Phrases & Expressions

Very likely; used when you are almost certain about something.

• In all probability, the final results will not be published until the end of the year.
• Without urgent action, the species will in all probability be extinct within a few decades.

Regularly used by most people at the present time.

• Words such as 'selfie' and 'podcast' are now in common usage, although nobody had heard of them thirty years ago.
• Several expressions that were in common usage in the 1950s now sound old-fashioned or even offensive to young people.

More than a stated number or amount.

• The new stadium is expected to cost in excess of £200 million, far more than originally planned.
• Temperatures in excess of 40 degrees are becoming more common in southern Europe every summer.

In connection with something, often to say what a payment or claim is for.

• The company was fined in respect of its failure to protect customers' personal data.
• Employees can claim travel expenses in respect of any journey made for business purposes.

Used in writing to introduce a brief summary of the main points.

• In sum, the decline in bee populations appears to have three main causes: pesticides, habitat loss and disease.
• In sum, renewable energy offers clear environmental benefits, although the initial costs remain high.

Very close to a large building or structure that dominates the area, often in a negative way.

• Few tourists notice the little chapel in the shadow of the cathedral, even though it is centuries older.
• Houses built in the shadow of the new airport have lost much of their value because of the constant noise.

To end up owing money, usually by borrowing it or by spending more than you can afford.

• Students in some countries incur huge debts in order to pay for their university education.
• The airline incurred massive debts during the pandemic and was eventually forced to close.

Eagerness and excitement that quickly spreads to the people around you.

• Our chemistry teacher's infectious enthusiasm made even the most difficult topics seem exciting.
• The volunteers' infectious enthusiasm persuaded many local residents to join the beach clean-up campaign.

To form an opinion indirectly, based on evidence rather than on what is directly stated.

• Readers can infer from the author's tone that she disapproves of the new policy.
• What can we infer from the fact that most participants dropped out of the study after a week?

To make people feel strongly committed to you and willing to support you.

• A good leader inspires loyalty by treating staff fairly and recognising their hard work.
• Companies that inspire loyalty in their employees tend to lose fewer staff and spend less on recruitment.