If you want the power of the Longman 5000 without breaking rules, here is your best strategy:
Which are you currently practicing for (e.g., IELTS, business, or casual conversation)? Longman 5000 Words Pdf
The Longman 5000 is a statistical analysis of the English language that identifies the words used most often in both speech and writing. While many lists focus on 3,000 words (the "threshold" for fluency), the 5,000-word list covers approximately found in most general texts. Key Features of the List If you want the power of the Longman