Talking about Problems and Difficulties
- Deal with – handle a problem
Many young people struggle to deal with stress. - Run into – encounter unexpectedly
I sometimes run into problems when working in a team. - Sort out – solve or organize
We need to sort out the environmental issues. - Get over – recover from something difficult
It can take time to get over failure. - Work through – gradually solve
People need time to work through personal problems.
Talking about Change or Development
- Bring about – cause something to happen
Technology has brought about major changes in education. - Carry out – perform or conduct
Scientists carry out research to solve global problems. - Move forward – make progress
Society needs to move forward and adopt greener solutions. - Build on – develop further
We should build on previous experiences. - Turn into – become something else
A hobby can eventually turn into a career.
Talking about Starting or Stopping
- Set up – start something (business, system)
Many young people want to set up their own businesses. - Take up – start a new activity
More people are taking up healthy lifestyles. - Give up – stop doing something
Some people give up too easily. - Cut down on – reduce
We should cut down on plastic use. - Phase out – gradually stop
Governments should phase out fossil fuels.
Talking about Relationships and Social Interaction
- Get along with – have a good relationship
It’s important to get along with colleagues. - Look up to – admire
Many teenagers look up to celebrities. - Fall out with – argue and stop being friendly
Friends sometimes fall out over small issues. - Catch up with – talk after time apart
I enjoy catching up with old friends. - Reach out to – contact or offer help
People should reach out to those who need support.
Talking about Ideas and Thinking
- Figure out – understand or solve
Scientists are trying to figure out how to solve climate change. - Point out – mention something important
Experts often point out the risks of social media. - Bring up – mention or introduce a topic
The issue of mental health is often brought up. - Come up with – produce an idea
We need to come up with innovative solutions. - Think over – consider carefully
People should think over important decisions.
Talking about Success and Failure
- Carry on – continue
Even after failure, you should carry on trying. - Stand out – be noticeable or different
Creativity helps people stand out in the job market. - End up – finally reach a situation
If you work hard, you may end up achieving your goals. - Pay off – bring good results
Hard work eventually pays off. - Miss out on – lose an opportunity
Students shouldn’t miss out on international experiences.
Example C1–C2 Answer Using Several of These
“Technology has brought about huge changes in the way we communicate. On the one hand, it helps people catch up with friends easily. On the other hand, some people end up spending too much time online instead of interacting face to face. I think we need to figure out how to use technology in a balanced way.”
