Vocabulary
1,000 Essential English Words
Core words in 40 everyday topics, each with its Hindi meaning, a pronunciation guide and one natural example.
PDF · English + HindiA free, global notebook for English learners
Learn English with notes that actually make sense.
English Notes is a free, growing library of grammar, vocabulary, idioms, writing and exam-prep notes — written in plain language for learners in every country, at every level.
18subject areas, from basics to fluency
100%free notes, no sign-up required
0ads inside lesson pages — just notes
She go ^ goes to school every day.
My brother work ^ works in a bank.
It rain ^ rains a lot in July.
Rule: He, she and it take -s (or -es) in the present simple.
Learn the rule: Present simple →
Browse the notebook
Nine subjects. One clear path from beginner to fluent.
Every section is written the same way: plain explanations first, then real examples, then common mistakes — so you always know exactly what to practise next.
Foundations
Grammar
Tenses, articles, prepositions, sentence structure and every rule explained with real examples, not just tables.
Word powerVocabulary
Everyday words, academic vocabulary, and word families organised by theme and situation, not random lists.
Natural EnglishIdioms & Phrases
The expressions native speakers actually use — explained with meaning, origin, and example sentences.
SkillsWriting Skills
Essays, formal letters, emails, and reports — structures and templates you can adapt for any topic.
SkillsSpeaking & Pronunciation
Sound patterns, stress, intonation, and confidence-building notes for speaking clearly and naturally.
ExamsExam Prep
Focused notes and strategies for IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge and other major English exams.
ProfessionalBusiness English
Emails, meetings, presentations and workplace vocabulary for professional, global communication.
Level: A1–A2English for Beginners
The very first steps — alphabet, basic sentences, everyday phrases — explained slowly and simply.
OngoingBlog & Study Tips
Study strategies, common-mistake round-ups, and short reads to keep your English improving every week.
Your learning roadmap
Learn English step by step: A1 to C2
The six CEFR levels are the international standard for describing language ability. Find the stage that sounds like you, then work through the notes linked under it. Not sure? Take the free English level test first.
-
A1 · Beginner
First words and sentences
You can introduce yourself, ask simple questions and understand slow, clear everyday phrases.
Focus: the alphabet and sounds, be and have, present simple, 500 core words.
-
A2 · Elementary
Everyday situations
You can talk about your routine, family and past events, and handle shopping or directions.
Focus: past simple, present continuous, articles, everyday phrases.
-
B1 · Intermediate
Independent conversations
You can deal with travel, describe experiences and plans, and give simple reasons for opinions.
Focus: present perfect, conditionals, modal verbs, connected speech.
-
B2 · Upper-Intermediate
Clear, detailed English
You can discuss abstract topics, argue a point and write clear, structured essays and emails.
Focus: passive voice, reported speech, essay structure, collocations.
-
C1 · Advanced
Fluent and flexible
You can express yourself fluently for study and work, and produce well-organised complex texts.
Focus: advanced vocabulary, mixed conditionals, academic and exam writing.
-
C2 · Proficient
Precision and nuance
You can understand virtually everything and express fine shades of meaning naturally.
Focus: idioms, phrasal verbs, tone and register for professional English.
Free grammar cheat sheet
English grammar at a glance
The four reference tables learners look up most — on one screen. Each links to a full lesson with examples, common mistakes and practice.
The 12 tenses
Three times × four aspects. Example verb: work.
| Past | Present | Future | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple | worked | work / works | will work |
| Continuous | was working | am/is/are working | will be working |
| Perfect | had worked | have/has worked | will have worked |
| Perf. cont. | had been working | have/has been working | will have been working |
The 8 parts of speech
Every English word does one of these jobs in a sentence.
| Part | Job | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | names a person, place, thing, idea | teacher, Delhi, love |
| Pronoun | replaces a noun | she, it, they |
| Verb | action or state | run, is, think |
| Adjective | describes a noun | big, happy |
| Adverb | describes a verb/adjective | quickly, very |
| Preposition | shows relation (place, time) | in, on, at |
| Conjunction | joins words or clauses | and, but, because |
| Interjection | expresses emotion | wow, oh |
Conditionals (if-sentences)
Choose by time and how real the situation is.
| Type | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Zero | if + present, present | If you heat ice, it melts. |
| First | if + present, will | If it rains, I'll stay in. |
| Second | if + past, would | If I were rich, I'd travel. |
| Third | if + had V3, would have V3 | If I'd known, I'd have come. |
Articles: a, an, the
Three questions decide almost every case.
| Ask | Then use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Is it specific / already known? | the | Close the door, please. |
| One, singular, countable, not specific? | a / an | I need a pen. An hour later… |
| Plural or uncountable, in general? | no article | Dogs are loyal. Water is vital. |
A or an? Go by sound, not spelling: an hour, an MBA, a university, a one-way ticket.
