Intermediate150 min
As if/as though
We use as if and as though after verbs such as act, be, feel, look, seem, sound and taste and to make a comparison and say how something appears, feels, seems, etc. They are followed by a clause. Although as if and as though have the same meaning, as if is more commonly used.
Examples:
- It’s as though he’s not really here.
- You look as if you’re really stressed.
- I felt as if I hadn’t eaten for a week!
Usage Rules:
- We can use the simple present tense after as if or as though. This means that the comparison is real or probable.
* She acts as if she is very important. (She probably is important.)
* He talks as if he knows which way to go. (He probably does know which way to go.)
* They behaved as though they like the hotel. (They do like the hotel.)
- We can use the simple past tense after as if or as though. This means the comparison is unreal or improbable.
* She acts as if she was/were so important. (She is not important.)
* He talks as if he knew which way to go. (He probably doesn’t know or we don’t know.)
* They behaved as though they liked the hotel. (But they do not.)
* Note: We can use I/he/she/it with was or were when describing something unreal or improbable. Were is more common in written English.
- We can use the past perfect after as if or as though for comparisons in the past. This means the comparison is real or imaginary. The verb before as if/as though can be in the present simple or the past simple with no difference
in meaning.
* It sounds as though you’d really hurt yourself./It sounded as though you’d really hurt yourself. (You had hurt yourself.)
* She talks/talked about the competition as if she’d won. (She didn’t win the competition.)
* I feel/felt as if I’d heard the story before. (I probably had heard it.)
* It seems/seemed as if he’d had a shock. (He probably had a shock.)
- We might follow as if and as though with an infinitive or prepositional phrase.
* Tom moved his lips slightly as if to smile.
* I screamed as if in pain, but really I was just frustrated.
- In informal communication, we sometimes use like instead of as if/as though, especially in British English.
* You look like you’ve been swimming. Why are you wet?
* They seem like they’re a nice family.
Examples:
- It’s as though he’s not really here.
- You look as if you’re really stressed.
- I felt as if I hadn’t eaten for a week!
Usage Rules:
- We can use the simple present tense after as if or as though. This means that the comparison is real or probable.
* She acts as if she is very important. (She probably is important.)
* He talks as if he knows which way to go. (He probably does know which way to go.)
* They behaved as though they like the hotel. (They do like the hotel.)
- We can use the simple past tense after as if or as though. This means the comparison is unreal or improbable.
* She acts as if she was/were so important. (She is not important.)
* He talks as if he knew which way to go. (He probably doesn’t know or we don’t know.)
* They behaved as though they liked the hotel. (But they do not.)
* Note: We can use I/he/she/it with was or were when describing something unreal or improbable. Were is more common in written English.
- We can use the past perfect after as if or as though for comparisons in the past. This means the comparison is real or imaginary. The verb before as if/as though can be in the present simple or the past simple with no difference
in meaning.
* It sounds as though you’d really hurt yourself./It sounded as though you’d really hurt yourself. (You had hurt yourself.)
* She talks/talked about the competition as if she’d won. (She didn’t win the competition.)
* I feel/felt as if I’d heard the story before. (I probably had heard it.)
* It seems/seemed as if he’d had a shock. (He probably had a shock.)
- We might follow as if and as though with an infinitive or prepositional phrase.
* Tom moved his lips slightly as if to smile.
* I screamed as if in pain, but really I was just frustrated.
- In informal communication, we sometimes use like instead of as if/as though, especially in British English.
* You look like you’ve been swimming. Why are you wet?
* They seem like they’re a nice family.
Quiz
Question 1 of 10
Choose the correct sentence: He talks _____ he knows everything.
as if
as though
like
as
Challenges of Our Century: Navigating Uncharted Waters
The twenty-first century has thrown humanity a curveball that even the most prescient thinkers could hardly have anticipated. We find ourselves sailing in uncharted waters, facing a perfect storm of interconnected challenges that threaten to overwhelm our capacity to respond effectively. From climate change that's breathing down our necks to technological disruptions that are turning society upside down, the problems we face today are unprecedented in their scope, complexity, and urgency.
