Access | IELTS Vocabulary

Access

Access is a way of getting to someone or something.

• Millions of people still do not have access to potable water.
• How the thief gained access to the vault is a mystery.
• He has access to some cabinet ministers.

Accessible (adjective)

If someone or something is accessible, they are available, reachable, attainable etc.

• A politician must be accessible to people.
• The professor was always accessible to his students.

Note that accessible ends in –ible.

Accessory (noun)

An accessory is an addition, attachment, extension or supplement.

• The auditorium is a great accessory to the school.
• The necklace makes a lovely accessory to your dress.

An accessory can also be an accomplice or partner in crime.

• The police alleged that the gunman was an accessory in the bank robbery.

Access and excess

These words are often confused.

• When you have access to something, you have a way of getting to it.

Excess is a surplus.

• Exercise will take care of your excess weight.
• If you have access to a computer and an internet connection, you can work as a freelancer.