Nature Vocabulary Worksheets in English: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding nature vocabulary is crucial for English language learners. It enhances comprehension skills, improves descriptive writing, and allows for more nuanced conversations about the world around us.

This comprehensive guide breaks down essential nature vocabulary, providing definitions, examples, and practical exercises to help you master this important aspect of English grammar. This guide is designed for students of all levels, from beginners to advanced learners, who wish to expand their vocabulary and improve their understanding of nature-related topics.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Definition of Nature Vocabulary
  3. Structural Breakdown
  4. Types of Nature Vocabulary
  5. Examples of Nature Vocabulary
  6. Usage Rules
  7. Common Mistakes
  8. Practice Exercises
  9. Advanced Topics
  10. FAQ
  11. Conclusion

Introduction

Nature vocabulary isn’t just about knowing the names of plants and animals. It’s about understanding the complex relationships within ecosystems, describing weather patterns accurately, and discussing environmental issues with precision.

A strong grasp of nature vocabulary is essential for reading comprehension, effective communication, and informed participation in discussions about the environment. This guide provides a structured approach to mastering nature vocabulary, complete with definitions, examples, and exercises to reinforce your learning.

Whether you’re a student, a traveler, or simply someone who enjoys learning about the natural world, this guide will help you expand your vocabulary and deepen your understanding of the English language.

Definition of Nature Vocabulary

Nature vocabulary refers to the words and phrases used to describe the natural world. This includes terms related to landforms, weather, plants, animals, ecosystems, and natural resources.

Understanding nature vocabulary involves not only knowing the definitions of these words but also understanding how they are used in context. This includes understanding the nuances of different terms and how they relate to each other within the broader context of the natural world.

Mastery of this vocabulary allows for precise and descriptive communication about the environment.

Structural Breakdown

Nature vocabulary often incorporates specific grammatical structures. Nouns are used to name natural elements (e.g., mountain, river, tree). Adjectives describe the qualities of these elements (e.g., snowy mountain, clear river, tall tree). Verbs describe actions related to nature (e.g., rain falls, wind blows, sun shines). Prepositions indicate spatial relationships (e.g., the bird in the tree, the fish under the water). Understanding these structural elements is key to using nature vocabulary effectively.

Furthermore, many compound words and phrases are common in nature vocabulary. Examples include rainforest, sunflower, wildlife, and global warming. Recognizing these compound words and understanding their component parts can aid in vocabulary acquisition and comprehension. Also, understanding the etymology of nature-related words can provide deeper insight into their meanings and usage.

Types of Nature Vocabulary

Nature vocabulary can be categorized into several key areas, each with its own specific set of terms and concepts. These categories include landforms, weather, plants, animals, ecosystems, and natural resources.

Exploring each category individually can help you build a comprehensive understanding of nature vocabulary.

Landforms

Landforms are natural features of the Earth’s surface. These include mountains, valleys, plains, deserts, and coastlines.

Understanding landform vocabulary is essential for describing geographical features and discussing landscapes.

Weather

Weather refers to the atmospheric conditions at a specific time and place. This includes temperature, precipitation, wind, and cloud cover.

Knowing weather vocabulary is crucial for describing daily weather patterns and discussing climate change.

Plants

Plants are living organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis. This category includes trees, flowers, grasses, and shrubs.

Plant vocabulary is important for describing vegetation and understanding ecological relationships.

Animals

Animals are living organisms that consume other organisms for food. This category includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

Animal vocabulary is essential for describing wildlife and understanding biodiversity.

Ecosystems

Ecosystems are communities of living organisms interacting with their physical environment. These include forests, grasslands, wetlands, and marine environments.

Ecosystem vocabulary is crucial for understanding ecological processes and conservation efforts.

Natural Resources

Natural resources are materials or substances that occur in nature and can be used for economic gain. This includes water, minerals, forests, and fossil fuels.

Understanding natural resource vocabulary is important for discussing environmental sustainability and resource management.

Examples of Nature Vocabulary

This section provides extensive examples of nature vocabulary, organized by category. Each table includes a variety of terms and their definitions to help you expand your knowledge and understanding.

