Some sight words
Top 100 Sight Words and How to Teach Them
Sight words is a common term in reading that has a variety of meanings. When it is applied to early reading instruction, it typically refers to the set of about 100 words that keeps reappearing on almost any page of text. “Who, the, he, were, does, their, me, be” are a few examples.
In addition to their being very frequent, many of these words cannot be “sounded out.” Children are expected to learn them by sight (that is, by looking at them and recognizing them, without any attempt to sound them out.)
Unfortunately, this means minimal teaching. Often, little is done other than to show the word and tell the child what it is “saying.” For many children, this is not enough, with the result that their reading of these critical words is laden with error.
What does this mean for parents who are helping their children master reading? Basically it means spending some time in truly teaching these words so that your child gains real mastery of them. The key to achieving this goal is accurate writing (spelling)—via memory. That is, the child writes the word when the model is not in view.
You can do this by creating simple sentences that the child reads. (By using sentences, you will automatically be using many “sight words.” In addition, you will be giving your child the opportunity to deal with words in context—a key to meaningful reading) After showing the sentence and having your child read it, turn it over and then dictate the sentence. If there is an error, you immediately stop your child and take away the paper. Then you show the model again and repeat the process. In other words, the writing of the sentence has to be fully accurate, starting with the first word.
If you want a list of those words to help guide your efforts, here is the top 100 according to the American Heritage Word Frequency Book by John B. Carroll.
A: a, an, at, are, as, at, and, all, about, after
B: be, by, but, been
C: can, could, called
D: did, down, do
E: each
F: from, first, find, for
H: he, his, had, how, has, her, have, him
I: in, I, if, into, is, it, its
J: just
K: know
L: like, long, little
M: my, made, may, make, more, many, most,
N: not, no, now
O: or, one, of, out, other, over, only, on
P: people
S: said, she, some, so, see
T: the, to, they, this, there, them, then, these, two, time, than, that, their
U: up, use
V: very
W: was, with, what, were, when, we, which, will, would, words, where, water, who, way
Y: you, your
Click here to download our Recommended Top 100 Sight Words.
Literacy and reading expert, Dr. Marion Blank
Dr. Marion Blank is answering your questions about reading and learning. If you have a question for Dr. Marion, visit the Reading Kingdom Facebook Page and let us know how we can help.
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Worksheets | TPT
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44 words that we use incorrectly
1. Autobiography
“Fill out the questionnaire and write your autobiography” — we often hear such phrases and do not think that this is an error from the “butter oil” category. An autobiography is a description of one's life (autos - "myself", bios - "life" and grapho - "I write"). It is impossible to write someone else's autobiography, so the use of a possessive pronoun in this case is unnecessary.
2. Ambitious
Think before you write ambitious in the column of your merits in your resume. Ambitious and purposeful person are different concepts. Ambition is heightened self-esteem, excessive self-conceit, as well as various claims and claims.
The adjective derived from this word also has a negative emotional connotation.
3. Appeal - operate
These words are often confused. In fact, they are completely different. To appeal means to turn to someone or something for support: "Appeal to authority." This word is interpreted even more narrowly in legal practice: an appeal is a complaint, to appeal is to protest something. You can operate with some tools or data. “The expert operates with statistics” means that he skillfully demonstrates it. If he calls for statistical research to help, then he is already appealing to statistics.
4. A priori
This adverb is understood by many as something self-evident, requiring no proof. But in philosophy, to think a priori means to have an idea about something without having tested it in practice (from the Latin a priori - “from the previous”). The antonym is the word "a posteriori" - a judgment based on experience. So you can't be a priori sure of the meaning of a word until you look it up in a dictionary.
5. Test - try
These words are sometimes used as synonyms. To avoid such a mistake, remember: to test means to check and approve. As a rule, we are talking about some kind of official procedures: "Scientists have tested a new medicine - it will soon go on sale." You can’t test semolina, unless, of course, this is some kind of large study, the results of which will be issued a written opinion.
