When you don’t know the exact word for something in spoken language, people tell you to define it. That’s excellent advice when you’re dealing with everyday situations in the Cruel World. However, in a formal written essay you don’t want to write mundane language too often if a more formal expression can do the job and make your style compact (remember the 1300-character limit). Having a wide vocabulary at your command helps and your teachers have hopefully hammered this point in by now.
You’ll find a lot of pointers to this end below. As always, go with what you know in an important essay. Don’t take unnecessary risks with vocabulary. Another adage that has stood the test of time: If in doubt, leave it out. Or you could say something else, of course. Knowing the meaning and usage of a word before you use it in an important context is the key. We don’t have to be prisoners of words: just look for another way to express your idea and trust that it’s okay if it sounds okay to you. That’s the way to avoid vocabulary traps. We don’t need to walk into them.
Making your style more compact in compositions
In compositions, students often write long expressions such as:
- people who are easy to influence
- a decision that cannot be changed
- the fact that many people are unemployed
These can often be replaced by one precise word. This makes the style:
- more compact
- more formal
- more academic
- often more elegant
1. PEOPLE WHO… → ONE WORD
1. people who are easy to influence
gullible = herkkäuskoinen, helposti johdateltava
- Gullible people may believe almost anything online.
- Good when talking about misinformation, scams, advertising.
2. people who are easy to impress or influence
impressionable = vaikutuksille altis
- Young people are often highly impressionable.
- More formal than easily influenced.
3. people who refuse to change their mind
stubborn = itsepäinen
- Stubborn people rarely listen to others.
- Common and useful in everyday and essay English.
4. people who think only about themselves
self-centred / selfish = itsekeskeinen / itsekäs
- Self-centred individuals often struggle in close relationships.
- Self-centred sounds slightly more formal.
5. people who cannot be relied on
unreliable = epäluotettava
- Unreliable friends are difficult to trust.
- Very useful in personal and social topics.
6. people who are willing to do new and risky things
adventurous = seikkailunhaluinen
- Adventurous people are often eager to travel abroad.
- Good in travel and personality essays.
7. people who are difficult to satisfy
demanding = vaativa
- Modern consumers are increasingly demanding.
- Useful in social, consumer, and work-related topics.
8. people who are not willing to obey rules
rebellious = kapinallinen
- Rebellious teenagers often challenge authority.
- Stronger and more stylish than not obeying rules.
9. people who are hard to please
critical / demanding = kriittinen / vaativa
- Today’s audiences are more critical than before.
- Depends on context: critical = arvosteleva, demanding = vaativa.
10. people who are easily hurt emotionally
sensitive / vulnerable = herkkä / haavoittuva
- Sensitive children need encouragement, not harsh criticism.
- Vulnerable is more formal and often broader.
11. people who are likely to be harmed easily
vulnerable = haavoittuva, altis
- Vulnerable groups need social support.
- Excellent in social issues essays.
12. people who do not care
indifferent / apathetic = välinpitämätön / apaattinen
- Many citizens remain apathetic about politics.
- Apathetic is more formal and stronger.
13. people who think in a reasonable and logical way
rational = järkevä, rationaalinen
- Rational people do not make major decisions in anger.
- Strong essay word.
14. people who are too emotional and not reasonable
irrational = järjenvastainen, epärationaalinen
- Fear can make people irrational.
- Very useful in argument essays.
15. people who are very eager to succeed
ambitious = kunnianhimoinen
- Ambitious students often set high goals for themselves.
- A very common and useful upgrade.
2. SOMETHING / A THING THAT… → ONE WORD
16. something that causes controversy
controversial = kiistanalainen
- It is a controversial issue in modern society.
- One of the best words for compositions.
17. something that cannot be changed
irreversible = peruuttamaton
- The environmental damage may be irreversible.
- Strong and academic.
18. something that can continue for a long time
sustainable = kestävä
- We need more sustainable solutions.
- Excellent in environmental and economic essays.
19. something that lasts only a short time
temporary / short-lived = tilapäinen / lyhytkestoinen
- The happiness brought by money is often short-lived.
