Phrases & Expressions

The most modern and advanced equipment or methods currently available.

• The gym advertises state-of-the-art technology, but most of its machines are more than ten years old.
• The new school building is full of state-of-the-art technology, from interactive whiteboards to 3D printers.

To continue studying, working or living somewhere for longer than planned or required.

• In England, young people must now stay on in education or training until they are eighteen.
• She enjoyed her internship at the museum so much that she stayed on for another six months.

To be caused by something or develop as a result of it.

• Many of the city's traffic problems stem from a lack of reliable public transport.
• Much of the conflict in the team stems from unclear roles and responsibilities.

To keep digital files on internet servers instead of on your own computer or phone.

• Many schools now ask students to store their coursework in the cloud so that it does not get lost.
• If you store your photos in the cloud, you won't lose them when your phone breaks.

To say clearly and firmly that something matters a great deal.

• The report stresses the importance of early education in reducing inequality later in life.
• Doctors constantly stress the importance of regular exercise and a balanced diet.

Close relationships between relatives, who keep in regular contact and support each other.

• Students with strong family ties often cope better with homesickness when they move abroad to study.
• Moving abroad for work can weaken even strong family ties if people do not make an effort to stay in contact.

To go to court to claim money from a person or organisation that you believe has harmed you.

• The patient decided to sue the hospital for negligence after a routine operation went badly wrong.
• Several musicians plan to sue the company for using their songs without permission.

To be allergic to pollen from grass and flowers, which makes you sneeze and gives you itchy eyes.

• Students who suffer from hay fever often find it hard to concentrate in summer exams, when pollen levels are at their highest.
• I suffer from hay fever, so I check the pollen forecast every morning from May to July.

To make a very serious formal promise, often in public or as part of a ceremony.

• New citizens in many countries must swear an oath of loyalty at a special ceremony.
• Doctors traditionally swore an oath to protect their patients and never cause deliberate harm.

To take action to stop people, especially children at school, from repeatedly hurting or frightening others.

• Every school should have a clear policy to tackle bullying, including abuse that happens online.
• Parents and teachers need to work together if they want to tackle bullying effectively.