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6. Asexual
Sometimes this is the wrong name for an unattractive person. The term "asexual" means a weak sexual instinct. An asexual person can be cute as hell, but also indifferent to sex.
7. Authentic
Buzzword. Every now and then something becomes authentic - cafes, performances and even people. But the word "authenticity" ≠ "originality". It means authenticity, correspondence to the original. Authentic can be a contract or a product, as well as works of art.
8. Hypothesis - theory
Similar but not identical concepts. A hypothesis is a scientific assumption put forward to justify a phenomenon and requiring experimental verification. Theory (in one of the meanings) is an opinion about something, developed on the basis of observations. In other words, within the framework of any theory, a hypothesis can be put forward in order to prove certain provisions of this theory.
9. Dilemma is a problem
Solving a dilemma and coping with a problem are not the same thing. A dilemma is a difficult choice between two mutually exclusive options. To be or not to be? The third, as a rule, is not given. A problem is, first of all, an unpleasant situation with many or no solutions.
10. Agreement - contract
Very similar concepts, but there are semantic and legal nuances. A contract is an agreement between two or more persons. According to civil law, it can be concluded both in writing and orally. A contract is always a written agreement.
Moreover, according to the current legislation, one of its parties, as a rule, is the state.
11. Significant - significant
There is also a lot of confusion with these adjectives. Significant, that is, having weight or having a special meaning, can be, for example, words. Significant is, first of all, large in size or strength; something of great importance. Therefore, the profit of the company will always be significant.
12. For — so that
These conjunctions are often used incorrectly, because they do not know their meaning. Look in the dictionary so as not to make a mistake when attaching a subordinate clause. The union “for” corresponds to the unions “because” and “since”, and “in order” to the union “so that”.
13. Ideology - ideological
These concepts cannot be substituted for each other. Ideology is a system of views that forms a worldview. Previously, the world was clearly divided into adherents of a particular political and economic ideology.
Ideology is loyalty to any point of view, idea.
14. Quintessence
This word comes from the Latin quinta essentia - "fifth essence". In ancient and medieval philosophy, the quintessence was called the essence, the basis of anything. Now, for some reason, this term is used when combining various concepts, for example: “The author noticed that his book is the quintessence of many genres, connecting many plots.” And this, of course, is not true.
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15. Business traveler - business traveler
"Places in the hotel only for business travelers" - many will pass by such an announcement without suspecting a dirty trick. But a business trip is something inanimate, related to a business trip. You can't talk about people like that. A person who went somewhere to carry out an official assignment is on a business trip: “For the seconded employees, the company rented a hotel and pays them travel allowances.
”
16. Comme il faut
When we hear the phrase “Call him, otherwise I am somehow not comme il faut”, we immediately understand that one person is embarrassed to dial the number of another. This word is often used in the sense of "convenient / uncomfortable" or "comfortable / uncomfortable." Few people know that the dictionary meaning of the word "comme il faut" is refined, refined, corresponding to the rules of good manners. “In public he keeps himself comme il faut, but at home…”
17. Competence is competence
Knowledge and experience in a certain area should not be confused with the ability to use them. For example, if a company has a vacancy for a lawyer, then only a person with a higher legal education (competence) can fill it. But the presence of a diploma does not guarantee the competence of applicants.
18. Congenial
Many people believe that this is a superlative form of the adjective "genius". Like, congenial - it's like ingenious, only even better.
But the word actually comes from the Latin con (together) and genialis (related to genius). At the same time, “genius” in Latin is a spirit. Thus, congenial is close in spirit. A congenial person is one who is close in mindset and values.
19. Credit - loan
These terms can sometimes be used interchangeably (depending on the context). However, it is important to remember the legal differences between these concepts. On credit, a bank or other credit institution issues money, for which interest is charged. The subject of a loan can be not only money, but also things, and not necessarily on a reimbursable basis.
