C1 Archives - EnglishAcademy101

Reduced Relative Clauses: How to Use Them Correctly

As you learn English, you’ll come across different types of clauses that you can use to provide more information about a noun. One of these is the relative clauses, which begins with a relative pronoun (such as “who,” “whom,” “that,” or “which”) and provides more details about the noun that comes before it. For example:

The man who is wearing a hat is my uncle.
The book that you lent me is very interesting.

Reduced Relative Clause

However, there’s another type of relative clause that you might encounter in English, which is the reduced relative clause. This type of clause is shorter than a regular relative clause, and it doesn’t include a relative pronoun. Instead, it uses a participle (usually an “-ing” form) or an infinitive to modify the noun that comes before it. For example:

The man wearing a hat is my uncle.
The book to read is very interesting.

In this article, we’ll look at the rules and examples of reduced relative clauses, as well as some tips on how to use them correctly.

When to Use Reduced Relative Clauses

Reduced relative clauses are often used in English to make sentences shorter and more concise. They are also used in informal speech and writing, as well as in literature and poetry, to create a specific tone or effect.

Reduced relative clauses are typically used in the following situations:

When the subject of the relative clause is the same as the subject of the main clause. For example:
The man who is running is my friend. (regular relative clause)
The man running is my friend. (reduced relative clause)

In this example, “man” is the subject of both clauses. The regular relative clause includes the relative pronoun “who” and the verb “is,” while the reduced relative clause omits the pronoun and the verb and uses the participle “running” instead.

When the relative clause provides non-essential information about the noun. For example:
The book that you lent me is very interesting. (regular relative clause)
The book to read is very interesting. (reduced relative clause)

In this example, the regular relative clause provides essential information about the book (“that you lent me”), while the reduced relative clause provides non-essential information (“to read”).

When the relative clause is short and easy to understand. For example:
The man who lives next door is very friendly. (regular relative clause)
The man next door is very friendly. (reduced relative clause)

In this example, the regular relative clause is not very long or complicated, but the reduced relative clause is even shorter and simpler.

How to Form Reduced Relative Clause

To form a reduced relative clause, you need to follow these steps:

Identify the noun that the clause will modify. This noun should be the subject or object of the clause, and it should come before the clause in the sentence.
Look for a relative pronoun (such as “who” or “which”) in the regular relative clause. If there is no relative pronoun, you can skip this step.
Remove the relative pronoun and the verb that follows it. Keep the subject of the clause and change the verb to a participle or an infinitive.
If the verb is a present participle (“-ing” form), add it directly after the noun. If the verb is an infinitive (“to” + base form), add “to” before the base form of the verb.

Here are some examples of regular and reduced relative clauses:

Regular: The girl who is singing is very talented.
Reduced: The girl singing is very talented.

In this example, the regular relative clause “who is singing” has been reduced to the participle “singing.”

Regular: The cake that my mom baked is delicious.
Reduced: The cake baked by my mom is delicious.

As you can see in this example, the regular relative clause “that my mom baked” has been reduced to the participle “baked by my mom.”

Regular: The book that I want to read is on the shelf.
Reduced: The book to read is on the shelf.

In this example, the regular relative clause “that I want to read” has been reduced to the infinitive “to read.”

Tips for Using

While reduced relative clauses can be very useful in English, there are some things to keep in mind to use them correctly:

Make sure the meaning is clear. Reduced relative clauses can sometimes create ambiguity if they are not used correctly. For example, “The boy playing the guitar is my brother” could mean either “The boy who is playing the guitar” or “The boy who is played by the guitar” (if “playing” is interpreted as a passive verb). To avoid confusion, make sure the meaning is clear from the context.
Use reduced relative clauses sparingly. While they can make sentences shorter and more concise, using too many of them can make your writing or speech sound choppy or informal.
Follow grammar rules. Even though reduced relative clauses are shorter than regular relative clauses, they still need to follow basic grammar rules. For example, the participle or infinitive should agree with the subject of the clause in terms of tense and number.

In conclusion, reduced relative clauses are a useful tool in English for making sentences shorter and more concise. By following the rules and using them appropriately, you can add variety and fluidity to your writing and speech.

Example Exercises

Ellipsis: Using Omission to Enhance Your Writing

Ellipsis is a grammatical concept that refers to the omission of words or phrases in a sentence. It is commonly used in both spoken and written English, and can make sentences shorter and more concise.

