Phrases & Expressions

To spend money on developing energy sources, such as wind and sun, that will not run out.

• Countries that invest in renewable energy today will be less affected by future oil shortages.
• Our university has promised to invest heavily in renewable energy and become carbon neutral by 2035.

To put money into company shares, expecting them to be worth more in the future.

• More young people are investing in the stock market through simple mobile apps.
• My bank adviser warned me not to invest in the stock market with money I might need next year.

To spend time on something because you believe it will bring benefits later.

• Students who invest time in building good study habits usually find university much less stressful.
• It is worth investing time in your CV, because it is the first thing employers will see.

To give journalists an official written announcement so that they can report the news.

• The charity issued a press release announcing that it had raised two million pounds for flood victims.
• Companies often issue a press release when they launch a new product, hoping journalists will write about it.

To make an official public announcement about something, usually in writing.

• The university issued a statement apologising for the delay in publishing exam results.
• Following the accident, the airline issued a statement saying that all passengers were safe.

Used to say that something is absolutely necessary.

• It is essential that all laboratory staff wear protective glasses and gloves at all times.
• Before travelling abroad, it is essential that you check whether you need a visa.

Used to introduce a figure or fact that is an approximate calculation, not an exact count.

• It is estimated that around a third of all the food produced in the world is lost or wasted.
• It is estimated that more than half of the world's population now lives in towns and cities.

Used to say that believing something is unrealistic and shows a lack of experience or judgement.

• It would be naive to think that every review you read online was written by a genuine customer.
• Although the new law is a step forward, it would be naive to think it will end discrimination overnight.

Said when details of something you had forgotten are returning to your memory.

• Wait, the hotel with the broken lift and the tiny pool? Yes, it's all coming back to me.
• Now that I'm reading my old diary again, it's all coming back to me: the exams, the friendships, the stress.

Used to say that something is reasonable and the right thing to do in a situation.

• Since everyone benefits from clean air, it's only fair for the biggest polluters to pay the most to protect it.
• You paid for dinner last time, so it's only fair that I pay tonight.