Top 40 words

An interesting strategy to learn and practice new vocabulary at any language level is to use Gen.AI to generate vocabulary lists. The query could range from something very general to something precise with English for Specific Purposes in mind and the particular vocabulary and communication skills needed for a required professional field.

Let’s assume the role of an Elementary to Intermediate learner of English who wants to learn new words or expressions about something relevant in his or her life such as working out at the gym, for instance. I will be using Gemini this time and here’s my prompt: I am a learner of English at a lower Intermediate level and I want to learn vocabulary and expressions related to working out at the gym. Make a list of the top 40 words and expressions about working out at the gym.

Top 40 Words and Expressions for Working Out at the Gym

General Gym Terms

  1. Gym
  2. Workout
  3. Exercise
  4. Fitness
  5. Strength
  6. Cardio
  7. Weight
  8. Reps
  9. Sets
  10. Rest

Specific Exercises

  1. Squat
  2. Bench press
  3. Deadlift
  4. Overhead press
  5. Lunges
  6. Push-ups
  7. Pull-ups
  8. Sit-ups
  9. Crunches
  10. Planks

Workout Terminology

  1. Warm-up
  2. Cool-down
  3. Stretching
  4. Form
  5. Intensity
  6. Progression
  7. Plateau
  8. Goal
  9. Progress

Motivational Phrases

  1. You can do it!
  2. Keep pushing yourself!
  3. Don’t give up!
  4. I believe in you!
  5. No excuses!
  6. Just show up!

Additional Terms

  1. Personal trainer
  2. Equipment
  3. Cardio machines
  4. Weight machines
  5. Free weights

I was asking for 40 in this initial quest but the number may have well been 100 if I had wanted to. As learners, we could gradually increase the number in future instances as we get acquainted with the vocabulary and expressions that are presented to us. I like the way Gemini arranges this vocabulary in different categories and also even includes motivational phrases. Our next step is to see how these words are used in context. For example, we could type into Gemini: Create 3 short dialogues for me as a Lower Intermediate learner of English focusing on the vocabulary provided in the section “Specific Exercises” about two friends who are at the gym talking about specific exercises.

Dialogue 1: Discussing Squats

Friend 1: Hey, have you been doing squats lately?

Friend 2: Yeah, I’ve been trying to incorporate more lower body workouts. Squats are great for building leg strength and overall fitness.

Friend 1: I agree! I’ve noticed a big difference in my legs since I started doing them regularly.

Dialogue 2: Talking about Push-Ups

Friend 1: I’ve been struggling to do more than 10 push-ups. Do you have any tips?

Friend 2: Sure! Try focusing on your form. Make sure your body is in a straight line from your head to your heels. Also, try doing them on your knees if it’s too difficult at first.

Friend 1: Thanks! I’ll give that a try.

Dialogue 3: Debating the Benefits of Pull-Ups

Friend 1: Pull-ups are so tough! I can barely do one.

Friend 2: They’re definitely challenging, but they’re a great exercise for building upper body strength. Have you tried using a resistance band to help you?

Friend 1: I haven’t. That’s a good idea. Maybe that will help me improve.

Notice interesting grammar bits such as use of present perfect continuous (have been doing + specific exercise/ have been trying to incorporate…/have been struggling to do…), try + gerund (to see if it works or not), try +infinitive (make an effort to do something). Perhaps these grammar concepts and structures are beyond the target language level but learners can just memorize and internalize these expressions and extrapolate them for other utterances in other situations.

So, once again, a learner of English who is keen on working out at the gym and wants to learn how to talk about it can resort to this spaced practice regularly and ask Gen AI. to generate more sample dialogues and learn from this.

Let’s assume that we are a learner of English interested in improving her English about dealing with shoppers at a clothes store. We could type this prompt: make a list of the top 40 expressions for someone working as a shop assistant at a clothes store addressing common customer questions. These could be isolated words or whole expressions or questions and answers.

Sure, here is a list of the top 40 expressions for someone working as a shop assistant at a clothes store addressing common customer questions:

  1. Do you have this in a smaller size?
  2. Is this item machine washable?
  3. How long does it take for online orders to ship?
  4. Can I return this item after I’ve worn it?
  5. Do you offer gift wrapping?
  6. What is the material of this shirt?
  7. Who designed this dress?
  8. Is this part of the new collection?
  9. Why is this item on sale?
  10. Is this a limited edition piece?
  11. How does this shirt fit?
  12. What are the other colors available?
  13. Do you have anything similar to this in a different style?
  14. Can I try this on?
  15. Where are the fitting rooms?
  16. How much does this cost?
  17. Do you have any coupons or discounts?
  18. Can I pay with a credit card?
  19. Do you accept cash?
  20. Do you have a loyalty program?
  21. Can I get a receipt?
  22. Can I exchange this item for a different size?
  23. Can I return this item for a refund?
  24. What is your return policy?
  25. Do you have any layaway options?
  26. Do you offer any price matching?
  27. Can I order this online?
  28. Do you have a store in my area?
  29. Can I speak to a manager?
  30. Is there anything else I can help you with?
  31. Have a nice day!
  32. See you next time!
  33. Enjoy your shopping!
  34. Is there anything else I can help you with?
  35. We’re always happy to help.
  36. Feel free to ask if you have any questions.
  37. I hope you find what you’re looking for.
  38. We have a wide selection of [items].
  39. We’re constantly updating our inventory.
  40. We offer a variety of styles and sizes.

My overall impression is that some of the generated sentences are worth skipping (“Do you accept cash?”) at least for the time being and “Is there anything else I can help you with?” has been prompted twice. In any case, learners can focus on what’s relevant for them or language they don’t master from the generated list yet.

And then again as a follow-up, they can ask Gemini (or Claude or ChatGPT) to generate conversations to see these words in various situations. They could also choose the items they specifically want to focus on, as in: Write a short dialogue between shopper and shop assistant using the question “Is there anything else I can help you with?”

Shopper: Thank you for your help. I think I’ve found what I’m looking for.

Shop Assistant: Is there anything else I can help you with?

Not impressed with the results, to be honest, but our students could then ask Gemini to continue this conversation.

Now, can you think of something that makes you tick and explore useful vocabulary by creating a top 100 word list and texts to go with them?

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