Ellipsis can occur in different parts of a sentence, including the subject, verb, and object. Here are some examples:

“I like pizza, but he doesn’t.” (The verb “like” is omitted in the second clause.)
“She’s from Canada, and he’s from Mexico.” (The subject “she is” and the verb “is” are omitted in the second clause.)
“The new car is expensive, but worth it.” (The object “it is” is omitted in the second clause.)

Used When Speaking

Ellipsis is often used in conversation, where it can help speakers convey meaning more efficiently. For example, in the sentence “Want to come to the movies with us?” the verb “do you want” is omitted, as it is implied by the context.

Used When Writing

Ellipsis can also be used in writing, particularly in literary and poetic works. It can create a sense of rhythm and flow, and can help writers convey a sense of intimacy or familiarity. For example, in the poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost, the last line “And miles to go before I sleep” omits the verb “have,” but the meaning is clear from the context.

Concise

While ellipsis can be a useful tool for making sentences more concise and efficient, it can also lead to ambiguity if used incorrectly. It is important to ensure that the meaning of the sentence is clear, even when words or phrases are omitted.

…

In addition to omitting words or phrases, ellipsis can also refer to the use of three dots (…) to indicate the omission of words in a quotation. This is often used in academic writing, where it can help to shorten long quotes while still preserving their meaning.

Here’s an example of ellipsis used in a quotation: “The best lack all conviction, while the worst…Are full of passionate intensity.” – W.B. Yeats

In this quotation, the ellipsis indicates the omission of the second line, “Are full of passionate intensity.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, ellipsis is a useful tool for making sentences more concise and efficient, but it should be used carefully to avoid ambiguity. Whether used in conversation or in writing, ellipsis can help to create a sense of rhythm and flow, and can enhance the overall impact of a sentence or passage.

Example Exercises

Please go to Ellipsis: Using Omission to Enhance Your Writing to view this quiz

Understanding Discourse Markers: How They Connect Ideas in Language

When we communicate with others, we often use words and phrases to help connect our ideas and create a cohesive message. These words and phrases are called discourse markers, and they play an important role in both spoken and written language.

What are Discourse Markers?

Discourse markers are words or phrases that help to connect ideas and indicate the relationships between them in spoken or written language. They can be used to signal changes in topic, emphasize a point, show contrast or similarity, and more.

Examples of Discourse Markers

There are many different types of discourse markers, and they can be used in a variety of ways depending on the context. Here are some common examples:

Addition: additionally, also, moreover, furthermore, in addition
Contrast: however, on the other hand, nevertheless, nonetheless, but, yet
Emphasis: indeed, in fact, certainly, of course, clearly
Time: meanwhile, in the meantime, later, previously, subsequently
Cause and effect: therefore, consequently, as a result, because of this

These words and phrases help to create a cohesive and organized piece of communication, making it easier for the listener or reader to follow along and understand the speaker or writer’s intended meaning.

In Spoken Language

Discourse markers are especially common in spoken language, where they can help to facilitate conversation and keep it flowing smoothly. For example, when someone is telling a story, they might use these to indicate when they are changing topics or introducing a new character. This can help the listener to follow along and understand the story more easily.

Discourse markers can also be used to show agreement or disagreement in conversation. For example, if someone says something you agree with, you might use a discourse marker like “indeed” or “absolutely” to show that you agree. On the other hand, if someone says something you disagree with, you might use a discourse marker like “however” or “on the other hand” to indicate your disagreement.

In Written Language

While discourse markers are more commonly used in spoken language, they are also used in written language, particularly in academic writing. In this context, they can help to structure complex arguments and clarify relationships between ideas.

For example, if you are writing an essay that argues for a particular point of view, you might use discourse markers to show how different parts of your argument relate to each other. You might use a discourse marker like “therefore” to indicate that one part of your argument leads to another, or “on the other hand” to show that you are considering a counterargument.

Conclusion

Discourse markers play an important role in both spoken and written language, helping to connect ideas and create a cohesive message. By understanding how to use these words and phrases, you can improve your communication skills and make your ideas more clear and organized.

Example Exercises

Please go to Understanding Discourse Markers: How They Connect Ideas in Language to view this quiz

Nominalization: What It Is and How to Use It Effectively

Nominalization is a powerful tool that can be used to transform verbs and adjectives into nouns. It is an important aspect of academic and technical writing, but it can also be used effectively in everyday communication. In this article, we will discuss what nominalization is, why it is useful, and how to use it effectively.

