Words live on scales, not islands. The right choice depends on purpose, tone, degree, and collocation. This part gives you quick ladders, safe swaps, and mini-drills so your writing/speaking sound precise—never robotic.
1) Strength ladders you can use instantly
Pick words by degree, not guesswork. Aim one step up or down as needed.
Emotion / reaction
- neutral → annoyed → upset → angry → furious
- neutral → concerned → worried → alarmed → panicked
Change / trend
- slight → moderate → significant → substantial → dramatic
Certainty
- might → may → likely → will → must
Frequency
- rarely → occasionally → often → usually → always
Politeness (requests)
- Can you… → Could you… → Would you mind… → I’d like to request…
Tip: If your answer feels too strong, step one rung down; if it feels weak, step up.
2) Register matters: neutral vs. formal (pick for audience)
| Neutral | Formal | Example |
|---|---|---|
| help | assist | We can assist with your application. |
| ask | request | I’d like to request an extension. |
| buy | purchase | Please purchase a monthly pass. |
| check | verify | Could you verify your address? |
| send | submit | Please submit the invoice by Friday. |
| say no | decline | We must decline the request at this time. |
| start | commence | Repairs will commence at 9 a.m. |
Rule: Emails to services/work → slightly formal. Chat/voicemail → neutral. Policies/notices → formal.
3) Connotation traps (same idea, different feeling)
- inexpensive (positive/neutral) vs cheap (often negative)
- persistent (positive) vs stubborn (negative)
- thrifty/frugal (positive) vs stingy (negative)
- housekeeping (routine) vs clean-up (after a mess)
- issue (neutral) vs problem (stronger) vs incident (official/recorded)
How to decide: Imagine the recipient reading it aloud. If it sounds accusing or emotional, choose the neutral option.
4) Near-synonyms that aren’t interchangeable (with fit + collocation)
| Choice | Use it when… | Bad swap to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| repair | you will fix the same item | replace (means new item) |
| replace | you will swap with a new one | repair when it’s beyond repair |
| postpone | you will move to a later time (still happening) | cancel |
| cancel | the event/action will not happen | postpone |
| reschedule | you will set a new time (neutral) | delay if time is unknown |
| quote | a price before work, may change | estimate isn’t always binding either—state terms |
| estimate | an approximate cost/time | treat as final price |
| bill | the document asking for money (neutral) | invoice is formal/for business |
| invoice | formal request with details/reference | bill in formal writing |
| cost | total amount required | expense (a recorded cost) / fee (fixed charge) |
| authorize | give official permission | approve (decision), permit (allow by rule) |
| approve | accept a proposal/claim | authorize when a signature/power is needed |
| address (a problem) | take steps toward a solution | fix (implies solved) |
| resolve | problem is fully solved | address when outcome is uncertain |
Collocational fit (what native speakers actually say):
- file a claim/complaint (not open a claim)
- meet a requirement/deadline (not match a requirement)
- waive a fee/requirement (not remove a fee in formal tone)
- provide proof/ID (not give proof in formal writing)
5) A 4-question chooser (pick the best word fast)
- Function: request / complain / explain / recommend?
- Tone: neutral or formal? (see Register table)
- Degree: mild, medium, strong? (use ladders)
- Fit: does the word collocate with its partners here?
Choose the first word that satisfies all four.
6) Safe upgrades (swap vague for precise)
- make the bill lower → apply a discount / waive the fee
- do the form again → resubmit the application
- have a problem with internet → experience an outage / intermittent connection
- get my money back → request a refund
- look at this later → review this tomorrow morning
7) Mini rewrites (10 quick wins)
Rewrite once for register and once for degree.
- I’m mad about the delay.
- Can you make it cheaper?
- We will look at your file.
- You must pay soon.
- We had a problem with delivery.
- I want to cancel the appointment.
- The sink is broken.
- I didn’t get the email.
- We need someone to come today.
- That’s not fair.
Sample answers (one of many good options):
- Register→ I’m upset about the delay. Degree→ I’m frustrated about the delay.
- Register→ Could you apply a discount? Degree→ Could you waive the fee?
- Register→ We will review your file. Degree→ We will promptly review your file.
- Register→ Payment is due soon. Degree→ Payment must be made by Friday.
- Register→ We experienced a delivery issue. Degree→ We experienced a significant delay.
- Register→ I’d like to cancel the appointment. Degree→ I need to reschedule to next week.
- Register→ The sink requires repair. Degree→ The sink needs to be replaced.
- Register→ I didn’t receive the email. Degree→ It may not have arrived; could you resend it?
- Register→ Could you schedule a technician visit today? Degree→ We urgently need a technician today.
- Register→ This seems unfair. Degree→ This is unacceptable under the policy.
8) Precision test (pick the best fit)
- We’ll try to (repair/replace) the unit since the frame is cracked beyond fixing.
- Could you (check/verify) the account number before processing?
- We plan to (postpone/cancel) the meeting to next Tuesday.
- The policy is (inexpensive/affordable) for students.
- We’ll (address/resolve) the ticket by noon today.
- Please (send/submit) your claim through the portal.
- The fee may be (waived/removed) due to the outage.
- She seemed (concerned/angry) but remained polite.
- This charge is (cost/expense/fee) for late payment.
- We can (approve/authorize) the refund—finance will release it today.
Key (suggested): 1) replace 2) verify 3) postpone 4) affordable 5) resolve (if sure) / address (if steps only) 6) submit 7) waived 8) concerned 9) fee 10) approve (decision) → authorize (finance system)
9) Plug-and-play templates (swap the bold words)
Polite request:
I’d like to request a refund for the damaged item. I’ve attached the invoice as proof of purchase.
Complaint + solution focus:
I’m reporting a recurring noise issue after 11 p.m. Could you enforce the quiet-hours policy or arrange an inspection?
Soft disagreement (nuanced):
I understand the concern; however, the contract permits cancellations with 24 hours’ notice.
Recommendation with degree control:
It would be reasonable to postpone installation until the weather improves.