Climate change stands head and shoulders above other challenges as the defining crisis of our era. The writing is on the wall – decades of scientific evidence point to an inexorable warming trend that's already wreaking havoc on ecosystems worldwide. Rising sea levels are putting coastal cities on the chopping block, while extreme weather events are becoming the new normal. Despite mounting evidence, many societies continue to drag their feet on implementing meaningful solutions, caught between short-term economic interests and long-term survival.
The window of opportunity to avert catastrophic climate change is rapidly closing, yet we seem to be spinning our wheels rather than taking decisive action. Political leaders often pay lip service to environmental concerns while failing to bite the bullet on the radical changes needed to decarbonize our economies. Meanwhile, climate denial continues to muddy the waters, making it harder to build the consensus necessary for coordinated global action.
Technological advancement, while offering solutions to many problems, has also opened Pandora's box of new challenges. Artificial intelligence is poised to turn the job market on its head, potentially leaving millions of workers high and dry as automation renders their skills obsolete. The digital divide is creating a two-tier society where those who can't keep pace with technological change find themselves left behind.
Social media platforms, initially hailed as tools for democratic empowerment, have become breeding grounds for misinformation and polarization. Echo chambers amplify extreme viewpoints while algorithms designed to capture attention often spread false information like wildfire. The line between truth and falsehood has become increasingly blurred, undermining the shared reality that democratic discourse requires.
Economic inequality has reached levels not seen since the Gilded Age, creating a powder keg of social tension. The gap between the haves and have-nots continues to widen, as globalization and technological change disproportionately benefit those at the top of the economic ladder. When push comes to shove, societies with extreme inequality often find themselves teetering on the edge of instability.
The gig economy, while offering flexibility, has also stripped away many of the safety nets that previous generations took for granted. Workers are increasingly bearing the brunt of economic uncertainty, with fewer benefits and less job security than their predecessors. This trend has created a generation of people who feel like they're walking on thin ice, never knowing when their economic circumstances might take a turn for the worse.
Global health challenges have been brought into sharp focus by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caught the world off guard and exposed the vulnerabilities in our interconnected systems. The crisis laid bare the consequences of cutting corners on public health infrastructure and highlighted how quickly a local outbreak can spiral out of control in our globalized world. Future pandemics are not a matter of if, but when, yet many countries remain woefully unprepared.
Political polarization has reached fever pitch in many democracies, making it increasingly difficult to find common ground on pressing issues. Politicians are more likely to dig in their heels than seek compromise, while voters retreat into ideological silos that reinforce their existing beliefs. This polarization is making it harder to tackle complex challenges that require sustained, bipartisan cooperation.
The rise of authoritarianism poses a direct threat to democratic institutions worldwide. Would-be autocrats are chipping away at democratic norms, using populist rhetoric to whip up support while systematically undermining checks and balances. The erosion of democratic governance makes it exponentially harder to address collective challenges that require transparent, accountable leadership.
Migration flows, driven by conflict, economic desperation, and climate change, are putting enormous strain on receiving countries while creating humanitarian crises that test our moral compass. As climate change accelerates, we can expect even larger population movements that will challenge existing immigration systems and potentially destabilize entire regions.
Educational systems are struggling to keep up with the pace of change, often preparing students for jobs that may not exist by the time they graduate. The half-life of many skills is shrinking rapidly, creating a pressing need for lifelong learning and continuous adaptation. Yet many educational institutions remain stuck in industrial-age models that are poorly suited to our rapidly evolving world.
Despite these daunting challenges, it's important not to throw in the towel. Human ingenuity has consistently risen to meet existential threats throughout history. The key lies in recognizing that these challenges are interconnected and require coordinated, long-term thinking rather than quick fixes. We need to break down silos, foster international cooperation, and invest in solutions that address root causes rather than merely treating symptoms.
The challenges of our century are formidable, but they're not insurmountable. Success will require us to think outside the box, embrace innovation, and fundamentally rethink how we organize our societies and economies. The clock is ticking, but there's still time to change course and build a more sustainable, equitable future for generations to come.
