Phrases & Expressions

To be given money by the state to help reduce costs or keep prices low.

• Farmers in many countries receive government subsidies so that food prices stay affordable.
• Bus fares in the city are cheap because the transport company receives a government subsidy every year.

To take action to correct a mistake or improve a bad state of affairs.

• When errors were found in hundreds of exam results, the exam board acted quickly to rectify the situation.
• If too few women apply for engineering courses, universities must take steps to rectify the situation.

To state an idea again, often in different words, so that it is clear or emphasised.

• In the conclusion, it is acceptable to reiterate the main point of your essay, but avoid copying the introduction word for word.
• The minister reiterated the point that no school would be closed without a full consultation with parents.

To talk or think fondly about experiences from your past, often with other people.

• At the reunion, we spent hours reminiscing about our teachers and the trouble we used to get into.
• Older people often enjoy reminiscing about their childhood, and this can be good for their mental health.

Fresh hope that returns after a period of difficulty or disappointment.

• Doctors are speaking with renewed hope about a cure after the new drug performed well in early trials.
• The election of a younger mayor filled many residents with renewed hope for the city's future.

To speak and act on behalf of the people who live in the area that elected you.

• A good MP must represent their constituents even when local opinion conflicts with the national party line.
• Politicians who ignore local problems are failing to represent their constituents properly.

To start providing a service as usual again after a break or problem.

• Train companies hope to resume normal service by Monday, once the floodwater has gone down.
• After the storm damaged its cables, the internet provider needed two days to resume normal service for all customers.

To change an estimate or official figure to a higher number after getting new information.

• The government has revised its growth forecast upwards after a period of strong export sales.
• As rescue teams reached remote villages, the death toll was revised upwards several times.

To publish an in-depth piece of journalism that explores a single theme.

• The newspaper ran a six-page feature on youth unemployment, including interviews with recent graduates.
• Our school magazine is planning to run a feature on students who volunteer in the local community.

(of a cost or amount of money) to reach a total of more than 100,000.

• The cost of repairing the old bridge is expected to run into six figures.
• Donations to the flood appeal have already run into six figures, far more than the organisers hoped.