Phrases & Expressions

To say clearly and firmly that something matters a great deal.

• The report stresses the importance of early education in reducing inequality later in life.
• Doctors constantly stress the importance of regular exercise and a balanced diet.

To make a very serious formal promise, often in public or as part of a ceremony.

• New citizens in many countries must swear an oath of loyalty at a special ceremony.
• Doctors traditionally swore an oath to protect their patients and never cause deliberate harm.

A general feeling of fear or lack of trust among people in a society or organisation.

• Employees say there is a climate of fear in the office, and nobody dares to criticise the management.
• The new manager created a climate of fear, so staff hid their mistakes.

A connection between two things in which a change in one goes together with a change in the other.

• For their project, the students looked for a correlation between hours of sleep and exam marks in their year group.
• There is a clear correlation between education and income: graduates generally earn more over their lifetime.

A lack of agreement between two sets of figures or facts that ought to match.

• Journalists found a large discrepancy between official and independent estimates of unemployment in the region.
• Auditors spotted a discrepancy between the company's accounts and its bank statements.

A very difficult job or problem that needs a great deal of effort and skill.

• Clearing up the town after the floods was a formidable task for the council.
• Learning a new language as an adult can be a formidable task, but regular practice makes it manageable.

The fact that something, especially a disease or problem, happens very often in a place or group.

• Doctors have reported a high incidence of asthma among children living near busy roads.
• The region has a high incidence of youth unemployment, which the government is trying to reduce.

A large amount or a wide variety of something useful or good.

• Our teacher has a wealth of experience in preparing students for international exams.
• The internet gives students access to a wealth of information, but not all of it is reliable.

To make an economy, company or industry grow more quickly.

• Central banks often cut interest rates in an attempt to accelerate growth during an economic slowdown.
• Better transport links could help to accelerate growth in poorer rural regions while also creating local jobs.

To tell the sender officially that a letter, payment or document has arrived.

• Most online shops send an automatic email to acknowledge receipt of your order within minutes.
• The university will acknowledge receipt of your application within five working days.