What does “deadline” mean?

“deadline” means the time by which something must be finished. Pronounced /ˈdɛdˌlaɪn/. Close synonyms: due date, time limit. For example: We need to meet the deadline by Friday or the client will cancel the contract.

What does “achievement” mean?

“achievement” means something good you succeed in doing through effort. Pronounced /əˈtʃivmənt/. Close synonyms: accomplishment, success. For example: Graduating from university was her greatest achievement.

What does “carry out” mean?

“carry out” means to do or complete a task or plan. Pronounced /ˌkæri ˈaʊt/. Close synonyms: perform, execute. For example: The team carried out the experiment over three months.

What does “come across” mean?

“come across” means to find something or meet someone by chance. Pronounced /ˌkʌm əˈkrɔs/. Close synonyms: find, encounter. For example: I came across an interesting article about climate change.

What does “figure out” mean?

“figure out” means to understand or solve something after thinking. Pronounced /ˌfɪɡjər ˈaʊt/. Close synonyms: work out, solve. For example: It took me a while to figure out how to use the new software.

What does “to call off” mean?

“to call off” means To decide that a planned event will not happen.. Pronounced /ˌkɔl ˈɔf/. Close synonyms: cancel, scrap. For example: They called off the concert because of the heavy storm.

← Back to Public Decks · English Decks · English vocabulary test

English B1 Official

The most useful upper-intermediate English words, defined in English. Every card carries a short English definition, a plain-English gloss, synonyms, IPA pronunciation and a usage note on the collocations, prepositions and near-synonyms that B1 learners actually get wrong. No translation, so you think in English while you study.

CEFR B1 — Intermediate

At this level you can discuss opinions, travel independently, describe experiences. Vocabulary: ~2,500 words (cumulative).

Words in this deck

What does “deadline” mean?: “deadline” means the time by which something must be finished. Pronounced /ˈdɛdˌlaɪn/. Close synonyms: due date, time limit. For example: We need to meet the deadline by Friday or the client will cancel the contract.
What does “achievement” mean?: “achievement” means something good you succeed in doing through effort. Pronounced /əˈtʃivmənt/. Close synonyms: accomplishment, success. For example: Graduating from university was her greatest achievement.
What does “carry out” mean?: “carry out” means to do or complete a task or plan. Pronounced /ˌkæri ˈaʊt/. Close synonyms: perform, execute. For example: The team carried out the experiment over three months.
What does “come across” mean?: “come across” means to find something or meet someone by chance. Pronounced /ˌkʌm əˈkrɔs/. Close synonyms: find, encounter. For example: I came across an interesting article about climate change.
What does “figure out” mean?: “figure out” means to understand or solve something after thinking. Pronounced /ˌfɪɡjər ˈaʊt/. Close synonyms: work out, solve. For example: It took me a while to figure out how to use the new software.
What does “to call off” mean?: “to call off” means To decide that a planned event will not happen.. Pronounced /ˌkɔl ˈɔf/. Close synonyms: cancel, scrap. For example: They called off the concert because of the heavy storm.

English · definitions in English 250 words ~25 days at 10 words/day 0 downloads B1

No ratings No ratings by admin@wordsonrepeat.com Sep 29, 2026

Try studying — no account needed

A real study session, right now. No signup.

