People Synonyms for IELTS: List of Vocabulary

10 min read

In the IELTS exam, your choice of vocabulary plays a crucial role in determining your overall score. A rich and varied vocabulary enhances your ability to express ideas clearly and demonstrates your command of the English language, which is a crucial criterion for assessment. 

25% of your IELTS writing score is directly tied to your lexical resource, meaning that the diversity and appropriateness of your word choices can significantly impact your results. This makes it essential to expand your vocabulary beyond basic terms. 

By mastering a range of “people” synonyms for IELTS, you can avoid repetition, articulate more nuanced ideas, and ultimately increase your chances of achieving a higher band score.

Before you dive into the details of “people” synonyms for IELTS, here’s a table summarising the key highlights of the blog.

Topic	Details
Problems with Overusing “People”	Lack of Precision, Limited Lexical Range, Monotony
Top “people” Synonyms in English for IELTS	Individuals, Citizens, Residents
Selecting the Right  “People” Synonyms for IELTS	Match the Tone, Be Specific, and Consider the Context

Also Read: IELTS Academic or General: Which is the Easiest Test?

What’s the Problem with the Word “People”?

Overusing the word “people” can make your writing seem repetitive and simplistic when writing your IELTS essays. You must show the examiner that you have a diverse vocabulary by using various “people” synonyms for IELTS. Sticking to just “people” can limit your ability to express nuanced ideas, making it challenging to achieve higher band scores.

Instead, consider synonyms that fit the context of your writing. For instance, when discussing the younger generation, you might use youngsters synonyms for IELTS, like “youth” or “adolescents.” Alternatively, you may consider using “individuals” or “citizens” to diversify your language for a formal context.

In this section, explore the potential issues with overusing “people” along with practical examples to illustrate how selecting a more precise and varied vocabulary can enhance your writing and boost your IELTS score.

1. Lack of Precision

The word “people” is a general term that can result in vague and nonspecific statements. IELTS tasks require you to convey precise ideas and support your arguments with clarity. Using “people” too often may lead to broad, undefined statements that can weaken your response.

Example:

• Original: “People tend to enjoy socialising.”
• Improved: “Many individuals thrive on engaging in social activities and building connections.”

2. Limited Lexical Range

Lexical range refers to a variety of words used in a certain context, especially when the words come from a variety of different language sources.

IELTS examiners assess your ability to use a diverse range of vocabulary. Relying heavily on the word “people” reduces your lexical variety and may suggest a limited vocabulary, which can negatively impact your score.

Example:

• Original: “People often face difficulties in education.”
• Improved: “Students frequently encounter challenges in their academic pursuits.”

3. Monotony and Lack of Engagement

Using the word “people” repeatedly can make your writing sound dull and repetitive. IELTS examiners value engaging language, and varying your word choice can keep your writing interesting and dynamic.

Example:

• Original: “People prefer to work from home nowadays.”
• Improved: “A growing number of professionals favour working remotely in the modern era.”

4. Missed Opportunities for Synonyms

IELTS rewards you for demonstrating a wide-ranging vocabulary, including the use of synonyms. Opting for more specific terms instead of “people” allows you to showcase your language skills and improve the depth of your writing.

Example:

• Original: “Older people need more healthcare services.”
• Improved: “The elderly population requires increased access to healthcare services.”

5. Potential for Misinterpretation

Overusing “people” can sometimes result in ambiguity, making your statements unclear. Choosing a more precise synonym helps avoid confusion and better conveys your intended meaning.

Example:

• Original: “People often travel for work.”
• Improved: “Business travellers frequently commute for professional purposes.”

Also Read: Personality Vocabulary IELTS: About People & Personalities

Now that you understand the reasons to avoid overusing the word “people” in your IELTS writing, it’s time to explore a diverse range of synonyms to enrich your vocabulary. Next is a compiled list of 50+ “people” synonyms for IELTS to help you vary your language and convey your ideas more precisely.

50+ “People” Synonyms for IELTS

Expanding your vocabulary for the IELTS exam is crucial for demonstrating linguistic proficiency and versatility, especially in a context where a substantial portion of your score hinges on your lexical resource. 

Finding a suitable population synonym for IELTS and other common terms, such as “people” can add depth and precision to your writing, allowing you to convey your ideas more effectively. 

To help you diversify your language, here are over 50+ “people” synonyms for IELTS that can enhance your vocabulary and improve your overall performance in the exam.

“People” Synonyms in English for IELTS
Individuals	Citizens	Residents
Members	Inhabitants	Folks
Persons	Society	Population
Community	Crowd	Group
Humans	Mankind	Humankind
Compatriots	Youngsters	Adolescents
Youth	Teenagers	Adults
Seniors	Elders	Pensioners
Couples	Families	Relatives
Associates	Colleagues	Commuters
Travellers	Pedestrians	Clients
Customers	Consumers	Patrons
Purchasers	Buyers	Viewers
Spectators	Observers	Fans
Enthusiasts	Supporters	Participants
Contributors	Donors	Benefactors
Well-wishers	Voters	Electors

These “people” synonyms for IELTS can help you convey specific ideas more effectively, whether discussing global economic trends or addressing societal issues. 

