Unlock the

Academic
Word List:
Sublists 1-3
Sublist 1

Sheldon Smith

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Unlock the Academic Word List:
Sublists 1-3.

It contains information for all

words in sublist 1, all exercises for
sublist 1 words, plus answers for
those exercises.
Unlock the Academic Word List: Sublists 1-3
Copyright © 2018 Sheldon C.H. Smith

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a

retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or in any means – by electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without prior written
permission.

ISBN 978-1-912579-65-5
First Edition

This book is published by Evident Press in conjunction with EAPFoundation.com

and EAPCourses.com websites. For more information on titles by Evident Press,
visit www.evidentpress.com.

Acknowledgements
Academic collocations are derived from the Academic Collocation List (ACL),
developed by Kirsten Ackermann and Yu-Hua Chen using the Pearson
International Corpus of Academic English (PICAE). The lists were generated using
the online ACL highlighter of EAPFoundation.com. See:
https://www.eapfoundation.com/vocab/academic/acl/highlighter/.

The texts used in the Exercises section are taken from the OpenStax resources
provided by Rice University. Acknowledgements are given where those texts
occur.

Definitions taken from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All
rights reserved. THIS SOFTWARE AND DATABASE IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. BY WAY OF EXAMPLE, BUT NOT LIMITATION, PRINCETON
UNIVERSITY MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT-
ABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR THAT THE USE OF THE
LICENSED SOFTWARE, DATABASE OR DOCUMENTATION WILL NOT INFRINGE
ANY THIRD PARTY PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS, TRADEMARKS OR OTHER RIGHTS.

Pronunciation of words is adapted from The Carnegie Mellon University

Pronouncing Dictionary.

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Sheldon Smith

Contents
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 5
About the Academic Word List ................................................................................ 5
About this book.......................................................................................................... 5
Guidance for study .................................................................................................... 6
Academic Word List: Sublist 1 .................................................................. 7
Exercises (Sublist 1) ....................................................................................................................... 57
Task 1: Focus on Meaning #1.................................................................................. 57
Task 2: Focus on Meaning #2.................................................................................. 58
Task 3: Collocations #1 ............................................................................................ 59
Task 4: Collocations #2 ............................................................................................ 59
Task 5: Collocations #3 ............................................................................................ 60
Task 6: Word form #1 .............................................................................................. 61
Task 7: Word form #2 .............................................................................................. 62
Academic Word List: Sublist 2 ................................................................63
Exercises (Sublist 2) .................................................................................................................... 107
Task 1: Focus on Meaning #1................................................................................ 107
Task 2: Focus on Meaning #2................................................................................ 108
Task 3: Collocations #1 .......................................................................................... 109
Task 4: Collocations #2 .......................................................................................... 109
Task 5: Collocations #3 .......................................................................................... 110
Not included in sample
Task 6: Word form #1 ............................................................................................ 111
Task 7: Word form #2 ............................................................................................ 112
Academic Word List: Sublist 3 ............................................................. 113
Exercises (Sublist 3) .................................................................................................................... 153
Task 1: Focus on Meaning #1................................................................................ 153
Task 2: Focus on Meaning #2................................................................................ 154
Task 3: Collocations #1 .......................................................................................... 155
Task 4: Collocations #2 .......................................................................................... 156
Task 5: Collocations #3 .......................................................................................... 157
Task 6: Word form #1 ............................................................................................ 158
Task 7: Word form #2 ............................................................................................ 159
Answers to exercises................................................................................................................. 160
Sublist 1 .................................................................................................................. 160
Sublist 2 .................................................................................................................. 164
Sublist 3 .................................................................................................................. 170
Index of words ............................................................................................................................ 175
About the author ....................................................................................................................... 180
Accessing Online Resources .................................................................................................... 181
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Sheldon Smith

Introduction
About the Academic Word List
The Academic Word List (AWL) was developed by Averil Coxhead at Victoria
University of Wellington, New Zealand. The list contains 570 word families which
frequently appear in academic texts, but which are not contained in the General
Service List (GSL). The 570 word families of the AWL are divided into 10 lists
(called sublists) according to how frequent they are. Sublist 1 has the most
frequent word families, sublist 2 the next most frequent word families, up to
sublist 10, which has the least frequent. Each sublist contains 60 word families,
except for sublist 10, which only has 30.

About this book

The book has the following features.
1) All 60 words in AWL sublist 1 are given.
2) Pronunciation of each headword is shown.
3) Definitions are given for each headword. These are the most common
definitions of these words, rather than all possible meanings (many
meanings of the words do not relate to how they are used in academic
contexts).
4) The word family of each word is also given (adj, noun, verb, etc.). These are
categorised by type, so you can easily tell which word has which word form.
5) Common academic collocations using each AWL word are also given. These
are taken from the ACL (Academic Collocations List) developed by Pearson
Education.
6) There are exercises at the end of each sublist to help you practise each of
the words. The exercises cover all 60 words in each sublist (often
multiple times). More exercises can be found by accessing the online
resources. See the end of the book for access details.
7) There is a study guide (below) to help you understand how to use the AWL,
and this book, to improve your academic vocabulary.
8) For the sake of clarity, each word is shown either on a single page, or with
two words occupying one page.

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Guidance for study

When studying vocabulary, the first step is to understand the meaning. Looking up
words in a dictionary to find the meaning can be difficult, and so to help you with
this, all headwords in the book have definitions, which are limited to how the
words are used in academic contexts.

Many students simply never get past the first step, which means they may be able
to understand the word when reading, but will not be able to use it productively in
writing or speaking. A second step is to understand different word forms of the
word, i.e. the word family. This will enable you to use the word more flexibly in
your speaking or writing, and is an especially useful skill if you want to
paraphrase material. For example, the word benefit, in AWL sublist 1, can be a verb
or noun. The adjective form is beneficial.

A third step is to focus on usage. Here you would need a good dictionary to help,
or you can study the word in context. This book helps by giving example
sentences, though these are only of the headword, and further study may be
needed. Examples of usage for the word benefit are shown below.

benefit (n) of What are the benefits of studying academic vocabulary?

benefit (v) from Students can benefit from studying more vocabulary.
beneficial to Studying vocabulary is beneficial to your writing and speaking.

Also related to usage are collocations, or common word combinations. This book
includes all collocations from the ACL (Academic Collocations List) which use
these words.

A fourth step is to focus on pronunciation. Understanding the pronunciation of a

word is important if you want to use the word correctly in your speaking, or
understand it in a lecture. Pay particular attention to shifting stress as the word
form changes. For example, the word BENefit has the stress on the first syllable,
while beneFICial has the stress on the third syllable. Note that only pronunciation
of headword is given in this book, so for this extended pronunciation work you
would need to use a dictionary.

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Sheldon Smith

Academic Word List:

Sublist 1

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analyse
[ænəlaɪz]

verb
1. make a mathematical, chemical, or grammatical analysis of; break down into
components or essential features. E.g.: analyse a specimen, analyse a
sentence, analyse a chemical compound [Syn: analyze, break down, dissect,
take apart]
2. consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential
features or meaning. E.g.: analyse a sonnet by Shakespeare, analyse the
evidence in a criminal trial, analyse your real motives [Syn: analyze, study,
examine, canvass, canvas]
3. break down into components or essential features. E.g.: analyse today's
financial market [Syn: analyze]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

analyser analyse analytic x
analysis analyze analytical

n (person) verb forms adv other

analyst analysed analytically analyses (pl)
analyses
analysing
analyzed
analyzes
analyzing

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: careful analysis, comparative analysis, critical analysis, detailed analysis,
economic analysis, final analysis, full analysis, further analysis, historical
analysis, qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis, statistical analysis,
subsequent analysis, systematic analysis, textual analysis, thematic analysis,
theoretical analysis, analytical approach, analytical tool.
v+n: conduct (an) analysis, use (the) analysis.