Report issue with this deck

Word List — click grammar notes to expand

Word	Translation	Example
deadlineneutral /ˈdɛdˌlaɪn/ the time by which something must be finished Synonyms: due date, time limit	time limit; final date	We need to meet the deadline by Friday or the client will cancel the contract.
You meet, miss or extend a deadline; you do not reach or arrive at one. A deadline with very little time left is a tight deadline. Use deadline for plus the task: the deadline for applications. Countable, so two deadlines this week.
achievementneutral /əˈtʃivmənt/ something good you succeed in doing through effort Synonyms: accomplishment, success	a success you earned	Graduating from university was her greatest achievement.
An achievement is the single thing you did; success is the wider result. Common with great, major and real. The verb achieve needs an object: you achieve a goal, not just achieve. Countable, so it needs a or an.
carry outneutral /ˌkæri ˈaʊt/ to do or complete a task or plan Synonyms: perform, execute	do; perform a task	The team carried out the experiment over three months.
Separable, and a pronoun must sit in the middle: carry it out, never carry out it. It goes with plans, research, a study, repairs, orders and instructions, so it is very common in reports. Do rather than carry out sounds more natural in speech.
come acrossneutral /ˌkʌm əˈkrɔs/ to find something or meet someone by chance Synonyms: find, encounter	find by chance	I came across an interesting article about climate change.
There is no searching in it, so if you were looking for the thing, use find instead. The same verb also means to seem: she comes across as shy. Inseparable, so you come across something, never come it across.
figure outneutral /ˌfɪɡjər ˈaʊt/ to understand or solve something after thinking Synonyms: work out, solve	work out; understand	It took me a while to figure out how to use the new software.
Very often followed by how, why, what or who plus a clause: figure out how it works. More conversational than determine or establish, but fine in everyday work email. A pronoun goes in the middle: I figured it out.
to call offneutral /ˌkɔl ˈɔf/ To decide that a planned event will not happen. Synonyms: cancel, scrap	cancel	They called off the concert because of the heavy storm.
It is used for things already arranged: an event, a search, a strike, a wedding. Cancel is the one-word equivalent. Either order works with a noun, called off the game or called the game off, but a pronoun must go in the middle: they called it off.
run intoinformal /ˌrʌn ˈɪntu/ to meet someone by chance Synonyms: bump into, come across	meet by chance	I ran into my old teacher at the supermarket yesterday.
Never used for a planned meeting, and in speech it is more common than meet by chance. The same verb also goes with trouble, problems, difficulties and debt: we ran into problems. Inseparable, so the object follows both words.
sort outinformal /ˌsɔrt ˈaʊt/ to fix a problem or organize something Synonyms: resolve, fix	fix; organize	We need to sort out this problem before the meeting.
The objects are usually a problem, a mess, paperwork or the details, and a pronoun goes in the middle: we sorted it out. It is far more common in British English; Americans often say straighten out or work out instead.
to catch up withinformal /ˌkætʃ ˈʌp wɪθ/ To do something you missed, or reach someone who is ahead of you. Synonyms: catch up on, get through	reach; do missed work	I need to catch up with my emails after the holiday.
Catch up on is the usual pairing for work you missed: catch up on email, on sleep, on the news. Catch up with is for reaching a person or their level, and in speech for meeting a friend after time apart. Both are heard with work, so neither is an error, but on is the safer choice.
to get byinformal /ˌɡɛt ˈbaɪ/ To manage to live or do things with the little money or skill you have. Synonyms: manage, survive	manage; just survive	We don't earn much, but we get by somehow.
No object follows it. Often get by on plus an amount of money or food, and get by with plus limited means: she gets by on very little. It always suggests just enough and never comfort, so it fits money and basic skills.
turn downneutral /ˌtɜrn ˈdaʊn/ to refuse an offer or request Synonyms: reject, say no to	refuse; reject	He turned down the job offer because the salary was too low.
You turn down an offer, an invitation, a request or a job, and you can turn down a person who applied. The same verb also means to lower volume or heat. A pronoun sits in the middle: he turned it down.
to get rid ofneutral /ˌɡɛt ˈrɪd əv/ To throw away, sell or remove something you do not want. Synonyms: throw out, clear out	throw away; remove	We should get rid of these old chairs before we move.
A fixed phrase: always of plus an object, never get rid something. The past is got rid of. It covers old clothes, a car, a smell and also a habit or a bad manager, so it can sound blunt about people.
to let downneutral /ˌlɛt ˈdaʊn/ To disappoint someone by not doing what they expected from you. Synonyms: disappoint	disappoint; fail someone	Don't let me down; everyone is counting on you tonight.
The object is a person and normally sits in the middle: he let me down, she let the team down. The related noun is one word, a letdown, and means a disappointment. Disappoint is the neutral verb for writing.
to cut offneutral /ˌkʌt ˈɔf/ To stop a phone call, supply or connection suddenly. Synonyms: disconnect, cut short	disconnect; interrupt	We got cut off in the middle of our phone call.
With phones and utilities it is usually passive: we got cut off, the power was cut off. Cut somebody off also means to interrupt them while they speak, or to stop giving them money. Separable, with a pronoun in the middle.
point outneutral /ˌpɔɪnt ˈaʊt/ to tell someone about a fact or detail they missed Synonyms: indicate, highlight	mention; draw attention to	The teacher pointed out several mistakes in my essay.
Followed by a noun or by that plus a clause: she pointed out that the file was empty. To name the listener you need to: point it out to the manager, never point out me. It suggests a polite correction rather than a complaint.
make upneutral /ˌmeɪk ˈʌp/ to invent a story; to become friends again after a fight Synonyms: invent, reconcile	invent; become friends again	He made up an excuse for being late to the meeting.
In the invent sense it is separable: he made it up. In the friends-again sense there is no object, or you add with: they made up, she made up with him. Make up for something different again: it means to compensate.
get along withneutral /ˌɡɛt əˈlɔŋ wɪθ/ to have a friendly relationship with someone Synonyms: get on with	have a friendly relationship	I get along with most of my colleagues at work.
With is needed before the person; drop it only when the subject is plural: we get along. Add well or fine for a positive: they get along well. British English prefers get on with, which means the same thing.
take upneutral /ˌteɪk ˈʌp/ to start a new hobby; to use space or time Synonyms: start, begin	start a hobby; occupy	She decided to take up yoga to reduce stress.
For a new activity the object follows: take up yoga, take up running. In the space or time sense the subject is the thing itself: the sofa takes up half the room, the meeting took up the morning. You can also take up a post or a position, meaning start a new job.
deal withneutral /ˈdil wɪθ/ to handle a problem or situation Synonyms: handle, cope with, take care of	handle; manage	As a manager, you have to deal with many different problems.
With plus an object is always required, and the two words never separate: deal with a complaint. The past tense is dealt, said /dɛlt/. A book, report or chapter can also deal with a subject, meaning it is about it.
cut down onneutral /ˌkʌt ˈdaʊn ɑn/ to do or use less of something, like sugar Synonyms: reduce, decrease	reduce; use less	The doctor told him to cut down on sugar and processed food.
On is required before the thing you reduce: cut down on coffee. With a figure, use plain cut instead: cut costs by ten percent. Common with sugar, salt, alcohol and screen time, so it is the health and habit verb.
colleagueneutral /ˈkɑliɡ/ a person you work with Synonyms: coworker, teammate	coworker; workmate	My colleague and I are working on a new project together.
It means someone at your own level or in your own field, not your boss. No preposition is needed: my colleague at the bank. In American speech coworker is far more common, and colleague sounds a little more professional.
promotionneutral /prəˈmoʊʃən/ a move to a better, higher job in your company Synonyms: advancement	a move to a higher job	After five years of hard work, she finally got a promotion.
You get or are given a promotion, and the verb promote is usually passive: she was promoted to manager. Countable: two promotions in a year. The same noun also means advertising, as in a sales promotion, so context decides.
résuméneutral /ˈrɛzəˌmeɪ/ the document listing your education and work history Synonyms: CV	a job-history document	Make sure your résumé highlights your relevant experience.
This is the American word; British English says CV. The accent marks are often dropped in job ads and email. Countable, and you send, update or tailor one. Do not confuse it with the verb spelled the same way, which means to start again after a stop.
salaryneutral /ˈsæləri/ the money you receive regularly for your job Synonyms: pay, wages	regular pay; earnings	The average salary for this position is around forty thousand pounds.
A salary is a fixed amount, usually stated per year or month, while wages are paid by the hour or the week. You earn a salary or are on a salary of a certain figure. Countable: salaries here are low.
overtimeneutral /ˈoʊvərˌtaɪm/ extra hours you work beyond your normal schedule Synonyms: extra hours, additional hours	extra paid hours	I had to work overtime to finish the report before the deadline.
Uncountable and used without an article: work overtime, do overtime, get paid overtime. It can mean the hours themselves or the extra money, which is overtime pay. In American sports the same word means extra playing time.
shiftneutral /ʃɪft/ the period of the day when you work, like night shift Synonyms: work period, stint	a work period	She works the night shift at the hospital three times a week.
You work a shift or are on a shift: on the night shift, the late shift. Shift work names this pattern of hours. The same word is also a verb meaning to move or change position, so the work sense needs context.
to hireneutral /haɪr/ to give someone a job Synonyms: employ, recruit	employ; give a job to	The company plans to hire twenty new employees this quarter.
In American English hire means to give someone a job, and its opposite is fire. You hire someone as a manager or for a role. British English also uses hire for renting a car or a suit, where Americans say rent.
to resignformal /rɪˈzaɪn/ to officially leave your job by your own choice Synonyms: quit, step down	quit a job formally	He resigned from his position after a disagreement with management.
The g is silent here, but it is pronounced in the noun resignation, /ˌrɛzɪɡˈneɪʃən/. You resign from a company or a post, and you hand in your resignation. Quit is the everyday word; resign is what a letter or a news report says.
performanceneutral /pərˈfɔrməns/ how well a person or thing does its work Synonyms: results, output, effectiveness	results; standard of work	Your performance review will take place at the end of the month.
Use performance of a person or a team, and performance in a task: her performance in the role. No article for the general idea, poor performance costs money, but a for one stretch of work, a strong performance last quarter. The verb perform takes an adverb: perform well, not perform good.
headquartersneutral /ˈhɛdˌkwɔrtərz/ the main office of a company or organization Synonyms: head office, HQ	main office; head office	The company's headquarters are located in central London.
It always ends in s, even for a single building, and the verb may be singular or plural: headquarters is in Denver. It is often shortened to HQ. Business writing likes be headquartered in plus a city.
to take onneutral /ˌteɪk ˈɑn/ To accept a job, task or responsibility, often a big one. Synonyms: accept	accept; undertake	She took on too much work and now feels exhausted.
The objects are work, a project, responsibility, a challenge or extra staff. Take on also means to hire, and to compete against someone, as in taking on the champion. A pronoun goes in the middle: she took it on.
to apply forneutral /əˈplaɪ fɔr/ to officially ask for a job or position Synonyms: request, seek, put in for	ask for formally	I'm going to apply for that marketing position I saw online.
You apply for the thing you want and to the place that decides: apply for a visa, apply to the embassy. Never apply a job. The noun is application and the person is an applicant.
requirementneutral /rɪˈkwaɪrmənt/ something that is needed or demanded Synonyms: condition, prerequisite	a necessary condition	A university degree is a requirement for this job.
You meet or satisfy requirements rather than fill them. Use requirement for plus what it applies to: a requirement for the visa. The verb pattern is require someone to do something, never require someone doing.
to rescheduleneutral /riˈskɛdʒul/ To change the time or date of a planned event. Synonyms: move, rearrange	move to another time	Could we reschedule the meeting for Thursday afternoon instead?
Usually reschedule something for a new time: reschedule the call for Monday. It is often passive: the flight was rescheduled. Note the American sound of the middle, sked, and that the prefix re here needs no hyphen.
in my opinionneutral /ɪn maɪ əˈpɪnjən/ words used to introduce what you think Synonyms: personally, to my mind	I think; personally	In my opinion, the new policy will benefit most employees.