Climate change stands head and shoulders above other challenges as the defining crisis of our era. The writing is on the wall – decades of scientific evidence point to an inexorable warming trend that's already wreaking havoc on ecosystems worldwide. Rising sea levels are putting coastal cities on the chopping block, while extreme weather events are becoming the new normal. Despite mounting evidence, many societies continue to drag their feet on implementing meaningful solutions, caught between short-term economic interests and long-term survival.
The window of opportunity to avert catastrophic climate change is rapidly closing, yet we seem to be spinning our wheels rather than taking decisive action. Political leaders often pay lip service to environmental concerns while failing to bite the bullet on the radical changes needed to decarbonize our economies. Meanwhile, climate denial continues to muddy the waters, making it harder to build the consensus necessary for coordinated global action.
Technological advancement, while offering solutions to many problems, has also opened Pandora's box of new challenges. Artificial intelligence is poised to turn the job market on its head, potentially leaving millions of workers high and dry as automation renders their skills obsolete. The digital divide is creating a two-tier society where those who can't keep pace with technological change find themselves left behind.
Social media platforms, initially hailed as tools for democratic empowerment, have become breeding grounds for misinformation and polarization. Echo chambers amplify extreme viewpoints while algorithms designed to capture attention often spread false information like wildfire. The line between truth and falsehood has become increasingly blurred, undermining the shared reality that democratic discourse requires.
Economic inequality has reached levels not seen since the Gilded Age, creating a powder keg of social tension. The gap between the haves and have-nots continues to widen, as globalization and technological change disproportionately benefit those at the top of the economic ladder. When push comes to shove, societies with extreme inequality often find themselves teetering on the edge of instability.
The gig economy, while offering flexibility, has also stripped away many of the safety nets that previous generations took for granted. Workers are increasingly bearing the brunt of economic uncertainty, with fewer benefits and less job security than their predecessors. This trend has created a generation of people who feel like they're walking on thin ice, never knowing when their economic circumstances might take a turn for the worse.
Global health challenges have been brought into sharp focus by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caught the world off guard and exposed the vulnerabilities in our interconnected systems. The crisis laid bare the consequences of cutting corners on public health infrastructure and highlighted how quickly a local outbreak can spiral out of control in our globalized world. Future pandemics are not a matter of if, but when, yet many countries remain woefully unprepared.
Political polarization has reached fever pitch in many democracies, making it increasingly difficult to find common ground on pressing issues. Politicians are more likely to dig in their heels than seek compromise, while voters retreat into ideological silos that reinforce their existing beliefs. This polarization is making it harder to tackle complex challenges that require sustained, bipartisan cooperation.
The rise of authoritarianism poses a direct threat to democratic institutions worldwide. Would-be autocrats are chipping away at democratic norms, using populist rhetoric to whip up support while systematically undermining checks and balances. The erosion of democratic governance makes it exponentially harder to address collective challenges that require transparent, accountable leadership.
Migration flows, driven by conflict, economic desperation, and climate change, are putting enormous strain on receiving countries while creating humanitarian crises that test our moral compass. As climate change accelerates, we can expect even larger population movements that will challenge existing immigration systems and potentially destabilize entire regions.
Educational systems are struggling to keep up with the pace of change, often preparing students for jobs that may not exist by the time they graduate. The half-life of many skills is shrinking rapidly, creating a pressing need for lifelong learning and continuous adaptation. Yet many educational institutions remain stuck in industrial-age models that are poorly suited to our rapidly evolving world.
Despite these daunting challenges, it's important not to throw in the towel. Human ingenuity has consistently risen to meet existential threats throughout history. The key lies in recognizing that these challenges are interconnected and require coordinated, long-term thinking rather than quick fixes. We need to break down silos, foster international cooperation, and invest in solutions that address root causes rather than merely treating symptoms.
The challenges of our century are formidable, but they're not insurmountable. Success will require us to think outside the box, embrace innovation, and fundamentally rethink how we organize our societies and economies. The clock is ticking, but there's still time to change course and build a more sustainable, equitable future for generations to come.