What is Nominalization?

Nominalization is the process of turning verbs, adjectives, and other parts of speech into nouns. For example, the verb “discuss” can be nominalized as “discussion,” and the adjective “dangerous” can be nominalized as “danger.” Essentially, it involves turning words that describe actions, qualities, or concepts into words that represent objects or things.

Why is It Useful?

Nominalization is useful for a number of reasons. First, it allows writers to convey abstract concepts in a more concrete way. By turning a verb or adjective into a noun, writers can create a clear and concise representation of an idea or concept. This is particularly useful in academic and technical writing, where clarity and precision are highly valued.

Second, it can help to create a more formal tone in writing. By using nouns instead of verbs or adjectives, writers can make their writing sound more objective and professional. This is important in many contexts, such as academic writing, where an impersonal and objective tone is often expected.

Finally, it can help to simplify complex ideas. By turning a series of verbs or adjectives into nouns, writers can create a more streamlined and cohesive narrative. This can make it easier for readers to follow the writer’s train of thought and understand the main points of the text.

How to Use Nominalization Effectively

While nominalization is a powerful tool, it should be used judiciously. Here are some tips for using it effectively:

Use it to convey complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. However, don’t overuse it, as this can make your writing sound overly complicated or difficult to read.
Use it to create a more formal tone in your writing, but be careful not to make your writing sound too stiff or impersonal.
Use it to simplify complex ideas and create a more streamlined narrative. However, be careful not to sacrifice clarity for brevity.
Be mindful of the suffixes you use when nominalizing words. Some suffixes, such as “-ment” and “-tion,” are more common than others.
Use it sparingly in everyday communication, as it can make your speech sound overly formal or stilted.

Examples of Nominalization

Here are some examples:

Verb: discuss
Nominalization: discussion

Adjective: dangerous
Nominalization: danger

Verb: analyze
Nominalization: analysis

Adjective: creative
Nominalization: creativity

Verb: demonstrate
Nominalization: demonstration

Conclusion

Nominalization is a powerful tool that can be used to transform verbs and adjectives into nouns. It is useful for conveying abstract concepts, creating a formal tone, and simplifying complex ideas. However, it should be used judiciously to avoid making writing overly complicated or difficult to read. By following these tips and using it effectively, writers can create clear, concise, and professional-looking texts.

Example Exercises

Please go to Nominalization: What It Is and How to Use It Effectively to view this quiz

Adverbial Clauses of Reason and Result: Adding Nuance to Your Writing

Writing is all about conveying information in a clear and concise way, but sometimes the most important details are the ones that add nuance and depth to your story. Adverbial clauses of reason and result are one way to add complexity and richness to your writing.

Adverbial Clauses of Reason

Adverbial clauses of reason provide the reason or cause for an action or event. These clauses usually begin with subordinating conjunctions such as “because”, “since”, “as”, or “due to”. For example: “Because she was sick, she missed the party.” In this sentence, the adverbial clause “because she was sick” provides the reason for why she missed the party.

Using adverb clauses of reason can add depth to your writing by explaining the motivations or causes behind actions or events. They can also help to clarify why something happened, making it easier for the reader to follow along with your story.

Adverbial Clauses of Result

Adverbial clauses of result, on the other hand, provide the consequence or outcome of an action or event. These clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions such as “so”, “so that”, “such that”, or “therefore”. For example: “She worked hard so that she could afford a new car.” In this sentence, the adverbial clause “so that she could afford a new car” provides the result of her hard work.

Using adverb clauses of result can also add depth to your writing by providing the consequences or outcomes of actions or events. They can also help to explain why something happened, and can make your writing more engaging by showing the impact of events on the characters or the world around them.

Conclusion

Overall, using adverbial clauses of reason and result can add nuance and depth to your writing. By providing reasons and consequences for actions and events, you can create a more complete and engaging story. When used effectively, adverbial clauses can be a powerful tool for any writer looking to add complexity and depth to their work.

Example Exercises

Please go to Adverbial Clauses of Reason and Result: Adding Nuance to Your Writing to view this quiz

The Subjunctive Mood: What it is and How to Use it Correctly

When learning a new language, the subjunctive mood can be one of the most confusing and challenging grammar concepts to master. In English, the it is used to express a variety of attitudes, such as wishes, doubts, possibilities, and hypothetical scenarios. In this blog post, we will explore what the subjunctive is, how to use it correctly, and why it’s important to understand.

