Intermediate200 min
Fronting: reasons, causes and explanations
Fronting in grammar refers to moving a grammatical element to the beginning (front) of a sentence instead of its typical position later in the sentence.
We can use as/because/since; because of; seeing as; as a result of + object; and -ed participle clauses to introduce the reason or cause of something.
As Italian cuisine is popular around the world, it’s often people’s favourite food.
As a result of globalisation, we can all buy the same type of coffee.
Impressed by the local cuisine, I tried my best to learn all about it.
As the most important information is often given in the second part of
a sentence in English, we may introduce the reason or cause at the start
of the sentence in order to focus on the result or effect at the end. We
may also place it at the start in order to connect it to what came before.
Because you’ve never tried Ethiopian cuisine, I’m going to take you to an Ethiopian restaurant later. (focus on going to the restaurant)
You’ve never tried mocha coffee? Well, because of that, we’re going to
have a cup right now. (relates to information that came before).
as/because/since
We use as/because/since + clause, and because of + object, to introduce a reason or cause. A comma then separates it from the second clause which gives the result or effect. Note that the two clauses can change, with the reason or cause second.
Since you like Vietnamese food, I’m sure you’d enjoy Cambodian food.
I’m sure you’d enjoy Cambodian food, since you like Vietnamese food.
seeing as
We use seeing as (how) + clause in the same way we use as/because/since.
Note that it tends to be used informally and is more common in British English than in other types of English.
Seeing as you’ve never tried Indonesian food, we should order some.
Seeing as how it’s dinner time, we should eat.
as a result of + object
We use as a result of + object to introduce a reason or cause when we’re
being more formal. The object might be a noun or noun phrase. The noun phrase may be short or long.
As a result of the cultural exchange of foods, we learnt a lot about each other’s culture.
As a result of visiting several countries in Southeast Asia, Tara developed a love of spicy dishes.
As a result of what can only be considered to be a terrible mistake by
the manufacturer, a key ingredient of the dish was omitted.
-ed participle clauses
We can use an -ed participle clause to introduce a reason or cause.
Annoyed by the lack of salt in her soup, she complained to the waiter.
(Because there was a lack of salt in her soup …)
Forced to eat the same food every day for a week, Laura was looking forward to trying something new. (Because Laura had been forced to eat the same food …)
in light of/in view of (the fact that)
We can use in light/view of + noun/noun phrase or in light/view of the fact
that + clause to introduce a reason or cause. They mean ‘considering’.
In light of concerns about the impact of almond milk on the environment, I’ve stopped drinking it.
In view of the fact that trends come and go, the restaurant menu changes twice a year.
We can use as/because/since; because of; seeing as; as a result of + object; and -ed participle clauses to introduce the reason or cause of something.
As Italian cuisine is popular around the world, it’s often people’s favourite food.
As a result of globalisation, we can all buy the same type of coffee.
Impressed by the local cuisine, I tried my best to learn all about it.
As the most important information is often given in the second part of
a sentence in English, we may introduce the reason or cause at the start
of the sentence in order to focus on the result or effect at the end. We
may also place it at the start in order to connect it to what came before.
Because you’ve never tried Ethiopian cuisine, I’m going to take you to an Ethiopian restaurant later. (focus on going to the restaurant)
You’ve never tried mocha coffee? Well, because of that, we’re going to
have a cup right now. (relates to information that came before).
as/because/since
We use as/because/since + clause, and because of + object, to introduce a reason or cause. A comma then separates it from the second clause which gives the result or effect. Note that the two clauses can change, with the reason or cause second.
Since you like Vietnamese food, I’m sure you’d enjoy Cambodian food.
I’m sure you’d enjoy Cambodian food, since you like Vietnamese food.
seeing as
We use seeing as (how) + clause in the same way we use as/because/since.
Note that it tends to be used informally and is more common in British English than in other types of English.
Seeing as you’ve never tried Indonesian food, we should order some.
Seeing as how it’s dinner time, we should eat.
as a result of + object
We use as a result of + object to introduce a reason or cause when we’re
being more formal. The object might be a noun or noun phrase. The noun phrase may be short or long.
As a result of the cultural exchange of foods, we learnt a lot about each other’s culture.
As a result of visiting several countries in Southeast Asia, Tara developed a love of spicy dishes.
As a result of what can only be considered to be a terrible mistake by
the manufacturer, a key ingredient of the dish was omitted.
-ed participle clauses
We can use an -ed participle clause to introduce a reason or cause.
Annoyed by the lack of salt in her soup, she complained to the waiter.
(Because there was a lack of salt in her soup …)
Forced to eat the same food every day for a week, Laura was looking forward to trying something new. (Because Laura had been forced to eat the same food …)
in light of/in view of (the fact that)
We can use in light/view of + noun/noun phrase or in light/view of the fact
that + clause to introduce a reason or cause. They mean ‘considering’.