All article rules →Study offline
Five English ebooks for learners who think in Hindi
Every note on this site stays free. If you would rather work through one complete book — on your phone, on a train, or printed and marked up with a pen — these PDF guides put a whole topic in one place, with Hindi meanings and pronunciation where it helps.
Spoken English
2,500 Daily English Sentences
Ready-to-say sentences for 50 real situations, from greetings to the doctor’s office, with Hindi pronunciation.
PDF · 177 pages
Idioms
300 Idioms & Proverbs: Hindi to English
Find the English match for the muhavare and kahavat you already know — plus everyday English idioms explained in Hindi.
PDF · 57 pages
Career
Interview Ready: 40 Questions & Model Answers
Forty questions you are likely to face, sample answers you can adapt, and a seven-day plan to prepare.
PDF · 72 pages
Grammar
Tenses Made Clear: All 12 English Tenses
Timelines, side-by-side comparisons and exercises that make the twelve tenses finally click.
PDF · 97 pagesIndia: pay in rupees with UPI or an Indian card. Outside India: use the international button to pay in US dollars. Each ebook is a PDF you download straight after paying.
Compare all five ebooksNow expanded
More ways to learn, all free
We've grown beyond the original nine subjects — pronunciation, phrasal verbs, reading, listening, and hands-on practice tools are all part of the notebook now.
Sound & clarity
Pronunciation
Vowels, consonants, word stress, and rhythm — the full sound system, explained clearly.
Natural EnglishPhrasal Verbs
100+ everyday phrasal verbs organised by work, travel, and daily life.
ComprehensionReading
Skimming, scanning, and context clues for faster, more accurate comprehension.
ComprehensionListening
How to follow natural-speed speech, connected sounds, and different accents.
CEFR frameworkEnglish Levels
What A1 through C2 actually mean, and where to focus at each stage.
Test yourselfPractice
Interactive quizzes with instant scoring and clear explanations.
UtilitiesFree Tools
A live word and character counter, with more tools on the way.
For educatorsFor Teachers
Lesson-planning guidance and a reusable lesson plan template.
Study materialResources
How to turn any note on the site into focused practice material.
Our mission
Learning English shouldn't cost anything.
Millions of people want to learn English — for a better job, to study abroad, to talk with family across borders, or simply to feel confident in a global conversation. Too often, that education sits behind a paywall, a subscription, or an app that nags you to upgrade halfway through a lesson.
"We started English Notes on one belief: clear, well-taught English should be free — for anyone, anywhere in the world, regardless of what they can afford."
Every note on this site is written in plain, simple language on purpose. Learning a new language is hard enough without also decoding academic jargon written for native speakers. Whether you're a student in a small town, a professional preparing for an international interview, or someone teaching yourself from a phone with limited data — this notebook is built for you.
English Notes by the numbers
18Subject areas
12English tenses, in depth
80+Free lessons & guides
7Interactive quizzes & tools
$0Cost, always
Fresh every day
Today's quick English tip
A small, rotating pick from the notebook — grammar, vocabulary, idioms, and pronunciation, one bite-sized note at a time.
Red-pen corrections
8 common English mistakes — and the fix
These errors appear again and again in learners' speaking and writing, whatever their first language. Tap any card for the full rule.
I am agree with you.I agree with you.Agree is a verb — no am.
He don't like coffee.He doesn't like coffee.He/she/it takes does.
I have seen him yesterday.I saw him yesterday.Finished time → past simple.
If it will rain, we'll stay in.If it rains, we'll stay in.No will in the if-clause.
I am knowing the answer.I know the answer.Know is a stative verb.
She is more taller than me.She is taller than me.Never use more + -er.
He gave me an advice.He gave me some advice.Advice is uncountable.
Let's discuss about the plan.Let's discuss the plan.Discuss takes no preposition.
Thinking in Hindi, speaking in English
8 translation traps for Hindi speakers — and what to say instead
When we translate word-for-word from Hindi, the grammar is often fine but the English sounds unusual to listeners from other countries. These are the phrases that most often give it away.
