Crossword: Formal vocabulary in English

Think you’ve mastered sophisticated English? Put your knowledge to the test with this crossword focused on formal vocabulary. From legal and academic registers to diplomatic and literary expressions, these clues will challenge your command of high-level English. Whether you’re polishing your writing or expanding your lexical range, this puzzle is the perfect exercise for C1 learners.

Grid

Fill in the grid: pick a square, read the clue and type your answer.

Clues

Across

3. way of speaking used by a group
4. At which place
8. able to express ideas fluently and clearly
9. clearly expressed and easily understood
11. use of indirect lengthy expression
14. having a pleasant smooth flowing sound
16. to say words clearly and distinctly
17. To use the mind to consider
18. Had not in short form
19. elaborately decorated or complex style

Down

1. using more words than necessary
2. excessively talkative about trivial things
5. moving from topic to topic without order
6. person overly focused on book knowledge
7. fluent and persuasive speaking or writing
10. Show happiness with your face
12. subtle difference in meaning or tone
13. Past form of can in reporting
15. To go away from

Answers

Show the answers

Across

3. way of speaking used by a group → parlance
4. At which place → where
8. able to express ideas fluently and clearly → articulate
9. clearly expressed and easily understood → perspicuous
11. use of indirect lengthy expression → periphrasis
14. having a pleasant smooth flowing sound → mellifluous
16. to say words clearly and distinctly → enunciate
17. To use the mind to consider → think
18. Had not in short form → hadnt
19. elaborately decorated or complex style → ornate

Down

1. using more words than necessary → verbose
2. excessively talkative about trivial things → garrulous
5. moving from topic to topic without order → discursive
6. person overly focused on book knowledge → pedant
7. fluent and persuasive speaking or writing → eloquence
10. Show happiness with your face → smile
12. subtle difference in meaning or tone → nuance
13. Past form of can in reporting → could
15. To go away from → leave

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Next lesson: Literary vocabulary in English : complete course

Other lessons at this level:

Abstract vocabulary in English : complete course Academic vocabulary in English : complete course Informal vocabulary in English : complete course