Using speaking verbs as nouns

We can use these speaking verbs in the same way we use “say.”

For example, if someone says “Get out!” loudly, we can say:

“‘Get out!’ he shouted .”

However, most of the verbs we looked at today are also used as nouns. (You might have noticed in some of the examples.)

For example, if we want to focus on the fact that he was angry when he shouted, and not the words he used, we can say:

“He gave a shout of anger.”

We can use these nouns with various verbs, usually “ give ” or “ let out .”

“She gave a shout of surprise.”

“He let out a bellow of laughter.”

“I heard a faint murmur through the door.”

There you have it: 30 alternatives to “say.”

So next time you’re describing your favourite TV show or talking about the dramatic argument you saw the other day, you’ll be able to describe it more colourfully and expressively.

Did you like this post? Then be awesome and share by clicking the blue button below.

8 thoughts on “ Words for Speaking: 30 Speech Verbs in English (With Audio) ”

Always enlighten and fun.. thank you

Great job! Thank you so much for sharing with us. My students love your drawing and teaching very much. So do I of course.

Good news: I found more than 30 verbs for “speaking”. Bad news, only four of them were in your list. That is to say “Good news I’m only 50 I still have plenty of time to learn new things, bad news I’m already 50 and still have so much learn. Thanks for your posts, they’re so interesting and useful!

Excellent. Can I print it?

Thanks Iris.

And yes — Feel free to print it! 🙂

Thanks so much! It was very interesting and helpful❤

Great words, shouts and barks, Gabriel. I’m already writing them down, so I can practise with them bit by bit. Thanks for the lesson!

Thank you so much for sharing with us. .It is very useful

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How to Build Vocabulary You Can Actually Use in Speech and Writing?

• Updated on Nov 12, 2023

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This post comes from my experience of adding more than 8,000 words and phrases to my vocabulary in a way that I can actually use them on the fly in my speech and writing. Some words, especially those that I haven’t used for long time, may elude me, but overall the recall & use works quite well.

That’s why you build vocabulary, right? To use in speech and writing. There are no prizes for building list of words you can’t use. (The ultimate goal of vocabulary-building is to use words in verbal communication where you’ve to come up with an appropriate word in split second. It’s not to say that it’s easy to come up with words while writing, but in writing you can at least afford to think.)

This post also adopts couple of best practices such as

• Spaced repetition,
• Deliberate Practice,
• Begin with end in mind, and
• Build on what you already know

In this post, you’ll learn how you too can build such vocabulary, the one you can actually use. However, be warned. It’s not easy. It requires consistent work. But the rewards are more than worth the squeeze.

Since building such vocabulary is one of the most challenging aspects of English Language, you’ll stand out in crowd when you use precise words and, the best part, you can use this sub-skill till you’re in this world, long after you retire professionally. (Doesn’t this sound so much better when weighed against today’s reality where most professional skills get outdated in just few years?)

You may have grossly overestimated the size of your vocabulary

Once your understand the difference between active and passive vocabulary, you’ll realize that size of your vocabulary isn’t what you think it to be.

Active vs. Passive vocabulary

Words that you can use in speech and writing constitute your active vocabulary (also called functional vocabulary). You, of course, understand these words while reading and listening as well. Think of words such as eat , sell , drink , see , and cook .

But how about words such as munch , outsmart , salvage , savagery , and skinny ? Do you use these words regularly while speaking and writing? Unlikely. Do you understand meaning of these words while reading and listening? Highly likely. Such words constitute your passive vocabulary (also called recognition vocabulary). You can understand these words while reading and listening, but you can’t use them while speaking and writing.

Your active vocabulary is a tiny subset of your passive vocabulary:

(While the proportion of the two inner circles – active and passive vocabulary – bears some resemblance to reality, the outer rectangle is not proportionate because of paucity of space. In reality, the outer rectangle is much bigger, representing hundreds of thousands of words.)

Note : Feel free to use the above and other images in the post, using the link of this post for reference/attribution.

Many mistakenly believe that they’ve strong vocabulary because they can understand most words when reading and listening. But the real magic, the real use of vocabulary is when you use words in speech and writing. If you evaluate your vocabulary against this yardstick – active vs. passive – your confidence in your vocabulary will be shaken.

Why build vocabulary – a small exercise?

You would be all too aware of cases where people frequently pause while speaking because they can’t think of words for what they want to say. We can easily spot such extreme cases.

What we fail to spot, however, are less extreme, far more common cases where people don’t pause, but they use imprecise words and long-winding explanations to drive their message.

The bridge was destroyed (or broken) by the flooded river.

The bridge was washed away by the flooded river.

Although both convey the message, the second sentence stands out because of use of precise phrase.

What word(s) best describe what’s happening in the picture below?

Image source

Not the best response.

A better word is ‘emptied’. Even ‘dumped’ is great.

A crisp description of the above action would be: “The dumper emptied (or dumped) the stones on the roadside.”

What about this?

‘Took out grapes’.

‘Plucked grapes’ is far better.

If you notice, these words – wash away , empty , dump , and pluck – are simple. We can easily understand them while reading and listening, but rarely use them (with the possible exception of empty ) in speech or writing. Remember, active vs. passive vocabulary?

If you use such precise words in your communication you’ll stand out in crowd.

Little wonder, studies point to a correlation between strength of vocabulary and professional success. Earl Nightingale, a renowned self-help expert and author, in his 20-year study of college graduates found :

Without a single exception, those who had scored highest on the vocabulary test given in college, were in the top income group, while those who had scored the lowest were in the bottom income group.

He also refers to a study by Johnson O’Connor, an American educator and researcher, who gave vocabulary tests to executive and supervisory personnel in 39 large manufacturing companies. According to this study:

Presidents and vice presidents averaged 236 out of a possible 272 points; managers averaged 168; superintendents, 140; foremen, 114; floor bosses, 86. In virtually every case, vocabulary correlated with executive level and income.

Though there are plenty of studies linking professional success with fluency in English overall, I haven’t come across any study linking professional success with any individual component – grammar and pronunciation, for example – of English language other than vocabulary.

You can make professional success a motivation to improve your active vocabulary.

Let’s dive into the tactics now.

How to build vocabulary you can use in speech and writing?

(In the spirit of the topic of this section, I’ve highlighted words that I’ve shifted from my passive to active vocabulary in red font . I’ve done this for only this section, lest the red font become too distracting.)

Almost all of us build vocabulary through the following two-step process:

Step 1 : We come across new words while reading and listening. Meanings of many of these words get registered in our brains – sometimes vaguely, sometimes precisely – through the context in which we see these words. John Rupert Firth, a leading figure in British linguistics during the 1950s, rightly said , “You shall know a word by the company it keeps.”

Many of these words then figure repeatedly in our reading and listening and gradually, as if by osmosis , they start taking roots in our passive vocabulary.

Step 2 : We start using some of these words in our speech and writing. (They are, as discussed earlier, just a small fraction of our passive vocabulary.) By and large, we stay in our comfort zones, making do with this limited set of words.

Little wonder, we add to our vocabulary in trickle . In his book Word Power Made Easy , Norman Lewis laments the tortoise-like rate of vocabulary-building among adults:

Educational testing indicates that children of ten who have grown up in families in which English is the native language have recognition [passive] vocabularies of over twenty thousand words. And that these same ten-year-olds have been learning new words at a rate of many hundreds a year since the age of four . In astonishing contrast, studies show that adults who are no longer attending school increase their vocabularies at a pace slower than twenty-five to fifty words annually .

Adults improve passive vocabulary at an astonishingly meagre rate of 25-50 words a year. The chain to acquire active vocabulary is getting broken at the first step itself – failure to read or listen enough (see Step 1 we just covered). Most are not even reaching the second step, which is far tougher than the first. Following statistic from National Spoken English Skills Report by Aspiring Minds (sample of more than 30,000 students from 500+ colleges in India) bears this point:

Only 33 percent know such simple words! They’re not getting enough inputs.

Such vocabulary-acquisition can be schematically represented as:

The problem here is at both the steps of vocabulary acquisition:

• Not enough inputs (represented by funnel filled only little) and
• Not enough exploration and use of words to convert inputs into active vocabulary (represented by few drops coming out of the funnel)

Here is what you can do to dramatically improve your active vocabulary:

1. Get more inputs (reading and listening)

That’s a no-brainer. The more you read,

• the more new words you come across and
• the more earlier-seen words get reinforced

If you’ve to prioritize between reading and listening purely from the perspective of building vocabulary, go for more reading, because it’s easier to read and mark words on paper or screen. Note that listening will be a more helpful input when you’re working on your speaking skills .

So develop the habit to read something 30-60 minutes every day. It has benefits far beyond just vocabulary-building .

If you increase your inputs, your vocabulary-acquisition funnel will look something like:

More inputs but no other steps result in larger active vocabulary.

2. Gather words from your passive vocabulary for deeper exploration

The reading and listening you do, over months and years, increase the size of your passive vocabulary. There are plenty of words, almost inexhaustible, sitting underutilized in your passive vocabulary. Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could move many of them to your active vocabulary? That would be easier too because you don’t have to learn them from scratch. You already understand their meaning and usage, at least to some extent. That’s like plucking – to use the word we’ve already overused – low hanging fruits.

While reading and listening, note down words that you’re already familiar with, but you don’t use them (that is they’re part of your passive vocabulary). We covered few examples of such words earlier in the post – pluck , dump , salvage , munch , etc. If you’re like most, your passive vocabulary is already large, waiting for you to shift some of it to your active vocabulary. You can also note down completely unfamiliar words, but only in exceptional cases.

To put what I said in the previous paragraph in more concrete terms, you may ask following two questions to decide which words to note down for further exploration:

• Do you understand the meaning of the word from the context of your reading or listening?
• Do you use this word while speaking and writing?

If the answer is ‘yes’ to the first question and ‘no’ to the second, you can note down the word.

3. Explore the words in an online dictionary

Time to go a step further than seeing words in context while reading.

You need to explore each word (you’ve noted) further in a dictionary. Know its precise meaning(s). Listen to pronunciation and speak it out loud, first individually and then as part of sentences. (If you’re interested in the topic of pronunciation, refer to the post on pronunciation .) And, equally important, see few sentences where the word has been used.

Preferably, note down the meaning(s) and few example sentences so that you can practice spaced repetition and retain them for long. Those who do not know what spaced repetition is, it is the best way to retain things in your long-term memory . There are number of options these days to note words and other details about them – note-taking apps and good-old word document. I’ve been copying-pasting on word document and taking printouts. For details on how I practiced spaced repetition, refer to my experience of adding more than 8,000 words to my vocabulary.

But why go through the drudgery of noting down – and going through, probably multiple times – example sentences? Why not just construct sentences straight after knowing the meaning of the word?

Blachowicz, Fisher, Ogle, and Watts-Taffe, in their paper , point out the yawning gap between knowing the meaning of words and using them in sentences:

Research suggests that students are able to select correct definitions for unknown words from a dictionary, but they have difficulty then using these words in production tasks such as writing sentences using the new words.

If only it was easy. It’s even more difficult in verbal communication where, unlike in writing, you don’t have the luxury of pausing and recalling appropriate words.

That’s why you need to focus on example sentences.

Majority of those who refer dictionary, however, restrict themselves to meaning of the word. Few bother to check example sentences. But they’re at least as much important as meaning of the word, because they teach you how to use words in sentences, and sentences are the building blocks of speech and writing.

If you regularly explore words in a dictionary, your vocabulary-acquisition funnel will look something like:

More inputs combined with exploration of words result in even larger active vocabulary.

After you absorb the meaning and example sentences of a word, it enters a virtuous cycle of consolidation. The next time you read or listen the word, you’ll take note of it and its use more actively , which will further reinforce it in your memory. In contrast, if you didn’t interact with the word in-depth, it’ll pass unnoticed, like thousands do every day. That’s cascading effect.

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4. Use them

To quote Maxwell Nurnberg and Morris Rosenblum from their book All About Words :

In vocabulary building, the problem is not so much finding new words or even finding out what they mean. The problem is to remember them, to fix them permanently in your mind. For you can see that if you are merely introduced to words, you will forget them as quickly as you forget the names of people you are casually introduced to at a crowded party – unless you meet them again or unless you spend some time with them.

This is the crux. Use it or lose it.

Without using, the words will slowly slip away from your memory.

Without using the words few times, you won’t feel confident using them in situations that matter.

If you use the words you explored in dictionary, your vocabulary-acquisition funnel will look something like:

More inputs combined with exploration of words and use of them result in the largest active vocabulary.

Here is a comparison of the four ways in which people acquire active vocabulary:

The big question though is how to use the words you’re exploring. Here are few exercises to accomplish this most important step in vocabulary-building process.

Vocabulary exercises: how to use words you’re learning

You can practice these vocabulary activities for 10-odd minutes every day, preferably during the time you waste such as commuting or waiting, to shift more and more words you’ve noted down to your active vocabulary. I’ve used these activities extensively, with strong results to boot.

1. Form sentences and speak them out during your reviews

When you review the list of words you’ve compiled, take a word as cue without looking at its meaning and examples, recall its meaning, and, most importantly, speak out 4-5 sentences using the word. It’s nothing but a flashcard in work. If you follow spaced repetition diligently, you’ll go through this process at least few times. I recommend reading my experience of building vocabulary (linked earlier) to know how I did this part.

Why speaking out, though? (If the surroundings don’t permit, it can be whisper as well.)

Speaking out the word as part of few sentences will serve the additional purpose of making your vocal cords accustomed to new words and phrases.

2. Create thematic webs

When reviewing, take a word and think of other words related to that word. Web of words on a particular theme, in short, and hence the name ‘thematic web’. These are five of many, many thematic webs I’ve actually come up in my reviews:

(Note: Name of the theme is in bold. Second, where there are multiple words, I’ve underlined the main word.)

If I come across the word ‘gourmet’ in my review, I’ll also quickly recall all the words related with food: tea strainer, kitchen cabinet, sink, dish cloth, wipe dishes, rinse utensils, immerse beans in water, simmer, steam, gourmet food, sprinkle salt, spread butter, smear butter, sauté, toss vegetables, and garnish the sweet dish

Similarly, for other themes:

Prognosis, recuperate, frail, pass away, resting place, supplemental air, excruciating pain, and salubrious

C. Showing off

Showy, gaudy, extravaganza, over the top, ostentatious, and grandstanding

D. Crowd behavior

Restive, expectant, hysteria, swoon, resounding welcome, rapturous, jeer, and cheer

E. Rainfall

Deluge, cats and dogs, downpour, cloudburst, heavens opened, started pouring , submerged, embankment, inundate, waterlogged, soaked to the skin, take shelter, run for a cover, torrent, and thunderbolt

(If you notice, words in a particular theme are much wider in sweep than just synonyms.)

It takes me under a minute to complete dozen-odd words in a theme. However, in the beginning, when you’re still adding to your active vocabulary in tons, you’ll struggle to go beyond 2-3 simple words when thinking out such thematic lists. That’s absolutely fine.

Why thematic web, though?

Because that’s how we recall words when speaking or writing. (If you flip through Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis, a popular book on improving vocabulary, you’ll realize that each of its chapters represents a particular idea, something similar to a theme.) Besides, building a web also quickly jogs you through many more words.

3. Describe what you see around

In a commute or other time-waster, look around and speak softly an apt word in a split second for whatever you see. Few examples:

• If you see grass on the roadside, you can say verdant or luxurious .
• If you see a vehicle stopping by the roadside, you can say pull over .
• If you see a vehicle speeding away from other vehicles, you can say pull away .
• If you see a person carrying a load on the road side, you can say lug and pavement .

Key is to come up with these words in a flash. Go for speed, not accuracy. (After all, you’ll have similar reaction time when speaking.) If you can’t think of an appropriate word for what you see instantaneously – and there will be plenty in the beginning – skip it.

