Vocabulary to Improve your Writing

and Speaking in the CAE Exam

One of the things which you will be evaluated on in the Writing and Speaking parts of
Cambridge Advanced exam is your use of English vocabulary.
To get a higher mark in these parts you need to use a variety of words and phrases.
To help you do this, you'll find below a list of advanced synonyms that you can use for
some common English words that you will already know and use.
Although all of these words/phrases are synonyms, some are used slightly differently to
the main word (e.g. they could be used in a different part of the sentence etc...). So read
the description below each synonym and read the example sentence to make sure that
you use them correctly.

Practise using them

Before you see the list of synonyms, there is one thing you need to know. In order to
remember them for the exam, you need practise using them as much as possible. So
make sure that you create sentences in your own words using them. You can either
write these down or just say them, it's your choice, but try to make as many sentences
as you can.

The Words:

Also
This is used to support an argument you or another person is making (to give extra
reasons/examples) and to give extra information about a thing or person (e.g. 'I also play
football')
Although these synonyms have the same meaning as 'also', what you say when using
them is different to what you would say if only using 'also'. For many of them, you have
to say what the previous reason or example was directly after using them (which you
don't do when using 'also' by it self). In addition to that, many of them will also use 'also'
later in the sentence (like this sentence for example).

In addition to
This is normally used to connect/link the information in two sentences together. You
follow it by saying what the previous argument you made or piece of information about
the thing was:
'Going to university is good for your job prospects in the future. In addition to
improving your job prospects, it also helps your intellectual development.'
You can also use 'in addition' as well. But if you do, you don't follow it by saying what
the previous argument you made or piece of information about the thing was:
'Going to university is good for your job prospects in the future. In addition, it
also helps your intellectual development.'

On top of
This is used in exactly the same way as you use 'in addition to', but shouldn't be used
when writing formal pieces of writing (e.g. essays, reports, proposals):
'Going to university is good for your job prospects in the future. On top of
improving your job prospects, it also helps your intellectual development.'

Besides
This can be used to both connect/link two pieces of information together in the same
sentence and connect/link the information in two sentences together:
'Going to university is good for your job prospects in the future. Besides
improving your job prospects, it also helps your intellectual development.'

Not only..., but...also...

This is normally used to connect/link two pieces of information together in the same
sentence. If you use it, you need to use a question like structure (e.g. 'did he...', 'were
they...' etc...) directly after the 'Not only':
'Not only does going to university help your job prospects, but it also helps
your intellectual development.'
Along with
This is normally used to connect/link two pieces of information together in the same
sentence:
'Going to university is good for your job prospects in the future. Along with
improving your job prospects, it also helps your intellectual development.'

As well as
This is normally used to connect/link two pieces of information together in the same
sentence. This shouldn't be used when writing formal pieces of writing (e.g. essays,
reports, proposals):
'Going to university is good for your job prospects in the future. As well as
improving your job prospects, it also helps your intellectual development.'

Although
The word 'although' is commonly used to say there is a contradiction between a
situation ('it was raining') and what happened or will happen ('I went for a walk'). The
word 'although' and its synonyms below are always used in front of the situation (e.g.
'although it was raining'). This is different to another word used for making a contrast,
'but'. With 'but', you use it in front of the what happened or will happen (e.g. 'but I went
for a walk').

Despite the fact that

It is used in exactly the same way as 'although':
'Despite the fact that most people are very worried about global warming,
very few people are willing to change things in their life in order to stop it.'
You can also just use 'despite'. But if you do, it should only be followed by a noun or
noun phrase (e.g. 'the heavy rain'):
'Despite the film being nearly 3 hours long, I never looked at my watch while
watching the film in the cinema.'
In spite of the fact that
It is used in exactly the same way as 'although':
'In spite of the fact that most people are very worried about global
warming, very few people are willing to change things in their life in order to
stop it.'
You can also just use 'in spite of'. But if you do, it should only be followed by a noun or
noun phrase (e.g. 'the heavy rain'):
'In spite of the film being nearly 3 hours long, I never looked at my watch
while watching the film in the cinema.'

Even though
It is used in exactly the same way as 'although':
'Even though most people are very worried about global warming, very few
people are willing to change things in their life in order to stop it.'

Though
It is used in exactly the same way as 'although', but shouldn't be used when writing
formal pieces of writing (e.g. essays, reports, proposals):
'Though most people are very worried about global warming, very few people
are willing to change things in their life in order to stop it.'

Because
This is used to give a reason why something happened, happens or will happen.