Myself Priya, from Pune.I’m Priya, from Pune.Myself needs I earlier in the sentence: “I did it myself.”
What is your good name?May I know your name?A direct copy of shubh naam; elsewhere it sounds odd.
Today morning I went to the gym.This morning I went to the gym.Use this for parts of today: this morning, this afternoon, tonight.
Please revert back by Friday.Please reply by Friday.Revert means “go back to an earlier state”, and back repeats it.
He is my cousin brother.He is my cousin.Cousin already covers both; say “my male cousin” if it matters.
I have a doubt about tenses.I have a question about tenses.In global English a doubt is a feeling of distrust, not a query.
She is elder to me by two years.She is two years older than me.Elder never takes than or to; use older than.
Can we prepone the meeting?Can we bring the meeting forward?Prepone is clear in India but unknown to most other speakers.
Indian English is a real, respected variety of English, and these forms are perfectly understood at home. Switch to the second version when you are writing to, interviewing with, or presenting to people from other countries. For hundreds more everyday words with Hindi meanings, see the daily-use English words list or the 1,000-word ebook.
Not sure where to start?
Pick the path that matches what you actually need.
Same notebook, four common starting points — choose the one closest to your goal right now.
Goal
I'm preparing for an exam
IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE strategy notes, structured around what examiners actually score.
GoalI need English for work
Emails, meetings, and professional phrases for clear, confident workplace communication.
GoalI want to speak more confidently
Pronunciation, natural rhythm, and the idioms that make conversation sound fluent.
GoalI'm starting from zero
Slow, clear first steps — basic sentences, everyday phrases, and core grammar.
Why learners use this notebook
Built to be read, not just searched.
A
Written for every accent and background
Examples use international contexts and neutral, standard English — not slang or references tied to one country — because English is learned everywhere, for different reasons.
B
Explained, not just listed
Instead of bare rule tables, every note explains why a rule works, with a "common mistake" callout so you can check your own writing against it.
C
Organised like a real course
Each subject moves from foundations to advanced use, so you can follow one topic start to finish or jump straight to what you need.
D
Free, and built to stay free
No paywalls, no mandatory sign-up. Notes are supported by light, unobtrusive advertising outside the lesson content — never inside it.
Know the language
The English language in numbers
A few facts that explain why English works the way it does — and why some parts feel harder than others.
26letters in the alphabet: 5 vowels (a, e, i, o, u) and 21 consonants.
~44distinct sounds in British English — about 20 vowel sounds and 24 consonant sounds. That's why spelling doesn't match pronunciation. Vowel guide →
12tenses in the standard teaching model: 3 times × 4 aspects. Tense chart →
8parts of speech — noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition, conjunction, interjection.
6CEFR levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient), used by schools, employers and exams worldwide. Levels →
"the"is the most frequent word in English, and E is the most frequent letter. Common words →
/ə/the "schwa" — the most common vowel sound in spoken English, and it has no letter of its own.
50+countries use English as an official language, and it is the main shared language of international business, science and aviation.
Most-read notes
Popular notes to start with
The guides learners open most — each one ends with practice questions and answers.
Grammar
12 English Tenses: Chart & Formulas
Positive, negative and question formulas for every tense, signal words and a Hindi tense-identification guide.
GrammarConditional Sentences
Zero, first, second, third and mixed conditionals — with unless, in case and a practice exercise.
PronunciationEnglish Vowels & Vowel Sounds
5 vowel letters, 20 vowel sounds, an IPA chart, diphthongs and the schwa.
GrammarActive and Passive Voice
Convert any sentence in 4 steps, with the passive form of every tense and modal.
GrammarArticles: A, An, The
The full system, including a/an exceptions like an hour, a university and an MBA.
WritingEssay Format & Structure
A reusable template, the PEEL paragraph formula and a full annotated example essay.
Exam PrepIELTS Writing Task 1
Charts, processes, maps and the GT letter — structure, vocabulary and a sample answer.
VocabularyCommon English Words by Situation
Core vocabulary grouped by real situations — home, travel, work and shopping.
Learn by doing
Don't just read — test yourself.
Seven free, interactive quizzes and tools to check what you've actually learned — instant feedback, no sign-up, no cost.
Grammar Quiz
10 questions on tenses, articles, prepositions, and agreement.