Struggling to reach your target IELTS score? Discover how Leap Scholar’s tailored coaching and expert strategies can help you overcome your challenges and achieve the results you need to study at your dream university! Connect with Leap Scholar today! 

Also Read: IELTS Connectors and Linking Words for 2024

After familiarising yourself with some “people” synonyms for IELTS, it’s important to recognise that not all synonyms are suitable for every context. Understanding the potential issues with using certain synonyms can help you make better word choices and avoid common pitfalls.

What is the Problem with “People” Synonyms in English for IELTS?

While expanding your vocabulary with synonyms for “people” is essential for the IELTS exam, it’s important to approach this task with caution. Not all synonyms are interchangeable, and using them without proper consideration can lead to awkward phrasing or misinterpreting your intended meaning. 

The IELTS examiners are not just looking for varied vocabulary but also how accurately and appropriately you use it within the context of your writing. Misusing synonyms can detract from the clarity and coherence of your essay, potentially lowering your score. 

To help you overcome this challenge, here are some examples illustrating common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

1. Individuals

While “individuals” as a synonym for IELTS can replace “people,” it might sound too formal when describing casual situations. The term implies a level of detachment or specificity that might not be appropriate for all contexts.

Example: In a casual conversation, you might say, “Many people enjoy watching movies on the weekends.” Using “individuals” as a synonym for IELTS would make it, “Many individuals enjoy watching movies on the weekends,” which can sound unnecessarily formal and stiff.

2. Folks 

This is more informal and may not suit academic or formal writing. It conveys a friendly, conversational tone, which may not be appropriate for professional or scholarly contexts.

Example: In a formal report about environmental awareness, you might write, “People need to reduce waste to help the environment.” Using “folks” would make it “Folks need to reduce waste to help the environment,” which sounds too informal for academic or professional settings.

3. Youngsters

This term can be seen as casual or slightly informal, making it unsuitable for formal essays. It also specifically refers to young people, which may sometimes differ from what you intend to convey.

Example: In an academic paper discussing educational policies, you might write, “Young people should learn about financial literacy in school.” Using “youngsters” would make it, “Youngsters should learn about financial literacy in school,” which sounds informal and may not convey the same seriousness as “youth” or “adolescents.”

4. Citizens 

Using “citizens” implies a legal or national context, which may not fit all scenarios. It suggests a focus on individuals as members of a particular country or political entity, which may not be relevant to your discussion.

Example: In a general discussion about leisure activities, you might say, “People enjoy spending time outdoors on weekends.” Using “citizens” would make it “Citizens enjoy spending time outdoors on weekends,” which unnecessarily narrows the scope to people within a specific nation or legal framework.

Having identified the problems with various synonyms, the next step is learning to select the most appropriate ones for your writing. 

How to Choose a Good Synonym for the Word “People”?

Choosing the appropriate “people” synonyms for IELTS is not just about expanding your vocabulary – it’s about ensuring that your word choices align with the context and tone of your writing. 

The IELTS exam evaluates your ability to use language effectively in various scenarios, from formal essays to more casual responses. This means that selecting the right synonym requires a careful assessment of how each word fits into the overall message you want to convey. 

To guide you in making these decisions, here are some tips that will help you choose the most suitable synonyms for different writing contexts.

1. Match the Tone: Ensure your synonym matches the formality of the text. Use “individuals” or “citizens” for formal contexts and “folks” or “crowd” for informal settings.
   
2. Be Specific: Choose synonyms that convey specific meanings. If you’re discussing age groups, use “adolescents” or “pensioners.” For groups, “community” or “population” might be more appropriate.
   
3. Consider the Context: Reflect on the context to determine if a synonym is suitable. For instance, in a discussion about young people, opt for youngsters synonyms for IELTS like “youth” or “teenagers.”
   
4. Avoid Overuse: Even with synonyms, avoid repetition. Mix synonyms within your essay to demonstrate a broad vocabulary. Using diverse “people” synonyms for IELTS will make your writing more engaging and less redundant.

Also Read: IELTS Writing Samples 2024: Task 1 & Task 2 (Sample Questions & Tips)

Conclusion

Using varied vocabulary in the IELTS exam can greatly enhance your writing. By incorporating diverse “people” synonyms for IELTS, you can convey your ideas more clearly and effectively. Practice using these synonyms in different contexts to become more comfortable with them.

Remember, while having a wide range of vocabulary is important, understanding the nuances of each word is key. Expanding your vocabulary with appropriate “people” synonyms for IELTS not only enriches your writing but also demonstrates your command of the English language.

Ready to achieve a 7+ band in IELTS? Let our experts at Leap Scholar guide you to success with personalised guidance. Join our Free LIVE Masterclass today and start your journey to excellence!

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