CELPIP Reading · Part 1

Part 1 vocabulary: Reading Correspondence

The words and phrases that come up in Reading Part 1, each with its meaning, an example, similar words and a CELPIP tip. New to this part? Read the Part 1 format and strategy.

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Prepositions 2

concerning
prepositionCLB 7/kənˈsɜːrnɪŋ/
About; relating to.
“I have a question concerning my last invoice.”
Similarregardingaboutwith respect to
CELPIP tip Often signals the topic of the letter.
in light of
prepositionCLB 8
Because of; considering.
“In light of recent events, the meeting has been moved.”
Similargivenconsidering
CELPIP tip Introduces the reason for a decision.

Phrases 17

with reference to
phraseCLB 7
About; regarding.
“With reference to your email of March 2, I can confirm the booking.”
Similarregardingin reference to
CELPIP tip Often refers back to a previous message.
as discussed
phraseCLB 6
Refers to an earlier conversation.
“As discussed, I've attached the revised schedule.”
Similaras we talked about
CELPIP tip Hints that the writers have spoken before.
at your earliest convenience
phraseCLB 8
As soon as you can.
“Please reply at your earliest convenience.”
Similaras soon as possible
CELPIP tip A polite form of urgency.
as per your request
phraseCLB 7
Following what you asked.
“As per your request, I've attached the file.”
Similaras requested
CELPIP tip Shows the letter answers an earlier request.
on behalf of
phraseCLB 6
Representing.
“On behalf of the team, thank you.”
Similarforrepresenting
CELPIP tip Shows the writer represents someone else.
I'm pleased to inform you
phraseCLB 6
Gives good news formally.
“I'm pleased to inform you that you got the job.”
SimilarI'm happy to tell you
CELPIP tip Good news follows. Look for exactly what was approved or offered.
please be advised that
phraseCLB 7
Formally informs.
“Please be advised that the office will close early.”
Similarplease note
CELPIP tip Formal notice of important information.
thank you for bringing this to our attention
phraseCLB 7
Thanks for reporting a problem.
“Thank you for bringing this to our attention.”
Similarthanks for letting us know
CELPIP tip The start of a reply to a complaint.
I would be happy to
phraseCLB 6
Offers to help.
“I would be happy to meet next week.”
SimilarI'd be glad to
CELPIP tip Introduces an offer of help.
it has come to my attention
phraseCLB 7
Introduces a problem formally.
“It has come to my attention that the rent is late.”
SimilarI've noticed
CELPIP tip Introduces a problem formally. The problem follows.
in advance
phraseCLB 6
Before.
“Thank you in advance for your help.”
Similarbeforehand
CELPIP tip "Thank you in advance" thanks someone before they help.
at the earliest opportunity
phraseCLB 7
As soon as possible.
“I'll call you at the earliest opportunity.”
SimilarASAP
CELPIP tip Means as soon as possible.
we apologize for any inconvenience
phraseCLB 6
Formal apology.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Similarsorry for the trouble
CELPIP tip A formal apology, often after a delay or change.
it is with regret that
phraseCLB 8
A formal way to give bad news.
“It is with regret that we must cancel this year's spring gala.”
Similarunfortunatelywe regret that
CELPIP tip Bad news follows; questions often ask what was cancelled or changed.
as a gesture of goodwill
phraseCLB 8
As a friendly action to show you want to fix a problem.
“As a gesture of goodwill, we have added a $25 credit to your account.”
Similarto make amendsas a goodwill gesture
CELPIP tip Introduces compensation; questions often ask what the company offered.
under no circumstances
phraseCLB 9
Never, in any situation.
“Under no circumstances should the gate be left open.”
Similarnevernot at all
CELPIP tip Strong rule. Note the inverted word order that follows it.
in the event that
phraseCLB 10
If something happens.
“In the event that the flight is delayed, a driver will wait for you.”
Similarifshouldin case
CELPIP tip Introduces a condition; check what happens if it occurs.

