Learn a meaning, a pattern and a use
Knowing a word means more than recognizing its translation. You need to know what it means in the sentence, which words commonly accompany it and whether it fits the situation. Each entry below gives a short meaning, an original example and a collocation or phrase pattern.
This is PrepEx's selection of useful language, not an official CELPIP list. The examples cover different tasks and situations; they are not a script to memorize or predictions of future questions. Some entries are simple because precision matters at every level. Others help express a condition, comparison or consequence without making the response harder to follow.
Try five to ten entries at a time. Read the example, cover it, then produce a new sentence about a different situation. For Speaking, say it aloud in a short connected answer. For Writing, check that the phrase performs a useful job in your paragraph.
Compare efficient and effective. A booking process can be efficient because it uses less staff time, yet ineffective if people still receive the wrong appointment. Learning the difference gives you a clearer argument than treating both words as substitutes for “good.”
200 useful words and phrases
200 entries in 10 topic groups.
Work and schedules
shift
Meaning: a scheduled period of work.
Example: My evening shift ends at ten.
Useful pattern: work an evening shift
deadline
Meaning: the latest time something must be finished.
Example: We need the final design before Friday's deadline.
Useful pattern: meet a deadline
workload
Meaning: the amount of work someone has.
Example: Sharing the calls would reduce your workload.
Useful pattern: manage a heavy workload
handover
Meaning: the transfer of work or responsibility.
Example: Please leave a short handover note for the next team.
Useful pattern: a smooth handover
colleague
Meaning: someone you work with.
Example: A colleague offered to cover my shift.
Useful pattern: ask a colleague
supervisor
Meaning: a person who oversees work.
Example: My supervisor approved the schedule change.
Useful pattern: check with a supervisor
annual leave
Meaning: paid time away from work each year.
Example: I have booked annual leave for the first week of June.
Useful pattern: request annual leave
flexible hours
Meaning: working times that can be adjusted.
Example: Flexible hours would help staff who collect children after school.
Useful pattern: offer flexible hours
commute
Meaning: the regular journey between home and work.
Example: The new route would shorten my commute.
Useful pattern: a shorter commute
available
Meaning: free or ready to be used.
Example: I am available for a meeting on Thursday afternoon.
Useful pattern: available for a meeting
prioritize
Meaning: decide what needs attention first.
Example: We should prioritize urgent repairs this week.
Useful pattern: prioritize urgent tasks
delegate
Meaning: give someone responsibility for a task.
Example: You could delegate the routine calls to another team member.
Useful pattern: delegate a task
cover for
Meaning: do someone's work while they are away.
Example: Could you cover for me on Monday morning?
Useful pattern: cover for a colleague
reschedule
Meaning: arrange a different time.
Example: I need to reschedule our appointment because my shift has changed.
Useful pattern: reschedule an appointment
work overtime
Meaning: work beyond normal hours.
Example: Several employees worked overtime to finish the order.
Useful pattern: agree to work overtime
fall behind
Meaning: make less progress than planned.
Example: We fell behind when the delivery arrived late.
Useful pattern: fall behind schedule
catch up
Meaning: reach the expected level of progress.
Example: An extra practice session helped me catch up.
Useful pattern: catch up on work
on short notice
Meaning: with little advance warning.
Example: Thank you for meeting me on short notice.
Useful pattern: arrange something on short notice
in advance
Meaning: before something happens.
Example: Please tell the team in advance if you need to leave early.
Useful pattern: book in advance
follow up
Meaning: take further action on an earlier matter.
Example: I will follow up with the supplier tomorrow.
Useful pattern: follow up on a request
Housing and neighbors
tenant
Meaning: a person who rents a property.
Example: The tenant reported a leak in the kitchen.
Useful pattern: a new tenant
landlord
Meaning: a person or organization that rents out property.
Example: I emailed the landlord about the broken heater.
Useful pattern: contact the landlord
lease
Meaning: an agreement to rent property for a period.