It sits at the start or the end of the sentence, with a comma. Say in my opinion, but from my point of view: the prepositions do not swap. One marker is enough, so do not add I think in the same sentence.
as far as I'm concernedinformal /əz ˌfɑr əz aɪm kənˈsɜrnd/ words meaning from my point of view Synonyms: for my part	speaking for myself	As far as I'm concerned, the project has been a complete success.
A fixed phrase, normally first in the sentence and followed by a comma. It marks a personal judgment that others may not share, and often a firm or final one. Keep the short form; as far as I am concerned sounds stiff.
to tend toneutral /ˈtɛnd tu/ to usually do or be something Synonyms: usually do	usually do; be inclined	People tend to underestimate how long a task will take.
It describes a habit, so it is almost never used in the progressive, and it softens a general claim: people tend to forget. Before a noun use tend toward: she tends toward caution. A base verb follows to.
apparentlyneutral /əˈpɛrəntli/ according to what you have heard, but may not be certain Synonyms: seemingly, evidently	it seems; supposedly	Apparently, the meeting has been moved to next Tuesday.
Often first in the sentence with a comma, and it quietly marks the news as second-hand, so you are not promising it is true. It can also mean clearly, from what one can see, and tone decides which. It is not a synonym of obviously.
to claimneutral /kleɪm/ to say something is true without proving it Synonyms: assert, maintain	assert; say without proof	The article claims that drinking coffee can improve concentration.
Two patterns: claim that plus a clause, or claim to be or do something. Using claim hints that you doubt the speaker, so choose say or state for facts you accept. You also claim money or benefits, and you make a claim.
to insistneutral /ɪnˈsɪst/ To say firmly that something must happen or is true. Synonyms: demand, press, maintain	say firmly; stand firm	He insisted on paying for dinner, so I let him.
Two patterns: insist on plus a noun or an -ing form, and insist that plus a clause. Never insist to do or insist me. In careful writing the that-clause can drop the modal: she insisted he leave.
to supposeneutral /səˈpoʊz/ to think something is probably true Synonyms: assume, presume	think; assume	I suppose we could try a different approach if this one doesn't work.
I suppose softens an opinion you are not sure about and often signals reluctant agreement. Be supposed to is a separate, very common pattern meaning expected or required: you are supposed to sign it. Suppose that plus a clause is the neutral use.
to doubtneutral /daʊt/ to feel unsure whether something is true Synonyms: question	not believe; question	I doubt that they will finish the construction on time.
The b is silent, here and in doubtful. Use doubt that plus a clause, or doubt plus a noun: I doubt his story. You can also have doubts about something. Watch out for no doubt, which means certainly, almost the opposite.
to persuadeneutral /pərˈsweɪd/ To make someone agree to do something by giving them good reasons. Synonyms: convince	convince; talk into	My sister persuaded me to join the gym with her.
Persuade someone to do something, or persuade someone that plus a clause; never persuade someone doing. It implies you succeeded, so if the person refused, say tried to persuade. Convince is close but leans on belief rather than action.
to recommendneutral /ˌrɛkəˈmɛnd/ to tell someone that something is good or worth doing Synonyms: suggest, advise, speak highly of	suggest; advise	I would highly recommend this restaurant for special occasions.
Three patterns: recommend plus a noun, recommend plus an -ing form, or recommend that plus a clause. Never recommend me to do it or recommend you this book. The usual intensifier is highly recommend, not very.
to denyneutral /dɪˈnaɪ/ To say that something is not true or that you did not do it. Synonyms: reject, say something is untrue	reject as untrue	The politician denied taking any money from the company.
Deny plus an -ing form or deny that plus a clause; never deny to do. The opposite is admit. A second sense is to refuse to give: they denied her access to the file. The noun is denial.
to disagreeneutral /ˌdɪsəˈɡri/ to have a different opinion from someone Synonyms: differ, object	have a different opinion	I respectfully disagree with the decision to close the library.
Disagree with a person or an idea, and disagree about or on a topic. It never takes a direct object, so disagree me is wrong. Strongly is the usual intensifier, and the noun is disagreement.
even thoughneutral /ˌivən ˈðoʊ/ Used to introduce a fact that makes the main idea surprising. Synonyms: although	although; despite the fact	Even though it was raining, we walked to the station.
It joins two clauses, and each needs a subject and a verb: even though it rained, we walked. Before a noun or an -ing form, use despite or in spite of instead. Do not add but to the second clause.
even soneutral /ˌivən ˈsoʊ/ Used to say that something is true despite what was just said. Synonyms: still, all the same	nevertheless; still	The hotel was expensive; even so, we decided to stay there.
It begins a new sentence or follows a semicolon, with a comma after it. Do not mix it up with even though, which joins clauses inside one sentence. It accepts the point just made and then keeps your position anyway.
resortneutral /rɪˈzɔrt/ A place where many people go for holidays, with hotels and activities. Synonyms: vacation spot, holiday complex	a vacation place	We spent a week at a beach resort in Portugal.
Usually with the type in front: a ski resort, a beach resort, a resort town. The same word is a verb in resort to, meaning to use a bad option because nothing else is left, and as a last resort means after everything else fails.
fareneutral /fɛr/ The money you pay to travel by bus, train, taxi or plane. Synonyms: ticket price	travel ticket price	The bus fare has gone up again this year.
It is the price of the journey, not the ticket itself, and the kind of travel usually comes first: bus fare, train fare, and airfare as one word. It sounds the same as fair, which is a different word.
car hireneutral /ˈkɑr ˌhaɪr/ The service of renting a car for a short time, usually on holiday. Synonyms: car rental	renting a car	Car hire is cheaper if you book it online in advance.
This is the British term; American English says car rental or renting a car. Uncountable as a service: car hire is cheaper online. Before a noun it works as an adjective: a car hire company, a car hire desk.
to drop offneutral /ˌdrɑp ˈɔf/ To take someone in your car and leave them at a place. Synonyms: drop, leave	leave someone somewhere	Can you drop me off at the airport on your way?
The person normally sits in the middle, and a pronoun must: drop me off, drop the kids off. Add at plus the place: drop her off at school. With no object it means something different, to fall asleep or to fall in number.
stopoverneutral /ˈstɑpˌoʊvər/ A short stay in a place during a long journey, usually between flights. Synonyms: layover	a break between flights	Our flight to Tokyo has a four-hour stopover in Dubai.
You have or make a stopover in a city, and it is one word. In American airline English a short wait between two flights is usually a layover, while stopover suggests you leave the airport for a day or more.
landmarkneutral /ˈlændˌmɑrk/ A famous building or place that is easy to recognize in a city. Synonyms: monument, famous sight, attraction	a famous local sight	The Eiffel Tower is the most famous landmark in Paris.
Often named with its place: a landmark in Paris, the city's best-known landmark. Used before a noun it means historically important instead: a landmark ruling, a landmark agreement. One word.
jet lagneutral /ˈdʒɛt ˌlæɡ/ Tiredness you feel after a long flight across different time zones. Synonyms: travel fatigue, time-zone tiredness	tiredness after flying	I always suffer from jet lag when I fly to Asia.
Uncountable, so never a jet lag: I have jet lag, I am getting over the jet lag. Two separate words as a noun, but hyphenated as an adjective: I was jet-lagged for three days. It needs a change of time zones, so a long flight that stays in one zone leaves you tired, not jet-lagged.
journeyneutral /ˈdʒɜrni/ the act of traveling from one place to another Synonyms: trip, voyage	a trip; travel	The journey from Madrid to Seville takes about two and a half hours by train.
It names the traveling itself, not the visit, and you make or take a journey. American English prefers trip for an ordinary journey, and keeps journey for long or figurative ones: a journey to recovery.
to get aroundneutral /ˌɡɛt əˈraʊnd/ To travel from place to place in a city or area. Synonyms: travel around, move around	travel locally	It's easy to get around the city by bike.
Use by plus the transport: get around by bike, by bus, on foot. A place can follow directly: get around the city. Do not mix it with get around to something, which means to finally do a job you delayed.
round tripneutral /ˌraʊnd ˈtrɪp/ a journey to a place and back again Synonyms: return trip	there and back	A round trip ticket to Paris costs much less than two one-way tickets.
It takes a hyphen before a noun: a round-trip ticket, round-trip airfare. The opposite is one-way. In British English the same ticket is called a return, so this is the American form.
to see offneutral /ˌsi ˈɔf/ To go to a station or airport to say goodbye to someone leaving. Synonyms: say goodbye to, send off, wave off	say goodbye at departure	My parents came to the station to see me off.
The person goes in the middle: see me off, see the team off. It covers only the moment of leaving, at a station, an airport or the front door. A separate sense is to defeat or drive away a rival.
delayedneutral /dɪˈleɪd/ happening later than planned Synonyms: held up, behind schedule	late; held up	Our flight was delayed by three hours because of a technical fault.
Almost always with be: the train is delayed, the flight was delayed by fog. By names either the cause or the length: delayed by an hour. Late describes the arrival itself, while delayed points to something that held it up.
to go sightseeingneutral /ˌɡoʊ ˈsaɪtˌsiɪŋ/ to visit the interesting places of a city as a tourist Synonyms: tour, explore, visit the sights	tour the sights	We spent the whole morning going sightseeing around the old town.
It follows the go plus -ing pattern used for activities, like go shopping or go swimming. Sightseeing is one word and uncountable, so you do some sightseeing, never a sightseeing. Add around or in plus the place.
scholarshipneutral /ˈskɑlərˌʃɪp/ money given to a student to pay for their studies Synonyms: grant	study grant; award money	She won a scholarship to study engineering at a prestigious university.
You win, get or are awarded a scholarship, usually to a university or for a subject. It is money you never repay, which is what separates it from a loan. A second, formal sense is serious academic study.
assignmentneutral /əˈsaɪnmənt/ a piece of work given to a student to complete Synonyms: task, homework	a task; a piece of schoolwork	The assignment is due next Monday and must be at least two thousand words.
You hand in, submit or turn in an assignment, and it is due on a date. In American schools it is the normal word for a set task. At work it also means a job someone is given, as in an assignment abroad.
to enrollneutral /ɪnˈroʊl/ to officially join a course or school Synonyms: register, sign up	sign up; join a course	You need to enroll in the course before the end of September.
American English writes enroll with two l's and enrollment; British English uses enrol and enrolment. Both write enrolled and enrolling. You enroll in a course in American English and on a course in British English.
lectureneutral /ˈlɛktʃər/ a talk given to teach a group, usually at university Synonyms: talk, class	a university talk	The professor gave a fascinating lecture on modern European history.
A professor gives a lecture and students attend one, and it is a lecture on or about a subject. As a verb it also means to scold at length, so do not lecture me is a complaint, not a request to teach.
gradeneutral /ɡreɪd/ A letter or number that shows how good a student's work is. Synonyms: mark	a mark; a score	She got the highest grade in the class for her essay.
This is the American word; British English says mark. A student gets or earns a grade and a teacher gives one, and good grades is usually plural. In American English grade also means a year of school: fifth grade.
researchneutral /rɪˈsɜrtʃ/ careful study to discover new facts or information Synonyms: study, investigation	careful study; investigation	The university is conducting research into renewable energy sources.
Uncountable: do or conduct research, never a research or researches. For one project say a study or a piece of research. Use research into or on a subject. Both first-syllable and second-syllable stress are heard in American speech.
to focusneutral /ˈfoʊkəs/ To give all your attention to one thing. Synonyms: concentrate	concentrate; give attention	It's hard to focus on studying when the flat is noisy.
Focus on something is the pattern, never focus to or focus in. American English spells the past focused with one s. As a noun it is usually uncountable: the focus of the report, a lack of focus.
tuitionneutral /tuˈɪʃən/ the money paid for teaching, especially at university Synonyms: fees	course fees	University tuition fees have increased significantly over the past decade.
Do not confuse it with intuition, a feeling. It takes no plural and no article: tuition is high, tuition fees are rising. In American English it means the money itself; in British English it can also mean the teaching, as in private tuition.
