Last checked October 19, 2026

CELPIP vocabulary list for speaking and writing

Learn 100 words and phrases by the situations where you can use them. Each entry has a short explanation and an original example to adapt in your own practice.

By Certloom Learning, publisher of CLB Mock. Unofficial guide, checked against the sources listed at the end.

An unofficial list for everyday task situations

We are not aware of an official CELPIP vocabulary list; the test uses everyday Canadian contexts. This selection is our practice resource. The example sentences describe imagined situations, not local services or policies. Vocabulary assessment includes precision, range and suitable use, so learn what each expression does before trying it in an answer.

If you want a vocabulary PDF for study, use your browser’s print option and choose Save as PDF where available. That saves this unofficial page; it does not create an official test-provider list. Keep your own example beside any phrase you plan to review.

Giving advice, describing scenes and predicting

Giving advice

Word or phrase	Meaning or use	Example sentence
consider	Weigh an option	Consider joining the evening class.
set aside	Reserve time or money	Set aside an hour for packing.
manageable	Possible to handle	Start with a manageable weekly goal.
prioritize	Put first	Prioritize the repairs you need immediately.
check in	Ask about progress	Check in with your tutor tomorrow.
allow for	Include extra capacity	Allow for delays on moving day.
gradually	In small stages	Increase your practice time gradually.
backup plan	Alternative if needed	Have a backup plan for rain.
worth trying	Deserves an attempt	A shorter route is worth trying.
realistic	Reasonably achievable	Choose a realistic date to finish.

Describing scenes and predicting

Word or phrase	Meaning or use	Example sentence
foreground	Area nearest viewer	A cyclist stands in the foreground.
alongside	Next to	A path runs alongside the fence.
clustered	Gathered closely	Visitors are clustered around the table.
leaning	Tilting or resting against	A ladder is leaning against the wall.
reaching for	Extending towards	The child is reaching for a cup.
partly obscured	Somewhat hidden	The sign is partly obscured by leaves.
about to	Expected very soon	The runner looks about to start.
likely	Probable	The queue is likely to grow.
judging by	Using a visible clue	Judging by those clouds, rain seems likely.
spill	Fall from a container	The water might spill over the rim.

Comparing options and handling difficult situations

Comparing and persuading

Word or phrase	Meaning or use	Example sentence
more practical	Easier to use	The folding table is more practical.
whereas	Contrast two facts	This room has windows, whereas that one lacks them.
trade-off	Benefit with a drawback	The trade-off is less storage space.
outweigh	Matter more than	The convenience could outweigh the extra cost.
better suited	Fits a need more closely	This class is better suited to beginners.
within reach	Close or attainable	The bus stop is within reach on foot.
flexibility	Room to adjust	Weekend sessions would give us flexibility.
drawback	Disadvantage	The main drawback is the early start.
shared priority	Need both people value	Our shared priority is keeping everyone comfortable.
agree on	Choose together	Could we agree on the covered space?

Difficult situations and polite refusal

Word or phrase	Meaning or use	Example sentence
prior commitment	Earlier promise	I have a prior commitment tonight.
at short notice	With little warning	I cannot travel at short notice.
unable to	Cannot	I’m unable to cover your shift.
counting on	Depending on	I know you were counting on me.
reschedule	Arrange another time	Could we reschedule our visit?
inconvenience	Practical difficulty	I’m sorry for the inconvenience.
alternative	Another possible choice	An afternoon visit is one alternative.
follow through	Complete a promise	I need to follow through on my offer.
work around	Adapt to a constraint	Can we work around your appointment?
available	Free to help	I’m available after lunch tomorrow.

Opinions, reasons and email purposes

Opinions and reasons

Word or phrase	Meaning or use	Example sentence
support	Favour a proposal	I support adding an evening session.
concern	Issue needing attention	My concern is the limited seating.
benefit	Positive effect	Beginners would benefit from smaller groups.
consequence	Result of an action	Longer waits could be one consequence.
access	Ability to use	Evening hours could improve access for workers.
fair	Reasonable for those involved	A shared schedule would be fair.
feasible	Possible to carry out	A trial session seems feasible.
provided that	On the condition that	I agree, provided that seating remains available.
for instance	Introduce an example	For instance, parents could attend after work.
in the long term	Over an extended period	Maintenance may cost more in the long term.

Email requests, complaints and apologies

Word or phrase	Meaning or use	Example sentence
clarify	Make information clear	Could you clarify the collection instructions?
confirm	Establish that something is settled	Please confirm the revised date.
request	Ask for something	I would like to request a replacement.
resolve	Settle a problem	Could we resolve the booking error?
faulty	Not working correctly	The lamp arrived with a faulty switch.
overlooked	Failed to notice	I overlooked the change in time.
apologize	Express regret	I apologize for missing our meeting.
reimburse	Repay an expense	Could you reimburse the delivery charge?
replacement	Item supplied instead	Please send a replacement lid.
appreciate	Express thanks or polite desire	I would appreciate an update today.

