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got: We went in the rain and got wet

had: I did my work then had a rest

is: A cat is an animal

was: There once was an ugly duckling

went: Jack and Jill went up the hill

it: He got his milk and drank it

of: I ate a bag of crisps

the: This is the house that Jack built

when: A hen clucks when it lays an egg

he: As Jack fell down he broke his crown

she: Jill hurt her hand when she fell

we: Shall we go in for our tea?

you: Shut your eyes if you want a surprise

in: The cat is in her basket

on: She sat on the donkey

there: We're standing here but the bus stops over there

to: I went to the fair

up: Jack and Jill went up the hill

with: My cat plays with string

and: I like cats and dogs

but: Birds can fly but cats can't

so: The car won't start so we must push it

then: First bake the cake then eat it

came: My aunt came to see us last week

go: Rain, rain, go away

have: Let's stop and have a rest

like: I like jam better than butter

said: Ben came in and said hello

were: Once upon a time there were three pigs

him: I prod my brother to annoy him

his: He held out his hand

me: My name belongs to me

my: I eat the chips and lick my lips

they: Shoes hurt when they pinch

all: The dog ate up all my dinner

for: A pen is for writing

some: Most birds can fly and some can swim

that: Let's go this way, not that way

this: My pen is this pen here

big: She saw the giant's big foot

little: This little pig went to market

not: I do not like being lost

very: An elephant is a very big animal

at: I live at home

back: My dog brings back his ball

down: The skittles all fell down

out: I fell out of bed and woke up

are: Cats and dogs are animals

be: I want to be your friend

could: He said he could do magic

do: There are lots of things I like to do

will: I will go even if it rains

would: I would rather fly than walk

called: My dog is called Superdog

going: We are going to the fair

made: At last the pills made him better

put: She put the key into the lock

saw: He looked up and saw the moon

our: We are five in our family

their: The kittens lost their mittens

them: I got some eggs and boiled them

us: Please give us our ball back

your: Clap your hands if you like the show

after: C comes after B in the ABC

again: It's nice to be back home again

as: She went to the party dressed as a witch

now: Right now is the time to do it

about: This story is about myself

from: Milk comes from cows

into: It was very late when I got into bed

off: Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall

over: The cow jumped over the moon

come: Will you come to my party?

found: I looked around and found a pound

lived: Cavemen lived in caves

made: At last the pills made him better

play: Come and play ball with us

took: She took a look at her book

want: I want a drink when I'm thirsty

how: Show me how a brown owl hoots

what: A hat is what you put on your head

when: A hen clucks when it lays an egg

where: Just here is where I sit

which: Tell me which cup is mine

who: I wonder who is knocking at my door

why: Tell me why she is not here

away: I forgot to put my things away

by: Please may I sit by the door?

no: Shake your head for no

other: Would you like this book or the other one?

too: My two cats are too lazy to go out

yes: Nod your head for yes

if: It would be magic if I could fly

next: If it's Sunday, Monday's next

once: There once was an ugly duckling

or: We could go home or stay here

black: The night was black and all was dark

blue: When the sky is blue the sun shines too

brown: Grill any food and it turns brown

green: Grass is green

purple: The colour purple is like a mixture of blue and red

red: This box is red all over

white: Fresh snow looks white

yellow: Buttercups are yellow

Friday: Friday is named after the goddess Frigga

Monday: Monday is named after the moon

Saturday: Saturday is called after the god Saturn

Sunday: Sunday is named after the sun

Thursday: Thursday is named after the god Thor

Tuesday: Tuesday is called after the god Tiw

Wednesday: Wednesday is named after the god Woden

April: April is the fourth month of the year

August: August is a holiday month in Europe

December: December is the twelfth month of the year

February: February is the second month of the year

January: The year starts on the first of January

July: The month of July is named after Julius Caesar

June: Summer begins in June

March: The month of March is named from Mars, god of war

May: May in Europe is a month of spring

November: November is the eleventh month of the year

October: October the tenth month was the eighth Roman month

September: September is the last month of summer in Europe

eight: A spider has eight legs

five: People have five toes on each foot

four: Chairs need four firm legs

nine: A cat is said to have nine lives

one: We have two eyes and one nose

seven: There are seven days in a week

six: An ant has six legs

ten: My toes add up to ten

three: A triangle has three sides

two: We have one nose but two eyes

eighteen: Eight and ten make eighteen

eleven: There are eleven players in a football team

fifteen: Five and ten make fifteen

fourteen: Ten plus four makes fourteen

nineteen: Nine and ten make nineteen

seventeen: Seven and ten make seventeen

sixteen: Six and ten make sixteen

thirteen: Three and ten make thirteen

twelve: A dozen is twelve of anything

twenty: Two men have twenty toes

been: I've been to London to see the Queen

does: She does judo on Monday after school

don't: Dinosaurs don't live here any more

done: My work is all done and finished

gave: I gave my dinner to the cat

give: Let me give you a present

goes: He goes to bed when he's tired

make: I like to make a fuss of my dog

may: He may be poor but he is kind

must: We must eat to stay alive

shall: What shall we have for tea?

want: I want a drink when I'm thirsty

around: The pony trots around the ring

because: We went indoors because of the rain

here: This spot right here is good for our picnic

just: She grabbed the glass just as it fell

myself: When I look in a mirror I see myself

only: I have only one sweet left

own: I wish I had a pet of my very own

please: A dish of milk will please my cat

together: Bread and jam go well together

under: The river runs under the bridge

upon: Once upon a time there were three little pigs

an: I had a pear and an apple

any: Choose any number between one and ten

both: Bananas and pears are both fruit

every: I have every record the group ever made

good: A good dog sits when it's told

many: There are many fish in the sea

much: A lion is much bigger than a mouse

old: This tree is a hundred years old

small: A small button fits a tiny hole

these: You like those shoes but I like these

those: These apples are sweet but those are sour

afternoon: The afternoon is between the morning and the evening

awake: Unable to sleep, he lay awake all night

before: Unwrap a sweet before you eat

morning: The sun comes up in the morning

never: We never sleep standing up

soon: Bedtime comes too soon

today: The day before tomorrow is today

tomorrow: The day after today is tomorrow

yesterday: The day before today was yesterday

castle: A big strong castle stood on a hill

dragon: The dragon gave a fiery hiccup

fairy: There's a fairy on top of the Christmas tree

forest: The woodcutter lived deep in the forest

giant: Next to the giant she looks so small

magic: By magic her rags became a fine gown

prince: A prince is the son of a king

princess: So the prince and princess lived happily ever after

spell: A spell turns the pumpkin into a coach

wicked: Are all witches wicked?

wishes: Cinderella's wishes all came true

witch: In flew the witch on her big black broom

bathroom: I wash myself in the bathroom

bedroom: There are bunk beds in my bedroom

garden: My garden has both weeds and flowers

home: We live at home

kitchen: Dad was in the kitchen cooking dinner

lounge: The most comfortable chairs are in the lounge

shop: Her shop sells toys

supermarket: We filled our trolley with food at the supermarket

town: A town is bigger than a village

aunt: My aunt is married to my uncle

baby: My aunt's baby is only four weeks old

boy: Every man was once a boy

brother: Sister and brother went home together

child: The child skipped along with a toy

children: The child ran to join the other children outside

father: A father is somebody's dad

friend: A friend is there in good times and bad

girl: His sister was a happy girl

mother: A mum is a mother

sister: My sister has her own room

uncle: An uncle is a brother of my mum or dad

bus: The big red bus goes to town

car: Mum drives us to school by car

coach: We went to London by coach instead of by train

minibus: Only ten of us can fit in the school minibus

picnic: We spread a cloth on the grass for a picnic

play: Come and play ball with us

seat: I gave up my seat to the old man

ticket: We had to buy a ticket to get into the zoo

train: Our train leaves the station at ten.

zoo: A zoo was once called a zoological garden

balloons: Blowing up balloons takes a lot of puff

birthday: Your birthday marks the day you were born

cake: I love cake with jam in it

cards: The postman came with a pile of birthday cards

crisps: Everyone had a bag of crunchy crisps

game: Can we play a game?

presents: I love unwrapping birthday presents

sandwich: Try this jam and peanut butter sandwich

sweets: Mints, toffees and jelly babies are all sweets

arms: Your arms are for hugging

ears: Your ears are for hearing

eyes: Your eyes are for seeing

face: I'll laugh if you pull that funny face

feet: She had no shoes on her feet

fingers: We have eight fingers and two thumbs

foot: Each foot has five toes

hair: His hair was cut very short

hands: Clap your hands

head: Please turn your head and look at me

legs: Long legs are good for running

mouth: His mouth was open to speak

nose: Your nose runs if you have a cold

toes: We have five toes on each foot

cat: My cat laps up milk

dog: Our dog barks at cats

gerbil: A small gerbil ran inside its wheel

goldfish: The orange goldfish swam around its bowl

hamster: A hamster has big cheek pouches to store food

horse: The sad horse waited for his rider.

kitten: My kitten is fluffy and playful

mouse: My pet white mouse nibbles cheese

pony: A pony is a small type of horse

puppy: A dog is a puppy until it is grown

rabbit: Our pet rabbit ate Mum's prize carrots

book: She sat reading her book

classroom: Our classroom is next to the music room

paper: Someone had scribbled on every sheet of paper

pen: She writes with a red pen

pencil: I write in pencil if I need to rub out

read: This book is good to read

school: Children learn and play at school

teacher: Our teacher needs lots of patience

workbook: This workbook has spaces for me to write answers

write: I want to write him a letter

bad: A bad egg smells horrid

bag: Her bag holds a lot

can: Birds can fly

cat: My cat laps up milk

had: I did my work then had a rest

hat: He wore a woolly hat

jam: I like jam on bread

man: Every man was once a boy

ran: She ran quickly to catch the bus

bed: I sleep in a big bed

get: We will get wet in the rain

hen: My hen lays brown eggs

leg: I can stand on one leg

net: We need a net to dip in the pond

pen: She writes with a red pen

pet: I have a spider for a pet

red: This box is red all over

set: I have a new set of felt pens

yes: Nod your head for yes

big: She saw the giant's big foot

bit: This bit fits here

hid: The squirrel hid its nuts

him: I prod my brother to annoy him

his: He held out his hand

lid: I put the lid back on the box

lip: I bit my lip

pig: The pig gave a grunt

six: An ant has six legs

win: Only one of you can win the prize

box: In this box there is a present

dog: Our dog barks at cats

fox: A fox hunts to eat

hot: Fire is hot

job: His job is washing up

lot: Her party was a lot of fun

not: I do not like being lost

pop: The balloon went pop!

top: The top of the jar got stuck

bus: The big red bus goes to town

but: Birds can fly but cats can't

cup: Gran has a cup of tea with me

cut: She cut the bread

fun: Her party was a lot of fun

mug: I sip my mug of hot milk

mum: A mum is a mother

sum: This sum gets a tick

sun: Summer sun is hot

beds: Our family needs four beds

cubs: The fox cubs play by their mother

dots: Try to make a pattern of dots

jugs: The four jugs were full of milk

legs: Long legs are good for running

nets: By the boat were four nets

pans: Now I must wash the pans

pins: Her dress was held up with pins

rats: There were rats in the old house

by: Please may I sit by the door?

cry: Sad news made her cry

dry: Boots keep my feet dry

fly: The fly fell in the jam

fry: She began to fry the eggs

sky: Birds fly up in the sky

try: I can be good if I try hard

family: The family had a good day out

happy: She is happy on her birthday

hobby: Collecting stamps is my hobby

holly: The holly has a deep red berry

lucky: I was lucky to win

puppy: A dog is a puppy until it is grown

silly: He does look silly in that hat

stuffy: A hot stuffy room is bad for you

twenty: Two men have twenty toes

back: My dog brings back his ball

duck: The duck gave a quack

kick: She ran up to kick the ball

lock: He keeps a lock on his bike

luck: We need luck to win today

pack: It's time to pack for our holiday!

pick: I pick apples from the tree

sack: A big sack will hold a lot

sick: I ate so much I was sick!

tick: A tick means yes

left: Turn left at the corner

lift: They rode to the top in the lift

loft: Dad put my old toys in the loft

soft: A kitten's fur is soft

tuft: He has only got one tuft of hair

bulk: My mum buys food in bulk

hulk: The divers swam up to a sunken hulk

milk: I put some milk in my tea

silk: A silk scarf is soft

sulk: She will sulk if she has no work

bell: The bell rang for playtime

bill: We ate our food, then paid the bill

doll: This doll has long hair

fell: A boy fell off his bike

fill: Please take my cup and fill it up

hill: Up the hill we go!

