Phrases & Expressions

To form more than half of a total number or group.

• Part-time workers make up the majority of the company's staff, so the new holiday policy affects most employees.
• International students made up the majority of the postgraduate class, so the seminars were full of different accents.

Time spent in a role where you were responsible for directing staff or a department.

• Candidates for the director's job must have at least five years' managerial experience.
• Running the student union gave Emre valuable managerial experience before he even graduated.

A very large quantity or number of something.

• There were masses of people at the festival, so it took ages to find our friends.
• I've got masses of reading to do before Monday's seminar.

Used to say that something is quite likely to happen or be true.

• Take an umbrella – judging by those dark clouds, it may well rain later this afternoon.
• Apply anyway – the company may well decide that your experience matters more than your degree.

Used to show that a comment which may sound critical is meant kindly.

• I mean this in the nicest possible way, but your essay needs a lot more work before you submit it.
• When I call you a perfectionist, I mean it in the nicest possible way.

The attention that newspapers, television and websites show in a person or event.

• The young scientist's discovery attracted huge media interest both at home and abroad.
• Media interest in the case faded quickly once the trial was over.

To produce or supply as much energy as people or a country require.

• The village has built a small solar farm that meets the energy needs of its school and health centre.
• Many small island nations rely on imported diesel to meet their energy needs, which makes electricity there very expensive.

To have all the qualities or qualifications that are required for something.

• Only applicants who meet all the criteria will be invited to the assessment day.
• Unfortunately, your research proposal does not meet the criteria for funding this year.

Used in conversation when adding a comment that balances or explains what you have just said.

• The hotel was rather expensive. Mind you, the view from our room was absolutely amazing.
• Public transport here is quite slow. Mind you, it's much cheaper than in most European cities.

There is not much money available, so spending has to be carefully controlled.

• Money is tight for many international students, so most of them work part-time while they study.
• When money is tight, families often cut back on fresh fruit and vegetables first.