Everyday Essentials
Common A2 words used in daily life, instructions, and routines
Overview
25 essential A2 words that appear frequently in daily conversation, instructions, and practical situations.
Words
ability /əˈbɪləti/
noun — A2
Meaning: the power or skill to do something Examples:
- She has the ability to learn quickly.
- His ability to speak three languages is impressive.
Word Family: ability (n.) → able (adj.) → unable (adj.)
achieve /əˈtʃiːv/
verb — A2
Meaning: to succeed in doing something Examples:
- She achieved her goal of running a marathon.
- What do you want to achieve this year?
Word Family: achieve (v.) → achievement (n.)
advantage /ədˈvɑːntɪdʒ/
noun — A2
Meaning: something that helps you be more successful Examples:
- Speaking two languages is a big advantage.
- What are the advantages of this plan?
Collocations: take advantage of, competitive advantage
attention /əˈtenʃn/
noun — A2
Meaning: the act of looking, listening, or thinking carefully Examples:
- Pay attention to the teacher.
- She wants to attract attention.
Collocations: pay attention, draw attention, centre of attention
available /əˈveɪləbl/
adjective — A2
Meaning: able to be used or obtained Examples:
- Is this seat available?
- The information is available online.
Word Family: available (adj.) → availability (n.)
avoid /əˈvɔɪd/
verb — A2
Meaning: to keep away from Examples:
- Avoid driving in rush hour.
- She avoided the question.
compare /kəmˈpeər/
verb — A2
Meaning: to examine differences and similarities Examples:
- Compare these two products.
- How do you compare the two cities?
Word Family: compare (v.) → comparison (n.)
depend /dɪˈpend/
verb — A2
Meaning: to rely on; to be decided by Examples:
- It depends on the weather.
- She depends on her family.
Collocations: depend on, it depends, depending on
Word Family: depend (v.) → dependent (adj.) → dependence (n.)
earn /ɜːn/
verb — A2
Meaning: to receive money for work Examples:
- She earns £30,000 a year.
- He earned a promotion.
Collocations: earn money, earn a living, earn respect
exist /ɪɡˈzɪst/
verb — A2
Meaning: to be real; to live Examples:
- Do ghosts exist?
- The problem has existed for years.
Word Family: exist (v.) → existence (n.) → existing (adj.)
experience /ɪkˈspɪəriəns/
noun, verb — A2
Meaning: knowledge gained by doing; an event Examples:
- She has a lot of teaching experience.
- It was an amazing experience.
Collocations: work experience, personal experience
fail /feɪl/
verb — A2
Meaning: to not succeed Examples:
- He failed the exam.
- The plan failed completely.
Word Family: fail (v.) → failure (n.)
improve /ɪmˈpruːv/
verb — A2
Meaning: to make or become better Examples:
- She wants to improve her English.
- The weather is improving.
Word Family: improve (v.) → improvement (n.)
involve /ɪnˈvɒlv/
verb — A2
Meaning: to include as a necessary part Examples:
- The job involves a lot of travel.
- I don’t want to get involved.
Collocations: get involved, be involved in
lack /læk/
noun, verb — A2
Meaning: not having enough of something Examples:
- There’s a lack of parking spaces.
- She lacks confidence.
Collocations: lack of, lack confidence
occur /əˈkɜːr/
verb — A2
Meaning: to happen; to come to mind Examples:
- The accident occurred at 3 p.m.
- It occurred to me that she was right.
Collocations: occur to, occur naturally
opportunity /ˌɒpəˈtjuːnəti/
noun — A2
Meaning: a chance to do something Examples:
- This is a great opportunity.
- Don’t miss this opportunity.
Collocations: job opportunity, equal opportunity
prefer /prɪˈfɜːr/
verb — A2
Meaning: to like one thing more than another Examples:
- I prefer tea to coffee.
- She prefers to walk.
Word Family: prefer (v.) → preference (n.)
prepare /prɪˈpeər/
verb — A2
Meaning: to get ready Examples:
- She prepared dinner for everyone.
- Are you prepared for the meeting?
Word Family: prepare (v.) → preparation (n.)
provide /prəˈvaɪd/
verb — A2
Meaning: to give or supply Examples:
- The hotel provides free Wi-Fi.
- Parents provide for their children.
Collocations: provide for, provide with
realize /ˈriːəlaɪz/
verb — A2
Meaning: to understand or become aware Examples:
- I didn’t realize it was so late.
- She suddenly realized the truth.
recommend /ˌrekəˈmend/
verb — A2
Meaning: to suggest as good or suitable Examples:
- I recommend this restaurant.
- The doctor recommended more exercise.
Word Family: recommend (v.) → recommendation (n.)
require /rɪˈkwaɪər/
verb — A2
Meaning: to need; to demand officially Examples:
- This job requires experience.
- All students are required to attend.
Word Family: require (v.) → requirement (n.)
solve /sɒlv/
verb — A2
Meaning: to find the answer to a problem Examples:
- We need to solve this problem.
- She solved the puzzle in minutes.
Word Family: solve (v.) → solution (n.)
suggest /səˈdʒest/
verb — A2
Meaning: to propose an idea Examples:
- I suggest we leave early.
- She suggested a different approach.
Word Family: suggest (v.) → suggestion (n.)
Quick Review
| Word | Type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ability | n. | skill |
| achieve | v. | succeed |
| advantage | n. | benefit |
| attention | n. | focus |
| available | adj. | obtainable |
| avoid | v. | keep away |
| compare | v. | examine differences |
| depend | v. | rely on |
| earn | v. | receive money |
| exist | v. | be real |
| experience | n./v. | knowledge; event |
| fail | v. | not succeed |
| improve | v. | make better |
| involve | v. | include |
| lack | n./v. | not enough |
| occur | v. | happen |
| opportunity | n. | chance |
| prefer | v. | like more |
| prepare | v. | get ready |
| provide | v. | supply |
| realize | v. | understand |
| recommend | v. | suggest |
| require | v. | need |
| solve | v. | find answer |
| suggest | v. | propose |