Useful Vocabulary

Resource Book p. 14

Discuss→ to talk about something with somebody, especially in order to decide something.
Patterns + Examples:
● discuss something with somebody Have you discussed the problem with anyone?
● discuss something I'm not prepared to discuss this on the phone.
● to discuss the issue/matter/topic
● to discuss a plan/proposal
● They met to discuss the possibility of working together.
● discuss when, what, etc… We need to discuss when we should go.
● discuss doing something We briefly discussed buying a second car.
● discuss somebody/something doing something They discussed the whole family possibly travelling
together.

Assess → to make a judgment about the nature or quality of someone or something

Patterns + Examples:
assess somebody/something It's difficult to assess the effects of these changes.
→ to assess a patient's needs
● Interviews allow you to assess the appropriateness of candidates.
assess somebody/something as something The young men were assessed as either safe or unsafe drivers.
● I'd assess your chances as low.
assess whether, how, etc… The committee assesses whether a building is worth preserving.
● We are trying to assess how well the system works.
→ to calculate the amount or value of something
synonym estimate
assess something They have assessed the amount of compensation to be paid.
assess something at something Damage to the building was assessed at $40,000.

Examine→ to consider or study an idea, a subject, etc. very carefully

examine something This study sets out to examine in detail the possible effects of climate change.
● Her new show critically examines the relationship between the arts and popular culture.
● This important issue must be carefully examined.
● Only recently have historians begun to examine the impact and influence of these changes.
examine how, what, etc… It is necessary to examine how the proposals can be carried out.
● The weather gave researchers an opportunity to examine what happens to insect numbers when
temperatures rise.
→ to look at somebody/something closely, to see if there is anything wrong or to find the cause of a
problem
examine somebody/something The doctor examined her carefully but could find nothing wrong.
● to be examined by a doctor/psychiatrist/specialist/vet
examine yourself She examined herself closely in the mirror.
examine something/somebody for something The samples were examined under the microscope for the
presence of damaged cells.
● The goods were examined for damage on arrival.
● Investigators examined the room minutely for clues.

Evaluate--> to form an opinion of the amount, value or quality of something after thinking about it carefully
SYNONYM assess
evaluate something The trial will evaluate the effectiveness of the different drugs.
● Researchers evaluated teaching performance by comparing students' exam results.
evaluate how, whether, etc… The study will critically evaluate whether this technology is useful.
● We need to evaluate how well the policy is working.
evaluate somebody/something for something The cheeses are evaluated for flavour, texture and colour.
evaluate somebody/something on something Candidates are evaluated on their ability to think
independently.

Convey→ to make ideas, feelings, etc. known to somebody

SYNONYM communicate
convey something Colours like red convey a sense of energy and strength.
convey something to somebody (formal) Please convey my apologies to your wife.
convey how, what, etc… He tried desperately to convey how urgent the situation was.
convey that… She did not wish to convey that they were all at fault.

Compare→ to examine people or things to see how they are similar and how they are different
compare A and B It is interesting to compare their situation and ours.
● We compared the two reports carefully.
● The internet allows you to compare prices from a variety of companies.
● How can you compare the two things? They are so different!
● Compare and contrast the characters of Jack and Ralph.
compare A with/to B We compared the results of our study with those of other studies.
● My own problems seem insignificant compared with other people's.
● I've had some difficulties, but they were nothing compared to yours (= they were not nearly as bad as
yours).
● Standards in healthcare have improved enormously compared to 40 years ago.
● They receive just over three years of schooling, compared to a national average of 7.3.
 ● an increase of over 11% compared to the same period last year
● About a third of American adults are obese compared with 24 per cent of Britons
→ compare with/to somebody/something to be similar to somebody/something else, either better or worse
● This school compares with the best in the country (= it is as good as them).
● This house doesn't compare with our previous one (= it is not as good).
● Their prices compare favourably to those of their competitors.
● The region's wines compare well with those from elsewhere in Germany.
→ compare A to B to show or state that somebody/something is similar to somebody/something else
● The critics compared his work to that of Martin Amis.
● In her early career she was often compared to Ella Fitzgerald.
● Some observers compare the situation to that of the early 1980s.