syllabusneutral /ˈsɪləbəs/ the list of topics covered in a course Synonyms: curriculum, program	a course outline	The syllabus covers grammar, vocabulary and conversation skills.
Two plurals, syllabuses and syllabi, /ˈsɪləˌbaɪ/, are both correct. A syllabus covers or includes the topics of one course, while a curriculum is everything a school or program teaches.
graduateneutral /ˈɡrædʒuˌeɪt/ to finish university successfully; a person who did Synonyms: finish school, complete a degree	finish studies; a former student	He graduated from medical school and started his residency last year.
The verb ends in a full -ate sound, but the noun weakens it to /ˈɡrædʒuət/. You graduate from a school, never graduate a school. The noun takes of: a graduate of Ohio State. Graduate school means study after a first degree.
to browseneutral /braʊz/ to look through websites or things without a fixed goal Synonyms: surf, look through	look around; skim	I spent an hour browsing the internet for holiday deals.
It works with no object, with through plus a thing, or with a plain object: browse the shelves, browse through a magazine. There is no clear aim in it, so for a target use search for. The program is a browser.
to downloadneutral /ˈdaʊnˌloʊd/ to copy a file from the internet to your device Synonyms: save, get, copy	copy from the internet	You can download the application for free from the official website.
You download something from a site to a device or onto a phone. It is also a noun, a download, and free download is common in advertising. The opposite verb is upload. Both syllables are clear, with stress on the first.
to updateneutral /ˌʌpˈdeɪt/ to make something more modern or add new information Synonyms: refresh, upgrade	make current; refresh	Remember to update your operating system to get the latest security patches.
The verb stresses the second syllable, but the noun, an update, stresses the first. You update a thing, or update someone on a situation: keep me updated. The noun is countable: two updates this week.
passwordneutral /ˈpæsˌwɜrd/ the secret word you use to enter an account Synonyms: passcode, access code	a secret access code	You should change your password regularly and use a mix of letters and numbers.
You enter or type a password, and you change or reset one; you do not say it. Strong and weak are the usual adjectives. The short numeric kind on a phone is a passcode or a PIN. One word.
deviceneutral /dɪˈvaɪs/ a machine or tool, like a phone or tablet Synonyms: gadget, machine	a gadget; a tool	Most people now carry at least one electronic device with them at all times.
It ends in an s sound, unlike the verb devise, which ends in z and means to invent. Common before it are mobile, electronic and medical. A device is countable, two devices, while equipment is uncountable.
networkneutral /ˈnɛtˌwɜrk/ a group of connected computers or people Synonyms: system, web	a connected group	The Wi-Fi network in the hotel lobby is free for all guests.
It is also a verb meaning to make useful contacts, and networking is the activity. In television a network is a group of stations that share programs. One word: a network, two networks.
to streamneutral /strim/ to watch or listen online without downloading Synonyms: watch online, play online	watch or play online	We stream films and series almost every evening after dinner.
It works with an object or without one: we streamed the game, the concert streamed live. The noun is a stream, and streaming is the usual adjective: a streaming service. The older sense of stream is a small river.
databaseneutral /ˈdeɪtəˌbeɪs/ an organized collection of information on a computer Synonyms: records system, data store	a store of records	All customer information is stored in a secure database.
You store information in a database, search one, and add records to it. The first part keeps its own sound, said day in American English, and the stress falls on that first syllable. One word.
to back upneutral /ˌbæk ˈʌp/ to make a safety copy of computer files Synonyms: copy, save	make a safety copy	I always back up my files to an external hard drive once a week.
The verb is two words but the noun is one: make a backup, back up your files. Either order works, back your files up, and a pronoun goes in the middle. Back someone up means to support them, and back up alone can mean to move a car backward.
to log inneutral /ˌlɔɡ ˈɪn/ to enter your username and password to use a system Synonyms: sign in	sign in; enter a system	You need to log in with your username and password to access the system.
The verb is two words, log in, but the noun and adjective are one: your login, the login page. Log in to a site, or log into it, with a username; the opposite is log out. Sign in means the same thing.
headlineneutral /ˈhɛdˌlaɪn/ the title of a newspaper story in large letters Synonyms: title, heading	a news title	The headline in today's newspaper is about the new climate agreement.
In the plural, the headlines means the main news of the day, and to make or hit the headlines is to become big news. Headlines leave out small words on purpose, so their grammar looks odd. One word.
journalistneutral /ˈdʒɜrnəlɪst/ a person who writes news for papers, TV or websites Synonyms: reporter	a news writer	The journalist spent months investigating the corruption scandal.
A journalist writes or reports for any outlet, while a reporter is the narrower word for someone gathering news in the field. The work is journalism and the adjective is journalistic.
to broadcastneutral /ˈbrɔdˌkæst/ to send out a program on TV, radio or the internet Synonyms: air, transmit	send out; air	The press conference was broadcast live on national television.
In American English the past is usually broadcast, not broadcasted. It often appears in the passive: the speech was broadcast live. It is also a noun, a broadcast, and a broadcaster is a station or a presenter.
up-to-dateneutral /ˌʌp tə ˈdeɪt/ Including the newest information or facts. Synonyms: current, latest	current; recent	This website always has up-to-date information about the strikes.
Keep the hyphens only before a noun: up-to-date figures, but the figures are up to date. You keep something up to date, or bring someone up to date on a story. The opposite is out of date.
biasedneutral /ˈbaɪəst/ unfairly preferring one side or opinion Synonyms: one-sided, partial	unfair; one-sided	Some people think the report is biased towards one political party.
Two syllables, ending in an s sound. Use biased toward or in favor of the side it prefers, and biased against the side it treats badly. The noun is bias, and prejudiced is the stronger, uglier word.
to spreadneutral /sprɛd/ to reach or move to more people or places Synonyms: circulate, distribute	reach more places	False information can spread very quickly on social media.
The past and the participle are also spread, with no -ed at all. It works with or without an object: rumors spread, and people spread rumors. Use spread to a place, spread through a group, spread among people.
issueneutral /ˈɪʃu/ an important topic or problem people discuss Synonyms: matter, topic	a topic; a problem	Climate change is one of the most important issues of our time.
In everyday speech it is a softer word for problem, as in I have an issue with the bill. You raise, address or discuss an issue. A third sense is one edition of a magazine: the May issue.
surveyneutral /ˈsɜrˌveɪ/ a set of questions asked to many people to learn opinions Synonyms: poll, questionnaire	a public questionnaire	A recent survey showed that most people support the new law.
The noun stresses the first syllable; the verb stresses the second, /sərˈveɪ/. You carry out or conduct a survey, and a survey shows or suggests a result. A poll is a short survey, usually about opinions or voting.
sourceneutral /sɔrs/ where information or something comes from Synonyms: origin	origin; where it came from	The journalist refused to reveal the source of the information.
Usually source of plus the thing: the source of the leak, a source of income. In news a source is a person giving information, often unnamed. As a verb, to source something is to get it from a supplier.
to reportneutral /rɪˈpɔrt/ to give information about something that happened Synonyms: state, cover	tell; give an account	Several newspapers reported that the government was planning tax cuts.
Use report that plus a clause, or report on a subject. News writing likes the passive: he is reported to be safe. Two other senses: you report to a manager, meaning that is your boss, and you report someone to the police.
relationshipneutral /rɪˈleɪʃənˌʃɪp/ the connection between people, like family or love Synonyms: connection, bond	a connection; a bond	Communication is essential for a healthy relationship.
A relationship with one person, between two people. In a relationship on its own means a romantic one. You have, build or end a relationship. Relation is the word for links between countries or ideas.
to trustneutral /trʌst/ to believe someone is honest and will not hurt you Synonyms: rely on, believe in	believe in; have faith in	It takes time to trust someone after they have let you down.
It takes a direct object with no preposition: I trust her, not I trust in her. Use trust someone to do something, or trust someone with money. It is also an uncountable noun: build trust, lose trust.
to rely onneutral /rɪˈlaɪ ɑn/ To trust someone to help you or do what they promised. Synonyms: depend on, count on	count on for help	You can always rely on her when you need help.
On, or the formal upon, is always needed: rely on a friend, never rely a friend. Use rely on someone to do something, or rely on someone doing it. The adjective is reliable and the noun is reliance.
acquaintanceneutral /əˈkweɪntəns/ a person you know a little, but not a close friend Synonyms: casual friend, contact	someone you barely know	He's not a close friend, just an acquaintance from work.
It is a little more formal than friend, so in speech people often say someone I know. Often marked as slight: just an acquaintance, a mutual acquaintance. The verb phrase is be acquainted with someone.
to get on someone's nervesinformal /ˌɡɛt ˈɑn ˌsʌmwʌnz ˈnɜrvz/ to annoy someone a lot Synonyms: annoy, irritate, bug	annoy; irritate	His habit of tapping his pen really gets on my nerves.
The possessive changes with the person: it gets on my nerves, on her nerves. The subject is the annoying thing or person, and it usually describes repeated behavior rather than one action. Really is the common intensifier.
to keep in touchneutral /ˌkip ɪn ˈtʌtʃ/ to continue communicating with someone Synonyms: stay in touch, keep in contact	stay in contact	We promised to keep in touch after she moved abroad.
A fixed phrase; add with plus the person: keep in touch with your cousins. Stay in touch means the same. Lose touch is the opposite, and be in touch means to make contact soon.
commitmentneutral /kəˈmɪtmənt/ a promise to do something or be loyal to someone Synonyms: dedication, promise	a promise; dedication	Marriage is a serious commitment that requires effort from both people.
A promise you can count: make a commitment, too many commitments. For dedication it has no plural: her commitment to the work. Use commitment to plus a noun or an -ing form. The verb commit doubles the t.
to break upneutral /ˌbreɪk ˈʌp/ to end a romantic relationship Synonyms: split up, separate	end a relationship	They broke up after three years together because they wanted different things.
No object in this sense; add with plus the person: she broke up with him. The noun is one word, a breakup. A meeting can also break up, meaning it ends, and break something up means to split it into pieces.
to forgiveneutral /fərˈɡɪv/ to stop being angry with someone who hurt you Synonyms: pardon, excuse	stop being angry	It can be hard to forgive someone who has hurt you deeply.
The forms are forgive, forgave, forgiven. You forgive a person, or forgive someone for something: forgive me for being late. It also opens a polite request, as in forgive me for asking. The noun is forgiveness.
symptomsneutral /ˈsɪmptəmz/ the signs that show you have an illness Synonyms: signs	signs of illness	If you experience any unusual symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
The singular is a symptom, and you have, show or experience symptoms. Use symptom of plus the illness: a symptom of flu. Figuratively it means a small sign of a bigger problem: a symptom of poor management.
treatmentneutral /ˈtritmənt/ the medical care given to cure an illness Synonyms: therapy, care	medical care; therapy	The treatment for his back pain included physiotherapy and medication.
Use treatment for an illness but treatment of a patient. The verb treat takes both: treat a patient, treat an infection. Uncountable for care in general, countable for one particular method: a new treatment for asthma.
to catch a coldneutral /ˌkætʃ ə ˈkoʊld/ To become ill with a cold, usually with a runny nose and sneezing. Synonyms: get a cold, come down with a cold	become ill with a cold	I caught a cold last week and still feel terrible.
The past is caught a cold. Cold is countable in this phrase, so it needs a. You catch a cold from someone, never by someone. Get a cold is just as common, and for worse illnesses people say come down with.
to preventneutral /prɪˈvɛnt/ to stop something bad from happening Synonyms: avoid, stop	stop; keep from happening	Regular exercise can help prevent heart disease.
Two patterns: prevent something, and prevent someone from doing something. The from is needed, so prevent him to go is wrong. The noun is prevention and the adjective is preventive. Avoid is about staying away, not stopping.
well-beingneutral /ˈwɛlˌbiɪŋ/ the state of feeling healthy and happy Synonyms: welfare, health	health and happiness	Companies are paying more attention to employee well-being these days.