What is the Subjunctive Mood?

The subjunctive mood is a grammatical form used to express various attitudes, such as wishes, possibilities, doubts, and hypothetical scenarios. It is used to describe situations that are not certain or real but are still being considered or imagined. In other words, the subjunctive expresses situations that are hypothetical, unlikely, or contrary to fact.

How to Use the Subjunctive Mood

To use the subjunctive mood, we need to follow a few simple rules:

Use the base form of the verb. When we use the subjunctive, we don’t add “-s” or “-es” to the verb, even if the subject is third person singular.

Example: It’s important that she study for the test. (not “studies”)

Use the word “if” to introduce hypothetical scenarios or unlikely situations.

Example: If I were you, I would take the job. (not “If I was you”)

Use specific verbs, such as “suggest,” “recommend,” or “demand,” to express a desire or a requirement.

Example: The teacher demanded that the students be quiet. (not “are quiet”)

Use “were” instead of “was” in the past tense.

Example: If I were rich, I would buy a house. (not “If I was rich”)

Why is it Important to Understand the Subjunctive?

The subjunctive is an important grammatical concept because it allows us to express a wide range of attitudes and emotions in our language. Without the subjunctive mood, we would not be able to convey hypothetical scenarios, wishes, doubts, or possibilities in a clear and concise manner. Understanding the subjunctive is also important for writing and speaking in a formal context, such as in academic writing or business correspondence.

Conclusion

The subjunctive mood is a vital part of English grammar, allowing us to express hypothetical scenarios, wishes, doubts, and possibilities in a concise and clear way. To use the subjunctive correctly, we need to follow a few simple rules, such as using the base form of the verb and specific verbs to express desires or requirements. Understanding the subjunctive mood is crucial for communicating effectively in both formal and informal settings.

Example Exercises

Please go to The Subjunctive Mood: What it is and How to Use it Correctly to view this quiz

Emphatic Adjectives: How to Use Them to Add Extra Emphasis

Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns, but not all adjectives are created equal. Some adjectives are used for emphasis or to give extra weight to the noun they are describing. These are known as emphatic adjectives. In this article, we will explore what emphatic adjectives are, how to identify them, and how to use them effectively in your writing.

What are Emphatic Adjectives?

Emphatic adjectives are a type of adjective that is used to add extra emphasis to a noun. They are usually placed before the noun and are often used in spoken English to express strong emotions or to make a point more strongly. Examples include “utter,” “absolute,” “complete,” “total,” and “unconditional.”

They can be used in a variety of ways. They can be used to emphasize a quality or attribute of a noun, to express the speaker’s opinion or attitude, or to add drama or excitement to a sentence.

Examples:

The book was an utter disappointment.
The meal was an absolute delight.
The party was a complete disaster.
The concert was a total success.
The love between them was unconditional.

How to Identify Emphatic Adjectives

Emphatic adjectives are usually easy to spot because they are used to express a strong emotion or to add emphasis to a noun. They are often placed before the noun they are modifying and are frequently used in conjunction with other adjectives. Look for words that add an extra layer of meaning or significance to a sentence.

Examples:

He is an amazing writer. (normal adjective)
He is an absolutely amazing writer. (emphatic adjective)
The team played well. (normal adjective)
The team played exceptionally well. (emphatic adjective)

How to Use Emphatic Adjectives

Using them correctly can add extra impact to your writing. Here are some tips for using them effectively:

Use them sparingly: They are powerful words that can quickly become overused. Use them sparingly and only when necessary to add extra emphasis to a sentence.
Be precise: They should be used to describe the specific quality or attribute you want to emphasize. Choose your words carefully and make sure they accurately reflect the meaning you want to convey.
Consider your audience: Theycan be very effective in spoken English, but they may not be appropriate for all types of writing. Consider your audience and the tone you want to convey before using emphatic adjectives.
Use them with other adjectives: Emphatic adjectives are often used in conjunction with other adjectives to add extra impact to a sentence. Use them together with descriptive adjectives to create a vivid and engaging picture for your reader.

Conclusion

In conclusion, emphatic adjectives are a powerful tool for writers looking to add extra emphasis to their writing. By using them carefully and thoughtfully, you can create vivid, engaging sentences that capture your reader’s attention and leave a lasting impression.