- Short-lived is especially expressive.
20. something that is hard to understand
confusing / obscure / ambiguous = hämmentävä / epäselvä / monitulkintainen
- The instructions were confusing.
- Ambiguous is very formal and good for rules, messages, statements.
21. something that is not realistic
unrealistic / impractical = epärealistinen / epäkäytännöllinen
- Such expectations are unrealistic.
- Very useful in opinion essays.
22. something that is accepted by most people
mainstream = valtavirran, yleisesti hyväksytty
- Mainstream opinions tend to dominate public debate.
- Good for media and culture topics.
23. something that is based on evidence
evidence-based = näyttöön perustuva
- Schools need evidence-based methods.
- Excellent academic phrase.
24. something that is based on emotion rather than reason
emotional / irrational = tunteellinen / järjenvastainen
- Public debate is often emotional rather than rational.
- Useful contrast pair.
25. something that is offensive to people
offensive = loukkaava
- Hate speech is deeply offensive.
- Strong and precise.
26. something that is likely to happen
probable / likely = todennäköinen
- A rise in prices seems probable.
- Probable is more formal than likely.
27. something that was not expected
unexpected / unforeseen = odottamaton / ennalta arvaamaton
- Technological progress may have unforeseen consequences.
- Unforeseen consequences is a superb essay phrase.
28. something that causes embarrassment
awkward = vaivaannuttava, kiusallinen
- It was an awkward silence.
- Common and very natural.
29. something that happens all the time
constant / continual / ongoing = jatkuva
- Young people face constant pressure online.
- Ongoing is especially useful in essays.
30. something that harms the environment
environmentally harmful / damaging = ympäristölle haitallinen
- Plastic waste is environmentally harmful.
- Good when writing about responsibility.
3. THE FACT THAT… → ONE NOUN
31. the fact that many people are unemployed
unemployment = työttömyys
- Unemployment remains a serious social problem.
- Classic abstract noun.
32. the fact that people are poor
poverty = köyhyys
- Poverty limits people’s opportunities.
- Much stronger than a long clause.
33. the fact that people are lonely
loneliness / isolation = yksinäisyys / eristyneisyys
- Loneliness is becoming more common among young people.
- Great for social essays.
34. the fact that people are treated unfairly
injustice / discrimination / inequality = epäoikeudenmukaisuus / syrjintä / eriarvoisuus
- Inequality weakens social trust.
- Choose according to meaning.
35. the fact that people depend too much on technology
dependence on technology = riippuvuus teknologiasta
- Excessive dependence on technology may weaken basic skills.
- Very useful modern essay phrase.
36. the fact that people do not care
apathy / indifference = apatia / välinpitämättömyys
- Political apathy is worrying.
- Strong noun choice.
37. the fact that people are uncertain about the future
uncertainty = epävarmuus
- Economic uncertainty causes stress.
- Excellent abstract noun.
38. the fact that people are becoming more urban
urbanisation = kaupungistuminen
- Urbanisation has changed family life and housing.
- Highly useful in society essays.
39. the fact that people move to another country
migration / immigration / emigration = muuttoliike / maahanmuutto / maastamuutto
- Migration has shaped Europe for centuries.
- Important topic word.
40. the fact that people include everyone
inclusion = osallisuus, mukaan ottaminen
- Schools should promote inclusion.
- Great education word.
41. the fact that some people are excluded
exclusion / marginalisation = syrjäyttäminen / marginalisointi
- Social exclusion can lead to long-term problems.
- Strong academic choice.
42. the fact that people can recover after difficulties
resilience = selviytymiskyky, resilienssi
- Children need resilience in a changing world.
- Very fashionable and useful vocabulary item.
43. the wish to become successful
ambition = kunnianhimo
- Ambition can be both positive and harmful.
- Elegant replacement.
44. the ability to adjust to new situations
adaptability = sopeutumiskyky
- Adaptability is essential in modern working life.
- Excellent in future/work essays.
45. the fact that people trust each other
social trust = yhteiskunnallinen luottamus
- Social trust strengthens democracy.
