Phrases & Expressions

To act according to a particular plan or set of principles, especially as a government or organisation.

• The central bank has followed a policy of keeping interest rates low to encourage borrowing.
• Our school follows a strict policy on mobile phones, which must be switched off during lessons.

Throughout an event or period, from its start to its finish.

• Many international students stay with a host family for the duration of their course.
• Local residents will have to use a diversion for the duration of the roadworks, which should take six months.

To develop a strong feeling of friendship, love or trust with someone.

• During her long stay in hospital, she formed a close bond with the nurse who looked after her every night.
• Team-building activities can help new employees form close bonds with colleagues they would otherwise rarely meet.

To develop a view about something after thinking about it or getting information.

• Students should hear both sides of an argument before they form an opinion on a controversial issue.
• It's hard to form an opinion about a new manager until you have worked with her for a while.

Easy to talk to and pleasant, so that people feel comfortable asking for help or advice.

• The best teachers are friendly and approachable, so students are never afraid to ask questions.
• Our new manager is friendly and approachable, which has made the whole team more willing to share ideas.

To learn something that helps you understand a person, situation or subject more deeply.

• Work placements allow students to gain an insight into how real companies operate.
• By reading diaries from the period, historians can gain a valuable insight into everyday life in the 1800s.

To learn a skill by actually doing a job or activity, not just reading or hearing about it.

• Internships allow students to gain hands-on experience before they enter the job market.
• I volunteered at a local clinic to gain some hands-on experience of working with patients.

To produce electrical power, for example in a power station or with solar panels.

• More and more households generate electricity using solar panels on their roofs.
• The new offshore wind farm will generate electricity for around half a million homes.

A mistake in understanding that happened honestly, not on purpose.

• The double booking was a genuine misunderstanding, so the hotel offered us a free upgrade.
• What looked like rudeness was actually a genuine misunderstanding caused by cultural differences.

To be applauded by an audience who rise from their seats to show great admiration.

• The scientist got a standing ovation after her talk on cheap ways to clean drinking water.
• The students' end-of-year play was so impressive that the cast got a standing ovation from parents and teachers.