Phrases & Expressions

To be the place where particular people, animals or things live or can be found.

• The city is home to three universities and over a hundred thousand students.
• The Amazon rainforest is home to millions of species, many of which have not yet been identified.

To be unwilling to spend or share money, even when you can afford it.

• My grandfather was never mean with money; he always helped relatives who were going through hard times.
• Friends sometimes accuse him of being mean with money, but he is simply saving hard for a house.

To avoid talking proudly about your own abilities, achievements or success.

• Despite winning several international prizes, the young engineer is modest about her achievements.
• There is no need to be modest about your skills in a job interview; employers want to hear what you can do.

To have an unfriendly relationship with someone, often after an argument.

• He left the company after a year because he was on bad terms with his line manager.
• It can be very stressful to work closely with colleagues you are on bad terms with.

To be working during the daytime in a job where groups of staff work at different times.

• My husband is on the day shift this week, so he can pick the children up from school.
• New nurses often prefer to be on the day shift while they are still learning the hospital's routines.

To be willing to consider new ideas and opinions that differ from your own.

• Students who study abroad tend to become more open-minded about other cultures.
• Doctors should be open-minded about new treatments, but they must also look carefully at the evidence.

To be likely to suffer from something bad, such as a natural disaster, illness or problem.

• Coastal cities that are prone to flooding will need to invest heavily in sea defences.
• Young children are prone to ear infections, especially during the winter months.

To be called by a particular name or described with a particular term.

• What used to be referred to as 'the developing world' is now often called 'the Global South'.
• In this essay, the period before the internet will be referred to as the 'pre-digital era'.

To be found here and there in many different parts of a place, not grouped together.

• The company's offices are scattered across the country, so most meetings now take place online.
• My cousins are scattered across three continents, so we only see each other at weddings.

To be shown to be true or effective through careful research and experiments.

• Many creams claim to slow down ageing, but very few are scientifically proven to work.
• Before you believe a health claim in an advert, check whether it has been scientifically proven.