1. **Thrown a curveball**
*Meaning*: To present an unexpected challenge or surprise
2. **Prescient** /ˈpresiənt/ (US), /ˈpresiənt/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Having knowledge of events before they happen
3. **Uncharted waters**
*Meaning*: Unknown or unexplored territory or situation
4. **Perfect storm**
*Meaning*: A situation where several bad things happen at the same time
5. **Interconnected** /ˌɪntərkəˈnektəd/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Connected with each other
6. **Breathing down our necks**
*Meaning*: Very close and threatening; pursuing closely
7. **Turning society upside down**
*Meaning*: Completely changing or disrupting the normal order
8. **Unprecedented** /ʌnˈpresədentəd/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Never done or known before
9. **Scope** /skoʊp/ (US), /skəʊp/ (UK)
*Meaning*: The extent or range of something
10. **Head and shoulders above**
*Meaning*: Much better or more important than others
11. **The writing is on the wall**
*Meaning*: Clear signs that something bad will happen
12. **Inexorable** /ɪnˈeksərəbəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Impossible to stop or prevent
13. **Wreaking havoc**
*Meaning*: Causing great damage or destruction
14. **Ecosystems** /ˈikoʊˌsɪstəmz/ (US), /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəmz/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Communities of living organisms and their environment
15. **On the chopping block**
*Meaning*: In danger of being eliminated or destroyed
16. **The new normal**
*Meaning*: A previously unusual situation that has become standard
17. **Drag their feet**
*Meaning*: To delay or be reluctant to do something
18. **Window of opportunity**
*Meaning*: A limited time when action can be taken
19. **Avert** /əˈvɜrt/ (US), /əˈvɜːt/ (UK)
*Meaning*: To prevent something bad from happening
20. **Catastrophic** /ˌkætəˈstrɑfɪk/ (US), /ˌkætəˈstrɒfɪk/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Involving sudden great damage or suffering
21. **Spinning our wheels**
*Meaning*: Working hard but making no progress
22. **Decisive** /dɪˈsaɪsɪv/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Settling an issue quickly and effectively
23. **Pay lip service**
*Meaning*: To express support without taking real action
24. **Bite the bullet**
*Meaning*: To face a difficult situation with courage
25. **Radical** /ˈrædɪkəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Relating to fundamental change
26. **Decarbonize** /diˈkɑrbəˌnaɪz/ (US), /diːˈkɑːbənaɪz/ (UK)
*Meaning*: To remove or reduce carbon dioxide emissions
27. **Muddy the waters**
*Meaning*: To make a situation more confusing
28. **Consensus** /kənˈsensəs/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: General agreement among a group
29. **Opened Pandora's box**
*Meaning*: To create many new problems by doing something
30. **Poised** /pɔɪzd/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Ready to do something
31. **Turn on its head**
*Meaning*: To completely change or reverse something
32. **High and dry**
*Meaning*: Abandoned without help in a difficult situation
33. **Automation** /ˌɔtəˈmeɪʃən/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: The use of machines to do work instead of people
34. **Renders obsolete**
*Meaning*: Makes something no longer useful or relevant
35. **Digital divide**
*Meaning*: The gap between those with and without access to technology
36. **Two-tier society**
*Meaning*: A social system with two distinct levels or classes
37. **Keep pace with**
*Meaning*: To move or progress at the same speed as something
38. **Left behind**
*Meaning*: Not included in progress or development
39. **Hailed as**
*Meaning*: Praised or acclaimed as something
40. **Breeding grounds**
*Meaning*: Places where something develops or flourishes
41. **Misinformation** /ˌmɪsɪnfərˈmeɪʃən/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: False or inaccurate information
42. **Polarization** /ˌpoʊlərəˈzeɪʃən/ (US), /ˌpəʊləraɪˈzeɪʃən/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Division into opposing groups
43. **Echo chambers**
*Meaning*: Environments where people only hear similar opinions
44. **Amplify** /ˈæmplɪˌfaɪ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: To make louder or stronger