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approach
[əproʊtʃ]

verb
1. begin to deal with. E.g.: approach a task, approach a new project [Syn:
set about, go about]

noun
1. ideas or actions intended to deal with a problem or situation. E.g.: his
approach to every problem is to draw up a list of pros and cons [Syn: attack,
plan of attack]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

approach approach approachable unapproachable
approaching

n (person) verb forms adv other

x approached x x
approaches
approaching

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: alternative approach, analytical approach, common approach,
comprehensive approach, critical approach, flexible approach, general
approach, holistic approach, integrated approach, logical approach,
methodological approach, qualitative approach, quantitative approach, similar
approach, standard approach, systematic approach, theoretical approach,
traditional approach.
v+n: adopt (an) approach, develop (an) approach, take (an) approach, use (an)
approach.

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area
[eriə]

noun
1. a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some
special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography). E.g.: it
was a mountainous area [Syn: country]
2. a subject of study. E.g.: it was his area of specialization, areas of interest
include...
3. the extent of a 2-dimensional surface enclosed within a boundary. E.g.: the
area of a rectangle, it was about 500 square feet in area [Syn: expanse,
surface area]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

area x x x

n (person) verb forms adv other

x x x x

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: complex area, core area, geographic(al) area, key area, local area, main area,
major area, metropolitan area, particular area, related area, rural area, specific
area, subject area, urban area, vast area, whole area, wide area.
v+n: cover (an) area, identify (an) area.

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assess
[əses]

verb
1. place a value on; judge the worth of something. [Syn: measure, evaluate, valuate,
appraise, value]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

assessment assess assessable unassessed
n (person) verb forms adv other
x assessed x reassess
assesses reassessed
assessing reassessing
reassessment
Collocations from the ACL
n+n: assessment process, risk assessment.
v+n: assess (the) impact (of), make (an) assessment.
_________________________________________________________________

assume
[əsum]

verb
1. take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof. E.g.: I
assume his train was late [Syn: presume, take for granted]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

assumption assume x x
n (person) verb forms adv other
x assumed x x
assumes
assuming
Collocations from the ACL
adj+n: basic assumption, common assumption, fundamental assumption,
underlying assumption, certain assumptions.
v+n: assume (the) role (of), assume responsibility, make (an) assumption.

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authority
[əθɔrəti]

noun
1. an expert whose views are taken as definitive. E.g.: he is an authority on
corporate law
2. official permission or approval. E.g.: authority for the program was renewed
several times [Syn: authorization, authorisation, sanction]
3. the power or right to give orders or make decisions. E.g.: he has the authority
to issue warrants [Syn: authorization, authorisation, dominance, say-so]
n (thing) verb adj opposite
authorities x authoritative x
authority
n (person) verb forms adv other
x x x x
Collocations from the ACL
adj+n: central authority, local authority, political authority, public authority.
_________________________________________________________________

available
[əveɪləbəl]

adj
1. obtainable or accessible and ready for use or service. E.g.: kept a fire
extinguisher available, much information is available through computers,
available in many colors, the list of available candidates is unusually long
n (thing) verb adj opposite
availability x available unavailable
n (person) verb forms adv other
x x x x
Collocations from the ACL
adj+n: available data, available evidence, available information, available
resources.
adv+adj: currently available, freely available, publicly available, readily available,
widely available.
v+adj: become available, make available.
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benefit
[benəfɪt]

verb
1. derive a benefit from. [Syn: profit, gain]
2. be beneficial for. [Syn: do good]

noun
1. something that aids or promotes well-being. [Syn: welfare]
n (thing) verb adj opposite
benefit benefit beneficial x
n (person) verb forms adv other
beneficiary benefited x x
benefiting
benefits
Collocations from the ACL
adj+n: beneficial effect, economic benefits, potential benefits.
_________________________________________________________________

concept
[kɑnsept]

noun
1. an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances. [Syn:
conception, construct]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

concept conceptualise conceptual x
conception
conceptualisation
n (person) verb forms adv other
x conceptualised conceptually x
conceptualises
conceptualising
Collocations from the ACL
adj+n: abstract concept, basic concept, central concept, defining concept, key
concept, theoretical concept, conceptual framework.

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consist
[kənsɪst]

verb
1. be composed of. E.g.: What does this dish consist of? [Syn: comprise]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

consistency consist consistent inconsistency
inconsistent
n (person) verb forms adv other
x consisted consistently x
consisting
consists
Collocations from the ACL
adj+n: consistent pattern, consistent results.
_________________________________________________________________

constitute
[kɑnstətut]

verb
1. form or compose. E.g.: These constitute my entire belongings [Syn: represent,
make up, comprise, be]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

constituency constitute constitutional unconstitutional
constituent constitutive
constitution
n (person) verb forms adv other
x constituted constitutionally x
constitutes
constituting
Collocations from the ACL
adj+n: constituent elements, constituent parts.

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context
[kɑntekst]

noun
1. the set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation or event. E.g.: the
historical context [Syn: circumstance]
2. discourse that surrounds a language unit and helps to determine its
interpretation. [Syn: linguistic context, context of use]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

context contextualise contextual uncontextualised
contextualize uncontextualized

n (person) verb forms adv other

x contextualised x x
contextualises
contextualising
contextualized
contextualizes
contextualizing

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: broader context, cultural context, economic context, global context,
historical context, institutional context, international context, original context,
political context, present context, social context, specific context, wider
context, contextual factors.

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contract
[kɑntrækt]

verb
1. make smaller. E.g.: The heat contracted the woollen garment
2. make or become more narrow or restricted. [Syn: narrow]
3. compress or concentrate. [Syn: condense, concentrate]
n (thing) verb adj opposite
contract contract contracted x
n (person) verb forms adv other
contractor contracted x x
contracting
contracts
_________________________________________________________________

create
[krieɪt]

verb
1. make or cause to be or to become. E.g.: create a furor [Syn: make]
2. create or manufacture a man-made product. [Syn: produce, make]
3. bring into existence. E.g.: The company was created 25 years ago, He created
a new movement in painting
n (thing) verb adj opposite
creation create creative x
creativity
n (person) verb forms adv other
creator created creatively recreate
creates
creating
Collocations from the ACL
adj+n: creative process, creative thinking, creative work.
v+n: create (an) environment, create (an) impression, create (an) opportunity,
create conditions, create opportunities, create problems.

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data
[deɪtə]

noun
1. a collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn. E.g.: statistical
data [Syn: information]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

data x x x

n (person) verb forms adv other

x x x x

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: appropriate data, available data, empirical data, existing data, experimental
data, historical data, missing data, numerical data, original data, preliminary
data, primary data, qualitative data, quantitative data, raw data, relevant data,
reliable data, secondary data, statistical data, online database.
n+n: data gathering, data set, survey data.
v+n: collect data, extract data, gather data, interpret data, obtain data, present
data, process data, provide data, record data, report data, store data, transmit
data, use (the) data.

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define
[dɪfaɪn]

verb
1. determine the essential quality of. [Syn: specify, delineate, delimit, delimitate]
2. determine the nature of. E.g.: What defines a good wine?
3. give a definition for the meaning of a word.
n (thing) verb adj opposite
definition define definable undefined
defining
n (person) verb forms adv other
x defined x redefine
defines
defining
Collocations from the ACL
adj+n: defining characteristic, defining concept, defining feature, broad definition,
general definition, narrow definition, precise definition.
adv+vpp: (be) broadly defined, (be) clearly defined.
_________________________________________________________________

derive
[dɜraɪv]

verb
1. reason by deduction; establish by deduction. [Syn: deduce, infer, deduct]
2. develop or evolve, especially from a latent or potential state. [Syn: educe]
3. come from. E.g.: The present name derives from an older form
n (thing) verb adj opposite
derivation derive derivative x
derivative derived
n (person) verb forms adv other
x derived x x
derives
deriving
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distribute
[dɪstrɪbjut]

verb
1. make available. E.g.: The publisher wants to distribute the book in Asia
2. be distributed or spread, as in statistical analyses. E.g.: Values distribute
3. spread throughout a given area. E.g.: the function distributes the values
evenly
4. distribute or disperse widely. [Syn: spread]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

distribution distribute distributed x
distributor distributional
distributive

n (person) verb forms adv other

distributor distributed x redistribute
distributes redistributed
distributing redistribution

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: geographic(al) distribution, normal distribution.

