Phrases & Expressions

To name a particular person or thing as the creator or cause of something.

• The company attributed its poor sales to the unusually warm winter.
• Doctors attribute the rise in childhood obesity to poor diet and a lack of exercise.

A reliable source of information produced by trusted experts.

• When writing an academic essay, you should cite authoritative sources such as peer-reviewed journals rather than blogs.
• The World Health Organization is generally regarded as an authoritative source on global health statistics.

To be officially found not guilty of a crime in a court of law.

• After a six-week trial, the nurse was acquitted of all charges and returned to work.
• Many people were shocked when the driver was acquitted of causing the accident.

To be in a leading position in an area of activity, especially in developing new ideas.

• Companies that want to be at the forefront of artificial intelligence must invest heavily in research and talent.
• Our university has always been at the forefront of research into renewable energy.

To be outside the range of topics that a piece of work is intended to cover.

• I'm afraid questions about funding are beyond the scope of today's meeting, but we can discuss them next week.
• The researchers admitted that questions about long-term costs were beyond the scope of their study.

To strongly disapprove of something and point out what is wrong with it.

• Many economists are deeply critical of the government's decision to cut funding for public transport.
• The report was deeply critical of the hospital's management, blaming it for long waiting times.

To be clearly different or separate from something that may seem similar.

• Weather is distinct from climate: the first describes daily conditions, while the second refers to long-term patterns.
• The dialect spoken in the mountain villages is distinct from the one used in the capital, so visitors often struggle to follow it.

To have to accept that something is true because the evidence leaves no other choice.

• Given the poor results, the committee was forced to conclude that the new teaching method had failed.
• After three unsuccessful trials, the scientists were forced to conclude that the drug was not effective.

To be officially chosen by a court as the adult a child will live with and be raised by.

• After the divorce, the mother was granted custody of both children, while the father could visit at weekends.
• Grandparents can sometimes be granted custody of a child if neither parent is able to look after them.

To not agree with or match other facts, statements or results.

• The witness's latest statement is inconsistent with what she told the police last year.
• These findings are inconsistent with earlier research, so further studies will be needed.