Academic Vocabulary in English: Key Words, Examples and Quiz

to judge how good, big or important something is

The study assesses the impact of social media on sleep.

to judge the value or quality of something after thinking carefully

Students must evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each theory.

to explain or decide what something means

The results can be interpreted in two ways.

to show clearly that something is true, often with evidence

The data demonstrate a link between diet and mood.

to make a point clearer by giving an example

This case illustrates the risks of rapid growth.

to give special importance to something (British English: emphasise)

The author emphasizes the role of education.

to draw attention to something important

The report highlights three main problems.

to recognize or find something and say what it is

The researchers identified four key factors.

to suggest something without saying it directly

The findings imply that early support is important.

to be one of the causes of something (used with to)

Several factors contributed to the decline.

to make something weaker or less effective, often gradually

A small sample undermines the reliability of the results.

to accept or admit that something is true

The author acknowledges that the study has limitations.

to give reasons why you think something is true

Smith argues that cities should ban cars.

to say something is true, often when others may doubt it

The company claims that its product is eco-friendly.

to state something firmly and confidently

He asserts that the policy has failed.

to suggest an idea or plan for people to consider

The authors propose a new model of learning.

to keep saying firmly that something is true, even when others disagree

She maintains that the theory is still valid.

to mention a book, author or study as evidence

The article cites more than fifty studies.

to question whether something is true or right

Recent research challenges this view.

as said or reported by a person or source

According to the report, prices will rise.

a general idea or principle

The concept of freedom means different things to different people.

a way of dealing with a problem or doing something

This approach has been successful in many schools.

a particular way of thinking about something

From an economic perspective, the plan makes sense.

a set of ideas or rules used as a structure for studying something

The study uses a theoretical framework from psychology.

one of the things that cause or influence a result

Cost is a key factor in choosing a university.

the standards used to judge something (singular: criterion)

The criteria for selection are listed below.

something that happens or exists, often unusual or worth studying (plural: phenomena)

Online learning is a relatively new phenomenon.

something you believe is true without proof

The model is based on the assumption that people act rationally.

a possible result or effect of something

The findings have important implications for teachers.

the situation or background that helps explain something

The quote must be read in its historical context.

one part or feature of a situation or idea

This essay focuses on the social aspects of migration.

the range of subjects that a study covers

Rural areas are beyond the scope of this study.

a weakness or limit that makes something less useful or complete

One limitation of the study is its small sample.

used to say something is probably true, though some may disagree

It is arguably the most important invention of the century.

when compared with other things

The cost is relatively low.

possibly in the future, but not yet

This is a potentially serious problem.

to usually do or be something

Older students tend to study more regularly.

partly, but not completely

To some extent, the policy has worked.

probable; expected to happen or be true

It is likely that prices will continue to rise.

especially; used to point out an important example

Several countries, notably Finland, have changed their approach.

in a way that cannot be avoided

Inevitably, some data were lost.

as a result

Funding was cut. Consequently, the project was delayed.

used to add a further, often stronger, point

The plan is expensive. Moreover, it is unlikely to work.

as a result; in this way

Prices fell, and thus demand increased.

for this reason (often followed by a noun phrase)

The data were incomplete; hence the need for further research.

used to introduce an opposite situation

Some students prefer group work. Conversely, others work better alone.

used to give exact details of something you just mentioned

Two factors were important, namely cost and location.

when talking about a particular aspect

In terms of cost, the second option is better.

after that; later

The paper was subsequently published in a journal.

because of or considering new information

In light of these findings, the policy should be reviewed.