- Very useful in discussions about Finland or society.
4. VERBS THAT REPLACE LONGER CLAUSE EXPRESSIONS
46. make something less serious
alleviate / ease / reduce = lievittää / helpottaa / vähentää
- The reform may alleviate poverty.
- Alleviate is especially formal.
47. make something worse
worsen / aggravate = pahentaa
- Social media can worsen anxiety.
- Aggravate is slightly more formal.
48. cause something to begin
trigger / spark / prompt = laukaista, synnyttää
- The speech triggered a public debate.
- Very effective essay verb.
49. slowly weaken something
undermine / erode = heikentää vähitellen, rapauttaa
- Constant criticism can undermine self-confidence.
- Erode trust is a superb phrase.
50. make something stronger
reinforce = vahvistaa
- Advertising often reinforces stereotypes.
- A very useful formal verb.
51. clearly show
demonstrate / illustrate / reveal = osoittaa, havainnollistaa, paljastaa
- This example demonstrates the importance of empathy.
- Excellent alternatives to show.
52. accept that something is true
acknowledge / recognise = tunnustaa, myöntää
- We must acknowledge the seriousness of the problem.
- Strong essay vocabulary.
53. refuse to consider something seriously
dismiss = sivuuttaa, torjua
- Adults sometimes dismiss young people’s concerns.
- Compact and sharp.
54. give someone power or confidence
empower = valtuuttaa, voimaannuttaa
- Education can empower disadvantaged students.
- Very useful in education and equality topics.
55. stop something from developing
prevent / hinder / inhibit = estää / haitata / ehkäistä
- Fear can inhibit creativity.
- Inhibit is formal and elegant.
56. encourage something to develop
promote / foster / encourage = edistää, tukea
- Schools should foster independent thinking.
- Foster is a great composition word.
57. make people believe something more strongly
convince / persuade / influence = vakuuttaa / suostutella / vaikuttaa
- The media can strongly influence public opinion.
- Common but powerful.
58. reduce the importance of something
downplay = vähätellä
- Some politicians downplay climate risks.
- Useful in argument essays.
59. make something seem more important than it is
exaggerate / overstate = liioitella
- The media sometimes exaggerate minor issues.
- Great for criticism.
60. avoid talking about something directly
evade / avoid / sidestep = vältellä, kiertää
- Leaders often evade difficult questions.
- Advanced but useful.
5. A SITUATION / A SOCIETY / AN ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH… → COMPACT PHRASES
61. a society in which many cultures exist together
a multicultural society = monikulttuurinen yhteiskunta
- A multicultural society needs mutual respect.
62. a society in which people are deeply divided
a divided society = jakautunut yhteiskunta
- A divided society is difficult to govern.
63. a school environment in which everyone is included
an inclusive school environment = osallistava kouluympäristö
- An inclusive school environment improves well-being.
64. a world in which everything changes quickly
a rapidly changing world = nopeasti muuttuva maailma
- Young people must prepare for a rapidly changing world.
65. a lifestyle that is centred on consumption
a consumer-driven lifestyle = kulutuskeskeinen elämäntapa
- A consumer-driven lifestyle is not always fulfilling.
66. policies that are intended to protect the environment
environmental policies / environmental measures = ympäristöpolitiikka / ympäristötoimet
- Governments need stronger environmental measures.
67. communities that are left behind
marginalised communities = marginalisoidut yhteisöt
- Marginalised communities need better opportunities.
68. opinions that are widely shared
dominant / mainstream views = hallitsevat / valtavirtaiset näkemykset
- Mainstream views are not always correct.
69. industries that damage nature
polluting industries = saastuttavat teollisuudenalat
- Polluting industries should face stricter regulation.
70. work that is badly paid
low-paid work = matalapalkkatyö
- Many immigrants end up in low-paid work.
6. PARTICIPLES: WHO ARE / WHICH ARE / THAT ARE… → SHORTER EXPRESSIONS
71. students who are motivated
motivated students = motivoituneet opiskelijat
- Motivated students usually make progress quickly.