45. **Algorithms** /ˈælɡəˌrɪðəmz/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Sets of rules followed by computers
46. **Like wildfire**
*Meaning*: Very quickly and uncontrollably
47. **Blurred** /blərd/ (US), /blɜːd/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Made unclear or indistinct
48. **Undermining** /ˌʌndərˈmaɪnɪŋ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Gradually weakening or damaging
49. **Discourse** /ˈdɪsˌkɔrs/ (US), /ˈdɪskɔːs/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Written or spoken communication or debate
50. **Gilded Age**
*Meaning*: A period of rapid economic growth but also inequality
51. **Powder keg**
*Meaning*: A dangerous situation that could explode at any time
52. **Haves and have-nots**
*Meaning*: Rich people and poor people
53. **Disproportionately** /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔrʃənətli/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: To an extent that is too large or small in comparison
54. **When push comes to shove**
*Meaning*: When a situation becomes critical
55. **Teetering on the edge**
*Meaning*: Very close to a dangerous situation
56. **Instability** /ˌɪnstəˈbɪləti/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Lack of stability or security
57. **Gig economy**
*Meaning*: A labor market with temporary, flexible jobs
58. **Stripped away**
*Meaning*: Removed or taken away completely
59. **Safety nets**
*Meaning*: Systems designed to help people in difficulty
60. **Took for granted**
*Meaning*: Assumed something would always be available
61. **Bearing the brunt**
*Meaning*: Suffering the main impact of something
62. **Predecessors** /ˈpredəˌsesərz/ (US), /ˈpriːdəˌsesəz/ (UK)
*Meaning*: People who held a position before others
63. **Walking on thin ice**
*Meaning*: In a risky or dangerous situation
64. **Take a turn for the worse**
*Meaning*: Become worse suddenly
65. **Brought into sharp focus**
*Meaning*: Made very clear and obvious
66. **Caught off guard**
*Meaning*: Surprised and unprepared
67. **Laid bare**
*Meaning*: Exposed or revealed completely
68. **Cutting corners**
*Meaning*: Doing something in the easiest or cheapest way
69. **Spiral out of control**
*Meaning*: Become worse very quickly
70. **Woefully** /ˈwoʊfəli/ (US), /ˈwəʊfəli/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Extremely or sadly
71. **Fever pitch**
*Meaning*: A state of extreme excitement or agitation
72. **Find common ground**
*Meaning*: Discover shared interests or opinions
73. **Dig in their heels**
*Meaning*: Refuse to change position or compromise
74. **Ideological silos**
*Meaning*: Isolated groups with similar political beliefs
75. **Bipartisan** /ˌbaɪˈpɑrtəzən/ (US), /ˌbaɪˈpɑːtɪzən/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Involving members of two political parties
76. **Authoritarianism** /əˌθɔrəˈteriəˌnɪzəm/ (US), /ɔːˌθɒrɪˈteəriənɪzəm/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Government with concentrated power and limited freedoms
77. **Chipping away at**
*Meaning*: Gradually reducing or weakening something
78. **Whip up support**
*Meaning*: Quickly generate enthusiasm or backing
79. **Systematically** /ˌsɪstəˈmætɪkli/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: In an organized, methodical way
80. **Checks and balances**
*Meaning*: System to prevent abuse of power
81. **Erosion** /ɪˈroʊʒən/ (US), /ɪˈrəʊʒən/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Gradual destruction or reduction
82. **Exponentially** /ˌekspəˈnenʃəli/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: At an increasingly rapid rate
83. **Accountable** /əˈkaʊntəbəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Required to explain actions or decisions
84. **Migration flows**
*Meaning*: Movement of people from one place to another
85. **Enormous strain**
*Meaning*: Great pressure or stress
86. **Moral compass**
*Meaning*: Personal sense of right and wrong
87. **Accelerates** /ækˈseləˌreɪts/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Increases in speed or rate
88. **Destabilize** /diˈsteɪbəˌlaɪz/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: To make something unstable or insecure
89. **Half-life**
*Meaning*: The time it takes for something to lose half its value
90. **Shrinking rapidly**