In light of concerns about the impact of almond milk on the environment, I’ve stopped drinking it.
In view of the fact that trends come and go, the restaurant menu changes twice a year.
Quiz
Question 1 of 10
Rewrite the sentence using fronting for emphasis: "I didn't go to the party because I was tired."
Because I was tired, I didn't go to the party.
I didn't go to the party because I was tired.
I was tired, so I didn't go to the party.
The Need for Change
Change is the only constant in life, yet humanity finds itself at a pivotal moment where the stakes have never been higher. The fabric of our society is under tremendous strain as we grapple with challenges that threaten to tear apart the very foundations of civilization. From environmental degradation to social inequality, the writing is on the wall: we must act decisively or face the consequences of our collective inaction.
Recent scientific breakthroughs have painted a sobering picture of our planet's trajectory. Climate researchers have blown the whistle on alarming trends that show 2015-2024 will be the warmest decade on record, while over 600 million people are already living in areas where rising temperatures and humidity levels are pushing them beyond the limits of human habitability. These findings serve as a wake-up call that we can no longer afford to sweep under the carpet. The time for half-hearted measures and empty promises has passed—we need to roll up our sleeves and get down to business.
The ripple effects of climate change extend far beyond environmental concerns, seeping into every aspect of human existence. Recent studies reveal that extreme weather events are taking a heavy toll on maternal and reproductive health, essentially undoing decades of medical progress in this critical area. When we consider that 3.6 billion people already live in climate-vulnerable regions, it becomes clear that we're not just facing an environmental crisis—we're staring down the barrel of a humanitarian catastrophe of unprecedented proportions.
However, recognizing the need for change and actually implementing it are two sides of the same coin that rarely align. Behavioral scientists have been burning the midnight oil to understand why individuals and societies dig in their heels when confronted with the need for transformation, even when the benefits are as clear as day. Their research reveals that change is an uphill battle, particularly because our brains are hardwired to resist disruption to established routines and comfort zones.
The psychology behind resistance to change runs deeper than many people realize. Humans have a tendency to cherry-pick information that confirms their existing beliefs while turning a blind eye to evidence that challenges their worldview. This cognitive bias, combined with our natural inclination to prioritize short-term gains over long-term benefits, creates a perfect storm of inaction. People often find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place, knowing what needs to be done but struggling to bridge the gap between intention and action.
Breaking new ground in behavioral research, scientists have developed innovative approaches to understanding and facilitating change. The Science of Behavior Change program represents a quantum leap in how researchers tackle this complex challenge. Rather than taking a shot in the dark with generic interventions, scientists now advocate for precision approaches that target specific psychological mechanisms underlying behavioral patterns. This methodology acknowledges that change isn't a one-trick pony but requires a multifaceted strategy that addresses various interconnected factors.
The research has zeroed in on three crucial domains that hold the key to successful transformation: self-regulation, stress resilience, and social processes. Self-regulation involves our capacity to stay the course when pursuing long-term objectives, even when faced with immediate temptations that might throw us off track. Stress resilience determines how well we can roll with the punches when adversity strikes, while social processes highlight the make-or-break role that community support and peer influence play in sustaining behavioral changes over time.
These insights have far-reaching implications for addressing global challenges. Urban planners are now thinking outside the box to develop climate-resilient cities that can weather the storm of environmental changes while improving quality of life for residents. These initiatives demonstrate that effective solutions must go beyond putting all eggs in one basket and instead embrace comprehensive approaches that tackle multiple issues simultaneously. The goal is to hit two birds with one stone by creating strategies that address both environmental sustainability and social wellbeing.
Technology has emerged as a game-changer in facilitating behavioral transformation. Digital platforms have leveled the playing field by making tools for monitoring progress and maintaining motivation accessible to broader populations. From smartphone applications that track carbon footprints to online communities that connect like-minded individuals pursuing similar goals, technology has opened up new avenues for supporting change initiatives. However, the digital divide remains a significant hurdle, highlighting the importance of ensuring that technological solutions don't leave vulnerable populations behind.
Traditional approaches to promoting change have often missed the mark by focusing exclusively on information dissemination. Research consistently shows that simply telling people about problems rarely translates into meaningful action. Instead, effective change strategies must go the extra mile to create enabling environments that make desired behaviors easier to adopt and maintain. This might involve restructuring physical spaces, adjusting policies and regulations, or fostering social norms that reinforce positive actions.
The economic dimensions of change present both challenges and opportunities that policymakers must navigate carefully. While some argue that environmental regulations might throw a wrench in the works of economic growth, emerging evidence suggests that sustainable practices can actually give businesses a competitive edge. The transition to renewable energy has spawned entirely new industries and created countless job opportunities while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Similarly, the circular economy model demonstrates how waste reduction and resource efficiency can cut costs to the bone while minimizing environmental impact.