Usually hyphenated, though wellbeing as one word is now common too. It covers the mental and the physical together, which is what makes it wider than health. No plural and no a.
to cope withneutral /ˈkoʊp wɪθ/ to manage a difficult situation successfully Synonyms: handle, deal with	get through; endure	She learned to cope with stress through meditation and exercise.
With plus the difficulty is needed when you name it: cope with stress. Cope can also stand alone: she is coping. It always implies the thing is hard and you are only just managing, so it does not fit easy tasks.
to prescribeneutral /prɪˈskraɪb/ when a doctor says which medicine you should take Synonyms: order, write a prescription for	order medicine	The doctor prescribed antibiotics for her throat infection.
Only a doctor prescribes; a pharmacist fills the prescription. Prescribe something for a person or a condition. The noun is prescription, with an i, not prescribtion. Do not confuse it with subscribe.
medicationneutral /ˌmɛdɪˈkeɪʃən/ Medicine or drugs that a doctor gives you to treat an illness. Synonyms: medicine	medicine; drugs	My grandmother takes medication for her high blood pressure.
In American English medicine is the everyday word and medication sounds more clinical, while drug can suggest an illegal one, so it is the riskier choice. Usually uncountable: take medication, be on medication for something.
awarenessneutral /əˈwɛrnəs/ knowing that something exists or is important Synonyms: consciousness, understanding	knowing; consciousness	There is growing awareness of mental health issues in schools.
Uncountable, with no plural. Use awareness of something: awareness of the risks. It grows, rises or spreads, and campaigns raise awareness. The adjective is aware, followed by of or by a that-clause.
failureneutral /ˈfeɪljər/ A lack of success; something that does not work or go well. Synonyms: flop, lack of success	a lack of success	The project was a failure, but we learned a lot from it.
Failure to do something means not doing what you should have: failure to pay on time. The plan was a failure names the thing that failed, while fear of failure, with no article, is the idea.
freedomneutral /ˈfridəm/ being able to do, say or think what you want Synonyms: liberty	liberty; independence	Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in democratic societies.
Freedom of speech, freedom from fear, and the freedom to do something: the preposition carries the meaning. It has no plural for the idea itself, though basic freedoms names particular rights. Liberty is the formal, legal word.
opportunityneutral /ˌɑpərˈtunəti/ a chance to do something good Synonyms: chance, opening	a chance	Moving abroad gave her the opportunity to learn a new language.
Countable: an opportunity, several opportunities. Two patterns: opportunity to do something, and opportunity for something. You have, get, take or miss one. Possibility is about what may happen, not about a chance you can use.
responsibilityneutral /rɪˌspɑnsəˈbɪləti/ a duty to take care of something or someone Synonyms: duty, obligation	a duty	Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility for a child.
You take or accept responsibility for something, and the adjective pattern is be responsible for. A sense of responsibility is a common phrase. Countable for one duty, uncountable for the idea: it is my responsibility.
knowledgeneutral /ˈnɑlɪdʒ/ the facts and understanding you have learned Synonyms: understanding, learning	what you know	A good knowledge of English is essential for many international jobs.
Uncountable, so never knowledges, and usually no a, although a good knowledge of English is a fixed exception. Use knowledge of a subject, not about it. The k is silent and the first vowel is short, as in nod.
behaviorneutral /bɪˈheɪvjər/ the way a person acts Synonyms: conduct, manner	the way someone acts	The teacher praised the students for their excellent behavior.
American English writes behavior with no u; British English writes behaviour. Usually uncountable, so good behavior has no plural in everyday use. Behavior toward a person. The verb is behave, and behave yourself is said to children.
benefitneutral /ˈbɛnəfɪt/ A good or helpful effect that something has. Synonyms: advantage	an advantage; a good effect	One benefit of working from home is avoiding the traffic.
Use benefit of a thing but benefit to a person, as in the benefits of exercise. As a verb the pattern is benefit from something. In American English benefits also means the insurance and paid time off a job gives you.
disadvantageneutral /ˌdɪsədˈvæntɪdʒ/ something that makes a situation harder for you Synonyms: drawback, downside	a drawback	The main disadvantage of this plan is its high cost.
Use disadvantage of a plan, but at a disadvantage for a person in a weak position. Drawback is the shorter everyday word, and the opposite is advantage.
to influenceneutral /ˈɪnfluəns/ to have an effect on how someone thinks or acts Synonyms: affect, shape, have an effect on	affect; shape	Social media can strongly influence young people's opinions.
The verb takes a direct object with no preposition: influence a decision. The noun does take on: an influence on her choices. As a noun it is countable for a person and uncountable for power in general.
purposeneutral /ˈpɜrpəs/ the reason why something is done or exists Synonyms: aim, goal	aim; reason	The purpose of the meeting is to discuss next year's budget.
On purpose means deliberately, the opposite of by accident. Purpose is the intention behind an act, while a reason can be a cause nobody chose. The frames are the purpose of the meeting and for this purpose.
challengeneutral /ˈtʃælɪndʒ/ something difficult that tests your ability Synonyms: test, difficulty	a difficult test	Learning to speak in public was a real challenge for me.
It sounds positive, because it suggests something worth trying, which is how it differs from problem. You face, meet or take on a challenge. As a verb it means to question something: challenge a decision.
improvementneutral /ɪmˈpruvmənt/ a change that makes something better Synonyms: progress, upgrade	a change for the better	There has been a significant improvement in air quality over the last year.
Use improvement in the thing itself, but improvement on an earlier version. Big, marked and slight are common before it. Countable for one change, uncountable for the process: there is room for improvement.
effortneutral /ˈɛfərt/ the energy and work you put into doing something Synonyms: work, energy	hard work; energy	It takes a lot of effort to learn a foreign language fluently.
Uncountable for energy in general: it takes effort. Countable for particular attempts: efforts to save the building. You make an effort or put in effort, and make an effort to do something.
progressneutral /ˈprɑɡrəs/ movement toward a goal; getting better over time Synonyms: advancement, improvement	forward movement	You have made excellent progress in your English this semester.
Uncountable: make progress, never a progress or progresses. The noun stresses the first syllable while the verb stresses the second, /prəˈɡrɛs/. In progress means happening right now.
confidenceneutral /ˈkɑnfɪdəns/ The feeling that you can do something well and are sure about yourself. Synonyms: self-assurance	self-belief; assurance	Speaking English every day has given me a lot of confidence.
You gain, lose or build confidence, and it is confidence in a person or a plan. The adjective is confident with an e; a confidant with an a is a person you tell secrets to.
equalityneutral /ɪˈkwɑləti/ the state of everyone having the same rights and chances Synonyms: fairness	equal rights	The organization fights for gender equality in the workplace.
Uncountable, with no plural. Use equality of opportunity, equality between groups and equality for a group. The opposite, inequality, can be countable: economic inequalities. The adjective is equal.
justiceneutral /ˈdʒʌstɪs/ fair treatment of people according to the law Synonyms: fairness	fairness under law	The family demanded justice after the wrongful conviction.
Uncountable: seek, demand or do justice. Bring someone to justice means make them face the law. In American English a Justice, with a capital, is also a judge on a high court.
environmentneutral /ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/ the natural world of land, air, water and life Synonyms: nature, surroundings	the natural world	We all have a duty to protect the environment for future generations.
In the nature sense it takes the: protect the environment. With a or an it means surroundings of any kind: a quiet working environment. Note the n before -ment in the spelling; the adjective is environmental.
I've already been toneutral /aɪv ɔlˈrɛdi ˈbɪn tu/ words to say you visited a place before now Synonyms: I have visited, I have been to	I have visited before	I've already been to Rome twice, but I'd love to go again.
Been to a place means you went and came back; gone to means you are still away. Already sits between have and the participle and often adds a note of surprise. American English also allows the simple past here: I already went.
I've never triedneutral /aɪv ˈnɛvər ˈtraɪd/ words to say you have no experience of something Synonyms: I have not tried, I have yet to try	I have no experience	I've never tried sushi, but I hear it's delicious.
Never already contains the negative, so do not add not as well. It sits between have and the participle. Tried takes a noun, or an -ing form when you mean an experiment: I have never tried skiing.
Have you ever...?neutral /ˌhæv ju ˈɛvər/ a question about someone's life experience Synonyms: Did you ever, Have you at any time	a life-experience question	Have you ever lived in another country?
Ever goes between the subject and the participle and means at any time in your life, so no date is given. Short answers are Yes, I have and No, never. If you add a date, switch to the simple past: I went in 2019.
for agesinformal /fər ˈeɪdʒɪz/ For a very long time; used mostly in informal conversation. Synonyms: for a long time	for a very long time	I haven't seen my cousin for ages; we should meet up.
An exaggeration, not a real measure of time. It is most common in negatives and questions with the present perfect: I haven't seen her for ages. In American speech forever does the same job.
for (duration)neutral /fɔr/ used to say how long something has lasted Synonyms: over, throughout	showing how long	She has worked at this company for over ten years.
For takes a length of time: for ten years, for a while. Since takes the starting point instead: since 2015. With the present perfect, for measures a period reaching up to now. Speech often drops it: I've lived here ten years.
stillneutral /stɪl/ Continuing until now; used when something expected has not happened. Synonyms: yet, so far	even now; up to now	He still hasn't replied to the message I sent on Monday.
In a negative sentence it goes before the auxiliary: he still hasn't replied. Yet does the same job but sits at the end. Still with a negative sounds impatient, while yet is plain. In positive sentences it follows be.
latelyneutral /ˈleɪtli/ In the recent past; not long ago. Synonyms: recently	of late; in recent weeks	Have you been sleeping well lately? You look really tired.
It almost always goes with the present perfect and usually sits at the end of the clause: have you slept well lately? It is rare with the simple past. It does not mean late, which is its own adverb.
recentlyneutral /ˈrisəntli/ a short time ago; in the last days or weeks Synonyms: lately, not long ago	a short time ago	Have you seen any good films recently?
Unlike lately, it works with both the present perfect and the simple past: I recently moved, I have recently moved. It can open or close the sentence. With an exact date, use the simple past only.
so farneutral /ˌsoʊ ˈfɑr/ until now; up to this moment Synonyms: up to now, to date	until now	So far, we have received over two hundred applications for the position.
It goes with the present perfect and hints that the number or situation may still change: so far we have had two hundred. It sits at the start with a comma or at the end. So far so good is a fixed reply.
shouldneutral /ʃʊd/ used to say what is the right or best thing to do Synonyms: ought to	is advisable; is best	You should talk to your manager about the problem before it gets worse.
A base verb follows with no to: you should talk, never should to talk. Questions invert the order: should I call? For the past use should have plus a participle: you should have asked. The l is silent.
shouldn'tneutral /ˈʃʊdənt/ used to say something is not a good idea Synonyms: ought not to, had better not	is unwise; advise against	You shouldn't eat too much sugar if you want to stay healthy.
It advises against something rather than forbidding it, which is the job of mustn't. The contracted form is the normal one in speech, while should not is for writing and for emphasis. In a tag the negative moves to the end: you should ask her, shouldn't you? The past is shouldn't have plus a participle.
wouldneutral /wʊd/ used for imagined situations and polite requests Synonyms: 'd, could	for imagined situations	If I had more free time, I would learn to play the piano.
It is the verb of the result clause in an unreal condition: if I had time, I would learn. Would you opens a polite request. A base verb follows with no to, the short form is 'd, and the negative is wouldn't.
couldneutral /kʊd/ the past of can; also used for possibility or polite requests Synonyms: was able to, might, may	past of can	We could go to the cinema tonight if you're not too tired.
It does three jobs: the past of can, a soft possibility, and a polite request. For one completed past action, was able to or managed to is clearer. A base verb follows with no to, and the l is silent.
mightneutral /maɪt/ used to say something is possible but not certain Synonyms: may, could	possibly will	It might rain later, so you should take an umbrella.