*Meaning*: Becoming smaller very quickly
91. **Lifelong learning**
*Meaning*: Continuing education throughout one's life
92. **Industrial-age models**
*Meaning*: Systems designed for the industrial period
93. **Daunting** /ˈdɔntɪŋ/ (US), /ˈdɔːntɪŋ/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Seeming difficult to deal with
94. **Throw in the towel**
*Meaning*: To give up or surrender
95. **Ingenuity** /ˌɪndʒəˈnuəti/ (US), /ˌɪndʒəˈnjuːəti/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Cleverness and originality
96. **Existential threats**
*Meaning*: Dangers to survival or existence
97. **Break down silos**
*Meaning*: Remove barriers between separate groups
98. **Root causes**
*Meaning*: The fundamental reasons for problems
99. **Formidable** /ˈfɔrmədəbəl/ (US), /ˈfɔːmɪdəbəl/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Inspiring fear or respect through size or power
100. **Insurmountable** /ˌɪnsərˈmaʊntəbəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Too great to overcome
101. **Think outside the box**
*Meaning*: Think creatively and unconventionally
102. **The clock is ticking**
*Meaning*: Time is running out
103. **Change course**
*Meaning*: Alter direction or approach
104. **Sustainable** /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Able to continue without causing damage
105. **Equitable** /ˈekwətəbəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Fair and just
*Meaning*: To present an unexpected challenge or surprise
2. **Prescient** /ˈpresiənt/ (US), /ˈpresiənt/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Having knowledge of events before they happen
3. **Uncharted waters**
*Meaning*: Unknown or unexplored territory or situation
4. **Perfect storm**
*Meaning*: A situation where several bad things happen at the same time
5. **Interconnected** /ˌɪntərkəˈnektəd/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Connected with each other
6. **Breathing down our necks**
*Meaning*: Very close and threatening; pursuing closely
7. **Turning society upside down**
*Meaning*: Completely changing or disrupting the normal order
8. **Unprecedented** /ʌnˈpresədentəd/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Never done or known before
9. **Scope** /skoʊp/ (US), /skəʊp/ (UK)
*Meaning*: The extent or range of something
10. **Head and shoulders above**
*Meaning*: Much better or more important than others
11. **The writing is on the wall**
*Meaning*: Clear signs that something bad will happen
12. **Inexorable** /ɪnˈeksərəbəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Impossible to stop or prevent
13. **Wreaking havoc**
*Meaning*: Causing great damage or destruction
14. **Ecosystems** /ˈikoʊˌsɪstəmz/ (US), /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəmz/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Communities of living organisms and their environment
15. **On the chopping block**
*Meaning*: In danger of being eliminated or destroyed
16. **The new normal**
*Meaning*: A previously unusual situation that has become standard
17. **Drag their feet**
*Meaning*: To delay or be reluctant to do something
18. **Window of opportunity**
*Meaning*: A limited time when action can be taken
19. **Avert** /əˈvɜrt/ (US), /əˈvɜːt/ (UK)
*Meaning*: To prevent something bad from happening
20. **Catastrophic** /ˌkætəˈstrɑfɪk/ (US), /ˌkætəˈstrɒfɪk/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Involving sudden great damage or suffering
21. **Spinning our wheels**
*Meaning*: Working hard but making no progress
22. **Decisive** /dɪˈsaɪsɪv/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Settling an issue quickly and effectively
23. **Pay lip service**
*Meaning*: To express support without taking real action
24. **Bite the bullet**
*Meaning*: To face a difficult situation with courage
25. **Radical** /ˈrædɪkəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Relating to fundamental change
26. **Decarbonize** /diˈkɑrbəˌnaɪz/ (US), /diːˈkɑːbənaɪz/ (UK)
*Meaning*: To remove or reduce carbon dioxide emissions
27. **Muddy the waters**
*Meaning*: To make a situation more confusing
28. **Consensus** /kənˈsensəs/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: General agreement among a group
29. **Opened Pandora's box**
*Meaning*: To create many new problems by doing something
