Phrases & Expressions

To make many people disagree strongly and argue publicly about something.

• Plans to charge visitors a fee to enter the historic city centre have caused controversy among local businesses.
• The film caused considerable controversy when it was released because of its violent scenes.

To create problems that stop something, such as transport or a service, from running normally.

• A computer failure at the airport caused disruption to hundreds of flights, leaving passengers stranded for hours.
• The one-day strike by train drivers caused disruption for thousands of commuters trying to get to work.

To produce unpleasant extra results in the body, besides the one a medicine is meant to have.

• Some antidepressants can cause side effects such as weight gain and difficulty sleeping.
• The new vaccine was approved after large trials showed that it caused very few side effects.

To start behaving in a better way than before, especially after being criticised.

• Doctors warned him that unless he changed his ways and stopped smoking, he would face serious heart problems.
• Fast fashion brands will have to change their ways if they want to win back environmentally aware customers.

To pay for something by asking for the cost to be added to your credit card account.

• Would you like me to charge the room to your credit card, sir?
• Any extra services, such as room service, will be charged to your credit card when you check out.

To talk in a relaxed, friendly way for a long time.

• The two grandmothers chatted away in the corner while the children played in the garden.
• We were chatting away so happily that we completely missed our bus stop.

To give other people a particular impression of your character or attitude.

• In job interviews, try not to come across as arrogant, even when you are describing your achievements.
• Candidates who recite memorised answers often come across as unnatural in the IELTS speaking test.

To arrive and leave whenever you want, without following anyone else's rules or timetable.

• Now that you have your own flat, you can come and go as you please without anyone asking where you've been.
• The best thing about renting an apartment rather than staying with relatives is that you can come and go as you please.

To meet, experience or start dealing with a person, group or thing.

• When two cultures come into contact with each other, they usually exchange words, foods and customs.
• Children who come into contact with different languages at an early age often find it easier to learn new ones.

To begin growing again once an economic downturn has ended.

• Shops are hiring again now that the country has finally come out of recession.
• Experts disagree about when the economy will come out of recession and start creating jobs again.