- Define and explain Building Vocabulary in your own words
- Use key terms such as clause accurately
- Apply what you have learned to new examples and questions
- Avoid the common mistakes learners make with this topic
This lesson focuses on Building Vocabulary: learn new words deeply and choose the precise one every time.
Learn new words deeply and choose the precise one every time.
Key ideas
Choose words with precision
Big words impress nobody if they are wrong; precise words impress everybody. Instead of saying something was very big, decide whether it was vast, towering or immense — each paints a different picture. Keep a vocabulary notebook and record new words with an example sentence.
Vary your sentence types
Simple sentences hit hard. Compound sentences link equal ideas with and, but or so. Complex sentences use subordinate clauses to show how ideas connect — because, although and when reveal cause and contrast. Mixing all three keeps writing lively; using only one type sounds robotic.
Key term — clause: A group of words containing a verb. A main clause makes sense alone; a subordinate clause needs the rest of the sentence.
Give a more precise synonym for nice to describe a kind person.
Any precise alternative, e.g. kind, generous, compassionate.
Answer: Any precise alternative, e.g. kind, generous, compassionate.
- Confusing its and it's It's always means it is or it has. If you cannot replace it with it is, write its with no apostrophe.
- Comma splices Joining two main clauses with only a comma is an error: It rained, we stayed in. Use a full stop, and, or a semicolon instead.
Practice
Although it rained.
Showing possession and showing missing letters.
The bell rang. Everyone left. (Equally correct: The bell rang, so everyone left.).
The dog's bone.
Quick check
Which of these best defines "clause"?
- Building Vocabulary: learn new words deeply and choose the precise one every time.
- Choose words with precision: Big words impress nobody if they are wrong; precise words impress everybody.
- subordinate clause: A clause that adds information but cannot stand alone, usually starting with because, although, when or which.
- Watch out for: confusing its and it's