Verbs 33

enclose
verbCLB 7/ɪnˈkloʊz/
To include something with a letter.
“I have enclosed a copy of the receipt.”
Similarattachinclude
CELPIP tip Questions may ask what was sent with the letter.
acknowledge
verbCLB 7/əkˈnɒlɪdʒ/
To confirm you received or accept something.
“I acknowledge receipt of your payment.”
Similarconfirmrecognize
CELPIP tip Common in formal replies.
reimburse
verbCLB 7/ˌriːɪmˈbɜːrs/
To pay back money someone spent.
“We will reimburse you for the cost of the repair.”
Similarrefundrepaycompensate
CELPIP tip Key word in complaint replies.
inquire
verbCLB 7/ɪnˈkwaɪər/
To ask for information.
“I am writing to inquire about the job posting.”
Similaraskenquire
CELPIP tip Often tells you the purpose of the letter.
forward
verbCLB 6/ˈfɔːrwərd/
To send on to another person.
“I've forwarded your email to the manager.”
Similarpass onsend on
CELPIP tip Shows who else is involved.
notify
verbCLB 6/ˈnoʊtɪˌfaɪ/
To inform officially.
“Please notify us of any changes.”
Similarinformtell
CELPIP tip Means to inform officially. Look for who must be notified and about what.
anticipate
verbCLB 7/ænˈtɪsɪˌpeɪt/
To expect.
“We anticipate a short delay.”
Similarexpectforesee
CELPIP tip Means to expect. Shows what the writer thinks will happen.
appreciate
verbCLB 6/əˈpriːʃiˌeɪt/
To be grateful for.
“I appreciate your patience.”
Similarvalue
CELPIP tip Shows a polite, grateful tone. Tone questions often test this.
assure
verbCLB 7/əˈʃʊər/
To promise confidently.
“I assure you this won't happen again.”
Similarpromiseguarantee
CELPIP tip Means to promise confidently, common in apology letters.
convey
verbCLB 8/kənˈveɪ/
To communicate.
“Please convey my thanks to your team.”
Similarexpresspass on
CELPIP tip A formal word for communicate. Look for what message is passed on.
decline
verbCLB 6/dɪˈklaɪn/
To politely refuse.
“I must decline your invitation.”
Similarturn downrefuse
CELPIP tip Means to politely refuse. The reason for refusing is often tested.
accept
verbCLB 5/əkˈsɛpt/
To agree to receive or do.
“I'm pleased to accept your offer.”
Similaragree to
CELPIP tip Means to agree to an offer. Note exactly what is accepted.
postpone
verbCLB 6/poʊstˈpoʊn/
To delay.
“The meeting has been postponed.”
Similardelayput off
CELPIP tip Means to delay to a later time. Look for the new date.
cancel
verbCLB 5/ˈkænsəl/
To call off.
“Your order has been cancelled.”
Similarcall off
CELPIP tip Means to call off. Look for what is cancelled and why.
refund
verbCLB 5/rɪˈfʌnd/
To pay back money.
“We will refund the full amount.”
Similarreimburserepay
CELPIP tip Paying money back. Common in replies to complaints.
compensate
verbCLB 7/ˈkɒmpənˌseɪt/
To pay for loss or damage.
“We'd like to compensate you with a voucher.”
Similarmake up for
CELPIP tip Paying for loss or damage. Look for what is offered.
resolve
verbCLB 6/rɪˈzɒlv/
To solve.
“We hope to resolve this quickly.”
Similarsettlefix
CELPIP tip Means to solve. Look for how the writer will resolve the problem.
investigate
verbCLB 7/ɪnˈvɛstɪˌɡeɪt/
To examine carefully.
“We are investigating your complaint.”
Similarlook into
CELPIP tip Means to look into a complaint. Shows the issue is not solved yet.
recommend
verbCLB 6/ˌrɛkəˈmɛnd/
To suggest as good.
“I highly recommend her for the position.”
Similarendorse
CELPIP tip Common in reference letters. Note what is recommended.
attend
verbCLB 5/əˈtɛnd/
To go to.
“Unfortunately, I cannot attend.”
Similargo to
CELPIP tip Means to go to an event. Look for who will attend.
invite
verbCLB 5/ɪnˈvaɪt/
To ask someone to come.
“We'd like to invite you to our open house.”
Similarask
CELPIP tip Means to ask someone to come. Look for the event details.
remind
verbCLB 5/rɪˈmaɪnd/
To help someone remember.
“This is to remind you of your appointment.”
Similarprompt
CELPIP tip Shows the writer wants someone to remember something.
update
verbCLB 5/ʌpˈdeɪt/
To give the latest information.
“I'll update you next week.”
Similarinform
CELPIP tip Gives the latest information. Look for what has changed.
verify
verbCLB 6/ˈvɛrɪˌfaɪ/
To confirm truth.
“Please verify your address.”
Similarconfirmcheck
CELPIP tip Means to confirm that something is true. Often a request.
authorize
verbCLB 7/ˈɔːθəˌraɪz/
To give official permission.
“I authorize the payment.”
Similarapprovepermit
CELPIP tip Means to give official permission.
specify
verbCLB 7/ˈspɛsɪˌfaɪ/
To state clearly.
“Please specify your preferred date.”
Similarstateindicate
CELPIP tip Means to state clearly. Look for what the writer asks to be specified.
relocate
verbCLB 7/ˌriːloʊˈkeɪt/
To move to a new place.
“Our office will relocate next month.”
Similarmove
CELPIP tip Means to move to a new place. Look for the new location.
hesitate
verbCLB 7/ˈhɛzɪˌteɪt/
To pause before acting.
“Don't hesitate to call me.”
Similarpausewaver
CELPIP tip "Do not hesitate to contact me" is a polite closing line.
commend
verbCLB 8/kəˈmend/
To praise someone formally.
“I would like to commend your staff for their patience.”
Similarpraiseapplaudcompliment
CELPIP tip Shows the writer is pleased; useful for tone questions.
entitle
verbCLB 8/ɪnˈtaɪtəl/
To give someone the right to have or do something.
“Your membership entitles you to free parking on weekends.”
Similarqualifyallowgive the right to
CELPIP tip Tells you exactly what someone can get; a common detail question.
rectify
verbCLB 9/ˈrektɪfaɪ/
To correct something that is wrong.
“We are taking steps to rectify the problem with your order.”
Similarcorrectfixremedy
CELPIP tip Shows the company admits the mistake.
reciprocate
verbCLB 10/rɪˈsɪprəkeɪt/
To do or feel the same in return.
“We hope to reciprocate your hospitality when you visit Halifax.”
Similarreturnrepayrespond in kind
CELPIP tip Shows a friendly, grateful tone.
preclude
verbCLB 10/prɪˈkluːd/
To prevent something from happening.
“Prior commitments preclude me from attending the ceremony.”
Similarpreventrule outstop
CELPIP tip Formal way to explain why someone cannot do something.