Example: Our lease ends in September.
Useful pattern: renew a lease
deposit
Meaning: money paid in advance as security or part payment.
Example: Please explain when the deposit will be returned.
Useful pattern: pay a deposit
maintenance
Meaning: work that keeps something in good condition.
Example: The elevator needs regular maintenance.
Useful pattern: routine maintenance
repair
Meaning: fix damage or a fault.
Example: Could someone repair the lock this week?
Useful pattern: arrange a repair
leak
Meaning: an unwanted escape of liquid or gas.
Example: There is a leak beneath the bathroom sink.
Useful pattern: report a leak
insulation
Meaning: material that reduces heat loss or noise.
Example: Better insulation would keep the apartment warmer.
Useful pattern: improve insulation
shared space
Meaning: an area used by several people.
Example: Please remove personal boxes from the shared space.
Useful pattern: keep shared spaces clear
quiet hours
Meaning: times when noise should be kept low.
Example: The building's quiet hours begin at ten.
Useful pattern: respect quiet hours
renovation
Meaning: work that improves or updates a building.
Example: The renovation will temporarily close the laundry room.
Useful pattern: a kitchen renovation
furnished
Meaning: supplied with furniture.
Example: A furnished room would save me the cost of buying a bed.
Useful pattern: a furnished apartment
utilities
Meaning: services such as electricity and water.
Example: The advertised rent does not include utilities.
Useful pattern: pay utility bills
storage
Meaning: space or arrangements for keeping things.
Example: We need secure storage for bicycles.
Useful pattern: extra storage space
move in
Meaning: begin living in a place.
Example: We plan to move in at the end of the month.
Useful pattern: move into an apartment
move out
Meaning: stop living in a place.
Example: Please inspect the room before I move out.
Useful pattern: move out of a room
wear and tear
Meaning: gradual damage from normal use.
Example: The marks appear to be ordinary wear and tear.
Useful pattern: normal wear and tear
notice period
Meaning: time required between notification and an action.
Example: Check the notice period before ending the agreement.
Useful pattern: give the required notice
nearby
Meaning: not far away.
Example: There is a small grocery store nearby.
Useful pattern: nearby facilities
accessible
Meaning: easy to reach or use.
Example: The entrance should be accessible to wheelchair users.
Useful pattern: an accessible entrance
Shopping and services
receipt
Meaning: a document confirming payment.
Example: I have attached the receipt for the damaged lamp.
Useful pattern: keep a receipt
refund
Meaning: money returned after a payment.
Example: I would prefer a refund because the replacement is unavailable.
Useful pattern: request a refund
replacement
Meaning: something supplied instead of another item.
Example: The store sent a replacement charger.
Useful pattern: receive a replacement
warranty
Meaning: a promise to repair or replace certain faulty goods.
Example: Could you check whether the repair is covered by the warranty?
Useful pattern: under warranty
faulty
Meaning: not working correctly.
Example: The faulty switch makes the kettle difficult to use.
Useful pattern: a faulty appliance
damaged
Meaning: physically harmed or broken.
Example: The parcel arrived with a damaged corner.
Useful pattern: damaged packaging
exchange
Meaning: replace an item with another.
Example: May I exchange this jacket for a smaller size?
Useful pattern: exchange an item
out of stock
Meaning: not currently available to buy.
Example: The blue model is out of stock until next month.
Useful pattern: temporarily out of stock
delivery window
Meaning: the period when a delivery is expected.
Example: Could you offer a narrower delivery window?
Useful pattern: confirm a delivery window
tracking number
Meaning: a code used to follow a delivery.
Example: The tracking number shows that the parcel is still in transit.
Useful pattern: use a tracking number
invoice
Meaning: a document requesting payment for goods or services.
Example: The invoice includes a charge I do not recognize.
Useful pattern: check an invoice
quote
Meaning: an estimated price offered for work.
Example: Please send a written quote before beginning the repair.
