Advanced English Vocabulary
Want to sound more fluent, professional, and natural in English? This guide covers 100+ advanced synonyms for common words, mistakes to avoid, and phrases to upgrade your speaking and writing.
40 IELTS & Professional Synonyms
| Basic Word | Advanced Synonym | Example |
| Show | Demonstrate | The data demonstrated the trend. |
| Mostly | Predominantly | The area is predominantly residential. |
| Improve | Enhance | They enhanced the product design. |
| Think about | Consider | You should consider all options. |
| Say | State | He stated his opinion clearly. |
| Talk about | Discuss | Let’s discuss the next steps. |
| Live | Reside | He resides in a quiet neighborhood. |
| Change | Modify | The policy was modified last year. |
| Reduce | Minimize | Efforts were made to minimize risk. |
| Stop | Cease | The noise ceased suddenly. |
Tip: Use these in formal writing, presentations, and IELTS essays for a polished tone.
12 Overused Words & Better Alternatives
1. “Good” → Excellent, Outstanding, Superb
The meeting was good.
The meeting was excellent.
2. “Interesting” → Fascinating, Intriguing, Captivating
The documentary was interesting.
The documentary was fascinating.
3. “Big” → Significant, Substantial, Enormous
It was a big mistake.
It was a significant mistake.
4. “Happy” → Joyful, Elated, Ecstatic
She’s a happy person.
She’s a joyful person.
5. “Smart” → Brilliant, Astute, Ingenious
That was a smart question.
That was a brilliant question.
6. “Fast” → Rapid, Speedy, Brisk
Your car is fast.
Your car is rapid.
Bonus: Instead of “very tired”, say “exhausted” or “drained” for stronger impact.
12 Words to Remove from Your Vocabulary
1. “Advices” → “Advice” (always singular)
Can you give me some advices?
Can you give me some advice?
2. “Try” → “Will” / “Commit to” (stronger commitment)
I’ll try to improve.
I will improve.
3. “Wrong” → “Incorrect” (less harsh)
You’re wrong.
That’s incorrect.
4. “Can’t” → “Can’t yet” (more empowering)
I can’t speak fluently.
I can’t speak fluently yet.
5. “Recommend me” → “Recommend to me”
Can you recommend me a book?
Can you recommend a book to me?
6. “Gonna” → “Going to” (more professional)
I’m gonna send the report.
I’m going to send the report.
Pro Tip: Avoid “persons” (too formal). Use “people” in everyday speech.
6 Phrases to Sound More Natural
1. “Will do.” (Instead of “I will do it.”)
“Can you share this video?” → “Will do!”
2. “Where’s the restroom?” (Not “Where’s the toilet?”)
3. “The movie was boring.” (Not “The movie was bored.”)
4. “I went home.” (No preposition needed!)
5. “Let’s take a break.” (Not “Let’s make a rest.”)
6. “Thanks, Jennifer!” (Not “Thanks your teacher.”)
Bonus: Instead of “How is it going?”, say “How are you doing?” for clearer pronunciation.
Final Tips for Fluent English
Expand vocabulary with synonyms (e.g., “happy” → “joyful”).
Avoid outdated/incorrect words (e.g., “shall”, “irregardless”).
Use natural phrases (e.g., “Will do!” instead of “I will do it.”).
