Phrases & Expressions

To arrive at an opinion or decision that everyone in a group can accept.

• After two days of discussion, the committee finally reached a consensus on how to spend the budget.
• It can be difficult to reach a consensus when members of a group have very different priorities.

To look again at a choice you have made and think about whether to change it.

• After thousands of students protested, the university agreed to reconsider its decision to raise fees.
• If the company offers you a higher salary, would you reconsider your decision to leave?

To find and employ new people to work for an organisation.

• Many hospitals are struggling to recruit staff, particularly nurses and specialist doctors.
• The hotel recruits extra staff every summer to cope with the large number of tourists.

To bring down the level of cholesterol in your blood, which can otherwise lead to heart disease.

• Some breakfast cereals are advertised as helping to reduce cholesterol levels, but the effect is usually small.
• My doctor told me to cut down on cheese and red meat to reduce my cholesterol levels.

To lower the number of pupils taught together in one group, so each gets more attention.

• Parents have asked the head teacher to reduce class sizes in Year 7, where some groups now have thirty-five pupils.
• The school hired four extra teachers in order to reduce class sizes to around twenty pupils.

To use less electricity, gas or fuel.

• During the 2022 energy crisis, several European governments ordered public offices to reduce their energy consumption by lowering the heating.
• The office reduced its energy consumption by switching to LED lighting and motion sensors.

To cause less harm to the climate by producing fewer greenhouse gases through your lifestyle.

• Many universities now help students reduce their carbon footprint by offering more plant-based meals in their canteens.
• The company has reduced its carbon footprint by moving its data centres to buildings powered by wind energy.

To send a patient to a doctor with expert knowledge of a particular area of medicine.

• My doctor referred me to a specialist because the pain in my knee wasn't getting better.
• In some regions, people who are referred to a specialist wait several months for their first appointment.

To think carefully and seriously about something, especially something that has happened.

• At the end of each module, students are asked to reflect on what they have learned and what they found difficult.
• The anniversary gave the nation an opportunity to reflect upon the lessons of the earthquake.

Without being affected or influenced by something.

• Every child should have access to a good education, regardless of their family's income.
• The festival will go ahead regardless of the weather, so bring a raincoat just in case.