The urgency of our current predicament demands that we stop beating around the bush and face the music regarding the kind of world we want to bequeath to future generations. The scientific evidence is crystal clear: maintaining the status quo will lead to catastrophic consequences that will hit the most vulnerable populations the hardest. We stand at a crossroads where we must either step up to the plate and embrace transformative changes or bury our heads in the sand and hope against hope that someone else will solve these problems.
Moving forward requires unprecedented cooperation across all sectors of society. Governments must bite the bullet and implement policies that incentivize sustainable behaviors while penalizing harmful practices, even when these measures might ruffle some feathers in the short term. Businesses need to walk the talk by integrating environmental and social considerations into their core operations rather than treating them as optional extras. Educational institutions must rise to the occasion by equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate an increasingly complex world.
The psychology of change reveals that transformation is most likely to succeed when it occurs during periods of disruption or transition. Current global challenges, while daunting, also present a golden opportunity to reimagine our systems and structures in more sustainable ways. History demonstrates that societies have successfully weathered major transitions before—from the Industrial Revolution to the digital age—proving that we have the capacity to reinvent ourselves when push comes to shove.
Nevertheless, time is running out faster than many people realize. Recent reports emphasize that clear adaptation objectives must be established by 2025, indicating that the window for action is rapidly closing. The longer we drag our feet on implementing necessary changes, the more difficult and expensive they become. What appears manageable today may prove to be an insurmountable challenge tomorrow if we continue to kick the can down the road.
The need for change transcends environmental concerns—it represents a moral imperative that will determine whether future generations inherit a world of abundance or scarcity. The decisions we make today will shape whether our children face a future characterized by cooperation or conflict, hope or despair. While the choice remains ours, the clock is ticking relentlessly. We must stop paying lip service to change and start implementing the bold, transformative actions our situation demands. The future hinges on our willingness to break the mold and chart a new course toward sustainability, equity, and resilience.
Recent scientific breakthroughs have painted a sobering picture of our planet's trajectory. Climate researchers have blown the whistle on alarming trends that show 2015-2024 will be the warmest decade on record, while over 600 million people are already living in areas where rising temperatures and humidity levels are pushing them beyond the limits of human habitability. These findings serve as a wake-up call that we can no longer afford to sweep under the carpet. The time for half-hearted measures and empty promises has passed—we need to roll up our sleeves and get down to business.
The ripple effects of climate change extend far beyond environmental concerns, seeping into every aspect of human existence. Recent studies reveal that extreme weather events are taking a heavy toll on maternal and reproductive health, essentially undoing decades of medical progress in this critical area. When we consider that 3.6 billion people already live in climate-vulnerable regions, it becomes clear that we're not just facing an environmental crisis—we're staring down the barrel of a humanitarian catastrophe of unprecedented proportions.
However, recognizing the need for change and actually implementing it are two sides of the same coin that rarely align. Behavioral scientists have been burning the midnight oil to understand why individuals and societies dig in their heels when confronted with the need for transformation, even when the benefits are as clear as day. Their research reveals that change is an uphill battle, particularly because our brains are hardwired to resist disruption to established routines and comfort zones.
The psychology behind resistance to change runs deeper than many people realize. Humans have a tendency to cherry-pick information that confirms their existing beliefs while turning a blind eye to evidence that challenges their worldview. This cognitive bias, combined with our natural inclination to prioritize short-term gains over long-term benefits, creates a perfect storm of inaction. People often find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place, knowing what needs to be done but struggling to bridge the gap between intention and action.
Breaking new ground in behavioral research, scientists have developed innovative approaches to understanding and facilitating change. The Science of Behavior Change program represents a quantum leap in how researchers tackle this complex challenge. Rather than taking a shot in the dark with generic interventions, scientists now advocate for precision approaches that target specific psychological mechanisms underlying behavioral patterns. This methodology acknowledges that change isn't a one-trick pony but requires a multifaceted strategy that addresses various interconnected factors.
The research has zeroed in on three crucial domains that hold the key to successful transformation: self-regulation, stress resilience, and social processes. Self-regulation involves our capacity to stay the course when pursuing long-term objectives, even when faced with immediate temptations that might throw us off track. Stress resilience determines how well we can roll with the punches when adversity strikes, while social processes highlight the make-or-break role that community support and peer influence play in sustaining behavioral changes over time.
These insights have far-reaching implications for addressing global challenges. Urban planners are now thinking outside the box to develop climate-resilient cities that can weather the storm of environmental changes while improving quality of life for residents. These initiatives demonstrate that effective solutions must go beyond putting all eggs in one basket and instead embrace comprehensive approaches that tackle multiple issues simultaneously. The goal is to hit two birds with one stone by creating strategies that address both environmental sustainability and social wellbeing.