Due to the fact that

It is used in exactly the same way as 'because':
'I don't think that many people would choose to stop using their car, due to the
fact that public transport is slow and often dirty.'
You can also just use 'due to'. But if you do, it should only be followed by a noun or noun
phrase (e.g. 'the heavy rain'):
'Due to public transport being slow and dirty, I don't think that many people
would choose to stop using their car.'

Owing to the fact that

Is used in exactly the same way as 'because':
'Owing to the fact that public transport is slow and often dirty, I don't think
that many people would choose to stop using their car.
You can also just use 'owing to'. But if you do, it should only be followed by a noun or
noun phrase (e.g. 'the heavy rain'):
'I don't think that many people would choose to stop using their car, owing to
public transport being slow and dirty.'

On account of the fact that

Is used in exactly the same way as 'because':
'On account of the fact that public transport is slow and often dirty, I don't
think that many people would choose to stop using their car.'
You can also just use 'on account of'. But like the two previous synonyms, if you use this
shortened version, it has to be followed by a noun or noun phrase (e.g. 'the heavy rain'):
'On account of public transport being slow and dirty, I don't think that many
people would choose to stop using their car.'

As
Is used in exactly the same way as 'because', but shouldn't be used when writing formal
pieces of writing (e.g. essays, reports, proposals):
'As university is now very expensive to go to, more and more young people are
now choosing not to go.'

Since
Is used in exactly the same way as 'because', but shouldn't be used when writing formal
pieces of writing (e.g. essays, reports, proposals):
'Since university is now very expensive to go to, more and more young people
are now choosing not to go.'

Because of
This form of 'because' is used as a preposition (i.e. it can only be followed by a noun or
noun phrase):
'Because of public transport being slow and dirty, I don't think that many
people would choose to stop using their car.'

Believe/think
The below synonyms of 'believe' or 'think' are used when expressing your opinion about
something.

Consider
Used to give your opinion on something like 'believe' or 'think'. When you use 'consider',
it sounds like you have thought a lot on the topic/subject/issue:
'I don't consider global warming to be such an important reason why people
would choose to stop using their car.'

Regard
Used to give your opinion on something like 'believe' or 'think':
'I don't regard global warming to be such an important reason why people
would choose to stop using their car.'

It is my view
Used to give your opinion on something like 'believe' or 'think':
'It is my view that if most people were given the choice, they'd prefer to travel
by their own car than by public transport.'
Reckon
Used to give your opinion on something like 'believe' or 'think', but shouldn't be used
when writing formal pieces of writing (e.g. essays, reports, proposals):
'I reckon that if most people were given the choice, they'd prefer to travel by
their own car than by public transport.'

Feel
Used to give your opinion on something like 'believe' or 'think', but shouldn't be used
when writing formal pieces of writing (e.g. essays, reports, proposals):
'I feel that if most people were given the choice, they'd prefer to travel by their
own car than by public transport.'

But (meaning 1)
This first use of the word 'but' (there are synonyms for another meaning of it after this)
is used to say there is a contradiction between a situation ('it was raining') and what
happened or will happen ('I went for a walk'). The word 'but' and its synonyms below are
always used in front of the what happened or will happen (e.g. 'but I went for a walk').
This is different to another word used for making a contrast, 'although', which is always
used in front of the situation instead (e.g. 'although it was raining').
In addition, it is also used when you want to contradict what you or another person has
said or written before.

However,
Is used in the same way as 'but', but it is generally followed by a comma and is normally
used (but not always) at the beginning of a sentence to contrast what was stated/said in
the previous sentence:
'Most people are very worried about global warming. However, very few
people are willing to change things in their life in order to stop it.'

Nevertheless,
Used like 'however'. It can used in both the middle of a sentence (to connect the two
parts/clauses) and at the beginning of a sentence to contrast what was stated/said in
the previous sentence:
'Most people are very worried about global warming, nevertheless very few
people are willing to change things in their life in order to stop it.'

Nonetheless,
Is used in exactly the same way as 'nevertheless':
'Most people are very worried about global warming, nonetheless very few
people are willing to change things in their life in order to stop it.'

Despite that,
Is used in exactly the same way as 'however':
'Most people are very worried about global warming. Despite that, very few
people are willing to change things in their life in order to stop it.'

Even so,
Is used in the same way as 'but'. You also can 'but' in front of it is you want (e.g. 'but
even so'). It shouldn't be used when writing formal pieces of writing (e.g. essays, reports,
proposals):
'Most people are very worried about global warming. Even so, very few people
are willing to change things in their life in order to stop it.'

