01Instead of: good
beneficial
helpful or producing a good result
CELPIP sentence
Flexible work hours can be beneficial for employees with family responsibilities.
Best for: Task 7 opinions, Writing Task 2
CELPIP vocabulary list
30 Advanced CELPIP Words to Help You Reach CLB 9+
Upgrade basic words into natural, precise phrases for CELPIP Speaking and Writing. Use these words to explain opinions, compare options, and connect ideas clearly.
Do not sound forced
A CLB 9 word must fit the sentence naturally.
Learn the pattern
Study the word with a real CELPIP-style sentence.
Use fewer upgrades
One precise word is better than five awkward ones.
Set 1
Precise Words
Replace vague words like good, bad, big, problem, and effect.
10 words
02Instead of: bad
detrimental
harmful or damaging
CELPIP sentence
Long commutes can be detrimental to both health and productivity.
Best for: Arguments, disadvantages
03Instead of: big
substantial
large in amount, size, or importance
CELPIP sentence
The new policy could lead to substantial savings for the city.
Best for: Reading, Writing Task 2
04Instead of: possible
feasible
practical and possible to do
CELPIP sentence
This plan is feasible if the school receives enough funding.
Best for: Advice, proposals
05Instead of: strong
compelling
very convincing
CELPIP sentence
The article gives a compelling reason to invest in public transportation.
Best for: Viewpoints, opinions
06Instead of: useful
practical
helpful in real situations
CELPIP sentence
A practical solution would be to add more evening bus routes.
Best for: Task 1 advice
07Instead of: annoying
inconvenient
causing trouble or difficulty
CELPIP sentence
The new schedule is inconvenient for people who work late shifts.
Best for: Complaints, problems
08Instead of: trustworthy
reliable
able to be trusted or depended on
CELPIP sentence
Reliable childcare is essential for working parents.
Best for: Work, family, community topics
09Instead of: problem
concern
an issue that matters or causes worry
CELPIP sentence
Noise is a major concern for people living near the airport.
Best for: Problems, arguments
10Instead of: effect
impact
a strong effect or influence
CELPIP sentence
The new rule could have a positive impact on student safety.
Best for: Cause and effect
Set 2
Logic and Transitions
Use these to connect ideas clearly under time pressure.
10 words
01Instead of: also
furthermore
used to add another strong point
CELPIP sentence
The program is affordable. Furthermore, it is available online.
Best for: Adding reasons
02Instead of: also
moreover
used to add extra information
CELPIP sentence
The park is clean. Moreover, it has safe playground equipment.
Best for: Speaking structure
03Instead of: but
however
used to show contrast
CELPIP sentence
The apartment is close to work; however, the rent is quite high.
Best for: Balanced answers
04Instead of: so
therefore
for that reason
CELPIP sentence
The road is under construction; therefore, drivers should use another route.
Best for: Cause and result
05Instead of: as a result
consequently
because of this
CELPIP sentence
The company reduced staff; consequently, service became slower.
Best for: Reading, Writing
06Instead of: still
nevertheless
despite that
CELPIP sentence
The plan is expensive. Nevertheless, it may be worth considering.
Best for: Concession, contrast
07Instead of: while
whereas
used to compare two different things
CELPIP sentence
Online classes are flexible, whereas in-person classes offer more interaction.
Best for: Comparisons
08Instead of: especially
specifically
in a clear and exact way
CELPIP sentence
I am concerned specifically about the lack of parking near the building.
Best for: Emails, details
09Instead of: I think
from my perspective
used to introduce your opinion
CELPIP sentence
From my perspective, the second option is more realistic.
Best for: Speaking Task 7
10Instead of: I believe
I am convinced that
used for a strong opinion
CELPIP sentence
I am convinced that better public transit would reduce traffic.
Best for: Opinions, persuasion
Set 3
Evaluation and Action Words
Sound confident when you recommend, explain, or solve a problem.
10 words
01Instead of: fair
reasonable
sensible and fair
CELPIP sentence
A reasonable solution would be to give residents more notice.
Best for: Advice, solutions
02Instead of: right
justified
supported by a good reason
CELPIP sentence
Their complaint is justified because the service was not delivered on time.
Best for: Complaints, viewpoints
03Instead of: important result
implication
a possible result or meaning of something
CELPIP sentence
The findings have serious implications for future housing policy.
Best for: Reading viewpoints
04Instead of: reduce
mitigate
to make a problem less serious
CELPIP sentence
Planting more trees can help mitigate the effects of extreme heat.
Best for: Environment, city topics
05Instead of: improve
enhance
to improve the quality or value of something
CELPIP sentence
More lighting would enhance safety in the parking area.
Best for: Suggestions
06Instead of: choose first
prioritize
to treat something as more important
CELPIP sentence
The city should prioritize repairs near schools and hospitals.
Best for: Recommendations
07Instead of: give resources
allocate
to distribute money, time, or resources
CELPIP sentence
The committee will allocate funds to the most urgent projects.
Best for: Business, community topics
08Instead of: make clear
clarify
to make something easier to understand
CELPIP sentence
The manager should clarify the new schedule before Monday.
Best for: Emails, workplace topics
09Instead of: admit
acknowledge
to accept or recognize that something is true
CELPIP sentence
The company should acknowledge the mistake and offer a refund.
Best for: Complaints
10Instead of: keep
maintain
to keep something at the same level or condition
CELPIP sentence
Residents should maintain shared spaces so everyone can use them comfortably.
Best for: Housing, community
Practice rule
Do not memorize all 30 at once
Choose five words today. Use each one in a sentence about work, school, housing, transportation, or community life. If the sentence sounds unnatural, choose a simpler word.
Today's target
5 / 30
Small sets are easier to remember and use correctly.