Useful pattern: request a quote
appointment
Meaning: an arranged time to meet or receive a service.
Example: I booked an appointment to have the bicycle repaired.
Useful pattern: book an appointment
subscription
Meaning: an arrangement for regular access or deliveries.
Example: I would like to pause my monthly subscription.
Useful pattern: cancel a subscription
renew
Meaning: extend an agreement or service.
Example: Please remind me before the membership renews.
Useful pattern: renew a membership
cancellation
Meaning: the act of ending an arrangement.
Example: Please confirm the cancellation by email.
Useful pattern: a cancellation confirmation
inconvenience
Meaning: trouble or difficulty caused by a situation.
Example: The delayed delivery caused considerable inconvenience.
Useful pattern: cause inconvenience
resolve
Meaning: find a satisfactory answer to a problem.
Example: I hope we can resolve this without another visit.
Useful pattern: resolve an issue
compensation
Meaning: something provided to make up for loss or trouble.
Example: I am asking what compensation is available for the missed service.
Useful pattern: request compensation
proof of purchase
Meaning: evidence that an item was bought.
Example: The shop asked for proof of purchase.
Useful pattern: provide proof of purchase
Transport and travel
delay
Meaning: a period of waiting beyond the expected time.
Example: A signal problem caused a twenty-minute delay.
Useful pattern: a significant delay
detour
Meaning: a different route taken to avoid an obstruction.
Example: The roadworks forced us to take a detour.
Useful pattern: take a detour
congestion
Meaning: traffic so heavy that movement is slow.
Example: More frequent buses could reduce congestion near the station.
Useful pattern: traffic congestion
pedestrian
Meaning: a person traveling on foot.
Example: The crossing needs better lighting for pedestrians.
Useful pattern: pedestrian safety
intersection
Meaning: a place where roads meet.
Example: Drivers often block the intersection during rush hour.
Useful pattern: a busy intersection
fare
Meaning: the price of a journey.
Example: The monthly pass costs less than paying a fare each day.
Useful pattern: a bus fare
transfer
Meaning: a change from one service to another.
Example: This journey requires a transfer at Central Station.
Useful pattern: make a transfer
platform
Meaning: the area where passengers board a train.
Example: The departure platform changed shortly before the train arrived.
Useful pattern: wait on the platform
route
Meaning: the path taken from one place to another.
Example: The new route passes the hospital.
Useful pattern: a direct route
frequency
Meaning: how often something happens.
Example: Increasing bus frequency would help evening workers.
Useful pattern: service frequency
reliable
Meaning: able to be trusted to work consistently.
Example: A reliable bus service would make driving less necessary.
Useful pattern: reliable transport
rush hour
Meaning: the busiest travel period of the day.
Example: The train is crowded during rush hour.
Useful pattern: morning rush hour
round trip
Meaning: a journey to a place and back.
Example: The round trip takes about ninety minutes.
Useful pattern: a round-trip ticket
carpool
Meaning: share a car journey with other people.
Example: We could carpool to the workshop.
Useful pattern: arrange a carpool
parking permit
Meaning: official permission to park in a place.
Example: Visitors need a parking permit for the courtyard.
Useful pattern: apply for a parking permit
bicycle lane
Meaning: a marked part of a road for bicycles.
Example: A protected bicycle lane would make the route safer.
Useful pattern: a protected bicycle lane
within walking distance
Meaning: close enough to walk to easily.
Example: The clinic is within walking distance of my apartment.
Useful pattern: within walking distance of the station
miss a connection
Meaning: arrive too late for the next part of a journey.
Example: The delay caused me to miss a connection.
Useful pattern: miss a train connection
set off
Meaning: begin a journey.
Example: We should set off early in case the roads are busy.
Useful pattern: set off early
get around
Meaning: travel from place to place.
Example: Visitors can get around the town without a car.
Useful pattern: get around by bus
Community and public services
resident
Meaning: a person who lives in a place.