72. workers who are exhausted by work
overworked workers / exhausted employees = ylityöllistetyt työntekijät
- Overworked employees need rest and support.
73. communities that are divided
divided communities = jakautuneet yhteisöt
- Divided communities may struggle for decades.
74. policies that are based on evidence
evidence-based policies = näyttöön perustuvat toimintatavat
- We need evidence-based policies, not empty promises.
75. groups that are neglected
neglected groups = laiminlyödyt ryhmät
- Neglected groups often remain invisible in political debate.
76. young people who are marginalised
marginalised youth = syrjäytynyt nuoriso / marginalisoidut nuoret
- Marginalised youth need support, not blame.
77. children who are well supported
well-supported children = hyvin tuetut lapset
- Well-supported children tend to perform better at school.
78. values that are deeply rooted
deep-rooted values = syvälle juurtuneet arvot
- Deep-rooted values do not change overnight.
79. habits that are harmful
harmful habits = haitalliset tavat
- Parents should address harmful habits early.
80. rights that are guaranteed by law
legal rights / protected rights = lailliset oikeudet / suojatut oikeudet
- Citizens must be aware of their legal rights.
7. BEFORE–AFTER SENTENCE PAIRS
81.
- Young people who are easy to influence often copy online trends.
→ Impressionable young people often copy online trends.
82.
- The fact that many people are lonely is a serious problem.
→ Loneliness is a serious problem.
83.
- This is a decision that cannot be changed easily.
→ This is an almost irreversible decision.
84.
- A society in which people are deeply divided cannot function well.
→ A deeply divided society cannot function well.
85.
- Constant criticism can make a child’s confidence weaker.
→ Constant criticism can undermine a child’s confidence.
86.
- Schools should create an environment in which everyone is included.
→ Schools should create an inclusive environment.
87.
- The speech caused a public debate to begin.
→ The speech triggered a public debate.
88.
- The fact that some people are treated unfairly weakens society.
→ Discrimination weakens society.
89.
- People who cannot be relied on are hard to trust.
→ Unreliable people are hard to trust.
90.
- Measures that are meant to protect the environment are necessary.
→ Environmental measures are necessary.
8. ESPECIALLY USEFUL WORDS FOR SCHOOL COMPOSITIONS
Here are 20 especially valuable words worth learning well:
- controversial = kiistanalainen
- sustainable = kestävä
- irreversible = peruuttamaton
- vulnerable = haavoittuva
- inclusive = osallistava
- marginalised = marginalisoitu
- mainstream = valtavirran
- rational = rationaalinen, järkevä
- irrational = epärationaalinen
- evidence-based = näyttöön perustuva
- poverty = köyhyys
- inequality = eriarvoisuus
- uncertainty = epävarmuus
- resilience = selviytymiskyky
- ambition = kunnianhimo
- alleviate = lievittää
- undermine = rapauttaa, heikentää
- reinforce = vahvistaa
- trigger = laukaista
- acknowledge = tunnustaa, myöntää
9. A WARNING
This strategy is excellent, but not every sentence should sound overly heavy.
Compare:
- young people who feel lonely
- alienated adolescents
The second is more formal, but sometimes too heavy for a normal school essay.
So the real aim is:
Be compact, precise, and natural — not artificially fancy.
10. A SIMPLE RULE FOR STUDENTS
When you write expressions like these:
- people who…
- something that…
- the fact that…
- a society in which…
- make something more/less…
ask yourself:
Can I replace this with one strong noun, adjective, or verb?
Very often, you can.
11. MINI PRACTICE
Replace the long expression with one better word or phrase.
- people who are easy to influence
- the fact that people are poor
- something that causes controversy
- make the problem less serious
- a society in which many cultures live together
- people who cannot be relied on
- the fact that people do not care
- ideas that are based on evidence
- something that cannot be changed
- slowly weaken trust
Suggested answers
- gullible / impressionable
- poverty
- controversial issue
- alleviate / ease / reduce
- multicultural society
- unreliable people
- apathy / indifference
- evidence-based ideas
- irreversible
- erode / undermine trust
