Phrases & Expressions

Serious damage done to the natural world, such as forests, rivers, wildlife and the climate.

• Uncontrolled mining has caused widespread environmental destruction in parts of the Amazon rainforest.
• Many tourists are unaware of the environmental destruction caused by building hotels along fragile coastlines.

To treat two things as if they were the same or equally important.

• Many parents equate success with exam grades, ignoring other important skills such as creativity and teamwork.
• Too many people equate wealth with happiness, even though money cannot buy close friendships or good health.

To get rid of a disease completely so that it no longer exists.

• Health organisations hope to eradicate diseases such as polio and malaria within a generation.
• Thanks to a nationwide vaccination campaign, the health authorities managed to eradicate the disease in less than ten years.

To end poverty entirely, so that no one lacks basic necessities such as food and shelter.

• Some economists doubt that any society can eradicate poverty, however wealthy it becomes.
• Education is often described as the most effective tool governments have to eradicate poverty in the long term.

Shaped so that it is comfortable, safe and easy for people to use, especially at work.

• The company bought ergonomically designed chairs to reduce back problems among office staff.
• An ergonomically designed keyboard can help prevent wrist pain if you type for many hours a day.

To grow into something worse and harder to control, such as an argument turning into a fight.

• A minor disagreement between two neighbours over a fence escalated into a court case lasting three years.
• Online bullying can quickly escalate into physical violence if teachers and parents do not step in early.

To begin official contact between two countries, usually by opening embassies in each other's capitals.

• The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992, shortly after the end of the Cold War.
• After decades of hostility, the two neighbours finally agreed to establish diplomatic relations and exchange ambassadors.

To describe a problem as larger or more serious than the facts show.

• Early reports exaggerated the extent of the damage; in fact, only two houses were badly affected.
• The company was accused of exaggerating the extent of its recycling programme in its advertisements.

(of two people getting married) to make formal promises to each other during the wedding ceremony.

• The couple exchanged vows on a quiet beach with only their closest friends watching.
• After exchanging vows in the town hall, the newlyweds celebrated with a picnic in the park.

To put a heavy strain or demand on something, such as natural resources or public services.

• The new airport will exert pressure on local roads, which are already crowded at rush hour.
• Mass tourism exerts pressure on fragile coastal ecosystems, especially during the summer months.