Technology has emerged as a game-changer in facilitating behavioral transformation. Digital platforms have leveled the playing field by making tools for monitoring progress and maintaining motivation accessible to broader populations. From smartphone applications that track carbon footprints to online communities that connect like-minded individuals pursuing similar goals, technology has opened up new avenues for supporting change initiatives. However, the digital divide remains a significant hurdle, highlighting the importance of ensuring that technological solutions don't leave vulnerable populations behind.
Traditional approaches to promoting change have often missed the mark by focusing exclusively on information dissemination. Research consistently shows that simply telling people about problems rarely translates into meaningful action. Instead, effective change strategies must go the extra mile to create enabling environments that make desired behaviors easier to adopt and maintain. This might involve restructuring physical spaces, adjusting policies and regulations, or fostering social norms that reinforce positive actions.
The economic dimensions of change present both challenges and opportunities that policymakers must navigate carefully. While some argue that environmental regulations might throw a wrench in the works of economic growth, emerging evidence suggests that sustainable practices can actually give businesses a competitive edge. The transition to renewable energy has spawned entirely new industries and created countless job opportunities while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Similarly, the circular economy model demonstrates how waste reduction and resource efficiency can cut costs to the bone while minimizing environmental impact.
The urgency of our current predicament demands that we stop beating around the bush and face the music regarding the kind of world we want to bequeath to future generations. The scientific evidence is crystal clear: maintaining the status quo will lead to catastrophic consequences that will hit the most vulnerable populations the hardest. We stand at a crossroads where we must either step up to the plate and embrace transformative changes or bury our heads in the sand and hope against hope that someone else will solve these problems.
Moving forward requires unprecedented cooperation across all sectors of society. Governments must bite the bullet and implement policies that incentivize sustainable behaviors while penalizing harmful practices, even when these measures might ruffle some feathers in the short term. Businesses need to walk the talk by integrating environmental and social considerations into their core operations rather than treating them as optional extras. Educational institutions must rise to the occasion by equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate an increasingly complex world.
The psychology of change reveals that transformation is most likely to succeed when it occurs during periods of disruption or transition. Current global challenges, while daunting, also present a golden opportunity to reimagine our systems and structures in more sustainable ways. History demonstrates that societies have successfully weathered major transitions before—from the Industrial Revolution to the digital age—proving that we have the capacity to reinvent ourselves when push comes to shove.
Nevertheless, time is running out faster than many people realize. Recent reports emphasize that clear adaptation objectives must be established by 2025, indicating that the window for action is rapidly closing. The longer we drag our feet on implementing necessary changes, the more difficult and expensive they become. What appears manageable today may prove to be an insurmountable challenge tomorrow if we continue to kick the can down the road.
The need for change transcends environmental concerns—it represents a moral imperative that will determine whether future generations inherit a world of abundance or scarcity. The decisions we make today will shape whether our children face a future characterized by cooperation or conflict, hope or despair. While the choice remains ours, the clock is ticking relentlessly. We must stop paying lip service to change and start implementing the bold, transformative actions our situation demands. The future hinges on our willingness to break the mold and chart a new course toward sustainability, equity, and resilience.
1. **pivotal** /ˈpɪvətl/ (both US/UK)
extremely important because other things depend on it
2. **stakes** /steɪks/ (both US/UK)
the level of risk or the importance of what might be gained or lost
3. **fabric** /ˈfæbrɪk/ (both US/UK)
the basic structure of a society or organization
4. **tremendous** /trəˈmendəs/ (both US/UK)
extremely large in amount or degree
5. **grapple with**