Example Exercises

Please go to Emphatic Adjectives: How to Use Them to Add Extra Emphasis to view this quiz

Parenthetical Expressions: Adding Information in the Middle of a Sentence

When we speak, we often use parenthetical expressions to add information to what we are saying. These expressions, also known as parentheticals or parenthetical phrases, are words, phrases, or clauses that are inserted into a sentence to provide extra details or clarification.

What are they?

Parenthetical expressions are set apart from the rest of the sentence by punctuation marks such as commas, dashes, or parentheses. They are not essential to the sentence’s meaning but provide additional context or explanation. Here are some examples:

My boss, who is usually very strict, was surprisingly lenient today.
We’re going to the beach this weekend – if the weather holds up.
John, by the way, is an excellent cook.
I’m planning to take a vacation next month (assuming I can get the time off).

In each of these examples, the parenthetical expression is set off from the rest of the sentence by commas or dashes. The information provided in these expressions is not crucial to the sentence’s meaning but helps to clarify or add context.

Their Different Forms

Parenthetical expressions can take various forms, such as:

Appositives: These are nouns or noun phrases that rename or explain another noun in the sentence. For example: “My friend, the doctor, recommended this medication.”
Relative clauses: These are clauses that begin with a relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, that, which) and provide additional information about a noun. For example: “The teacher, who is new to the school, has been doing a great job.”
Interjections: These are words or phrases that express emotion or surprise and are set off from the rest of the sentence with a comma or an exclamation point. For example: “I’m sorry, but I can’t go with you tonight.”
Adverbs: These are words that modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb and are set off with commas. For example: “He finished the race, surprisingly, in first place.”

Parenthetical expressions are a valuable tool in writing and speaking, as they allow us to add information in a natural way without disrupting the flow of the sentence. However, it is important to use them sparingly and appropriately, as too many parentheticals can make a sentence hard to follow. Here are some tips for using parenthetical expressions effectively:

Use appropriate punctuation: The placement of commas, dashes, or parentheses can affect the meaning of the sentence, so it is important to use them correctly.
Keep it brief: Parenthetical expressions should be concise and to the point. Long, rambling parentheticals can be confusing and disrupt the flow of the sentence.
Use them sparingly: While parenthetical expressions can be useful, too many of them can make a sentence hard to follow. Use them only when necessary to provide additional context or clarification.

Conclusion

In conclusion, parenthetical expressions are a useful tool for adding information and context to a sentence. By using them appropriately and sparingly, we can make our writing and speech more effective and clear.

Example Exercises

Please go to Parenthetical Expressions: Adding Information in the Middle of a Sentence to view this quiz

What is Fake News?

What is fake news? Why is it so harmful? Who creates it? Why do they create it? Keep reading to find out!

Preparation

Match the vocabulary words with their definitions.

fake/a liar/fabricated/allegation/a conspiracy theory/denounce

a claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically one made without proof
inform against
a person who does not tell the truth
not genuine
invent something in order to deceive
a belief that some covert but influential organization is responsible for an unexplained event

Answers

1. allegation 2. denounce 3. a liar 4. fake 5. fabricated 6. a conspiracy theory

Reading

What is Fake News?

In 2014, Nurse Kaci Hickox was quarantined in her house due to the Ebola crisis scare. She was a nurse with Doctors Without Borders, who had just recently returned from West Africa to help with the Ebola crisis there. However, she had tested negative for the virus.

This store about Hickox is one of the most famous examples of the growing phenomenon called “fake news.” New Jersey Governor Christie put out a statement staying “There’s no question the woman is ill, the question is what is her illness.”^[1]https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/real-consequences-fake-news-stories-brain-cant-ignore The internet and the modern news did the rest. Stoked by both legitimate and satirical sites, the general public went into a state of panic. Hickox’s landlord was asking her to move out and random people were threatening her. In fact, the government was trying to quarantine her even though there was no official court ordered one at the time. Needless to say, her life was turned upside down due to a rapidly growing snowball of fabricated articles claiming she was infected with the Ebola virus.

Fake News is difficult to control for many reasons. Many people mistrust the established media, so when they publish things to try and repudiate the false news, it has a limited effect. In many cases, they will just go to other sources to get their news anyways. In addition, with the current rapid news cycle, the established media doesn’t have time to check their sources. Many times this leads them to just repeating the phony news that everyone is seeing anyways.

