When you learn English, vocabulary is the building block of fluency. But with so many words, where should you start? The 95/5 rule offers a smart strategy for mastering the language faster. In this article, we’ll explore how many words are in the English language, how many you need to know for fluency, and practical tips to grow your vocabulary.
The 95/5 Rule in Learning English
The 95/5 rule states that 95% of a language can be learned by focusing on just the most common 5% of its vocabulary. This means if you identify and master high-frequency words, you’ll understand the majority of conversations, news articles, and daily interactions. This approach is perfect for English learners who want faster results.
How Many Words Are in the English Language?
English is one of the richest languages in the world, with roots dating back to the 5th century.
Current vocabulary: Around 170,000 words in use according to the Oxford English Dictionary.
Obsolete words: Over 47,000.
Average native vocabulary: 20,000–35,000 words.
Compared to many other languages, English offers a huge variety of words, giving learners flexibility and depth in expression.
How Many Words Do You Need to Know to Be Fluent in English?
You don’t need all 170,000 words to be fluent!
Basic fluency: ~3,000 high-frequency words.
Advanced fluency: ~10,000+ words.
Using strategies like spaced repetition and context-based learning helps you remember and use new words effectively.
Shakespeare’s Contribution to English Vocabulary
When you learn English, you’ll often come across words coined by William Shakespeare. He contributed over 1,700 terms to the language, including “break the ice,” “wild-goose chase,” and “all’s well that ends well.”
Shakespeare’s Contribution to English Vocabulary
When you learn English, you’ll often come across words coined by William Shakespeare. He contributed over 1,700 terms to the language, including “break the ice,” “wild-goose chase,” and “all’s well that ends well.”
Influences on English Vocabulary
French: ~29% of English words come from French (e.g., “chef”).
Old English: ~26% of the vocabulary comes from Old English (e.g., “knight”).
These origins give English its rich and sometimes tricky spelling and pronunciation.
Words You Use Daily
Interestingly, native speakers use only about 2,000–3,000 words daily, which make up 80% of everyday conversations. The most common words are “the,” “be,” and “to.”
Applying Pareto’s Law to Learn English Faster
The Pareto principle—focusing on the most useful 20% of material to achieve 80% of results—works brilliantly in language learning. Concentrate on the most common English words and phrases to accelerate fluency.
Slang and Jargon in English
While learning slang and jargon can make conversations fun, it’s best to focus on standard English first, especially for formal or professional situations.
If you’re ready to take your learning further, explore our Beginner’s Guide to Learning English for step-by-step tips to build your skills from day one. You can also join our English language courses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to practice high-frequency vocabulary and grammar with expert instructors. For those aiming to certify their skills, our IELTS preparation courses can help you achieve your target score and boost your confidence in both academic and professional settings.
Building vocabulary is essential to learning English, but you don’t need to know every word. By applying the 95/5 rule and focusing on high-frequency words, you can become conversational faster and with less effort.
📚 Start learning English with Eton Institute in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Our experienced teachers and tailored courses help you build confidence and vocabulary step-by-step.