to struggle with or try hard to deal with a difficult problem
6. **tear apart**
to destroy something completely or damage relationships
7. **degradation** /ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ (both US/UK)
the process of something becoming worse
8. **the writing is on the wall**
clear signs that something bad will happen
9. **decisively** /dɪˈsaɪsɪvli/ (both US/UK)
in a way that shows determination and confidence
10. **collective** /kəˈlektɪv/ (both US/UK)
shared by all members of a group
11. **breakthrough** /ˈbreɪkθruː/ (both US/UK)
an important discovery or development
12. **sobering** /ˈsoʊbərɪŋ/ (US) /ˈsəʊbərɪŋ/ (UK)
making you think seriously about something
13. **trajectory** /trəˈdʒektəri/ (both US/UK)
the path that something follows through time
14. **blown the whistle on**
revealed or exposed wrongdoing or problems
15. **alarming** /əˈlɑːrmɪŋ/ (US) /əˈlɑːmɪŋ/ (UK)
causing worry or fear
16. **habitability** /ˌhæbɪtəˈbɪləti/ (both US/UK)
the condition of being suitable for people to live in
17. **wake-up call**
an event that makes you realize you need to take action
18. **sweep under the carpet**
to hide or ignore problems instead of dealing with them
19. **half-hearted** /ˌhæf ˈhɑːrtɪd/ (US) /ˌhɑːf ˈhɑːtɪd/ (UK)
showing little enthusiasm or effort
20. **roll up our sleeves**
to prepare to work hard
21. **get down to business**
to start working seriously
22. **ripple effects**
the continuing results of an event or action
23. **seeping into**
gradually entering or affecting
24. **taking a heavy toll on**
causing serious damage or harm to
25. **undoing** /ʌnˈduːɪŋ/ (both US/UK)
reversing or destroying previous progress
26. **staring down the barrel of**
facing a serious threat or danger
27. **catastrophe** /kəˈtæstrəfi/ (both US/UK)
a sudden event causing great damage
28. **unprecedented** /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ (US) /ʌnˈpresɪdəntɪd/ (UK)
never having happened before
29. **two sides of the same coin**
two aspects of the same situation
30. **burning the midnight oil**
working very late into the night
31. **dig in their heels**
to refuse to change your position or opinion
32. **as clear as day**
completely obvious and easy to understand
33. **uphill battle**
a difficult struggle
34. **hardwired** /ˈhɑːrdwaɪərd/ (US) /ˈhɑːdwaɪəd/ (UK)
naturally programmed to behave in a certain way
35. **cherry-pick**
to choose only the best or most suitable things
36. **turning a blind eye**
deliberately ignoring something
37. **worldview** /ˈwɜːrldvjuː/ (US) /ˈwɜːldvjuː/ (UK)
a person's overall perspective on life and the world
38. **cognitive** /ˈkɑːɡnətɪv/ (US) /ˈkɒɡnətɪv/ (UK)
relating to mental processes of thinking and understanding
39. **inclination** /ˌɪnklɪˈneɪʃn/ (both US/UK)
a tendency to behave in a particular way
40. **perfect storm**
a situation where several bad things happen at the same time
41. **caught between a rock and a hard place**
facing a choice between two equally difficult options
42. **bridge the gap**
to reduce the difference between two things
43. **breaking new ground**
doing something innovative or pioneering
44. **quantum leap**
a sudden large improvement or advance
45. **taking a shot in the dark**
attempting something without much chance of success
46. **precision** /prɪˈsɪʒn/ (both US/UK)
accuracy and exactness
47. **underlying** /ˌʌndərˈlaɪɪŋ/ (US) /ˌʌndəˈlaɪɪŋ/ (UK)
fundamental; forming the basis of something
48. **one-trick pony**
something that can only do one thing well
49. **multifaceted** /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (both US/UK)
having many different aspects
50. **zeroed in on**
focused attention on something specific
51. **hold the key to**
be the most important factor in achieving something
52. **stay the course**
continue with a plan despite difficulties
53. **throw us off track**
cause us to lose focus or direction
54. **roll with the punches**
adapt to difficult situations as they happen
55. **make-or-break**
extremely important for success or failure
56. **far-reaching** /ˌfɑːr ˈriːtʃɪŋ/ (US) /ˌfɑː ˈriːtʃɪŋ/ (UK)
having important consequences over a large area or long time
57. **thinking outside the box**
approaching problems in creative, unconventional ways
58. **weather the storm**
survive a difficult period
59. **putting all eggs in one basket**
relying entirely on one thing
60. **comprehensive** /ˌkɑːmprɪˈhensɪv/ (US) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ (UK)
complete and including everything
61. **hit two birds with one stone**
achieve two goals with one action
62. **wellbeing** /ˈwelbiːɪŋ/ (both US/UK)
the state of being healthy and happy
63. **game-changer**
something that significantly alters a situation
64. **leveled the playing field**
made a situation fair for everyone
65. **avenues** /ˈævənjuːz/ (US) /ˈævənjuːz/ (UK)
ways or methods of approaching something