Table 1: Landform Vocabulary

This table provides examples of landform vocabulary, along with their definitions, to help you describe various geographical features.

Term Definition Example Sentence
Mountain A large natural elevation of the earth’s surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level. The hikers climbed the mountain to reach the summit.
Valley A low area of land between hills or mountains, typically with a river or stream flowing through it. The valley was lush and green, with a winding river.
Plain A large area of flat land with few trees. The plain stretched out as far as the eye could see.
Desert A dry, barren area of land with little or no vegetation. The desert was hot and arid, with only cacti and scrub brush.
Coastline The outline of a coast, especially with regard to its shape and appearance. The coastline was rugged and beautiful, with rocky cliffs and sandy beaches.
Hill A naturally raised area of land, not as high or craggy as a mountain. They lived on top of a hill overlooking the town.
Plateau A flat, elevated landform that rises sharply above the surrounding area. The plateau offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Canyon A deep gorge between cliffs, often carved by a river. The Grand Canyon is a popular tourist destination.
Glacier A slowly moving mass or river of ice formed by the accumulation and compaction of snow on mountains or near the poles. The glacier is melting due to climate change.
Volcano A mountain or hill, typically conical, having a crater or vent through which lava, rock fragments, hot vapor, and gas are or have been erupted from the earth’s crust. The volcano erupted, sending ash and lava into the sky.
Island A piece of land surrounded by water. They spent their vacation on a tropical island.
Lake A large body of water surrounded by land. They went swimming in the lake.
River A large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another such stream. The river flowed through the valley.
Ocean A very large expanse of sea, in particular, each of the main areas into which the sea is divided geographically. The ocean is vast and deep.
Pond A small body of still water formed naturally or by hollowing or embanking. The ducks swam in the pond.
Cave A hollow underground space, typically one in the side of a hill or cliff. They explored the dark cave.
Forest A large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth. The forest was dense and green.
Swamp A tract of wet, spongy land, often covered with water. The alligator lived in the swamp.
Dune A mound or ridge of sand or other loose sediment formed by the wind, especially on the sea coast or in a desert. They walked across the sand dunes.
Cliff A steep rock face, especially at the edge of the sea. The birds nested on the edge of the cliff.
Bay A broad inlet of the sea where the land curves inward. The boat sailed into the bay.
Peninsula A piece of land almost surrounded by water or projecting out into a body of water. Italy is a peninsula.
Atoll A ring-shaped reef, island, or chain of islands formed of coral. They visited a beautiful coral atoll.
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Table 2: Weather Vocabulary

This table provides examples of weather vocabulary, along with their definitions, to help you describe atmospheric conditions.

Term Definition Example Sentence
Rain Water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere. The rain fell steadily throughout the day.
Snow Atmospheric water vapor frozen into ice crystals and falling in light white flakes or lying on the ground as a white layer. The snow covered the ground in a thick blanket.
Wind The perceptible natural movement of the air, especially in the form of a current of air blowing from a particular direction. The wind howled through the trees.
Sun The star that provides light and heat to Earth. The sun shone brightly in the sky.
Cloud A visible mass of condensed water vapor floating in the atmosphere, typically high above the general level of the ground. The clouds were dark and threatening.
Fog A thick cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere at or near the earth’s surface that obscures or restricts visibility. The fog made it difficult to see.
Storm A violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds and usually rain, thunder, lightning, or snow. The storm raged all night.
Hurricane A severe tropical cyclone usually with heavy rains and winds exceeding 74 miles per hour. The hurricane caused widespread damage.
Tornado A mobile, destructive vortex of violently rotating winds having the appearance of a funnel-shaped cloud and advancing beneath a large storm system. The tornado touched down in the field.
Lightning A sudden electrostatic discharge that occurs during an electrical storm. This discharge can occur between electrically charged regions within the cloud, between two clouds, or between a cloud and the ground. The lightning flashed across the sky.
Thunder A loud crash of boom that usually follows a lightning flash. The thunder rumbled in the distance.
Hail Pellets of ice which fall during a thunderstorm. The hail damaged the crops.
Drought A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall; a shortage of water resulting from this. The drought caused widespread crop failure.
Flood An overflow of a large amount of water beyond its normal limits, esp. over what is normally dry land. The flood inundated the town.
Temperature The degree or intensity of heat present in a substance or object, esp. as expressed according to a comparative scale and shown by a thermometer or perceived by touch. The temperature was very high today.
Humidity A quantity representing the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere or a gas. The humidity made the air feel heavy.
Breeze A gentle wind. A cool breeze blew in from the ocean.
Blizzard A severe snowstorm with high winds and low visibility. The blizzard shut down the city.
Frost A deposit of ice crystals on a surface when the temperature falls below freezing. The frost covered the windows.
Sunshine Direct sunlight unbroken by cloud. They enjoyed the warm sunshine.
Sleet A form of precipitation consisting of ice pellets, often mixed with rain or snow. The roads were slippery because of the sleet.
Monsoon A seasonal prevailing wind in the region of South and Southeast Asia, blowing from the southwest between May and September and bringing rain (the wet monsoon), or from the northeast between October and April (the dry monsoon). The monsoon season brought heavy rains.
Smog Air pollution by a mixture of smoke and fog. The smog hung over the city.