Nouns 17

correspondence
nounCLB 7/ˌkɔːrəˈspɒndəns/
Letters or emails exchanged.
“Please keep this correspondence for your records.”
Similarletterscommunication
CELPIP tip The name of this reading part.
recipient
nounCLB 6/rɪˈsɪpiənt/
The person who receives something.
“The recipient must sign for the package.”
Similarreceiveraddressee
CELPIP tip Questions may ask who the letter is for.
inquiry
nounCLB 7/ɪnˈkwaɪəri/
A request for information.
“Thank you for your inquiry.”
Similarquestionrequest
CELPIP tip A request for information. Often the purpose of the letter.
apology
nounCLB 5/əˈpɒlədʒi/
A statement of regret.
“Please accept our apology.”
Similarregret
CELPIP tip A statement of regret. Look for what the writer apologizes for.
complaint
nounCLB 5/kəmˈpleɪnt/
A statement of dissatisfaction.
“We received your complaint.”
Similargrievance
CELPIP tip A statement of dissatisfaction. Look for the exact problem.
invitation
nounCLB 5/ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃən/
A request to attend.
“Thank you for the invitation.”
Similarrequest
CELPIP tip A request to attend. Look for date, place and reply details.
confirmation
nounCLB 6/ˌkɒnfərˈmeɪʃən/
A statement that something is true.
“You'll receive a confirmation email.”
Similarverification
CELPIP tip Shows something is arranged. Look for the details confirmed.
arrangement
nounCLB 6/əˈreɪndʒmənt/
A plan.
“We've made arrangements for your stay.”
Similarplan
CELPIP tip A plan. Look for what was arranged.
reference
nounCLB 6/ˈrɛfərəns/
A letter about someone's character.
“I'm happy to provide a reference.”
Similarrecommendation
CELPIP tip A letter about someone's character or work.
attachment
nounCLB 6/əˈtætʃmənt/
A file sent with an email.
“See the attachment for details.”
Similarenclosure
CELPIP tip A file sent with an email. Look for what is attached.
gratitude
nounCLB 7/ˈɡrætɪˌtjuːd/
Thankfulness.
“I want to express my gratitude.”
Similarthanks
CELPIP tip Thankfulness. Common in thank-you letters.
assistance
nounCLB 6/əˈsɪstəns/
Help.
“Thank you for your assistance.”
Similarhelpsupport
CELPIP tip A formal word for help.
reply
nounCLB 5/rɪˈplaɪ/
A response.
“I look forward to your reply.”
Similarresponse
CELPIP tip A response. Look for what is being replied to.
feedback
nounCLB 6/ˈfiːdbæk/
Comments on performance.
“We value your feedback.”
Similarcomments
CELPIP tip Comments on performance or service.
proposal
nounCLB 6/prəˈpoʊzəl/
A suggested plan.
“I've attached my proposal.”
Similarplansuggestion
CELPIP tip A suggested plan. Look for what is proposed.
delay
nounCLB 5/dɪˈleɪ/
A late occurrence.
“We apologize for the delay.”
Similarholdup
CELPIP tip Something happening late. Look for the cause.
discrepancy
nounCLB 9/dɪˈskrepənsi/
A difference between things that should match.
“We noticed a discrepancy between your invoice and our records.”
Similardifferencemismatchinconsistency
CELPIP tip Often the reason a letter was written.

