Phrases & Expressions

To make an unfair difference between groups in society continue for a long time.

• Critics say that expensive private tutoring perpetuates inequality, because only wealthier families can afford it.
• Policies that ignore the needs of rural areas risk perpetuating inequality between the countryside and the cities.

To create a possible risk of harm to someone or something.

• Plastic waste in the oceans poses a serious danger to marine life and to the people who eat fish.
• Engineers warned that the old bridge posed a danger to drivers and should be closed at once.

Numbers that are estimated or planned for the future, based on current information.

• Our projected figures for next year assume steady growth in online sales.
• Actual visitor numbers were well below the projected figures, so the museum had to cut staff.

To keep something working or in use for longer than it normally would.

• Regular servicing can prolong the life of your car and save you money on repairs.
• Repairing smartphones instead of replacing them can prolong the life of each device and reduce electronic waste.

To encourage forms of tourism that protect the natural environment and benefit local people.

• Costa Rica has successfully promoted ecotourism as a way of protecting its rainforests while creating jobs.
• Governments can promote ecotourism by offering tax breaks to hotels that meet strict environmental standards.

Discussions aimed at reaching an agreement that go on for much longer than expected.

• After protracted negotiations, the union and the management finally agreed on a new pay deal.
• The trade agreement was signed only after protracted negotiations lasting more than three years.

To carry out a chosen course of action consistently, especially as a government or organisation.

• For the past decade, the government has pursued a policy of lowering taxes to attract foreign companies.
• If countries continue to pursue policies that ignore climate change, future generations will pay the price.

To set an upper limit on an amount, number or price.

• The government has put a ceiling on rent increases to protect tenants in big cities.
• The school has put a ceiling on class sizes, so no group will have more than twenty-five pupils.

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.