20. Liberalism-libertarianism
Two ideological trends with similar names but different content. Liberalism unites supporters of the parliamentary system, broad political freedoms and entrepreneurship. The main feature of libertarianism is the ban on "aggressive violence". Supporters of this political trend believe that any manifestation of force and even the threat of its manifestation should be punished by law.
21. Loyal
Many people equate this word with indulgence: “If you got a teacher who was loyal, he delivered it automatically.” Let's look at the dictionary: "Loyal - loyal to the existing state power, the existing order." Only in the second meaning - a correct attitude towards someone or something - is loyalty similar to indulgence, but it is still impossible to put an equal sign between these concepts.
22. Marginal
When the press does not want to offend the homeless or beggars, they are “politely” called marginal. But in sociology the term is much broader. A marginal is someone who finds himself in a new situation and has not yet adapted to it. For example, a marginal position is occupied by a person who has just moved from the village to the city.
23. Misalliance - union
Following the logic that "alliance" is the root, some believe that misalliance represents some kind of union of people or states. In fact, misalliance is nothing more than an unequal marriage (the root is “misalliance”).
The phrase "Misalliance of Japan and Korea" can sound ambiguous, and sometimes offensive.
24. Misanthrope
Avoids people, does not seek to communicate - this characteristic suits not only misanthropes, but also introverts. Therefore, these concepts are often confused and identified. But a misanthrope (literally, a misanthrope) does not just reduce social contacts to a minimum - people enrage him. He does not trust anyone, he sees only the bad in everything and suspects everyone of something. Misanthropy can be selective and manifest itself in hatred only for men or, conversely, for women. Introverts, for the most part, are complete darlings.
Memorize 😧
- 25 words that confuse many when writing
25. Mental - conceivable
Feel the difference with examples: “Is it conceivable to fail a session!” mother screamed in rage. “La-li-lay…” the daughter sang in her mind. Mental is imaginary, living somewhere in your thoughts. And conceivable is something that is difficult to imagine (but possible).
26. Unpalatable - unpleasant
The first word is often used as a synonym for the second: “What a hard-hitting type!” But to say so is wrong. In fact, impartial - impartial, fair, one who does not seek to please anyone. If someone called you an impartial person, consider that you were given a compliment.
27. Intolerant - intolerable
Words similar in spelling but different in meaning. An intolerant is someone who is not tolerant, or something that cannot be tolerated. For example, an intolerant misanthrope or intolerant rudeness. Intolerable is unbearable, acting so strongly that it cannot be tolerated. Unbearable is the pain or the wind.
28. Nonsense
This word is often given the wrong meaning: “The new iPhone is just nonsense!” They wanted to emphasize the incredible coolness and sensationalism of the gadget, but they said that it was nonsense and absurdity. After all, this is the meaning of the word "nonsense".
29. Odious
Be wary if someone in your environment is called an odious person.
It’s good if people just don’t know that odious is not extravagant and extraordinary, but unpleasant, causing a storm of negative emotions. And suddenly not?
30. Organic — organic
Adjectives that are easy to get confused about if you don't understand once and for all that organic is determined by the very essence of someone or something (synonymous with natural). Organic means pertaining to a living organism. Even more narrowly - consisting of carbon. Example: "The monument to doctors struggling with organic brain lesions fits organically into the landscape of the city."
31. Paphos
This word is often understood as pretense. In fact, translated from the Greek páthos means "passion". Paphos is a spiritual uplift, inspiration. In literary works, this term denotes the highest emotional point reached by the characters and found a response in the hearts of readers.
32. Teacher - teacher
These words are often equated, although these concepts are by no means identical.
A teacher is a person who is engaged in teaching or educational activities (a synonym is a mentor). A teacher is an employee of a secondary or higher educational institution who teaches a subject (a teacher of mathematics, a teacher of literature). Thus, a teacher is a kind of activity, a profession, and a teacher is a specialization.
