10 words
- arguablyadverb/AR-gyoo-ab-lee/
used to say something can reasonably be claimed
Shakespeare is arguably the most influential writer in the English language.
Collocation: arguably the best · Similar: possibly, it could be said
- presumablyadverb/pri-ZYOO-mab-lee/
used when you think something is probably true
The lights are off, so they've presumably gone to bed.
Collocation: presumably because · Similar: probably, supposedly
- seeminglyadverb/SEE-ming-lee/
appearing to be true, though possibly not
The seemingly simple question turned out to be very difficult.
Collocation: seemingly endless · Similar: apparently, outwardly
- plausibleadjective/PLAW-zi-bul/
reasonable and likely to be true
Poor diet is a perfectly plausible explanation for the rise in obesity.
Collocation: a plausible explanation · Similar: believable, credible
- likelihoodnoun/LIKE-lee-hood/
the chance that something will happen
Regular exercise reduces the likelihood of developing heart disease.
Collocation: in all likelihood · Similar: probability, chance
- tentativeadjective/TEN-ta-tiv/
not certain or final; still open to change
The two sides reached a tentative agreement, which may still change.
Collocation: a tentative conclusion · Similar: provisional, uncertain
- predominantlyadverb/pri-DOM-i-nant-lee/
mainly; mostly
The audience was predominantly female, with only a few men present.
Collocation: predominantly urban · Similar: mainly, largely
- approximatelyadverb/a-PROK-si-mat-lee/
close to an exact number, but not exactly
The bridge is approximately two kilometres long.
Collocation: approximately half · Similar: roughly, about
- inconclusiveadjective/in-kon-KLOO-siv/
not leading to a clear result or decision
The results were inconclusive, so further research is needed.
Collocation: inconclusive evidence · Similar: unclear, indecisive
- virtuallyadverb/VER-choo-a-lee/
almost completely
Smartphone ownership among teenagers is now virtually universal.
Collocation: virtually impossible · Similar: almost, practically
Grammar check
Choose the right option, then open the answer.
1. The decline ___ to be linked to the drought.
appear · appears · is appearing · appearing
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appears: 'Appears to be' is a useful hedge. The subject 'the decline' is singular, so use 'appears'.
2. It ___ be argued that stricter laws reduce crime.
could · would · should have · might to
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could: 'It could be argued that' is a standard academic hedge that presents a claim cautiously.
3. The figures ___ have been higher if more people had responded.
can · must · might · might to
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might: 'Might have + past participle' expresses an uncertain result in an unreal past situation.
4. This is, ___ some extent, a matter of personal choice.
in · to · at · by
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to: The fixed hedging phrase is 'to some extent'.
5. These findings are ___ to be confirmed by larger studies.
probably · possibly · perhaps · likely
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likely: 'Likely' is an adjective that can take 'to + verb'. 'Probably', 'possibly' and 'perhaps' are adverbs.
Use the words: speaking questions
- Is it possible to predict how technology will change education in the future?
- Why do experts sometimes disagree about the causes of social problems?
- To what extent should people trust statistics they see in the news?
Answer them out loud with Dodo in the app for a band and better versions of your answers.