Phrases & Expressions

To have a real chance of winning or getting something.

• Only three teams are still in the running for the top prize in this year's national science competition.
• Her latest novel is in the running for several major literary awards.

To be doing something you enjoy and are good at, so that you feel completely comfortable.

• Put Selin in front of a class of lively teenagers and you will see that she is in her element.
• As a keen gardener, my father is in his element when he volunteers at the community garden.

To not agree with or match other facts, statements or results.

• The witness's latest statement is inconsistent with what she told the police last year.
• These findings are inconsistent with earlier research, so further studies will be needed.

To look or seem so similar to something that people cannot tell the two apart.

• Some images created by artificial intelligence are now almost indistinguishable from real photographs.
• At first glance, good-quality artificial grass is indistinguishable from a natural lawn.

To be a natural, built-in feature of something that cannot easily be separated from it.

• Certain risks are inherent in any new technology, so careful testing is essential before it is widely used.
• Uncertainty is inherent in weather forecasting, so predictions more than a week ahead are rarely reliable.

To have firmly decided to do something and not let anything stop you.

• The new head teacher is intent on improving the school's exam results within two years.
• Many young people are intent on studying abroad, even though the costs are very high.

To be so similar that one can be used instead of the other.

• In everyday speech, the words 'big' and 'large' are often interchangeable, but not in every context.
• The batteries in the two phones are not interchangeable, so make sure you buy the correct one.

To be improving, especially after a difficult or disappointing period.

• Things are looking up for the local tourism industry after two years of falling visitor numbers.
• Job prospects for engineering graduates are looking up as more companies start hiring again.

Used to say angrily that someone's behaviour is unacceptable and should not continue.

• Someone keeps taking my lunch from the office fridge every day, and frankly this is just not on.
• Our landlord has ignored the broken heating for three weeks in the middle of winter – this is just not on.

To be free from a difficult situation or a responsibility you were worried about.

• My colleague offered to give the presentation instead of me, so I'm off the hook this time.
• The police have caught the real thief, so my brother is finally off the hook.