2.5 Vocabulary - Word Formation with suffixes; Synonyms; Phrasal Verbs.

 

Vocabulary – Word Formation with Suffixes

(PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH | 16–20 Marks Answer)

Introduction

Vocabulary plays a crucial role in effective communication, especially in academic and professional contexts. One important method of enriching vocabulary is word formation, which involves creating new words from existing ones. Suffixes are commonly used in English to form new words by adding letters at the end of a root word. Understanding suffixes helps learners improve reading comprehension, writing accuracy, and professional communication skills.

According to English for Science & Technology (Cambridge University Press, 2021), word formation skills enable learners to decode meanings of unfamiliar words and use them appropriately in technical and professional contexts.

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What is a Suffix?

A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a root word to form a new word. Suffixes often change the part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, adverb) or modify the meaning of the word.

Example:

• Teach → Teacher

• Happy → Happiness

• Create → Creative

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Importance of Suffixes in Professional English

Suffixes are widely used in formal writing, reports, emails, technical documents, and academic texts. Knowledge of suffixes helps students:

• Expand vocabulary

• Improve spelling and grammar

• Understand technical and academic terms

• Write professionally and precisely

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Common Types of Suffixes with Examples

1. Noun-Forming Suffixes

These suffixes convert verbs or adjectives into nouns.

Suffix	Meaning	Example
-er / -or	Person who does an action	Teach → Teacher
-ment	Result or action	Develop → Development
-ness	State or quality	Happy → Happiness
-tion / -sion	Process or state	Inform → Information
-ity	Condition or quality	Active → Activity

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2. Verb-Forming Suffixes

These suffixes form verbs from nouns or adjectives.

Suffix	Example	Meaning
-ize	Modern → Modernize	To make
-ify	Simple → Simplify	To cause

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3. Adjective-Forming Suffixes

These suffixes create descriptive words.

Suffix	Example
-able / -ible	Readable, Accessible
-ful	Useful
-less	Careless
-ous	Dangerous
-ive	Creative

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4. Adverb-Forming Suffixes

Suffix	Example
-ly	Quickly, Clearly

Adverbs formed using -ly are commonly used in professional writing to describe actions precisely.

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Suffixes in Technical and Professional Contexts

Suffixes are frequently used in technical fields:

• Engineer → Engineering

• Communicate → Communication

• Analyze → Analysis

• Secure → Security

Such words are commonly found in reports, manuals, and professional emails.

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Common Errors to Avoid

• Incorrect suffix usage: beautifull ❌ → beautiful ✅

• Confusing noun and adjective forms

• Overusing suffixes unnecessarily

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Conclusion

Word formation using suffixes is an essential vocabulary-building skill in Professional English. A strong understanding of suffixes enables learners to comprehend complex texts, express ideas clearly, and communicate effectively in academic and professional settings. Regular practice of suffix-based word formation improves language proficiency and confidence.

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Vocabulary – Synonyms

(Professional English | 16–20 Marks)

Introduction

Vocabulary plays a vital role in effective communication, especially in academic and professional contexts. One important aspect of vocabulary development is the use of synonyms. Synonyms help avoid repetition, improve clarity, and enhance the quality of spoken and written communication. In Professional English, the correct use of synonyms enables learners to express ideas more precisely and confidently.

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Definition of Synonyms

A synonym is a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word.
Example:

• Happy – Joyful, Pleasant, Content

Although synonyms share similar meanings, they may differ slightly in tone, usage, or context.

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Importance of Synonyms in Professional English

Synonyms are important because they:

• Improve vocabulary and language proficiency

• Help avoid repetition in writing and speaking

• Enable precise expression of ideas

• Enhance professional emails, reports, and presentations

• Support effective reading comprehension

In professional communication, selecting the appropriate synonym ensures clarity and formality.

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Types of Synonyms

1. Absolute Synonyms

Words that have exactly the same meaning and can be used interchangeably (rare in English).
Example:

• Begin – Start

2. Near Synonyms

Words with similar meanings but slight differences in usage or context.
Example:

• Big – Large

• Job – Profession

3. Contextual Synonyms

Words that act as synonyms only in specific contexts.
Example:

• Run (operate a machine) – Manage

• Bright (intelligent) – Smart

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Common Synonyms Used in Professional Contexts

Word	Synonyms
Important	Significant, Essential, Crucial
Improve	Enhance, Develop, Upgrade
Problem	Issue, Difficulty, Challenge
Help	Assist, Support, Aid
Explain	Clarify, Describe, Illustrate
Result	Outcome, Effect, Consequence
Fast	Quick, Rapid, Swift
Begin	Start, Initiate, Commence

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Synonyms in Academic and Technical Writing

In academic and technical writing, synonyms help maintain formality and precision.

