Core words 4

Actions for explaining, planning and making changes

50 entries. Read the meaning, try to make your own sentence, then reveal the example. These are topic collections, not a CEFR assessment.

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Speed

believe

verb

to think that something is true

Reveal an example

I believe the office opens at nine.

feel

verb

to experience an emotion or physical state

/fiːl/ · General American

Reveal an example

I feel tired after the journey.

become

verb

to start to be something

/bɪˈkʌm/ · General American

Reveal an example

The road becomes narrow after the bridge.

leave

verb

to go away from a place

/liːv/ · General American

Reveal an example

We leave the hotel at eight.

call

verb

to contact someone by telephone

Reveal an example

Please call the office tomorrow.

keep

verb

to continue to have something

/kiːp/ · General American

Reveal an example

Keep a copy of the receipt.

begin

verb

to start doing something

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The class will begin in five minutes.

seem

verb

to appear to have a particular quality

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The instructions seem clear to me.

country

noun

an area with its own government

/ˈkʌntri/ · General American

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The company has offices in another country.

city

noun

a large town where many people live and work

/ˈsɪti/ · General American

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The city centre is busy at lunchtime.

problem

noun

a situation that needs a solution

/ˈprɑːbləm/ · General American

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Please call if there is a problem with the booking.

question

noun

words used to ask for information

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Ask a question if anything is unclear.

answer

noun

a reply to a question

/ˈænsɚ/ · General American

Reveal an example

Her answer explained the delay.

idea

noun

a thought or suggestion

/aɪˈdiːə/ · General American

Reveal an example

Your idea could save time.

story

noun

a description of events, real or imagined

/ˈstɔːri/ · General American

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I read a short story on the train.

fact

noun

something that is known to be true

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Check each fact before you publish the report.

reason

noun

an explanation for why something happens

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What is the reason for the delay?

example

noun

a particular case used to explain something

/ɪɡˈzæmpəl/ · General American

Reveal an example

The teacher gave an example of the new rule.

possible

adjective

able to happen or be done

Reveal an example

Is it possible to change my ticket?

difficult

adjective

needing a lot of effort or skill

/ˈdɪfəkəlt/ · General American

Reveal an example

The form was difficult to understand.

change

verb

to become different

/tʃeɪndʒ/ · General American

Reveal an example

The bus schedule may change next month.

happen

verb

to take place

Reveal an example

The meeting will happen online.

understand

verb

to know the meaning or reason for something

/ˌʌndɚˈstænd/ · General American

Reveal an example

I understand the instructions now.

remember

verb

to keep or bring something back to mind

/rɪˈmɛmbɚ/ · General American

Reveal an example

Remember to attach the document.

decide

verb

to choose after thinking

/ˌdɪˈsaɪd/ · General American

Reveal an example

We need to decide which train to take.

explain

verb

to make something clear by giving details

/ɪkˈspleɪn/ · General American

Reveal an example

Could you explain this charge on the bill?

describe

verb

to say what someone or something is like

Reveal an example

Can you describe the missing bag?

improve

verb

to make or become better

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Regular practice can improve your spelling.

consider

verb

to think carefully about something

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We will consider your suggestion.

suggest

verb

to offer an idea for someone to think about

Reveal an example

I suggest taking the earlier train.

provide

verb

to give something that is needed

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The hotel can provide an extra towel.

require

verb

to need something for a purpose

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This job requires careful planning.

receive

verb

to get something that is sent or given

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You will receive a confirmation email.

achieve

verb

to reach a goal through effort

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We achieved our target before the deadline.

succeed

verb

to get the result you hoped for

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The team worked together to succeed.

fail

verb

to be unsuccessful

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The plan could fail without enough time.

expect

verb

to think that something will happen

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We expect the delivery tomorrow.

prepare

verb

to make something ready

/priˈpɛr/ · General American

Reveal an example

I prepare lunch before I leave home.

accept

verb

to agree to take something offered

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The shop does not accept cash.

refuse

verb

to say that you will not do or accept something

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I had to refuse the extra work.

allow

verb

to let someone do something

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This ticket allows you to travel all day.

avoid

verb

to stay away from something

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Leave early to avoid the traffic.

prevent

verb

to stop something from happening

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The cover helps prevent damage.

increase

verb

to become or make something greater

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We need to increase the number of seats.

reduce

verb

to make something smaller in amount

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A shared journey can reduce travel costs.

develop

verb

to create or improve something over time

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The team will develop a new booking system.

produce

verb

to make something

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The factory produces bicycle parts.

offer

verb

to say that you are willing to give something

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They offered a refund for the broken item.

manage

verb

to organise and be responsible for something

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She manages the office schedule.

support

verb

to help someone or something

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The training will support new employees.

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