It marks a guess, not a plan, so it fits weather, results and excuses but not arrangements. Might have plus a participle guesses about the past: she might have missed the train. Mightn't is rare in American English, so write might not. Might as well means there is no better option.
mustn'tneutral /ˈmʌsənt/ Used to say that something is not allowed. Synonyms: may not, cannot, is forbidden to	is not allowed	You mustn't use your phone while you are driving.
The first t is silent. It forbids something, while don't have to only says it is unnecessary, and mixing those two up is the classic mistake. In American English can't or are not allowed to is far more common.
don't have toneutral /ˌdoʊnt ˈhæv tu/ used when something is not necessary Synonyms: need not, do not need to	is not necessary	You don't have to wear a suit, but you should dress smartly.
It means there is no need, not that something is banned; mustn't is the ban. A base verb follows the to: you don't have to wear a suit. The past is didn't have to, and don't need to means the same.
ought toformal /ˈɔt tu/ a slightly formal way to say should Synonyms: should	should; slightly formal	You really ought to apologize for what you said.
The to belongs to the phrase and a base verb follows: you ought to call. The negative, ought not to, and the question, ought I, sound old-fashioned, so speakers use should instead there. Otherwise it matches should closely.
had betterneutral /ˌhæd ˈbɛtər/ used to give strong advice, often with a warning Synonyms: should, ought to, would be wise to	should, or else	You had better hurry or you'll miss the train.
It carries a warning, so it is stronger than should: you had better hurry. The short form is 'd better, and speech often drops had entirely. The negative is had better not, and a base verb follows better with no to.
be able toneutral /bi ˈeɪbəl tu/ to have the skill or possibility to do something Synonyms: can	can; have the ability	After months of practice, she was finally able to pass the driving test.
It supplies the forms can does not have: will be able to, have been able to, to be able to. For one successful past action prefer was able to or managed to over could. The negative is not able to, or unable to.
If I were youneutral /ɪf ˌaɪ ˈwɜr ju/ words used to start giving personal advice Synonyms: in your place, if I were in your position	my advice would be	If I were you, I would accept the job offer.
Were, not was, is fixed in this phrase, even though I normally takes was. The advice that follows uses would: if I were you, I would accept. It comes first with a comma, or after the advice.
unlessneutral /ənˈlɛs/ except if; only if something else happens Synonyms: except if, if not	except if	We'll go to the beach unless it rains tomorrow.
A positive verb follows, because the negative is already inside the word: unless it rains, never unless it doesn't rain. Use the present tense for future conditions. It joins two clauses and can open the sentence.
as long asneutral /əz ˈlɔŋ əz/ only if a condition is true Synonyms: provided that	only if; assuming	You can borrow my car as long as you drive carefully.
A present tense follows for a future condition: as long as you drive carefully. It states a condition you accept, so it often sounds like giving permission. The same phrase also compares length: as long as a movie.
provided thatformal /prəˈvaɪdɪd ˌðæt/ only if a condition is met Synonyms: as long as	on the condition that	You can leave early provided that you finish all your work.
That can be dropped: provided you finish. A present tense follows for a future condition, and providing that works the same way. It is stiffer than as long as, so it suits contracts and rules rather than speech.
in caseneutral /ɪn ˈkeɪs/ as preparation for something that might happen Synonyms: as a precaution, to be safe	as a precaution	Take some cash in case the restaurant doesn't accept cards.
A present tense follows for a future risk: in case it rains, never in case it will rain. It gives the reason you prepare, so take cash in case means take it anyway. In case of plus a noun appears on notices: in case of fire.
otherwiseneutral /ˈʌðərˌwaɪz/ if not; used to say what happens if you don't do something Synonyms: or else, or, if you don't	or else; if not	You need to leave now, otherwise you'll be late for your appointment.
It opens the second clause after a comma or semicolon and warns of the result: leave now, otherwise you will be late. Or else means the same and is more casual. A second sense is in other ways: otherwise, the room was fine.
whereasformal /wɛrˈæz/ used to compare two different facts Synonyms: while, but	while; by contrast	She enjoys working in a team, whereas her brother prefers to work alone.
It joins two clauses inside one sentence and marks a contrast, with a comma before it: she likes teams, whereas he prefers working alone. It does not start a new sentence. While can replace it, though while also means during.
thereforeformal /ˈðɛrˌfɔr/ for that reason; as a result Synonyms: thus, consequently	so; for that reason	He didn't meet the requirements; therefore, his application was rejected.
It links a reason to a result, and needs a semicolon or a new sentence before it rather than a plain comma: he was late; therefore, he missed it. So is the everyday word. Watch the spelling: one word, not there for.
moreoverformal /mɔrˈoʊvər/ in addition to what was said Synonyms: furthermore, besides	in addition; also	The restaurant is cheap, and moreover, the food is excellent.
It opens a sentence, with a comma after it, and adds a second point that supports the first. It belongs to writing; in speech people say and also or plus. Besides is close but can sound like an excuse.
despiteneutral /dɪˈspaɪt/ without being affected by something Synonyms: in spite of, even with	in spite of	Despite the bad weather, the outdoor event was a great success.
A noun or an -ing form follows, never a clause: despite the rain, despite being tired. For a clause use although or even though. There is no of after it, so despite of is always wrong.
due toneutral /ˈdu tu/ because of something Synonyms: because of, owing to	because of	The match was postponed due to heavy rain.
A noun follows, never a clause: due to heavy rain, not due to it rained. Careful writers keep due to after a form of be and use because of elsewhere, though both are common now. Owing to means the same.
in order toneutral /ɪn ˈɔrdər tu/ with the purpose of doing something Synonyms: with the aim of, for the purpose of	so as to	She took an extra course in order to improve her qualifications.
It marks purpose and is more formal than a plain to, which says the same thing: in order to improve. The negative is in order not to. Before a clause, use so that instead. A base verb follows.
on the other handneutral /ɑn ði ˈʌðər ˈhænd/ used to give a different or opposite point of view Synonyms: conversely	by contrast	The city is exciting; on the other hand, it can be very stressful.
It introduces the second of two views, so something must already have been said, often with on the one hand. It opens a clause or a sentence and takes a comma. However is shorter and fits almost anywhere.
in the endneutral /ɪn ði ˈɛnd/ Finally, after thinking about it or after a long time. Synonyms: finally	finally; after all	We looked at several flats, but in the end we chose this one.
It reports how things turned out after a long process or some doubt. At the end is different: it marks a point in time or space, as in at the end of the film. It sits at the start or the end of the clause.
to wasteneutral /weɪst/ To use money, time or energy badly or without a good result. Synonyms: squander, misuse, throw away	use badly; squander	Don't waste your money on things you don't really need.
The object follows directly, and on names what it went on: waste money on gadgets. It works with time, energy and effort as well. As a noun it means garbage: household waste, a waste of time.
to blameneutral /bleɪm/ To say that someone is responsible for something bad that happened. Synonyms: accuse, fault	hold responsible	Don't blame me for the mistake; I wasn't even there.
Two patterns: blame someone for something, and blame something on someone. Be to blame means be responsible: the driver was to blame. The everyday noun is fault: it was my fault, not my blame.
to manage toneutral /ˈmænɪdʒ tu/ to succeed in doing something difficult Synonyms: succeed in	succeed in doing	Despite the traffic, we managed to arrive on time.
It reports success after difficulty, so it sounds odd with easy tasks: we managed to arrive, with a base verb after to. Without to it takes an object and means to run something: manage a team, manage your time.
to ignoreneutral /ɪɡˈnɔr/ To choose not to pay attention to someone or something. Synonyms: disregard, overlook, take no notice of	pay no attention to	She ignored my messages for a whole week after our argument.
It takes a direct object with no preposition: she ignored my messages. It describes a choice, not a lack of knowledge, so for that use be unaware. The noun ignorance means not knowing, not the act of ignoring.
to surviveneutral /sərˈvaɪv/ To continue to live after a dangerous or difficult situation. Synonyms: stay alive, live through, pull through	stay alive; come through	Only three people survived the plane crash in the mountains.
It can take an object with no preposition: survive the crash. It also works alone: only three survived. A person is a survivor and the thing itself is survival. In casual speech it can mean simply to cope.
to achieveneutral /əˈtʃiv/ to succeed in reaching a goal through effort Synonyms: accomplish, attain	reach; accomplish	She worked incredibly hard to achieve her goals.
It always needs an object: achieve a goal, achieve results, never just achieve. It fits things you worked for, not places, so you reach a station rather than achieve one. The noun is achievement.
to considerneutral /kənˈsɪdər/ to think carefully about something before deciding Synonyms: think about, think over, weigh up	think about; weigh	Have you considered applying for a job abroad?
An -ing form follows, never an infinitive: consider applying, not consider to apply. A second sense is to regard: we consider him a friend. It sounds more careful and more formal than think about.
to involveneutral /ɪnˈvɑlv/ to include something as a necessary part Synonyms: include, entail	include; require	The job involves traveling to different countries at least once a month.
An -ing form follows, not an infinitive: the job involves traveling. Be involved in something means to take part in it, and involve someone in a project is the active version. The noun is involvement.
to struggleneutral /ˈstrʌɡəl/ to try hard to do something very difficult Synonyms: battle, have difficulty	find something hard	Many students struggle with the pronunciation of English vowels.
Two patterns: struggle with something, and struggle to do something. It means trying hard without much success, so it implies difficulty rather than failure. A separate sense is to fight physically against someone.
to encourageneutral /ɪnˈkɜrɪdʒ/ to give someone confidence or support to do something Synonyms: motivate, support	support; urge on	Teachers should encourage students to ask questions in class.
Encourage someone to do something, never encourage someone doing. A thing can also be encouraged: encourage investment. The opposite is discourage and the noun is encouragement.
to provideneutral /prəˈvaɪd/ to give something that someone needs Synonyms: supply, offer	supply; give	The hotel provides free breakfast for all guests.
Three patterns: provide something, provide someone with something, and provide something for someone. Never provide someone something. The noun is provision, and provided that is a separate conditional phrase.
to demandneutral /dɪˈmænd/ to ask for something very firmly Synonyms: insist on, require	ask firmly; require	The workers demanded better pay and working conditions.
Use demand something, demand to do something, or demand that plus a clause. Never demand someone to do something, which is the usual error; that pattern belongs to ask and tell. The noun is also demand: high demand.
to refuseneutral /rɪˈfjuz/ to say no to something Synonyms: decline, reject	say no to	She refused to work on the weekend without extra pay.
An infinitive follows: refuse to work. A noun works too: refuse an offer. With two objects it means to deny: they refused me a visa, she was refused entry. The noun is refusal, stressed on the second syllable.
to regretneutral /rɪˈɡrɛt/ To feel sorry about something you did or did not do. Synonyms: be sorry about, wish you had not	feel sorry about	I regret not learning to play an instrument when I was younger.
An -ing form looks back at what happened: I regret not learning. An infinitive instead introduces bad news politely: we regret to inform you. The t doubles in regretted and regretting.
to warnneutral /wɔrn/ To tell someone about a danger or problem so they can avoid it. Synonyms: alert, caution	tell of a danger	The guide warned us not to swim near the rocks.
Warn someone about or of something, and warn someone not to do something. Keep the not: the guide warned us not to swim. The noun is a warning, and the adjective in notices is warning: a warning sign.
to intendneutral /ɪnˈtɛnd/ To plan or want to do something. Synonyms: plan, mean	plan; mean to	We intend to move to a bigger house next year.
An infinitive normally follows: we intend to move. An -ing form is possible but far less common. Be intended for someone shows who a thing is meant for. The noun is intention, and intention takes to or of.
to deserveneutral /dɪˈzɜrv/ To have earned something good or bad because of what you did. Synonyms: have earned, be entitled to	have earned; merit	After all that hard work, you deserve a proper holiday.
