Boost your vocabulary : avoid overused words
Here are some words that students tend to use far too much... and useful alternatives to make your
expression more sophisticated!
good a correct* / suitable* answer
an appropriate* response
a relevant* / apt remark
sound advice (Unc.) / tips
a satisfying result
a proper* attitude
an adequate* offer
(very) bad a wrong / inaccurate figure
an unfortunate incident
cf. a serious injury
adjectives* a fatal / tragic accident
above in the appalling / dreadful weather
negative live in squalid conditions
form
great an impressive / outstanding
/ breathtaking performance
a brilliant / excellent idea
an exceptional achievement
a superb / remarkable artist
an extraordinary memory
important a(n) (in)valuable contribution
a key / vital / pivotal role
an essential element
our primary responsibility
a landmark / historic event
a decisive / critical moment
difficult a demanding job
a challenging assignment
interesting a compelling argument
a thought-provoking quote
a stimulating conversation
an appealing suggestion
big a major / significant move
a large / considerable
amount of (+ U) / number of
extensive / vast knowledge
a predominant part
an immense wealth
small an insignificant difference
a minor offence (US: -ense)
insufficient / scarce crops
famous a high-profile politician
a legendary singer
real a genuine talent / interest
a true friend, an outright fool an authentic document
a convenient* arrangement
an attractive* proposal
a fair* deal, a decent wage
a fine wine / collection of...
an auspicious start /beginning
a promising career
a gifted / talented author
an absurd / foolish reaction
an awkward situation
a lame / flimsy excuse
a bleak / gloomy / grim future
a dreary / dismal prospect
a useless / pointless exercise
a hopeless cook, a sore loser
a splendid / glorious day
a magnificent / stunning view
a gorgeous / wondrous sight
a sensational sports car
a dazzling career
spectacular / astounding skills
a capital / crucial measure
a noteworthy evolution
a momentous occasion
an unprecedented level
a radical / drastic change
a seminal article
a complex / complicated task a tough / harsh upbringing
a painful < agonizing dilemma a strained relationship
an entertaining show
an absorbing / engrossing film
a gripping / riveting novel
a fascinating / captivating plot
a hefty fine, a bulky package
a tremendous noise
a stark / sharp contrast
a stupendous turmoil
an awesome shock
a broad grin / avenue
a weak argument
a negligible / limited result
a meagre salary
a renowned area
a well-known face
the actual costs, a born liar
funny a comical situation
a positive development
an effective* means (of + Ving)
an efficient* method / system
a beneficial effect
an enjoyable / agreeable* day
a valid excuse
a worthy* cause
an evil genius
a criminal / foul activity
a horrific / horrendous crime
gruesome / ghastly details
a harmful / damaging /
adverse / detrimental effect
dire/disastrous consequences
a marvellous (US: -l- ) feeling
admirable qualities
absolute discretion / integrity
a first-rate university
a thrilling / terrific (inf.) game
a top-notch (inf.) restaurant
an influential businesswoman
a prominent scientist
a leading / foremost expert
a groundbreaking innovation
far-reaching benefits
biodiversity is of concern to us
a spell-binding story
an exhilarating trip
a fulfilling / rewarding mission
it is worth noting that...
a gigantic statue
a sizeable investment (US: -za-)
a hearty / substantial meal
a colossal / prodigious output
a massive effort / scale
an abundant supply
a thin / narrow margin
in minute detail
a slight improvement
a celebrated writer
an infamous / notorious killer
indisputable evidence (Unc.)
an undeniable similarity
an amusing article
a humorous account
shocked - astonished / astounded /
surprised flabbergasted to hear that...
confused a baffled / bewildered crowd
obvious a blatant / glaring injustice
fast, quick a brisk pace / discussion
a rapid growth
a cursory / brief examination a fleeting glimpse
boring tedious chores
an idea a high opinion of sb
a positive outlook on life
religious and political beliefs reject a proposal
a problem some financial difficulties
a few technical glitches
ethical / health issues
the climate change question
that's none of my concern
a thing advertising / personal matter take all factors into account
few personal belongings
a lot of + Count. N
(a great) many / quite a few /
a large number of people
numerous instances
various / multiple solutions
countless / innumerable fans
sundry distant relatives
dozens of employees
very, really completely / absolutely still
entirely / wholly convinced
extremely intricate
tremendously successful
overwhelmingly rural areas
totally unacceptable
thoroughly confused
think consider the matter
(about) ponder for a while
reflect (up)on the offer
be about deal with the subject of...
tell the story of...
consider the benefits of...
deal with tackle / address an issue
handle the job
an ironic / sarcastic comment
a hilarious comedy
staggered at + N
dumbfounded by such lies
a puzzled / perplexed look
no outright winner
take swift action against...
a prompt reply
a wearisome conversation
convey the impression that... the thought of (+ V-ing)
consider all points of view a vague notion of...
a suggestion for improvements
a speech impediment
a heavy / huge burden
the scourge / plague of war
poverty is the bane of my life
not having a car is a liability
every aspect of his life
a (whole) host of reasons
a swarm of photographers
a variety of purposes
a slew of statistics
a myriad / plethora of rules
scores of volunteers
a wide array of new taxes
a diverse range of courses
surprisingly cheap
incredibly wealthy
dreadfully / terribly sorry
hopelessly smug / lost
deeply moved
horribly noisy
awfully disappointed
reckon it's going to rain
assume / believe / presume
surmise / imagine / suppose
mention the necessity of / to
refer to sb's childhood
raise the question of...
cope with the aftermath of...
(at)tend to the worst injured
Wilde, Churchill were witty men
stupefied by the news
a stunned silence
nonplussed > bemused by...
a patent / flagrant error / lie
a hasty decision
a hurried breakfast
a dull / humdrum existence
take place without hindrance =
go without a hitch (inf.)
have (a lot of) trouble (+ V-ing)
correct the flaws / shortcomings
overcome a hurdle / obstacle
a recent phenomenon (pl: -na)
a series of events
+ Uncount. N
much / a large / an inordinate
(= excessive) amount of time /
energy / money, ...
a great deal of courage
a wealth of teaching experience
a flurry of excitement / activity
perfectly capable
utterly devastated
especially worth noting that...
particularly brutal
highly doubtful
truly memorable
downright (inf.) unhelpful
feel, have a / the feeling that...
contemplate the future
dwell on the past
bring out the point that ...
focus on another point
offer / provide an insight into...
examine the role of...