Phrases & Expressions

To be a natural, built-in feature of something that cannot easily be separated from it.

• Certain risks are inherent in any new technology, so careful testing is essential before it is widely used.
• Uncertainty is inherent in weather forecasting, so predictions more than a week ahead are rarely reliable.

To have firmly decided to do something and not let anything stop you.

• The new head teacher is intent on improving the school's exam results within two years.
• Many young people are intent on studying abroad, even though the costs are very high.

To be so similar that one can be used instead of the other.

• In everyday speech, the words 'big' and 'large' are often interchangeable, but not in every context.
• The batteries in the two phones are not interchangeable, so make sure you buy the correct one.

To work for an employer who does not guarantee you a fixed number of hours or a regular wage.

• Workers on zero-hours contracts often find it difficult to get a mortgage, because lenders want proof of a regular income.
• Because she is on a zero-hours contract, she never knows how much she will earn each month.

To be fewer in number than the people or things you are compared with or competing against.

• In most engineering courses, women are outnumbered by men, although the gap is slowly closing.
• According to the chart, in 2020 domestic tourists were outnumbered by international visitors for the first time.

To seem less important or successful because someone or something else gets more attention.

• The team's victory was overshadowed by violence between rival fans after the match.
• The country's economic achievements have been overshadowed by concerns about human rights.

To be strongly criticised in reviews in newspapers, magazines or online.

• The musical was panned by the critics, but audiences loved it and it ran for three years.
• Her second album was panned by the critics, who said it sounded exactly like her first one.

To be suddenly put into a very difficult, dangerous or unhappy situation.

• The country was plunged into crisis when the government collapsed just weeks before the budget deadline.
• Thousands of families were plunged into crisis after the factory, the town's main employer, suddenly closed.

To have firmly decided to do something and not intend to change your mind.

• She was resolved to finish her degree, however long it took.
• The new head teacher is resolved to reduce bullying in the school during her first year.

To react quickly and helpfully to what people need, ask for or complain about.

• The app's developers have been very responsive to user feedback, fixing most reported bugs within days.
• Local governments should be more responsive to the needs of elderly residents living alone.