Yet,
Is used in the same way as 'but':
'Most people are very worried about global warming, yet very few people are
willing to change things in their life in order to stop it.'

But (meaning 2)
The second use of the word 'but' is used to say that there is a difference when directly
comparing two things together (e.g. 'I like oranges, but my brother doesn't like them').
You can use these when comparing the photos or talking about the different options in
parts 2 and 3 of the Speaking exam.

Whereas
Is used in the same way as 'but':
'The people in the first photo appear to be feeling frustrated. Whereas those in
the third photo look like they’re more anxious.'

Whilst
Is used in the same way as 'but':
'The people in the first photo appear to be feeling frustrated. Whilst those in the
third photo appear to be more anxious.''

However,
Is used in the same way as 'but':
'The people in the first photo appear to be feeling frustrated. However, those in
the third photo look as though they’re more anxious.'

Conversely,
Is used in the same way as 'but':
'The people in the first photo appear to be feeling frustrated. Conversely, those
in the third photo seem to be more anxious.''

For example
Below are synonyms of 'for example' that you can use when wanting to give examples to
support an opinion.

For instance,
Is used in the same way as 'for example':
'There are many things that you can do to reduce traffic in cities. For
instance, charging drivers to enter it.'

Such as
Used as a preposition (so followed by either a noun or noun phrase). You can also end
the sentence where you use it with 'for example' or 'for instance':
'There are many things that you can do to reduce traffic in cities, such as
charging drivers to enter it for example.'

Like
Used as a preposition (so followed by either a noun or noun phrase). You can also end
the sentence where you use it with 'for example' or 'for instance':
'There are many things that you can do to reduce traffic in cities, like charging
drivers to enter it for instance.'

Say
This is good for referring to things you or your partner said before (especially in the
Speaking part of the exam).

State
Used with the same meaning of 'say' when you want to refer to what you or the other
person said before:
'As you stated before, people will normally choose the thing which is the
cheapest to buy.'

Remark
Used with the same meaning of 'say' when you want to refer to what you or the other
person said before:
'As I remarked before, people will normally choose the thing which is the
cheapest to buy.'
Comment on
Used with the same meaning of 'say' when you want to refer to what you or the other
person said before:
'As we commented on before, people will normally choose the thing which is
the cheapest to buy.'

Mention
Used with the same meaning of 'say' when you want to refer to what you or the other
person said before:
'As I mentioned before, people will normally choose the thing which is the
cheapest to buy.'

Discuss
Used with the same meaning of 'say' when you want to refer to what was said before.
However, this should only be used to say what you talked about together (so you can
only use 'we' in front of it):
'As we discussed before, people will normally choose the thing which is the
cheapest to buy.'

Seem
Like with seem, the below synonyms are used when you want to express a bit of
uncertainty when saying why some happened, what happened or when describing what
you can see in the photos in the speaking part of the exam.

Appear
Used in the same way as 'seem':
'The people in the photo appear to be in a library or maybe a book shop due to
their being a lot of books around them.'
Look like
Used in the same way as 'seem':
'The people in the photo look like they are in a library or maybe a book shop
due to their being a lot of books around them.'

Look as though
Used in the same way as 'seem':
'The people in the photo look as though they are in a library or maybe a book
shop due to their being a lot of books around them.'

So
It has many meanings. Below are the synonyms for 'so' when it is used with the meaning
of 'as a result' or 'for this reason' (when you want to give or explain what the
consequences or the results of something happening were, are or will be. For example, 'I
was very tired, so I went to bed.').

Therefore
Used in a similar way to 'so'. However, it normally starts a new sentence:
'It is still a lot cheaper and quicker to eat junk food than it is healthy food.
Therefore, poor people especially continuing eating a lot of it in their diet.'

Thus
Used in a similar way to 'so'. However, it normally starts a new sentence:
'It is still a lot cheaper and quicker to eat junk food than it is healthy food. Thus,
poor people especially continuing eating a lot of it in their diet.'

As a consequence
Used in the same way to 'so':
'It is still a lot cheaper and quicker to eat junk food than it is healthy food. As a
consequence, poor people especially continuing eating a lot of it in their diet.'
You can also use 'consequently' in exactly the same way:
'It is still a lot cheaper and quicker to eat junk food than it is healthy food.
Consequently, poor people especially continuing eating a lot of it in their diet.'

Hence that is why

Used in the same way to 'so':
'It is still a lot cheaper and quicker to eat junk food than it is healthy food.
Hence that is why poor people especially continuing eating a lot of it in their
diet.'