# NGSL Builder

> Vocabulary builder for English language learners using the NGSL. (iPhone/iPad app by EFL Technologies.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ngsl-builder/id892335804 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [EFL Technologies](https://appshunter.io/developer/942981362)
- Category: Education, Lifestyle
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 64 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 7.0 · 248 MB
- Languages: American English, Catalan, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French (France), German (Germany), Greek, Hebrew and 15 more
- Released: 2014-07-06
- Data updated: 2026-07-23
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ngsl-builder/id892335804/reviews.md

## What is NGSL Builder?

NGSL Builder: 

This application is designed to help learners and teachers make use of one of the most important lists of vocabulary words for second language learners of English, the New General Service List (NGSL). The NGSL is a free open source wordlist and is used with permission.

The app contains simple tools to help you download, email and organize the NGSL, as well as science-based study tools to quickly and efficiently learn the words, keep detailed record of your progress and the ability to email your progress to yourself or a teacher. 

The original definitions are written in simple English and the app also give you pronunciation of each word by a professional voice talent who is a native speaker of English of North American English. 

About the NGSL: 

The New General Service List (usually referred to as the NGSL) was published by Dr. Charles Browne, Dr.Brent Culligan and Joseph Phillips in 2013 after several years of of detailed corpus work with the well-regarded 2 billion word Cambridge English Corpus (CEC) and input from world famous vocabulary specialists such as Paul Nation of University of Victoria in Wellington. The NGSL is a set of 2,800 words selected to be of the greatest "general service" to second language learners of English. Although there are over 600,000 words in the English language, these 2800 cover more than 90% of the words people meet in their daily lives. This list is a major update of the original 1953 GSL list (which only covers about 80%) and is being adopted by a growing number of publishers, companies and online tools for learning, teaching and analyzing text.  A fuller discussion of the NGSL including published research can be found at our dedicated website  (www.newgeneralservicelist.org).

About Intelligent Flashcards: 

The app also contains an Intelligent Wordlist Maker and Intelligent Flashcard system. 

The Intelligent Wordlist Maker helps you to quickly and efficiently pick only the words you don’t know for study in the flashcard system. Rather than force you to go through the entire list at once, Intelligent Wordlist Maker guides you through the list by frequency bands, allowing you to add words little by little, just as you need them or when you have time. 

Based on the well documented science of “spaced-repetition”, the Intelligent Flashcard system systematically and efficiently helps you to review the words several times over a period of a month, giving you extra time with the words that are giving you difficulty.

## Key features

- NGSL vocabulary list access
- Intelligent flashcard system
- Spaced-repetition learning
- Progress tracking and recording
- Wordlist organization
- Pronunciation guides

## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ngsl-builder/id892335804/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Very good

*2026-03-11*

Very cool

## Frequently asked questions about NGSL Builder

### What is the NGSL Builder app?

NGSL Builder is an educational application designed to help users learn and master the New General Service List (NGSL) of English vocabulary. It provides tools for studying, organizing words, and tracking learning progress.

### How does the NGSL Builder help users learn vocabulary?

The app utilizes science-based study tools, including an Intelligent Flashcard system based on spaced-repetition. This method systematically reviews words over time, focusing more on those the user finds difficult.

### What is the New General Service List (NGSL)?

The NGSL is a curated list of 2,800 essential English words, selected to cover over 90% of words encountered in daily life. It's a widely recognized resource for second language learners.

### Can I track my learning progress with NGSL Builder?

Yes, the app allows you to keep detailed records of your progress. You can also email your progress reports to yourself or a teacher.

### Does NGSL Builder offer pronunciation guides?

Yes, the app provides pronunciation for each word, delivered by a professional voice talent who is a native speaker of North American English.

### What devices is NGSL Builder available on?

NGSL Builder is supported on iPhone and iPod devices, as indicated by the provided data.

### How often is NGSL Builder updated?

The latest version of NGSL Builder is 2.1, and it was last updated on November 13, 2015. This suggests a less frequent update cycle.

### Is NGSL Builder suitable for young learners?

NGSL Builder has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users, including younger learners and adults, who are looking to improve their English vocabulary.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 2.1 — 2015-11-13

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

- Minor bugs fixed

### 1.1 — 2014-08-01

- Minor improvement in contents

### 1.0 — 2014-07-02

No release notes.

## Apps similar to NGSL Builder

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Advance – Language Learning](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/advance-language-learning/id6752962049) | 5.0 (2) | Free | Education |
| [4K Essential English Words 2](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/4k-essential-english-words-2/id1259788274) | 4.7 (31) | Free | Education |
| [Lingwing - Language learning](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lingwing-language-learning/id1217989755) | 4.5 (113) | Free | Education |
| [My Words - Learn New Words](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/my-words-learn-new-words/id1425005444) | 4.7 (3) | Free | Education |
| [4000 Essential English Words ⑴](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/4000-essential-english-words/id6480009123) | 5.0 (2) | Free | Education |
| [Georgian English](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/georgian-english/id6447899803) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Education |

## More apps by EFL Technologies

- [AWL Builder](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/awl-builder/id501624983)
- [NAWL Builder](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nawl-builder/id902964659)
- [AWL Builder 日本語版](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/awl-builder/id972955597)
- [NAWL Builder 日本語版](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nawl-builder/id973368033)
- [GSL Builder 日本語版](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gsl-builder/id973368329)

All apps by EFL Technologies: https://appshunter.io/developer/942981362

## Related topics

[ngsl builder](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ngsl-builder) · [ngsl builder multilingual](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ngsl-builder-multilingual)

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-23.*