“the,” “and,” “is,” “a,” “of,” “to,” “in,” “it,” “that,” and “you.”
These words are essential to understand other people; be understood and just generally communicate!
If you look at the English Language and any derivative thereof you will see that it is a vast and complex language system which comprises of no more than 26 letters but tens of thousands of words which have been “invented” or simply evolved over the years and through the ages
While it is difficult to determine an exact number of words in the English language, various estimates suggest that there are more than 250,000 words in current use, with thousands of new words being added every year from words invented through social media as well as local colloquialisms which appear from time to time. New words are made up and become fashionable and old words fade from daily usage. For example, did you know that people in Cumbria actually have their own dialect? For example, we refer to old people, mainly ladies, as “Old Biddies” – its an affectionate and very personal way of greeting people. However, it also refers to Head Lice. So, old biddies refers to head lice and old people.
How about this one? “ Ar’s garn owwer yonder fer a kip”
The last word probably gives it away – kip – meaning sleep or nap. So it means “I am going over there for a nap!”
However, as you know, and as mentioned right at the beginning, some words are ALWAYS used more than others. Let’s take a look and try to understand the significance of them.
High-frequency words?
What are they and how do we use them naturally in our conversations?
High-frequency words, or everyday words or commonly spoken words will be ones which appear most regularly in written and spoken English. As mentioned before, these are invisible words used every day in our everyday speech which we utter without really thinking about it. They connect phrases and sentences to each other and make us understood.
To repeat, they are; “the,” “and,” “is,” “a,” “of,” “to,” “in,” “it,” “that,” and “you.”
How many high-frequency words are there in English?
Estimates vary. Some will say as few as 100 and others would say as many as 250. It changes on the regions; the people and age range using them. Put more simply, it relies on the demographics of the region to which words are used more frequently than others.
Why are high-frequency words important?
High-frequency words are essential and very possibly crucial in our everyday communication because they help us convey meaning effectively and efficiently. In short – it helps us to be understood quickly and easily. Without us having to put too much effort into being understood.
As has been said before “They are the building blocks of sentences and help connect ideas together, making communication smoother and easier to understand. Using these words also makes it easier for speakers and writers to convey complex ideas and concepts by allowing them to focus on the more technical or specialized vocabulary.”
When put like that you can see the importance of everyday high frequency words and how they make our life easier. Remember also that often when you see a word, it is not pronounced that way. We would cite “said” as an example. We would pronounce it “sed” Another example is the word “ the” . Its short and sharp. But add an extra “e” so that it becomes Thee, (* okay not so much a high frequency word) which is softer and more languid when spoken.
How are high-frequency words taught?
- Learning when a child. You learn to use these words by listening to people around you. Siblings; parents for example
- Through Kindergarten or school. You hear these words spoken by the Learner but then you are graduating to using “flash cards” which are written words on a card and which are held up for you to see. In truth the more often your brain sees these words on a card, the easier it is to memorise it and that is one of the first way you start to recognise words, and more particularly “ high frequency “ words
- Listening to TV programmes aimed at Young Learners Learning through play is a wonderful way to just grow your mind. When young children listen to programmes specifically targeted at them they take in things more easily. Its light and fun and easy to watch so they absorb more. Remember, one of the best ways to learn anything is through stealth learning, through fun.
The most frequently used words in English
Here are, we think, the best 100 high frequency words in English. Take a look and see if you can think of anymore. If you can, be sure to let us know.
The, that, not, look, put, and, with, then, don’t, could, a, all, were, come, house, to,
we, go, will, old, said, can, little, into, too,in, are, as, ,back, by, he, up, no, from, day, I,
had,mum, children,made, of, my, one, him, time, it, her, them, Mr, I’m,was, what, do,
get, if, you, there, me, just, help, they, out, down, now, Mrs, on, this, dad, came, called,
she, have, big, oh,here, is, went, when, about, off, for, be, it’s, got, asked, at, like,see, their,
saw, his, some, looked,people,make, but, so, very, your, an
If you want to improve you English and speak like a “ native English speaker” then finds out more by booking one of our Homestay English Programmes.