33. Gift - souvenir
Using these words as synonyms is not always appropriate. A souvenir is a memorabilia associated with visiting a place. What we buy as a memory of a country, city or person. The expressions "memorable souvenir" or "memorial souvenir" have semantic redundancy. If the present is not related to the trip, it is better to write “gift”.
34. Under the auspices
According to ancient Greek mythology, the aegis is Zeus' cloak with magical properties. To be under the auspices means to be under the protection of some powerful force, to rely on the support of someone or something. It is wrong to use this expression in the meaning of "under the pretext".
It cannot be said: "Under the auspices of consumer protection, Rospotrebnadzor conducted a raid on the city's retail outlets."
Don't do that! 😤
- 30 mistakes in written and oral speech, for which one should be ashamed
35. Change - change
Words that should not be mixed in written literary speech. To change means to give what is yours and receive something else instead, that is, to exchange something. To change means to make something different. The expression "He completely changed his life" is wrong, as is "She changed her maiden name to her husband's name."
36. Almost - almost
These adverbs are often confused. You can write “Almost everything remains the same” and “Almost everything remains the same”, but the meaning will be different. The adverb "practically" can be replaced by the expression "in practice" or "as a matter of fact". Then our example will sound like this: “In practice, everything remains the same” or “In fact, everything remains the same.
” In other words, things are still there. The adverb "almost" means that something is missing, it can be replaced by the expression "almost". The sentence “Without a little, everything remains the same” has a different semantic connotation: something has been done, but not much.
37. Painting - signature
Related words, but do not identify them. A signature is an inscription under something (under + write). For example, write a surname under the text of the contract. Painting is decorative painting on walls, ceilings or objects. From a literary point of view, the request to put a signature in the act is incorrect. You can replace a signature with a painting only in colloquial speech.
38. Today's - current
"Today", that is, referring to the current day, should not be confused with the word "current". The last concept is broader. It covers everything related to the coming year (month, summer, season).
39. Sentence
Sentences are usually understood as some statements, remarks or theses.
But it is important to remember that, according to the dictionary, these should not be any statements, but sayings of a moralizing nature.
40. A sociopath is a sociophobe
The first suffers from a dissocial personality disorder, and therefore does not take into account social norms and rules, does not care about morality and constantly challenges others. The second is a person who is afraid of society. He may be afraid to talk to a stranger on the street or be in a crowded place. Sociopathy is a type of mental disorder, social phobia is a type of phobia. It is impossible to put an equal sign between these concepts.
41. Typical - typical
Consonant, but different words. Do not confuse: typical - embodying the characteristic features of someone or something. Typical - this is corresponding to some sample.
42. Frustration - prostration
These concepts are often confused even by psychologists themselves. Frustration is a feeling of anxiety arising from the inability to achieve the desired.
In other words, dissatisfaction. Prostration is an oppressed, apathetic state, a breakdown, when you do not want and cannot do anything.
Make no mistake 🤷♀️
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43. Functionality is functionality
Even serious IT publications make an unfortunate mistake, calling functionality functionality and vice versa. It's not the same thing. Functionality is a set of possible use cases or possible actions performed by an object: the functionality of a smartphone or laptop. A functional is a numerical function defined on a vector space.
44. Empathy
This psychological term is sometimes confused and identified with sympathy. Empathy is the ability to enter into the emotional state of another person, to feel his experiences. Far from always we can take the place of another person, even if we like him.
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20 pairs of similar words in English that it's time to stop confusing ‹ Ingles
Today we will analyze 20 pairs of words that are similar in spelling and sound in English.
You will learn not to confuse the diary with dairy products, but the fair with fares.
In the article we give the exact meanings of words, their synonyms, and also give examples of their use in speech. After watching the video below, you will hear the correct pronunciation of some of the words from our list. And you can practice difficult words in your speech in a lesson with one of our teachers.