Table 3: Plant Vocabulary

This table provides examples of plant vocabulary, along with their definitions, to help you describe vegetation.

Term Definition Example Sentence
Tree A woody perennial plant, typically having a single stem or trunk growing to a considerable height and bearing lateral branches at some distance from the ground. The tree provided shade from the sun.
Flower The seed-bearing part of a plant, consisting of reproductive organs (stamens and carpels) that are typically surrounded by a brightly colored corolla (petals) and a green calyx (sepals). The flower smelled sweet.
Grass Vegetation consisting of typically short plants with long, narrow leaves, growing wild or cultivated on lawns and pasture, and as a fodder crop. The grass was green and lush.
Shrub A woody plant of relatively low height distinguished from a tree by having several stems arising from the base and lacking a single trunk. The shrub was covered in berries.
Leaf A flattened structure of a higher plant, typically green and blade-like, that is attached to a stem directly or via a stalk. Leaves are the main organs of photosynthesis and transpiration. The leaf fell from the tree.
Root The part of a plant that attaches it to the ground or to a support, typically underground, conveying water and nourishment to the rest of the plant via numerous branches and fibers. The roots of the tree were strong and deep.
Stem The main body or stalk of a plant or shrub, typically rising above ground but occasionally subterranean. The stem of the flower was long and thin.
Branch A part of a tree which grows out from the trunk or from a bough. The bird perched on a branch.
Seed A flowering plant’s unit of reproduction, capable of developing into another such plant. The farmer planted the seeds.
Fruit The sweet and fleshy product of a tree or other plant that contains seed and can be eaten as food. The fruit was ripe and juicy.
Vine A climbing or trailing woody-stemmed plant. The vine grew up the wall.
Moss A small flowerless green plant that lacks true roots, growing in damp or shady places and reproducing by spores. The moss covered the rocks.
Fern A flowerless plant which has feathery or leafy fronds and reproduces by spores released from the undersides of these. The fern grew in the forest.
Algae A simple, nonflowering plant of a large group that includes the seaweeds and many single-celled forms. Algae contain chlorophyll but lack true stems, roots, leaves, and vascular tissue. The algae grew in the pond.
Cactus A succulent plant with a thick, fleshy stem which typically bears spines, lacks leaves, and has brilliantly colored flowers. Cacti are native to arid regions of the Americas. The cactus grew in the desert.
Weed A wild plant growing where it is not wanted and in competition with cultivated plants. The gardener pulled the weeds.
Bushes A shrub or clump of shrubs with stems of moderate length. They hid behind the bushes.
Lily A plant with large prominent flowers. The lily was beautiful and fragrant.
Rose A shrub with prickly stems bearing fragrant flowers. She received a bouquet of roses.
Sunflower A tall North American plant with very large golden-rayed flowers. The sunflower turned its face towards the sun.
Orchid A plant with complex flowers that are often showy or bizarrely shaped. Orchids are native to the tropics but are widely cultivated. The orchid was delicate and exotic.
Tulip A bulbous spring-flowering plant of the lily family, with boldly colored cup-shaped flowers. The garden was full of tulips.
Bamboo A giant tropical grass with hollow woody stems. The panda ate bamboo.
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Table 4: Animal Vocabulary

This table provides examples of animal vocabulary, along with their definitions. It will help you to describe different species of animals.

