English Vocabulary in Use Upper-intermediate » Unit 56: Sound and light
I could hear the sound of voices/music coming from the next room. (neutral)
The noise of the traffic here is pretty bad. [loud, unpleasant sounds]
The children are making a terrible racket upstairs. Could you go and tell them to be quiet? [ very loud, unbearable noise, often of human activity; infml]
Sound and noise can both be countable or uncountable. When they are of short duration or refer to different sounds/noises, they are countable. When they mean a lot of continual or continuous sounds, they are uncountable.
I heard some strange sounds/noises in the night. (countable)
I wish the children wouldn't make so much noise when I'm working. (uncountable)
The sound of the sea is very relaxing. (uncountable)
All the words in this section can be used as nouns or verbs.
I could hear the rain pattering on the roof. We heard the patter of a little child's feet.
| verb/noun | example(s) of what makes the sound |
| bang | a door closing in the wind, a balloon bursting |
| chime | a big public clock on a building sounding the hour |
| clang | a big bell ringing, a hollow metal object being struck |
| clatter | a metal pan falling onto a concrete floor |
| crash | a big, solid, heavy object falling onto a hard floor |
| hiss | gas/steam escaping through a small hole |
| hum | an electrical appliance when switched on, e.g. computer, freezer |
| rattle | small stones in a tin being shaken |
| ring | a small bell, a telephone |
| roar/rɔː/ | noise of heavy traffic, noise of a huge waterfall |
| rumble | distant noise of thunder, noise of traffic far away |
| rustle/ˈrʌsəl/ | opening a paper/plastic bag, dry leaves underfoot |
| screech | a car’s tyres when the brakes are suddenly applied |
| thud | a heavy object falling onto a carpeted floor |
Here are some adjectives for dark conditions. (For adjectives describing brightness, see Unit 59.)
These brown walls are a bit gloomy. We should paint them white.
This torch is getting a bit dim. I think it needs new batteries.
It was a sombre /ˈsɒmbə/ room with dark, heavy curtains. [serious, imposing]
Note these collocations.
A torch gives out a beam of light.
A diamond ring sparkles.
A camera gives a flash of light.
Stars twinkle.
A candle flame flickers in the breeze.
White-hot coal on a fire glows.
The sun shines and gives out rays of light.
A gold object glitters.
Many of the words relating to darkness and light can be used about people’s expressions too. Light suggests happiness and darkness suggests unhappiness.
Kate’s face was glowing with pleasure.
Dan looks very gloomy. Has he had some bad news?
The words you need to communicate with confidence. Vocabulary explanations and practice for elementary level (A2) learners of English. Perfect for both self-study and classroom activities. Quickly expand your vocabulary with 60 units of easy to understand explanations and practice exercises.
The words you need to communicate with confidence. Vocabulary explanations and practice for pre-intermediate and intermediate level (B1) learners of English. Perfect for both self-study and classroom activities. Quickly expand your vocabulary with 100 units of easy to understand explanations and practice exercises.
The words you need to communicate with confidence. Vocabulary explanations and practice for advanced level (C1 to C2) learners of English. Perfect for both self-study and classroom activities. Quickly expand your vocabulary with over 100 units of easy to understand explanations and practice exercises.