Example: Residents would like a safer crossing near the park.
Useful pattern: local residents
volunteer
Meaning: a person who works without being paid.
Example: A volunteer showed us how to register.
Useful pattern: recruit volunteers
facility
Meaning: a place or piece of equipment provided for a purpose.
Example: The sports facility needs a better ventilation system.
Useful pattern: a public facility
funding
Meaning: money provided for an activity.
Example: The program needs funding for weekend sessions.
Useful pattern: secure funding
proposal
Meaning: a suggested plan.
Example: The proposal includes space for a small community garden.
Useful pattern: consider a proposal
outreach
Meaning: efforts to connect a service with people who may need it.
Example: The team uses community events for outreach to new residents.
Useful pattern: community outreach
participation
Meaning: the act of taking part.
Example: Evening sessions may increase participation among working adults.
Useful pattern: encourage participation
inclusive
Meaning: welcoming people with different needs and backgrounds.
Example: An inclusive event should offer activities for different ages.
Useful pattern: an inclusive program
affordable
Meaning: reasonably priced for the person paying.
Example: The center should offer affordable classes for families.
Useful pattern: affordable access
amenity
Meaning: a useful or pleasant feature of a place.
Example: The new benches would be a welcome amenity.
Useful pattern: local amenities
neighborhood
Meaning: the area around where someone lives.
Example: Our neighborhood has few indoor places to meet.
Useful pattern: a residential neighborhood
litter
Meaning: rubbish left in a public place.
Example: More bins could reduce litter near the playground.
Useful pattern: pick up litter
recycling
Meaning: processing used materials so they can be used again.
Example: Clear labels would make recycling easier.
Useful pattern: a recycling bin
sustainability
Meaning: the ability to continue without exhausting resources.
Example: Repairing equipment supports the program's sustainability.
Useful pattern: environmental sustainability
preserve
Meaning: keep something safe or in its existing condition.
Example: The design should preserve the mature trees.
Useful pattern: preserve green space
access
Meaning: the ability or opportunity to enter or use something.
Example: The evening opening provides access for shift workers.
Useful pattern: improve access
priority
Meaning: something considered more important than other things.
Example: Repairing the unsafe steps should be a priority.
Useful pattern: a top priority
public consultation
Meaning: a formal opportunity for the public to comment.
Example: The library announced a public consultation on its plans.
Useful pattern: hold a public consultation
raise awareness
Meaning: help more people understand an issue.
Example: The campaign could raise awareness of food waste.
Useful pattern: raise awareness of a problem
make a difference
Meaning: have a useful or noticeable effect.
Example: A later bus would make a difference to hospital staff.
Useful pattern: make a positive difference
Learning and development
enroll
Meaning: officially join a course or program.
Example: I would like to enroll in the evening photography course.
Useful pattern: enroll in a course
assignment
Meaning: a piece of work given to a learner or worker.
Example: The assignment asks us to compare two advertisements.
Useful pattern: submit an assignment
feedback
Meaning: information about how well something was done.
Example: The feedback helped me make my explanation clearer.
Useful pattern: act on feedback
revise
Meaning: change work to improve or correct it.
Example: I revised the final paragraph to make the request clearer.
Useful pattern: revise a draft
draft
Meaning: an early version of a piece of writing.
Example: My first draft did not explain the main problem.
Useful pattern: a first draft
progress
Meaning: movement toward a goal.
Example: Record your progress after each week of practice.
Useful pattern: make steady progress
concentrate
Meaning: give close attention to something.
Example: I find it easier to concentrate in a quiet room.
Useful pattern: concentrate on a task
retain
Meaning: keep something in memory or possession.
Example: Using new phrases helps me retain them.
Useful pattern: retain information
recall
Meaning: bring something back to mind.
Example: Try to recall the meaning before checking the answer.
Useful pattern: recall a detail
clarify
Meaning: make something easier to understand.
Example: Could you clarify the final instruction?
