Phrases & Expressions

An economy that is struggling, with little growth, falling output or high unemployment.

• The new government has promised to revive the ailing economy by investing in green energy and infrastructure.
• Tourism is seen as one way to support the country's ailing economy after years of low growth.

To express your opinions publicly so that other people can hear them.

• Local residents were invited to a public meeting to air their views on the proposed airport expansion.
• Social media gives ordinary people a chance to air their views on issues that affect their daily lives.

To decide officially how much money a project, department or service will receive.

• The city council has allocated funds to build three new libraries in the poorest districts.
• Critics argue that the ministry should allocate more funds to mental health services instead of building new motorways.

So quiet that it can hardly be heard.

• The student spoke so softly during her presentation that her voice was almost inaudible at the back.
• Electric cars are almost inaudible at low speeds, so in Europe new models must produce artificial sounds to warn pedestrians.

Actions that help other people even though they bring no benefit to the person doing them.

• Psychologists have long debated whether purely altruistic behaviour exists or whether people always expect something in return.
• Donating blood to strangers is a clear example of altruistic behaviour in everyday life.

To officially alter the wording of an existing law, usually to correct or improve it.

• Parliament voted to amend the law so that sixteen-year-olds could vote in local elections.
• Campaigners want the government to amend the law on working hours to protect junior doctors.

Plenty of room, so that nothing feels tight or crowded.

• The new library provides ample space for students who want to study quietly between lectures.
• Always leave ample space between your car and the vehicle in front, especially when the road is wet.

A choice made without a clear reason or system, which often seems unfair.

• Students complained about the arbitrary decision to cancel the trip only a week before departure.
• Setting the passing mark at exactly 63 per cent seems an arbitrary decision with no research behind it.

A piece of work that is very hard and needs a lot of effort over a long time.

• Rebuilding the town after the earthquake will be an arduous task that could take more than a decade.
• Translating the entire report into five languages proved a more arduous task than we had expected.

An area of land that receives very little rain and is extremely dry.

• Farming in arid regions depends heavily on irrigation, which puts pressure on limited water supplies.
• Desalination plants are increasingly used to supply drinking water in the arid regions of the Middle East.