Take the quiz →Vocabulary Quiz
Test your word power with synonyms and word choice.
Take the quiz →English Level Test
12 questions to estimate your CEFR level, A1 to C2.
Find your level →Word Counter
Live word and character count for essays and exam answers.
Open the tool →English Grammar Test
A longer test across tenses, articles, modals and more.
Start the test →English Vocabulary Test
Meanings, synonyms and word choice in context.
Start the test →English Language GK Quiz
Trivia about English itself — words, history and spelling.
Take the quiz →
Useful for school & board exams
·
IELTS, TOEFL & PTE preparation
·
Self-study at any level
·
Workplace English
·
Written in neutral, international English
Study routine
A 30-minute daily English study plan
Short, daily practice beats long, occasional sessions. This routine covers all four skills — reading, listening, speaking and writing — in half an hour.
Repeat it five days a week and you will cover roughly two hours of grammar and two hours of real input every week. Adjust the topics to your level using the roadmap above.
See the full weekly plan| Time | What to do |
|---|---|
| 5 min | Review vocabulary. Revise yesterday's words, then add 5 new ones with an example sentence each. Try daily-use words. |
| 10 min | One grammar note. Read a single lesson and do its practice exercise — e.g. present perfect. |
| 10 min | Real input. Read a short article or listen to a podcast clip. Note 2–3 useful phrases. See reading and listening. |
| 5 min | Produce. Say a 1-minute summary aloud, or write 3–4 sentences using today's grammar and words. |
How English Notes works
Three steps. No account, no clutter.
1
Pick a subject or a goal
Browse by subject — Grammar, Vocabulary, Idioms — or jump straight to a goal, like exam prep or beginner basics.
2
Read the note
A plain-language explanation, real example sentences, and a "common mistake" callout so you can self-check.
3
Practise and move on
Use the quick exercises where included, then follow the links to the next related note to keep building.
For exam takers
IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE — which one is right for you?
A quick look at how the three major English exams compare. Formats and timings change, so always confirm on the official exam website before booking.
Read the Full Comparison| Exam | Scoring | Results in |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Band 0–9 | 1–2 days (computer) |
| TOEFL iBT | 1–6 bands (since Jan 2026) | Within days |
| PTE Academic | 10–90 points | ~2 business days |
English for job interviews
Four interview answers, upgraded
Interviewers rarely reject good candidates for small grammar slips. They reject answers that are vague. Here is what the difference looks like for four questions you will almost certainly be asked.
| Question | Weak answer | Stronger answer | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tell me about yourself. | “I am a hardworking and honest person.” | “I’m a commerce graduate. For the last year I’ve handled invoices for a logistics firm, and I cut our monthly backlog roughly in half.” | Facts and a result prove the qualities you only claimed. |
| Why do you want this job? | “Because I need a good salary and growth.” | “Your team builds software for small shops, and those are exactly the customers I supported in my last role.” | It connects your experience to their work. |
| What is your biggest weakness? | “I am a perfectionist.” | “I used to stay quiet in meetings. Now I note down two points beforehand and make sure I share at least one.” | A real weakness plus a fix shows self-awareness. |
| Any questions for us? | “No, everything is clear.” | “What would a successful first three months look like in this role?” | A thoughtful question signals genuine interest. |
Want the full set? Interview Ready covers 40 common questions with model answers, the STAR method, video-interview checklists and follow-up emails. For workplace phrases, start with meeting English.
See Interview ReadyBuild your vocabulary
Six words worth adding to your English
Useful B2–C1 words that make speaking and writing sound more precise — each with its meaning and a natural example sentence.
concise
adjective · B2Short and clear, using no unnecessary words.
"Keep your answer concise — examiners reward clarity."
meticulous
adjective · C1Showing great attention to detail.
"She is meticulous about checking her essays for errors."
resilient
adjective · B2Able to recover quickly from difficulties.
"Resilient learners treat mistakes as practice."
procrastinate
verb · B2To delay doing something you should do.
"I procrastinated all week and studied the night before."
ambiguous
adjective · C1Having more than one possible meaning.
"The question was ambiguous, so I asked the teacher."
pragmatic
adjective · C1Dealing with things in a practical, realistic way.
"A pragmatic study plan fits into your real schedule."
Speak in chunks, not single words
Eight sentence starters that make you sound fluent
Fluent speakers don’t build every sentence from zero — they reuse ready-made openings. Learn the highlighted part as one unit, then finish it with your own idea.
