Corpus-informed Vocabulary
High-frequency academic words · the Academic Word List · corpus-based usage
to be or form the parts that make up something
form / comprise / make upThese findings constitute a significant contribution to the field.
as a result of this action
/ˌðeəˈbaɪ/Prices were cut, thereby attracting new customers.
found everywhere
/juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/Smartphones are now ubiquitous.
in particular; especially; worth noting
in particular / especially / specificallySeveral countries, notably Sweden and Finland, have adopted the model.
relevant or applicable to a particular matter
relevant / applicable / germaneShe raised several pertinent questions about the methodology.
apparently or seemingly, but perhaps not actually
apparently / seemingly / on the surfaceThe policy was ostensibly about safety, but critics saw other motives.
a whole formed by combining several elements; taken as a whole
total / combined / collectiveIn the aggregate, the data shows a clear upward trend.
existing as a permanent and essential quality of something
intrinsic / built-in / fundamentalThere are inherent risks in any surgical procedure.
to provide evidence to support or prove something
verify / corroborate / supportThe researchers were unable to substantiate the original claim.
a division or contrast between two things that are opposed or entirely different
divide / opposition / binaryThe false dichotomy between tradition and innovation must be rejected.
in proportion to; corresponding in size or degree
proportional / equivalent / correspondingThe salary should be commensurate with the level of responsibility.
to grow or increase rapidly in number
multiply / spread / increase rapidlyOnline platforms have proliferated over the past decade.
1
Which words do you hear most often in English series or songs?
2
Which collocations do you find hardest to remember?
3
Choose a word and give three collocations for it.
4
How could you use a dictionary or corpus to improve your writing?