It takes a noun or an infinitive: you deserve a break, you deserve to win. It is almost never used in the progressive. It covers bad results too: he deserved the fine. The adjective is deserved, as in a deserved win.
to cover forneutral /ˈkʌvər fɔr/ To do someone's work while they are away from their job. Synonyms: stand in for, fill in for, substitute for	do someone's work	Could you cover for me on Friday? I have a dentist appointment.
For plus the person is needed: cover for me on Friday. Cover for someone can also mean to hide their mistake, so tone decides which. Without for, you cover a shift, meaning you work it yourself.
to depend onneutral /dɪˈpɛnd ɑn/ to be decided by something; to need someone's support Synonyms: rely on	be decided by; need	The outcome of the project depends on the quality of the research.
On, or the formal upon, is always needed: it depends on the weather, never it depends the weather. It depends is a fixed short answer. The adjective is dependent on, and its opposite is independent of.
to be worthneutral /bi ˈwɜrθ/ to be useful or valuable enough to justify doing Synonyms: be valuable enough, be worthwhile	be valuable enough	The museum is definitely worth visiting if you're in the city.
An -ing form follows, never an infinitive: worth visiting, not worth to visit. It also states value in money: the car is worth four thousand. Worth it is the fixed phrase when the thing is already clear.
to be used toneutral /bi ˈjust tu/ to find something normal because you know it well Synonyms: be accustomed to	find something normal	After five years in London, I'm used to the rainy weather.
A noun or an -ing form follows: used to the rain, used to getting up early. That is not the same as used to plus a base verb, which describes a past habit. The s here has an s sound, not a z.
to get used toneutral /ˌɡɛt ˈjust tu/ to slowly become comfortable with something new Synonyms: grow accustomed to, adjust to, adapt to	become comfortable with	It took me a while to get used to driving on the left side of the road.
Get shows the change happening, while be used to describes the finished state. A noun or an -ing form follows: get used to driving. It often pairs with take time: it took a while to get used to it.
to be about toneutral /bi əˈbaʊt tu/ To be going to do something very soon. Synonyms: on the point of, just going to	on the point of	I was about to leave when the phone rang.
It covers only the next moment, so no time expression is added: I am about to leave. The past, was about to, usually meets an interruption: I was about to leave when the phone rang. A base verb follows.
to wonderneutral /ˈwʌndər/ to ask yourself about something; to be curious Synonyms: ask yourself, be curious about	ask yourself; be curious	I sometimes wonder what my life would be like if I had studied medicine.
A wh-word or if follows: I wonder what happened, I wonder if she knew. A that-clause does not work after it. I was wondering whether is a soft way to ask a favor. As a noun it means something amazing.
to raiseneutral /reɪz/ to bring up a topic; to lift or increase something Synonyms: bring up, increase	bring up; lift	He raised an important concern during the meeting.
It always takes an object: raise a question, raise prices, raise your hand. Rise takes no object and is what prices do by themselves: prices rise. A third sense is to bring up children.
currentlyneutral /ˈkɜrəntli/ at the present time Synonyms: now, at the moment	now; at present	She is currently studying for her master's degree in education.
It usually goes with a progressive tense: she is currently studying. Put it before the main verb or at the start of the sentence. It does not mean commonly or usually, which is the frequent mix-up.
properlyneutral /ˈprɑpərli/ in the correct way Synonyms: correctly, well	correctly; the right way	Make sure the equipment is working properly before you start.
It follows the verb or its object: it is working properly, do the job properly. It means both correctly and completely, as in I never properly thanked her. The adjective proper means right for the purpose.
approximatelyformal /əˈprɑksɪmətli/ close to a number but not exactly Synonyms: about, around, roughly	about; roughly	The meeting will last approximately two hours.
Put it directly before the number: approximately two hours. About and around do the same job and are far more common in speech. Do not add another hedge like maybe; one is enough.
likelyneutral /ˈlaɪkli/ probably going to happen Synonyms: probable, expected, quite possible	probable; expected	It's likely that the company will expand to new markets next year.
It is an adjective, so it needs a form of be: it is likely that they will, she is likely to win. Those are the two patterns. In American English it also works as an adverb: we will likely go.
previousneutral /ˈpriviəs/ happening or existing before this one Synonyms: earlier, last	earlier; former	In my previous job, I worked as a sales assistant.
It goes before the noun: my previous job, the previous page. It compares with something later, so it needs a point of reference. The adverb is previously, and former suggests a role someone used to hold.
suitableneutral /ˈsutəbəl/ right for a particular purpose or situation Synonyms: appropriate, fitting	right; appropriate	This film is not suitable for children under twelve.
Use suitable for a purpose or a person: not suitable for children. The negative is unsuitable, and the verb is suit: that time suits me. Appropriate is close but leans toward what is socially correct.
availableneutral /əˈveɪləbəl/ possible to get, use or talk to Synonyms: accessible, free	free; possible to get	Is this seat available, or is someone sitting here?
It follows be, and in notices it can follow the noun: rooms available. Use available for a purpose and available to a person. Of people it means free to meet or talk: she is not available right now.
averageneutral /ˈævərɪdʒ/ typical or normal; the middle amount Synonyms: typical, mean	typical; the middle amount	The average temperature in July is around thirty degrees.
As an adjective it comes before the noun: the average temperature. As a noun it takes an article: an average of ten a day. On average is the fixed phrase for a general claim, with no the.
essentialneutral /ɪˈsɛnʃəl/ completely necessary Synonyms: vital, crucial	absolutely necessary	Good communication skills are essential for this role.
Use essential for a purpose, or essential to a thing: essential to the plan. It cannot be graded, so very essential sounds odd; say absolutely essential. It is stronger than important.
significantneutral /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/ large or important enough to matter Synonyms: important, considerable	large; important	There has been a significant increase in online shopping.
It means big enough to matter, not simply large, so it fits increases, changes and differences. In research it has a stricter statistical sense. The adverb is significantly and the noun is significance.
particularlyneutral /pərˈtɪkjələrli/ more than usual; especially Synonyms: especially, unusually, very	especially; notably	The course is particularly useful for people working in marketing.
Put it before the word it strengthens: particularly useful, particularly for beginners. With a negative it softens instead: not particularly good means not very good. Especially means the same and is shorter.
graduallyneutral /ˈɡrædʒuəli/ slowly, in small steps over time Synonyms: slowly, bit by bit, over time	slowly; step by step	The situation gradually improved over the following months.
It sits before the main verb or at the start of the sentence: the situation gradually improved. It describes change over time, so it does not fit a single quick event. The adjective is gradual.
barelyneutral /ˈbɛrli/ almost not; only just Synonyms: hardly, scarcely	only just; almost not	I could barely hear what the speaker was saying because of the noise.
It already carries the negative, so no second negative is added: I could barely hear, never couldn't barely hear. It goes before the main verb. It has nothing to do with bare, which means uncovered.
hardly everneutral /ˈhɑrdli ˈɛvər/ almost never Synonyms: rarely, seldom	very rarely	We hardly ever go out during the week because we're both so tired.
It is already negative, so the verb stays positive: we hardly ever go out. It goes before the main verb and after be. Hardly alone means only just, so the ever is what turns it into almost never.
in factneutral /ɪn ˈfækt/ Used to add a surprising detail or to say what is really true. Synonyms: actually, as a matter of fact	actually; really	I don't mind the cold; in fact, I prefer winter to summer.
It introduces something that corrects or sharpens what came before, often surprisingly: I prefer winter, in fact. Put it at the start with a comma, or in the middle. Actually does the same job in speech.
fairlyneutral /ˈfɛrli/ to some degree, but not very Synonyms: quite, rather	quite; moderately	The restaurant was fairly busy, but we found a table without waiting.
It goes before an adjective or another adverb: fairly busy, fairly quickly. It is weaker than very, so fairly good is mild praise rather than a compliment. A separate sense is justly: treat people fairly.
ratherneutral /ˈræðər/ to some degree; also used to show preference Synonyms: quite, fairly	quite; somewhat	The weather has been rather cold for this time of year.
Before an adjective it means quite, often hinting that the amount is more than expected: rather cold for June. Would rather plus a base verb shows preference: I would rather stay. Rather than compares two choices.
to be in charge ofneutral /bi ɪn ˈtʃɑrdʒ əv/ to be the person responsible for something Synonyms: be responsible for	responsible for; running	She is in charge of the marketing department.
Of plus the thing or the people follows: in charge of marketing. There is no article before charge. Take charge means to start leading, while in the charge of someone means under their care, which is the opposite direction.
to take into accountneutral /ˌteɪk ˈɪntu əˈkaʊnt/ to consider something when deciding Synonyms: consider, factor in	consider; allow for	You should take into account the cost of living when comparing salaries.
A noun object can go in the middle or at the end: take the cost into account, or take into account the cost. A pronoun must go in the middle: take it into account. Take account of something means the same.
to look intoneutral /ˌlʊk ˈɪntu/ to examine or investigate something Synonyms: examine, check into, follow up on	investigate; examine	The police are looking into the cause of the accident.
It is softer than investigate, which is why companies use it in replies, and it suits complaints, problems and crimes. Look at is a quick glance, not a study. The object follows the whole verb: look into the cause.
to come up withneutral /ˌkʌm ˈʌp wɪθ/ to think of an idea or solution Synonyms: think of, devise	think of; produce	We need to come up with a solution before the next meeting.
All three words stay together and the object follows, even a pronoun: come up with it. It fits ideas, names, excuses, solutions and money you have to find. Think of is the plainer everyday choice.
to get awayneutral /ˌɡɛt əˈweɪ/ To go somewhere for a short holiday or to escape from a place. Synonyms: take a break, escape, slip away	take a short break	We're hoping to get away for a few days in May.
No object follows; add from plus the place or thing: get away from the city. In the holiday sense it often comes with hope, try or manage. The noun is one word, a getaway, and get away with something means to escape punishment.
to turn outneutral /ˌtɜrn ˈaʊt/ to be discovered to be; to have a final result Synonyms: prove to be	prove to be; end up	The project turned out to be much more complicated than expected.
Two patterns: turn out to be plus a noun or adjective, and it turns out that plus a clause. It reports something you did not know before, so it carries a hint of surprise. It also means to produce goods, or to switch off a light.
to pay backneutral /ˌpeɪ ˈbæk/ To give someone the money that you borrowed from them. Synonyms: repay	repay; return money	I'll pay you back as soon as I get my salary.
The person goes in the middle: pay you back, pay me back. A sum can follow instead: pay back the loan. A second sense is revenge: pay someone back for something. The noun payback is usually about revenge or return on money.
to show offinformal /ˌʃoʊ ˈɔf/ To try to make people admire you or what you have. Synonyms: boast, brag, flaunt	boast; seek admiration	He's always showing off about his expensive new car.
With no object it is always disapproving: he is showing off. Use show off about something you did. With an object it can be neutral and means to display well: the dress shows off her shoulders. A person who does it is a show-off.
to be supposed toneutral /bi səˈpoʊzd tu/ to be expected or required to do something Synonyms: be expected to	expected to; meant to	We're supposed to hand in the report by the end of the week.
It reports a rule or an expectation, often one not yet met: we are supposed to hand it in. The past, was supposed to, usually signals that it did not happen. The d is barely heard before to, and a base verb follows.
approachneutral /əˈproʊtʃ/ a way of doing or thinking about something Synonyms: method, way	a method; a way	We need a different approach to solve this problem.
It takes to, not of: an approach to the problem. As a verb it means to come near, or to contact someone with a proposal: she approached her boss. Method and way are plainer.
annualneutral /ˈænjuəl/ happening once every year Synonyms: yearly, once a year	yearly	The company's annual report showed a strong increase in profits.
It goes before the noun: the annual report, an annual fee. Yearly means the same and sounds less formal, and once a year is the everyday phrase. The adverb is annually: the fee is charged annually.
