IELTS Academic Words: Phrases #1
In a hurry or running out of time.
"Pressed for time, she grabbed a coffee and donut for breakfast on her way to the early meeting."
Experience a lot of fun or enjoyment.
"At the carnival, with all the exhilarating rides and fun games, Lily felt like she was having the time of her life."
Have free time with nothing specific to do.
"Now that she's retired, she has a lot of time on her hands to pursue her gardening hobby."
Very quickly.
"With the new high-speed printer, we can have all our brochures printed in next to no time."
In an extremely short period of time.
"In the blink of an eye, the magician made the entire deck of cards disappear."
Feeling overwhelmed with too many things to do.
"Between working full-time, studying for exams, and trying to maintain a social life, I often feel like there aren't enough hours in the day."
The feeling that time is passing more quickly than one would like.
"It feels like just yesterday we were in high school, time goes so fast, and now we're planning our 20-year reunion."
Act in a way that is generally considered normal or appropriate.
"When attending a formal dinner, it is important to follow accepted behavior, such as using the correct utensils for each course."
Deliberately avoid commonly accepted beliefs or behaviors.
"In their pursuit of an alternative lifestyle, they chose to shun mainstream values and live off the grid."
A way of learning what works by trying different things.
"Learning to code is often a process of trial and error, as finding solutions to problems usually requires multiple attempts and various strategies."
Set a target or goal to strive towards.
"By setting clear goals, such as running a half marathon by the end of the year, you give yourself something to aim for."
Put in a lot of planned and focused effort.
"The entire community made a concerted effort to support the local food bank during the holiday season."
Decide on a specific outcome you want to achieve.
"To improve her health, Maria decided to set herself a goal of walking 10,000 steps every day."
The person who leads the political party opposing the government.
"During the parliamentary debate, the Leader of the Opposition challenged the Prime Minister on the government's foreign policy."
To no longer have the ability to manage or direct something.
"As the icy roads caused the car to skid, the driver started to lose control of the vehicle."
A process that evaluates if someone is eligible for financial aid based on their income.
"The government offers a means-tested program to provide assistance to low-income families struggling to pay for childcare."
Programs designed to support the well-being of individuals in a society.
"The government introduced new social welfare programs to support the underprivileged sections of society."
A state of overall good mental and physical health and comfort in a community.
"Volunteering at the local food bank not only helps the community, but it also greatly contributes to my social well-being."
Something considered essential or highly desirable.
"In today's digital age, a smartphone is considered a must-have item for most people."
A fashion or idea that is popular for a short period.
"Many thought that virtual reality was a passing trend, but it has become an integral part of modern gaming and training simulations."