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economy
[ɪkɑnəmi]

noun
1. the system of production and distribution and consumption. [Syn:
economic system]
2. the efficient use of resources. E.g.: economy of effort

n (thing) verb adj opposite

economics x economic uneconomical
economy economical

n (person) verb forms adv other

economist x economically x

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: economic activity, economic affairs, economic analysis, economic benefits,
economic change, economic conditions, economic consequences, economic
context, economic crisis, economic exploitation, economic factors, economic
forces, economic goal, economic growth, economic inequality, economic
integration, economic interests, economic policy, economic power, economic
prosperity, economic reform, economic relations, economic relationships,
economic resources, economic sector, economic stability, economic status,
economic structure, economic success, economic system, economic theory,
economic value, economic welfare, advanced economy, capitalist economy,
global economy, local economy, national economy, political economy, rural
economy.

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environment
[ɪnvaɪrənmənt]

noun
1. the area in which something exists or lives. [Syn: environs, surroundings,
surround]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

environment x environmental x

n (person) verb forms adv other

environmentalist x environmentally x

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: external environment, immediate environment, natural environment,
physical environment, political environment, social environment, urban
environment, environmental changes, environmental concern, environmental
consequences, environmental damage, environmental degradation,
environmental effects, environmental factors, environmental impact,
environmental issues, environmental policy, environmental pollution,
environmental protection.

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establish
[ɪstæblɪʃ]

verb
1. build or establish something abstract. [Syn: build]
2. use as a basis for; found on. [Syn: base, ground, found]
3. establish the validity of something, as by an example, explanation or
experiment. [Syn: prove, demonstrate, show, shew]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

establishment establish established x

n (person) verb forms adv other

x established x disestablish
establishes disestablishment
establishing

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: established order, established practice, established principle.
adv+adj: long established, newly established.
adv+vpp: (be) clearly established, (be) firmly established, (be) well established,
once established.

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estimate
[estəmət]

verb
1. judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time). E.g.: I estimate
this chicken to weigh three pounds [Syn: gauge, approximate, guess, judge]

noun
1. an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth. E.g.: an estimate of
what it would cost [Syn: estimation, approximation, idea]
2. a judgment of the qualities of something or somebody. E.g.: many factors are
involved in any estimate of human life [Syn: estimation]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

estimate estimate estimated x
estimation

n (person) verb forms adv other

x estimated x overestimate
estimates underestimate
estimating

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evident
[evədənt]

adj
1. capable of being seen or noticed. E.g.: a clearly evident erasure in the
manuscript [Syn: discernible, observable]
2. clearly apparent or obvious to the mind or senses. E.g.: evident hostility [Syn:
apparent, manifest, patent, plain]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

evidence x evidenced x
evident
evidential

n (person) verb forms adv other

x x evidently x

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: ample evidence, anecdotal evidence, available evidence, clear evidence,
compelling evidence, considerable evidence, convincing evidence, direct
evidence, documentary evidence, empirical evidence, experimental evidence,
further evidence, historical evidence, little evidence, recent evidence,
scientific evidence, strong evidence, substantial evidence, sufficient evidence,
supporting evidence.
adv+adj: (be) particularly evident, clearly evident.
v+n: find evidence, give evidence, present evidence, provide evidence, show
evidence.

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export
[ekspɔrt]

verb
1. sell or transfer abroad. E.g.: we export less than we import and have a
negative trade balance
2. cause to spread in another part of the world. E.g.: The Russians exported
Marxism to Africa

noun
1. commodities (goods or services) sold to a foreign country. [Syn: exportation]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

export export x x

n (person) verb forms adv other

exporter exported x x
exporting
exports

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factor
[fæktɜr]

verb
1. resolve into factors. E.g.: a quantum computer can factor the number 15
[Syn: factor in, factor out]

noun
1. any of the numbers (or symbols) that form a product when multiplied together.
2. one of two or more integers that can be exactly divided into another integer.
E.g.: what are the 4 factors of 6? [Syn: divisor]
3. anything that contributes causally to a result. E.g.: a number of factors
determined the outcome
4. an abstract part of something. E.g.: a key factor in her success [Syn: component,
constituent, element, ingredient]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

factor factor x x

n (person) verb forms adv other

x factored x x
factoring
factors

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: critical factor, crucial factor, demographic factor, key factor, main factor,
major factor, related factor, significant factor, specific factor, associated
factors, contextual factors, cultural factors, economic factors, environmental
factors, external factors, historical factors, political factors, relevant factors,
social factors.

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finance
[fənæns]

verb
1. obtain or provide money for. E.g.: Can we finance the addition to our home?

noun
1. the branch of economics that studies the management of money and other
assets.
2. the commercial activity of providing funds and capital.
3. the management of money and credit and banking and investments.

n (thing) verb adj opposite

finance finance financial x
finances

n (person) verb forms adv other

financier financed financially x
finances
financing

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: financial affairs, financial assistance, financial institution, financial
management, financial market, financial problem, financial resources,
financial support.

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formula
[fɔrmjələ]

noun
1. a group of symbols that make a mathematical statement. [Syn: expression]
2. a conventionalized statement expressing some fundamental principle.
3. a representation of a substance using symbols for its constituent elements. [Syn:
chemical formula]
4. (mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical
problems. E.g.: he gave us a general formula for attacking polynomials [Syn:
rule]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

formula formulate forumulaic x
formulation

n (person) verb forms adv other

x formulated x formulae (pl)
formulates formulas (pl)
formulating reformulate

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function
[fʌŋkʃən]

verb
1. serve a purpose, role, or function. E.g.: The table functions as a desk [Syn:
serve]

noun
1. a relation such that one thing is dependent on another. E.g.: height is a
function of age, price is a function of supply and demand
2. a mathematical relation such that each element of one set is associated with at
least one element of another set. [Syn: mathematical function]
3. a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program. [Syn: routine,
subroutine, subprogram, procedure]
4. what something is used for. E.g.: the function of an auger is to bore holes
[Syn: purpose, role, use]
5. the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or
group. E.g.: the function of a teacher [Syn: office, part, role]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

function function functional x
functioning

n (person) verb forms adv other

x functioned functionally x
functioning
functions

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: basic function, essential function, main function, primary function, social
function, specific function, functional requirement.
v+n: perform (a) function, serve (a) function.

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identify
[aɪdentəfaɪ]

verb
1. give the name or identifying characteristics of; refer to by name or some other
identifying characteristic property. [Syn: name]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

identification identify identifiable unidentifiable
identity identified

n (person) verb forms adv other

x identified x x
identifies
identifying

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: multiple identities, collective identity, cultural identity, ethnic identity,
national identity, political identity, religious identity, sexual identity, social
identity.
adv+vpp: (be) clearly identified, (be) easily identified.
v+n: identify (a) problem, identify (a) way, identify (an) area, identify (an) issue,
identify factors, identify features.