budgetneutral /ˈbʌdʒɪt/ the amount of money available for something Synonyms: funds, spending plan, allowance	money available; a spending plan	We don't have the budget to hire additional staff at the moment.
You have the budget for something, and the usual frames are a tight budget, within budget and over budget. It is also a verb, budget for a cost, and an adjective meaning cheap: a budget airline, a budget hotel.
optionneutral /ˈɑpʃən/ one of the things you can choose Synonyms: choice, alternative	a choice	We have several options, but we need to choose the most cost-effective one.
You have options, weigh them and choose one, and keep your options open is a fixed phrase. The adjective optional means not required. Choice is the plainer word.
responseneutral /rɪˈspɑns/ an answer or reaction to something Synonyms: answer, reply	an answer; a reaction	The government's response to the crisis was slow and ineffective.
It takes to, not of: a response to the crisis, and in response to is the fixed phrase for writing. The verb is respond, which also takes to: respond to an email.
feedbackneutral /ˈfidˌbæk/ comments about how good or bad something is Synonyms: comments, input	comments; reactions	I'd appreciate it if you could give me some feedback on my presentation.
Uncountable and one word, so never feedbacks or a feedback: some feedback, a piece of feedback. You give, get or ask for feedback, and it is feedback on something. Comments is the countable alternative.
lackneutral /læk/ the state of not having enough of something Synonyms: shortage, absence	a shortage; absence	The project failed due to a lack of proper planning.
As a noun it is a lack of something: a lack of planning. As a verb it takes a direct object with no of: the plan lacks detail, never lacks of detail. Mixing those two patterns is the usual mistake.
featureneutral /ˈfitʃər/ an important part or quality of something Synonyms: characteristic, aspect	a part; a quality	The best feature of this phone is its long battery life.
It takes of: the best feature of this phone. As a verb it means to include as something important: the film features a new actor. In the plural it can also mean the parts of a face.
goalneutral /ɡoʊl/ something you want to achieve Synonyms: aim, objective	an aim; a target	My main goal this year is to pass my English exam.
You set, reach or achieve a goal, and the pattern is my goal is to do something. It also means a score in sports and the net itself. Aim is close, and objective is the formal business word.
attitudeneutral /ˈætɪˌtud/ the way you think and feel about something Synonyms: outlook, mindset	a way of thinking	A positive attitude can make a huge difference in the workplace.
Use attitude to or toward a thing or a person, and positive, negative and relaxed are common before it. On its own in speech it can mean rudeness: he gave me attitude.
anxiousneutral /ˈæŋkʃəs/ very worried or nervous Synonyms: worried, uneasy, tense	worried; nervous	She felt anxious about her job interview the next day.
Anxious about something is the worried sense; anxious to do something means eager instead. The noun is anxiety, /æŋˈzaɪəti/, where the x sounds like z. Nervous is close but usually about one coming moment.
exhaustedneutral /ɪɡˈzɔstɪd/ extremely tired Synonyms: worn out, drained	completely worn out	I was completely exhausted after running the half marathon.
The x here sounds like gz. It is an extreme adjective, so it takes absolutely or completely rather than very. It also describes supplies that are used up: exhausted reserves. The noun is exhaustion.
frustratedneutral /ˈfrʌstreɪtɪd/ annoyed because you cannot do what you want Synonyms: annoyed	annoyed; blocked	He became frustrated when the computer kept crashing.
Frustrated with a person or thing, frustrated by an obstacle, frustrated at a situation. It means you cannot get what you want, which is narrower than angry. A frustrating thing causes it; a frustrated person feels it.
loyalneutral /ˈlɔɪəl/ Always supporting a person, group or idea, even in difficult times. Synonyms: faithful	faithful; steady	A loyal friend stays by your side when things go wrong.
Loyal to a person, a team or a brand. The noun is loyalty and the opposite is disloyal. It means staying through difficulty, so it is stronger than friendly. Loyalty card and loyal customer are common in business.
confusedneutral /kənˈfjuzd/ Unable to understand something or to think clearly. Synonyms: puzzled	unable to understand	I was confused by the instructions, so I asked for help.
Confused about a topic, confused by the thing that caused it. A confused person feels it, while a confusing thing causes it, and swapping those two is the usual error. The noun is confusion.
impressedneutral /ɪmˈprɛst/ feeling admiration for something good Synonyms: amazed	full of admiration	The manager was very impressed by her work during the internship.
Impressed by or with something: impressed by her work. An impressive thing causes the feeling. Not impressed is a dry way to show disapproval. The related noun is impression: make a good impression.
delightedneutral /dɪˈlaɪtɪd/ very happy about something Synonyms: thrilled, overjoyed	very pleased	We were delighted to hear about your engagement.
Three patterns: delighted with something, delighted to do something, and delighted that plus a clause. It is stronger than pleased and common in polite writing: we are delighted to announce. Use absolutely, not very.
concernedneutral /kənˈsɜrnd/ worried about something Synonyms: worried, troubled	worried	Parents are understandably concerned about their children's safety online.
Concerned about a problem, or concerned for a person's safety. Placed after a noun it means involved instead: the people concerned. As far as I am concerned marks a personal view, not worry.
willingneutral /ˈwɪlɪŋ/ happy and ready to do something Synonyms: ready, prepared	ready; prepared to	She's willing to work extra hours to meet the deadline.
An infinitive follows: willing to work late. It describes agreement, not enthusiasm, so it is weaker than eager. The opposite is unwilling, and the noun is willingness to do something.
awareneutral /əˈwɛr/ knowing that something exists or is happening Synonyms: conscious, informed	knowing about	Are you aware of the risks involved in this type of investment?
It follows be and takes of or a that-clause: aware of the risks, aware that it was late. It is not used before a noun. The noun is awareness and the opposite is unaware.
complicatedneutral /ˈkɑmpləˌkeɪtɪd/ difficult to understand because of many parts Synonyms: complex, difficult	complex; hard to follow	The tax system is incredibly complicated and hard to understand.
It describes something with many connected parts. Complex is the neutral word in technical writing, while complicated hints that the difficulty is annoying. The verb is complicate: that complicates things.
temporaryneutral /ˈtɛmpəˌrɛri/ lasting only for a limited time Synonyms: short-term, provisional	short-term; not permanent	This is only a temporary solution while we look for a permanent fix.
It goes before the noun: a temporary solution, temporary staff. The opposite is permanent and the adverb is temporarily. At work the short form is temp: a temp job, a temp agency.
meanwhileneutral /ˈminˌwaɪl/ during the same time; while that happens Synonyms: in the meantime	at the same time	The pasta needs twenty minutes to cook; meanwhile, prepare the sauce.
It opens a sentence or clause, followed by a comma: meanwhile, prepare the sauce. It links two things happening together, or switches the focus in a story. In the meantime means the same during a wait.
at leastneutral /ət ˈlist/ not less than; used to point out something positive Synonyms: no less than, a minimum of, anyway	no less than	You should drink at least two liters of water a day.
Before a number it sets a minimum: at least two liters. Elsewhere it offers comfort after bad news: at least nobody was hurt. The opposite for a maximum is at most, and least is the superlative of little.
according toneutral /əˈkɔrdɪŋ tu/ as said or reported by someone Synonyms: as reported by, as stated by	as reported by	According to the report, unemployment has fallen by two percent.
A noun follows: according to the report. Never use it with me or us; for your own view say in my opinion. It marks information as coming from someone else without saying whether you agree.
as a resultneutral /əz ə rɪˈzʌlt/ because of that Synonyms: consequently, therefore	consequently; because of that	He didn't study enough and, as a result, he failed the exam.
It opens a sentence, or sits between commas in the middle: he did not study and, as a result, failed. To name the cause, add of plus a noun: as a result of the delay. So is the plain spoken version.
to compareneutral /kəmˈpɛr/ to look at differences and similarities between things Synonyms: contrast, weigh, measure against	look at differences	It's difficult to compare the two cities because they're so different.
Compare A with B or compare A to B: with suits examining differences, and to suits saying one thing is like another. Compared with opens a contrast. The noun is comparison, stressed on the second syllable.
riskneutral /rɪsk/ the possibility that something bad will happen Synonyms: danger, hazard	a danger; a chance of harm	There is always a risk involved when starting a new business.
As a verb it takes an -ing form: risk losing your job, never risk to lose. Use risk of something and risk to a person, and at risk means in danger. The adjective is risky.
solutionneutral /səˈluʃən/ the answer to a problem Synonyms: answer, fix	an answer; a fix	We need to find a practical solution to this problem.
It takes to, not of: a solution to the problem. You find, reach or propose one, and the verb is solve. A second sense is a liquid mixture, as in a salt solution.
majorityneutral /məˈdʒɔrəti/ more than half of a group Synonyms: most	most of a group	The majority of employees prefer flexible working hours.
The majority of plus a plural noun takes a plural verb: the majority of employees prefer. The vast majority is the usual intensifier. The opposite is minority, and in elections a majority can mean the winning margin.
policyneutral /ˈpɑləsi/ an official plan or rule of an organization Synonyms: rule, guideline	an official rule or plan	The company has a strict policy on data protection.
Use policy on a subject: a policy on data protection. It is a settled plan of action, which is why company rules are policies. It also names an insurance contract: a life insurance policy.
capableneutral /ˈkeɪpəbəl/ having the ability to do something Synonyms: able, competent, up to the job	able; competent	She's perfectly capable of managing the project on her own.
Capable of plus a noun or an -ing form: capable of managing it. Never capable to do something. Before a noun it means skilled: a capable manager. The noun is capability and the opposite is incapable.
conferenceneutral /ˈkɑnfərəns/ a large formal meeting about a subject Synonyms: convention, summit	a large formal meeting	She presented her research at an international conference in Berlin.
You attend, hold or speak at a conference, you are at a conference, and it is a conference on a subject. A press conference is for journalists, and a video conference is a call with several people.
contributionneutral /ˌkɑntrɪˈbjuʃən/ something you give or do to help a shared effort Synonyms: input, donation	a share; input	Her contribution to the team has been invaluable.
Use contribution to a project or a fund, and it can be money, work or ideas. The verb is contribute, /kənˈtrɪbjut/, with the stress on the second syllable.
to predictneutral /prɪˈdɪkt/ to say what will happen in the future Synonyms: forecast, foresee	forecast; say in advance	Experts predict that the economy will grow by three percent this year.
Predict that plus a clause, or predict a noun: predict growth. The active takes no infinitive, but the passive does: sales are predicted to rise. The noun is prediction: make a prediction. Forecast is the usual word for weather and for economics.
consequenceneutral /ˈkɑnsəˌkwɛns/ the result of an action, often a bad one Synonyms: result, outcome	a result; an effect	Pollution has serious consequences for public health.
It leans negative, unlike the neutral outcome. Use consequence of an action and consequence for the people affected. As a consequence means the same as as a result.
circumstanceneutral /ˈsɜrkəmˌstæns/ a fact or condition that affects a situation Synonyms: condition, situation	a condition; a factor	Under no circumstances should you share your password with anyone.
Usually plural: in these circumstances, under the circumstances. Under no circumstances puts the verb before the subject: under no circumstances should you share it. The singular is rare outside formal writing.
throughoutneutral /θruˈaʊt/ during the whole of a time or place Synonyms: all through	all through; everywhere in	The temperature remained high throughout the summer.
A noun follows, for time or for place: throughout the summer, throughout the building. It can also stand alone at the end: it rained throughout. It stresses the whole span, which during does not.
to wrap upinformal /ˌræp ˈʌp/ to finish something, like a meeting or task Synonyms: finish, close, bring to an end	finish; conclude	Let's wrap up the meeting so everyone can get back to work.
It suits meetings, projects and discussions: let's wrap it up, with a pronoun in the middle. The literal sense is to cover a gift, and wrap up warm is about clothes. The w is silent.

English B1 Official

Rate this Deck

Word List — click grammar notes to expand

More English Decks

English B1 — Work & Education

English B1 — Health & Lifestyle

English B1 — Media & Culture

Business English — Meetings & Email

English Phrasal Verbs — Everyday

English B2