pill: My magic pill cures everything

sell: They want to sell their car for cash

tell: Let me tell you a story

will: I will go even if it rains

belt: A belt holds up my jeans

felt: She felt cold all winter

kilt: The Scotsman had a tartan kilt

melt: Snowmen melt in the sun

pelt: Children pelt each other with snowballs

bump: I got a bump on the head when I fell

camp: Our camp had four big tents

damp: Her wet shoes made the carpet damp

imp: This little imp is up to no good

jump: A frog can jump over a log

lamp: The lamp gave a soft glow

limp: His bad leg made him limp

lump: I had a lump on my head from a fall

mumps: A painful neck may be mumps

pump: You fill up the car at the pump

and: I like cats and dogs

bend: Drive carefully round a bend

end: At the end of the day I'm sleepy

hand: My hand is to hold things

land: After weeks at sea he saw land

lend: Please lend me some money

pond: Why has this pond got no ducks?

sand: There's so much sand at the seaside

send: I'd like to send her a birthday card

bang: Bangers go bang

hang: The little monkey has to hang on

king: The king sat on his throne

long: Giraffes need long scarves

lungs: I fill my lungs with fresh air

ring: She has a ring on her finger

sing: Let 's sing a song together

song: The singer sang a sad song

wing: This bird has hurt its wing

bank: Money is kept in a bank

bunk: Tom slept in the top bunk

honk: Car horns go honk

pink: Roses are often pink

sink: His sink was full of washing-up

sunk: The ship had sunk to the seabed

tank: Fish swam in the tank

wink: A wink is a one-eyed blink

ant: An ant has six legs

bent: The shelf was bent

dent: The crash made a dent in my car

hunt: I had to hunt all over to find my socks

pant: A dog will pant when it is hot

sent: I sent her present in the post

tent: I'm going to sleep out in my tent

went: Jack and Jill went up the hill

desk: I work best at my desk

dusk: Just before dark it is dusk

husk: The husk protects the nut

risk: You risk a fall sitting on that wall

rusk: Our baby likes to chew a rusk

tusk: An elephant tusk is long and white

boss: Mum is the boss at home

fuss: He makes a fuss about his food

hiss: The balloon went down with a hiss

kiss: She gave him a big kiss

less: One is less than two

loss: The loss of her pet made her cry

mess: Her hair was such a mess

miss: I don't often miss the target

best: I can tell my best friend anything

cost: A big meal out can cost a lot

just: She grabbed the glass just as it fell

list: I made a list of my friends

must: We must eat to stay alive

nest: Four eggs rest in a nest

rest: He had to rest after running so far

test: My sister had her driving test

west: A west wind is a wet wind

bending: She is bending down to touch her toes

costing: My holiday is costing me a lot

jumping: I like jumping over puddles

resting: He is resting after keep-fit

singing: The birds are singing in the sun

sinking: The ship is sinking fast

sulking: She has to work so she is sulking

black: The night was black and all was dark

blank: The screen went blank

blend: You blend the eggs with flour and milk

blink: Eyes blink all the time

blob: A blob of jam fell on the cloth

block: A block of wood held back the door

blot: Drip some paint and make a blot

blunt: A blunt knife never cuts well

brag: Winners sometimes show off and brag

bran: When flour is made, bran is left

brand: Which brand of beans is best?

brick: Here's a brick to start a wall

brim: My glass is full up to the brim

bring: Postmen bring the post

brisk: A brisk walk will keep you fit

clamp: He held the wood in a clamp

clang: The bell went clang

click: The switch goes on with a click.

cliff: Do not go to the edge of the cliff.

cling: A baby will cling to its mother.

clock: The clock strikes three

clog: A wooden shoe is called a clog.

club: The giant had a big club

clump: A clump of reeds grows by the pond.

crab: A crab hid in a rocky pool

crack: The egg began to crack open

cramp: The swimmer left the pool with cramp

cress: You can grow cress on wet paper

cricket: You need a bat and ball for cricket

crisp: You can have the last crisp in the packet

crop: Sun makes a crop of corn grow tall

cross: Just one sum had a cross and was wrong

crust: Who wants the crust off this new loaf?

drag: He had to drag the boat out of the water

dragon: The dragon gave a fiery hiccup

dress: She wore her new dress to the party

drift: Let the boat drift down the river

drill: His drill made a hole in the wall

drink: A fizzy drink tickles your nose

drip: Don't let water drip on the carpet

drop: A drop of rain fell on my hat

drum: We dance as he bangs his drum

flag: The flag flaps in the wind.

flan: Fill a flan with fruit and jelly

flap: This flap is for the cat

flat: She fell flat on her back

fling: Just fling your coat on the floor

flop: Her first song was a flop.

fluff: There is fluff in the dusty corner

fret: I did fret when my cat was lost

frill: Her dress was edged with a frill

frock: Gran says frock instead of dress

frog: A frog sits by a pond

from: Milk comes from cows

frond: A frond of weed hid the crab

frost: There is frost on the window

glad: I'm glad you can come to my party

glen: A glen is a Scottish valley

glint: They saw the glint of gold in the rocks

gloss: Polish gives a gloss to wood

glum: The bad news made her glum

grand: The king was very grand

grill: You grill food on barbecues

grin: She gave a happy grin

grip: You need a good grip on your bat

grit: A frosty path needs grit

grub: A grub in your apple is bad news

gruff: The man had a gruff voice

grunt: The pig gave a grunt

plan: This is the plan of the house

planet: Was there once life on the planet Mars?

plank: A plank of wood can make a shelf

plastic: A plastic flower has no smell

plug: A plug keeps water in a sink

plum: I hope this plum is sweet

plump: The rabbit was plump and round

plus: Two plus two makes four

pram: We took our baby out in the pram

prank: A prank is a silly trick

present: I want to open my present now

press: A bell will ring if you press this button

print: My work is neat when I print it

prison: All prison gates have locks

prod: Mum woke me with a prod in the ribs

prong: One prong of my fork is bent

prop: A prop holds up this washing-line

quack: The duck gave a quiet quack

quest: His quest was to find the missing ring

quick: You must be quick to win a race

quill: A quill is a feather pen

quilt: My quilt keeps me snug in bed

quit: They had to quit their work and go

quiz: A quiz will test how much you know

scab: His fall has left a scab on his knee

scalp: Not one hair grew on his scalp

scan: An X-ray scan can see inside us

scoff: Jim would scoff his chips in no time.

scum: Green scum lies on top of the pond

scrap: Old tin cans end up as scrap

scrimp: The poor man had to scrimp on food

script: She wrote the script for the puppet play

scrub: Muddy floors need a good scrub

scruff: I look like a scruff when I get up

scrum: The players got into a scrum

skid: Mud makes cars skid

skill: You need skill to dribble a ball

skim: Let's skim stones across the pond

skin: You need skin to keep your body in

skip: She likes to skip with her new rope

skull: Your skull protects your brain

slack: Loosen your belt to make it slack

slam: The wind made the door slam

slap: A slap on the hand hurts

slept: Baby slept in a cot

sling: His arm was in a sling

slip: A banana skin made him slip

slit: She cut a slit in the cloth

slot: Put your coin in the slot

slug: A slimy slug slid slowly past

smack: A smack on the hand hurts

smell: Come and smell this flower

smock: I put on a smock when I paint

smug: She looked so smug when she won

smut: He cleaned a smut of dirt off the window

snack: I have a snack if I'm hungry

snag: His clever plan went without a snag

snap: My pencil broke with a snap

sniff: Take a sniff and smell this flower

snip: I will just snip the paper in two

snob: A snob thinks he is better than us

snub: It feels like a snub to be left out

snug: The cat is snug beside the fire

span: We made a bridge to span the stream

speck: A speck of dust went in my eye

spell: A spell turns the pumpkin into a coach

spend: I spend too much on sweets

spill: Be careful not to spill the ink

spin: When I spin round I get dizzy

spit: An angry cat will spit

spots: She had spots when she was ill

splat: The paint fell with a splat

splendid: You have done some splendid work

splint: They put a splint on his broken leg

split: The plank was split in two

sprang: I opened the box and out sprang Jack

sprat: A little sprat swam out at sea

sprig: He drew a sprig of holly on his card

spring: A Jack-in-a-box needs a spring

sprint: He won the hundred-metre sprint

stamp: Every letter needs a stamp

stand: We saw the match from the stand

step: She fell from the top step of the stairs

stick: This stick is for the campfire

stiff: A stiff knee is hard to bend

still: Keep still while I cut your hair!

sting: A wasp will sting if it is angry

stop: Cars must stop at red lights

stuck: Jam was stuck all over his face

stunt: His best stunt was jumping over two cars

strand: A strand of hair was all he had

strap: My case was held shut with a strap

string: My kitten loves a ball of string

strong: This man is so strong he can lift a tonne

struck: The clock struck twelve

swam: Today I swam in the sea

swank: He likes to swank about his cars

swell: Hot air made the balloon swell out

swift: You must be swift to win a race

swig: He took a swig from the bottle

swill: Water will swill the mess away

swim: I can swim across the pool

swing: Push me high on my swing

track: A train runs on a track

traffic: Too much traffic blocks the roads

tramp: A tramp has no home

trick: It was a silly trick to hide his pen

trim: His hair needs a trim

trip: Our trip to the zoo was fun

trot: The horse set off at a trot

truck: The truck carried a load of bricks

trunk: A trunk is a very long nose

bench: I often sit on this bench in the sun

bunch: Grapes are picked by the bunch

finch: A finch just loves to eat seeds

hunch: I had a hunch our numbers would win

lunch: I eat my lunch at one o'clock

munch: My pony had an apple to munch

pinch: He put a pinch of salt on his egg

punch: He gave the ball a mighty punch

catch: He ran to catch the ball

hutch: They made a hutch for their baby rabbit

kitchen: Dad was in the kitchen cooking dinner

match: She lit the candle with a match

pitch: The team ran onto the pitch

scratch: The pin made a scratch on her hand

stretch: As I wake up I stretch my arms

switch: We switch on the light at night

witch: In flew the witch on her big black broom

chat: My mum likes to chat with her friends

check: This pattern is a check

chicken: I like my chicken alive and clucking

chimp: The chimp was unhappy in the zoo

chin: Every day he shaves his chin

chips: Fish and chips taste very good

much: A lion is much bigger than a mouse

rich: A rich man has lots of money

such: Your party was such good fun

brush: A new brush sweeps well

cash: She took the cash to the bank

crash: Their car hit the wall with a crash

fish: One little fish swam in the pond

shell: A snail has a shell on its back

ship: The ship sails out to sea

shop: Her shop sells toys

wish: Most of us wish to be happy

tenth: Her birthday is the tenth of March

thank: She went to thank them for their help

theft: Stealing things is theft

thick: A big brush paints a thick line

thin: A thin dog needs his food

thing: A cup is a thing for holding drinks

think: I must think before I speak

thud: The spaceship landed with a thud

thump: He gave the ball a great big thump

that: Let's go this way, not that way

them: I got some eggs and boiled them

then: First bake the cake then eat it

this: My pen is this pen here

with: My cat plays with string

feel: I feel cold in the snow

feet: She had no shoes on her feet

green: Grass is green

need: We all need food

screen: I like a TV with a big screen

sleep: After his walk my dog goes to sleep

speed: He ran for help at top speed

street: The bus to town stops down the street

sweet: I wish I had a sweet to suck

tree: A tree needs deep roots

book: She sat reading her book

cook: A clever cook bakes better buns

foot: Each foot has five toes

good: A good dog sits when it's told

hood: A snug red hood will keep her warm

hook: I am going to fix a hook for our coats

look: They all ran out to look at the snow

took: She took a look at her book

wooden: Cooks often use a wooden spoon

boot: He left his boot stuck in the mud

cool: A fan will help you to keep cool

food: The boy soon ate up all his food

moon: A silver moon lit up the sky

pool: Come and swim in my pool

proof: The photo was proof he was there

smooth: Her velvet dress was smooth and soft

soon: Bedtime comes too soon

spoon: You need a spoon to eat soup from a bowl

tooth: I bit too hard and hurt my tooth

aim: You need a good aim to play darts

brain: I use my brain to think things out

nail: One more nail should fix this shelf

paint: She took her brush and began to paint

rain: They all got wet in the rain

snail: The snail left a silver trail

train: Our train leaves the station at ten.

