Phrases & Expressions

Concerning something, or in connection with it.

• The report raises several concerns in relation to student mental health on university campuses.
• Police are questioning two men in relation to the burglary at the primary school last week.

One after the other, following a fixed order.

• The instructions must be followed in sequence, otherwise the software will not install correctly.
• The photographs are displayed in sequence to show how the city has changed over a century.

Between the brackets [ ], often used to add your own words to a quotation.

• When you add a word to a quotation to make it clear, put that word in square brackets.
• In the transcript, the researcher's comments appear in square brackets after each answer.

In the central and usually busiest part of a place.

• Many traditional markets in the heart of the old town have been replaced by chain stores and cafés.
• Living in the heart of a big city is exciting, but rents there are often extremely high.

With the tax that is added to the price of most goods and services already included.

• The laptop costs £800 including VAT, which is cheaper than in most other shops.
• All prices on the menu are shown including VAT and service.

To make it more likely that something harmful or unpleasant will happen.

• Smoking greatly increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease and many other illnesses.
• Spending long hours in front of screens may increase the risk of eye problems in young children.

To receive money, property or possessions from someone after they die.

• She inherited the family business from her father and doubled its profits within five years.
• Young people who inherit property from their parents have a huge advantage in today's housing market.

To become an accepted and active part of the community you live in.

• Free language classes help refugees integrate into society and find work more quickly.
• Schools play an important role in helping immigrant children integrate fully into society.

To put money into a newly created company in the hope of making a profit.

• Her parents invested in a start-up that develops apps for language learning, and it paid off.
• Before you invest in a start-up, find out how experienced its founders are and how it plans to make money.

To spend money building or improving roads, railways, power networks and other facilities a country depends on.

• Developing countries need to invest in infrastructure such as roads, ports and reliable electricity supplies.
• The government plans to invest heavily in infrastructure to create jobs after the recession.