Useful pattern: clarify a point
summarize
Meaning: state the main points briefly.
Example: Summarize the speaker's reasons in two sentences.
Useful pattern: summarize an argument
interpret
Meaning: understand or explain the meaning of something.
Example: I interpreted the comment as a suggestion, not a promise.
Useful pattern: interpret a comment
consistent
Meaning: remaining similar in quality or behavior.
Example: A consistent routine is easier to maintain.
Useful pattern: consistent practice
manageable
Meaning: possible to deal with without excessive difficulty.
Example: Break the work into manageable sessions.
Useful pattern: a manageable workload
challenging
Meaning: requiring considerable effort or skill.
Example: The final exercise was challenging but useful.
Useful pattern: a challenging task
practical
Meaning: useful in real situations.
Example: The course gave me practical ways to review my writing.
Useful pattern: practical advice
hands-on
Meaning: involving direct experience or activity.
Example: The workshop includes hands-on repair practice.
Useful pattern: hands-on experience
keep track of
Meaning: record or monitor something over time.
Example: Keep track of errors that appear in several drafts.
Useful pattern: keep track of progress
learn from
Meaning: gain understanding through an experience.
Example: I learned from the mistake and checked the address next time.
Useful pattern: learn from feedback
put into practice
Meaning: use an idea or skill in a real activity.
Example: Try a fresh prompt to put the advice into practice.
Useful pattern: put a strategy into practice
Opinions and comparisons
advantage
Meaning: a useful or favorable feature.
Example: One advantage of the earlier class is that I can walk home.
Useful pattern: a clear advantage
drawback
Meaning: a disadvantage or difficulty.
Example: The main drawback is the limited seating.
Useful pattern: a potential drawback
alternative
Meaning: another available choice.
Example: An online session would be a useful alternative.
Useful pattern: a practical alternative
trade-off
Meaning: a balance between a benefit and a cost.
Example: There is a trade-off between a central location and lower rent.
Useful pattern: consider the trade-off
benefit
Meaning: a positive result or useful effect.
Example: Families would benefit from the longer opening hours.
Useful pattern: a lasting benefit
consequence
Meaning: a result of an action or situation.
Example: One consequence would be a longer wait for repairs.
Useful pattern: an unintended consequence
outweigh
Meaning: be more important than something else.
Example: The convenience would outweigh the small extra cost.
Useful pattern: benefits outweigh costs
prefer
Meaning: like or choose one thing more than another.
Example: I prefer the indoor venue because the weather is uncertain.
Useful pattern: prefer one option to another
recommend
Meaning: suggest that something is a good choice.
Example: I recommend keeping the current booking system.
Useful pattern: recommend a change
justify
Meaning: give a good reason for something.
Example: The extra use may justify the cost of a second room.
Useful pattern: justify the expense
reasonable
Meaning: fair or sensible in the circumstances.
Example: A small deposit seems reasonable for expensive equipment.
Useful pattern: a reasonable request
feasible
Meaning: possible to carry out successfully.
Example: A trial on one evening would be feasible with the current staff.
Useful pattern: a feasible plan
efficient
Meaning: using little unnecessary time or effort.
Example: Grouping appointments would make the service more efficient.
Useful pattern: an efficient process
effective
Meaning: producing the intended result.
Example: A clear reminder may be more effective than a longer notice.
Useful pattern: an effective solution
equitable
Meaning: fair in how opportunities or resources are shared.
Example: The funding should be shared in an equitable way.
Useful pattern: equitable access
in contrast
Meaning: used to introduce a difference.
Example: The park is free; in contrast, the indoor venue charges admission.
Useful pattern: in contrast to
whereas
Meaning: while, when comparing different facts.
Example: The first option helps drivers, whereas the second helps pedestrians.
Useful pattern: one option, whereas the other
provided that
Meaning: only if a stated condition is met.
Example: I support the plan provided that evening access remains available.