66. **digital divide**
the gap between those with and without access to technology
67. **hurdle** /ˈhɜːrdl/ (US) /ˈhɜːdl/ (UK)
an obstacle or difficulty
68. **vulnerable** /ˈvʌlnərəbl/ (both US/UK)
easily hurt or influenced
69. **missed the mark**
failed to achieve the intended result
70. **dissemination** /dɪˌsemɪˈneɪʃn/ (both US/UK)
the spreading of information widely
71. **go the extra mile**
make more effort than expected
72. **enabling** /ɪˈneɪblɪŋ/ (both US/UK)
providing the means or opportunity for something
73. **navigate** /ˈnævɪɡeɪt/ (both US/UK)
find a way through or deal with something complex
74. **throw a wrench in the works**
cause problems for a plan
75. **competitive edge**
an advantage over competitors
76. **spawned** /spɔːnd/ (both US/UK)
caused or gave rise to
77. **circular economy**
an economic model based on reuse and recycling
78. **cut costs to the bone**
reduce expenses as much as possible
79. **predicament** /prɪˈdɪkəmənt/ (both US/UK)
a difficult or unpleasant situation
80. **beating around the bush**
avoiding talking directly about something
81. **face the music**
accept responsibility for the consequences of your actions
82. **bequeath** /bɪˈkwiːð/ (both US/UK)
to leave something to someone after death
83. **crystal clear**
completely obvious
84. **status quo**
the existing state of affairs
85. **catastrophic** /ˌkætəˈstrɑːfɪk/ (US) /ˌkætəˈstrɒfɪk/ (UK)
involving sudden great damage
86. **crossroads** /ˈkrɔːsroʊdz/ (US) /ˈkrɒsrəʊdz/ (UK)
a point where important decisions must be made
87. **step up to the plate**
take responsibility when action is needed
88. **bury our heads in the sand**
ignore problems instead of dealing with them
89. **hope against hope**
continue hoping despite little chance of success
90. **unprecedented** /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ (US) /ʌnˈpresɪdəntɪd/ (UK)
never having happened before
91. **bite the bullet**
accept something difficult or unpleasant
92. **incentivize** /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ (both US/UK)
encourage by offering rewards
93. **ruffle some feathers**
upset or annoy people
94. **walk the talk**
do what you say you will do
95. **integrating** /ˈɪntɪɡreɪtɪŋ/ (both US/UK)
combining things so they work together
96. **rise to the occasion**
perform well in a difficult situation
97. **navigate** /ˈnævɪɡeɪt/ (both US/UK)
deal successfully with something complex
98. **disruption** /dɪsˈrʌpʃn/ (both US/UK)
disturbance or interruption
99. **golden opportunity**
an excellent chance to achieve something
100. **reimagine** /ˌriːɪˈmædʒɪn/ (both US/UK)
think about something in a completely new way
101. **weathered** /ˈweðərd/ (both US/UK)
successfully survived difficult conditions
102. **when push comes to shove**
when a situation becomes critical
103. **drag our feet**
deliberately delay doing something
104. **insurmountable** /ˌɪnsərˈmaʊntəbl/ (US) /ˌɪnsəˈmaʊntəbl/ (UK)
too great to overcome
105. **kick the can down the road**
postpone dealing with a problem
106. **transcends** /trænˈsendz/ (both US/UK)
goes beyond the limits of something
107. **moral imperative**
something that must be done for ethical reasons
108. **abundance** /əˈbʌndəns/ (both US/UK)
a large quantity; plenty
109. **scarcity** /ˈskersəti/ (US) /ˈskeəsəti/ (UK)
shortage; insufficient amount
110. **characterized by**
having particular features or qualities
111. **the clock is ticking**
time is running out
112. **relentlessly** /rɪˈlentləsli/ (both US/UK)
without stopping or becoming less intense
113. **paying lip service to**
expressing support without taking real action
114. **hinges on**
depends entirely on
115. **break the mold**
do something in a completely new way
116. **chart a new course**
plan a different direction or approach
117. **resilience** /rɪˈzɪljəns/ (both US/UK)
ability to recover quickly from difficulties
extremely important because other things depend on it
2. **stakes** /steɪks/ (both US/UK)
the level of risk or the importance of what might be gained or lost
3. **fabric** /ˈfæbrɪk/ (both US/UK)
the basic structure of a society or organization
4. **tremendous** /trəˈmendəs/ (both US/UK)
extremely large in amount or degree
5. **grapple with**
to struggle with or try hard to deal with a difficult problem
6. **tear apart**
to destroy something completely or damage relationships
7. **degradation** /ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ (both US/UK)
the process of something becoming worse
8. **the writing is on the wall**
clear signs that something bad will happen
9. **decisively** /dɪˈsaɪsɪvli/ (both US/UK)
in a way that shows determination and confidence
10. **collective** /kəˈlektɪv/ (both US/UK)
shared by all members of a group
11. **breakthrough** /ˈbreɪkθruː/ (both US/UK)
an important discovery or development
12. **sobering** /ˈsoʊbərɪŋ/ (US) /ˈsəʊbərɪŋ/ (UK)
