Word Families

Action usually names a specific act or process. Activity often names something people do over time. Active describes participation or operation.

In contextThe team took action and actively tested the new system.

Decide is the action; make a decision names its result. Decisive describes a person, action, or result that settles the question clearly.

In contextWe decided quickly because one piece of evidence was decisive.

An applicant submits an application. Applicable means relevant or able to be used in a particular situation.

In contextEach applicant must apply online and include all applicable documents.

Communication names the process or message. Communicative describes someone willing and able to communicate, or an activity built around real meaning.

In contextClear communication helped the new manager communicate the change.

The employer provides the job; the employee does it. Employment is the condition or system of paid work.

In contextThe employer plans to employ five new employees this year.

Education is the process or system. Educational describes something designed to teach or connected with education.

In contextThe educator created an educational program for working adults.

Information is uncountable in English. Informative means useful because it gives information; informed means having enough knowledge.

In contextThe guide informed our decision and helped us make an informed choice.

Succeed is normally followed by in plus an -ing form. Successful describes the person, attempt, or result.

In contextShe succeeded in building a successful consulting business.

Creation is the process or result. Creative describes original and useful thinking, while creator names the person or organization responsible.

In contextThe creator found a creative way to create a clearer explanation.

Respond is followed by to. A response is the answer or reaction; responsive describes someone or something that reacts quickly and appropriately.

In contextThe support team responded with a clear and helpful response.

Describe takes a direct object: describe the problem. Description is the noun; descriptive language supplies useful detail.

In contextPlease describe the role and give a short description of a typical day.

Improve can be transitive or intransitive: improve the process or the process improved. Improvement names the positive change.

In contextThe improved schedule was a clear improvement for the whole team.