wait: We did not wait long for the bus

gaunt: He grew gaunt and thin with illness

haunt: Ghosts are said to haunt that house

launch: He pressed the button to launch the rocket

laundry: Hang your laundry out to dry

taunt: The bully called me names to taunt me

taut: The rope goes taut when both teams pull

bread: Fresh bread makes the best toast

breath: He ran until he was out of breath

dead: With a click the phone went dead

deaf: The deaf man did not hear the bell

head: Please turn your head and look at me

health: An apple a day is good for your health

instead: She wants a pony instead of a bike

sweat: Hard work makes you sweat

wealth: The lottery winner gave away all his wealth

beach: Blue seas lap this sandy beach

beak: A bird pecks with its beak

heat: Fire gives off heat

meal: Beans on toast is a simple meal

seat: I gave up my seat to the old man

steam: Water gives off steam as it boils

stream: A river starts as a stream

team: She plays football in our team

brief: A nap is a brief sleep

chief: Sitting Bull was a brave chief

field: She keeps her pony in this field

grief: She wept in grief

shield: His shield should protect him from arrows

shriek: His joke spider made Mum shriek

thief: A thief took all my cash

boat: Our boat sailed on the stormy sea

coach: We went to London by coach instead of by train

coal: A hot coal fell from the open fire

coast: Sandy shores run along this coast

coat: Her coat was warm and made of wool

float: He put a float on his fishing-line

foam: Too much soap makes too much foam

loaf: I like a crusty loaf of bread

road: The long road led to the hills

soap: A bar of soap is for washing

boil: The kettle came to the boil

coin: Let's toss a coin for who goes first

joint: Your elbow makes a joint in your arm

moist: Her hair was moist from the rain

noisy: Their stereo is too noisy

oil: An engine runs well with oil

point: It's rude to point a finger

poison: Never drink poison

soil: Seeds need good soil

toilet: Wooden toilet seats are warmer

cloud: A small cloud hid the sun

count: I count to ten before I speak

ground: The ground felt firm beneath my feet

loud: Some of us like loud music

mouth: His mouth was open to speak

out: I fell out of bed and woke up

round: All wheels are round

sound: No sound came from the silent house

south: Go south for sunshine

country: He left his own country to go abroad

couple: Two of anything make a couple

courage: It took courage to fight that blazing fire

cousin: My cousin is my uncle's son

nourish: Water and soil both nourish a seed

trouble: In times of trouble we all need help

young: A kitten is a young cat

caught: He put out a hand and caught the ball

daughter: He has one daughter and no sons

fraught: A frantic day can leave you fraught

naughty: That naughty kitten has licked the cream

taught: He taught his dog to do some tricks

eight: A spider has eight legs

eighty: Four twenties make eighty

neigh: She heard her horse neigh from far away

sleigh: Over the snow she rode in her sleigh

weigh: I had to weigh some flour for a cake-mix

weight: You must be strong to lift such a weight

high: From high on the hill they saw for miles

night: All that night the moon shone bright

right: Ticks mean all your sums are right

sigh: With a sad sigh she said goodbye

thigh: Your thigh is your leg from hip to knee

tight: These tight shoes pinch my toes

chair: Pull up a chair and sit down

dairy: Butter and cheese are made in a dairy

fair: I love the fair with all its rides

fairy: There's a fairy on top of the Christmas tree

hair: His hair was cut very short

pair: He always wore a pair of trainers

stairs: Steep wooden stairs led up to the top

unfair: It's unfair to give her a bigger cake

dark: The sky was dark that night

farm: Ben grew corn on his farm

garden: My garden has both weeds and flowers

hard: A snail finds it hard to jump

march: The men had to march in time

market: Things are cheap in the market

park: He jogs in the park each day

spark: One stray spark started the forest fire

star: The sheriff has a star as his badge

start: She turned the key to start the car

beware: The princess knew to beware of dragons

care: She took care of her teddy bear

dare: I dare you to do a bungee jump

rare: He searches the jungle for rare plants

scare: My sudden yell gave her quite a scare

share: I will let you share my chocolate

spare: Come and play if you have the spare time

square: You never see a square tomato

bear: Deep in the woods a grizzly bear growled

pear: I could not bear to leave that pear unpicked

swear: In court we swear to tell the truth

tear: She had to mend a tear in the cloth

wear: People wear shorts in the summer

appear: As dusk fell I saw the moon appear

beard: His big bushy beard covered his tie

clear: The stream was so clear you could see the fish

ear: She whispered in his ear

fear: A brave man hides his fear

gear: The car was stuck in second gear

hear: Rabbits have long ears to hear danger

rear: Pedals drive a bike's rear wheel

spear: He hurled his spear at the springing lion

early: He got out of bed early that day

earn: She went to work to earn some money

earth: From space the earth looks beautiful

heard: I heard a great new song today

learn: I try to learn ten spellings a week

learning: I am learning how to swim

pearl: He dived for a pearl to give to his girl

search: A detective needs to search for clues

beer: The glass of beer had foam on top

cheer: We gave a cheer when our team won

jeer: Unkind people jeer at losers

peer: She had to peer hard to see through the fog

steer: I helped the captain steer his ship into port

fern: A fern is an evergreen plant

her: She has a ring on her finger

herb: Mint is a herb with a fresh tingly taste

kerb: You wait at the kerb to cross the road

perfect: I may be good but I'm not perfect

person: A person may be a man or a woman

stern: When Mum looks stern we all behave

term: At the end of term our holiday starts

bird: A small bird sang from the treetop

birth: Our cat gave birth to six kittens

dirty: You play in dirt - you get dirty

first: The first to get home is the winner

girl: His sister was a happy girl

shirt: The team's new shirt is blue and white

skirt: Her long blue skirt reached the floor

third: She ate two cakes and then a third

admire: I admire your neat handwriting

bonfire: Cheerful red sparks rose from the bonfire

fire: He lit the fire to get himself warm

fireman: The fireman bravely fought the fire

hire: Dad chose to hire a car in France

retire: He hopes to retire before he is old

wire: He knows how to wire a plug

boar: Wild boar live in the Black Forest

board: The teacher wrote on the board

hoard: The pirates hid their hoard of gold

oar: They each took an oar to row the boat

roar: The angry lion gave a roar

soar: I saw my kite soar high in the sky

corn: Butter is good with corn on the cob

fork: He stuck his fork into a pea

morning: The sun comes up in the morning

north: Go north for cold and ice

short: The ladder was too short to reach the top

sort: A bun is a sort of cake

sport: Keep fit with sport

before: Unwrap a sweet before you eat

more: She ate lots but wanted more

score: Put the ball in the net to score

shore: Blue sea laps the sandy shore

snore: People who snore keep others awake

sore: Her throat was so sore she could hardly speak

store: Children adore buying sweets from a store

swore: The witness swore to tell the truth

wore: He wore a turban on his head

flour: Here is some flour to bake a cake

hour: Sixty minutes make an hour

our: We are five in our family

scour: I'll scrub and scour that dirty old pan

sour: Lemons are so very sour

court: We played tennis on a grass court

four: Chairs need four firm legs

fourteen: Ten plus four makes fourteen

pour: Use a funnel to help you pour

your: Clap your hands if you like the show

burn: Dry logs burn well

burst: Balloons go bang when they burst

church: Christians go to church to pray

curly: A pig has a curly tail

fur: My cat's fur is soft and fluffy

hurt: When she fell she hurt her hand

turn: I always take my turn to wash up

turnip: A turnip is a root that's good to eat

claws: The eagle snatched a snake in its claws

crawl: Babies crawl before they walk

draw: The final result was a draw

jaw: You move your jaw when you chew

law: He broke the law when he shot the sheriff

lawn: My lawn grows green and grassy

paw: Our cat dips its paw in its milk

raw: Food is raw until you cook it

straw: She likes to sip her drink through a straw

thaw: The thaw came at last and melted the snow

chew: My dog likes to chew bones

crew: Four fine men were the crew of the ship

drew: He drew a picture of a flower

flew: A bee flew past his nose

grew: He grew prize-winning pumpkins

screw: You turn a screw to tighten it

threw: She threw the ball for me to catch

dew: The leaves that morning shone with drops of dew

few: Just a few pence was all she had left

new: I would like a new bike for my birthday

newt: A newt slid into the pond to swim

stew: A spicy smell rose from the stew

brown: Grill any food and it turns brown

clown: The clown acted the fool

cow: Daisy was a cow who mooed all day

crowd: The crowd packed the stands for the match

growl: The dog gave a growl to warn us off

now: Right now is the time to do it

prowl: My cat goes out to prowl the streets

rowdy: Those rowdy children make too much noise

vow: He made a vow to kill the dragon

flow: They watched the river flow smoothly by

grow: Eating your greens will help you grow

show: Let me show you my scar

slow: Slugs and snails are very slow

throw: How far can you throw a ball?

window: She gazed through the green glass window

yellow: Buttercups are yellow

away: I forgot to put my things away

crayon: He drew a tree with his crayon

day: I play all day on holiday

play: Come and play ball with us

say: A chatterbox has lots to say

spray: This spray kills fleas

stay: He had to stay in when he was ill

tray: She took the cups away on a tray

way: Can you tell me the way to town?

annoy: It does annoy me when I miss the bus

boy: Every man was once a boy

convoy: The line of ships was sailing in convoy

destroy: You can destroy weeds by pulling them up

employ: A busy firm must employ more workers

enjoy: We all enjoy a tasty meal

loyal: His loyal dog was a friend for life

royal: The royal coach is for the queen

toy: The child sat playing with a toy

alphabet: I know every letter of the alphabet

dolphin: A dolphin hunts fish but is gentle with people

elephant: An elephant came stomping by

graph: A graph makes a picture from numbers

nephew: My sister's son is my nephew

orphan: His parents died and so he was an orphan

phantom: The phantom floated through the wall

photo: She kept his photo in a silver frame

shred: She tore a shred of paper from her notebook

shrill: The whistle blew a shrill note

shrimp: The shrimp was alone in a seaside pool

shrink: Some jumpers shrink in the wash

shrub: I will plant the shrub by the other bushes

shrug: A shrug of his shoulders said he didn't care

thread: The thread slips through the needle's eye

threat: I see a threat of rain in those dark clouds

three: A triangle has three sides

thrill: Winning gave her such a thrill

throat: He shouted till his throat grew sore

throb: Loud music makes my head throb

throng: A throng packed the ground for the match

thrush: A thrush sang outside my window

whack: With a whack she hit her head on the shelf

wheat: Farmers grow wheat so we can have bread

wheel: The front wheel of her bike hit the kerb

whip: You have to whip cream to make it thick

whirl: The rides at the fair whirl round and round

whiskers: A cat laps up milk then licks its whiskers

whisper: Softly and in a whisper she told her secret

what: A hat is what you put on your head

when: A hen clucks when it lays an egg

where: Just here is where I sit

whether: Tell me whether you want this or that

which: Tell me which cup is mine

why: Tell me why she is not here

audience: The audience clapped as the play ended

cell: Deep in the castle was a dark prison cell

dance: Do try to dance in time to the music

force: The force of the gale made cars overturn

mice: The mouse had a family of baby mice

race: The fastest runner wins the race

service: Buses provide a useful service

space: Travel in space can go far beyond Earth

surface: The pond had ice on its surface

twice: Sing Happy Birthday twice for twins

ceiling: A single light hung down from the ceiling

conceited: You're conceited if you think you're better than us

deceit: The old cheat lived a life of deceit

deceive: Camouflage is to deceive the enemy

perceive: Bats perceive sounds we cannot hear

receive: Every winner will receive a prize

received: Noddy received a birthday gift

badge: A soldier has a badge on his cap

badger: A badger lives below ground in a sett

bridge: You can cross the river at the bridge

edge: The land falls steeply at the edge of a cliff

fidget: An itchy jumper makes you fidget

fudge: A piece of fudge is sweet and chewy

hedgehog: A hedgehog has spikes for self-defence

judge: The judge asked the witness to speak up

midget: What a midget he seemed beside the giant!