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income
[ɪnkʌm]

noun
1. the financial gain (earned or unearned) accruing over a given period of time.

n (thing) verb adj opposite

income x x x
n (person) verb forms adv other
x x x x

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: disposable income, low income, middle income, national income, total
income.
_________________________________________________________________

indicate
[ɪndəkeɪt]

verb
1. give evidence of. E.g.: The results indicate the need for more work [Syn:
argue]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

indication indicate indicative x
indicator
n (person) verb forms adv other
x indicated x x
indicates
indicating

Collocations from the ACL

v+n: give (an) indication (of), provide (an) indication (of).

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individual
[ɪndəvɪdʒəwəl]

adj
1. characteristic of or meant for a single person or thing. E.g.: an individual
serving [Syn: separate, single]
2. separate and distinct from others of the same kind. E.g.: mark the individual
pages [Syn: case-by-case, item-by-item]

noun
1. a single organism.
2. a human being. [Syn: person, someone, somebody, mortal, human, soul]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

individual x individual x
individualism individualised
individuality individualist
individualistic

n (person) verb forms adv other

individual x individually x
individualist

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: individual behaviour, individual case, individual characteristics, individual
choice, individual component, individual differences, individual element,
individual experience, individual interests, individual item, individual needs,
individual response, individual responsibility, individual rights, individual
variable, individual variation, particular individual, private individual, single
individual, unique individual.

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Sheldon Smith

interpret
[ɪntɜrprət]

verb
1. make sense of a language. [Syn: understand, read, translate]
2. make sense of; assign a meaning to. E.g.: How do you interpret his behavior?
[Syn: construe, see]
3. restate (words) from one language into another language. E.g.: Can you
interpret the speech of the visiting dignitaries? [Syn: translate, render]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

interpretation interpret interpretative misinterpret
interpretive misinterpretation

n (person) verb forms adv other

interpreter interpreted x reinterpret
interpreting reinterpretation
interprets

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: correct interpretation, historical interpretation, literal interpretation,
alternative interpretation.

33
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involve
[ɪnvɑlv]

verb
1. require as useful, just, or proper. [Syn: necessitate, ask, postulate, need, require,
take, call for, demand]
2. contain as a part. E.g.: Dinner at Joe's always involves at least six courses
3. have as a necessary feature or consequence; entail. E.g.: This decision involves
many changes [Syn: imply]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

involvement involve involved uninvolved

n (person) verb forms adv other

x involved x x
involves
involving

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: active involvement, direct involvement.
adv+vpp: (be) actively involved, (be) directly involved (in).
v+adj: become involved (with/in), get involved (with/in).

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Sheldon Smith

issue
[ɪʃu]

verb
1. circulate or distribute or equip with. E.g.: issue a new uniform to the children
[Syn: supply]
2. come out of. E.g.: Water issued from the hole in the wall [Syn: emerge,
come out, come forth, go forth, egress]
3. prepare and issue for public distribution or sale. [Syn: publish, bring out, put out,
release]

noun
1. a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon. [Syn:
consequence, effect, outcome, result, event, upshot]
2. some situation or event that is thought about. [Syn: topic, subject, matter]
3. an important question that is in dispute and must be settled. E.g.: the issue
could be settled by requiring public education for everyone, politicians
never discuss the real issues

n (thing) verb adj opposite

issue issue x x

n (person) verb forms adv other

x issued x x
issues
issuing

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: central issue, complex issue, contemporary issue, controversial issue, core
issue, critical issue, cultural issue, current issue, ethical issue, global issue, key
issue, legal issue, main issue, major issue, methodological issue, practical issue,
real issue, related issue, relevant issue, similar issue, single issue, special issue,
specific issue, technical issue, theoretical issue, wider issue, environmental
issues.
v+n: address (an) issue, consider (an) issue, deal (with an) issue, discuss (an) issue,
explore (an) issue, identify (an) issue, raise (an) issue.
35
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labour
[leɪbɜr]

verb
1. strive and make an effort to reach a goal. [Syn: tug, labor, push, drive]
2. work hard. [Syn: labor, toil, fag, travail, grind, drudge, dig, moil]

noun
1. a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages. [Syn:
labor, working class, proletariat]
2. productive work (especially physical work done for wages). [Syn: labor, toil]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

labour labour laboured x
labouring
n (person) verb forms adv other
x laboured x labor (US)
labouring labored (US)
labours labors (US)

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Sheldon Smith

legal
[ligəl]
adj
1. having legal efficacy or force. [Syn: sound]
2. of or relating to jurisprudence. E.g.: legal loophole
3. relating to or characteristic of the profession of law. E.g.: the legal profession
4. established by or founded upon law or official or accepted rules.
n (thing) verb adj opposite
legality x legal illegal
illegality
illegally
n (person) verb forms adv other
x x legally x
Collocations from the ACL
adj+n: legal action, legal basis, legal framework, legal issue, legal obligation, legal
position, legal proceedings, legal protection, legal requirement, legal right,
legal rule, legal status, legal system.
_________________________________________________________________

legislate
[ledʒɪsleɪt]
verb
1. make laws, bills, etc. or bring into effect by legislation. E.g.: We cannot
legislate how people spend their free time [Syn: pass]
n (thing) verb adj opposite
legislation legislate legislative x
legislature
n (person) verb forms adv other
legislator legislated x x
legislates
legislating
Collocations from the ACL
adj+n: national legislation, proposed legislation, legislative measures, legislative
power.
37
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major
[meɪdʒɜr]

adj
1. greater in number or size or amount. E.g.: a major portion (a majority) of the
population, a major portion of the winnings
2. greater in scope or effect. E.g.: a major contribution, a major improvement, a
major break with tradition, a major misunderstanding
3. of the field of academic study in which one concentrates or specializes. E.g.: his
major field was mathematics
4. of greater seriousness or danger. E.g.: a major earthquake, a major hurricane,
a major illness

verb
1. have as one's principal field of study. E.g.: She is majoring in linguistics

noun
1. a university student who is studying a particular field as the principal subject.
E.g.: she is a linguistics major
2. the principal field of study of a student at a university. E.g.: her major is
linguistics

n (thing) verb adj opposite

major major major x
majority
n (person) verb forms adv other
major majored x x
majoring
majors
Collocations from the ACL
adj+n: major advantage, major area, major cause, major challenge, major change,
major component, major concern, major contribution, major decision, major
difference, major factor, major feature, major focus, major impact, major
implications, major influence, major issue, major part, major problem, major
reason, major role, major shift, major source, major theme, great majority,
large majority, overwhelming majority, simple majority, vast majority.
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Sheldon Smith

method
[meθəd]

noun
1. a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly
logical arrangement (usually in steps).

n (thing) verb adj opposite

method x methodical x
methodology methodological

n (person) verb forms adv other

x x x x

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: alternative method, common method, effective method, experimental
method, modern method, qualitative method, quantitative method, scientific
method, standard method, statistical method, traditional method,
methodological approach, methodological issue, methodological problem.
v+n: apply (a) method, describe (a) method, develop (a) method, employ (a)
method, use (a) method, use (a) methodology.

39
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occur
[əkɜr]

verb
1. to be found to exist. E.g.: sexism occurs in many workplaces, precious stones
occur in a large area in Brazil
2. come to pass. E.g.: Nothing occurred that seemed important [Syn: happen, hap,
go on, pass off, pass, fall out, come about, take place]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

occurrence occur x x
n (person) verb forms adv other
x occurred x reoccur
occurring
occurs

Collocations from the ACL

v+adv: occur frequently, occur naturally.
_________________________________________________________________

percent
[pɜrsent]

noun
1. a proportion multiplied by 100. [Syn: percentage, per centum, pct]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

percent x x x
percentage
n (person) verb forms adv other
x x x x

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: high percentage, large percentage, low percentage, small percentage.

