Phrases & Expressions

To formally ask a foreign government for protection because it is not safe to return home.

• Thousands of families fleeing the war claimed asylum in neighbouring countries last year.
• People who claim asylum often have to wait many months for a decision on their case.

To close your hand very tightly, usually because you are angry or determined.

• He clenched his fists and tried hard to stay calm while the referee explained the decision.
• Reading the unfair online comments about her research, she clenched her fists but decided not to reply.

To make you less able to think clearly and make sensible decisions.

• Her strong dislike of the manager clearly clouded her judgement when she wrote the report.
• Stress and lack of sleep can cloud your judgement, so avoid making big decisions when you're exhausted.

A set of ideas that is clearly organised and logical, so it is easy to follow.

• To score highly in IELTS Writing Task 2, you need to present a coherent argument supported by relevant examples.
• The opposition has criticised the plan but has not yet offered a coherent argument against it.

To invent a new word or expression that other people then start to use.

• The writer who coined the term 'digital native' wanted to describe young people who grew up surrounded by technology.
• Journalists often coin a term for a new social trend, and within months everyone seems to be using it.

To happen at the same time as something else.

• The festival was planned to coincide with the start of the school holidays.
• This year my birthday coincides with the first day of spring.

To take action to reduce crime or stop it from increasing.

• The city council has hired more officers and installed better street lighting to combat crime.
• Education and job opportunities may do more to combat crime than longer prison sentences.

To be criticised publicly, often by many people at the same time.

• Any plan to raise tuition fees is bound to come under criticism from students and their families.
• Social media companies have come under criticism for failing to protect young users from harmful content.

To be examined very carefully, often because people suspect something is wrong.

• The company's safety record has come under scrutiny after a series of accidents at its factories.
• Social media platforms are coming under increasing scrutiny for the way they handle users' personal data.

To hold a public ceremony or event on the date when something important happened in the past.

• Every year on 10 November, people across Turkey commemorate the anniversary of Atatürk's death.
• A minute's silence was held in schools to commemorate the anniversary of the earthquake.