Term Definition Example Sentence
Mammal A warm-blooded vertebrate animal of a class that is distinguished by the possession of hair or fur, females secrete milk for the nourishment of their young, and typically the young are born live. The whale is a mammal.
Bird A warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrate animal distinguished by the possession of feathers, wings, typically a beak, and hollow bones. The robin is a bird.
Reptile A cold-blooded vertebrate animal of a class that includes snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles, and tortoises. They are distinguished by having dry scaly skin and typically laying soft-shelled eggs on land. The snake is a reptile.
Amphibian A cold-blooded vertebrate animal of a class that comprises frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders. They are distinguished by having an aquatic gill-breathing larval stage followed by a terrestrial lung-breathing adult stage. The frog is an amphibian.
Insect A small invertebrate animal that has six legs and generally one or two pairs of wings. The butterfly is an insect.
Fish A limbless cold-blooded vertebrate animal with gills and fins and living wholly in water. The trout is a fish.
Lion A large tawny-colored cat that lives in groups (prides). The lion roared loudly.
Elephant A very large plant-eating mammal with a prehensile trunk, long curved ivory tusks, and large ears. The elephant is the largest land animal.
Monkey A small to medium-sized primate that typically has a long tail. The monkey swung through the trees.
Snake A long, limbless reptile with a forked tongue. The snake slithered through the grass.
Eagle A large bird of prey with a massive head and beak, strong talons, and keen eyesight. The eagle soared high in the sky.
Owl A nocturnal bird of prey with large forward-facing eyes surrounded by facial disks, a hooked beak, and typically a loud hooting call. The owl hooted in the night.
Butterfly An insect with two pairs of large, typically brightly colored wings. The butterfly fluttered among the flowers.
Ant A small insect typically living in a colony with a complex social organization. The ant carried a crumb of bread.
Bee A flying insect known for its role in pollination and for producing honey and beeswax. The bee buzzed around the flower.
Shark A cartilaginous fish with a streamlined body and a large mouth. The shark swam in the ocean.
Dolphin A marine mammal with a beak-like snout and a dorsal fin. The dolphin leaped out of the water.
Whale A very large marine mammal with a streamlined body, a horizontal tail fin, and a blowhole on top of its head. The whale breached the surface of the ocean.
Tiger A very large solitary cat with a reddish-orange coat, black stripes, and a white belly. The tiger prowled through the jungle.
Bear A large, heavy mammal with thick fur and a short tail. The bear hibernated in its den.
Wolf A large, predatory canid that is the ancestor of the domestic dog. The wolf howled at the moon.
Fox A red-coated mammal with a bushy tail and pointed ears. The fox ran across the field.
Deer A hoofed mammal with antlers on the males. The deer grazed in the meadow.

Table 5: Ecosystem Vocabulary

This table provides examples of ecosystem vocabulary, along with their definitions. It will help you to describe different types of ecosystems.

Term Definition Example Sentence
Forest A large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth. The forest is home to many different species of animals.
Grassland A large open area of country covered with grass, especially one used for grazing. The grassland stretched out as far as the eye could see.
Wetland Land consisting of marshes or swamps; saturated land. The wetland is an important habitat for birds.
Desert A dry, barren area of land with little or no vegetation. The desert is a harsh environment.
Rainforest A luxuriant, dense forest rich in biodiversity, found typically in tropical areas with consistently heavy rainfall. The rainforest is teeming with life.
Tundra A vast, flat, treeless Arctic region of Europe, Asia, and North America in which the subsoil is permanently frozen. The tundra is a cold and desolate place.
Coral Reef A ridge of rock in the sea formed by the growth and deposit of coral. The coral reef is a vibrant underwater ecosystem.
Alpine Relating to high mountains. The alpine meadows were covered in wildflowers.
Taiga The sometimes swampy coniferous forest of high northern latitudes, especially that between the tundra and steppes of Siberia and North America. The taiga is a vast and sparsely populated region.
Savanna A grassy plain in tropical and subtropical regions, with few trees. The savanna is home to many grazing animals.
Freshwater Ecosystem An ecosystem found in bodies of fresh water, such as rivers, lakes, and ponds. The freshwater ecosystem supports a variety of aquatic life.
Marine Ecosystem An ecosystem found in the ocean or other saltwater environments. The marine ecosystem is crucial for global biodiversity.