sledge: Our sledge will go on crisp white snow

angel: An angel is a heavenly messenger

cage: A songbird longs to fly from its cage

garage: Our car goes in the garage overnight

general: The general commands his army

hinge: The old door was hanging by a single hinge

huge: A shoe looks huge to an ant

orange: Cut an orange and juice spurts out

stage: The curtains parted to reveal the stage

strange: The message was strange and puzzling

cake: I love cake with jam in it

flame: A flame shot up from the fire

game: Can we play a game?

late: The bus was late today

made: At last the pills made him better

same: These two dogs are the same size

scales: Let's weigh these apples on the scales

scrape: I'll scrape the mud off my shoes

blue: When the sky is blue the sun shines too

clue: There was no clue to the theft

die: Plants die with no water

glue: My brush got stuck in the glue

hoe: You use a hoe to chop out weeds

pie: Would you like a piece of pie?

tie: His tie has blue stripes

toe: It hurts to stub your toe

true: A lie can never be true

bike: She rides her bike downhill

crime: His last crime was to take a tiger

kite: Fly your kite on a windy day

line: This work has a line through it

mile: From here to home is just a mile.

prize: The winner gets a brilliant prize

size: The twins are the same size

slide: The boy slid down the yellow slide

wide: The river was too wide to jump

hole: The pirate dug a hole to hide his gold

home: We live at home

hope: I hope to be rich one day and happy

note: Each note she sang was soft

pole: He used a long pole to push out the boat

rose: She picked a rose and pricked her finger

stone: You could trip over that stone

stroke: It is quite safe to stroke my dog

woke: Dad woke Mum with a cup of tea

compute: The supermarket till will compute your bill.

cube: All the sides of a cube are squares

fuse: She put a new fuse in the plug

tube: Some sweets are sold in a tube

tune: Can you whistle that tune?

use: You cannot use a fork to eat custard

brute: The brute had fangs and claws

crude: A saucepan makes a crude drum

flute: You blow across a flute to play it

June: Summer begins in June

plume: Her hat had a plume of feathers

rude: It is rude to stare

rule: Just rule a line across the page

acid: Vinegar has a sharp acid taste

cigarette: A cigarette is smaller than a cigar

cinder: A red-hot cinder scorched the rug

cinema: Our new cinema has ten screens

circus: The circus was held in a huge tent

citrus: Lemons, limes and oranges are citrus fruits

city: Tall buildings line the streets of a city

civil: Polite people give civil replies

civilian: The civilian wore jeans, the soldier a uniform

giant: Next to the giant she looks so small

gin: He asked the barman for a gin

ginger: Bits of ginger make a cake hot

magic: By magic her rags became a fine gown

origin: I know the origin of the rumour because I made it up

original: An original painting isn't a copy

rigid: Something is rigid if it is not flexible

quality: All her clothes were of the finest quality

quantity: A pinch of salt is not a big quantity

quarrel: They disagreed and started to quarrel

squander: It is silly to squander your savings

squash: If you sit on your lunch you will squash it

squat: I saw a toad squat under a stone

swallow: A big pill is hard to swallow

swamp: Our feet got stuck in the muddy swamp

swan: A snow-white swan swam all alone

wad: He stuffs the wad of notes in his pocket

wander: Without fences sheep wander away

want: I want a drink when I'm thirsty

was: There once was an ugly duckling

wash: I went to wash my grubby hands

watch: I like to watch the news on TV

warden: The warden told me where to park

warm: The sun made the cat feel warm

warmth: A lamb snuggles up to its mum for warmth

warn: A sign should warn drivers about that bend

warning: The lightning struck without warning

warp: Wooden planks can bend and warp

wart: The wart on his finger became quite sore

fireworks: Dazzling fireworks lit up the night

word: Now here is a word I can spell

work: Nurses work in hospitals

world: The world is the planet on which we live

worm: A wiggly worm lived in the soil

worse: A cold is bad but flu is worse

worship: To worship is to pay deep respect

worth: This gold ring is worth a lot of money

emergency: Ring 999 in an emergency

fancy: His flashy tie had a fancy pattern

fleecy: My coat has a fleecy lining

juicy: Peeling juicy fruit makes sticky fingers

mercy: In their mercy they set the captives free

spicy: Curry has a spicy taste

energy: Gas and electricity are forms of energy

gym: I'm off to the gym to exercise

stingy: He was too stingy to buy a single present

all: The dog ate up all my dinner

ball: She kicked the ball into the net

call: Did you hear me call your name?

fall: Humpty-Dumpty had a great fall

hall: Go through the front door and into the hall

small: A small button fits a tiny hole

snowball: We made a big snowball to roll downhill

stall: Let's get an ice cream from that stall

tall: One tree stood tall above the rest

wall: We played with a ball against the wall

blind: Guide dogs help the blind get around

find: I must find my lost purse

grind: Mills grind corn to flour

kind: You were kind to help me out

mind: In my own mind I think I'm right

rind: Orange rind goes into marmalade

child: The child skipped along with a toy

mild: It was mild and sunny that spring

wild: Flowers grew wild in the meadow

bold: The brave man took another bold step

cold: The snowman stood frozen out in the cold

fold: Your card will stand up if you fold it

gold: Wedding rings are made from gold

hold: The vet let me hold the dog in my arms

old: This tree is a hundred years old

sold: Her little corner shop sold everything

told: Gulliver told the tale of his travels

climb: He aims to climb to the top

comb: Do take this comb and tidy your hair

crumb: A crumb fell as she broke the biscuit.

lamb: A lamb soon becomes a sheep

limb: His left leg was the limb he broke

numb: My fingers are quite numb with cold

thumb: You hold your pen between finger and thumb

tomb: A moss-clad tomb stood outside the church

design: You need a design before you build

gnarl: Old age makes trees twist and gnarl

gnash: A dog will gnash his teeth in anger

gnat: The gnat will buzz and bite at night

gnome: I put a gnome by my garden pond.

reign: Queen Victoria's reign lasted sixty-five years

sign: A sign beside the road shows the way

knee: I fell and grazed my knee

kneel: People often kneel when praying

knew: After just one lesson I knew how to skate

knife: A good cook needs a sharp knife

knight: The brave knight rode a black horse

knit: Gran will knit me a jumper

knob: The knob turned and the door opened

knock: There came a loud knock at the door.

knot: I tied the rope with a firm knot.

rhea: A rhea is like an ostrich, but from South America

rhetorical: A rhetorical question needs no answer

rhino: Four of the five species of rhino are endangered

rhombus: A rhombus has four equal sides

rhubarb: A rhubarb crumble needs sugar to make it sweet

rhyme: Words rhyme when their endings sound the same

rhythm: A strong pattern of sound is rhythm

wrap: I must wrap his present neatly

wreck: The wreck was sunk in a storm.

wren: The little wren sings very loudly

wrench: A wrench is a kind of spanner

wring: My wrists were too weak to wring out the cloth

wrist: Hands twist from the wrist

write: I want to write him a letter

wrong: Stealing things is wrong

muscle: A muscle is an organ for moving a part of the body

scene: The stage was set for the opening scene

scent: Just smell the scent of this flower

science: Biology is the science of life

scientist: The scientist planned a careful experiment.

scissors: Use sharp scissors to cut paper and cloth

heir: The crown prince was heir to the throne

honest: An honest person never lies

honour: It's an honour to have gained this award

hour: Sixty minutes make an hour

calf: The cow licked her newborn calf

chalk: White chalk writes well on black

could: He said he could do magic

half: One is half of two

palm: I held the mouse in the palm of my hand

should: I should have trained then I would have won

stalk: The stalk supports the flower

talk: I like to talk to my friend

walk: He went for a long walk

would: I would rather fly than walk

yolk: An egg has a yellow yolk

castle: A big strong castle stood on a hill

glisten: Raindrops glisten in the sun

listen: I am trying to listen to the music

listening: Keep listening for the doorbell

rustle: I hear trees rustle in the breeze

thistle: A thistle is a prickly flower

whistle: The match ends when the whistle blows

wrestle: They wrestle in the ring for money

catalogue: We order goods from a catalogue

intrigue: This puzzle will intrigue you

league: Our netball team is set to win its league.

plague: A plague kills many far and wide

rogue: A rogue is not to be trusted

tongue: I licked the lolly with my tongue

vague: The trees were vague shapes in the fog

biscuit: The dog sat up and begged for a biscuit

build: It takes many bricks to build a wall

disguise: He wore a beard to disguise himself

guarantee: My watch has a ten-year guarantee

guard: The guard stands by his sentry box

guess: Try to guess my age!

guest: The chat-show host welcomed the next guest

guide: Their mountain guide showed them the way

guilty: The jury found her guilty of theft

guitar: The electric guitar leads many bands

because: We went indoors because of the rain

cheese: The mouse nibbled the cheese

give: Let me give you a present

have: Let's stop and have a rest

horse: The sad horse waited for his rider.

house: Their house has a blue door

love: The princess fell in love with the frog

pause: She worked all day without a pause

please: A dish of milk will please my cat

purse: All her cash was in her purse

easier: It is an easy walk but an easier ride by bus

easiest: The simplest work is often the easiest

funnier: Your jokes may be funny but mine are funnier

funniest: He was the funniest comedian in the show

happier: I am happier in jeans than in a suit

happiest: The happiest cat was the one who got the cream

healthier: Walking is healthier than driving

healthiest: Well-balanced meals are the healthiest

fiercer: A cat is fiercer than a mouse

fiercest: A tiger is fiercest when defending her cubs

larger: As you grow up you need larger clothes

largest: Which animal has the largest feet?

simpler: A hut is simpler than a palace

simplest: The simplest ideas are often the best

whiter: Which detergent washes whiter than white?

whitest: The whitest shirt had no marks at all

deeper: If the North Sea is deep, the Atlantic is deeper

higher: Snowdon is high but Everest is higher

longer: His arms are long, but his legs are longer

older: That huge old oak is older than any of us

smaller: A mosquito is small but a midge is smaller

taller: Are you taller than your parents?

younger: A grandson is always much younger than his grandfather

deepest: How deep is the deepest ocean?

fastest: Who is the fastest runner of all?

highest: Which is the highest mountain?

longest: How long is the longest river?

oldest: How old is the oldest pyramid?

smallest: How small is the smallest house?

tallest: How tall is the tallest building?

youngest: How young was the youngest England footballer ever?

bigger: An elephant is bigger than a mouse

biggest: How big is the biggest turkey ever?

hotter: The fire is hot and it is getting hotter

hottest: How hot was the hottest day ever?

redder: As they ran their red faces turned redder

reddest: Poppies are the reddest flowers of all

acceptable: Any shelter was acceptable in that storm

bookable: Seats are bookable in advance

breakable: Glass windows are usually breakable

drinkable: Water from streams is not usually drinkable

enjoyable: Treats are enjoyable

reasonable: No reasonable request will be refused

allowance: I would like an allowance for buying clothes

appearance: Twins are often alike in appearance

attendance: School attendance is compulsory

clearance: The shop had a clearance sale before it closed down

disturbance: The low-flying aircraft caused a disturbance

performance: The play's first performance is tonight

hesitant: A baby's first steps are hesitant

ignorant: She was ignorant of the rules and committed a foul

important: It is important to look before crossing the road

significant: A fingerprint is a significant clue

triumphant: The winners came home triumphant

difference: There is a difference between apples and pears

evidence: The burglar left little evidence behind him

presence: She never swore in her mother's presence

reference: Look up more details in a reference book

silence: The absence of sound is silence

absorbent: You mop up spills with an absorbent cloth

different: Apples are different from oranges

excellent: Ten out of ten is an excellent result

independent: An independent person is self-reliant

persistent: Her persistent coughing never stopped

urgent: I have an urgent message to go home at once

accessible: Secret files are not accessible to the public

collapsible: Inflatable dinghies are also collapsible!

