Expression |
Meaning |
Examples |
|---|---|---|
advantage of |
a good or beneficial quality |
The advantage of democracy is freedom of speech. / One advantage of online voting is convenience. |
disadvantage of |
a negative aspect |
A disadvantage of capitalism is social inequality. / The disadvantage of high taxes is reduced investment. |
example of |
a case or instance |
This is an example of government efficiency. / Singapore is an example of successful governance. |
cause of |
reason or origin of something |
Corruption is often the cause of economic problems. / Poor planning is the cause of the project’s failure. |
effect of |
the result or outcome |
The effect of inflation is rising prices. / The effect of sanctions was severe. |
result of |
consequence or outcome |
The new policy was the result of public pressure. / Unemployment is often the result of poor education. |
lack of |
absence or shortage |
The lack of transparency damages trust. / There’s a lack of interest in voting. |
knowledge of |
understanding or awareness |
Knowledge of the law helps citizens protect their rights. / Many people have limited knowledge of politics. |
idea of |
concept or notion |
The idea of equality is central to democracy. / I like the idea of free education for all. |
problem of |
issue or challenge |
The problem of poverty is still unsolved. / Corruption remains a major problem of governance. |
Expression |
Meaning |
Examples |
|---|---|---|
effect on |
impact or influence upon something |
The new tax law has a huge effect on small businesses. / Media campaigns have an effect on public opinion. |
influence on |
the power to affect others |
Social media has a strong influence on elections. / The church used to have influence on politics. |
impact on |
powerful effect or change |
The pandemic had an enormous impact on government spending. / Education reforms have a positive impact on society. |
ban on |
official prohibition |
The government imposed a ban on plastic bags. / There’s a ban on political advertising during elections. |
tax on |
money paid to the state |
A new tax on digital companies was introduced. / Some people protest against a tax on luxury goods. |
emphasis on |
focus or importance |
There’s an emphasis on equality and diversity. / The president placed emphasis on healthcare. |
attack on |
criticism or aggression |
The attack on journalists shocked the nation. / The policy was seen as an attack on freedom. |
decision on |
official judgment or resolution |
The decision on immigration reform was delayed. / Parliament will make a decision on the new law. |
opinion on |
personal view |
What’s your opinion on gun control? / He expressed his opinion on foreign policy. |
report on |
document giving information |
The committee released a report on corruption. / The news aired a report on education reform. |
Expression |
Meaning |
Examples |
|---|---|---|
answer to |
solution or response |
There’s no simple answer to poverty. / Freedom of the press is the answer to misinformation. |
reaction to |
response or reply |
The reaction to the new tax was negative. / There was a mixed reaction to the reforms. |
reply to |
written or spoken response |
The minister gave a short reply to the journalist’s question. / I haven’t received a reply to my complaint. |
invitation to |
request to join |
The president sent an invitation to the summit. / We got an invitation to the public consultation. |
solution to |
answer or remedy |
Education is the solution to unemployment. / Dialogue is the solution to conflict. |
approach to |
way of handling something |
The government’s approach to healthcare is innovative. / We need a new approach to taxation. |
attitude to/towards |
opinion or behavior toward something |
The public’s attitude to the government has changed. / Many people have a negative attitude towards politics. |
contribution to |
help given to achieve something |
Citizens make a contribution to democracy by voting. / Taxes are a contribution to the common good. |
access to |
ability to use or reach |
Every child should have access to education. / Access to clean water is a human right. |
alternative to |
other option |
Is there an alternative to strict lockdowns? / Public transport is a good alternative to driving. |