making you think seriously about something
13. **trajectory** /trəˈdʒektəri/ (both US/UK)
the path that something follows through time
14. **blown the whistle on**
revealed or exposed wrongdoing or problems
15. **alarming** /əˈlɑːrmɪŋ/ (US) /əˈlɑːmɪŋ/ (UK)
causing worry or fear
16. **habitability** /ˌhæbɪtəˈbɪləti/ (both US/UK)
the condition of being suitable for people to live in
17. **wake-up call**
an event that makes you realize you need to take action
18. **sweep under the carpet**
to hide or ignore problems instead of dealing with them
19. **half-hearted** /ˌhæf ˈhɑːrtɪd/ (US) /ˌhɑːf ˈhɑːtɪd/ (UK)
showing little enthusiasm or effort
20. **roll up our sleeves**
to prepare to work hard
21. **get down to business**
to start working seriously
22. **ripple effects**
the continuing results of an event or action
23. **seeping into**
gradually entering or affecting
24. **taking a heavy toll on**
causing serious damage or harm to
25. **undoing** /ʌnˈduːɪŋ/ (both US/UK)
reversing or destroying previous progress
26. **staring down the barrel of**
facing a serious threat or danger
27. **catastrophe** /kəˈtæstrəfi/ (both US/UK)
a sudden event causing great damage
28. **unprecedented** /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ (US) /ʌnˈpresɪdəntɪd/ (UK)
never having happened before
29. **two sides of the same coin**
two aspects of the same situation
30. **burning the midnight oil**
working very late into the night
31. **dig in their heels**
to refuse to change your position or opinion
32. **as clear as day**
completely obvious and easy to understand
33. **uphill battle**
a difficult struggle
34. **hardwired** /ˈhɑːrdwaɪərd/ (US) /ˈhɑːdwaɪəd/ (UK)
naturally programmed to behave in a certain way
35. **cherry-pick**
to choose only the best or most suitable things
36. **turning a blind eye**
deliberately ignoring something
37. **worldview** /ˈwɜːrldvjuː/ (US) /ˈwɜːldvjuː/ (UK)
a person's overall perspective on life and the world
38. **cognitive** /ˈkɑːɡnətɪv/ (US) /ˈkɒɡnətɪv/ (UK)
relating to mental processes of thinking and understanding
39. **inclination** /ˌɪnklɪˈneɪʃn/ (both US/UK)
a tendency to behave in a particular way
40. **perfect storm**
a situation where several bad things happen at the same time
41. **caught between a rock and a hard place**
facing a choice between two equally difficult options
42. **bridge the gap**
to reduce the difference between two things
43. **breaking new ground**
doing something innovative or pioneering
44. **quantum leap**
a sudden large improvement or advance
45. **taking a shot in the dark**
attempting something without much chance of success
46. **precision** /prɪˈsɪʒn/ (both US/UK)
accuracy and exactness
47. **underlying** /ˌʌndərˈlaɪɪŋ/ (US) /ˌʌndəˈlaɪɪŋ/ (UK)
fundamental; forming the basis of something
48. **one-trick pony**
something that can only do one thing well
49. **multifaceted** /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (both US/UK)
having many different aspects
50. **zeroed in on**
focused attention on something specific
51. **hold the key to**
be the most important factor in achieving something
52. **stay the course**
continue with a plan despite difficulties
53. **throw us off track**
cause us to lose focus or direction
54. **roll with the punches**
adapt to difficult situations as they happen
55. **make-or-break**
extremely important for success or failure
56. **far-reaching** /ˌfɑːr ˈriːtʃɪŋ/ (US) /ˌfɑː ˈriːtʃɪŋ/ (UK)
having important consequences over a large area or long time
57. **thinking outside the box**
approaching problems in creative, unconventional ways
58. **weather the storm**
survive a difficult period
59. **putting all eggs in one basket**
relying entirely on one thing
60. **comprehensive** /ˌkɑːmprɪˈhensɪv/ (US) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ (UK)
complete and including everything
61. **hit two birds with one stone**
achieve two goals with one action
62. **wellbeing** /ˈwelbiːɪŋ/ (both US/UK)
the state of being healthy and happy
63. **game-changer**
something that significantly alters a situation
64. **leveled the playing field**
made a situation fair for everyone
65. **avenues** /ˈævənjuːz/ (US) /ˈævənjuːz/ (UK)
ways or methods of approaching something
66. **digital divide**
the gap between those with and without access to technology
67. **hurdle** /ˈhɜːrdl/ (US) /ˈhɜːdl/ (UK)
an obstacle or difficulty
68. **vulnerable** /ˈvʌlnərəbl/ (both US/UK)
easily hurt or influenced
69. **missed the mark**
failed to achieve the intended result
70. **dissemination** /dɪˌsemɪˈneɪʃn/ (both US/UK)
the spreading of information widely
71. **go the extra mile**
make more effort than expected
72. **enabling** /ɪˈneɪblɪŋ/ (both US/UK)
providing the means or opportunity for something
73. **navigate** /ˈnævɪɡeɪt/ (both US/UK)
find a way through or deal with something complex
74. **throw a wrench in the works**
cause problems for a plan