digestible: Humans don't find grass a digestible food

incredible: No one believed Gulliver's incredible story

responsible: The manager is responsible for choosing the team

reversible: She wore her reversible jacket furry side out

sensible: I trust you to make a sensible decision

visible: Saturn is visible to the naked eye

anxious: She was anxious to know if we were safe

furious: He's not just annoyed, he's furious

obvious: Something obvious needs no explanation

previous: He bought the car from its previous owner

serious: I tried not to laugh because he was serious

various: There are various ways of cooking potatoes

active: An active dog needs lots of walks

attractive: Only warthogs find other warthogs attractive

defective: A defective machine does not work

defensive: A defensive moat guarded the castle walls

effective: Hedgehog's spines make an effective defence

expensive: A diamond necklace is an expensive gift

impressive: The huge dinosaur left an impressive footprint

advertisement: An advertisement tries to attract your attention

development: Space travel is a recent development

measurement: A measurement finds the size of something

movement: Lots of movement will keep you fit

payment: One more payment and the guitar is mine

treatment: Rest is a treatment for flu

bulbous: Frogs have bulbous eyes

dangerous: It's dangerous to walk on thin ice

murderous: The monster attacked with murderous intent

poisonous: The death-cap is a poisonous toadstool

thunderous: Waves crashed ashore with a thunderous roar

confusion: Mixed messages cause confusion

fusion: Their music is a fusion of jazz and rock

precision: He exactly positioned each tile with precision

profusion: The stalls spilled over with a profusion of goods

revision: The run-up to the exams is time for serious revision

tension: The nerve-racking wait caused mounting tension

conclusion: A conclusion is an ending

decision: Picking the right chocolate can be a difficult decision

division: Sharing things out is division

explosion: An explosion is a chemical reaction that runs out of control

invasion: An invasion is when an army enters a country with hostile intent

persuasion: Lengthy persuasion changed dad's mind at last

compression: We use compression to make things smaller

confession: He admitted everything in his confession

discussion: We exchanged ideas in friendly discussion

expression: Her face bore an expression of utter joy

impression: His polite manner made a good impression

possession: Her teddy bear is her favourite possession

collection: I would like this stamp for my collection

connection: You plug in the cable to make a connection

election: She was elected MP at the last election

exhibition: Local artists held an exhibition of their work

invention: The wheel was an early invention

suggestion: He made a brilliant suggestion for increasing sales

completion: Finally, the house needs a roof for its completion

demonstration: We took the new car for a demonstration drive

illustration: The illustration on this page is by a well known artist

pollution: Car exhausts add to pollution

promotion: We're top of the league and so get promotion

relation: Anyone in my family is a relation

relegation: Our relegation followed last year's promotion

evolution: The evolution of something is its development over time

resolution: My New Year's resolution lasted until March

revolution: The revolution swept the dictator from power

solution: The answer to a problem is its solution

adventure: Exploring the forest is quite an adventure

culture: A culture is the customs and traditions of a particular group

departure: The plane's departure was delayed by fog

failure: The pie burned, so dinner was a failure

moisture: The steamed-up walls glistened with moisture

pressure: Too much air pressure bursts a balloon

sculpture: A marble statue is a piece of sculpture

earthen: Their huts had earthen floors

golden: The giant's goose laid golden eggs

silken: The silken threads are spun by caterpillars

wooden: Cooks often use a wooden spoon

woollen: My woollen jumper began life on a sheep

eastern: The sun rose over the eastern hills

northern: The northern side is towards the North

southern: The southern side is towards the south

western: The sun sank behind the western hills

careful: She was careful to keep to the office routine

colourful: A bed of roses in bloom looks colourful

faithful: His faithful dog followed him everywhere

harmful: Poison is extremely harmful

powerful: Elephants are more powerful than ants

truthful: A truthful answer contains no lies

useful: I never throw useful things away

carefully: They carefully lifted the fragile pane of glass

cheerfully: The singing soldiers marched cheerfully on

faithfully: A letter starting 'Dear Sir' ends with 'Yours faithfully'

gracefully: The dancer moved gracefully across the floor

hopefully: My dog looks up hopefully for a treat

painfully: She ran on painfully with blistered feet

truthfully: He answered truthfully and told them no lies

beautiful: The snow-covered mountain looked beautiful

fanciful: His busy imagination produced fanciful ideas

merciful: The merciful pirate saved the drowning sailors

angrily: Temper makes her shout angrily

bodily: Food and drink are vital bodily needs

busily: In spring the birds are busily building nests

easily: Her loose shoe came off easily

happily: The children laughed and played happily

hungrily: He hungrily scoffed two bags of chips

noisily: They left noisily, slamming doors and shouting

babyish: Five-year-olds think four-year-olds are babyish

darkish: My hair's darkish brown, not black

fiendish: The angry demon gave a fiendish howl

foolish: Don't I look foolish with this silly clown's nose?

greenish: The sea was more greenish than blueish

outlandish: The band were notorious for their outlandish clothes

smallish: I'll just have a smallish piece of cake

aimless: They were wandering in an aimless way

airless: With no windows the tiny room felt airless

breathless: The climb left her breathless and panting

careless: It was careless to drop your banana skin

countless: There are countless stars in the sky

effortless: Experts make skills seem effortless

pointless: It is pointless trying to empty the sea with a bucket

businesslike: Let's be businesslike and plan ahead

childlike: Although grown-up he kept a childlike love of making sandcastles

ghostlike: The spooky white shape gave a ghostlike moan

lifelike: The wax figure was uncannily lifelike

sportsmanlike: If you are sportsmanlike you are a good loser

warlike: The soldiers raised their spears is warlike manner

beastly: The monster howled a beastly howl

cowardly: The cowardly lion hid from the mouse

friendly: She welcomed us with a friendly smile

motherly: She cradled the child in a motherly way

queenly: She gave a queenly wave from the balcony

badly: My front wheel is badly twisted

bravely: Firemen bravely fight fires

quickly: Run quickly or you'll miss the bus

quietly: Tiptoe quietly in without a word

silently: He did not cry out but suffered silently

slowly: A slug slowly slithered across the path

suddenly: The door suddenly burst open

wrongly: My innocent friend was wrongly arrested

foremost: When I'm weary my foremost need is sleep

innermost: A maze of corridors led to the innermost hall

topmost: A bird perched high on the topmost branch

awesome: The awesome sight filled them with wonder

fearsome: His fearsome scowl scares little children

irksome: Your constant nagging is irksome

quarrelsome: That quarrelsome pair argue night and day

tiresome: I'm bored with tiresome chores

troublesome: My troublesome sister annoys me intensely

backward: Living in caves would be a backward step

downward: On the sledge we began our downward ride

forward: Many cars have five forward gears

homeward: The cattle wander homeward at milking time

upward: I looked at the sky with an upward glance

clockwise: The hands on a watch turn clockwise

likewise: What Simon says, you do likewise

streetwise: A streetwise kid survives in a city

baggy: His baggy trousers were far too big

foggy: It's so foggy we can't see the way

funny: People laugh at funny things

furry: The mouldy bread had gone furry

muddy: They played in mud and got muddy

spotty: That spotty face could mean chicken-pox

starry: The moon was sailing in the starry sky

tinny: Tin whistles can make tiny tinny sounds

witty: A witty comment is funny but not always polite

easy: I like simple and easy work

greasy: Elbow-grease cleans greasy dishes

hasty: The dog sniffed the crab then beat a hasty retreat

noisy: Loud machines make a workshop noisy

shady: It was cool beneath the shady trees

shiny: Sunlight glinted off their shiny armour

slimy: A slimy slug slid slowly across the path

tasty: Food that tastes good is tasty

dirty: You play in dirt - you get dirty

greedy: My greedy dog ate all my dinner

messy: Finger-painting can be messy

rubbery: It's hard to chew rubbery food

sulky: He's sullen and sulky when he's told off

weighty: I cannot lift this weighty package

handicraft: Carving wooden spoons is a Welsh handicraft

needlecraft: Tapestries are examples of needlecraft

witchcraft: A witch was said to harm others by witchcraft

boredom: With nothing to do I'd die of boredom

freedom: An uncaged bird has freedom to fly

kingdom: A king or a queen rules over a kingdom

officialdom: But for officialdom I could do what I like

stardom: Every budding band dreams of stardom

wisdom: Living and learning bring wisdom

harden: The concrete took ages to harden

lighten: A bit of white paint will lighten the blue

strengthen: I used weights to strengthen my muscles

sweeten: You can use honey to sweeten drinks

tighten: Turn the screw to tighten it

weaken: Add more hot water to weaken your tea

cassette: A cassette is a handy way to buy music

cigarette: A cigarette is smaller than a cigar

courgette: A courgette is a baby marrow

maisonette: A maisonette is half house, half flat.

marionette: A marionette is a puppet on strings

serviette: I use my serviette to wipe my mouth

armful: I can't hold the baby and an armful of clothes

bucketful: A bucketful of water is enough to clean the car

cupful: A British cupful measures ten fluid ounces

mouthful: Gargle with a mouthful of salt water

spoonful: A spoonful of sugar sweetens coffee

adulthood: Does adulthood start at eighteen or twenty-one?

childhood: The old man's thoughts turned back to his childhood

falsehood: A falsehood is something which is not true

neighbourhood: He's the paper-boy for our neighbourhood

bossiness: I hate his bossiness when he orders me around

business: A business sells a product or service

happiness: Her happiness returned when she found her doll

juiciness: Ripe tomatoes are known for their juiciness

readiness: Cars keep a spare tyre in readiness for a puncture

booklet: The booklet tells you how to work the video

droplet: A droplet of water trickled down the window

leaflet: The salesman put a leaflet through the door

piglet: A piglet is a baby pig

ringlet: She gave him a ringlet of her hair

starlet: She was a starlet who had small parts in films

gosling: Duckling is to duck as gosling to goose

nestling: The baby cuckoo is the only nestling left

seedling: An acorn becomes a seedling and then an oak

underling: I want the person in charge, not an underling!

yearling: A horse under two years old is a yearling

carelessness: Some bad driving is just carelessness

darkness: Out went the lights and we were in darkness

eagerness: He pushed me aside in his eagerness to win

fitness: Exercise helps maintain fitness

goodness: An apple is full of goodness

kindness: She showed kindness in helping the old man across the road

sadness: I felt sadness when my goldfish died

sickness: Paint fumes can cause sickness

citizenship: Her new country granted her citizenship

companionship: Lonely people crave companionship

friendship: Two pen-pals made a lifelong friendship

hardship: There is hardship when the money runs out

relationship: Ben and his dad have a good relationship

health: An apple a day is good for your health

length: The length measures the horizontal extent of an object

ninth: The ninth time is when something has happened nine times

strength: He had the strength to lift the heavy weight

wealth: The lottery winner gave away all his wealth

width: The width of an object measures how wide it is

amoral: An amoral action is done without considering morality

apathy: A lack of interest is known as apathy

apolitical: Someone who has no interest in politics is apolitical

asymmetrical: Something asymmetrical has an irregular form

atom: An atom is the smallest unit an element can be divided into

ambidextrous: An ambidextrous person uses both hands equally well

ambient: Something which surrounds is ambient

ambiguous: Something ambiguous is unclear

ambition: To have an ambition is to aim to do something special

ambivalent: Something ambivalent is not clear-cut

amphibian: An amphibian is an animal at home on land and in water

amphibious: To be amphibious is to be at home on land or in water

amphitheatre: An amphitheatre is a space surrounded by tiers of seats

anachronism: An anachronism is something out of date

anagram: An anagram is a word with the letters mixed up

analysis: An analysis gains information from collected data

anatomy: The study of the structure of living things is anatomy

archangel: An archangel is a most important angel

archbishop: The archbishop is the chief bishop

architect: Someone who designs buildings is an architect

autograph: An autograph is a signature

automatic: If something is automatic it works by itself

automobile: An automobile is a word for motor car

autopilot: The autopilot on a plane will fly the plane by itself

epidemic: An epidemic is when a disease is caught by many people

epilogue: An epilogue can follow the end of a book

episode: An episode is a part of a television serial

epitaph: An epitaph tells briefly of a dead person's life

hypochondriac: A hypochondriac believes he is always ill

hypocritical: It is hypocritical if you say one thing and do another

hypodermic: Anything under the skin is hypodermic

hypothesis: A theory which could be proved or disproved is a hypothesis

megabyte: A megabyte is roughly one million bytes

megaphone: A megaphone makes your voice much louder

megastar: A megastar is a really famous person

megawatt: A megawatt is one million watts

metabolism: Our metabolism makes energy from food

metamorphosis: A change in state is a metamorphosis

metaphor: A metaphor compares things by saying one is the other

microphone: A microphone is used to pick up sound

microscope: A microscope magnifies close-up objects

microwave: A microwave oven uses extremely high frequency radio waves

parable: A parable is a story designed to give a moral lesson

parabola: A parabola is a curve

paradox: A paradox is unexpected but may be true

paragraph: A paragraph is a short but distinct piece of writing

parallel: Lines are parallel when they never get nearer

paramedic: A paramedic is someone who helps doctors

paranormal: Something paranormal appears to have no explanation

parasite: A parasite is a creature that lives on another

symmetry: Correspondence of parts either side of a line is symmetry

sympathy: Friends shared her sorrow with sympathy

symphony: A symphony is a big orchestral composition

symptom: A symptom is a sign of disease

syndicate: A syndicate is a group who combine for business purposes

syndrome: A syndrome is a group of recognised symptoms

synonym: A synonym has the same meaning as another word

synopsis: A synopsis is a summary of a book

telegram: A telegram is a message sent by telegraph

telepathy: Using only your mind to communicate is called telepathy

telephone: You speak over a distance with a telephone

telescope: A telescope magnifies distant objects

television: A television receives pictures from afar

anticlimax: The end of a holiday is such an anticlimax

anticlockwise: The hands of a clock never turn anticlockwise

antidote: A dock leaf is an antidote for nettle stings

antifreeze: Car radiators need antifreeze in winter

antiseptic: Clean cuts with an antiseptic to kill bacteria

benefactor: A benefactor gives money to help others

benefit: A benefit is an advantage

benevolent: A benevolent person wishes well to others

coerce: He is strong enough to coerce them to leave

coexist: If only all nations would coexist in peace!