Usage Rules

Using nature vocabulary correctly involves understanding the specific meanings of words and their appropriate contexts. For example, the words “forest” and “woods” are often used interchangeably, but “forest” typically refers to a larger, more extensive area of trees than “woods.” Similarly, understanding the difference between “weather” and “climate” is crucial for discussing environmental issues accurately. Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate refers to long-term patterns of weather.

Furthermore, pay attention to the grammatical context in which nature vocabulary is used. Nouns should be used correctly as subjects or objects in sentences, and adjectives should be used to modify nouns appropriately. For example, “The tall tree swayed in the wind” is grammatically correct, while “The tree tall swayed in the wind” is incorrect.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is confusing similar-sounding words, such as “desert” and “dessert.” A desert is a dry, barren area of land, while a dessert is a sweet dish eaten at the end of a meal. Another common mistake is misusing prepositions when describing locations in nature. For example, it’s correct to say “The bird is in the tree,” not “The bird is on the tree” (unless the bird is specifically on a branch).

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Another frequent error involves using general terms when more specific vocabulary is available. For instance, instead of saying “a big plant,” you could use more descriptive terms like “oak tree,” “sunflower,” or “bamboo,” depending on the specific plant you are referring to.

Here are some examples:

Incorrect Correct
The dessert was hot and dry. The desert was hot and dry.
The bird is on the tree. The bird is in the tree.
A big plant grew in the garden. A sunflower grew in the garden.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of nature vocabulary with these practice exercises. Each exercise focuses on a different aspect of nature vocabulary.

Make sure to check the answers provided below to assess your progress.

Exercise 1: Landform Vocabulary

  1. The _______ stretched out as far as the eye could see. (plain/plane)
  2. They hiked to the top of the _______. (mountain/fountain)
  3. The river flowed through the _______. (valley/valet)
  4. The _______ was hot and dry. (desert/dessert)
  5. The ship sailed along the _______. (coastline/coatline)
  6. The house was built on top of a _______. (hill/heal)
  7. The _______ offered a stunning view. (plateau/plato)
  8. The river carved a deep _______. (canyon/cannon)
  9. The _______ is melting due to global warming. (glacier/glazier)
  10. The _______ erupted with lava and ash. (volcano/volcan)

Answers:

  1. plain
  2. mountain
  3. valley
  4. desert
  5. coastline
  6. hill
  7. plateau
  8. canyon
  9. glacier
  10. volcano

Exercise 2: Weather Vocabulary

  1. The _______ fell softly on the ground. (snow/know)
  2. The _______ was shining brightly. (sun/son)
  3. The _______ blew strongly from the north. (wind/wend)
  4. The _______ poured down all afternoon. (rain/reign)
  5. Dark _______ filled the sky. (clouds/clouts)
  6. The _______ made it hard to see the road. (fog/fogg)
  7. A severe _______ hit the coast. (storm/storem)
  8. The _______ caused widespread damage to the city. (hurricane/huricane)
  9. A _______ tore through the farmland. (tornado/tornedo)
  10. _______ lit up the night sky. (lightning/lightening)

Answers:

  1. snow
  2. sun
  3. wind
  4. rain
  5. clouds
  6. fog
  7. storm
  8. hurricane
  9. tornado
  10. lightning

