Vocabulary

English vocabulary lessons

Vocabulary

Build useful, memorable vocabulary through natural examples and guided practice. Start with a lesson below or check your vocabulary range.


A reader explores a sunlit library overlooking the sea, with flowing bookshelves, a nautilus shell and a coral hibiscus.

Grow your vocabulary one useful topic at a time

Focused vocabulary lessons, including six advanced lessons, and a vocabulary test are ready to use. Choose a focused activity, make the language personal and return for regular review.

A2–B1 foundations

EVERYDAY COOKINGA2-B1AudioCooking a simple mealChop the vegetables, then stir.SOCIAL PLANSA2-B1AudioMaking plans with friendsAre you free on Saturday?FOOD AND DRINKA1–A2AudioEveryday food and drinkBread, cheese and milk.FRUIT AND VEGETABLESA1–A2AudioFruit and vegetablesA carrot, a pepper and an onion.TOOLSA1–A2AudioTools and garden equipmentA spade, a rake and a watering can.HOMEA1–A2AudioAround the homeA sofa, a rug and a lamp.CLOTHESA1–A2AudioEveryday clothes and accessoriesA scarf, a jacket and a belt.KITCHENA2AudioKitchen essentialsPass me the colander.STATIONERYA1–A2AudioStationery essentialsA stapler, a notebook and a pen.SHOPPINGA2-B1AudioShopping: prices, receipts and returnsKeep the receipt for a refund.A2–B1AudioEveryday vs Every DayAn everyday habit. I do it every day.A2–B1AudioApart vs A PartWe live apart. I’m a part of the team.

B1–B2 vocabulary

FILMS AND STORIESB1-B2AudioDescribing films and storiesThe plot has a surprising twist.EVERYDAY TECHNOLOGYB1-B2AudioExplaining everyday tech problemsThe screen has frozen.TIME MANAGEMENTB1-B2AudioPlans, deadlines and progressWe’re on track to meet the deadline.B1–B2AudioSometime, Some Time or Sometimes?Let’s meet sometime. I need some time.B1–B2AudioAltogether vs All TogetherWe’re all together. That’s £20 altogether.

EVERYDAY OBJECTSB1–B2 · VIPAudioSmall Signs of WearA chipped cup. A frayed sleeve.
EVERYDAY OBJECTSB2 · VIPAudioFinding and Storing Small ThingsRummage in a drawer. Come across a cable.

B1–B2Almost vs NearlyThe glass is almost full.B1–B2Especially vs SpeciallyI love fruit, especially strawberries.B1–B2AudioCommon English CollocationsMake a decision. Take a break.B1–B2 + C1 extensionAudioAffect vs EffectRain affects the crops. That’s its effect.B1–B2AudioThen vs ThanTea first, then coffee. More tea than coffee.B1–B2 · C1 extensionAudioCompliment vs ComplementA compliment is praise. Colours complement each other.B1–B2AudioAdvice vs AdviseUseful advice. I advise you to check.B1–B2AudioPrincipal vs PrincipleOur principal aim. A guiding principle.B1–B2AudioLie vs LayLie down. Lay the book on the table.TRAVELB1–B2AudioEssential Travel VocabularyA sleeper train. A spacious cabin.

C1–C2 advanced vocabulary

Six lessons for precise word choice, nuanced judgements, evidence-based argument and economics.

DIPLOMATIC DISCUSSIONC1-C2AudioDiplomatic disagreementI have reservations about the timing.ART AND DESIGNC1-C2AudioReviewing art and designAn evocative image. An understated design.C1–C2AudioAdvanced Word Formation: Precision Beyond Prefixes and Suffixesrely → reliable → reliabilityC1–C2AudioAdvanced English Idioms: Judgement, Decisions and Hidden MeaningThe deadline is a sticking point.C1–C2AudioAcademic Vocabulary: Weigh Evidence and Challenge ClaimsThe records substantiate the claim.ECONOMICSC1AudioGrowth, prices & living standardsInflation, real wages and purchasing power.ECONOMICSC1AudioTrade, resources & economic powerA supply chain. A costly bottleneck.ECONOMICSC1AudioMoney, credit & central banksInterest rates, loans and credit.

Check your vocabulary level

Multi-levelVocabulary Proficiency TestCheck your vocabulary across levels.
Planned vocabulary topics

These topics are in development and are not available as lessons yet.

A1–A2 foundations

  • Everyday Routines and Useful Objects
  • Food, Shopping and Prices

B1–B2 independent English

  • Feelings, Reactions and Personality
  • Work, Projects and Collaboration

A simple vocabulary study routine

1. NoticeMeet the words in a clear topic and natural examples.
2. ConnectLearn useful phrases, collocations and word families.
3. UseComplete practice, then make the language personal.
4. ReviewReturn later and retrieve the words from memory.

Turn new words into active English

Use vocabulary in real conversation, receive precise feedback and build a learning plan around the words you need most.

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