This vocabulary exercise also serves an unintended, though important, objective of curbing the tendency to first think in the native language and then translating into English as you speak. This happens because the spontaneity in coming up with words forces you to think directly in English.

Last, this exercise also helps you assess your current level of vocabulary (for spoken English). If you struggle to come up with words for too many things/ situations, you’ve job on your hands.

4. Describe what one person or object is doing

Another vocabulary exercise you can practice during time-wasters is to focus on a single person and describe her/ his actions, as they unfold, for few minutes. An example:

He is skimming Facebook on his phone. OK, he is done with it. Now, he is taking out his earphones. He has plugged them into his phone, and now he is watching some video. He is watching and watching. There is something funny there in that video, which makes him giggle . Simultaneously, he is adjusting the bag slung across his shoulder.

The underlined words are few of the new additions to my active vocabulary I used on the fly when focusing on this person.

Feel free to improvise and modify this process to suit your unique conditions, keeping in mind the fundamentals such as spaced repetition, utilizing the time you waste, and putting what you’re learning to use.

To end this section, I must point out that you need to build habit to perform these exercises for few minutes at certain time(s) of the day. They’re effective when done regularly.

Why I learnt English vocabulary this way?

For few reasons:

1. I worked backwards from the end result to prepare for real-world situations

David H. Freedman learnt Italian using Duolingo , a popular language-learning app, for more than 70 hours in the buildup to his trip to Italy. A week before they were to leave for Rome, his wife put him to test. She asked how would he ask for his way from Rome airport to the downtown. And how would he order in a restaurant?

David failed miserably.

He had become a master of multiple-choice questions in Italian, which had little bearing on the real situations he would face.

We make this mistake all the time. We don’t start from the end goal and work backwards to design our lessons and exercises accordingly. David’s goal wasn’t to pass a vocabulary test. It was to strike conversation socially.

Coming back to the topic of vocabulary, learning meanings and examples of words in significant volume is a challenge. But a much bigger challenge is to recall an apt word in split second while speaking. (That’s the holy grail of any vocabulary-building exercise, and that’s the end goal we want to achieve.)

The exercises I described earlier in the post follow the same path – backwards from the end.

2. I used proven scientific methods to increase effectiveness

Looking at just a word and recalling its meaning and coming up with rapid-fire examples where that word can be used introduced elements of deliberate practice, the fastest way to build neural connection and hence any skill. (See the exercises we covered.) For the uninitiated, deliberate practice is the way top performers in any field practice .

Another proven method I used was spaced repetition.

3. I built on what I already knew to progress faster

Covering mainly passive vocabulary has made sure that I’m building on what I already know, which makes for faster progress.

Don’t ignore these when building vocabulary

Keep in mind following while building vocabulary:

1. Use of fancy words in communication make you look dumb, not smart

Don’t pick fancy words to add to your vocabulary. Use of such words doesn’t make you look smart. It makes your communication incomprehensible and it shows lack of empathy for the listeners. So avoid learning words such as soliloquy and twerking . The more the word is used in common parlance, the better it is.

An example of how fancy words can make a piece of writing bad is this review of movie , which is littered with plenty of fancy words such as caper , overlong , tomfoolery , hectoring , and cockney . For the same reason, Shashi Tharoor’s Word of the Week is not a good idea . Don’t add such words to your vocabulary.

2. Verbs are more important than nouns and adjectives

Verbs describe action, tell us what to do. They’re clearer. Let me explain this through an example.

In his book Start with Why , Simon Sinek articulates why verbs are more effective than nouns:

For values or guiding principles to be truly effective they have to be verbs. It’s not ‘integrity’, it’s ‘always do the right thing’. It’s not ‘innovation’, it’s ‘look at the problem from a different angle’. Articulating our values as verbs gives us a clear idea… we have a clear idea of how to act in any situation.

‘Always do the right thing’ is better than ‘integrity’ and ‘look at the problem from a different angle’ is better than ‘innovation’ because the former, a verb, in each case is clearer.

The same (importance of verb) is emphasized by L. Dee Fink in his book Creating Significant Learning Experiences in the context of defining learning goals for college students.

Moreover, most people’s vocabulary is particularly poor in verbs. Remember, the verbs from the three examples at the beginning of the post – wash away , dump , and pluck ? How many use them? And they’re simple.

3. Don’t ignore simple verbs

You wouldn’t bother to note down words such as slip , give , and move because you think you know them inside out, after all you’ve been using them regularly for ages.

I also thought so… until I explored few of them.

I found that majority of simple words have few common usages we rarely use. Use of simple words for such common usages will stand your communication skills out.

An example:

a. To slide suddenly or involuntarily as on a smooth surface: She slipped on the icy ground .

b. To slide out from grasp, etc.: The soap slipped from my hand .

c. To move or start gradually from a place or position: His hat slipped over his eyes .

d. To pass without having been acted upon or used: to let an opportunity slip .

e. To pass quickly (often followed by away or by): The years slipped by .

f. To move or go quietly, cautiously, or unobtrusively: to slip out of a room .

Most use the word in the meaning (a) and (b), but if you use the word for meaning (c) to (f) – which BTW is common – you’ll impress people.

Another example:

a. Without the physical presence of people in control: an unmanned spacecraft .

b.  Hovering near the unmanned iPod resting on the side bar, stands a short, blond man.

c. Political leaders are vocal about the benefits they expect to see from unmanned aircraft.

Most use the word unmanned with a moving object such as an aircraft or a drone, but how about using it with an iPod (see (b) above).

4. Don’t ignore phrasal verbs. Get at least common idioms. Proverbs… maybe

4.1 phrasal verbs.

Phrasal verbs are verbs made from combining a main verb and an adverb or preposition or both. For example, here are few phrasal verbs of verb give :

We use phrasal verbs aplenty:

I went to the airport to see my friend off .

He could see through my carefully-crafted ruse.

I took off my coat.

The new captain took over the reins of the company on June 25.

So, don’t ignore them.

Unfortunately, you can’t predict the meaning of a phrasal verb from the main verb. For example, it’s hard to guess the meaning of take over or take off from take . You’ve to learn each phrasal verb separately.

What about idioms?

Compared to phrasal verbs, idioms are relatively less used, but it’s good to know the common ones. To continue the example of word give , here are few idioms derived from it:

Give and take

Give or take

Give ground

Give rise to

Want a list of common idioms? It’s here: List of 200 common idioms .

4.3 Proverbs

Proverbs are popular sayings that provide nuggets of wisdom. Example: A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

Compared to phrasal verbs and idioms, they’re much less used in common conversation and therefore you can do without them.

For the motivated, here is a list of common proverbs: List of 200 common proverbs .

5. Steal phrases, words, and even sentences you like

If you like phrases and sentences you come across, add them to your list for future use. I do it all the time and have built a decent repository of phrases and sentences. Few examples (underlined part is the key phrase):

The bondholders faced the prospect of losing their trousers .

The economy behaved more like a rollercoaster than a balloon . [Whereas rollercoaster refers to an up and down movement, balloon refers to a continuous expansion. Doesn’t such a short phrase express such a profound meaning?]

Throw enough spaghetti against the wall and some of it sticks .

You need blue collar work ethic to succeed in this industry.

He runs fast. Not quite .

Time to give up scalpel . Bring in hammer .

Note that you would usually not find such phrases in a dictionary, because dictionaries are limited to words, phrasal verbs, idioms, and maybe proverbs.

6. Commonly-used nouns

One of my goals while building vocabulary has been to learn what to call commonly-used objects (or nouns) that most struggle to put a word to.

To give an example, what would you call the following?

Answer: Tea strainer.

You would sound far more impressive when you say, “My tea strainer has turned blackish because of months of filtering tea.”

Than when you say, “The implement that filters tea has turned blackish because of months of filtering tea.”

What do you say?

More examples:

Saucer (We use it every day, but call it ‘plate’.)

Straight/ wavy/ curly hair

Corner shop

I’ll end with a brief reference to the UIDAI project that is providing unique biometric ID to every Indian. This project, launched in 2009, has so far issued a unique ID (popularly called Aadhaar card) to more than 1.1 billion people. The project faced many teething problems and has been a one big grind for the implementers. But once this massive data of billion + people was collected, so many obstinate, long-standing problems are being eased using this data, which otherwise would’ve been difficult to pull off. It has enabled faster delivery of scores of government and private services, checked duplication on many fronts, and brought in more transparency in financial and other transactions, denting parallel economy. There are many more. And many more are being conceived on top of this data.

At some level, vocabulary is somewhat similar. It’ll take effort, but once you’ve sizable active vocabulary, it’ll strengthen arguably the most challenging and the most impressive part of your communication. And because it takes some doing, it’s not easy for others to catch up.

Anil is the person behind content on this website, which is visited by 3,000,000+ learners every year. He writes on most aspects of English Language Skills. More about him here:

Such a comprehensive guide. Awesome…

I am using the note app and inbuilt dictionary of iPhone. I have accumulated over 1400 words in 1 year. Will definitely implement ideas from this blog.

Krishna, thanks. If you’re building vocabulary for using, then make sure you work it accordingly.

Building solid vocabulary is my new year’s resolution and you’ve perfectly captured the issues I’ve been facing, with emphasis on passive vocabulary building. So many vocab apps are multiple choice and thereby useless for this reason. Thanks so much for the exercises! I plan to put them to use!

It was everything that I need to boost my active vocabulary. Thank you so much for sharing all these precious pieces of information.

Anil sir, I am quiet satisfied the way you laid out everything possible that one needs to know from A-Z. Also, thanks for assuring me from your experience that applying this will work.

This post definitely blew me away…. I am impressed! Thank you so much for sharing such valuable information. It was exactly what I needed!

Amazing post! While reading this post, I am thinking about the person who developed this. I wanna give a big hug and thank you so much.

Comments are closed.

2,000+ Core Tier 2 Vocabulary Words + PDF List

What are tier 2 vocabulary words.

Have you found yourself asking, “What is a tier 2 vocabulary word?” If so, then I’ve got you covered in this blog post because we’ll be discussing tier 2 vocabulary words as well as tier 1 words and tier 3 words.

Tier 2 words are words that are high-frequency words that are frequently seen in an academic setting across multiple different subjects. 

They are words that are used by native speakers but are more difficult words which makes them words that need to be explicitly taught and learned. 

Tier 2 words aren’t used in spoken language as frequently as tier 1 words and therefore can be more challenging to learn for students. 

Examples of Tier 2 Words

For example, the words benefit, annual, and afford are all tier 2 words.

What are Tier 1 Vocabulary Words?

On the other hand tier 1 words are extremely common words, such as nouns and verbs that require minimal or no explicit teaching of their meanings. 

These basic words are words that most native speakers can acquire simply through their daily experiences, such as reading or an everyday conversation with others. 

These high-frequency words are typically root words with no prefix or suffix making their meanings very basic. 

Examples of Tier 1 Words

For example, the words red, help, and look are all tier 1 words. 

What are Tier 3 Vocabulary Words?

Lastly, tier 3 words are low-frequency words that are used in specific domains. 

A specific domain or subject-specific area includes subjects in school, occupations, hobbies, etc.

Tier 3 words are central to a specific subject and should be taught within the context of that subject or domain. 

Examples of Tier 3 Words

For example, the words algorithm and absolute value are all in the math content areas for tier 3 words. 

Vocabulary Instruction

When thinking about vocabulary development and what academic vocabulary words to teach your students focusing on tier 2 words is a great place to start. 

With tier 1 words being common sight words that are frequently learned through daily experiences and with tier 3 words being low-frequency words that are domain specific it would be best to focus on tier 2 words. 

Since tier 2 words are still considered high-frequency words unlike tier 3 words and need explicit instruction unlike tier 1 words it makes them the perfect set of academic words to focus on when thinking about which vocabulary words to teach this school year.

Focusing on tier 2 words is also a great idea for English language learners since these words are frequently used across multiple school subjects and different contexts. 

SEE ALSO: 430+ Free Multisyllabic Words List Activity Bundle

Grade Level: List of Tier 2 Vocabulary Words

Here is a list of words by grade level for working on tier 2 vocabulary words. With a high frequency of use tier 2 words make a great academic word list to work through.

Kindergarten: Early Grades

Tier 2 Vocabulary Words First Graders

Tier 2 Vocabulary Words Second Grade

Tier 2 Vocabulary Words Third Grade

Tier 2 Vocabulary Words Fourth Grade

Tier 2 Vocabulary Words Fifth Grade

Tier 2 Vocabulary Words Sixth Grade

Tier 2 Vocabulary Words Seventh Grade

Tier 2 Vocabulary Words Eighth Grade

Older Students: Tier 2 Vocabulary Words

Tier 2 vocabulary words 9th grade.

Tier 2 Vocabulary Words 10th Grade

Tier 2 Vocabulary Words 11th Grade

Tier 2 Vocabulary Words 12th Grade

Lesson Plans

Again when it comes to vocabulary direct instruction it’s important to focus on the notion of tiers. 

The different tiers of words help you decide which type of words to focus on. 

There a lot of opportunities to learn tier 1 words simply through conversation and daily life making them less important to focus on and with tier 3 words for more mature language users and used in a specific field of study they are low-frequency words and less important to focus on as well.

That leaves us with tier 2 words as our key words to be focusing on to get our biggest bang for our buck. 

SEE ALSO: 179+ Free Speech Therapy Wh Questions Printable

Instruction of Tier 2 Words

I’ve spent the last year creating something very special for my community! 

And I’m excited to announce in the month of August 2022 I’ll be releasing my newest tier 2 vocabulary resource.

Here is a sneak peek of what’s coming!

Are you in need of a year group vocabulary lesson plan? Each grade level bundle comes with 100 words giving you 2 pages per week for a 25-week school year lesson plan.

Practice using the vocabulary words in various contexts.

• Say the vocabulary word aloud.
• Write or typ e the vocabulary word.
• Read the word used in a sentence .
• Identify a synonym and/or antonym .
• Select the correct definition .
• Fill in the blank using your vocabulary word.
• Use the word in a sentence using the given real-life photos .
• Highligh t the context clu e.
• Select the correct definition based on the context clues given.
• Answering question s about your new vocabulary word.

The best part is practicing the vocabulary words in various ways from saying the word aloud, to selecting the correct answer, to creating your own definitions, to selecting the correct definition based on the context clues.

Tier 2 Vocabulary List PDF

Fill out the form below to grab your copy of tier 2 academic vocabulary words for grades Kindergarten through 6th grade. Looking for another fun idea? Create a grade-level word wall with your new words!

Grab your Free Tier 2 Vocabulary Lists!

Frequently Asked Questions: Tier 2 Vocabulary Words

How do you know if a word is tier 2.

Tier 2 words are words that are of high frequency that are used across a variety of contexts and are not domain or topic specific. 

What is the Difference Between Tier 2 and Tier 3 Words?

Tier 2 words are high-frequency words that can be used across multiple different subjects or topics while tier 3 words are low-frequency words and are domain specific. For example, infer and form are both tier 2 words while lava and DNA are both tier 3 words. 

SEE ALSO: 193+ Multiple Meaning Words Grouped by Grade + Free Worksheets

How Do you Teach Tier Two Words?

Practice using the vocabulary words in various contexts .

Is Rainbow a Tier 2 Word?

Even though the word rainbow is a common word frequently used in conversation and might be thought to be a tier 1 word it is also a domain-specific word and used to understand and describe a specific topic, therefore, it is considered a tier 3 word.

What is a Tier 3 Vocabulary Word?

Tier 3 words are those low-frequency words that are used in a specific domain or subject-specific area including subjects in school, occupations, hobbies, etc.

They are specialized words that are used in a specific domain and only have one meaning.

For example, the words algorithm and absolute value are all math-specific tier 3 words. 

Fill out the Form Below to Get Your Free Copy!

Want even more language skills resources.

• 17 Best Vocabulary Goals + Free PDF Activities
• 430+ Free Multisyllabic Words List Activity Bundle
• 179+ Free Speech Therapy WH Questions Printable
• 133+ Categories List for Speech Therapy
• 33 Most Common Irregular Plurals Flashcards [Freebie]

Want the Best of the Bests?