Example:

• Informal: The project is very good.

• Formal: The project is highly effective.

Another example:

• The experiment showed a big change.

• The experiment showed a significant change.

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Common Errors in Using Synonyms

Learners should be cautious while using synonyms because:

• Not all synonyms fit every context

• Some words differ in formality

• Overuse of complex synonyms may reduce clarity

Example:

• Incorrect: He commenced sleeping.

• Correct: He started sleeping.

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Tips to Improve Synonym Usage

• Read academic texts and professional materials

• Use a dictionary or thesaurus wisely

• Learn synonyms with example sentences

• Practice rewriting sentences using synonyms

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Conclusion

Synonyms play a crucial role in enriching vocabulary and improving professional communication. A good command of synonyms helps students express ideas effectively, avoid repetition, and maintain clarity in both spoken and written English. Mastery of synonyms is essential for success in academic writing, professional correspondence, and examinations in Professional English.

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Vocabulary – Phrasal Verbs

Paper: PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH

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Introduction

Phrasal verbs are an important part of English vocabulary and play a significant role in both spoken and written communication. In professional and everyday contexts, phrasal verbs make language sound natural and fluent. A good understanding of phrasal verbs helps learners improve comprehension, speaking confidence, and writing skills.

According to English for Science & Technology (Cambridge University Press, 2021), vocabulary competence, including phrasal verbs, is essential for effective professional communication.

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Definition of Phrasal Verbs

A phrasal verb is a combination of a main verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that together convey a meaning different from the original verb.

Structure:

Verb + Particle (preposition/adverb)
Example:

• Look + up → look up (to search for information)

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Importance of Phrasal Verbs in Professional English

Phrasal verbs are widely used in:

• Workplace communication

• Emails and reports

• Meetings and discussions

• Technical and non-technical conversations

Using phrasal verbs appropriately makes communication more natural and effective.

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Types of Phrasal Verbs

1. Separable Phrasal Verbs

The object can come between the verb and the particle.

Examples:

• Switch off the computer / Switch the computer off

• Fill out the form / Fill the form out

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2. Inseparable Phrasal Verbs

The object cannot be separated from the verb.

Examples:

• Look after the system

• Run into a problem

(❌ Look the system after – incorrect)

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3. Transitive Phrasal Verbs

They require an object.

Examples:

• Carry out an experiment

• Set up a project

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4. Intransitive Phrasal Verbs

They do not require an object.

Examples:

• The server broke down

• The meeting went on

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Commonly Used Phrasal Verbs (with Meanings)

Phrasal Verb	Meaning	Example
Look up	Search for information	Look up the term online
Carry out	Perform or execute	The team carried out the task
Set up	Arrange or establish	The company set up a new lab
Bring up	Mention	He brought up an important issue
Turn down	Reject	The proposal was turned down
Find out	Discover	We found out the error
Put off	Postpone	The meeting was put off

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Phrasal Verbs in Technical and Academic Contexts

• Break down – analyze (Break down the problem)

• Work out – find a solution (Work out the algorithm)

• Back up – support or save data (Back up the files)

• Carry on – continue (Carry on with the experiment)

These are commonly used in professional emails, presentations, and reports.

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Advantages of Learning Phrasal Verbs

• Improves fluency in English

• Enhances professional communication

• Helps understand native speakers

• Makes writing and speaking more natural

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Conclusion

Phrasal verbs are a vital component of English vocabulary, especially in professional contexts. Mastery of phrasal verbs enables learners to communicate ideas clearly, confidently, and effectively. Regular practice and exposure to real-life usage help learners develop better language proficiency.

References

1. Veena Selvam et al. (2021). English for Science & Technology. Cambridge University Press.

2. Anbazhagan Vijay, J. (2017). Communicative English. Global Publishers, Chennai.

3. Raman, M., & Sharma, S. (2019). Professional English. Oxford University Press, New Delhi.

4. Chellammal, V. (2003). Learning to Communicate. Allied Publishing House.

5. Using English (2017). Orient Blackswan, Chennai.

6. OER – Authentic Open Educational Resources.