30. **Poised** /pɔɪzd/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Ready to do something
31. **Turn on its head**
*Meaning*: To completely change or reverse something
32. **High and dry**
*Meaning*: Abandoned without help in a difficult situation
33. **Automation** /ˌɔtəˈmeɪʃən/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: The use of machines to do work instead of people
34. **Renders obsolete**
*Meaning*: Makes something no longer useful or relevant
35. **Digital divide**
*Meaning*: The gap between those with and without access to technology
36. **Two-tier society**
*Meaning*: A social system with two distinct levels or classes
37. **Keep pace with**
*Meaning*: To move or progress at the same speed as something
38. **Left behind**
*Meaning*: Not included in progress or development
39. **Hailed as**
*Meaning*: Praised or acclaimed as something
40. **Breeding grounds**
*Meaning*: Places where something develops or flourishes
41. **Misinformation** /ˌmɪsɪnfərˈmeɪʃən/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: False or inaccurate information
42. **Polarization** /ˌpoʊlərəˈzeɪʃən/ (US), /ˌpəʊləraɪˈzeɪʃən/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Division into opposing groups
43. **Echo chambers**
*Meaning*: Environments where people only hear similar opinions
44. **Amplify** /ˈæmplɪˌfaɪ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: To make louder or stronger
45. **Algorithms** /ˈælɡəˌrɪðəmz/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Sets of rules followed by computers
46. **Like wildfire**
*Meaning*: Very quickly and uncontrollably
47. **Blurred** /blərd/ (US), /blɜːd/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Made unclear or indistinct
48. **Undermining** /ˌʌndərˈmaɪnɪŋ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Gradually weakening or damaging
49. **Discourse** /ˈdɪsˌkɔrs/ (US), /ˈdɪskɔːs/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Written or spoken communication or debate
50. **Gilded Age**
*Meaning*: A period of rapid economic growth but also inequality
51. **Powder keg**
*Meaning*: A dangerous situation that could explode at any time
52. **Haves and have-nots**
*Meaning*: Rich people and poor people
53. **Disproportionately** /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔrʃənətli/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: To an extent that is too large or small in comparison
54. **When push comes to shove**
*Meaning*: When a situation becomes critical
55. **Teetering on the edge**
*Meaning*: Very close to a dangerous situation
56. **Instability** /ˌɪnstəˈbɪləti/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Lack of stability or security
57. **Gig economy**
*Meaning*: A labor market with temporary, flexible jobs
58. **Stripped away**
*Meaning*: Removed or taken away completely
59. **Safety nets**
*Meaning*: Systems designed to help people in difficulty
60. **Took for granted**
*Meaning*: Assumed something would always be available
61. **Bearing the brunt**
*Meaning*: Suffering the main impact of something
62. **Predecessors** /ˈpredəˌsesərz/ (US), /ˈpriːdəˌsesəz/ (UK)
*Meaning*: People who held a position before others
63. **Walking on thin ice**
*Meaning*: In a risky or dangerous situation
64. **Take a turn for the worse**
*Meaning*: Become worse suddenly
65. **Brought into sharp focus**
*Meaning*: Made very clear and obvious
66. **Caught off guard**
*Meaning*: Surprised and unprepared
67. **Laid bare**
*Meaning*: Exposed or revealed completely
68. **Cutting corners**
*Meaning*: Doing something in the easiest or cheapest way
69. **Spiral out of control**
*Meaning*: Become worse very quickly
70. **Woefully** /ˈwoʊfəli/ (US), /ˈwəʊfəli/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Extremely or sadly
71. **Fever pitch**
*Meaning*: A state of extreme excitement or agitation
72. **Find common ground**
*Meaning*: Discover shared interests or opinions
73. **Dig in their heels**
*Meaning*: Refuse to change position or compromise
74. **Ideological silos**
*Meaning*: Isolated groups with similar political beliefs
75. **Bipartisan** /ˌbaɪˈpɑrtəzən/ (US), /ˌbaɪˈpɑːtɪzən/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Involving members of two political parties