Be sure to check out our most popular posts below!

• 21 Best Reinforcement Games for Speech Therapy / Teletherapy
• Best IEP Resources
• 71+ Free Social Problem-Solving Scenarios
• 432+ Free Measurable IEP Goals and Objectives Bank
• 279+ Free Speech Therapy Digital Materials
• 179+ Free Speech Therapy Wh-Questions Printable

Friday 10th of February 2023

Request grade levels 6 thru 12

Melissa Berg

Monday 13th of February 2023

Hi Gail, Thanks so much for reaching out! This post does include grades 6th-12th. I'm wondering if you're asking about my paid vocabulary product. Currently, my paid product includes grades K-6th. Wishing you all my best, Melissa

Ashley Dawkins

Tuesday 8th of November 2022

Do you have a complete PDF for each Core Vocabulary Tier?

Wednesday 9th of November 2022

Hi Ashley, I don't have a PDF for the individual Tiers. However, at the end of this post, I have a PDF of the Tier 2 words. Wishing you all my best, Melissa

Tuesday 4th of October 2022

Hi! This resource is great. I was wondering where you got these tier 2 vocabulary from. Thank you.

Wednesday 5th of October 2022

Hi Victoria, Great question! I wish there was one perfect source out there to give you, but the list was largely made from a combination of curriculum vocabulary words I got from working in the schools, which I then cross-referenced with grade-level standards and the below list of resources. Of course, the number of words I could have listed is quite large (especially for the later grades). So when created my product of 100 words per grade there was some degree of personal choice in the list where I chose words that I felt were most applicable to the academic setting. In other words, tier 2 words the students would most frequently use in an academic setting.

Here are a list of sources I used: The Academic Word List (AWL) was developed by Averil Coxhead at the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. The list contains 570 word families which were selected because they appear with great frequency in a broad range of academic texts. The list does not include words that are in the most frequent 2000 words of English (the General Service List), thus making it specific to academic contexts. The AWL was primarily made so that it could be used by teachers as part of a programme preparing learners for tertiary level study or used by students working alone to learn the words most needed to study at colleges and universities. The 570 words are divided into 10 sublists. The sublists are ordered such that the words in the first sublist are the most frequent words and those in the last sublist are the least frequent. Beck, Isabel L., McKeown, Margaret G., and Kucan, Linda. (2002). Bringing words to life. New York, NY: The Guilford Press Coxhead, Averil and Nation, Paul (2001) 'The Specialised Vocabulary of English for Academic Purposes'. In Flowerdew, J. and Peacock, M. Research Perspectives on English for Academic Purposes. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge Coxhead, Averil (2000) A New Academic Word List. TESOL Quarterly, 34(2): 213-238. Marzano, R. J. (2010). Teaching basic and advanced vocabulary: A framework for direct instruction.  Boston: Heinle-Cengage. Marzano, R. J. & Pickering, D. J. (2005). Building Academic Vocabulary (Teacher’s Manual). ASCD Montgomery, Judy K. (2008). MAVA-Montgomery assessment of vocabulary acquisition. Greenville, South Carolina: Super Duper Publications, Inc. Montgomery, Judy K. (2007). Vocabulary Intervention for RTI: Tiers 1, 2, 3 Retrieved October 28, 2008, VOCABULARY INTERVENTIONS FOR RTI: TIERS 1, 2, 3 https://www.marzanoresources.com/reproducibles/vocab-common-core/ Select: Source List for Terms (must sign in to access list)

All my best, Melissa

Wednesday 21st of September 2022

Hi. Is there a way to obtain a complete PDF list of your 2000 + Core Tier 2 Vocabulary Words, complete from level K through 12?

Thursday 22nd of September 2022

Hi Monica, Yes, there is a PDF with a list of all the words. At the end of this post, there is a form for your name and email address. Simply fill in that form so the freebie can be emailed directly to your inbox. All my best, Melissa

Any call to action with a link here?

Core Vocabulary Speech Therapy: Get Started Guide for SLPs

Are you wondering how to use core vocabulary in speech therapy? Are you not quite sure what core vocabulary is, and why you might want to consider addressing it in your speech and language therapy sessions? In this blog post, I’m sharing a “get started” guide for SLPs interested in using core vocabulary in speech and language therapy. I’m also sharing a few of my favorite speech therapy resources for modeling core vocabulary.

What is Core Vocabulary?

The definition of core vocabulary.

Core vocabulary basically means “the most frequently used words in conversation”. These are words like “more”, “go”, “stop”, “turn”, “on”, “off”, “that” and “want”, to name just a few. Core vocabulary includes adjectives, prepositions, verbs, and pronouns. Core vocabulary does not include nouns- nouns are considered “fringe vocabulary”. Fringe vocabulary can be very important as well. However, in this blog post, I want to specifically address core vocabulary.

How to Model Core Vocabulary in Speech Therapy Sessions

The wonderful thing about core vocabulary is that you really don’t need to plan any special activities for your speech therapy session. And that can be a great thing, especially because child-led therapy sessions can be the best! I’m going to provide a few examples of using core vocabulary during specific activities in this section to hopefully get your creative SLP juices flowing!

Reading a Book

You can model core vocabulary in speech therapy sessions while reading a book to your student. This doesn’t need to be complicated. If you’re turning a page, use the word “turn”. Describe what you’re seeing in the book. Words like “look” and “that” are perfect for this. Use basic prepositions, like “in” or “on”, to describe the location of objects you see in pictures.

Use Core Vocabulary While Using a Sensory Bin in Speech Therapy

Sensory bins are SO much fun, and they can be a wonderful way to model core vocabulary during your speech therapy sessions. You can hide your hands “in” the rice, sand, or whatever filler you’re using. You can “look” for and “find” objects, small toys, or picture cards that you have hidden in the bin. While you’re doing this, you can model the question word, “Where?”

Use Core Vocabulary During Movement-Based Speech Therapy Activities

It’s easy to use words like “go” and “stop” when paired with a trampoline- or try riding a bike! You can also use words like “fast” and “slow” to describe the speed of the action being performed.

Use Core Vocabulary While Playing with Toys

It’s easy to model words like “go”, “stop”, “turn”, “open”, “in”, and “out” while playing with toys! We put pieces “on” the potato toy, shapes “in” the shape sorter, and make a tower of blocks fall “down”.

Need more ideas for your speech therapy sessions?

A while back, I blogged about modeling language using a toaster toy .

I wrote a blog post for ASHA about how to incorporate core vocabulary and AAC in the classroom setting , and you might want to read that article if you’re just getting started! I also created these core vocabulary handouts that are perfect to give to teachers and parents.

To sum up this article, though, core vocabulary is wonderful because it can be used with any activity. Model the word “turn” when turning a page in a book, or turning on a light.

Target the word “go” while making toy cars go. You could also talk about where puzzle pieces “go”, or where the shapes “go” into a shape sorter toy. You just want to make sure you’re talking about everything that’s happening, and modeling the vocabulary on the board or device as you go (or via whatever communication system or method the child is using)!

Core Vocabulary and Communicative Functions

Core vocabulary can be used to express a variety of communicative functions. In order words, core vocabulary can be used to request, request recurrence, comment, ask questions, answer questions, describe, label, protest, and more.

Easy Ways to Incorporate Core Vocabulary into Speech Therapy Sessions

SLPs who have students using a multimodal approach to communication will likely want to target core vocabulary, whether using signs, words or word approximations, or high-tech or low-tech AAC . There are a variety of AAC options available.

There are many “chaotic” times during the school day. Sometimes, students have many activities and worksheets on their desks. That’s why I created a low-tech communication option called “ AAC on my Desk “. This is a very unique low tech AAC option, and is a perfect “backup” for high-tech AAC. This board was designed with core vocabulary that can be placed around other activities or worksheets on a student’s desk.

This “communication board” allows for motor planning, as the location of the core vocabulary targets never change. This is similar to the idea of typing on a keyboard- the placement of the keys never change. Additionally, there are fringe vocabulary (nouns) strips to assist the student with school-specific activities throughout the day.

This core vocabulary communication board makes AAC quick and practical- just place it on desks, and if you’d like, secure it with contact paper. This is a quick, easy way to ensure the students have access to core vocabulary in the classroom or in speech therapy sessions.

Core Vocabulary in Carrier Phrases

If you’re wanting to target expanding utterances in speech therapy, you can do this with a focus on core vocabulary. Earlier in this post, I mentioned just a few examples of core vocabulary ( “more”, “go”, “stop”, “turn”, “on”, “off”, “that” and “want”).

Perhaps your student is moving beyond single words. You could create simple phrases and sentences using core vocabulary to expand utterance length using those vocabulary targets. Here are some examples:

• “Want that” (a child could use this along with pointing gesture to request an item or activity)
• “Want more” (a child could use this to request more of an item or activity)
• “Turn on” or “Turn that on” (you could model this while turning on lights or music)
• “Turn that” (you could use this while turning a dial or a toy)

You can build utterance length using the communication method or system already in place for your student. I also created this core vocabulary carrier phrases and sentences resource . These are picture sentence strip visuals that focus specifically on core vocabulary.

Core Vocabulary for Speech Therapy Summary

In conclusion, core vocabulary can be very beneficial to target in your speech therapy sessions.

You can get started by purchasing the AAC on my Desk communication board , or these carrier phrase sentence strips . Oh, and one more thing! If you’re looking to get parents involved, don’t forget to grab these handouts .

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Revolutionize Your Speeches: Guide to Language and Word Choice in Public Speaking

The impact of using technical jargon in delivery

Understanding complex terminology can have a profound effect on the audience’s comprehension and engagement levels during public speaking. A speaker appearing before an audience might be tempted to litter their delivery with technical jargon, believing it demonstrates their expertise.

However, though this may showcase mastery of the subject matter, it may also unintentionally create a language barrier that alienates listeners unfamiliar with such specialized terms.

To keep your language accessible and clear is vital for effective communication. The use of unnecessarily complicated workplace terminology or industry-specific slang can often lead to misunderstanding between you and your audience, causing confusion around the key message you’re looking to convey.

Hence, precision in using familiar words alongside minimal use of technical jargon ensures inclusivity – bridging any gap between your detailed knowledge of the topic and your listeners’ understanding level.

The importance of using appropriate language for different audiences

Understanding your audience is crucial in public speaking. The use of appropriate language ensures that you’re not only heard but understood, fostering effective communication and high-level engagement.

Tailor your speech to suit the audience’s characteristics – their demographic, level of knowledge about the topic, or cultural background. This technique is known as  audience adaptation  and it promotes comprehension.

Let’s say you’re addressing a group of tech-savvy individuals, peppering your talk with industry jargon might be acceptable here; however this approach could alienate an audience unfamiliar with such terminology resulting in decreased clarity in speech.

Therefore contextual appropriateness plays a key role too when picking out words for speeches or presentations. Make sure to keep your language honest and transparent to establish trust between yourself and listeners while also maintaining necessary formality levels in language depending on the context.

Being aware of these factors can elevate you from being just a speaker to an exceptional communicator.

The role of tone in word choice during delivery

The art of effective communication in public speaking intertwines with the thoughtful selection of words and the tone. The attitude adopted by a speaker, known as tone, can significantly influence their message delivery.

It’s not solely about what you say; it’s about how you convey it. From relaxed to serious or jovial to stern – striking the right tone brings life to your speech.

Tone serves as an essential part of your speaking style. It sets up an emotional undertow in the voice that stirs audiences’ feelings and keeps them absorbed throughout. With a well-mastered vocal technique like articulation and pitch, each word is given its deserving emphasis translating into impactful delivery.

Using language effectively while maintaining appropriate tonal variation enhances understanding among listeners. For instance, opting for descriptive language imbued with emotion can evoke imagery, creating a vivid picture in minds leading to better comprehension.

Therefore mastering this craft requires long-term practice but surely pays off by offering compelling speeches that connect deeply with audiences at all levels.

The use of inclusive language in effective communication

Inclusive language stands as a crucial element in the realm of effective public speaking. It’s all about respecting diversity, promoting equitable opportunities and ensuring that your choice of words fairly represents every listener within your audience.

Labels are often seen as restricting identities; by avoiding such tags, you ensure no groups feel excluded during your delivery.

Practicing inclusive communication extends beyond steering clear from offensive terms and phrases – it’s about fully embracing clarity and sensitivity in engaging with an audience. Indeed, making  use of inclusive language  is more than just politeness or political correctness; it’s about giving equal importance to individuals of different genders, races, religions, sexual orientations or disabilities.

A simple technique like pluralization can work wonders here: for instance choosing ‘they’ over the generic ‘he’. This way we foster a sense of community and create speeches that resonate with both the individuality and universality present in our diverse audiences.

The impact of using slang and colloquial language in delivery

Using slang and colloquial language in public speaking can have a powerful impact on your delivery. It adds a sense of informality and familiarity, helping you connect with your audience on a more personal level.

Slang terms and colloquialisms are expressions that are unique to certain groups or regions, creating a sense of shared identity among those who understand them.

However, it’s important to use slang and colloquial language judiciously. Mindless or excessive use of these informal expressions can negatively affect how your audience perceives you and your message.

It may come across as unprofessional or lacking in clarity.

Consider your audience when deciding whether to incorporate slang into your speech. If you’re speaking to young people or a specific community where the use of slang is common, it can help establish rapport and make them feel understood.

On the other hand, if you’re addressing a more formal setting or diverse group, it’s best to minimize the use of slang to ensure everyone can easily comprehend what you’re saying.

Remember that effective communication involves being able to adapt your language choices based on the situation and audience. By striking the right balance between using familiar language without veering too far into overly casual territory, you’ll be able to engage listeners while still maintaining professionalism in public speaking.

The use of metaphors and analogies to enhance understanding

Metaphors and analogies are like colorful paints on a canvas, adding depth and vibrancy to your words. In the world of public speaking, incorporating metaphors and analogies can be a game-changer when it comes to enhancing understanding.

These powerful tools compare complex ideas to something simple, making them easier for your audience to grasp.

When you weave metaphors into your speech or presentation, you create imagery that resonates with your listeners. By transferring connotations and connections between two seemingly unrelated things, you open up a whole new realm of comprehension.

Imagine explaining the intricacies of astrophysics by comparing the vastness of the universe to an ocean – suddenly, concepts become more tangible and relatable.

Analogies serve a similar purpose in helping your audience understand difficult concepts. They strengthen arguments by drawing parallels between different scenarios or situations. Even if there is no direct similarity in terms of semantics, an analogy can bridge gaps in knowledge and provide clarity.

Effective public speakers know how to use metaphors and analogies strategically without overwhelming their audience. Balancing creative associations among ideas ensures that these linguistic devices enhance understanding rather than confuse it further.

So next time you’re preparing a speech or presentation, consider incorporating metaphors and analogies into your language arsenal. By doing so, you’ll enrich your communication skills while fostering deeper connections with those who listen to you speak.

The importance of avoiding offensive language in communication

Using offensive language in communication can have detrimental effects on your effectiveness as a public speaker. It is essential to be mindful of the words we use and ensure they are respectful and inclusive.

Offensive language not only alienates certain individuals or groups but also undermines your credibility as a speaker.

In order to maintain a positive rapport with your audience, it is crucial to steer clear of any derogatory terms or phrases that may cause offense. This includes avoiding racial slurs, gender-based insults, or any other form of discriminatory language.

By maintaining a respectful tone and using appropriate language, you show respect for the diversity within your audience.

Remember that offensive language goes beyond overtly derogatory remarks; it can also include inappropriate levels of formality, euphemisms, or even slang that may be deemed disrespectful by some individuals.

Therefore, it’s important to choose words carefully and be aware of the potential impact they may have on different members of your audience.

By focusing on using clear and understandable language while actively avoiding offensive terms, you enhance your ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences. Your aim should be inclusive speech that embraces everyone without excluding or discriminating against any individual or group.

