Vacabulary Range Matters
One key requirement for IELTS writing is vocabulary range, which includes avoiding repetition. When paraphrasing the exam question or referring to or describing an event multiple times in your essay, repetition can occur if you’re not mindful of varying your vocabulary. Starting today, we’ll be summarizing commonly used synonyms for high-frequency words in IELTS. You can practice these consciously in your daily writing to expand your vocabulary and improve the variety of your word choices.
Alternatives to 'Some'
Let’s begin with the word ‘some.’ It is a common term found in article titles and is frequently used in writing. Typically, we use ‘some’ to express an indefinite quantity or in situations where a specific number isn’t necessary. Additionally, ‘some’ can serve as a pronoun to refer to people or things. So, what are some common alternative expressions for ‘some’ when indicating quantity? In the table below, we’ve listed 10 words and phrases that can be used as synonyms in everyday writing.
10 Alternatives to 'Some'
| Synonym | Plural/Uncountable | Example (with Source) |
|---|---|---|
| Several | Plural | "Several countries have seen a resurgence in cases as restrictions are eased." (BBC News) |
| A few | Plural | "A few Republican lawmakers have signaled support for the bill." (The New York Times) |
| A number of | Plural | "A number of high-profile investors have expressed interest in the project." (The Financial Times) |
| Certain | Plural | "Certain industries, particularly tech, have thrived during the pandemic." (The Economist) |
| A portion of | Uncountable/Plural | "A portion of the funds will be allocated to healthcare initiatives." (The Guardian) |
| A handful of | Plural/Uncountable(not common use) | "Only a handful of lawmakers opposed the legislation." (Reuters) |
| A part of | Uncountable/Plural | "A part of the solution lies in reducing emissions from transport." (The Independent) |
| Various | Plural | "Various studies suggest that remote work may become a permanent trend." (The Washington Post) |
| A minority of | Plural | "A minority of the committee members disagreed with the final report." (The Times) |
| A selection of | Plural | "A selection of artworks from the exhibition will be available online." (The Guardian) |
Summary
These synonyms add variety and sophistication to your writing. In addition to the table, there are other options you can choose based on your preferences. However, when using these synonyms, make sure to match them to the context—some are typically used with plural countable nouns (e.g., “a handful of”), while others work with uncountable nouns (e.g., “a portion of”). Keeping this distinction in mind will help you avoid mistakes and ensure grammatical accuracy in your writing.