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Sheldon Smith

period
[pɪriəd]

noun
1. an amount of time. E.g.: a time period of 30 years, hastened the period of
time of his recovery, Picasso's blue period [Syn: time period, period of time]
2. a unit of geological time during which a system of rocks formed. E.g.: ganoid
fishes swarmed during the earlier geological periods [Syn: geological period]
3. the interval taken to complete one cycle of a regularly repeating phenomenon.
4. a stage in the history of a culture having a definable place in space and time.
E.g.: a novel from the Victorian period [Syn: historic period, historical period]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

period x periodic x
periodical periodical

n (person) verb forms adv other

x x periodically x

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: brief period, earlier period, entire period, extended period, given period,
historical period, initial period, short period, whole period.

41
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policy
[pɑləsi]

noun
1. written contract or certificate of insurance. E.g.: you should have read the
small print on your policy [Syn: insurance policy, insurance]
2. a line of argument rationalizing the course of action of a government. E.g.: they
debated the policy or impolicy of the proposed legislation
3. a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group. E.g.: it was a policy of
retribution

n (thing) verb adj opposite

policy x x x

n (person) verb forms adv other

x x x x

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: current policy, economic policy, educational policy, effective policy,
environmental policy, foreign policy, key policy, national policy, public policy,
social policy.
n+n: government policy, security policy.

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Sheldon Smith

principle
[prɪnsəpəl]

noun
1. (law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of
the working of some device in terms of laws of nature). E.g.: the principles of
internal-combustion engines [Syn: rationale]
2. a basic truth or law or assumption. E.g.: the principles of democracy
3. a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex
system. E.g.: the principle of the conservation of mass, the principle of jet
propulsion [Syn: rule]
4. a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for
reasoning or conduct. E.g.: their principles of composition characterized all
their works [Syn: rule]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

principle x principled unprincipled

n (person) verb forms adv other

x x x x

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: basic principle, established principle, ethical principle, fundamental
principle, general principle, guiding principle, key principle, main principle,
moral principle, organising principle, underlying principle.

43
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proceed
[prəsid]

verb
1. follow a procedure or take a course. [Syn: go, move]
2. continue a certain state, condition, or activity. [Syn: continue, go on, go along,
keep]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

procedure proceed procedural x
proceedings

n (person) verb forms adv other

x proceeded x x
proceeding
proceeds

Collocations from the ACL

v+n: adopt (a) procedure, describe (a) procedure, follow (a) procedure, use (a)
procedure.

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Sheldon Smith

process
[prɑses]

verb
1. perform mathematical and logical operations on (data) according to
programmed instructions in order to obtain the required information. E.g.:
The results of the elections were still being processed when he gave his
acceptance speech

noun
1. a sustained phenomenon or one marked by gradual changes through a series of
states. E.g.: events now in process, the process of calcification begins later
for boys than for girls
2. (psychology) the performance of some composite cognitive activity; an
operation that affects mental contents. E.g.: the process of thinking [Syn:
cognitive process, mental process, operation, cognitive operation]
3. a particular course of action intended to achieve a result. E.g.: it was a process
of trial and error [Syn: procedure]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

process process processed x

n (person) verb forms adv other

x processed x x
processes
processing

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: complex process, continuous process, creative process, democratic process,
developmental process, due process, dynamic process, evolutionary process,
natural process, ongoing process, slow process, underlying process.
n+n: assessment process, learning process, thinking process, thought process,
information processing.
v+n: process data, process information, begin (a) process, describe (a) process,
start (a) process.

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require
[rikwaɪɜr]

verb
1. require as useful, just, or proper. E.g.: success usually requires hard work
[Syn: necessitate, ask, postulate, need, take, involve, call for, demand]
2. have need of. [Syn: want, need]
3. make someone do something. [Syn: command, compel]
4. consider obligatory; request and expect. E.g.: We require our secretary to be
on time [Syn: ask, expect]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

requirement require required x

n (person) verb forms adv other

x required x x
requires
requiring

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: functional requirement, legal requirement, minimum requirement.
v+n: require consideration, require knowledge, require resources, meet (a)
requirement.

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Sheldon Smith

research
[risɜrtʃ]

verb
1. attempt to find out in a systematically and scientific manner. E.g.: The student
researched the history of that word

noun
1. a search for knowledge. E.g.: their pottery deserves more research than it
has received [Syn: inquiry, enquiry]
2. systematic investigation to establish facts.

n (thing) verb adj opposite

research research x x

n (person) verb forms adv other

researcher researched x x
researches
researching

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: academic research, basic research, comparative research, considerable
research, current research, earlier research, educational research, empirical
research, existing research, experimental research, extensive research, further
research, future research, initial research, little research, original research,
past research, previous research, primary research, published research,
qualitative research, quantitative research, recent research, scholarly research,
scientific research, traditional research.
n+n: (for) research purposes, research effort, research evidence, research findings,
research methodology, research topic, field research.
v+n: carry out research (of), conduct research, publish research, undertake
research.

47
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respond
[rɪspɑnd]

verb
1. show a response or a reaction to something. [Syn: react]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

response respond respondent unresponsive
responsiveness responsive
n (person) verb forms adv other
respondent responded x x
responding
responds

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: appropriate response, emotional response, individual response.
_________________________________________________________________

role
[roʊl]

noun
1. what something is used for. [Syn: function, purpose, use]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

role x x x
n (person) verb forms adv other
x x x x

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: active role, central role, critical role, crucial role, direct role, dominant role,
essential role, key role, leading role, major role, minor role, pivotal role,
prominent role, significant role, vital role.
v+n: assume (the) role (of), consider (the) role (of), examine (the) role (of), play (a)
role (in), take (a) role (in), take on (the) role (of, as), take up (the) role (of, as).

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Sheldon Smith

section
[sekʃən]

noun
1. a self-contained part of a larger composition (written or musical). E.g.: he
always turns first to the business section, the history of this work is
discussed in the next section [Syn: subdivision]
2. one of the portions into which something is regarded as divided and which
together constitute a whole. E.g.: the finance section of the company [Syn:
part, division]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

section section sectioned x
n (person) verb forms adv other
x sectioned x x
sectioning
sections
Collocations from the ACL
adj+n: concluding section, final section, introductory section, opening section,
preceding section, previous section.
_________________________________________________________________

sector
[sektɜr]

noun
1. a body of people who form part of society or economy. E.g.: the public sector

n (thing) verb adj opposite

sector x x x
n (person) verb forms adv other
x x x x
Collocations from the ACL
adj+n: economic sector, manufacturing sector, private sector, public sector.
n+n: business sector, service sector, state sector.
49
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significant
[səgnɪfɪkənt]

adj
1. important in effect or meaning. E.g.: a significant change in tax laws, a
significant change in the Constitution, a significant contribution,
significant details, statistically significant [Syn: important]
2. too closely correlated to be attributed to chance and therefore indicating a
systematic relation. E.g.: the interaction effect is significant at the .01 level,
no significant difference was found
3. fairly large. [Syn: substantial]
n (thing) verb adj opposite
significance signify significant insignificant
insignificantly
n (person) verb forms adv other
x signified significantly x
signifies
signifying
Collocations from the ACL
adj+n: cultural significance, great significance, little significance, political
significance, practical significance, social significance, statistical significance,
(a) significant amount (of), (a) significant degree (of), (a) significant proportion
(of), significant change, significant contribution, significant correlation,
significant correlation, significant development, significant difference,
significant effect, significant factor, significant feature, significant figures,
significant growth, significant impact, significant improvement, significant
increase, significant influence, significant interaction, significant number,
significant part, significant portion, significant reduction, significant
relationship, significant role, significant shift, significant variation.
adv+adj: highly significant, particularly significant, statistically significant,
significantly higher.
adv+v: significantly affect, significantly increase.
adv+vpp: (be) significantly correlated (with), (be) significantly reduced.
v+adv: contribute significantly, differ significantly, vary significantly.