In doing so, you foster an environment where all participants feel valued and respected.

In summary: Avoiding offensive language in communication is crucial for public speakers as it promotes inclusivity and shows respect towards all members of the audience. By choosing our words carefully and being mindful of their potential impact, we can create an engaging atmosphere that encourages active participation from everyone present.

The impact of using humor in delivery and its effect on word choice

Using humor in your speech can have a powerful impact on both your delivery and word choice. Incorporating comedy into your presentation not only makes people laugh but also helps you connect with the audience, relieve tension, enhance your status as a speaker, and build trust .

Humor creates an engaging and enjoyable atmosphere, making your message more memorable and increasing audience engagement. When it comes to word selection, humor allows you to choose words that are witty, clever, and playful.

It enables you to use language creatively and effectively to convey ideas in an entertaining way. By using humor strategically in your public speaking engagements, you can elevate the overall effectiveness of your communication efforts while keeping the audience entertained and informed.

The role of cultural sensitivity in language and word choice during delivery

Cultural sensitivity plays a crucial role in language and word choice during public speaking. As speakers, it is important to be aware of the diverse cultural backgrounds and identities of our audience.

Understanding and respecting different cultures allows us to communicate effectively and avoid unintentional offense or misinterpretation.

Language reflects cultural values, norms, and identities. By being culturally sensitive in our language choices, we can create an inclusive environment that promotes understanding and connection.

This involves selecting words that are neutral, respectful, and appropriate for the diverse audience we are addressing.

Moreover, language barriers may exist when communicating with multicultural audiences. Adapting our word choice by simplifying complex terms or using clear examples ensures that everyone can understand the message being conveyed.

Cultural competence also requires recognizing linguistic diversity and making efforts to bridge any communication gaps through effective use of language.

In conclusion, incorporating cultural sensitivity into our language and word choices is key for successful public speaking. By considering the unique characteristics of our audience’s culture, we can create an inclusive environment where all individuals feel respected and understood.

Being mindful of linguistic diversity helps ensure effective communication across cultural boundaries while promoting empathy and connection among diverse groups.

The use of active vs. passive voice in effective communication

In public speaking, the use of active voice can significantly enhance communication effectiveness. Active voice focuses on action and actors, making your speech more engaging and dynamic. Instead of saying “Mistakes were made,” you can say “I made mistakes.” This not only takes ownership but also creates a stronger connection with the audience.

Active voice allows for clear and concise sentences that captivate listeners’ attention. By using active verbs, you convey a sense of purpose and directness in your delivery. For example, instead of saying “The problem was solved by our team,” you can say “Our team solved the problem.”.

Furthermore, active voice helps to maintain a rhythmic flow throughout your speech. It contributes to the overall clarity and impact of your message. Remember to consider both style and substance when utilizing this technique.

By employing active voice in your public speaking endeavors, you will effectively engage your audience while building trust through confident and compelling communication. So take charge, be bold, and let your words resonate with power!

1. Why is language and word choice important in public speaking?

Language and word choice are crucial in public speaking as they can impact the audience’s understanding, engagement, and perception of the speaker. Using clear, concise, and appropriate language helps convey ideas effectively and ensures that the audience remains attentive throughout the presentation.

2. How can I improve my language skills for public speaking?

To enhance your language skills for public speaking, you can practice reading books or articles to expand your vocabulary, listen to speeches or presentations by skilled speakers to observe their use of language, and engage in activities like debates or discussions to develop clarity and fluency in expressing your thoughts.

3. What are some tips for choosing the right words during a speech?

When selecting words for a speech, consider your audience’s knowledge level on the topic at hand. Choose words that are familiar to them but still appropriate for conveying complex ideas if needed. Avoid jargon or technical terms unless necessary, speak using active rather than passive voice for greater impact, and strive for simplicity while maintaining precision.

4. How can I maintain an inclusive tone in my public speaking through word choice?

To maintain inclusivity in your public speaking engagements through word choice, be mindful of using gender-neutral terms instead of assuming gender-specific roles when referring to individuals or groups. Additionally, avoid discriminatory or offensive language that may alienate certain sections of your audience based on race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status or any other personal attributes

16 Other Words for Speaking

Learn 16 advanced English words for speaking. Image source

Let’s learn different English words for speaking! It’s useful vocabulary for different ways of speaking: yell, mumble, snap, whine, and more.

To improve your spoken English fast, join my Everyday English Speaking Courses , where you’ll learn hundreds of useful phrases for daily life.

yell / shout / scream / shriek = speak loudly

You might yell, shout, scream, or shriek if you are:

• Communicating with someone who is far away (usually yell / shout) “The soccer coach shouted instructions to the players on the field.”
• Angry (usually yell, shout, or scream) “My boss yelled at me after I missed an important deadline.”
• Afraid or surprised (usually scream / shriek) “Barbara shrieked when she found a giant spider in her bed.”
• In pain (usually scream / shriek) “The little boy started screaming when he accidentally closed his finger in the car door.”

Scream and shriek can also refer to making loud vocal sounds that are not words (especially in the case of fear, surprise, or pain).

cheer = yell / shout in a happy/excited way

People often cheer at sports games and after a great music/theater performance:

• “Everyone cheered when the Brazilian team scored a goal.”

whisper = speak extremely quietly

This is an example of whispering.

You would whisper in a movie theater so as not to disturb the other people – or when you don’t want anyone else to hear what you’re saying.

mumble = speak quietly and  not clearly, without opening your mouth very much

People often mumble when they don’t want to talk, or when they’re nervous, embarrassed, or have low confidence in general.

• “My son mumbled an apology to my daughter after breaking her favorite toy.”

mutter / murmur = speak in a quiet voice

The difference between these two is that mutter is usually complaining and saying negative things, whereas murmur is neutral.

• “He left the store muttering about the terrible customer service.”
• “My piano teacher murmured a few words of encouragement to me before I went on stage to perform.”

A similar word to mutter is grumble, meaning to complain in a quiet, low-pitched voice.

whine = complain in an annoying, high-pitched voice

• “My kids started whining when I told them they couldn’t watch TV until they had finished their homework.” (“But mooooom, that’s not faaaaiiir, I’ll miss my favorite prograaaaam!” )

ramble = speak continuously for a long time with too many details or different topics

• “You shouldn’t ramble during a job interview. Try to keep your answers concise and relevant.”

chat = have an informal conversation

You can use “chat” for informal conversations both online and offline.

• “The teacher was chatting with a few students in the hallway.”

stutter / stammer = speak repeating some sounds

If someone says: “P-p-please don’t d-do that” – they are stuttering or stammering. Some people do this frequently because they have a speech problem, and other people do it occasionally when they are extremely afraid or nervous.

gossip = talk about other peoples’ lives, especially negative things or secret details

• “My neighbor loves to gossip – I think she’s got some dirt on everyone who lives in this apartment building.” (“Dirt” is a slang word for some scandalous or secret information)

Gossip is both a verb and a noun for this type of speaking.

snap at (someone) = say a quick phrase in an annoyed/angry way

• “When I asked my wife if dinner was ready, she snapped at me.” (“If you want dinner, make it yourself!”)

Now try using each of these words for speaking in your own example sentence. Creating your own examples is a great way to remember English vocabulary better.

I hope you enjoyed learning all these “speaking” words! You can learn lots more useful vocabulary words in my Vocabulary Builder Courses.

If you’d like to focus on more advanced English words, check out my Advanced Vocabulary and Collocations Course.

Want to increase your vocabulary & improve your fluency?

More Espresso English Lessons:

About the author.

Shayna Oliveira

Shayna Oliveira is the founder of Espresso English, where you can improve your English fast - even if you don’t have much time to study. Millions of students are learning English from her clear, friendly, and practical lessons! Shayna is a CELTA-certified teacher with 10+ years of experience helping English learners become more fluent in her English courses.

• Literacy Based Therapy

• Speech Sounds

The Bookshelf

Resource library, how to pick vocabulary words for speech therapy.

How to Pick Vocabulary Words: What words?! Whenever I had a student who needed to work on vocabulary My mind started racing, ‘What words do I pick?’ ‘What are the right words to use? ‘. When writing a goal we need to know what we are tracking. You cannot simply write with ‘classroom vocabulary’, that ain’t gonna fly if your case brought to due process.

You must have a list of the words you are going to target and track progress.

Now, there are lots of resources out there. I have read books like Bridge to Vocabulary , Bringing Words to Life , Building Academic Vocabulary , and Teaching Vocabulary and found them so valuable. These have been wonderful resources and I highly encourage you to check them out. A common theme across them all is to make the vocabulary meaningful for the child.

Explain why these words are so important,

point them out in daily living, show their actual application! Choosing the words to target when it comes to working on vocabulary doesn’t have to be an ordeal either. One of the best and most practical places to find words is to look at their academic worksheets, read the directions, and focus on the verbs. Words like arranging, summarize, incorporate, detail, etc will pop up left and right.

These are examples of tier 2, functional vocabulary words. I do not assume that the students know these words despite having been surrounded for years. So, if you’re stumped on what words to choose, start here.

“Failure to understand instructional verbs and thus what a teacher or textbook is asking of a child has the potential of creating a rift in the child’s engagement with the learning process.” Lowman et al., 2018

Now, one of the most common questions after hearing this, ‘What verbs are the best to target then?’. So here is a list of instructional verbs, common for Kindergarten to 5th grade. Please keep in mind there are soooo many words available that our students are exposed to everyday, but if you need a jumping off point, then take a look at the list below.

I have also used these Vocabulary Kits with a lot of success too. I simply pick a word set and that is our focus for the year. The are research based so the vocabulary chosen aligns with the same academic practicality we need. This also includes scaffolded materials as well as a pretest/post-test. You can read more about this my Teaching Vocabulary in Speech Therapy post.

So when it comes to vocabulary, don’t stress. Words your kids need surround them all you have to do is to find the best fit for them.

Lowman, J., Stone, L. T., & Guo, J. (2018). Effects of interactive book reading for increasing children’s knowledge of instructional verbs. Communication Disorders Quarterly , 1-13. doi:10.1177/1525740117745639 .

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Hey there! I’m Maureen Wilson, a school-base SLP who is data driven and caffeine powered. My passion is supporting other pediatric SLPs by teaching them how to harness the power of literacy and data to help their students achieve their goals…without sacrificing time they don’t have.

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Teaching Vocabulary in Speech Therapy

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Awesome! Thank you so much for this information.

Thank you for sharing your expertise in this area. Your insights in this tiopic is very valuable and useful for SLPs like me who tries to squeeze out every precious minute out of their day for getting new ideas and ways of doing a well-used skill in fresh, new ways. The flashcards are certainly more than ready to retire, hahahahahaha!

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• Strengthening Students' Core Vocabulary for Powerful Communication

Trina Becker, MS, CCC-SLP

• AAC - Technology
• School Intervention and Collaboration in Schools

Learning Objectives

After this course, readers will be able to:

• define vocabulary selection methods for AAC and explain the difference between core and fringe vocabulary.
• identify AAC systems and AAC apps that utilize core vocabulary.
• describe how to write goals that incorporate core vocabulary across competency areas.
• explain how to integrate and teach core vocabulary across activities, environments and communication partners.

Vocabulary Selection for AAC

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to learn about vocabulary for individuals who use AAC.  I find that thinking about vocabulary and choosing appropriate vocabulary for my AAC clients is very challenging. When you are the person responsible for choosing the words that an individual can use to communicate, that is a big responsibility that we need to think about. If you are the SLP that's making the communication display for a no-tech communication system or you are choosing the vocabulary page set that your client is going to be using on their AAC system, that's a big job to think about.  It can be very challenging because we need to provide children with the vocabulary that they need to address multiple and increasingly demanding needs which include:

• Interacting socially with family and friends and their peers
• Participating in their classroom and their educational environment and having enough appropriate vocabulary to do that
• Vocabulary that encourages the development of both language and literacy skills
• Vocabulary that helps them achieve academically and participate in those academic environments

Vocabulary Selection Methods

Environmental .

How do we choose vocabulary? There are different vocabulary selection methods that are discussed in the AAC literature. One of them is environmental vocabulary selection which is an approach that allows you to observe the client in different environments. For example, we can go into the child's classroom and take an inventory or list of appropriate words that they need to participate in the classroom. The list might be words that the students in the classroom are using or words used in response to questions that teachers are asking. We are going to jot those words down, make a list, and make sure that our client has access to them.

We can also get a list of words from parents if we want to make sure that they have appropriate words to communicate in their home setting.  Back in the classroom, it may be a list of curriculum words that a teacher is using in their classroom throughout the year or throughout the quarter. 

Developmental

Another method is a developmental approach. As SLPs we have knowledge of language development and we can use those resources to help determine what vocabulary to include on a child's AAC system. We first want to determine where the child is developmentally in regard to their language and cognitive level.  Then, we match that with the words that they need at that level. That helps provide some direction of where to go in terms of what words to add to their list and what words they will need to expand their language.

The next vocabulary selection method is the functional approach.  With this approach, we can look at what the most frequently used words and phrases are in a specific environment or with a specific age group. Typically, we use research-based word inventories and I will share those later so that you have that resource.

Types of Vocabulary

While we're thinking about the different kinds of vocabulary selection methods, we really need to be thinking about core vocabulary versus fringe vocabulary and which one should we be thinking about when we're choosing words to put on a communication system.

Core vocabulary refers to words or phrases that are commonly used by a variety of people. These are words that are used by peers and are used in multiple environments. When looking at parts of speech, these words do not include specific nouns.  Rather, they are verbs, pronouns, descriptors, adverbs, and maybe even articles of speech. They are words that we can use no matter where we are and they're not related specifically to an environment or to an individual.

Fringe words  are  specific to the individual. It might include words that represent their interests, their family, or their job. Fringe words are specific to an environment or specific to an individual.

Core Vocabulary

Approximately 250-400 words make up 75-85% of the words we say.  These are our core words.  When we're thinking about the vocabulary that we want to choose to add to an individual's communication system, we want to use the words that individuals are using 75-85% of the time. Doesn’t it make the most sense to fill the communication board or think about a vocabulary set that consists of these words because we know an individual can use them across environments and across people with whom they are speaking.

Core vocabulary consists of words that are common to peers that are similar in age to them. It's really a relatively small set of vocabulary and doesn't change across environments or individuals. These words provide a framework for functional language.

When we think about these 250-400 words that are mainly of verbs, pronouns, descriptors, and adverbs, we can use them for a variety of functional purposes. We can combine the words in different ways to make requests, to answer questions, to ask questions, to comment, and to communicate socially.  It gives us a nice foundation for a lot of functional language use. Also, because these are generic words, we can combine them in different ways to make a variety of novel utterances.

Again, when thinking about what words to use to fill up a child's communication display, we want to use words that they're using the majority of the time. So, it makes sense to consider core vocabulary when deciding what vocabulary to include on an AAC system. When designing the displays or evaluating different vocabulary sets that are within high-tech communication systems, use this rule of thumb: The ratio of core to non-core should be 4:1. Primarily, we are using core vocabulary for communication display but then integrating some non-core words or fringe words in order to customize it a bit. For example, if I'm making a communication display for myself, I'm going to include the name of my husband, my sons’ names, the activities that they do, things about my job, etc. because those fringe words are important to me and I'm going to use them all the time. However, your fringe words are going to be different than mine. But the rest of what I say - that 75-85% - is going to be the same words that you use. So, remember that ratio of 4:1 when designing displays. 

Research-Based Words Lists

With an understanding of core vocabulary and why it's important, what are some resources that can help us decide which core vocabulary words to include. Fortunately, some research has been conducted to help us out.  A research study done in 2003 by Benajee, DiCarlo and Stricklin looked at the vocabulary used by 50 toddlers in a daycare and nursery setting. Their hope was to develop a list of the most frequently occurring words toddlers are using in their daily environments and daily activities. They came up with a list of the 25 most frequently occurring words (Figure 1).  