76. **Authoritarianism** /əˌθɔrəˈteriəˌnɪzəm/ (US), /ɔːˌθɒrɪˈteəriənɪzəm/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Government with concentrated power and limited freedoms
77. **Chipping away at**
*Meaning*: Gradually reducing or weakening something
78. **Whip up support**
*Meaning*: Quickly generate enthusiasm or backing
79. **Systematically** /ˌsɪstəˈmætɪkli/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: In an organized, methodical way
80. **Checks and balances**
*Meaning*: System to prevent abuse of power
81. **Erosion** /ɪˈroʊʒən/ (US), /ɪˈrəʊʒən/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Gradual destruction or reduction
82. **Exponentially** /ˌekspəˈnenʃəli/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: At an increasingly rapid rate
83. **Accountable** /əˈkaʊntəbəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Required to explain actions or decisions
84. **Migration flows**
*Meaning*: Movement of people from one place to another
85. **Enormous strain**
*Meaning*: Great pressure or stress
86. **Moral compass**
*Meaning*: Personal sense of right and wrong
87. **Accelerates** /ækˈseləˌreɪts/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Increases in speed or rate
88. **Destabilize** /diˈsteɪbəˌlaɪz/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: To make something unstable or insecure
89. **Half-life**
*Meaning*: The time it takes for something to lose half its value
90. **Shrinking rapidly**
*Meaning*: Becoming smaller very quickly
91. **Lifelong learning**
*Meaning*: Continuing education throughout one's life
92. **Industrial-age models**
*Meaning*: Systems designed for the industrial period
93. **Daunting** /ˈdɔntɪŋ/ (US), /ˈdɔːntɪŋ/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Seeming difficult to deal with
94. **Throw in the towel**
*Meaning*: To give up or surrender
95. **Ingenuity** /ˌɪndʒəˈnuəti/ (US), /ˌɪndʒəˈnjuːəti/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Cleverness and originality
96. **Existential threats**
*Meaning*: Dangers to survival or existence
97. **Break down silos**
*Meaning*: Remove barriers between separate groups
98. **Root causes**
*Meaning*: The fundamental reasons for problems
99. **Formidable** /ˈfɔrmədəbəl/ (US), /ˈfɔːmɪdəbəl/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Inspiring fear or respect through size or power
100. **Insurmountable** /ˌɪnsərˈmaʊntəbəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Too great to overcome
101. **Think outside the box**
*Meaning*: Think creatively and unconventionally
102. **The clock is ticking**
*Meaning*: Time is running out
103. **Change course**
*Meaning*: Alter direction or approach
104. **Sustainable** /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Able to continue without causing damage
105. **Equitable** /ˈekwətəbəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Fair and just
'As' in connected speech
In connected speech, the pronunciation of words often changes to make speaking faster and more fluid. One common phenomenon in connected speech is the use of the sound "As." This can occur in several ways:
1. Linking As: When the sound "s" at the end of a word is followed by a vowel sound at the beginning of the next word, the "s" often links to the following vowel, making the speech more connected. For example, "as it" sounds like "az it."
2. Intrusion of As: Sometimes, an extra "s" sound is inserted between words to link them smoothly even if it's not present in the spelling. For example, "He is angry" might be pronounced as "He is-s-angry."
3. Assimilation with As: The "s" sound may change to a similar sound easier to pronounce in combination with the following sound. For example, "as big" can sound like "az big".
1. Linking As: When the sound "s" at the end of a word is followed by a vowel sound at the beginning of the next word, the "s" often links to the following vowel, making the speech more connected. For example, "as it" sounds like "az it."
2. Intrusion of As: Sometimes, an extra "s" sound is inserted between words to link them smoothly even if it's not present in the spelling. For example, "He is angry" might be pronounced as "He is-s-angry."
3. Assimilation with As: The "s" sound may change to a similar sound easier to pronounce in combination with the following sound. For example, "as big" can sound like "az big".