Five hand-picked Band 7+ words every day, with pronunciation, an IELTS-style example, synonyms, collocations and a tip on where to use each one in Writing or Speaking. Come back tomorrow for five more.
Existing as a natural or basic part of something.
There are inherent risks in any new medical procedure.
IELTS tip: A sophisticated adjective for Task 2: 'risks inherent in genetic engineering'.
Cheap enough for ordinary people to be able to buy or pay for.
The city urgently needs more affordable housing for young families.
IELTS tip: Good in Speaking and Task 2; 'affordable housing' is a very common collocation.
While; used to contrast two facts or to mean 'during the time that'.
Whilst some argue for longer holidays, others worry about lost learning.
IELTS tip: British and formal; 'while' is equally correct, so just be consistent.
Not harmful to the environment.
More consumers are choosing eco-friendly packaging, even when it costs slightly more.
IELTS tip: Good in Speaking Part 1 about shopping habits; vary with 'environmentally friendly' in writing.
To some degree; rather.
The results were somewhat disappointing given the investment made.
IELTS tip: A hedging word to soften adjectives in Task 2 and Speaking Part 3.
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