Figure 1. Initial core vocabulary set.

Notice that there are no specific nouns.  There are some pronouns, verbs and descriptors.  These are all core words.  So, if I am working with a young child who's using AAC or a child who's just starting to use AAC, I can use this list as a guideline for words I want to teach first to my client.

Looking at the list, you might be thinking that there aren’t very good pictures for these words. It is tricky to represent these words on a communication display. Nouns are better pictures, right? If we think about an apple or a ball or a Goldfish cracker, we know what those pictures might look like and we can use those pictures on a communication display to easily represent those nouns. When we look at the words in the above list, how do we represent a word like,  go ? You might have a picture in your head that is a bit different than mine. One of the challenges about core words and why we get hung up on whether or not we're going to include them on an individual's communication display is because they are not good picture producers. But just like any kind of vocabulary, we have to teach that vocabulary to the children we're working with.  They can learn these words even though they're not the best pictures. I will discuss more of that shortly.

There are other research studies. One is the Marvin Sampling which is a list of 333 most frequently occurring words in the preschool setting. Notice that only 50 of the 330 words were specific nouns and the other words were all core words. Again, emphasizing the fact that those are the words that children use the most often. If you're working with children in the preschool setting that could be a great resource to decide which words to add to the child’s communication display or which words to have on their high-tech system.

Another research study was conducted by Boenisch & Soto in 2015 and looked at an older population. They were interested in the top 100 words used by second, fourth, sixth and eighth-graders.  Look at that breakdown, most of the words are verbs and pronouns with adverbs and prepositions coming in next:

• 17 pronouns
• 9 prepositions

**all other parts of speech occurred 7 or fewer times.

Another resource that I've found to be helpful is for individuals who are trying to meet the Common Core Standards in the school setting. How do we look at vocabulary with respect to those Common Core Standards? The Dynamic Learning Maps (https://www.med.unc.edu/ahs/clds/resources/core-vocabulary/) provides a great resource to look at how core vocabulary lines up with the common core.

The word lists previously mentioned were based on an individual’s verbal output (i.e., what words they are using). There are also some research studies that look at writing samples because in writing we are taking language and moving it to the motor skill of writing. The thought is that writing might correlate with AAC because AAC takes language and puts it to a motor skill of touching a communication display by touching a screen or touching a communication board.  Researchers want to consider the way individuals write and what words they’re using because it might mimic the words that an AAC user is using. 

One particular study investigated written language of 2 nd -6 th  grades (McGinnis & Beukelman, 1989).   Again, there is a theme of core vocabulary occurring.  We can identify some core words that are making up about 70% of what the students were writing. Most recently in 2013, Clendon, Sturm, and Cali looked at writing skills again. They specifically looked at kindergarten through 1st grade and found the same thing of 70% of the words written were core words (e.g., verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, articles, prepositions). They also studied the most frequently occurring phrases included:

I like                                        I went to

Going to                                  I am going

I am                                         I like to

Went to                                   am going to

This list is good to refer to when we start building sentences or conversation skills with our individuals who use AAC.  These phrases can be taught first.

What Vocabulary is Available on AAC Systems?

When looking at different levels of AAC from no-tech to high-tech, what vocabulary is available? The vocabulary that is added to no-tech and low-tech systems is usually created specifically for the AAC user.  For example, SLPs are choosing what words to put on a communication board that somebody's using. The SLP might be choosing specific words to add to a PECS book.  We are in charge of that.  We want to refer back to those evidence-based practice articles and see what words are being used the most.

There are some pre-designed no-tech systems that are available for purchase.  I will discuss a couple of those shortly. When we move up to the mid-tech range, some of these are voice output devices.  However, clinicians are usually making pages for those devices.  Finally, when we move to high-tech or AAC apps that are available, there are a lot of pre-designed page sets that we can explore the best fit for an individual that we're evaluating or an individual that we're considering for use of AAC.

No/Low Tech Systems

Some available no or low-tech systems that are available for purchase, and there are many others, are the Pixon Project and the WordPower 60.  The Pixon Project is a no-tech board available through the Prentke Romich website ( www.prentrom.com) and was developed by Bruce Baker and Gail Van Tatenhove who do a great deal of work in the field of AAC. Bruce Baker has conducted a lot of research on vocabulary and Gail Van Tatenhove has given many presentations and has many practical solutions for using core vocabulary with individuals.

Saltillo offers a free download - a paper version - of their high-tech dynamic display vocabulary page set of the WordPower 60.  You can print those and make your own no-tech kind of dynamic board for individuals.  They list core vocabulary on the main page so you don’t have to make them yourself.  You can also use those words as a guideline to customize some of your clients' no-tech or low-tech systems.

I have highlighted a few communication apps, but this is definitely not a comprehensive list.

Figure 2. Communication apps.

Prentke Romich has LAMP Words for Life that's based on core vocabulary. Tobii DynaVox has their page set, Snap + Core First.  Finally, Saltillo has an app called TouchChat and TouchChat with WordPower, which are all based on core vocabulary.

High Tech Systems

High tech systems that have core-based pages are listed in figure 3.  Again, this is absolutely not a comprehensive list. These are the systems that I'm most comfortable with and know that they are based on core words and have good core page sets to choose from within their systems.

Figure 3. High tech software.

These examples provide some guidance for how to choose vocabulary or where to find systems or page sets that have core vocabulary.

Integrating Core Across Activities, Environments, and Communication Partners

How do we integrate core vocabulary across activities, environments and communication partners? Let's first think about writing goals. There is a lot to consider when writing goals for individuals who use AAC. One of those considerations is making sure to cover all four areas of communicative competence: operational, linguistic, social and strategic competencies.

Operational Competence

Operationally, we want individuals to operate their device and perform all of the operational features associated with that. With vocabulary, operationally, we want to make sure the individual can locate and navigate to those core words.  So, if you're designing your own vocabulary page for an individual, put the core words where they're easily accessible so the client can find them quickly since they are going to be using those the most.

Trina Becker, MS , CCC-SLP

Trina Becker, MS, CCC/SLP is an associate professor in Communication Disorders and Sciences Department at Eastern Illinois University and is the Director of the Speech-Hearing-Language Clinic. Her specialty areas include alternative and augmentative communication and speech-sound disorders. Ms. Becker teaches multiple undergraduate and graduate level courses and serves as a clinical supervisor for diagnostics and therapy sessions with the AAC population. Ms. Becker has consulted with families and schools on AAC and has presented to parent and professional groups at the local, state, and national level.

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Home sweet home: transitioning aac to the home environment, course: #9760 level: intermediate 1 hour, developmental trauma: the coping framework for differential diagnosis and treatment, course: #10783 level: intermediate 1 hour, aac communicator profile, course: #10553 level: intermediate 1 hour, case studies in aac, course: #8872 level: intermediate 1.5 hours, aac communicator goal continuum, course: #10684 level: intermediate 1 hour.

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100 Vocabulary Words with Meaning and Sentence in English

Mastering a new language is not easy because there are numerous challenges to overcome while learning and comprehending the language. These difficulties are exacerbated when the language in question is as important as English. One of the many challenges is remembering the vocabulary words with meaning and sentence.

Do many newcomers have trouble remembering English words? Well, memorizing new words is a significant challenge in learning a new language, but it is not insurmountable.

Here are 100 vocabulary words, which will enhance your English language skills .

100 Vocabulary Words with Meaning and Sentences

Many people have a firm grasp on English grammar and even make it a point to learn new words every day, but when it comes to actually using those new words, they fall short. Is it similar in sound? If you react yes, you’ve arrived at the right place.

Reading is widely recommended as the most effective way to increase vocabulary . While immersed in a science fiction story or a romantic work of art, it broadens your exposure to different styles and sentence structures.

Vocabulary Words with Meaning and Sentence

# Competence (Noun): capability

• Similar Word : ability, proficiency
• Reverse : bluntness, dullness
• Usage : My competence in work has made me reach great heights.

# Compendium (Noun): summary

• Similar Word : digest, compilation
• Reverse : extension, enlargement
• Usage : He has neatly and clearly compended his novel in less than 500 words.

# Compassion (Noun): pity

• Similar Word : tenderness, gentleness
• Reverse : antipathy, ruthlessness
• Usage : People with too much ego don’t show any compassion.

# Libidinous (Adjective): lustful

• Word : sensual, lascivious
• Reverse : moral, decent
• Usage : Teenagers are becoming more libidinous nowadays.

# Ravelry (Noun): merrymaking

• Word : festivity, celebration
• Reverse : mourning, sadness
• Usage : Ganesh Chaturthi is the best ravelry celebrated among Hindus.

# Ruse (Noun): trick, deception

• Word : gimmick, a ploy
• Reverse : honesty, openness
• Usage : Sam had ruse Mika and also robbed money from her.

# Simpleton (Noun): fool

• Word : buffoon, jerk
• Reverse : brain, genius
• b: She is a simpleton, but has a lot of egos.

# Clannish (Adjective): exclusive

• Word : selected, reserved
• Reverse : welcoming, open
• Usage : Nowadays clannish dresses have become a new trend.

# Satanic (Adjective): demonic

• Word : cruel, maniacal
• Reverse : angelic, good
• Sentence : It is said that bad deeds always leave a satanic effect.

# Titular (Adjective): having a title

• Word : nominal, so-called
• Reverse : actual, real
• Sentence : He had always refused to be titular but, he achieved many because of his personality.

# Speckle (Adjective): dotted

• Word : flecked, mottled
• Reverse : plain, simple
• Sentence : Her dress was speckled beautifully and glossy.

# Befoul (Verb): contaminate

• Word : dirty, malign
• Reverse : cleanse, purify
• Sentence : Vehicles today have befouled air and water.

# Flurry (Noun): commotion

• Word : turmoil, outbreak
• Reverse : calm, peace
• Sentence : After the corona outbreak there was no flurry in the markets.

# Quandary (Noun): Delicate situation

• Word : difficulty, dilemma
• Reverse : advantage, boon
• Sentence : In the amusement ride, I found myself in a quandary situation.

# Quitedude (NOUN): Calm

• Word : dispassion, peace
• Reverse : agitation, clamour
• Sentence : She felt quite a dude after the fight.

# Proclivity (Noun): Inclination

• Word : penchant, predilection
• Antonyms : antipathy, dislike
• Sentence : The new novel surmises in a way that hardly fits my own social proclivity.

# Quisling (Noun): Traitor

• Word : betrayer, collaborator
• Antonyms : loyalist, patriot
• Sentence : The boy who committed the crime was proved not to be a quisling.

# Plebeian (ADJECTIVE): Native

• Word : local, indigenous
• Antonyms : uncommon, different
• Sentence : She is a plebian writer.

Also Read: Modern English Words Used in Conversation: Let’s Learn Effective English Speaking Ethics!

New Vocabulary Words with Meaning and Sentence

# Opulence (Noun): Wealth

• Word : abundance, affluence
• Antonyms : dearth, deficiency
• Sentence : His opulence made her have many fake friends.

# Obviate (Verb): Counteract

• Word : preclude, forestall
• Antonyms : assist, support
• Sentence : The weather shown on the tv obviates the snow.

# Overt (Adjective): Obvious

• Word : apparent, definite
• Opposite : obscure, uncertain
• Example : The person in the last smiled overtly at that woman.

# Meddlesome (Adjective): Interfering

• Word : intrusive, meddling
• Opposite : avoiding, dodging
• Example : She made a meddlesome statement.

# Mincing (Adjective): Affected

• Word : artificial, dainty
• Opposite : extroverted, unaffected
• Example : Claire can’t put up with his mincing singer for the rest of her life.

# Lavish (Adjective): wasteful

• Word : extravagant, profligate
• Opposite : economical, mean
• Example : He came to grief because of his lavish dating habits.

# Laconic (Adjective): brief

• Similar Word : short, terse
• Opposite : verbose, wordy
• Example : Though her conversation was laconic, yet it was clear.

# Mammoth (Adjective): huge

• Similar Word : enormous, gargantuan
• Opposite : little, miniature
• Example : My mammoth program will be finalized very soon.

# Menace (Noun): danger

• Similar Word : threat, peril
• Opposite : safety, surety
• Example : Pollution is a potential menace to the health of the people.

# Manifest (Adjective): clear

• Similar Word : understandable, palpable
• Opposite : unclear, obscure
• Example : Her evil ambitions were manifest when she remembered the question of dowry.

# Modicum (Noun): small amount

• Similar Word : ounce, shred
• Opposite : lot, whole
• Example : There is no modicum of fact in his statement.

# Oblivion (Noun): mental blankness

• Similar Word : forgetfulness, unconsciousness
• Opposite : awareness, concern
• Example : She was immersed in oblivion when he left.

# Refurbish (Verb): make clean

• Similar Word : repair, renovate
• Opposite : ruin, destroy
• Example : An individual can refurbish his/her image by discipline.

# Raze (Verb): destroy completely

• Similar Word : demolish, obliterate
• Opposite : build, construct
• Example : Dozens of forests have been razed.

# Rapt (Adjective): fully attentive

• Similar Word : elated, ecstatic
• Opposite : dejected, doleful
• Example : She listened to the lecturer with rapt interest.

# Perpetuate (Verb): maintain

• Similar Word : preserve, conserve
• Opposite : discontinue, cease
• Example : In order to perpetuate the method of teaching, teachers should make it fun.

# Malignant (Adjective): deadly

• Similar Word : destructive, mortal
• Opposite : harmless, healthful
• Example : She died of malignant cancer.

# Denigrate (VERB): besmirch

• Similar Word : defame, disparage
• Opposite : praise, laud
• Example : We should not try to denigrate the personality of anyone.

Also Read: Daily Routine English Conversation: Make Your Communication Skills Effective

Daily Vocabulary Words with Meaning and Sentence

# Dauntless (Adjective): bold

• Similar Term : brave, gallant
• Opposite : timid, fearful
• Example : Hitler was a dauntless and cruel ruler.

# Decorum (Noun): grace

• Similar Term : propriety, dignity
• Opposite : Impropriety, Levity
• Example : Maintaining decorum in school is necessary.

# Detriment (Noun): damage

• Similar Term : harm, loss
• Opposite : profit, benefit
• Example : Drinking is a detriment to good health and hygiene.

# Dreary (Adjective): cheerless

• Similar Term : comfortless, dark
• Opposite : inspiring, pleasant
• Example : There will be a dreary meeting tomorrow.

# Grotesque (Adjective): ugly

• Similar Term : absurd, odd
• Opposite : graceful, natural
• Example : Her grotesque appearance makes her less popular.

# Glide (Verb): pass

• Similar Term : relapse, go by
• Opposite : stop, freeze
• Example : Her team glided across the region easily.

# Gingerly (Adverb): carefully

• Similar Term : cautiously, delicately
• Opposite : hesitantly, timidly
• Example : One should gingerly check their details.

# Teem (Verb): Overflow

• Similar Term : overrun, full
• Opposite : lack, need
• Example : The teem of water squashed the shore

# Chunky (Adjective): Chubby

• Similar Term : stocky, stout
• Opposite : skinny, thin
• Example : Ram is a chunky friend of mine.

# Hasping (Verb): Fasten

• Similar Term : grab, catch
• Opposite : loose, release
• Example : Riya went to the door and hasped it.

# Undertone (Noun ): Mumble

• Similar Term : murmur, hint
• Opposite : overtone, enunciate
• Example : Rai was talking in an undertone.

# Unscsthed (Adjective): Unharmed

• Similar Term : unhurt, uninjured
• Opposite : hurt, injured
• Example : The dogs caught in the fire escaped unscathed.

# Varnish (Verb): add a layer to; embellish

• Similar Term : lacquer, Cover
• Opposite : uncover. reveal
• Example : The painter varnished the windows.

# Tout (Verb): Laud

• Similar Term : praise, promote
• Opposite : blame, discourage
• Example : They touted his achievement.