Useful pattern: agree provided that
on balance
Meaning: after considering the advantages and disadvantages.
Example: On balance, the smaller venue suits our event better.
Useful pattern: on balance, I would choose
from my perspective
Meaning: according to the speaker's view or experience.
Example: From my perspective, reliable opening hours matter more than new furniture.
Useful pattern: from a resident's perspective
Requests and courteous disagreement
would appreciate
Meaning: would be grateful for.
Example: I would appreciate an update before Friday.
Useful pattern: would appreciate your help
could you please
Meaning: a polite way to request an action.
Example: Could you please confirm the delivery date?
Useful pattern: could you please confirm
would you mind
Meaning: a polite way to ask someone to do something.
Example: Would you mind checking the room number?
Useful pattern: would you mind checking
I was wondering
Meaning: a gentle way to introduce a question or request.
Example: I was wondering whether a later appointment is available.
Useful pattern: I was wondering whether
at your convenience
Meaning: at a time that suits the other person.
Example: Please call me at your convenience to discuss the options.
Useful pattern: reply at your convenience
concern
Meaning: a worry or matter needing attention.
Example: My main concern is the lack of evening access.
Useful pattern: raise a concern
acknowledge
Meaning: recognize or accept that something is true.
Example: I acknowledge that the repair may take several days.
Useful pattern: acknowledge a difficulty
apologize
Meaning: express regret for a mistake or problem.
Example: I apologize for sending the wrong attachment.
Useful pattern: apologize for a mistake
misunderstanding
Meaning: a failure to understand something correctly.
Example: There seems to have been a misunderstanding about the collection time.
Useful pattern: clear up a misunderstanding
considerate
Meaning: showing care for other people's needs.
Example: Moving the practice indoors would be considerate of our neighbors.
Useful pattern: be considerate of others
compromise
Meaning: an agreement in which each side accepts some limits.
Example: A shorter trial might be a workable compromise.
Useful pattern: reach a compromise
accommodate
Meaning: make arrangements that meet a need.
Example: Could the schedule accommodate staff who work nights?
Useful pattern: accommodate different needs
unfortunately
Meaning: used to introduce an unwelcome fact.
Example: Unfortunately, I cannot attend the new date.
Useful pattern: unfortunately, I am unavailable
nevertheless
Meaning: despite the point just mentioned.
Example: The room is smaller; nevertheless, it has enough seats for our group.
Useful pattern: nevertheless, it remains useful
I understand that
Meaning: recognize another person's situation or point.
Example: I understand that weekends are busy, but the booking was confirmed.
Useful pattern: I understand your concern
would it be possible
Meaning: a polite way to ask about an option.
Example: Would it be possible to collect the order tomorrow?
Useful pattern: would it be possible to change
for this reason
Meaning: because of the point just explained.
Example: The entrance is narrow. For this reason, deliveries should use the side gate.
Useful pattern: for this reason, I suggest
in the meantime
Meaning: during the period before something else happens.
Example: In the meantime, could you provide a temporary heater?
Useful pattern: in the meantime, please use
please let me know
Meaning: a polite request for information.
Example: Please let me know which option you prefer.
Useful pattern: please let me know whether
thank you for your patience
Meaning: an expression of appreciation while someone waits.
Example: Thank you for your patience while I check the details.
Useful pattern: thank you for your patience with
Experiences and feelings
memorable
Meaning: easy to remember because it was significant.
Example: The unexpected invitation made the evening memorable.
Useful pattern: a memorable experience
relieved
Meaning: no longer worried about something.
Example: I felt relieved when the missing bag was found.
Useful pattern: feel relieved
frustrated
Meaning: annoyed because progress is blocked.
Example: I was frustrated when the same error appeared again.
Useful pattern: feel frustrated by
hesitant
Meaning: uncertain about acting.
Example: I was hesitant to speak before the group.
Useful pattern: hesitant to try
confident
Meaning: sure of your ability or judgment.
Example: Practice made me more confident about explaining my ideas.