Adverbs 15

accordingly
adverbCLB 7/əˈkɔːrdɪŋli/
In a way that fits the situation.
“Your account has been updated accordingly.”
Similarappropriatelycorrespondingly
CELPIP tip Signals an action taken as a result.
previously
adverbCLB 6/ˈpriːviəsli/
Before now.
“As previously mentioned, the office will be closed Monday.”
Similarearlierbefore
CELPIP tip Refers to earlier details.
kindly
adverbCLB 6/ˈkaɪndli/
Please (formal).
“Kindly reply by Friday.”
Similarplease
CELPIP tip A formal "please". Look for the request.
unfortunately
adverbCLB 6/ʌnˈfɔːrtʃənətli/
Sadly.
“Unfortunately, the item is out of stock.”
Similarregrettably
CELPIP tip Bad news follows. Look for what cannot happen and why.
regrettably
adverbCLB 7/rɪˈɡrɛtəbli/
Sadly; with regret.
“Regrettably, we cannot offer a refund.”
Similarunfortunately
CELPIP tip Formal bad news follows.
promptly
adverbCLB 6/ˈprɒmptli/
Quickly.
“Please respond promptly.”
Similarquickly
CELPIP tip Means quickly. Often about how soon something must be done.
sincerely
adverbCLB 6/sɪnˈsɪərli/
Genuinely.
“I sincerely apologize.”
Similartruly
CELPIP tip Shows the writer is genuine.
immediately
adverbCLB 5/ɪˈmiːdiətli/
At once.
“Please contact us immediately.”
Similarat once
CELPIP tip Means at once. Shows urgency.
shortly
adverbCLB 6/ˈʃɔːrtli/
Soon.
“You'll hear from us shortly.”
Similarsoon
CELPIP tip Means soon. Look for when something will happen.
currently
adverbCLB 5/ˈkɜːrəntli/
Now.
“We are currently reviewing your file.”
Similarpresently
CELPIP tip Means now. Describes the present situation.
personally
adverbCLB 5/ˈpɜːrsənəli/
Directly by oneself.
“I will personally handle this.”
Similarmyself
CELPIP tip Shows the writer will handle it themselves.
therefore
adverbCLB 6/ˈðɛərfɔːr/
As a result.
“Therefore, we must cancel the event.”
Similarthus
CELPIP tip Introduces a result or conclusion.
furthermore
adverbCLB 7/ˈfɜːrðərˌmɔːr/
In addition.
“Furthermore, the item was damaged.”
Similarmoreover
CELPIP tip Adds another point to the same argument.
henceforth
adverbCLB 9/ˌhensˈfɔːrθ/
From now on.
“Henceforth, all requests must be submitted online.”
Similarfrom now onfrom this point
CELPIP tip Marks a new rule starting now.
forthwith
adverbCLB 10/ˌfɔːrθˈwɪθ/
Immediately.
“Please vacate the storage unit forthwith.”
Similarimmediatelyat oncewithout delay
CELPIP tip Very formal and firm; signals urgency.