# Tepid (Adjective): Mild

• Similar Term : warm, unenthusiastic
• Opposite : enthusiastic, keen
• Example : The cheering from the balcony was tepid.

# Vestige (Noun): Sign

• Similar Term : glimmer, indication
• Opposite : information, lot
• Example : We can get a vestige through astrology.

# Ingrained (Adjective): Deep-rooted

• Similar Term : deep-seated, inbred
• Opposite : acquired, learned
• Example : The belief of poverty is ingrained in them.

# Feud (Noun): major argument

• Similar Term : conflict, dispute
• Opposite : friendship, accord
• Example : The feud between the two brothers lasted for one hour.

Also Read: English Conversation Sentences: Buckle Up with Spoken English Conversation Practice

English Vocabulary Words with Meaning and Sentence

# Fluster (Noun): perturbation, upset

• Similar Term : agitation, disturbance
• Opposite : peace, calmness
• Example : There is a great fluster in the atmosphere due to increasing pollution.

# Fealty (Noun): allegiance

• Similar Term : faithfulness, loyalty
• Opposite : disloyalty, treachery
• Example : They have expected fealty from their close friends.

# Broach (Verb): bring up a topic

• Similar Term : introduce, moot
• Opposite : stop, close
• Example : The topic was broached to educate the teachers in a better way.

# Coy (Adjective): bashful

• Synonyms : Skittish, timid
• Antonyms : aggressive, forward
• Sentence : Riya gave him a coy grin.

# Concoct (Verb): formulate, think up

• Synonyms : contrive, create
• Antonyms : demolish, destroy
• Sentence : She concocted an intention to start a new career.

# Dilatory (Adjective): procrastinating

• Synonyms : delaying, laggard
• Antonyms : diligent, eager
• Sentence : She had been dilatory but now she intended to shut her shop.

# Gambol (Verb): run or jump about playfully

• Synonyms : prank, play
• Antonyms : work, study
• Sentence : The children gambolled all around the home.

# Impeach (Verb): denounce, censure

• Synonyms : accuse, criticize
• Antonyms : praise, commend
• Sentence : He impeached the actress in front of everyone for her wrong deeds.

# Indignation (Noun): anger

• Synonyms : rage, displeasure
• Antonyms : delight, cheer
• Sentence : The client came out in indignation from the office.

# Besmirch (Verb): taint

• Synonyms : blacken, defile
• Antonyms : honour, praise
• Sentence : The actress insisted that the charge was to besmirch her name.

# Smear (Verb): To make something blurred

• Synonyms : smudge, stained
• Antonyms : clean, purity
• Sentence : She painted a beautiful floral painting but, because of the rain it smeared.

# Spongy (Adjective): cushioned

• Synonyms : soft, porous
• Antonyms : hard, inflexible
• Sentence : She baked a fluffy and spongy cake on her father’s birthday.

# Brevity (Noun): briefness

• Synonyms : concise, short
• Antonyms : longevity, lengthiness
• Sentence : She explained the whole situation in brevity.

# Appal (Verb): horrify

• Synonyms : alarm, amaze
• Antonyms : comfort, encourage
• Sentence : I am always appalled in a horror house.

# Astound (Verb): amaze

• Synonyms : astonish, bewilder
• Antonyms : calm, expect
• Sentence : He was astounded at her presence.

# Exalted (Verb): praised

• Synonyms : elevated, illustrious
• Antonyms : criticized, debased
• Sentence : She exalted the paintings made by me.

# Abandon (Verb): cease to support or look after (someone)

• Synonyms : desert, leave
• Antonyms : adopt, adapt
• Sentence : They abandoned their old house and moved to a cottage.

# Boredom (Noun): disinterest

• Synonyms : apathy, disgust
• Antonyms : concern, energy
• Sentence : Boredom had settled on his face since he came back from London.

Also Read: Simple Phone Conversation in English: Important Etiquette Phrases & Dialogues

Basic Vocabulary Words with Meaning and Sentence

# Stupefy (Verb): stun

• Synonyms : benumb, daze
• Antonyms : enliven, inspire
• Sentence : She was stupied to her spot, when she saw an accident

# Quixotic (Adjective): generous

• Synonyms : idealistic, dreamy
• Antonyms : cautious, pragmatic
• Sentence : She has not been successful in life because of her non-quixotic ideas.

# Noxious (Adjective): harmful

• Synonyms : offensive, putrid
• Antonyms : helpful, healthy
• Sentence : Emission from petrol cars generating noxious gases causes pollution.

# Narcissism (Noun): self-love and devotion

• Synonyms : egotism, selfishness
• Antonyms : humility, modesty

# Vitriolic (Adjective): bitter

• Synonyms : astringent, sardonic
• Antonyms : courteous, gracious

# Pilferage (NOUN): theft

• Synonyms : burglary, misappropriation
• Antonyms : veto, disapprove

# Myriad (Adjective): infinite

• Synonyms : multitudinous, multiple
• Antonyms : finite, limited

# Reposistion (Verb): alter

• Synonyms : deviate, change
• Antonyms : keep, hold

# Rambunctious (Adjective): noisy

• Synonyms : boisterous, raucous
• Antonyms : calm, quiet

# Rankle (Verb): annoy

• Synonyms : bother, embitter
• Antonyms : comfort, aid

# Recidivism (Noun): lapse

• Synonyms : backsliding, decadence
• Antonyms : ascent, increase

# Apposite (Adjective): apt

• Synonyms : appropriate, relevant
• Antonyms : inapt, inapplicable

# Jumble (Verb): disturb

• Synonyms : disorder, disorganise
• Antonyms : Organise, Arrange
• Sentence : My life gets jumbled everyday because of new obstacles.

# Agility (Noun): quickness

• Synonyms : swiftness, sprightliness
• Antonyms : dullness, sluggishness
• Sentence : My dog has shown agility after his training.

# Rampart (Noun): defensive wall

• Synonyms : barricade, fortification
• Antonyms : opening, ditch
• Sentence : I have formed a rampart against boys in my school.

# Quandary (Noun): dilemma

• Synonyms : in a fix, predicament
• Antonyms : advantage, good fortune
• Sentence : Yesterday I saw my teacher in a quandary.

# Quip (Noun): A clever remark

• Synonyms : banter, gag
• Antonyms : praise, flattery
• Sentence : I usually make a quip when I pass by creative people.

# Pernicious (Adjective): destructive

• Synonyms : injurious, unsafe
• Antonyms : safe, harmless
• Sentence : Aria’s approach is self-pernicious; she needs to expand a lot.

Reading is the most effective way to improve your vocabulary , but make a habit of taking notes and using the words you learn in a novel to make it even more effective. Every day, try to read something and keep a dictionary nearby. So start today!

FAQs –

Q.1. What is the purpose of the “100 Vocabulary Words with Meaning and Sentence in English” resource? A: This resource aims to expand your English vocabulary by providing a curated list of 100 words, along with their meanings and example sentences. It helps learners to grasp the context and usage of these words, enhancing their language skills.

Q.2. How were the 100 words selected for this vocabulary resource? A: The selection process involved choosing a diverse range of words across various parts of speech, difficulty levels, and relevance in everyday communication. The goal was to include words that are commonly used and beneficial for learners in both written and spoken English.

Q.3. What kind of information can I expect for each vocabulary word in this resource? A: For each word, you will find its meaning or definitions. Additionally, there will be one or more sample sentences showcasing how the word can be used in context. This helps to comprehend the word’s application in different situations.

Q.4. Is this resource suitable for beginners or advanced English learners? A: This resource caters to a wide audience, spanning from beginners to more advanced learners. The words have been chosen to offer a balance, allowing beginners to learn new terms while also challenging those who are more proficient in English.

Q.5. How can I effectively utilize this vocabulary resource to improve my English skills? A: To maximize the benefits, it’s recommended to study a few words at a time, understand their meanings, and incorporate them into your daily communication or writing. Regular practice and usage will aid in solidifying your grasp of these new words and their appropriate contexts.

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100+ Daily Use English Words for Fluent Communication

Clapingo Team

15 min read

 · spoken english

Enhance Your English Vocabulary For Fluent Communication 

Basic english words , commonly used phrases , mastering pronunciation through tongue twisters, advanced vocabulary for fluent communication , business english vocabulary for fluent communication, business vocabulary: key to professional success, essential business words and phrases, socializing and small talk , conversation starters:, importance of daily used english words for fluent communication .

Daily use of English words is essential in developing fluency and effective communication skills. By incorporating new words into your daily life conversations, you can expand your vocabulary and improve your ability to express yourself clearly.

Whether you are speaking with friends, colleagues, or clients, having a wide range of vocabulary at your disposal allows you to convey your thoughts and ideas more precisely.

Using simple and common vocabulary is particularly relevant in everyday conversations. Rather than relying on complex or technical terms, using everyday language helps ensure that your message is easily understood by others. It also makes it easier for you to comprehend what others are saying. By using simple words, you can avoid confusion and foster better communication.

The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive list of practical common words for fluent communication. This list will encompass a variety of topics, ranging from basic vocabulary to advanced terms, idioms, and phrases commonly used in different contexts. Each word will be accompanied by its meaning and contextual examples to help you understand how it can be used in real-life situations.

To further support your journey towards English fluency, Clapingo has published an article titled " Learn 10 Ways To Improve Your English Fluency Without Resorting To Grammar. "

This article offers valuable insights and practical tips on improving fluency through techniques that go beyond grammar rules alone, emphasizing strategies to speak English fluently and effectively.

Learning basic common English words is fundamental for daily use and effective communication. These words form the building blocks of your vocabulary and are frequently used in various situations. Familiarizing yourself with them will greatly enhance your ability to engage in conversations confidently.

Here are some essential basic common English words to get you started:

1. Numbers : One, two, three, four, five...

2. Colors : Red, blue, green, yellow...

3. Days of the week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday...

4. Months : January, February, March...

5. Family members : Mother, father, brother...

6. Food items: Apple, banana, bread...

7. Animals: Dog, cat, bird...

By incorporating these words into your daily life conversations and practicing their pronunciation and usage regularly, you will quickly develop a strong English vocabulary.

Remember that consistent practice is key to retaining and expanding your vocabulary. To further reinforce your learning journey with additional resources, interactive exercises for basic English common words, and many more topics related to English language skills development, visit Clapingo's YouTube channel here.

Learning commonly used phrases is crucial for effective communication. While having a robust vocabulary is important, using everyday phrases in the right context can greatly enhance your ability to communicate fluently and naturally. Here are some reasons why learning commonly used phrases is significant:

1. Improved Fluency : Incorporating commonly used phrases into your conversations helps you sound more fluent and natural in English. It allows you to express yourself effortlessly without thinking too much about constructing sentences.

2. Cultural Understanding: Commonly used phrases often have cultural nuances and show familiarity with the language. By learning these phrases, you gain a deeper understanding of the culture and can connect with native English speakers more personally.

3. Politeness and Etiquette: Using appropriate greetings, expressions of gratitude, and other polite phrases shows respect for others and helps build positive relationships. It allows you to navigate social situations with ease.

4. Confidence Booster:  You feel more confident in conversations when you know commonly used phrases. This confidence lets you express yourself effectively, convey your thoughts clearly, and engage in meaningful discussions.

Now let's dive into a comprehensive list of everyday phrases that will be useful for various situations:

- Good morning/afternoon/evening

- How are you?

- Nice to meet you

- Have a great day!

Expressions of Gratitude:

- Thank you

- I appreciate it

- You're welcome

- I'm grateful for your help

Asking for Directions:

- Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to...?

- Can you please show me the way to...?

- Is there a nearby...?

Ordering Food or Drinks:

- I'd like...

- Could I have...?

- What do you recommend?

Making Apologies:

- I'm sorry

- My apologies

- I didn't mean to...

Asking for Help:

- Can you please assist me with...?

- Could you lend me a hand?

- I need some help with...

Giving Instructions:

- First, you need to...

- Then, you should...

- Finally, make sure to...

Expressing Preferences:

- I prefer...

- I would rather...

- I'm more inclined towards...

These are just a few examples of commonly used phrases. Remember to practice using them in context to improve your fluency and confidence in everyday conversations. For a more extensive list of daily use more words and phrases, you can refer to the following 

Tongue twisters are a fun and effective way to improve pronunciation, focus on enunciation, and tackle those tricky sounds that often slip through the cracks of daily conversation. From the whimsical " wonder wood word work " that challenges our Ws and Rs, to the complex " track transport treat tree, " which tests our ability to transition smoothly between similar sounds, each tongue twister in this collection is designed to refine your speech clarity and speed.

Dive into the dynamic " team teenage television tell ," perfect for practicing T sounds, or try the sibilant " size skill sky sleep " to master the subtle differences between Ss and SKs. The robust " strong sudden suffix sun " rolls off the tongue, pushing your pronunciation to new strengths, while "secure security sentence" focuses on S and C sounds, essential for clear communication.

Moving on to more challenging sounds, " film fine finish fire " and " chief child children " are great for F and Ch sounds, helping you articulate with precision. For those looking to enhance their shadowing skills, " shade shadow shape share " and " deep defeat detail " offer a rich practice ground. " Energy entertainment evening " brings in the E sounds, pushing the envelope of evening elocutions.

On the emotional spectrum, " sad safe sail sand " and " steel story street " evoke vivid scenarios requiring careful articulation. And for the automotive enthusiast, " car cardiac careless carnival " provides a fun ride through hard C and R sounds. Meanwhile, " fake family fan " and " solid something song " explore F and S sounds in familial contexts, adding a personal touch to practice sessions.

For the builders and makers, " too tools " and " cold colour column " are not just practical but also a test of fluid transition between similar sounding words. " Feet fever figure " and " brother bucket building " challenge your ability to maintain rhythm and pace, while " bottle boy branches ," " cow craft cravings ," and " cap capital captain " turn everyday objects into a verbal playground.

Finally, the adventurous " first fish flowers ," " west wet wheels ," " win wings winner ," wrap up our collection with a celebration of victory, be it in mastering the sounds of English or just getting through these tongue-twisting trials with fewer stumbles. Each twist and turn in these phrases is a step towards more fluent, confident speech. So take a deep breath, and let's twist our way to clearer communication!

Incorporating advanced vocabulary into your daily life conversations can significantly enhance your language and communication skills. Here are some benefits of using advanced vocabulary:

1. Precision and Clarity: Advanced vocabulary allows you to express yourself precisely and convey your thoughts accurately. It helps you articulate complex ideas and concepts with clarity.

2. Impressiveness: Using advanced vocabulary demonstrates your command over the language and can leave a lasting impression on others. It showcases your intelligence, sophistication, and ability to communicate effectively.

3 . Enhances Writing Skills: Learning advanced vocabulary not only improves your spoken communication but also enhances your writing skills. It enables you to write with finesse, choose the right words, and communicate your ideas more effectively.

4. Better Reading Comprehension: As you expand your vocabulary, you will find it easier to comprehend and understand a wider range of texts. Advanced vocabulary exposes you to different writing styles and helps you grasp complex ideas in various domains.

To help you enrich your vocabulary, here is a diverse range of advanced words along with their meanings and contextual examples:

Remember to incorporate these words into your daily life conversations and writing to reap the benefits of an enhanced vocabulary.

Learning idioms and phrasal verbs is crucial for achieving fluency in English. While grammar and vocabulary are important, understanding and using idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs can take your language skills to the next level.

Here's why:

- Idioms and phrasal verbs are commonly used in everyday English conversations. By learning them, you'll be able to understand native speakers better and communicate more effectively.

- Idiomatic expressions add color, depth, and nuance to your language. They can help you express yourself more naturally and sophisticatedly, making your speech sound more native-like.

- Phrasal verbs, which consist of a verb followed by a preposition or an adverb, are an integral part of spoken English. They often have different meanings than their individual components, so understanding them is essential for comprehension.

