A Corpus-based Analysis of Academic Near Synonyms : Consist, Comprise and Compose

Main Article Content

Thitaporn Putklang
Panupan Panthong
Naviya Chutopama

Abstract

Researching academic vocabulary is crucial for understanding and effectively communicating within the academic community. However, second language learners may find synonyms confusing and prone to misuse. Therefore, this study aims to explore the differences in term of the degree of formality among three academic near synonyms—'consist,' 'comprise,' and 'compose'—and to investigate their noun and adverb collocations in relation to semantic preferences. The definitions of each target word were sourced from online dictionaries, while data on the frequency of each genre, collocation, and Mutual Information (MI) scores (≥ 3) were obtained from the COCA. The data analysis utilized Phoocharoensil’s (2020a) framework. The results revealed that all three words are commonly used in the academic genre, even though 'compose' is not included in the AWL. Based on the analysis of semantic preferences, these three words cannot be substituted for one another. This study also suggests the pedagogical implication for the classroom, and teaching material construction.

Article Details

Section
บทความวิจัย (Research Articles)

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