Topic 14. General Descriptive Vocabulary and Useful Expressions

Vocabulary flashcards covering general descriptive words and common English expressions from Topic 14.

Challenging

Difficult in a way that tests your ability or effort.

"The maths problem was really ____________, but I felt proud when I solved it."

Various

Several different types of something.

"The city offers ____________ activities for tourists, including museums, hiking and boat trips."

Ordinary

Normal or usual, without anything special or unusual.

"It was an ____________ school day until our teacher announced a surprise competition."

Extraordinary

Very unusual or impressive.

"She achieved an ____________ result in the competition and broke the school record."

External

Coming from outside something or relating to its outer part.

"Weather conditions are an ____________ factor that can affect an outdoor sports event."

Internal

Coming from within something or relating to its inner part.

"The company made several ____________ changes to improve the way its teams work."

Useless

Not useful or unable to help achieve a purpose.

"Without an internet connection, the online map was almost ____________."

Meaningless

Having no clear meaning, purpose or importance.

"He felt that memorising words without understanding them was ____________."

Several

More than two but not a large number.

"I've visited that city ____________ times, and I always discover something new."

Probably

Used to say that something is likely to happen or be true.

"It's getting dark, so we'll ____________ go home soon."

Nowadays

At the present time, especially compared with the past.

"____________ many teenagers use social media to communicate with their friends."

In the modern world

In contemporary society and the conditions of life today.

"____________ technology plays an important role in education and communication."

Vice versa

In the opposite direction or with the opposite relationship.

"Parents can learn from their children, and ____________."

By itself

Alone, without help or other things.

"The machine switches off ____________ when it gets too hot."

In front of

In a position ahead of someone or something.

"We waited ____________ the cinema until our friends arrived."

Instead of

In place of someone or something; as an alternative to it.

"____________ playing video games all evening, I decided to go for a walk."

At the end

At the final point of something.

"____________ the film, the main character finally discovers the truth."

Finally

After a period of time, effort or a series of events.

"We searched everywhere for the missing key and ____________ found it under the sofa."

Almost

Not completely, but very nearly.

"I was ____________ late for school because I missed the bus."

To notice

To become aware of something by seeing, hearing or observing it.

"I didn't ____________ any difference after changing the settings on my phone."

To be far from the city

To be located a long distance away from an urban area.

"Their house is ____________, so they usually drive when they need to go shopping."

To do something on your own

To do something without help or other people.

"I learned how to use the software ____________ by watching online tutorials."

To be told something

To receive information from someone.

"I ____________ that the school trip had been cancelled because of the weather."

To be invited

To be asked to attend an event or visit someone.

"I was delighted ____________ to my friend's birthday party."