cooperate: Let's cooperate and share the work

collaborate: To work together with someone is to collaborate

collate: To collate is to gather information together

colleague: A colleague is someone from work

collect: To bring together or assemble is to collect

colloquial: A colloquial phrase is used in everyday language

correct: To correct something is to make it right

correspond: We correspond when we write to each other

corroborate: To corroborate is to confirm

corrode: To corrode is to be eaten away

corrugated: Something corrugated is wrinkled in folds

corrupt: To corrupt somebody is to turn them from good

contradict: To contradict is to go against

contraflow: A contraflow means two-way traffic on one carriageway

contravene: To contravene a law is to break it

extraordinary: Something extraordinary is something quite remarkable

extrasensory: Powers beyond the normal senses are said to be extrasensory

extraterrestrial: Beyond the Earth is extraterrestrial

extravagant: To be extravagant is to spend too much

illegal: Something illegal is against the law

illegible: Writing which is impossible to read is illegible

illicit: If something is illicit it is not allowed

illogical: If something is against reason it is illogical

irrational: To be irrational is to think without reason

irregular: Something which is irregular is not in order

irrelevant: If something is irrelevant it is unrelated to the subject

irreplaceable: There is no substitute for something irreplaceable

irresistible: Something irresistible cannot be stopped

irresponsible: An irresponsible act is a careless act

irreversible: Something irreversible cannot be changed back

interchange: Where one motorway meets another is an interchange

interfere: You interfere when you give an unwanted opinion

intermediate: An intermediate level is between an upper and a lower

international: Something occurring between nations is international

interrogate: To interrogate is to question closely

interrupt: To break in on someone is to interrupt them

interval: An interval is a gap between acts of a play

intravenous: Something within a vein is intravenous

introduce: To introduce is to bring together

introspection: To reflect on one's own thoughts is introspection

malevolent: A malevolent person wishes ill on others

malfunction: A malfunction is when something does not work properly

malnutrition: Insufficient food leads to malnutrition

maltreat: To maltreat somebody is to treat them badly

manicure: A manicure is special treatment for the hands and nails

manipulate: To manipulate somebody is to use them to your advantage

manufacture: To manufacture is to make things on an industrial scale

manuscript: A manuscript is a piece of writing

nonchalant: To be nonchalant is to be unconcerned

nonconformist: A nonconformist is a person who will not conform

nondescript: Something nondescript is unremarkable

nonentity: Something of no importance is a nonentity

nonplussed: To be nonplussed is to be baffled

object: An object is a material thing

obliged: If you are obliged to do something it is compulsory

obliterate: If you destroy something you obliterate it

observe: To observe is to watch carefully

obsolete: Something obsolete is out of date

obstacle: An obstacle is something which stands in the way

obstruct: To obstruct is to get in the way

obvious: Something obvious needs no explanation

postdate: To postdate something is to give it a future date

postgraduate: A postgraduate student is studying after a first degree

postpone: To postpone is to put off

postscript: A postscript follows the end of a play, book or letter

superfluous: Something superfluous is unnecessary

superimposed: One thing placed over another is superimposed on it

superlative: A superlative thing is better than all the rest

supernatural: Something supernatural does not obey nature's laws

supersede: To supersede is to replace

supersonic: A speed faster than the speed of sound is supersonic

superstitious: To be superstitious is to believe in omens and rituals

supervisor: A supervisor is a person in charge of others

suspect: A suspect is somebody under suspicion of wrongdoing

suspense: A built up state of waiting is called suspense

suspicious: To be suspicious is to have doubts about something

sustain: To sustain something is to keep it going

transatlantic: Something over the Atlantic Ocean is transatlantic

transfer: To transfer is to move something from one place to another

transform: To transform is to change shape

translate: To put words into another language is to translate

transmit: To transmit a programme is to send it out on radio or TV

transparent: Something which can be seen through is transparent

transport: My bike is both transport and exercise

ultramarine: The colour ultramarine is deep blue

ultrasonic: Sounds too high to be heard by humans are ultrasonic

ultraviolet: Light waves too short be seen are ultraviolet

animal: A dog is a domestic animal

annual: An annual event happens once a year

central: The hub is the central part of a wheel

equal: Each glass holds an equal amount

final: I have said my last word and that is final

hospital: A hospital is where people go to be made better

local: Our local school is just down the road

natural: She insisted her hair was its natural colour

personal: It was a personal matter and private to him

several: A family has several members

circular: A wheel is a circular shape

linear: A straight line is linear

lunar: Things relating to the moon are lunar

regular: Daily swimming was his regular routine

atheism: The belief that there is no god is called atheism

criticism: Informed opinions make useful criticism

enthusiasm: Great interest is called enthusiasm

journalism: The profession of writing for the media is journalism

mechanism: A clockwork mouse has a complex mechanism

sarcasm: He said with sarcasm he'd love to wash up

aerial: An aerial helps to pick up radio signals

industrial: The industrial revolution was machine-made replacing man-made

material: Her new dress was made from a soft material

memorial: The names of the dead are on the memorial

radial: The spokes on a bicycle wheel are radial

terrestrial: Anything on the earth is terrestrial

alcoholic: An alcoholic drink contains alcohol

artistic: Someone with artistic talent painted this picture

athletic: His athletic build meant he could run fast

demonic: The foul fiend howled with demonic laughter

historic: The first flight to the moon was a historic event

magnetic: A magnetic substance can be attracted by a magnet

metallic: The robot made a metallic sound as he clanked along

arid: No grass grew in that arid desert

fluid: The jelly was warm and still fluid

frigid: Without a coat I felt frigid with cold

humid: I feel damp and sticky on such a humid day

tepid: My tepid tea had stood too long

vivid: The fireworks left a vivid memory

convenient: It was more convenient to have the new sofa delivered

gradient: The gradient of the hill was very steep

ingredient: Flour is the main ingredient in pastry

nutrient: A little fat is an essential nutrient

obedient: A well-trained sheepdog is very obedient

beautify: To make something more beautiful is to beautify

classify: To classify is to sort things into groups

fortify: To fortify is to protect against attack

glorify: To glorify is to praise something highly

magnify: To magnify is to make something look bigger

modify: To modify something is to change it

mortify: To mortify is to embarrass deeply

agile: The agile gymnast did the splits

fertile: Crops grow better on fertile soil

fragile: The thin glass vase was very fragile

futile: Trying to empty the sea with a bucket is futile

hostile: A dog that bites is hostile

juvenile: A juvenile is a young person

mobile: You can walk and talk with a mobile phone

alpine: On the mountains alpine flowers grow

canine: Something canine is to do with dogs

crystalline: Common salt is a crystalline substance

divine: Many people believe in a divine being

elephantine: It is elephantine to be like an elephant

feline: To be feline is to act like a cat

saline: A saline solution is salty like the sea

exterior: An exterior paint protects outside walls

inferior: That flaking paint was an inferior brand

interior: An interior decorator repaints rooms

junior: The junior doctor was newly qualified

prior: We cannot ask him as he already has a prior appointment

senior: The senior doctor had many years' experience

superior: In the Army a major is superior to a captain

ulterior: An ulterior motive is a hidden reason for doing something

analysis: An analysis gains information from collected data

basis: The basis of something is the foundation

bronchitis: Smoking will make bronchitis worse

diagnosis: The diagnosis of illness is to find its cause

emphasis: You underline a word for emphasis

oasis: An oasis is a green patch in the desert

paralysis: Inability to move is paralysis

synthesis: The synthesis of some materials is very hard

apology: An apology is saying you're sorry

mythology: The study of myths is mythology

technology: Applied science is called technology

theology: The study of religion is theology

comatose: The sleepy dog looked comatose

grandiose: The grandiose palace had many turrets

morose: To be morose is to be gloomy and out of sorts

adolescent: An adolescent is no longer a child and not yet an adult

convalescent: The convalescent was ready to leave hospital

effervescent: Sparkling lemonade is effervescent

fluorescent: She highlighted words with her fluorescent pen

incandescent: An incandescent object is hot enough to give off light

reminiscent: Her perfume was reminiscent of a cottage garden

blockage: The leaves in the drain caused the blockage

coverage: The coverage of the news item was very thorough

leakage: The leakage from the gas pipe caused the explosion

passage: The passage to her house was very dark at night

postage: A stamp is there to pay the postage

wastage: There is wastage when some of the fruit is bad

buoyancy: A buoyancy aid will keep you afloat

discrepancy: There is a discrepancy when two accounts don't match

infancy: A nursemaid looked after him in his infancy

pregnancy: During pregnancy the baby grows within the womb

redundancy: You get redundancy pay when you lose your job

truancy: Skipping school is known as truancy

vacancy: There was a vacancy so she applied for the job

dictionary: A dictionary gives the meaning of words

library: A library houses a collection of books

necessary: If necessary we will send a replacement

ordinary: Do you want ordinary baked beans or curried beans?

temporary: A box made a temporary table

voluntary: It was voluntary work they did for free

accurate: It takes an accurate shot to hit the bull

affectionate: My affectionate puppy licks my hand

immaculate: His crisp white shirt looked immaculate

literate: To be literate means able to read and write.

numerate: To be numerate is to understand sums

obstinate: Donkeys are well known for being obstinate

passionate: She's passionate about football and watches every game

activate: Pull this lever to activate the robot

dedicate: She asked the DJ to dedicate a song to her mum

donate: He is going to donate half his money to charity

motivate: Praise will motivate people to work better

operate: The doctors had to operate to save her life

punctuate: A comma can punctuate a sentence

vaccinate: The nurse needed to vaccinate the children against disease

accuracy: It takes accuracy to hit the bull's-eye

bankruptcy: The gambler lost all his money and declared bankruptcy

conspiracy: There was a conspiracy against the new king

delicacy: A delicacy is a treat to eat

diplomacy: A diplomat must be skilled in diplomacy

fallacy: It is a fallacy to say that time can run backwards

piracy: Robbery on the high seas is piracy

avarice: A greedy desire for wealth is avarice

cowardice: Not facing up to a challenge is cowardice

justice: Justice had been done when the murderer went to jail

malice: She did not like him so spoke of him with malice

prejudice: A prejudice is an unreasonable dislike

audience: The audience clapped as the play ended

conscience: Guilty conscience kept the thief awake

convenience: I buy ready-cooked food for convenience

obedience: I took my puppy for obedience training

patience: You need plenty of patience to train a puppy

anxiety: Before doing the bungee jump she was filled with anxiety

notoriety: Captain Kidd gained notoriety by being an infamous pirate

piety: Monks and nuns live lives of piety

society: A society is a group of people

variety: Sweets of every variety lined the shelves

morality: Doing the right thing is a question of morality

neutrality: The state of not taking sides is neutrality

possibility: Rain is unlikely, but it is a possibility

probability: In all probability it will rain in April

reality: I nodded off and lost touch with reality

acrimony: They spoke sharp words in bitter acrimony

ceremony: The wedding was a happy ceremony

matrimony: Weddings unite couples in matrimony

testimony: I believe the testimony of an honest witness

conversion: To change pounds to kilos you need a conversion table

diversion: There was a diversion due to roadworks

inversion: A reversal in order can be called an inversion

subversion: To plot against authority is subversion

accession: Elizabeth II became Queen at her accession

concession: A bus pass is a concession for cheaper travel

procession: The procession of carnival floats was spectacular

recession: A recession is when the economy slows down

altitude: The plane climbed to its cruising altitude

attitude: A positive frame of mind is a good attitude

fortitude: She bore her pain with fortitude

gratitude: She showed gratitude for his help

latitude: Lines of latitude are called parallels

longitude: Lines of longitude are called meridians

multitude: A multitude gathered to greet the band

solitude: Alone on his island, Crusoe found solitude

capsule: A capsule of medicine can be hard to swallow

globule: A globule of sweat ran down her forehead

granule: A granule of sugar makes a feast for a fly

minuscule: This tiny book has minuscule print

module: Astronauts used a module to land on the Moon

molecule: The least water you can get is a single molecule

schedule: The plane left late but landed on schedule

creature: The dodo's a creature that's now extinct

enclosure: We keep rabbits in a grassy enclosure

pleasure: A baby's smile gives everyone pleasure

flower-like: Fireworks exploded flower-like in the sky

frog-like: He squatted frog-like by the pond

jewel-like: A jewel-like drop of water nestled in the leaf

pastry-like: The biscuits were pastry-like in texture

food-wise: A full fridge means you're OK food-wise

fun-wise: My job's poorly paid but fun-wise it's great

money-wise: My job's poor money-wise but I really enjoy it

transport-wise: Country life can be very hard, transport-wise

anti-noise: The drummer's dad was extremely anti-noise

anti-rust: Restore your rusty bike with our anti-rust paint

anti-work: I woke up this morning feeling very anti-work

anti-wrinkle: Keep your skin smooth with this anti-wrinkle cream

ex-boyfriend: Long after parting she met her ex-boyfriend again

ex-convict: The ex-convict intended to stay out of prison

ex-egg: Is a chicken an ex-egg?

