Phrases & Expressions

To deal with a situation by acting early to control it, not just responding once problems appear.

• Schools that take a proactive approach to bullying usually have fewer serious incidents than those that only react.
• Health experts urge people to take a more proactive approach to their own wellbeing by exercising regularly.

To feel offended or annoyed by something and object to it strongly.

• Many readers took exception to the article's suggestion that young people are lazy and unwilling to work.
• The minister took great exception to being described as out of touch with ordinary voters.

To take an action that nobody has taken before, usually in response to an exceptional situation.

• The university took the unprecedented step of cancelling all its exams during the pandemic.
• Last year the football league took the unprecedented step of banning fans from every match for a month.

Difficult because it involves a lot of specialised scientific or practical knowledge.

• Engineers say that repairing the damaged bridge safely will be technically complex and extremely expensive.
• Repairing modern cars has become so technically complex that mechanics often need special training.

The early causes of people's dissatisfaction, which may grow stronger over time.

• Unfair pay rises for senior managers planted the seeds of discontent among the factory workers.
• Years of rising prices and falling wages sowed the seeds of discontent across the country.

Having made a formal promise, especially in a court of law, that you will tell the truth.

• The witness admitted under oath that she had not actually seen the accident happen.
• Lying under oath is a serious crime that can lead to a prison sentence.

To show clearly how important or urgent it is to have or do something.

• The report underscores the need for stricter rules on how companies collect and use personal data.
• These findings underscore the need for more research into the long-term effects of social media on teenagers.

To defend the basic rights every person is entitled to, such as free speech and a fair trial.

• Judges have a duty to uphold human rights, even when the public demands harsh punishment for a crime.
• Any trade deal should include a clear commitment from both sides to uphold human rights.

To disturb the natural way in which plants, animals and their surroundings depend on each other.

• Introducing a non-native fish into the lake upset the ecological balance, and several local species began to disappear.
• Removing wolves from the valley could upset the ecological balance, since deer numbers would then rise sharply.

To make practical and effective use of the money, materials or people available.

• Schools with small budgets must learn to utilise resources as efficiently as possible.
• The study examines how hospitals can utilise their resources more effectively during a health crisis.