I was wondering if …Polite request
I was wondering if you could look over my essay.
Would you mind + -ing …?Asking a favour
Would you mind closing the window?
It depends on …Avoiding a yes/no
It depends on the traffic, but usually forty minutes.
I’m thinking of + -ing …Plans not yet fixed
I’m thinking of joining an evening course.
The thing is, …Explaining a problem
The thing is, I’ve never driven in heavy rain.
Do you happen to know …?Softer question
Do you happen to know where platform four is?
I’d rather … than …Preference
I’d rather walk than wait twenty minutes for a bus.
It’s worth + -ing …Recommending
It’s worth booking your tickets early in December.
Practise them aloud for a week and they start to come out on their own. For situation-by-situation practice, read daily-use English sentences and polite English phrases, or work through all 2,500 sentences in the ebook.
See 2,500 Daily SentencesJump straight to a topic
Explore more notes
English Tenses
Present Simple vs. Continuous
Conditional Sentences
Active & Passive Voice
Direct & Indirect Speech
Modal Verbs
Subject-Verb Agreement
English Vowel Sounds
Synonyms & Antonyms
Business Idioms
Everyday Idioms
Formal Letter Format
Essay Writing Structure
Pronunciation Basics
Pronunciation Mistakes
IELTS Writing Task 1
IELTS Writing Task 2
Professional Email Phrases
Meeting English
Grammar for Beginners
Everyday Phrases
Improve Speaking Skills
Common Learner Mistakes
Pronunciation Guide
Common Phrasal Verbs
Reading Comprehension
Listening Practice
A1 English Explained
Take the Grammar Quiz
Word Counter Tool
Articles: A, An, The
Prepositions Guide
Free English Level Test
Common Collocations
From the blog
Fresh reads, updated as we publish
Study tips and practical guides from the English Notes blog.
Study Tips
How Long Does It Take to Learn English? A Realistic Timeline by Level
An hour-based timeline for moving through each CEFR level, from complete beginner to advanced fluency.
Study TipsHow to Build a Daily English Study Routine (With a Sample Weekly Plan)
A practical framework for a sustainable daily routine, plus a full sample weekly plan you can adapt.
GrammarCommon English Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
A category-by-category guide to the mistakes learners make most, with correction strategies for each.
Frequently asked
Questions learners ask us most
How can I start learning English from zero?
Begin with the alphabet and English sounds, the verbs be and have, the present simple and about 500 everyday words. Our English for Beginners section and the A1 guide set out exactly what to learn first.
How long does it take to learn English?
It depends on your starting point and how much you practise. As a rough guide, each CEFR level takes a few hundred hours of guided study. See how long it takes to learn English for a level-by-level timeline.
What is the fastest way to improve my English speaking?
Speak a little every day, even alone: summarise what you read aloud, record yourself, and learn whole phrases instead of single words. Our guide to improving English speaking skills lists nine practical habits.
Which grammar topics should I learn first?
Start with parts of speech, the present simple and continuous, the past simple, articles and subject-verb agreement. These cover most everyday mistakes. The Grammar section is organised in this order.
Is English Notes really free?
Yes. Every note is free to read, with no account or sign-up required. We may show light, clearly-labelled advertising outside of lesson content to help cover hosting and writing costs, but the notes themselves are never behind a paywall.
What level are these notes written for?
Beginner through advanced — roughly CEFR A1 to C2 — organised by subject rather than strict level, so you can follow one topic from start to finish or jump straight to what you need. The roadmap above shows a starting point for each level.
Do you cover IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE preparation?
Yes — our Exam Prep section includes structure and vocabulary guides for IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2, and a comparison of IELTS, TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic to help you choose the right exam.
Are the English Notes ebooks free?
No — the ebooks are optional paid PDFs for learners who want a complete topic in one file for offline study. Every lesson, quiz and tool on this website stays free. See the shop for what each ebook covers.
Is English Notes affiliated with an exam board or university?
No. We're an independent educational resource and are not affiliated with IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or any specific exam board, university, or institution, unless a page explicitly states otherwise.
Pick a subject and start your first note today.
No account, no cost, no clutter — just clear English notes, organised the way a good teacher would explain them.
Disclaimer: English Notes provides free educational content for general English-learning purposes. We are not affiliated with IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or any exam board or institution, and content should not be treated as official exam or immigration guidance — always verify current requirements with the relevant official source. See our full Disclaimer for details.