Now let's dive into some commonly used idioms and phrasal verbs along with their meanings and examples:

1. Break the ice - to initiate a conversation or friendship.

Example: "We played a game to break the ice at the team-building event."

2. Hit the nail on the head - to accurately identify or address a problem.

Example: "Sarah hit the nail on the head when she suggested that we need better time management."

3. Let the cat out of the bag - to reveal a secret.

Example: "Don't let the cat out of the bag about our surprise party!"

Phrasal Verbs:

1. Call off - to cancel something.

Example: "They called off the meeting due to bad weather."

2. Look forward to - to anticipate or be excited about something in the future.

Example: "I'm really looking forward to my vacation next month."

3. Put up with - to tolerate or endure something unpleasant.

Example: "I can't put up with his constant complaining anymore."

These are just a few examples, but there are hundreds of idioms and phrasal verbs in English. Practice using them in context to become more fluent and confident in your English communication. For a comprehensive list of idioms and phrasal verbs, check out the following video

In the fast-paced and competitive world of business, effective communication is crucial. One key aspect of successful communication is having a strong grasp of business vocabulary. Whether you are participating in meetings, giving presentations, or negotiating deals, using the right words and phrases can make all the difference.

In this section, we will explore the importance of business vocabulary and provide you with a list of essential words and phrases commonly used in professional settings.

Having a wide range of business vocabulary is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it enhances your credibility and professionalism. When you use appropriate terminology in your conversations and written communications, you demonstrate that you understand the industry and know how to navigate within it.

Secondly, having a strong business vocabulary allows for clear and concise communication. In professional settings, time is often limited, and being able to express yourself accurately and succinctly is highly valued. Using the right words helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures that your message is effectively conveyed.

Lastly, mastering business vocabulary enables you to build rapport with colleagues and clients. Speaking their language shows that you understand their needs, concerns, and challenges. It establishes trust and fosters stronger relationships.

To help you on your journey to becoming fluent in business English, here is a comprehensive list of essential words and phrases commonly used in various professional settings:

These are just a few examples of the many words and phrases used in business settings. You can find a more extensive list of essential business vocabulary on the Clapingo website.

By familiarizing yourself with these words and phrases, you'll be able to navigate professional environments with confidence and communicate effectively. Incorporate them into your daily conversations, emails, and presentations to enhance your professional image and improve your chances of success.

Remember, mastering business vocabulary takes time and practice. Make it a habit to learn a few new words or phrases every day. Soon enough, you'll notice a significant improvement in your communication skills, leading to better opportunities in your career.

So, don't hesitate! Start expanding your business vocabulary today and watch as your professional prospects soar.

  5 Importance Tips of Mastering the English Language ​

Socializing and small talk play a crucial role in building relationships. Engaging in casual conversations helps to establish connections, create rapport, and foster a sense of community. When you engage in small talk, you show interest in the other person's life and make them feel valued. It is also an effective way to break the ice and initiate conversations with new acquaintances or colleagues. Here are some common conversation starters, questions, and responses for social situations:

1. "Hi, I'm [Name]. What's your name?"

2. "Nice weather we're having today, isn't it?"

3. "Have you been to this event before?"

4. "What do you do for a living?"

5. "Where are you from?"

1. "How was your weekend?"

2. "Are you enjoying the event so far?"

3. "What brings you here today?"

4. "Do you have any exciting plans for the upcoming holidays?"

5. "What are your hobbies or interests?"

1. "Yes, I had a great weekend! How about you?"

2. "Yes, it's my first time here too! Are you enjoying it?"

3. "I'm here because I'm interested in [topic/event]."

4. "I'm planning to visit my family during the holidays."

5. "I enjoy reading and hiking in my free time."

Remember, small talk should be light-hearted and non-controversial to keep the conversation pleasant and enjoyable for both parties involved.

Must read:  Can listening to songs help you improve your Spoken English? ​

Recapping the importance of daily used English words for fluent communication, consistent practice, and exposure to new vocabulary are key factors in language development. By incorporating English vocabulary words into your conversations daily, you become more comfortable and confident in expressing yourself fluently. Daily practice helps you expand your vocabulary and improve your sentence formation.

To effectively develop your language skills, engaging with various resources that offer support for English learners is important. Clapingo is an exceptional online platform that provides resources tailored specifically for Indian learners. With its vast collection of articles, videos, and interactive exercises, Clapingo offers a wealth of learning opportunities to enhance your spoken English skills.

By making a conscious effort to use daily use English vocabulary words regularly, you will notice significant improvements in your communication abilities. Consistency is key in language learning, so strive to incorporate new vocabulary into your daily conversations and interactions. With time and practice, you will become more proficient in expressing yourself fluently and confidently.

Remember, building a strong foundation in the daily used English words is essential for effective communication. Setting clear goals can help achieve the desired or intended result of enhancing your vocabulary and language skills. Regular practice and exposure to new vocabulary will undoubtedly contribute to your overall language development.

​ Spoken English Words List To Learn English Under 15 Days! ​

1. Why is it important to learn daily use English words?

Using English words daily is essential for developing fluency in the language. By incorporating these words into your vocabulary, you can express yourself more clearly and effectively in everyday conversations.

2. What are some examples of simple English words for daily use?

Simple common English words for daily use include common nouns like "house," "car," and "book," as well as verbs such as "eat," "sleep," and "read." These basic words form the foundation of communication and should be mastered by all learners.

3. Can you provide some new words in English for daily use?

Certainly! Here are a few new words that you can incorporate into your everyday conversations:

a) Serendipity - The occurrence of finding something pleasant or valuable by chance.

b) Resilience - The ability to bounce back or recover quickly from difficulties.

c) Equanimity - Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper.

d) Ubiquitous - Present or found everywhere.

e) Pernicious - Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.

4. What are some examples of the daily use of basic English words?

Daily use basic English words, including numbers (one, two, three), colors (red, blue, green), days of the week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday), months (January, February, March), and common greetings (hello, goodbye).

5. Can you suggest some advanced English words for daily use?

Certainly! Here are a few advanced English words that can elevate your vocabulary:

a) Eloquent - Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing.

b) Ubiquitous - Present or found everywhere.

c) Tenacious - Tending to keep a firm hold of something; persistent.

d) Acumen - The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions.

e) Mitigate - To make (something) less severe, serious, or painful.

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Daily Use English

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The Invention of a Desert Tongue for ‘Dune’

Language constructors for the movies started with words Frank Herbert made up for his 1965 novel but went much further, creating an extensive vocabulary and specific grammar rules.

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By Marc Tracy

In Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi “Dune” movies, Indigenous people known as Fremen use a device to tunnel rapidly through their desert planet’s surface.

The instrument is called a “compaction tool” in Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel, “Dune,” on which the films are based. But the professional language constructors David J. Peterson and Jessie Peterson wanted a more sophisticated word for it as the husband and wife built out the Fremen language, Chakobsa, for “Dune: Part Two,” which premiered earlier this month.

They started with a verb they had made up meaning “to press” — “kira” — and, applying rules David Peterson had devised for the language before the first movie, fashioned another verb that means “to compress” or “to free space by compression” — “kiraza.” From there, they used his established suffixes to come up with a noun. Thus was born the Chakobsa word for a sand compressor, “kirzib,” which can be heard in background dialogue in “Dune: Part Two.”

For language constructors — conlangers, as they are known — such small touches enhance the verisimilitude of even gigantic edifices like the “Dune” series. If the demand for conlangers’ work is any indication, filmmakers and showrunners agree.

“There’s a very big limit to what you can do with anything approaching gibberish,” said Jessie Peterson, who holds a doctorate in linguistics. “If you just shouted one word in gibberish, that would probably be fine. If you shouted a phrase of two words, OK. But if you tried to do a whole sentence structure in gibberish, it would fall apart very quickly. If somebody needed to respond or repeat information, it won’t cohere.”

Other languages are a significant part of the “Dune” films as well. For “Part One,” David Peterson devised a chant for the emperor’s fearsome military forces, the Sardaukar, and the sign language of discreet hand gestures employed by the central Atreides family.

In “Part Two,” Chakobsa is spoken — and often subtitled — extensively, not just by Fremen played by Javier Bardem and Zendaya, but also by outsiders like Rebecca Ferguson’s Lady Jessica and Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides, the movies’ main character, who first wishes to travel to Arrakis to learn Chakobsa and by the end of the second movie delivers an entire monologue in the language.

Constructed languages (as opposed to so-called natural ones like English, Dutch or Japanese) date back roughly 1,000 years. J.R.R. Tolkien conceived several tongues for the Middle-earth of his celebrated books, including the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. (He called language construction his “secret vice.”) “The Klingon Dictionary,” based on the speech of the pugilistic people in “Star Trek,” was published in 1985.

More recently, conlangers expanded on the languages in George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” books for the series “Game of Thrones” and “House of the Dragon.” (David Peterson is responsible for the Dothraki that the actor Jason Momoa delivered as Khal Drogo.) They also crafted vocabulary and grammar for the Na’vi who live on Pandora in James Cameron’s “Avatar” (2009) and “Avatar: The Way of Water” (2022).

“Before the movie even came out, there was already information about the language released to the fans — a survival guide to Pandora, with full glossary,” said Christine Schreyer, a professor of anthropology at the University of British Columbia as well as the constructor of Kryptonian for the 2013 Superman movie “Man of Steel.”

In the Petersons’ hands, Chakobsa has a specific grammatical structure. Like Latin, it regularly employs declensions, so even proper nouns sound slightly different depending on whether they are the subject or object of a sentence. And there are roughly 700 basic vocabulary words — a figure that does not include the myriad other words possible through adjustments that make kirza into kirzib or lija (to eat) into lijjin (a snack).

As with “Game of Thrones,” they had something to work with: dozens of words from the original “Dune” novel. Herbert’s Fremen — a nomadic desert people — in many ways resemble the Bedouin (though in others they recall the Native Americans of Herbert’s own Pacific Northwest), and their language had some obvious Arabic touches. It sounds roughly like Arabic without certain sounds, such as pharyngeals like the “h” sound you make when fogging a piece of glass, according to David Peterson.

Karin Ryding, a professor emerita at Georgetown University who has studied Herbert’s use of Arabic, said that in graduate school in the late 1960s, she and her colleagues read “Dune” together: “It was a secret among us that we all enjoyed this particular science-fiction novel and its references to Arabic.”

Certain titles Paul uses among the Fremen are particularly resonant: “Muad’Dib,” a desert mouse known as “the one who points the way,” is similar to the Arabic word for a respected kind of teacher, while “Lisan al-Gaib,” or “the voice from the outer world,” recalls the Arabic for “hidden tongue,” Ryding said. Paul is also called the “Mahdi,” an Arabic term for a messiahlike figure in Islam. (“Kwisatz Haderach,” the messianic appellation used by a different group in the “Dune” universe, is derived from Hebrew.)

Herbert intended these linguistic resonances to communicate the connections between our world and the world of his novels — which is our world some 20,000 years in the future. “If you want to give the reader the solid impression that he is not here and now, but that something of here and now has been carried to that faraway place and time,” Herbert said in a 1981 biography, in a passage Ryding quoted in an academic paper, “what better way to say to our culture that this is so than to give him the language of that place.”

Critics have questioned the decision by the filmmakers (including the Petersons) not to retain some of the linguistic vestiges of modern-day cultures that the novel uses. In the novel, for instance, the Fremen rebellion against their foreign overlords is referred to as a “jihad”; in the movie, it is called a “holy war.” Warner Bros., which produced the latest “Dune” films, declined to comment.

The choice not to import more modern-day resonances “dilutes Herbert’s anti-imperialist vision,” Haris A. Durrani wrote in The Washington Post upon the release of “Dune: Part One.” Manvir Singh argued last month in The New Yorker, “The world we see in ‘Dune’ was never meant to be fully sealed off from the one we know.”

David Peterson said that in constructing Chakobsa for “Dune: Part One,” he strove to accommodate the book’s Fremen vocabulary while building a fuller, coherent language.

Beyond that pre-existing glossary, which amounted to a collection of words, Peterson’s loyalty, he said, was to how language actually functions and develops. And the notion that a language 20,000 years in the future would retain substantial touches of a contemporary tongue, he argued, defies what we know about linguistics.

“There is very little understanding,” Peterson said, referring to the general public, “that languages change over time, that every aspect of language changes: how it is pronounced, what the words mean, the grammar.”

He added, “The entire recorded history of language is 6,000 years.”

Marc Tracy is a Times reporter covering arts and culture. He is based in New York. More about Marc Tracy

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Housekeeping Vocabulary | 113 Common Words and Phrases

Learning English for housekeeping is important when you’re in an English-speaking country or an international hotel.

From room vocabulary to cleaning equipment and instructions, this post will get you started.

We will go over the 113 most common English vocabulary words and phrases that you’ll need for housekeeping work.

Room Assignment Sheets

Cleaning instructions, problems and complaints, safety and emergencies, how to learn english vocabulary for housekeeping, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

This is a beautiful piece of wood that stands up vertically against the wall at the head of the bed for decoration. The name is pretty easy to remember, as it’s a board by your head.

This is the soft cushion on top of a bed, on which people sleep.

This is a hard box that’s the same size as the mattress of a bed. It has springs inside, it’s covered in cloth and sits underneath the mattress. (Note: Beds with box-springs are most common in the United States, Canada and Australia.)

Imagine a bed wearing a skirt. That’s where “bed skirt” got its name. It’s a thin sheet with short, decorative fabric that hangs down along all of the edges to cover the gap (space) between the floor and the box-spring. Here’s a quick video that shows how to put a bed skirt onto a bed, by placing it between the box-spring and the mattress.

Fitted sheet

This is the first sheet to go on a mattress, and has round, “fitted” corners. It’s made to fit the shape of the mattress. These sheets can be tricky to fold, so here’s a funny video with Martha Stewart that teaches how to fold a fitted sheet.

The sheet that goes on top of the fitted sheet is called a flat sheet.

Bedspread / Comforter

The thicker blanket that goes on top of the flat sheet and covers the bed is called a bedspread or comforter. Both words are commonly used. In this Ikea catalog it’s called a bedspread, while this Target catalog uses the word comforter.

Pillows are soft rectangles that make your head comfortable while you sleep. The fabric that covers a pillow is called a  pillow case .

Night table

The small tables on either side of the bed are called night tables.

Alarm clock

This is a small digital clock that can also be used to set an alarm.

On a night table you’ll often find a lamp, which is a small light so people can see at night. It has a light bulb inside, which needs to be replaced every now and then when it “burns out” and no longer produces light. On some lamps, the light bulb is covered by a lampshade to make it look prettier. (You can see here that the Pixar lamp has a light bulb, but it doesn’t have a lampshade.)

The alarm clock, lamp and other electronics are plugged into electric outlets, found on the walls. The part at the end of the cord with two electric prongs is called a plug . You put the plug in the socket (on the wall) to “plug in” the device. 

Garbage bag / Liner

The plastic bag put inside empty trash/garbage cans can be called a garbage bag or liner.

Mints are small, flavored candies that make your breath smell good. They are made with spearmint or peppermint. Sometimes housekeepers in hotels leave these on the pillows after they clean.

This is a small, plastic container—usually lined with a plastic bag—where guests can put ice (from the ice machine in the hallway).

In a bedroom, this is where clothes can be hung and stored. Clothes are hung on hangers .

Luggage rack

This is a small surface where guests can put their luggage (suitcases), to keep it off the floor. In hotels, luggage racks usually fold up, so they don’t take up space while not in use.

A dresser, desk or counter might have drawers that pull out so guests can store items inside. When cleaning rooms, it will be important to open drawers to make sure guests have not forgotten any items.

Lost and found

If you do find items left behind by guests, the hotel should have a lost and found. This is an area to store items that belonged to guests and were found in the hotel. When guests lose something, they will ask if you have a lost and found.

The thermostat is a small device on the wall which tells you the room’s temperature. It’s also used to change the temperature in the room and make it warmer or cooler.

