Phrases & Expressions

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 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.

Extremely honest and careful to do everything in a fair and correct way.

• Accountants must be scrupulously honest, since their clients trust them with highly sensitive financial information.
• She was scrupulously honest about the weaknesses of her research, which made her conclusions more convincing.

To try to start working in a particular profession or area.

• Students seeking a career in medicine need excellent grades in chemistry and biology.
• After ten years as an accountant, he decided to seek a career in teaching.

To ask someone to explain something more clearly because you are not sure what it means.

• Before signing the contract, she sought clarification from the landlord about who pays for repairs.
• Several business owners have sought clarification on how the new tax rules will affect them.

To try to get attention from newspapers, television and the public.

• Some politicians make shocking statements simply because they are seeking publicity.
• The young band sought publicity by performing free concerts in busy city squares.

To try or aim to do something.

• The new law seeks to protect workers who report illegal practices at their companies.
• In this essay, I will seek to show that social media has both benefits and drawbacks for teenagers.

To formally provide information or documents to an official inquiry, committee or court.

• Lawyers for the tenants have two weeks to submit evidence that the landlord ignored repeated complaints about damp.
• Several universities submitted evidence showing that the new visa rules had reduced the number of international students.

To become king or queen after the previous monarch has died or given up the position.

• She succeeded to the throne at the age of eighteen, when her uncle died without children.
• The young prince was only nine when he succeeded to the throne, so his mother ruled on his behalf.