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Sheldon Smith

similar
[sɪməlɜr]

adj
1. having the same or similar characteristics. [Syn: alike, like]
2. marked by correspondence or resemblance. E.g.: similar food at similar
prices, problems similar to mine, they wore similar coats

n (thing) verb adj opposite

similarity x similar dissimilar

n (person) verb forms adv other

x x similarly x

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: similar approach, similar argument, similar characteristics, similar effect,
similar issue, similar pattern, similar properties, similar result, similar
situation.
adv+adj: broadly similar, remarkably similar.

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source
[sɔrs]

verb
1. specify the origin of. E.g.: The writer carefully sourced her report

noun
1. (technology) a process by which energy or a substance enters a system. E.g.: a
heat source, a source of carbon dioxide
2. someone who originates or causes or initiates something. [Syn: generator, author]
3. the place where something begins, where it springs into being. E.g.: Pittsburgh
is the source of the Ohio River [Syn: beginning, origin, root, rootage]
4. a publication (or a passage from a publication) that is referred to. E.g.: he spent
hours looking for the source of that quotation [Syn: reference]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

source source x x

n (person) verb forms adv other

x sourced x x
sources
sourcing

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: alternative source, common source, external source, key source, main
source, major source, original source, possible source, potential source,
primary source, principal source, rich source, secondary source, single source,
useful source, multiple sources.
v+n: become (a) source (of), provide (a) source, use (a) source.

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Sheldon Smith

specific
[spəsɪfɪk]

adj
1. stated explicitly or in detail. E.g.: needed a specific amount
2. (sometimes followed by `to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing
something particular or special or unique. E.g.: rules with specific
application, demands specific to the job, a specific and detailed account of
the accident

noun
1. a fact about some part (as opposed to general). [Syn: particular]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

specific x specific x
specification
specificity

n (person) verb forms adv other

x x specifically x

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: specific area, specific aspect, specific case, specific characteristic, specific
context, specific example, specific factor, specific feature, specific focus,
specific form, specific function, specific information, specific issue, specific
knowledge, specific meaning, specific needs, specific problem, specific purpose,
specific question, specific reference, specific sense, specific type.
adv+adj: culturally specific, historically specific.

53
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structure
[strʌktʃɜr]

verb
1. give a structure to. E.g.: I need to structure my days

noun
1. a thing constructed; a complex construction or entity. E.g.: the structure
consisted of a series of arches [Syn: construction]
2. the manner of construction of something and the arrangement of its parts. E.g.:
artists must study the structure of the human body, the structure of the
benzene molecule

n (thing) verb adj opposite

structure structure structural unstructured
structured

n (person) verb forms adv other

x structured structurally restructure
structures restructuring
structuring

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: structural adjustment, structural change, structural element, structural
feature, structural properties, basic structure, clear structure, complex
structure, economic structure, existing structure, formal structure, global
structure, hierarchical structure, institutional structure, internal structure,
organizational structure, overall structure, political structure, social structure,
underlying structure.

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Sheldon Smith

theory
[θɪri]

noun
1. a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an
organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of
circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena.
2. a tentative theory about the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but
that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena. E.g.: a scientific
hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory,
he proposed a fresh theory [Syn: hypothesis, possibility]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

theory x theoretical x

n (person) verb forms adv other

theorist x theoretically x

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: theoretical analysis, theoretical approach, theoretical basis, theoretical
concept, theoretical debate, theoretical framework, theoretical issue,
theoretical model, theoretical perspective, theoretical study, theoretical
understanding, theoretical work, classical theory, critical theory, cultural
theory, economic theory, evolutionary theory, general theory, scientific theory,
social theory.
v+n: apply (the) theory, develop (a) theory, test (a) theory, use (a) theory.

55
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vary
[veri]

verb
1. be at variance with; be out of line with. [Syn: deviate, diverge, depart]
2. be subject to change in accordance with a variable. E.g.: Prices vary, His
moods vary depending on the weather
3. make or become different in some particular way, without permanently losing
one's or its former characteristics or essence. [Syn: change, alter]

n (thing) verb adj opposite

variability vary variable invariable
variance variant invariably
variant varied
variation varying

n (person) verb forms adv other

x varied variably x
varies
varying

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: dependent variable, independent variable, individual variable, random
variable, single variable, considerable variation, genetic variation, individual
variation, regional variation, significant variation, wide variation, varying
degree.
v+adv: vary considerably, vary greatly, vary significantly, vary widely.

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Exercises (Sublist 1)
Task 1: Focus on Meaning #1
Study the following text on Biological Rhythms and Sleep. Fill in the gaps
using words from the box. All are words from AWL sublist 1. [Note: words
from sublist 2 (italics) and sublist 3 (bold) are also shown, for preview
purposes.]

consistent defined environment x 3 identified

individuals involved period x 2 role
similarly

Biological rhythms are internal rhythms of biological activity. Some of these take
place over a long _____________, for example a woman’s menstrual cycle which
lasts 28 days, while others are much shorter. A circadian rhythm is a biological
rhythm that takes place over a _____________ of about 24 hours. Our sleep-wake
cycle, which is linked to our _____________’s natural light-dark cycle, is perhaps
the most obvious example of a circadian rhythm, but we also have daily fluctuations
in heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body temperature. Some circadian
rhythms play a _____________ in changes in our state of consciousness.

Psychologists have _____________ several situations in which a person’s circadian

clock gets out of synch with the external _____________. One way that this happens
is travel _____________ crossing multiple time zones. When we do this, we often
experience jet lag, which is a collection of symptoms that results from the mismatch
between our internal circadian cycles and our _____________. These symptoms
include fatigue, sluggishness, irritability, and insomnia (insomnia can be
_____________ as a _____________ difficulty in falling or staying asleep for at least
three nights a week over a month’s time) (Roth, 2007). _____________,
_____________ who do rotating shift work are also likely to experience disruptions
in circadian cycles. Rotating shift work refers to a work schedule that changes from
early to late on a daily or weekly basis. For example, a person may work from 7:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, 3:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, and 11:00 a.m. to
7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. In such instances, the schedule changes so frequently that
it becomes difficult for a normal circadian rhythm to be maintained, often resulting in
sleeping problems, depression and anxiety.

Source: Adapted from Psychology, 4.1: What is Consciousness? © 2017 Rice University.
Download for free at Download for free at Download for free at
https://openstax.org/details/books/psychology.
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Task 2: Focus on Meaning #2

Read the second part of the text on Biological Rhythms and Sleep. Fill in
the gaps using words from the box. All are words from AWL sublist 1.
[Note: words from sublist 2 (italics) and sublist 3 (bold) are again shown.]

constitutes established evident function

indicates individuals occur periods
require research x 2 researchers response
significant varies

When people have difficulty getting sleep due to their work or the demands of day-to-
day life, they accumulate a sleep debt. A person with a sleep debt does not get
sufficient sleep on a chronic basis. Sleep debt and sleep deprivation have
_____________ negative psychological and physiological consequences. Lack of
sleep can result in decreased mental alertness and depression-like symptoms. These
effects can _____________ as a result of accumulated sleep debt or in
_____________ to more acute _____________ of sleep deprivation. _____________
have _____________ a connection between sleep deprivation and obesity, increased
blood pressure and increased levels of stress hormones (Banks & Dinges, 2007).
Some sleep-deprived _____________ have difficulty staying awake when they stop
moving (for example sitting and watching television or driving a car), and those
suffering from sleep deprivation can put themselves and others at risk when they put
themselves behind the wheel of a car or work with dangerous machinery. Some
_____________ suggests that sleep deprivation affects cognitive and motor
_____________ as much as, if not more than, alcohol intoxication (Williamson &
Feyer, 2000).