ex-king: Boris, the ex-king, once ruled his country

ex-parrot: A dead parrot is an ex-parrot, says Monty Python

ex-serviceman: The ex-serviceman told tales of Army life

pre-book: We must pre-book our tickets for the concert

pre-punched: The holes are there in pre-punched paper

pre-Roman: This hill-fort goes back to pre-Roman times

pro-British: A Frenchman can be pro-British too

pro-cycling: I am pro-cycling yet seldom ride

pro-fitness: I am pro-fitness but I don't like training

pro-hunting: Some country folk are pro-hunting, some against

birthday: Your birthday marks the day you were born

dustbin: The dustbin is for household rubbish

handbag: She keeps her purse in her handbag

lipstick: Use lipstick to colour your lips

milkman: A milkman delivers milk

notebook: He jotted some notes in his notebook

sunset: The western sky glows red at sunset

windmill: Wind drives the sails of the windmill

abominable: The abominable snowman is a mythical creature

abound: Autumn orchards abound with fruit

abrupt: The busy teacher gave an abrupt answer

absent: She was absent because she was ill

absorbent: You mop up spills with an absorbent cloth

abstain: I find it hard to abstain from eating sweets

absurd: A dog in trainers looks absurd

address: We have moved to our new address

adjacent: A wall divides us from the adjacent room

admire: I admire your neat handwriting

admission: The museum charges for admission

adore: I would adore a choc-ice

adventure: Exploring the forest is quite an adventure

advice: Ask for advice if you are unsure what to do

advise: A lawyer is paid to advise you

comfort: I love the comfort of my own armchair

command: The sheepdog obeys his master's command

comment: My comment was just a passing remark

company: Come and keep me company on my walk

compare: You cannot compare dogs and oranges

complete: One more piece makes the puzzle complete

composed: The Beatles composed their own music

concern: Her mother felt concern for the tiny child

concert: The school choir gave a concert at the town hall

condemn: Don't condemn me until you hear me out

confront: I'll confront the reporters face to face

connect: You'll need to connect this hose to the tap

conquer: The general set out to conquer the rebels

contain: I counted to ten to contain my anger

continue: Roadworks can continue for ages

deliver: The postman knocked to deliver a parcel

demand: The gas company sent a final demand for payment

deserve: After all this work I deserve a rest

devastate: A huge flood can devastate wide areas

defence: Castle walls made a strong defence

defer: Let's defer the meeting until John can be here

deflate: That pin could deflate my ball

descend: We watched the balloon descend to the ground

describe: Let me describe the view for you

destroy: You can destroy weeds by pulling them up

detergent: This detergent is said to wash off grease

disappointed: She was so disappointed to lose

discovery: A little hidden beach was our great discovery

disgusting: That greasy sink looks disgusting

dismay: With utter dismay they saw the boat sink

disposable: We throw our baby's disposable nappies away

excavate: The bulldozers rolled in to excavate the site

except: February has 28 days except in leap years

excluding: The price is two pounds excluding postage

excursion: Let's go on the excursion to the theme park

exit: You leave the building by the nearest exit

export: We export cars to many countries

extract: The dentist pulled hard to extract the tooth

imbalance: An imbalance exists between rich and poor nations

immaculate: His crisp white shirt looked immaculate

immediate: A drowning man needs immediate help

immense: The extent of the sea is immense

immune: The immune system protects the body from infection

impede: Thick weed in the canal would impede our boat

imbibe: Let us imbibe some fine ale, my good man

immerse: I just immerse myself in a bath to relax

immigrant: The immigrant settled well into his new country

implode: Pressure from outside made the flask implode

imply: Yawns imply that you are tired

import: We import bananas because they don't grow here

improve: I hope my spelling will improve with practice

include: I'll include a card with my gift

infect: Bacteria can infect an open wound

infer: What can you infer from these results?

inflate: You'll need a pump to inflate an airbed

inhabited: A light in the window showed the house was inhabited

inspire: He needs music to inspire him to write

instruct: An instructor is there to instruct his pupils

intend: I intend to swim a mile

individual: Airlines serve meals on individual trays

inevitable: It is as inevitable as day follows night

infant: A very young infant can't yet talk

injury: Her scar came from a football injury

innocent: As he had done no wrong he was innocent

percolate: Rain will percolate through sandy soil

perforation: A stamp tears off at the perforation

perfume: This perfume smells of roses

permanent: The ink made a permanent mark on her shirt

permit: This permit will let me fish here

perspire: Posh people perspire but never sweat

pervade: Does the smell of cooking pervade the house?

predict: Meteorologists aim to predict the weather

prefer: I much prefer bananas to apples

preserve: Pickling onions will preserve them

preside: The chairperson will preside at all meetings

presume: I presume it's windy because the trees are swaying

pretend: If I don't know the answers I just pretend I do

prevent: Brushing teeth helps prevent tooth decay

proceed: I'll proceed with the plans today, OK?

process: Weaving a carpet is a lengthy process

progress: They made steady progress up the hill

promise: I made a promise to be on time

propose: I would like to propose some changes

prospect: A picnic tomorrow is a pleasant prospect

protect: A helmet should protect a rider's head

protest: A letter of protest set out their complaints

rearrange: I'm busy, so can I rearrange our meeting?

recollect: She closed her eyes to recollect the song

record: Will you record tonight's match for me, please?

referee: The referee blew his whistle for full-time.

rehearse: Will you hear me rehearse my song?

relief: It was a relief when the rescuers found them

remove: Please remove your shoes inside the tent

request: She rang the radio station to request her song

subdue: It's hard to subdue a crowd of noisy kids

subject: English is my favourite subject

submarine: A submarine travels below the waves

submerged: The submarine submerged below the waves

subside: They waited for the floods to subside

subtract: If you subtract three from five you get two

suburbs: She lives in the suburbs to the north of the city

assistant: The conjuror pretended to saw his assistant in two

attendant: An attendant cleans the toilets every hour

descendant: Prince Charles is a descendant of Queen Victoria

immigrant: The immigrant settled well into his new country

informant: An informant led the police to the stolen goods

inhabitant: The kangaroo is an inhabitant of Australia

servant: A soldier is the servant of his country

beggar: The beggar asked passers-by for money

burglar: A burglar ransacked their home

liar: You can't trust a liar to tell the truth

scholar: A scholar is an old name for a pupil

vicar: A vicar is in charge of an Anglican parish

adversary: Her opponent made a worthy adversary

dignitary: The Lord Mayor is a dignitary of the City

missionary: A missionary is sent to teach a faith

secretary: A good secretary keeps his boss's secrets

apiary: Bees are kept in an apiary

aviary: Birds are kept in an aviary

dispensary: You collect prepared medicines from a dispensary

granary: A granary is for storing grain

library: A library houses a collection of books

beautician: A beautician advised her on her make-up

electrician: An electrician re-wired the house

magician: The magician took a rabbit from his hat

musician: A musician may play many kinds of music

optician: The optician told me I needed glasses

politician: A politician is a person engaged in politics

absentee: The absentee meant to miss the test

employee: The bus-driver is an employee of the Bus Company

payee: A cheque is made out to the payee

referee: The referee blew his whistle for full-time.

refugee: The refugee fled his land because of famine

trainee: Each trainee learned a different skill

auctioneer: 'Going, going, gone' says the auctioneer

engineer: Our engineer will repair a failed machine

mountaineer: It takes a skilled mountaineer to climb Everest

pioneer: A pioneer is one of the first to develop a new discovery

volunteer: As a volunteer I work for free

agent: The footballer's agent organised his transfer

correspondent: My friend is darts correspondent for the local paper

president: Washington was the first president of the USA

resident: My Gran is a resident at a retirement home

student: While I am learning I am still a student

builder: The builder built his own house

cleaner: The classroom would be messy without our cleaner

farmer: The farmer made hay for his animals

painter: A good painter takes care of her brushes

speaker: The speaker at the rally inspired many people

teacher: Our teacher needs lots of patience

worker: An ant is a very hard worker

bakery: Bread is the main thing baked in a bakery

brewery: Beer is brewed in a brewery

cemetery: People are buried in a cemetery

colliery: Coal is mined in a colliery

monastery: A monastery is a place for monks to pray or meditate

surgery: A local doctor sees patients at a surgery

actress: A young actress plays the part of Juliet

empress: Emperor or empress rule over an empire

mistress: A woman teacher was once called a mistress

princess: So the prince and princess lived happily ever after

stewardess: A stewardess served meals during the flight

tigress: The tigress fiercely defends her cubs

waitress: A smiling waitress brought our tea

balloonist: Up up and away the balloonist soars.

biologist: A biologist studies living things

chemist: A chemist sells tablets for headaches

cyclist: The cyclist pedalled hard to climb the hill.

florist: A florist is very busy on Mother's Day

guitarist: A guitarist plays by strumming his strings

journalist: He's a journalist and writes for the local paper

pianist: The pianist ran his fingers lightly over the keys

actor: A good actor can play many parts

decorator: I need a decorator to paper this room

director: Steven Spielberg is a famous director

editor: The editor decides what goes in the paper

narrator: The narrator is the one who tells the tale

sailor: A sailor is seldom sick at sea

sculptor: This stone statue is the work of a sculptor

visitor: I can't show you the way as I'm just a visitor

dormitory: A dormitory is a large room where many people sleep

factory: A factory is a place for making things

laboratory: Research and experiments are done in a laboratory

lavatory: The word lavatory means a place where you wash

observatory: An observatory is built for observing the heavens

territory: Any area of land can be called a territory

country: He left his own country to go abroad

dairy: Butter and cheese are made in a dairy

foundry: Metals get melted and shaped in a foundry

quarry: Building stone is dug from this deep quarry

fraudster: It was a fraudster pretending to be me.

pollster: A pollster tries to find out what people think

songster: A blackbird is a tuneful songster

speedster: A speedster can risk his own life and others

trickster: Some trickster put custard in my bed!

youngster: The foal ran really fast for a youngster

decamp: If the floods rise all campers must decamp

decode: Spies have to decode their messages

deforested: Trees grew here before it was deforested

defrost: Get the bread from the freezer and let it defrost

dethrone: The king's enemies planned to dethrone him

disagree: You can disagree and yet not quarrel

disappear: Soap powder makes dirt disappear

disconnect: Pull out the plug to disconnect the television

disease: Doctors aim to cure disease

dislike: I will not eat things I dislike

distrust: I don't jump from planes as I distrust parachutes

enable: This ticket will enable me to see the match

encircle: She planted a border to encircle the lawn

encourage: The crowd was singing to encourage the team

enforce: A policeman's job is to enforce the law

engulf: Waves rose up to engulf the ship

enlarge: When you enlarge a photo you show more detail

enrich: More butter would enrich this pudding

immature: The seedlings are too immature to plant outside

immortal: Would you like to be immortal and never die?

