Vocabulary to describe graphs
I. 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.
II. Types of changes
Type 1 : increase
1. Nouns
- a rise (of)
- an increase (of)
- a growth (of)
- a peak (of)
- a surge (of)
Example: a rise of prices
2. Verbs
- to rise
- to increase
- to surge
- to grow
- to peak
Large rises:
- to rocket
- to soar
- to leap (->leapt)
Type 2 : decrease
1. Nouns
- a fall (in)
- a decrease (in)
- a decline (in)
- a dip (in)
Example: a fall in prices
2. Verbs
- to fall
- to decrease
- to decline
- to dip
- to dive
- to plunge
Large falls:
- to plummet
Type 3 : fluctuation
1. Nouns
- a fluctuation (of)
- a variation (in)
Example: a fluctuation of prices
2. Verbs
- to fluctuate
- to vary
III. Description of changes
Adverbs
- sharply
- suddenly
- rapidly
- abruptly
- dramatically
- significantly
- considerably
- markedly
- wildly
Example: the prices rose sharply
Adjectives
- sharp
- sudden
- rapid
- abrupt
- dramatic
- steep
- significant
- considerable
- marked
- substantial
- spectacular
Example: there was a considerable growth
Adverbs
slightly
- gently
- gradually
- steadily
- modestly
- marginally
Example: the prices increased modestly
Adjectives
- slight
- gentle
- gradual
- steady
- consistent
- modest
- marginal
Example: there was a gradual decline
VI. 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