Exemplify → exemplify something to be a typical example of something

● Her early work is exemplified in her book, ‘A Study of Children's Minds’.
● His food exemplifies Italian cooking at its best.
→ exemplify something to give an example in order to make something clearer
SYNONYM illustrate
● She exemplified each of the points she was making with an amusing anecdote.
Communicate→ When exchanging information → to share or exchange information, news, ideas, feelings,
etc.
● We only communicate by email.
● They communicated in sign language.
● Candidates must be able to communicate effectively.
communicate with somebody/something Dolphins use sound to communicate with each other.
● Direct marketing allows a firm to communicate directly with its customers.
communicate something In times of uncertainty, a leader must be able to communicate a message of hope.
● Language evolved as a means of communicating information between individuals.
communicate something to somebody He was eager to communicate his ideas to the group.
● Her nervousness was communicating itself to the children.
communicate how/what, etc… They failed to communicate what was happening and why.
→ In a relashionship → to have a good relationship because you are able to understand and talk about your
own and other people’s thoughts, feelings, etc.
● His inability to communicate has damaged their relationship beyond repair.
● communicate with somebody The novel is about a family who can't communicate with each other.
● couples who communicate well with one another
→ Disease → communicate something to pass a disease from one person, animal, etc. to another
● The disease is communicated through dirty drinking water.
Suggest→ to put forward an idea or a plan for other people to think about
SYNONYM propose
suggest something I'd like to suggest a different explanation for the company's decline.
suggest something to somebody The designer is known for suggesting innovative ideas to her clients.
suggest itself He thought long and hard, but no answer suggested itself.
suggest itself to somebody A solution immediately suggested itself to me (= I immediately thought of a
solution).
suggest (that)… I strongly suggest (that) you don't get involved.
suggest doing something I suggested going in my car.
it is suggested that… It has been suggested that bright children take their exams early.
● (British English also) It has been suggested that bright children should take their exams early.
+ speech ‘We could go for a drive,’ Nate suggested hopefully.
→ to tell somebody about a suitable person, thing, method, etc. for a particular job or purpose
SYNONYM recommend
suggest somebody/something for something Who would you suggest for the job?
suggest somebody/something as something She suggested Paris as a good place for the conference.
● She suggested John as chairman.
suggest somebody/something Can you suggest a better way of doing it?
● May I suggest a white wine with this dish, Sir?
● There is a suggested donation of $5 to attend the show.
suggest how, what, etc… Can you suggest how I might contact him?
→ to put an idea into somebody’s mind; to make somebody think that something is true
SYNONYM indicate
suggest (that)… All the evidence suggests (that) he stole the money.
suggest something Recent studies suggest the possibility of a cure for the disease.
● Some believe that organic foods offer no health benefits, but this research suggests otherwise.
● The symptoms suggest a minor heart attack.
● The stage lighting was used to suggest a beach scene.
suggest something to somebody What do these results suggest to you?
→ to state something indirectly
SYNONYM imply
suggest (that)… Are you suggesting (that) I’m lazy?
● I’m not suggesting (that) she was responsible for the accident.
suggest something I would never suggest such a thing.
● It is not far-fetched to suggest a connection between them.
● You're not seriously suggesting that is a plausible explanation?
● I do not mean to suggest that the poem is purely biographical.
● I am merely suggesting that there is more than one way to view this matter.
Assert→ to state clearly and definitely that something is true
assert that… She continued to assert that she was innocent.
● The report asserts confidently that the industry will grow.
assert something She continued to assert her innocence.
● The German Chancellor was anxious to assert her government's commitment to European unity.
+ speech ‘That is wrong,’ he asserted.
it is asserted that… It is commonly asserted that older people prefer to receive care from family members.
→ assert yourself to behave in a confident and determined way so that other people pay attention to your
opinions
● You’re too timid—you must try to assert yourself more.
→ assert something to make other people recognize your right or authority to do something, by behaving in
a determined and confident way
● to assert your independence/rights
● I was determined to assert my authority from the beginning.

Demand → to make a very strong request for something

demand something They are demanding the release of all political prisoners.
● You should demand an apology in writing.
● Protesters demanded the resignation of the prime minister.
demand that… The UN has demanded that all troops be withdrawn.
● (British English also) They are demanding that all troops should be withdrawn.
● The judge demanded that we turn off our phones.
demand to do something I demand to see the manager.
demand something of somebody We demand a lot of our teachers.
demand something from somebody He had demanded money from her.
→ + speech to ask a question in an angry or aggressive way
● ‘Who the hell are you?’ he demanded angrily.
→ demand something (of customers) to want or need goods or services
● Today's consumers are demanding a greater variety of produce.
● Our customers demand quality and reliability most of all.
→ to need something in order to be successful at something
demand something This sport demands both speed and strength.
● This is music that demands great technical skill.
● She can be a very tough negotiator when the situation demands it.
● be demanded of somebody High personal standards are demanded of all applicants.

Need→ to require something/somebody because they are essential or very important, not just because you
would like to have them
need something/somebody Do you need any help?
● It's here if you need it.
● Don't go—I might need you.
● They badly needed a change.
● We desperately need hard facts on this disease.
● Food aid is urgently needed.
● What do you need your own computer for? You can use ours.
● She needs more time to recover.
● People need income not handouts.
● More new housing is needed in the city.
● I don't need your comments, thank you.
need to do something I need to get some sleep.
● He needs to win this game to stay in the match.
● You don't need to leave yet, do you?
● You need to know how toxic the product is.
● This shirt needs to be washed.
something needs doing This shirt needs washing.
→ need to do something used to show what you should or have to do
● All you need to do is complete this form.
● I didn't need to go to the bank after all—Mary lent me the money.
● You may well need to look outside your preferred area to find affordable accommodation.