It is _____________ from this that getting sufficient sleep is crucial in leading a

healthy life. Exactly what _____________ sufficient sleep, however, _____________
greatly across a person’s lifespan. _____________ by the National Sleep Foundation
(n.d.) _____________ that newborns _____________ the most sleep, at between 12
and 18 hours a night, and that this amount declines to just 7–9 hours by the time we
are adults.

Source: Adapted from Psychology, 4.1: What is Consciousness? © 2017 Rice University.
Download for free at Download for free at Download for free at
https://openstax.org/details/books/psychology.
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Sheldon Smith

Task 3: Collocations #1
Match the following words to form common collocations of AWL sublist 1
words. An example has been done for you.

creative data
economic issues
environmental methodology
individual process
major role
process response
research theory

Task 4: Collocations #2
The following are sets of collocations for AWL sublist 1 words, taken from
the ACL. In each case, one collocation is incorrect. Identify and cross out
the incorrect collocation. An example has been done for you.

Example: economic analysis, specific analysis, theoretical analysis

a) analytical approach, methodological approach, responsive approach,

theoretical approach
b) export area, major area, specific area
c) available data, available evidence, available theory
d) economic factors, economic policy, economic process, economic sector
e) available data, interpret data, process data, require data
f) major issue, major method, major source
g) assessment process, creative process, policy process

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Task 5: Collocations #3
The following adj+n collocations match one word from the AWL sublist 1.
Identify which one. Choose from the following nouns. An example has
been done for you.
authority concept context
economy income percentage
principle (a) procedure section

advanced/ capitalist/ global/ local/ national/ political economy

high/ large/ low/ small
basic/ established/ ethical/ fundamental/ general/
guiding/ key/ main/ moral/ organising/ underlying
abstract/ basic/ central/ defining/ key/ theoretical
central/ local/ political/ public
broader/ cultural/ economic/ global/ historical/
institutional/ international/ original/ political/ present/
social/ specific/ wider
concluding/ final/ introductory/ opening/ preceding/
previous
disposable/ low/ middle/ national/ total
adopt/ describe/ follow/ use

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Sheldon Smith

Task 6: Word form #1

Complete the following sentences by changing the word form of the
word(s) in brackets. An example has been done for you.

Example: There are many economic (economy) benefits of the policy.

a) The policy is very _______________ (benefit) for the economy.

b) There were several significant problems with his
_______________ (assume).
c) There are several important _______________ (finance) implications.
d) It is usually _______________ (legal) to conduct research on people
without their consent.
e) His plan had many _______________ (structure) flaws.
f) Her _______________ (estimate) were inaccurate, which caused several
problems in the analysis.
g) The government’s new _______________ (legislate) on the environment
was well received by the general public.
h) The company is a major _______________ (distribute) of electronic
components.
i) Academic language contains many _______________ (formula) phrases,
such as ‘What I want to talk about today…’ and ‘Turning to the next
section…’.
j) He copied his methods and results from other authors, meaning his
work was very _______________ (derive).
k) She had lots of difficult procedures to follow, which made her work very
_______________ (labour).

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Task 7: Word form #2

Change the following noun forms from the ‘thing’ to the ‘person’. An
example has been done for you (economy->economist).

analyse
contract
create
economy economist
environment
export
finance
individual
legislation
research
response
theory

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Unlock the Academic Word List: Sublists 1-3

Answers to exercises

Sublist 1

Task 1: Focus on Meaning #1

Biological rhythms are internal rhythms of biological activity. Some of these take
place over a long period, for example a woman’s menstrual cycle which lasts 28 days,
while others are much shorter. A circadian rhythm is a biological rhythm that takes
place over a period of about 24 hours. Our sleep-wake cycle, which is linked to our
environment’s natural light-dark cycle, is perhaps the most obvious example of a
circadian rhythm, but we also have daily fluctuations in heart rate, blood pressure,
blood sugar, and body temperature. Some circadian rhythms play a role in changes in
our state of consciousness.

Psychologists have identified several situations in which a person’s circadian clock

gets out of synch with the external environment. One way that this happens is travel
involves crossing multiple time zones. When we do this, we often experience jet lag,
which is a collection of symptoms that results from the mismatch between our
internal circadian cycles and our environment. These symptoms include fatigue,
sluggishness, irritability, and insomnia (insomnia can be defined as a consistent
difficulty in falling or staying asleep for at least three nights a week over a month’s
time) (Roth, 2007). Similarly, individuals who do rotating shift work are also likely
to experience disruptions in circadian cycles. Rotating shift work refers to a work
schedule that changes from early to late on a daily or weekly basis. For example, a
person may work from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, 3:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on
Tuesday, and 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. In such instances, the schedule
changes so frequently that it becomes difficult for a normal circadian rhythm to be
maintained, often resulting in sleeping problems, depression and anxiety.

Task 2: Focus on Meaning #2

When people have difficulty getting sleep due to their work or the demands of day-to-
day life, they accumulate a sleep debt. A person with a sleep debt does not get
sufficient sleep on a chronic basis. Sleep debt and sleep deprivation have significant
negative psychological and physiological consequences. Lack of sleep can result in
decreased mental alertness and depression-like symptoms. These effects can occur as
a result of accumulated sleep debt or in response to more acute periods of sleep
deprivation. Researchers have established a connection between sleep deprivation and
obesity, increased blood pressure and increased levels of stress hormones (Banks &
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Sheldon Smith
Dinges, 2007). Some sleep-deprived individuals have difficulty staying awake when
they stop moving (for example sitting and watching television or driving a car), and
those suffering from sleep deprivation can put themselves and others at risk when
they put themselves behind the wheel of a car or work with dangerous machinery.
Some research suggests that sleep deprivation affects cognitive and motor function as
much as, if not more than, alcohol intoxication (Williamson & Feyer, 2000).

It is evident from this that getting sufficient sleep is crucial in leading a healthy life.
Exactly what constitutes sufficient sleep, however, varies greatly across a person’s
lifespan. Research by the National Sleep Foundation (n.d.) indicates that newborns
require the most sleep, at between 12 and 18 hours a night, and that this amount
declines to just 7–9 hours by the time we are adults.

Task 3: Collocations #1
The following are the collocations:
creative process, economic theory, environmental issues, individual
response, major role, process data, research methodology

The following is the pairs as per the exercise in the book:

creative data
economic issues
environmental methodology
individual process
major role
process response
research theory

Task 4: Collocations #2
a) analytical approach, methodological approach, responsive approach,
theoretical approach
b) export area, major area, specific area
c) available data, available evidence, available theory
d) economic factors, economic policy, economic process, economic sector
e) available data, interpret data, process data, require data
f) major issue, major method, major source
g) assessment process, creative process, policy process
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Task 5: Collocations #3
advanced/ capitalist/ global/ local/ national/ political economy
high/ large/ low/ small percentage
basic/ established/ ethical/ fundamental/ general/ principle
guiding/ key/ main/ moral/ organising/ underlying
abstract/ basic/ central/ defining/ key/ theoretical concept
central/ local/ political/ public authority
broader/ cultural/ economic/ global/ historical/ context
institutional/ international/ original/ political/ present/
social/ specific/ wider
concluding/ final/ introductory/ opening/ preceding/ section
previous
disposable/ low/ middle/ national/ total income
adopt/ describe/ follow/ use (a) procedure

Task 6: Word form #1

a) The policy is very beneficial (benefit) for the economy.
b) There were several significant problems with his assumptions
(assume).
c) There are several important financial (finance) implications.
d) It is usually illegal (legal) to conduct research on people without their
consent.
e) His plan had many structural (structure) flaws.
f) Her estimates (estimate) were inaccurate, which caused several
problems in the analysis.
g) The government’s new legislation (legislate) on the environment was
well received by the general public.
h) The company is a major distributor (distribute) of electronic
components.
i) Academic language contains many formulaic (formula) phrases, such as
‘What I want to talk about today…’ and ‘Turning to the next section…’.
j) He copied his methods and results from other authors, meaning his
work was very derivative (derive).
k) She had lots of difficult procedures to follow, which made her work very
laborious/laboured (labour).
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Sheldon Smith