75. **competitive edge**
an advantage over competitors
76. **spawned** /spɔːnd/ (both US/UK)
caused or gave rise to
77. **circular economy**
an economic model based on reuse and recycling
78. **cut costs to the bone**
reduce expenses as much as possible
79. **predicament** /prɪˈdɪkəmənt/ (both US/UK)
a difficult or unpleasant situation
80. **beating around the bush**
avoiding talking directly about something
81. **face the music**
accept responsibility for the consequences of your actions
82. **bequeath** /bɪˈkwiːð/ (both US/UK)
to leave something to someone after death
83. **crystal clear**
completely obvious
84. **status quo**
the existing state of affairs
85. **catastrophic** /ˌkætəˈstrɑːfɪk/ (US) /ˌkætəˈstrɒfɪk/ (UK)
involving sudden great damage
86. **crossroads** /ˈkrɔːsroʊdz/ (US) /ˈkrɒsrəʊdz/ (UK)
a point where important decisions must be made
87. **step up to the plate**
take responsibility when action is needed
88. **bury our heads in the sand**
ignore problems instead of dealing with them
89. **hope against hope**
continue hoping despite little chance of success
90. **unprecedented** /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ (US) /ʌnˈpresɪdəntɪd/ (UK)
never having happened before
91. **bite the bullet**
accept something difficult or unpleasant
92. **incentivize** /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ (both US/UK)
encourage by offering rewards
93. **ruffle some feathers**
upset or annoy people
94. **walk the talk**
do what you say you will do
95. **integrating** /ˈɪntɪɡreɪtɪŋ/ (both US/UK)
combining things so they work together
96. **rise to the occasion**
perform well in a difficult situation
97. **navigate** /ˈnævɪɡeɪt/ (both US/UK)
deal successfully with something complex
98. **disruption** /dɪsˈrʌpʃn/ (both US/UK)
disturbance or interruption
99. **golden opportunity**
an excellent chance to achieve something
100. **reimagine** /ˌriːɪˈmædʒɪn/ (both US/UK)
think about something in a completely new way
101. **weathered** /ˈweðərd/ (both US/UK)
successfully survived difficult conditions
102. **when push comes to shove**
when a situation becomes critical
103. **drag our feet**
deliberately delay doing something
104. **insurmountable** /ˌɪnsərˈmaʊntəbl/ (US) /ˌɪnsəˈmaʊntəbl/ (UK)
too great to overcome
105. **kick the can down the road**
postpone dealing with a problem
106. **transcends** /trænˈsendz/ (both US/UK)
goes beyond the limits of something
107. **moral imperative**
something that must be done for ethical reasons
108. **abundance** /əˈbʌndəns/ (both US/UK)
a large quantity; plenty
109. **scarcity** /ˈskersəti/ (US) /ˈskeəsəti/ (UK)
shortage; insufficient amount
110. **characterized by**
having particular features or qualities
111. **the clock is ticking**
time is running out
112. **relentlessly** /rɪˈlentləsli/ (both US/UK)
without stopping or becoming less intense
113. **paying lip service to**
expressing support without taking real action
114. **hinges on**
depends entirely on
115. **break the mold**
do something in a completely new way
116. **chart a new course**
plan a different direction or approach
117. **resilience** /rɪˈzɪljəns/ (both US/UK)
ability to recover quickly from difficulties
Consonant-to-vowel linking with fronting
Consonant-to-vowel linking is a feature of connected speech in English where a final consonant sound in one word connects smoothly to the initial vowel sound of the next word.
"Fronting" in this context refers to the phonetic adjustment where the articulation of the final consonant moves slightly forward to prepare for a seamless transition into the following vowel.
For example, in the phrase "turn off," the final /n/ in "turn" links seamlessly into the initial /ɒ/ vowel in "off," resulting in the flow [tɜːnɒf] without a noticeable break.
Note: The linking process may cause slight changes in place of articulation, especially for alveolar consonants (/t/, /d/, /n/, /s/, /z/).
"Fronting" often means the tongue is positioned closer to the front of the mouth for a brief moment, facilitating the transition into the vowel.
Examples: “pick up” → [pɪkʌp], “move out” → [muːvaʊt], “leave it” → [liːvɪt]
"Fronting" in this context refers to the phonetic adjustment where the articulation of the final consonant moves slightly forward to prepare for a seamless transition into the following vowel.
For example, in the phrase "turn off," the final /n/ in "turn" links seamlessly into the initial /ɒ/ vowel in "off," resulting in the flow [tɜːnɒf] without a noticeable break.
Note: The linking process may cause slight changes in place of articulation, especially for alveolar consonants (/t/, /d/, /n/, /s/, /z/).
"Fronting" often means the tongue is positioned closer to the front of the mouth for a brief moment, facilitating the transition into the vowel.
Examples: “pick up” → [pɪkʌp], “move out” → [muːvaʊt], “leave it” → [liːvɪt]