Useful pattern: feel confident about
awkward
Meaning: uncomfortable or difficult socially.
Example: It was awkward to explain that I had forgotten the tickets.
Useful pattern: an awkward situation
disappointed
Meaning: unhappy because expectations were not met.
Example: We were disappointed that the workshop ended early.
Useful pattern: disappointed with the result
grateful
Meaning: feeling thankful.
Example: I was grateful for my neighbor's help.
Useful pattern: grateful for support
impressed
Meaning: feeling admiration.
Example: I was impressed by how calmly she handled the problem.
Useful pattern: impressed by someone's effort
overwhelmed
Meaning: feeling unable to cope with too much.
Example: I felt overwhelmed by the number of tasks.
Useful pattern: feel overwhelmed by work
adapt
Meaning: change to suit new circumstances.
Example: It took me a few weeks to adapt to the new schedule.
Useful pattern: adapt to a change
cope with
Meaning: deal with a difficult situation.
Example: Sharing the work helped us cope with the sudden demand.
Useful pattern: cope with pressure
realize
Meaning: become aware of something.
Example: I realized that I had entered the wrong address.
Useful pattern: realize a mistake
reflect on
Meaning: think carefully about an experience.
Example: After the meeting, I reflected on what I could explain better.
Useful pattern: reflect on an experience
encouragement
Meaning: support that gives someone confidence.
Example: Her encouragement helped me try again.
Useful pattern: offer encouragement
setback
Meaning: a difficulty that delays progress.
Example: The canceled venue was a setback, but we found another room.
Useful pattern: a temporary setback
turning point
Meaning: a moment when a situation begins to change.
Example: Joining the club was a turning point in my first year here.
Useful pattern: a major turning point
at first
Meaning: at the beginning.
Example: At first, I thought the task would be simple.
Useful pattern: at first, I assumed
in the end
Meaning: after everything has happened.
Example: In the end, we agreed to share the space.
Useful pattern: in the end, we decided
looking back
Meaning: thinking about the past from the present.
Example: Looking back, I should have checked the instructions sooner.
Useful pattern: looking back on an experience
Describing scenes and possibilities
in the foreground
Meaning: in the part of a scene nearest the viewer.
Example: In the foreground, a child is tying a shoelace.
Useful pattern: a person in the foreground
in the background
Meaning: in the part of a scene farther away.
Example: A cyclist is waiting in the background.
Useful pattern: buildings in the background
beside
Meaning: next to.
Example: A folded umbrella is resting beside the chair.
Useful pattern: stand beside something
opposite
Meaning: on the other side facing something.
Example: The bench is opposite the café entrance.
Useful pattern: directly opposite
beneath
Meaning: under.
Example: A small dog is sleeping beneath the table.
Useful pattern: beneath a tree
alongside
Meaning: next to or together with.
Example: A narrow path runs alongside the canal.
Useful pattern: walk alongside
crowded
Meaning: full of people or things.
Example: The platform looks crowded near the stairs.
Useful pattern: a crowded platform
spacious
Meaning: having plenty of room.
Example: The hall appears spacious enough for several activities.
Useful pattern: a spacious room
cluttered
Meaning: filled with too many objects in a disorderly way.
Example: The desk is cluttered with papers and cups.
Useful pattern: a cluttered surface
roughly
Meaning: approximately, or not exactly.
Example: The object is roughly the size of a small suitcase.
Useful pattern: roughly the same size
rectangular
Meaning: shaped like a rectangle.
Example: There is a rectangular sign above the doorway.
Useful pattern: a rectangular shape
curved
Meaning: bent in a smooth line.
Example: The lamp has a curved metal stand.
Useful pattern: a curved handle
striped
Meaning: marked with lines of different colors.
Example: The person in the striped shirt is holding a map.
Useful pattern: a striped pattern
transparent
Meaning: able to be seen through.
Example: The transparent box contains several tools.