Exercise 3: Plant Vocabulary

  1. The _______ provided shade in the garden. (tree/tea)
  2. The _______ smelled sweet and fragrant. (flower/flour)
  3. The _______ was green and lush. (grass/glass)
  4. The _______ was covered in berries. (shrub/shrubb)
  5. The _______ fell from the tree in autumn. (leaf/lief)
  6. The _______ of the plant absorbed water from the soil. (root/route)
  7. The _______ of the plant supported the flower. (stem/stim)
  8. A bird perched on a _______ of the tree. (branch/brunch)
  9. The farmer planted the _______ in the spring. (seed/cede)
  10. The _______ was ripe and ready to eat. (fruit/froot)

Answers:

  1. tree
  2. flower
  3. grass
  4. shrub
  5. leaf
  6. root
  7. stem
  8. branch
  9. seed
  10. fruit

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, exploring more complex aspects of nature vocabulary can be beneficial. This includes studying scientific classifications of plants and animals, understanding ecological concepts such as biodiversity and conservation, and learning about environmental issues such as climate change and pollution.

Reading scientific articles and participating in environmental discussions can help you expand your vocabulary and deepen your understanding of these advanced topics.

Consider exploring specialized vocabulary related to specific ecosystems, such as marine biology terms for ocean environments or forestry terms for forest management. Understanding the etymology of nature-related words can also provide deeper insights into their meanings and usage.

For example, the word “ecology” comes from the Greek word “oikos,” meaning “house” or “environment,” reflecting the study of organisms in their natural homes.

FAQ

Q: How can I improve my nature vocabulary?

A: There are several ways to improve your nature vocabulary. Reading books and articles about nature, watching documentaries, and using flashcards can be helpful.

Additionally, spending time outdoors and observing the natural world can provide valuable context for learning new words. Engaging in conversations about nature with others can also help reinforce your vocabulary.

Q: Are there specific resources for learning nature vocabulary?

A: Yes, there are many resources available for learning nature vocabulary. Online dictionaries, nature guides, and educational websites can provide definitions and examples of nature-related terms.

Additionally, many apps and games are designed to help you learn and practice nature vocabulary. Consider using resources that focus on specific areas of interest, such as birdwatching guides or plant identification apps.

Q: How important is it to know scientific names of plants and animals?

A: While knowing common names is generally sufficient for everyday conversation, understanding scientific names can be beneficial for more precise communication, especially in scientific or academic contexts. Scientific names provide a standardized way to identify species, regardless of regional variations in common names.

However, for most language learners, focusing on common names is a good starting point.

What is the difference between a biome and an ecosystem?

A biome is a large geographic area characterized by specific climate conditions, animal populations, and plant species. Examples include deserts, forests, and grasslands.

An ecosystem, on the other hand, is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microbes) that interact with each other and their physical environment in a specific area, which can be much smaller than a biome. An ecosystem can be a pond, a forest, or even a small patch of soil.

A biome encompasses many ecosystems with similar characteristics.

How does understanding nature vocabulary help with environmental conservation?

A solid understanding of nature vocabulary allows individuals to communicate more effectively about environmental issues, understand scientific reports, and participate in conservation efforts. Knowing the specific terms for different species, habitats, and environmental processes enables informed discussions about conservation strategies and the impact of human activities on the natural world.

This knowledge empowers people to advocate for environmental protection and make sustainable choices.

Why is it important to learn about different types of pollution?

Learning about different types of pollution, such as air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution, is crucial for understanding the various ways human activities can harm the environment and human health. Each type of pollution has unique sources, impacts, and solutions.

By understanding these differences, individuals can make informed decisions to reduce their environmental footprint and support policies that address specific pollution problems effectively. For example, knowing the effects of plastic pollution in oceans can motivate people to reduce their use of single-use plastics.

Conclusion

Mastering nature vocabulary is an ongoing process that involves continuous learning and practice. By using the resources and exercises provided in this guide, you can expand your vocabulary, improve your communication skills, and deepen your understanding of the natural world.

Whether you are a student, a traveler, or simply someone who enjoys learning about nature, a strong grasp of nature vocabulary will enhance your appreciation for the environment and empower you to discuss environmental issues with confidence and precision. Keep exploring, keep learning, and keep connecting with the natural world around you!

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