Acquire → acquire something to gain something by your own efforts, ability or behaviour
● She has acquired a good knowledge of English.
● How long will it take to acquire the necessary skills?
● I would love to apply the newly acquired skills to a job that I enjoy.
● He has acquired a reputation for dishonesty.
● I have recently acquired a taste for olives.
→ acquire something to obtain something by buying or being given it
○ Not all of the land acquired for the road has been paid for yet.
○ Austria has pledged not to acquire nuclear weapons.
○ Property acquired through crime will be confiscated.
○ The company has just acquired new premises.
 ○ How did the gallery come to acquire so many Picassos?
○ I've suddenly acquired a stepbrother.
Achieve → transitive] achieve something to succeed in reaching a particular goal, status or standard,
especially by making an effort for a long time
SYNONYM attain
● He had finally achieved success.
● They have both achieved great results
● She has worked hard to achieve her goal.
to achieve an objective/aim
● They could not achieve their target of less than 3% inflation.
● The firm has achieved the status of undisputed market leader.
● achieve something through (doing) something Course objectives were achieved through a range of
activities.
→ achieve something to succeed in doing something or causing something to happen
SYNONYM accomplish
● I haven't achieved very much today.
● All you've achieved is to upset my parents.
→ to be successful
● Their background gives them little chance of achieving at school.
● These students need to achieve academically in order to enter the labour market.

Assume → to think or accept that something is true but without having proof of it
assume (that)… It is reasonable to assume (that) the economy will continue to improve.
● It's probably safe to assume (that) we'll be hearing more about this story.
● Let us assume for a moment that the plan succeeds.
● She would, he assumed, be home at the usual time.
it is assumed (that)… It is generally assumed that stress is caused by too much work. assume something
Don't always assume the worst (= that something bad has happened).
● In this example we have assumed a unit price of $10.
● assume somebody/something to be/have something I had assumed him to be a Belgian.
→ assume something (formal) to take or begin to have power or responsibility
● Rebel forces have assumed control of the capital.
● The court assumed responsibility for the girl's welfare.
● Goodman will assume the role of president.
● Lynch assumed office in April.
→ assume something (formal) to begin to have a particular quality or appearance
SYNONYM take on
● This matter has assumed considerable importance.
 ● In the story the god assumes the form of an eagle.
→ assume something (formal) to pretend to have a particular feeling or quality
SYNONYM put on
● He assumed an air of concern.
● He had assumed a stage Southern accent.

Acknowledge → admit → to accept that something is true

acknowledge something She refuses to acknowledge the need for reform.
● I have to acknowledge the fact that I am partly responsible.
● It's a generally acknowledged fact.
● Most people acknowledge the existence of evil.
to openly/publicly/readily acknowledge something
acknowledge that… He does not acknowledge that he has done anything wrong.
acknowledge something to be, have, etc. something It is generally acknowledged to be true.
→ accept status → to accept that somebody/something has a particular authority or status
SYNONYM recognize
acknowledge somebody/something The country acknowledged his claim to the throne.
● The peace settlement effectively acknowledged the country's independence.
be acknowledged as something He is widely acknowledged as the best player in the world.
be acknowledged to be, have, etc. something He is widely acknowledged to be the best player in the world.
→ smile / wave → acknowledge somebody/something (formal) to show that you have noticed
somebody/something by smiling, waving, etc.
● I was standing right next to her, but she didn't even acknowledge me.
● He waved, acknowledging the applause.
→ Express thanks → acknowledge something (formal) to publicly express thanks for help you have been
given
● I gratefully acknowledge financial support from several local businesses.
● He is always ready to acknowledge his debt to his teachers.

Advocate → to support something publicly

advocate something The group does not advocate the use of violence.
● Heart specialists strongly advocate low-cholesterol diets.
● These policies have been widely advocated.
advocate (somebody) doing something Many experts advocate rewarding your child for good behaviour.
advocate that… The report advocated that all buildings be fitted with smoke detectors.
(British English also) The report advocated that all buildings should be fitted with smoke detectors.
Conclude → (not used in the progressive tenses)
to decide or believe something as a result of what you have heard or seen
conclude something It is too early for us to conclude anything.
conclude something from something What do you conclude from that?
conclude (that)… The report concluded (that) the cheapest option was to close the laboratory.
conclude from something that… He concluded from their remarks that they were not in favour of the plan.
it is concluded that… It was concluded that the level of change necessary would be low.
+ speech ‘So it should be safe to continue,’ he concluded.
→ (formal) to come to an end; to bring something to an end
● This was how the negotiations finally concluded.
● Let me make just a few concluding remarks.
● the concluding chapter of the book
conclude with something The programme concluded with Stravinsky's ‘Rite of Spring’.
conclude by doing something He concluded by wishing everyone a safe trip home.
conclude something The commission concluded its investigation last month.
● And that concludes our programme for today.
● The main responsibility of a salesperson is to conclude a sale successfully.
conclude something with something She concluded her speech with a quotation from Shakespeare.
conclude+ speech ‘Anyway, she should be back soon,’ he concluded.
→ conclude something (with somebody) (formal) to arrange and settle an agreement with somebody
formally and finally
● They concluded a treaty with Turkey.
● A trade agreement was concluded between the two countries.
● The problems arose from the failure to conclude a new agreement.