Useful pattern: a transparent container
appears to
Meaning: seems to, based on available evidence.
Example: The driver appears to be asking for directions.
Useful pattern: appears to be waiting
likely to
Meaning: expected or probable to.
Example: The loose papers are likely to blow off the table.
Useful pattern: likely to happen
might
Meaning: expresses a possibility rather than certainty.
Example: The woman might offer to help carry the bags.
Useful pattern: might decide to
about to
Meaning: going to happen very soon.
Example: The runner looks about to cross the finish line.
Useful pattern: about to begin
judging by
Meaning: forming an opinion from observed evidence.
Example: Judging by the dark clouds, the group may move indoors.
Useful pattern: judging by the expression
unless
Meaning: except if.
Example: The picnic may end early unless the rain stops.
Useful pattern: unless conditions improve
Practice the difference, then use the phrase
Complete these sentences without looking back. Each pair tests meaning or a normal grammatical pattern. Open the explanations after you have made your choices.
- The staff can process twice as many forms in an hour. The new system is more efficient / effective in its use of staff time.
- Would you mind check / checking the invoice?
- The blue model is unavailable today. It is out of stock / under warranty.
- I support the event provided that / in contrast the entrance remains accessible.
- After the missing document was found, I felt relieved / hesitant.
- The lease ends next month. We need to decide whether to renew / resolve it.
- The bus arrived late, so I missed a connection / made a compromise.
- The revised instructions stopped the repeated errors. They were effective / furnished.
Check the answers and explanations
- Efficient: the sentence specifies output per hour, so the focus is time and resources.
- Checking: “Would you mind” is followed by an -ing form in this request.
- Out of stock: this describes availability. A warranty concerns repair or replacement terms.
- Provided that: the support depends on an explicit condition.
- Relieved: the discovery removes a worry.
- Renew: extend the lease. Resolve is used for a problem or disagreement.
- Missed a connection: the delay prevented the next stage of travel.
- Effective: the instructions achieved the desired result.
Three short tasks
- Write a polite email requesting a replacement for a damaged delivery. Use three relevant entries, then remove any phrase that sounds forced.
- Recommend one improvement to a neighborhood park. Explain a benefit, acknowledge a drawback and give a reason for your choice.
- Describe an everyday scene aloud. Separate what you can see from what might happen next, using a clue to support each prediction.
These are vocabulary activities, not complete official test questions. For a timed response with the full task instructions, open Writing practice or Speaking practice.
A ten-minute review routine
Spend two minutes recalling five meanings without looking. Use four minutes to make new sentences, then two minutes to read them aloud. In the final two minutes, check the examples and note one error in meaning, preposition or word form. Return to the same entries after a gap.
Build a personal list from mistakes in your own work. If you write “discuss about,” record a whole corrected pattern such as “discuss the proposal.” If your request sounds abrupt, practice a complete polite request with a clear action. A useful list changes as your needs change.
Do not turn the collection into a requirement to include a certain number of advanced words. Your message still needs relevant ideas, accurate grammar, clear organization and suitable tone. The worked Writing revisions show how vocabulary choices support those wider goals.
Common questions
Is this an official CELPIP vocabulary list?
No. This is an original PrepEx study collection selected for useful everyday communication. It is not an official syllabus or a prediction of words on your test.
Do I need difficult words for CELPIP Writing?
Choose language that expresses the intended meaning accurately and suits the reader. A familiar word used precisely is more useful than a rare word used incorrectly.
How many words should I learn a day?
Start with five to ten useful entries. Recall their meanings, write a new sentence and revisit them after a gap. Reduce the number if you cannot use yesterday's words without looking.
Can I download the list without signing up?
Yes. The PDF includes all 200 entries, meanings, examples and collocations. The complete collection is also readable on this page without JavaScript.
Sources and last check
Official sources checked November 12, 2026. Exercises, examples and study schedules are original PrepEx guidance. Check CELPIP and your receiving organization for current rules.