Why Expand Your Vocabulary?

It’s absolutely fine to use simple words like nice, evil, or surprised. However, to become a more expressive and fluent speaker, it’s useful to learn alternative words. Instead of relying on nice all the time, let’s explore more colourful and precise vocabulary.

Alternatives to ‘Nice’

Enjoyable

This adjective means something that is fun or gives you pleasure.

• I had an enjoyable lunch.
• The basketball game was enjoyable to watch.
• Watching Learn English with British Harry is enjoyable!

Amiable

This describes someone sociable or something that has pleasant qualities.

• Kate is so amiable; everyone loves being around her.
• The waiter was extremely amiable, making my dining experience much better.
• The café had an amiable atmosphere with cosy seating and warm lighting.

Delightful

This means something that gives you great pleasure.

• His performance was delightful.
• The view from the mountain was absolutely delightful.
• My weekend was delightful, especially with the sunny weather.

Marvelous

This means something extraordinary or wonderful.

• The sunrise over the ocean was marvelous.
• You look marvelous today!
• This tea tastes marvelous.

Alternatives to ‘Evil’

Nefarious

This means something very bad or wicked.

• Batman stopped the Joker’s nefarious plan.
• The business was involved in nefarious activities, like polluting the ocean.

Malicious

This describes someone who intends to harm others.

• He wrote malicious comments on social media.
• He spread malicious rumours about his colleague.

Vicious

This means something mean or violent.

• The lion’s attack was vicious.
• The storm was vicious.
• She made vicious comments about her co-worker.

Vile

This means something extremely bad or disgusting.

• He is a vile person for cutting the queue.
• This old cheese smells vile.
• She said vile things that hurt people deeply.

Alternatives to ‘Surprised’

Flabbergasted

This means extremely surprised or shocked.

• When he saw the size of the fish he caught, he was flabbergasted.
• He was flabbergasted when he won the lottery.
• The magician’s trick left him flabbergasted.

Astonished

This means greatly surprised.

• I was astonished by the price of the meal.
• We were losing the match 10-0, and I was astonished when we won!

Startled

This means slightly scared or surprised.

• He was startled by the thunder.
• The loud sneeze startled everyone in the library.
• I was startled to see someone who looked exactly like me!

Using These Words for Humour

Once you’re comfortable using these words, you can even play with them for humour. For example:

• Looking at grey, rainy skies, you can say: The weather is delightful today! (Ironically, of course!)
• Opening an empty fridge: I was flabbergasted—there was no butter!

Practice Makes Perfect!

To improve, grab your notebook and write some sentences using these new words. The more you practice, the more natural they will become in conversation.

Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, and if you’re new here, don’t forget to subscribe. Have a marvelous day, and see you next time!

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