Vocabulary to describe graphs
Introducing the graph
The graph/table/pie chart/bar chart/diagram …
- gives information about/on …
- provides information about/on …
- shows …
- illustrates …
- compares …
- explains why …
- describes …
- draws the conclusion of (a survey) …
Example: The pie charts provide information on the proportion of males and females working in agricultural sector.
Types of changes
Nouns
a rise (of)
an increase (of)
a growth (of)
a peak (of)
a surge (of)
Example: a rise of prices
a fall (in)
a decrease (in)
a decline (in)
a dip (in)
Example: a fall in prices
a fluctuation (of)
a variation (in)
Example: a fluctuation of prices
Verbs
to rise
to increase
to surge
to grow
to peak
Large rises:
to rocket
to soar
to leap (->leapt)
to fall
to decrease
to decline
to dip
to dive
to plunge
Large falls:
to plummet
to fluctuate
to vary
Description of changes
Adverbs
sharply
suddenly
rapidly
abruptly
dramatically
significantly
considerably
markedly
wildly
Example: the prices rose sharply
slightly
gently
gradually
steadily
modestly
marginally
Example: the prices increased modestly
Adjectives
sharp
sudden
rapid
abrupt
dramatic
steep
significant
considerable
marked
substantial
spectacular
Example: there was a considerable growth
slight
gentle
gradual
steady
consistent
modest
marginal
Example: there was a gradual decline
Useful phrases
a small fraction, a small number, a small minority
a large portion, a significant majority
nearly a fifth, almost 10%, in region of 40%, more than a half, over a quarter, around two thirds, more or less three quarters, exactly one in ten, approximately a third