So why do people create fake news to begin with? Why are their people out there motivated to dupe the public? There are actually many different reasons for this. One of the most popular reasons is political. The writer of the article creates the phony news in order to belittle or incriminate in the court of public opinion their opponent. Other sites, such as the Onion, create fake news as satire. It is through this comedic form of writing that they can comment on issues in our society. Some people are motivated simply by money. For example, one article that talked about Mexico closing its borders reportedly earned around $6,000!^[2]https://blog.adbeat.com/fake-news/ Needless to say, there is some big money in it for the unscrupulous.

So how can you protect yourself from fake news? First, make sure the sites you are getting your news from are legitimate. Second, don’t take articles at face value. Do your own research. If they give sources and quotes, go and find the original sources for this to make sure it is real. Lastly, don’t spread fake news yourself. Only by working together, can we make the news more truthful.

True or False

Select true or false for each statement.

Kaci Hickox went to North Africa.
People spread fake news as a form of satire.
Sharing everything you find online is a great way not spread fake news.
People tend to trust the established media.
Christie knew exactly what illness Hickox had.
You can earn a lot of money by creating fake news articles.

Answers

1. False 2. True 3. False 4. False 5. False 6. True

Multiple Choice

Choose the best answer for each question.

1.Why did Kaci Hickox go to West Africa?

a. She went for vacation.

b. It was a connecting flight back home.

c. She was their to help as a nurse for the Ebola crisis.

d. She has family from there.

2. Which of the following reasons is not given as a difficulty for stopping the spread of fake news?

a. The general public mistrust the established media.

b. The news cycle is too quick to check sources.

c. There are many fake news websites.

d. Fake news looks like real news.

3. Who is Christie?

a. Head of the health organization Doctors Without Borders.

b. Governor of New Jersey.

c. A news reporter.

d. Owner of a fake news website.

4. How does the author feel about stopping the spread of fake news?

a. pessimistic

b. extremely optimistic

c. doubtful

d. cautiously optimistic

5. The Onion is a…

a. satirical site

b. established news agency

c. a governmental organization

Answers

1. c 2. d 3. b 4. d 5. a

Vocabulary Fill

Complete the sentences with the following vocabulary words.

fake/a liar/fabricated/allegation/conspiracy theory/denounce

After the trial, it was found that the prosecutor had __________ evidence in order to falsely imprison the defendant.
She is such __________. Why can’t she ever tell the truth.
The idea that there are aliens in Area 51 is a popular __________.
Don’t worry! It is not real and not worth a lot of money. It is a __________.
The government will __________ any use of violence.
The lawyer made a big __________ of corruption.

Answers

1. fabricated 2. a liar 3. conspiracy theory 4. fake 5. denounce 6. allegation

Discussion

Where do you usually get your news from?

Is fake news a problem?

Can you think of any other examples of phony news?

If this is too difficult to understand, check out the C1 grammar points to help out!

References[+]

References
↑1	https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/real-consequences-fake-news-stories-brain-cant-ignore
↑2	https://blog.adbeat.com/fake-news/

Near Synonyms

Near synonyms are words or expressions that seem similar but are not exactly identical due to nuances and variations in their meaning.^[1]https://www.slideshare.net/agradjaya/semantic-relation-among-words They help give further depth into what we are saying.

Types of Variations

There are various types of variations that near synonyms can express.

Variation on Emphasis

One of the most common variations of nuance is in the emphasis of the word.

For example:

enemy vs. foe

“Enemy” is a more familiar word that you would use everyday. However, the formal feeling of the word “foe” gives it a more serious or intense emphasis.

That guy is my worst enemy. He did something that I can never forgive.
The USSR and the USA were bitter foes during the Cold War.

Stylistic Variations

A common stylistic variation with near synonyms is the level of formality.

For example:

drunk vs. inebriated

“Drunk” is a much more familiar way of speaking. It is a word that you might use when talking with friends. However, “inebriated” is much more formal. It is a word that a police officer might use when describing a situation with regards to a driver having drunk too much alcohol.

My friend drank too much last night. He got very drunk.
The policeman dealt with a lot of inebriated people over the weekend.

Emotive Variations

A common use of near synonyms is the different emotive variations.

For example:

daddy vs. dad vs. father

Each level of these words indicated a more formal level of relationship between child and parent. In addition, as you get more formal, the coldness in the relationship becomes more apparent.

The child yelled “daddy!” when her father got home.
My dad is a very smart.
My father and I have a strained relationship.

References[+]