CELPIP vocabulary: family, friends and social life

A family member.

CELPIP tip Pattern: a close or distant relative. Don't confuse it with the adjective "relative" (compared with something).

A brother or sister.

CELPIP tip More formal than "brothers and sisters"; useful when the gender doesn't matter: "Do you have any siblings?"

Your husband's or wife's family.

CELPIP tip Always plural with the hyphen. For one person, say "my mother-in-law" or "my brother-in-law".

The people living in one home.

CELPIP tip Also an adjective: household chores, household income. A countable noun for one home: "a household of five".

Care for children while parents work.

CELPIP tip One word in Canada. Childcare costs are a frequent reason given in Speaking Task 6 family dilemmas.

A person paid to watch children.

CELPIP tip "Nanny" usually means a full-time caregiver, while a babysitter works occasionally. The verb is "babysit".

An informal meeting of friends.

CELPIP tip Informal and friendly; good in Speaking Task 1. The verb form has no hyphens: "Let's get together on Friday."

A meal where everyone brings a dish.

CELPIP tip Very common at Canadian workplaces and community events. Pattern: bring something to a potluck.

A party in a new home.

CELPIP tip Guests usually bring a small gift; mentioning this shows cultural awareness in a Speaking Task 6 situation.

A request to come to an event.

CELPIP tip Pattern: accept or decline an invitation to an event. "Invite" as a noun is informal; use "invitation" in Writing.

The person who holds an event.

CELPIP tip Also a verb: "We're hosting dinner on Sunday." A woman can also be called the host; "hostess" is less common today.

A person invited to an event.

CELPIP tip The U is silent: g-u-e-s-t. Pattern: a guest at a wedding, a guest of the host.

A yearly date remembering an event.

CELPIP tip Pattern: our tenth anniversary, a wedding or work anniversary. Don't use it for a birthday.

A meeting of people after a long time.

CELPIP tip Common types: family reunion, high-school reunion, class reunion. A good occasion for a Speaking Task 2 story.

A friend you trust very much.

CELPIP tip "Close" is the natural adjective here; avoid "near friend". Close friends are typical listeners in Speaking Task 1 advice.

Someone you know a little.

CELPIP tip Note the C before Q in the spelling. Use it to show the person is not a real friend: "just an acquaintance".

A difference of opinion.

CELPIP tip Pattern: a disagreement about or over something, with someone. It sounds milder and more polite than "fight".

An agreement where each side gives a little.

CELPIP tip Pattern: reach or come to a compromise. Offering one is a smart way to solve a Speaking Task 6 dilemma.

A person who has a pet.

CELPIP tip Pet owners and park rules appear in Reading Part 3 notices; look for verbs like "must" and "are required to".

The time after you stop working.

CELPIP tip The verb is "retire"; a person is "retired" or "a retiree". Pairings: early retirement, retirement savings.

An important event in life.

CELPIP tip Pattern: an important or major milestone. Strong vocabulary for Speaking Task 2 when describing a key life event.

To reply to say whether you will come.

CELPIP tip Say each letter. Often used as a verb ("RSVP by June 1"), so avoid "please RSVP back", which repeats the meaning.

To talk with someone about recent news.

CELPIP tip Pattern: catch up with someone, catch up over coffee. It also means to reach the same level: "catch up on my work".

To spend relaxed time together.

CELPIP tip Informal: fine for Speaking Task 1 with a friend, but too casual for a formal email in Writing Task 1.

Helpful and encouraging.

CELPIP tip Pattern: supportive of someone or something. A positive word for describing family in Speaking Task 2 or 6.