impatient: The crowd was impatient for kick-off

imperfect: Garments with a fault are sold as imperfect

impolite: He was far too kind to be impolite

impossible: Life on the sun could well be impossible

inactive: The old volcano has long been inactive

incredible: No one believed Gulliver's incredible story

indignity: What an indignity when his trousers fell down

inhuman: A cry rang out, unearthly and inhuman

insincere: An insincere person does not mean what they say

invalid: Unsigned cheques are invalid

mishap: The broken window was just a mishap

mislead: Don't let his flattery mislead you

misprint: This wrong spelling must be a misprint

misspell: If you spell this word right you won't misspell it

mistimed: He scored when the goalie mistimed his save

mistreat: To scribble in a library book is to mistreat it

misunderstood: I misunderstood your directions and got lost

misuse: It's a misuse of a car to stand on its roof

precooked: Make sure your precooked meal is properly heated

prefix: Name a prefix that means 'before'

prehistoric: We have no written records from prehistoric people

prepacked: I bought a prepacked lunch

preschool: My little sister is still at preschool playgroup

rehouse: I made a new hutch to rehouse my rabbit

renew: I need to renew my library book

replace: I bought this book to replace one I lost

replay: If the teams draw there will be a replay

review: I need to review what I have learned

across: He waved to us from across the river

alike: Many twins look alike

along: A path runs along the riverbank

aloud: She read her story aloud to the class

around: The pony trots around the ring

aside: He stood aside to let her pass

asleep: She fell asleep as her head touched the pillow

awake: Unable to sleep, he lay awake all night

almost: One mile to go and our train is almost there

already: You can't have another sweet because you've already had one

also: My bedroom is also my den

although: He didn't cry although his hand hurt

always: The sun always rises in the east

because: We went indoors because of the rain

before: Unwrap a sweet before you eat

behind: The cart goes behind the horse

below: Fish swim below the waves

beneath: The grass was soft beneath her feet

beside: Come and sit here beside me

between: The ball must go between the posts to score

beyond: The sea lies beyond those hills

forbidden: It is forbidden to play on the grass

forget: I hope I never forget my name

forgive: Please forgive me for interrupting

forsake: Do not forsake a friend in trouble

forecast: Rain is forecast for tomorrow

forecourt: You'll find a phone on the station forecourt

forefinger: You point with your forefinger

foreground: She drew trees in the foreground and hills behind

forehead: His hair flopped over his forehead

foreman: The foreman made sure the job was done

foresee: We cannot foresee the future

forewarn: Dark clouds may forewarn of a storm

forthcoming: I begged for money but none was forthcoming

forthright: A plain speaking man gives a forthright answer

forthwith: One moment, my lord, and I'll be with you forthwith

uncertain: She felt uncertain which frog to kiss

unfair: It's unfair to give her a bigger cake

unfriendly: The unfriendly folk next door don't speak

unknown: His hideaway was unknown to the police

unsafe: That rickety chair is unsafe

untidy: Rubbish makes the place untidy

untrue: Her made-up tale was quite untrue

unwell: He felt so unwell he went to bed

uncover: He pulled off the cloth to uncover the statue

undo: Do you undo your laces to take off your trainers?

unearth: The dog dug deep to unearth his bone

unload: They had to unload the boxes off the truck

untwist: You untwist the paper to get the toffee

unwrap: I tore the paper to unwrap my present

withdraw: He had to withdraw his hasty remark

withhold: People often withhold their best efforts till last

withstand: A strong oak can withstand many gales

bicycle: Now she can ride her bicycle without stabilisers

binary: The binary system counts in twos

binoculars: You can use binoculars to see things far away

biscuit: The dog sat up and begged for a biscuit

centipede: A centipede has one hundred legs

centurion: A centurion was an officer in charge of one hundred men

century: A century is one hundred years

duel: The knight challenged him to a duel

duet: The two boys together sang a duet

duo: Everyone agreed the two singers made a great duo

duplicate: A photocopier will make a duplicate

kilohertz: A kilohertz is a thousand cycles per second

kilometre: A kilometre is a thousand metres

kilowatt: A kilowatt is a measure of power

millennium: A millennium is one thousand years

millilitre: One millilitre is one thousandth of a litre

millimetre: One millimetre is one thousandth of a metre

millisecond: One millisecond is one thousandth of a second

monocle: A monocle is a single eyeglass

monocycle: A monocycle has just one wheel

monogamy: To have just one spouse is monogamy

monopoly: A monopoly means there's only one supplier

multimedia: Combining different types of media is multimedia

multiplication: With multiplication you increase by a number of times

multipurpose: Something with many uses is multipurpose

multitude: A multitude gathered to greet the band

omnipotent: An omnipotent person is all-powerful

omniscient: An omniscient being knows everything

omnivorous: If you are omnivorous you will eat anything

panacea: A panacea is a cure for everything

panning: I was panning the beach with my video camera

panorama: A panorama is an overall view

pantomime: A pantomime is a Christmas show

polygon: A polygon is a figure with several sides

polytechnic: A polytechnic is a place to study technology

polythene: Polyethylene or polythene is a plastic

primary: Your first proper school is a primary school

primate: An ape is a primate

prime: A prime number cannot be divided

primitive: Something primitive is very simple

quadrant: A quadrant is a quarter of a circle

quadrilateral: A quadrilateral has four sides

quadruplet: A quadruplet is one of four babies born together

semicircle: A semicircle is one half of a circle

semicolon: A semicolon is more than a comma and less than a full stop

semiconductor: A semiconductor only conducts electricity in special conditions

tricycle: A tricycle has three wheels

trio: A trio is a group of three players

triple: To triple anything is to multiply it by three

tripod: A tripod is an object with three legs

unicorn: I've read of the unicorn with its single horn

uniform: Soldiers have to wear uniform

unique: Everyone is different, so we are all unique

unit: The kilogram is the unit of mass

anniversary: A birthday is an anniversary

annual: An annual event happens once a year

annuity: A payment every year is called an annuity

biennial: A biennial event happens every two years

perennial: A perennial plant flowers for years

aqualung: An aqualung lets you breathe underwater

aquamarine: An aquamarine is a blue-green gem

aquarium: An aquarium is a tank for fish

aqueduct: An aqueduct is a bridge carrying water

subaqua: A subaqua club is for diving

cave: A cave is an underground hollow

cavity: A hole in a tooth is a cavity

concave: A concave mirror curves inwards

excavate: The bulldozers rolled in to excavate the site

aqueduct: An aqueduct is a bridge carrying water

conductor: A conductor helps the orchestra to keep time

deduct: To deduct money is to take it away

ductile: A ductile metal is easily drawn out into wire

duke: A duke is a man with a title

education: The process of learning is education

introduce: To introduce is to bring together

product: A product is something that is made

comfort: I love the comfort of my own armchair

effort: To make an effort is to try hard

force: The force of the gale made cars overturn

fortify: To fortify is to protect against attack

fortress: A fortress is a fortified place of defence

reinforce: I reinforce something to make it stronger

admission: The museum charges for admission

commission: Players pay their agent a commission

missile: A rocket weapon is called a missile

missionary: A missionary is sent to teach a faith

omission: It was a sad omission, leaving Eric out of the team

permission: To allow something is to give permission

transmission: A radio broadcast is a transmission

immortal: Would you like to be immortal and never die?

mortal: A mortal illness ends in death

mortgage: A loan for a house is a mortgage

mortify: To mortify is to embarrass deeply

murderous: The monster attacked with murderous intent

appendix: An appendix is a dead end in the gut

depend: To depend is to rely on something

independent: An independent person is self-reliant

pendant: A pendant hangs from the neck

pending: Something pending is waiting to be done

pendulum: A pendulum is a swinging weight

suspense: A built up state of waiting is called suspense

export: We export cars to many countries

import: We import bananas because they don't grow here

portable: He takes his portable TV to bed

report: A report carries information

support: That shelf won't support your weight

description: A description tells in detail what something is

inscribe: Will you inscribe our names on the trophy?

nondescript: Something nondescript is unremarkable

postscript: A postscript follows the end of a play, book or letter

scribble: To scribble is to write untidily

scribe: A scribe wrote letters for a living

script: She wrote the script for the puppet play

extraterrestrial: Beyond the Earth is extraterrestrial

inter: To inter someone is to bury them

subterranean: Below the ground is subterranean

terrace: A terrace is ground that rises in steps

terrain: A terrain is a tract of land

terrier: A terrier is a small dog

advice: Ask for advice if you are unsure what to do

envy: His wealth makes me green with envy

invisible: If a thing is unseen it is invisible

provide: Flowers provide bees with nectar

revision: The run-up to the exams is time for serious revision

survey: To do a survey is to collect information about something

television: A television receives pictures from afar

videos: Video recorders are often called videos

aerobatics: Stunts in the air are called aerobatics

aerobics: Strenuous rhythmic exercises are called aerobics

aerodrome: An aerodrome is a small airfield

aerodynamic: Air flows easily over an aerodynamic shape

aeroplane: An aeroplane is a machine that flies

asterisk: An asterisk is a starlike symbol

asteroid: An asteroid is a small body circling the Sun

astronaut: An astronaut is a voyager in Space

astronomy: The study of the heavens is called astronomy

disaster: A disaster is a terrible happening

amphibious: To be amphibious is to be at home on land or in water

antibiotic: An antibiotic kills bacteria

biography: A biography is a book about someone's life

biology: The study of life is biology

biosphere: The biosphere is the part of Earth supporting life

anachronism: An anachronism is something out of date

chronic: A chronic illness is one that keeps on and on

chronicle: A chronicle is a diary of past events

chronology: The setting down of dates is chronology

synchronous: Two events at the same time are synchronous

anagram: An anagram is a word with the letters mixed up

diagram: A diagram is a plan of something on paper

grammar: The study of the rules of a language is its grammar

gramophone: A gramophone plays music from vinyl discs

hologram: A hologram can show a solid-looking picture

programme: A menu of events is called a programme

autograph: An autograph is a signature

geography: Geography is about more than maps

graph: A graph makes a picture from numbers

graphite: A graphite pencil uses a form of carbon

paragraph: A paragraph is a short but distinct piece of writing

photograph: Without a camera you cannot take a photograph

dehydrated: If something is dried up it is dehydrated

hydraulic: A hydraulic motor is worked by fluid

hydrofoil: A hydrofoil is a craft that skims on water

hydrogen: The lightest element is hydrogen

hydrotherapy: Treatment by immersion in water is hydrotherapy

biology: The study of life is biology

dialogue: A conversation between two people is a dialogue

illogical: If something is against reason it is illogical

prologue: A prologue is spoken at the start of a play

technology: Applied science is called technology

anglophile: An anglophile is a lover of England

philanthropist: A philanthropist gives much of his wealth for charity

philatelist: A philatelist collects stamps

philosopher: A philosopher studies the nature of knowledge

cacophony: A cacophony is a hideous noise

gramophone: A gramophone plays music from vinyl discs

microphone: A microphone is used to pick up sound

phonetics: The study of spoken language is called phonetics

symphony: A symphony is a big orchestral composition

telephone: You speak over a distance with a telephone

photocopier: A photocopier uses light to make copies

photogenic: It is easy to take a good photo of a photogenic person.

photograph: Without a camera you cannot take a photograph

photon: A photon is a particle of light

photosynthesis: Plants use photosynthesis to obtain energy

telephoto: A telephoto lens makes a scene seem closer

cosmopolitan: A cosmopolitan person knows many parts of the world

metropolis: A metropolis is a great city

politician: A politician is a person engaged in politics

politics: Politics is the art of government

microscope: A microscope magnifies close-up objects

periscope: A periscope lets you look round corners

scope: The scope of something is its range

stethoscope: A stethoscope is to hear sounds from the chest

telescope: A telescope magnifies distant objects

polytechnic: A polytechnic is a place to study technology

pyrotechnics: The art of fireworks is called pyrotechnics

technical: The concert was late from a technical hitch

technician: A technician looks after the equipment in a laboratory

technology: Applied science is called technology

technophobia: The fear of technology is technophobia

atheist: An atheist believes there is no god

enthusiasm: Great interest is called enthusiasm

theology: The study of religion is theology

protozoan: A protozoan is a member of the simplest life forms