Task 7: Word form #2

analyse analyst
contract contractor
create creator
economy economist
environment environmentalist
export exporter
finance financier
individual individual/individualist
legislation legislator
research researcher
response respondent
theory theorist

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Sheldon Smith

Index of words
The following are all the words in sublists 1-3 of the AWL, with page numbers.
Academic Word List: Sublist 1.................................................................................................... 7
analyse ........................................................................................................................ 8
approach ..................................................................................................................... 9
area............................................................................................................................ 10
assess......................................................................................................................... 11
assume ...................................................................................................................... 11
authority................................................................................................................... 12
available.................................................................................................................... 12
benefit ....................................................................................................................... 13
concept ..................................................................................................................... 13
consist ....................................................................................................................... 14
constitute ................................................................................................................. 14
context ...................................................................................................................... 15
contract .................................................................................................................... 16
create ........................................................................................................................ 16
data............................................................................................................................ 17
define ........................................................................................................................ 18
derive ........................................................................................................................ 18
distribute .................................................................................................................. 19
economy ................................................................................................................... 20
environment ............................................................................................................ 21
establish.................................................................................................................... 22
estimate .................................................................................................................... 23
evident ...................................................................................................................... 24
export........................................................................................................................ 25
factor ......................................................................................................................... 26
finance ...................................................................................................................... 27
formula ..................................................................................................................... 28
function .................................................................................................................... 29
identify ..................................................................................................................... 30
income ...................................................................................................................... 31
indicate ..................................................................................................................... 31
individual ................................................................................................................. 32
interpret ................................................................................................................... 33
involve ...................................................................................................................... 34
issue .......................................................................................................................... 35
labour ........................................................................................................................ 36
legal ........................................................................................................................... 37
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legislate .....................................................................................................................37
major .........................................................................................................................38
method ......................................................................................................................39
occur..........................................................................................................................40
percent ......................................................................................................................40
period ........................................................................................................................41
policy .........................................................................................................................42
principle....................................................................................................................43
proceed .....................................................................................................................44
process ......................................................................................................................45
require ......................................................................................................................46
research ....................................................................................................................47
respond .....................................................................................................................48
role ............................................................................................................................48
section .......................................................................................................................49
sector.........................................................................................................................49
significant .................................................................................................................50
similar .......................................................................................................................51
source ........................................................................................................................52
specific ......................................................................................................................53
structure ...................................................................................................................54
theory ........................................................................................................................55
vary............................................................................................................................56
Academic Word List: Sublist 2..................................................................................................63
achieve ......................................................................................................................64
acquire ......................................................................................................................64
administrate .............................................................................................................65
affect .........................................................................................................................65
appropriate...............................................................................................................66
aspect ........................................................................................................................67
assist ..........................................................................................................................67
category ....................................................................................................................68
chapter ......................................................................................................................69
commission ..............................................................................................................69
community ...............................................................................................................70
complex.....................................................................................................................71
compute ....................................................................................................................72
conclude ....................................................................................................................72
conduct .....................................................................................................................73
consequent ...............................................................................................................74
construct ...................................................................................................................75
consume ....................................................................................................................75
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Sheldon Smith
credit ......................................................................................................................... 76
culture....................................................................................................................... 77
design ........................................................................................................................ 78
distinct ...................................................................................................................... 79
element ..................................................................................................................... 80
equate ....................................................................................................................... 81
evaluate .................................................................................................................... 81
feature....................................................................................................................... 82
final ........................................................................................................................... 83
focus .......................................................................................................................... 84
impact ....................................................................................................................... 85
injure ......................................................................................................................... 85
institute .................................................................................................................... 86
invest......................................................................................................................... 87
item ........................................................................................................................... 87
journal ...................................................................................................................... 88
maintain ................................................................................................................... 88
normal ...................................................................................................................... 89
obtain ........................................................................................................................ 90
participate ................................................................................................................ 90
perceive .................................................................................................................... 91
positive ..................................................................................................................... 92
potential ................................................................................................................... 93
previous .................................................................................................................... 94
primary ..................................................................................................................... 95
purchase ................................................................................................................... 95
range ......................................................................................................................... 96
region ........................................................................................................................ 97
regulate ..................................................................................................................... 97
relevant..................................................................................................................... 98
reside......................................................................................................................... 98
resource .................................................................................................................... 99
restrict .................................................................................................................... 100
secure ...................................................................................................................... 101
seek ......................................................................................................................... 101
select ....................................................................................................................... 102
site ........................................................................................................................... 103
strategy ................................................................................................................... 104
survey ..................................................................................................................... 104
text .......................................................................................................................... 105
tradition.................................................................................................................. 105
transfer ................................................................................................................... 106
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Academic Word List: Sublist 3............................................................................................... 113
alternative ..............................................................................................................114
circumstance ..........................................................................................................115
comment .................................................................................................................115
compensate ............................................................................................................116
component..............................................................................................................116
consent ....................................................................................................................117
considerable ...........................................................................................................118
constant ..................................................................................................................119
constrain .................................................................................................................119
contribute ...............................................................................................................120
convene ...................................................................................................................120
coordinate ..............................................................................................................121
core ..........................................................................................................................122
corporate ................................................................................................................123
correspond .............................................................................................................123
criteria ....................................................................................................................124
deduce .....................................................................................................................124
demonstrate ...........................................................................................................125
document ................................................................................................................125
dominate .................................................................................................................126
emphasis .................................................................................................................127
ensure......................................................................................................................128
exclude ....................................................................................................................128
framework ..............................................................................................................129
fund .........................................................................................................................129
illustrate .................................................................................................................130
immigrate ...............................................................................................................130
imply .......................................................................................................................131
initial .......................................................................................................................131
instance ...................................................................................................................132
interact ...................................................................................................................132
justify ......................................................................................................................133
layer.........................................................................................................................133
link...........................................................................................................................134
locate .......................................................................................................................135
maximise.................................................................................................................135
minor.......................................................................................................................136
negate ......................................................................................................................137
outcome ..................................................................................................................137
partner ....................................................................................................................138
philosophy ..............................................................................................................138
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Sheldon Smith
physical ................................................................................................................... 139
proportion .............................................................................................................. 140
publish .................................................................................................................... 141
react ........................................................................................................................ 142
register ................................................................................................................... 143
rely .......................................................................................................................... 143
remove .................................................................................................................... 144
scheme .................................................................................................................... 145
sequence ................................................................................................................. 145
sex ........................................................................................................................... 146
shift ......................................................................................................................... 147
specify ..................................................................................................................... 148
sufficient ................................................................................................................. 148
task .......................................................................................................................... 149
technical ................................................................................................................. 150
technique ................................................................................................................ 151
technology .............................................................................................................. 151
valid......................................................................................................................... 152
volume .................................................................................................................... 152

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About the author

Sheldon Smith has been teaching English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
since 2002, working in the UK, Indonesia and China. Since 2005 he has
been working on pathway programmes which prepare EFL students for
university study at Western universities, chiefly in the USA, UK and
Australia. In addition to text books for academic English, he is the author
of several novels and text books for Chinese language learning. He is the
founder and chief developer of the EAPFoundation.com website. He
currently resides in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China.

About Evident Press

Evident Press is an independent publisher specialising in academic texts.
It currently publishes two series of books for academic English: the EAP
Foundation series, in conjunction with the acclaimed academic English
website EAPFoundation.com; and the Unlock the Academic Word List series.
It also publishes the Chinese Characters for HSK series for learning Chinese.

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Sheldon Smith

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