Vocabulary to describe graphs


Introducing the graph

The graph/table/pie chart/bar chart/diagram ...

Example: The pie charts provide information on the proportion of males and females working in agricultural sector.


Types of changes

Nouns

a rise (of)

an increase (of)

a growth (of)

a peak (of)

a surge (of)

Example: a rise of prices

a fall (in)

a decrease (in)

a decline (in)

a dip (in)

Example: a fall in prices

a fluctuation (of)

a variation (in)

Example: a fluctuation of prices

Verbs

to rise

to increase

to surge

to grow

to peak

Large rises:

to rocket

to soar

to leap (->leapt)

to fall

to decrease

to decline

to dip

to dive

to plunge

Large falls:

to plummet

to fluctuate

to vary


Description of changes

Adverbs

sharply

suddenly

rapidly

abruptly

dramatically

significantly

considerably

markedly

wildly

Example: the prices rose sharply

slightly

gently

gradually

steadily

modestly

marginally

Example: the prices increased modestly

Adjectives

sharp

sudden

rapid

abrupt

dramatic

steep

significant

considerable

marked

substantial

spectacular

Example: there was a considerable growth

slight

gentle

gradual

steady

consistent

modest

marginal

Example: there was a gradual decline

Useful phrases

a small fraction, a small number, a small minority

a large portion, a significant majority

nearly a fifth, almost 10%, in region of 40%, more than a half, over a quarter, around two thirds, more or less three quarters, exactly one in ten, approximately a third