Adjectives 21

sincere
adjectiveCLB 6/sɪnˈsɪər/
Genuine and honest.
“Please accept our sincere apologies.”
Similargenuineheartfelt
CELPIP tip Signals an apology and the writer's tone.
prompt
adjectiveCLB 6/prɒmpt/
Quick.
“Thank you for your prompt reply.”
Similarquickspeedy
CELPIP tip Means quick. Shows the writer valued a fast response.
considerate
adjectiveCLB 7/kənˈsɪdərət/
Thoughtful of others.
“It was very considerate of you.”
Similarthoughtfulkind
CELPIP tip Means thoughtful of others. Common in thank-you letters.
grateful
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈɡreɪtfəl/
Thankful.
“I'm grateful for your help.”
Similarthankful
CELPIP tip Shows a thankful tone.
dissatisfied
adjectiveCLB 7/dɪsˈsætɪsˌfaɪd/
Not happy.
“I'm dissatisfied with the service.”
Similarunhappy
CELPIP tip Shows the writer is unhappy. A complaint follows.
disappointed
adjectiveCLB 6/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪd/
Unhappy with results.
“We were disappointed with the delay.”
Similarlet down
CELPIP tip Shows unhappiness with a result. A complaint tone.
delighted
adjectiveCLB 6/dɪˈlaɪtɪd/
Very pleased.
“I'm delighted to accept.”
Similarthrilled
CELPIP tip Shows a very pleased tone.
unable
adjectiveCLB 5/ʌnˈeɪbəl/
Not able.
“I'm unable to attend.”
Similarnot able
CELPIP tip Introduces a refusal or limitation.
urgent
adjectiveCLB 5/ˈɜːrdʒənt/
Needing immediate attention.
“This is an urgent matter.”
Similarpressing
CELPIP tip Shows something needs attention now.
confidential
adjectiveCLB 7/ˌkɒnfɪˈdɛnʃəl/
Private.
“This information is confidential.”
Similarprivate
CELPIP tip Means private. The information should not be shared.
enclosed
adjectiveCLB 6/ɪnˈkloʊzd/
Included with a letter.
“Please see the enclosed form.”
Similarattached
CELPIP tip Means included with the letter. Look for what is enclosed.
inconvenient
adjectiveCLB 6/ˌɪnkənˈviːniənt/
Causing trouble.
“I'm sorry for the inconvenient timing.”
Similarawkward
CELPIP tip Shows something caused trouble. Common in apologies.
valued
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈvæljuːd/
Considered important.
“You are a valued customer.”
Similarappreciated
CELPIP tip Shows respect for a customer or employee.
upcoming
adjectiveCLB 5/ˈʌpˌkʌmɪŋ/
Happening soon.
“Regarding the upcoming event...”
Similarforthcoming
CELPIP tip Means happening soon. Look for the event date.
previous
adjectiveCLB 5/ˈpriːviəs/
Earlier.
“As stated in my previous email...”
Similarearlierprior
CELPIP tip Refers back to an earlier letter or event.
further
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈfɜːrðər/
Additional.
“For further details, call us.”
Similaradditional
CELPIP tip Means additional. Often in offers of more information.
overdue
adjectiveCLB 6/ˌoʊvərˈdjuː/
Late.
“Your payment is overdue.”
Similarlate
CELPIP tip Means late. Common in reminder letters.
thoughtful
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈθɔːtfəl/
Showing care.
“Thank you for the thoughtful gift.”
Similarkindconsiderate
CELPIP tip Shows care for others. Common in thank-you letters.
outstanding
adjectiveCLB 8/aʊtˈstændɪŋ/
Not yet paid or done.
“Please settle the outstanding balance of $120 by June 1.”
Similarunpaidoverduepending
CELPIP tip Careful: it can also mean "excellent". Context decides the meaning.
amenable
adjectiveCLB 9/əˈmiːnəbəl/
Willing to accept or agree to something.
“We are amenable to changing the delivery date if that suits you.”
Similarwillingopenagreeable
CELPIP tip Signals flexibility; questions may ask whether a change is possible.
indebted
adjectiveCLB 10/ɪnˈdetɪd/
Very grateful for someone's help.
“I am deeply indebted to you for recommending me.”
Similargratefulobligedthankful
CELPIP tip Strong gratitude; useful for tone and purpose questions.

Expressions 1

We regret to inform you
expressionCLB 7
A formal way to give bad news.
“We regret to inform you that the event has been cancelled.”
Similarunfortunately
CELPIP tip Tone questions often depend on phrases like this.

How to learn these words

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Prepositions 2

concerning

in light of

Phrases 17

with reference to

as discussed

at your earliest convenience

as per your request

on behalf of

I'm pleased to inform you

please be advised that

thank you for bringing this to our attention

I would be happy to

it has come to my attention

in advance

at the earliest opportunity

we apologize for any inconvenience

it is with regret that

as a gesture of goodwill

under no circumstances

in the event that

Verbs 33

enclose

acknowledge

reimburse

inquire

forward

notify

anticipate

appreciate

assure

convey

decline

accept

postpone

cancel

refund

compensate

resolve

investigate

recommend

attend

invite

remind

update

verify

authorize

specify

relocate

hesitate

commend

entitle

rectify

reciprocate

preclude

Nouns 17

correspondence

recipient

inquiry

apology

complaint

invitation

confirmation

arrangement

reference

attachment

gratitude

assistance

reply

feedback

proposal

delay

discrepancy

Adverbs 15

accordingly

previously

kindly

unfortunately

regrettably

promptly