2. Affect or effect
| Characteristic | Word0264 affects my mood . | Good music can have a positive effect on our health. — Good music can have a positive effect on our health. | |
|---|---|---|---|
The word affect most often appears as a verb, and effect as a noun. As a verb to effect, it is sometimes used in formal speech in the sense of "lead to the fulfillment", "to carry out", "to accomplish". Here is an example:
This politician has
The word desert can also be used as a verb meaning "leave", "leave". Here is an example:
Birds deserted To envelop is a verb, an envelope is a noun. Words can be remembered like this: you need a noun e , so we write envelop e . a wrapper, a covering Usage example Fog enveloped our city. — Fog enveloped our city . 
Please, find an envelope for my letter. — Please find envelope for my letter. 5. Loose or lose
The seaman loosed the ropes and threw his weight on the sail. - Sailor loosened the ropes and leaned on the sail with all his weight.
You'll lose the game if you don't train. “You will lose in the game if you don’t practice.
Most often loose is used as an adjective and lose as a verb.
Some advise to memorize the spelling like this: if you need the verb "lose", then "lose" one letter "o" in the word loose.
6. Principal or principle
| Feature | aside from, apart from, except | |
|---|---|---|
| Usage Example | There was a green vase beside the chair. — There was a green vase near the chair. | He is a fair-weather friend. Besides , he is a dishonest person. He is a friend when it suits him. Besides , he is a dishonest person. |
If besides is used as an introductory word, it is separated by a comma.
restaurants.
The word a cooker is more commonly used in the UK, in the US a stove is usually called a stove.
noun
noun — flow (of water/air)
a tide
Let's try to understand the difference between these words, as it is quite difficult to catch. The word effective can be translated as "having the desired effect", it indicates whether the result was achieved.
The word efficient shows how efficiently the available resources are used: money, time, etc.
12. Personal or personnel
personal experience helps her to teach students. — Her personal experience helps teach students.13. Quite or quiet
7
| Characteristic | ||
|---|---|---|
| Quite / Posture | QUIT /0238 adjective | |
| Translation , calm, serene, peaceful | ||
| Usage example | He's quite an interesting person. — He is quite an interesting person. I'm quite sure that you'll be back. | Her child is always quiet in front of strangers. — Her child is always calm in front of strangers. This washing machine has a quiet engine. — This washing machine has a quiet motor. |
— I am quite sure you will come back. 14. Sensible or sensitive0265 The way to solve this problem is to learn English and take an exam.
The adjective sensitive (sensitive) has already entered the Russian language, so it will be easier for you to remember the word sensitive.
15. Shade or shadow
| Feature | Word | Vampires don't cast shadows . - Vampires do not cast shadows . |
|---|---|---|
To learn the difference between these two words, imagine the following situation: if on a hot summer day you stand in the shade of a tree (shadow), you will find yourself in a cool shade (shade).
16. Conscience or conscious
| Characteristic | Word | |
|---|---|---|
| (a) conscience /ˈkɒnʃ(ə)ns/ | milk products, a creamery | a journal, an appointment book, an organizer |
| Example usage | He is allergic to dairy - He is allergic to dairy products . | When I was a child I used to keep a diary . — When I was a child, I kept a diary . |
You just have to remember the spelling and pronunciation of these words, otherwise you risk buying a diary instead of your favorite dairy product abroad.
It's pretty easy to remember how to use each of these words: need c noun - take a devi c e, need a verb - to devise.
1
To memorize these words, you can use associations: fare is somewhat similar to the Russian “headlight”, but we pay fare just in vehicles with headlights.
Many students know the verb to carry (carry, carry), by analogy with it, you can remember the noun a carrier (carrier, carrier).
If you want to learn more of these words and learn other subtleties of English, then sign up for the course "Conversational Practice of the English Language".
We have analyzed 20 pairs of English words that are most often confused. We hope that now it will be easier for you to use them in your speech.