Smoke detector

These are circular, battery-operated devices used to warn people of fires. They are usually put on the ceilings in rooms. If smoke detectors sense (detect) smoke, a loud alarm will sound.

Guests use this small, square cloth to wash their face. It can also be called a  wash cloth .

This is a small towel that guests use to dry their hands.

A bath towel is a larger towel that guests use to dry themselves after taking a shower or bath.

This mat is larger than a hand towel. Guests put it on the floor before taking a shower or bath to keep the floor dry when they get out.

Toilet bowl

The bowl-shaped part of a toilet, filled with water, is the toilet bowl. You can see it when you flip open the  toilet lid , which covers the toilet bowl when closed.

Toilet seat

This is the horseshoe-shaped part of a toilet, where people sit.

Toilet handle

To flush a toilet, you press this handle (lever). The toilet handle is attached to the  toilet tank —the large, rectangular, covered part of a toilet that sits against the wall.

Toilet paper

This is the roll of thin, soft paper used to clean oneself after going to the bathroom. After cleaning the bathroom, housekeepers will often fold the toilet paper like this  to show that they have cleaned. Type “fancy toilet paper fold hotel” into a Google image search for some fun results .

This tool has a stick handle connected to a rubber cup base, and usually sits upright on the floor next to the toilet. It’s used to fix plumbing (system of water pipes) problems in toilets.

Bathroom vanity

A vanity  is a North American word for a dressing table, which usually has a mirror and drawers. A bathroom vanity is similar, but will also have a sink— like this .

These are thin, square pieces of pottery used to cover floors or walls. They have a smooth, shiny surface ( like these ) which are okay to get wet. That’s why they are most common in bathrooms and kitchens.

Shower curtain

Regular curtains hang in front of windows to keep the light out and for privacy (so people cannot look in from outside). A shower curtain hangs in front of the shower to keep the water inside the shower/bath and to give people privacy.

Shower head

Water comes out of the shower head when the shower is turned on. In North America, the shower head is usually attached to the wall, at the height just above someone’s head.

In a bathtub or sink, water comes out of the faucet.

This is where water exits the sink or shower. Showers/bathtubs have a drain on the floor, and sinks also have a drain underneath where the faucet pours water. The verb to drain means to let water out gradually (little by little). For example, after taking a bath, you  drain  the bathtub by letting the water leave down the drain.

When guests do not want to get their hair wet when taking a shower, they can use a shower cap to keep their hair dry. Many hotels provide shower caps for their guests.

Air freshener

This is used to make the air smell clean, and is usually something that you spray into the air.

Cart / Trolley

Most housekeepers have a cart or trolley to store their cleaning materials and basic supplies. It’s a shelf on wheels, so the cart can hold essential items and easily be pushed from room to room. Laundry carts  are bins on wheels, in which you can put towels, sheets and other laundry items.

A sponge is a small rectangle of soft material that’s used for cleaning. It can absorb (soak up) water, so you’ll use it with water and a cleaning product.

This is an old cloth used for cleaning.

Microfiber cloth

This type of cloth is very, very soft, and traps a lot more dirt than regular cloths and rags. It’s spelled microfibre in many English-speaking countries outside of the United States.

This tool has a fluffy, feather-like end for cleaning dust (and often spider webs!), usually in high places. When you dust surfaces like tables, however, you’ll likely use dusting spray and a rag/cloth instead.

A broom is used to sweep  the floors in order to clean away any dust or other tiny items. It has a long handle with a brush at the end. You sweep the dust into a  dust pan , which you can then pick up and empty into a trash can.

A mop is kind of like a broom, except it’s used to wash floors. Attached to the long handle will either be a large sponge or thick, loose strings that can soak up water. You usually use a bucket of water when mopping the floors.

After you dip a mop into a bucket of water, you’ll use a wringer to wring out  (squeeze/twist out) extra water from the mop before putting it on the floor.

Vacuum cleaner

This is a cleaning machine that sucks up dust and dirt from the floors. It’s usually used on carpeted floors and some rugs, and it must be plugged in to work. Some vacuum cleaners have vacuum cleaner bags that need to be replaced when they are full. Other vacuums have a section that collects the dust and dirt, and needs to be emptied when it’s full.

Steam cleaner

This is a machine that uses hot steam (water vapor) to clean various surfaces. Some steam cleaners look like vacuums and are used to clean floors. Others are handheld  (are held in your hand), and used to clean a variety of surfaces, such as windows, tiles, mirrors and more.

Lint roller

Has a cat ever sat in your lap when you were wearing a black sweater? The cat probably left lots of cat hair on your sweater. A lint roller is a sticky, circular “brush” that you can roll over fabrics (like sweaters, couches, blankets, etc.) to remove hair and lint (short, tiny fibers from fabrics).

Window / Glass cleaner

This is a liquid substance used to clean surfaces like windows, glass and mirrors. It’s almost always sold in a spray bottle so that you can easily spray the cleaning product onto the surface. Windex is a brand of window/glass cleaner sold in the United States, Canada and Germany, and it’s easily recognized by its blue color.

When washing windows or mirrors, you might use a squeegee to smoothly scrape off any dirt and the window cleaner without leaving smudges (marks) on the windows.

Furniture polish 

This is a cleaning liquid that you spray onto furniture and then rub with a cloth. Tables, desks, beds and chairs are all furniture —basic items that make a room livable. Not all furniture polishes can be used on the same surfaces. For example,  Pledge furniture polish  can be used on wood, laminate, stainless steel, leather, marble, granite and plastic surfaces.

If a cleaning product is labeled multi-use , that means it can be used on multiple (many) surfaces (like Pledge furniture polish above), or for various uses. Be sure to read the label to know which surfaces the cleaning product is meant for.

Non-toxic cleaning products are not poisonous, so they are safe to use. Be very careful with toxic cleaning products, like our next word, bleach.

This is a chemical used to clean and disinfect (kill bacteria) certain surfaces like sinks and drains. It’s also used to make linens (cloths) whiter. You’ll want to wear a face mask when cleaning with bleach. A face mask helps protect you from breathing in dangerous chemicals. And be careful—if you get bleach on your clothes, it will turn them lighter!

Drain cleaner

This is a chemical liquid that you pour down drains to help keep them clean and unclogged (unblocked).

Toilet bowl cleaner

This liquid is used to clean the inside of toilet bowls. You’ll spread the cleaning product around and scrub with a toilet bowl brush .

Latex gloves

These are rubber gloves that you’ll wear over your hands to protect them while cleaning. 

Room status

This means the current situation in the room. Will a guest check out (leave) today? Is a guest sleeping over for another night? Many of the terms below are possible room statuses.

This means no one is in the room. Its opposite, occupied , means that someone is staying in the room.

Checked out

This means that the guest has settled (paid) their bill at the front desk and left the hotel. Some hotels use “checked out and gone” for this same status.

The guest has not yet checked out, but they are expected (due) to leave by the check-out time that morning. Other schedules might use “checking out today” for this room status.

The guest will be staying over another night and is not due to check out.

The guest is still staying in the room, but the bed was not slept in the night before.

A guest has left the hotel without paying their bill and without correctly checking out.

Do not disturb (DND)

Guests might place a “do not disturb” sign on their door handles, meaning they do not want to be bothered (disturbed). Do not knock on the door to clean their room.

No service today

The room does not want service today.

The time that you enter the room to begin cleaning. If you’re working somewhere that uses the 12-hour clock, be sure to use “a.m.” if it’s in the morning and “p.m.” if it’s in the afternoon or night. For example, 1:30 p.m. is an hour and a half after noon (13:30).

The time that you leave the room when you are finished cleaning.

Remarks / Comments

This is a place for you to write any additional notes or comments about a certain room.

Maintenance issues

These are problems that need to be fixed by the hotel’s maintenance employees. Such problems might involve the lights, electrical outlets, sinks, toilets or showers, for example.

This is where you sign your name. When you sign a room assignment sheet, you’re usually agreeing that all of the information you wrote is correct.

To press the lever on a toilet that makes clean water flow in.

Flush the toilet after cleaning the toilet bowl.

To clean something by rubbing it hard.

Scrub the bathtub using a sponge and the cleaner in spray bottle #4.

To wipe (up)

To clean by rubbing with a cloth; to move something over a surface.

Wipe the counters with a clean cloth.

To replace something with another.

Change  the sheets on the bed. (Put new sheets on the bed.)

Change  the toilet paper when you clean the bathroom. (Replace the used toilet paper roll with a new one.)

To wash with plain water and no soap.

After you scrub the shower,  rinse  it with water to completely remove the cleaning product.

To clean by rubbing in order to make something smooth and shiny.

Use a cloth and furniture polish to polish the table and desk.

To clean with water and soap.

Bring the dirty linens to the laundry room where we will wash  them.

To release (squirt out) very small droplets of a liquid.

Spray  the mirrors and windows with window cleaner, then wipe them with a clean cloth.

Fold  the clean towels neatly and set them on the shelf in the bathroom.

To clean a floor with a vacuum cleaner.

Vacuum  the carpet and rugs in every room.

To wash a floor with a mop.

After you sweep the floors,  mop  them using hot water, floor cleaner and a mop.

To disinfect

To kill germs and bacteria.

Disinfect  (sanitize) the counters with this disinfecting spray.

To clean by removing dust.

Remove the newspapers and magazines, and then dust  the coffee table.

To remove something; the opposite of “fill.”

Empty  (take out) the trash once you’ve finished cleaning.

To look carefully.

Open the desk drawers and  check  for forgotten items.

To throw out

To put in the trash/garbage.

Throw out  any trash you find on the counters.

To make something clean and organized.

Tidy up  (straighten up) the bookcase when you clean the master suite.

To replace; to fill again.

Refill  the mini-fridge with soda and water.

To turn off

To stop something by pressing an “off” button or turning a switch.

Don’t forget to turn off  the lights when you leave the room.

To remove a plug from an electrical outlet.

Make sure to  unplug  the iron after using it.

The floor is wet in the bathroom.

~ is dirty / ~ isn’t clean

The sink is dirty.

~ is broken / ~ doesn’t work

The hair dryer is broken.

~ is empty / full

The garbage is full! It looks like it hasn’t been emptied in days!

There’s hair on / in ~

There’s hair on the bed pillow. Are these really clean sheets?

There’s a bad / weird odor (smell)

There’s a really bad smell  out on the patio.

The water is too hot / cold

The water in the shower is too hot.

The toilet is clogged (does not flush)

The toilet is clogged in room 204. We need a plumber ASAP (as soon as possible)!

~ is overflowing (flowing over the edge/top of something)

The plumber never came, and now the toilet is now overflowing! Help—there’s water spilling onto the floor!

~ is dripping

The faucet is dripping in the kitchen sink.

~ is stained

The carpet in our room is stained; it looks really dirty.

I spilled ~

I’m so sorry, I just spilled red wine on the carpet. Do you have any carpet cleaner I can use to get the stain out?

There’s no electricity / The power went out

The power went out in our room—what’s going on?

Out of order

(Note: this is sometimes abbreviated as “ ooo ” in housekeeping forms/guides)

The vending machine in the lobby is out of order . Is there another nearby?

Emergency action plan

This is a guide that tells what action to take in case of an emergency, such as a fire, crime or health problems.

This is the loud sound that will go off when there is a fire. The loud alarm and blinking lights will alert people of the fire.

Fire exit door

These are doors that should be used when there’s a fire to get people out faster. They are clearly marked as a “fire exit.”

To evacuate

To evacuate means to leave quickly and go to a safer place. During a fire, for example, everyone should evacuate the hotel.

First aid kit

This is a set of items used to treat physical injuries. Items in a first-aid kit often include band-aids (adhesive bandages), medical gloves, gauze, bandages, cloth tape and aspirin.

Hazards are dangers or risks. For a safe workplace, you should pay attention and eliminate any hazards you see. Possible hazards in hotels include harmful cleaning chemicals, cleaning carts blocking a hallway, wet floors (someone could slip and fall), electrical cords that someone could trip over, etc.

Severe weather

When weather can be dangerous, it’s called severe weather . Depending on where you work, this could include floods (lots of rain), tornados, thunderstorms, hurricanes, earthquakes, blizzards (strong winter storm) or extreme heat.

Now that you’ve seen the most essential English words and phrases for housekeeping, it’s time to start practicing and incorporating the language into your English vocabulary!  

Here are some resources to help you practice and learn more English for housekeeping: 

Hotel product websites

Hotels need to buy all of the items inside and replace them when needed. This means there are many companies that produce (make) items just for hotels. Their websites are a perfect place to practice and learn vocabulary for housekeeping because each product (item) comes with a picture.

• National Hospitality :  On this American company’s site, you’ll want to check out categories like “Bath,” “Bedding,” “In-Room” and “Housekeeping” first.
• American Hotel :  This is a great website to learn the names of cleaning products and tools. If you’ll be working in the United States, these are the same brands and terms that you’ll likely see at your hotel.
• Hotel Supplies : This is a UK website, so start here if you want to work in the UK or Europe.

Flashcard apps to practice vocabulary

A good way to learn the new vocabulary you’ll see here today is with flashcard apps. These apps are often more convenient to use than making flashcards yourself.

Here are a few of my favorite options: 

• Quizlet: This app makes flashcards easy to make and share. You can also browse decks created by other learners. You’re able to add audio and images to flashcards, as well.
• FluentU : This app lets you draw vocabulary from English videos, to help you learn in context.
• Anki : Anki is a powerful app that lets you create completely personalized flashcards with text, images, audio and video (if you want). You can also find decks made by other users. Click here to see our review of Anki. 

Housekeeping training videos

Some hotels have put their training videos online. These are really useful because you can see what actions the people are doing while they are talking about that specific cleaning task.

• This training video from Resort Realty Outer Banks teaches housekeepers how to clean a bedroom.
• They also have a video for cleaning living and game rooms ,  cleaning a kitchen  and cleaning a bathroom .
• This 10-minute training video from Fairfield Inn & Suites begins with a description of a housekeeper’s cart and then teaches how to clean various rooms.

Hotel housekeeping training manuals

• Housekeeping learner’s manual :  You can use this housekeeping learner’s manual to learn hotel vocabulary, and so much more. Here are a few of our recommendations:

Page 35 – A helpful chart of types of cleaning solutions

Page 54 – An image of a housekeeping cart, and a list of items usually found on the cart

Page 60 – Steps for changing/making a bed

Page 71 – A room inspection (check) report

Sample room assignment sheets

These two sample room assignment sheets are useful to begin understanding the columns and terms.

• Room Attendant Sheet :  This sample comes from a company called Set Up My Hotel. Notice the “Codes” section at the bottom of the sheet. This tells you to write short codes (abbreviations) in the chart, like “S/O” for “Sleep Out” and “DND” for “Do Not Disturb.”
• Room Assignment Sheet :  Go to pages 20-23 of this PDF to see some sample room assignment sheets. The final column, “Initial,” wants you to write the initials of your name instead of a signature. This means the first letter of your first name and the first letter of your last name. For example, Mickey Mouse would write “MM” for his initials, and Edgar Allan Poe would write “EAP.”

Resources to practice and learn cleaning instructions

When working in housekeeping, you’ll often be given specific cleaning instructions, such as how to clean unoccupied vs. occupied rooms. These resources will help you identify different housekeeping responsibilities and cleaning instructions.

• Guest Room Attendant Rubric : This is actually a rubric for a competition, but many statements on these three pages are useful. Start at the “Safety and Sanitation” section of page 1 and then work your way through the rest of the document.
• Hotel Housekeeping Tutorial : This site can serve as a handy checklist for hotel housekeeping tasks. It covers cleaning unoccupied vs. occupied rooms , laundry and linen maintenance, preparing your cleaning supplies and more.
• Room Attendant Job Description :  On this job description, look at the “duties and responsibilities” section. Can you do each of the tasks? Do you know what all of the words mean?

Now you’ve seen the most essential vocabulary in English for housekeeping, it’s time to start polishing your English!

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