Community and workplace topics in Canada

These terms fit practice scenarios about transit, housing, volunteering, weather and recreation centres. Their examples make no claims about a particular city’s arrangements.

Word or phrase	Meaning or use	Example sentence
commute	Regular journey to work	My commute includes a bus transfer.
service disruption	Interrupted transport or service	The notice mentions a service disruption.
tenant	Person renting a home	The tenant requested a repair.
maintenance	Work keeping things usable	The entrance needs regular maintenance.
volunteer shift	Scheduled unpaid helping period	My volunteer shift starts at noon.
recreation centre	Place for community activities	We met at the recreation centre.
drop-in session	Activity without a fixed course commitment	I’d prefer a drop-in session.
icy conditions	Surfaces affected by ice	Icy conditions could delay our arrival.
shift swap	Exchange of work periods	Could we arrange a shift swap?
handover	Transfer of work or responsibility	Please leave notes for the handover.

Connectors and precise alternatives to vague words

Connectors and transitions

Word or phrase	Meaning or use	Example sentence
because	Give a reason	I left because the room was locked.
therefore	Introduce a conclusion	The room is smaller; therefore, fewer chairs fit.
however	Introduce a contrast	It is nearby; however, it closes early.
meanwhile	Events at the same time	Meanwhile, the volunteers arranged the tables.
afterwards	Later in a sequence	Afterwards, we checked the equipment.
unless	Except if	We’ll walk unless it rains.
despite	Contrast with a noun phrase	Despite the delay, we finished packing.
in addition	Add another point	In addition, the room has storage.
as a result	Show an outcome	As a result, I missed the introduction.
in particular	Focus on one detail	The entrance, in particular, needs attention.

Alternatives to get, do, make, good and bad

Word or phrase	Meaning or use	Example sentence
receive	Get something sent	I received your revised schedule.
collect	Get by picking up	I can collect the parcel tomorrow.
complete	Do to the end	Please complete the form before Friday.
carry out	Do a planned action	They will carry out the repairs.
arrange	Make plans	Could you arrange another appointment?
prepare	Make ready	I’ll prepare the room before lunch.
reliable	Good because dependable	We need a reliable delivery service.
suitable	Good for a purpose	This room is suitable for quiet study.
inconvenient	Bad because awkward	The revised time is inconvenient for me.
damaged	Bad physical condition	The delivered shelf was damaged.

The last four alternatives are adjectives because “good” and “bad” describe qualities. Choose the meaning you need; these are not interchangeable synonyms.

Hedging, softening and learning the phrases

Hedging and softening

Word or phrase	Meaning or use	Example sentence
may	Possible outcome	The change may reduce waiting time.
might	Uncertain possibility	They might need another volunteer.
appears to	Impression from evidence	The gate appears to be closed.
seems	Cautious judgement	That route seems more direct.
to some extent	Partial agreement or effect	I agree to some extent.
perhaps	Tentative suggestion	Perhaps we could meet outside.
would prefer	Polite preference	I would prefer an evening appointment.
would you mind	Polite request with -ing	Would you mind checking the date?
as far as I can tell	Limit a judgement	As far as I can tell, it is empty.
I’m not certain	Mark uncertainty	I’m not certain which entrance is open.

Learn a small group, then use it in a timed answer. Record a sentence of advice or write an email request without looking at the table. Review whether the phrase fits your meaning and grammar. Avoid forcing rare words into an answer just to display them.

Keep collocations together: “carry out repairs”, “request a replacement” and “prior commitment”. Change the surrounding details when practising so you can recall the phrase beyond this example. Use the speaking templates or writing templates for your next attempt.

Frequently asked questions

Is this an official CELPIP vocabulary list?

No. We are not aware of an official CELPIP vocabulary list; the test uses everyday Canadian contexts. These entries are our practice selection.

Can I save this vocabulary list as a PDF?

Use your browser’s print option and select Save as PDF where available. The saved page remains an unofficial study resource.

Should I memorize all 100 entries?

Work with a small relevant group first. Use each expression correctly in a new sentence before adding more.

Do rare words improve a CELPIP answer?

Vocabulary is assessed for precision, range and suitable use. An unfamiliar word can weaken your message if you use it inaccurately.

Can I use these words in both Speaking and Writing?

Many work in both, but choose according to the listener and purpose. A polite complaint and a conversation with a friend need different wording.

Sources

Checked October 19, 2026. Rules and fees change: check the official page before you act. celpip.ca pages were read from public archive snapshots because the site blocks automated access.