10 words
- undermineverb/un-der-MINE/
to gradually make something weaker or less effective
Cheating scandals can seriously undermine the credibility of a sport.
Collocation: undermine confidence · Similar: weaken, erode
- exacerbateverb/ig-ZAS-er-bayt/
to make a problem or bad situation worse
Cutting bus services would only exacerbate the city's traffic problems.
Collocation: exacerbate a problem · Similar: worsen, aggravate
- mitigateverb/MIT-i-gayt/
to reduce how harmful or serious something is
Planting trees along roads can help mitigate the effects of air pollution.
Collocation: mitigate the impact · Similar: lessen, alleviate
- underpinverb/un-der-PIN/
to form the basic support or foundation for an idea
A few key assumptions underpin the entire economic model.
Collocation: underpin a theory · Similar: support, form the basis of
- facilitateverb/fa-SIL-i-tayt/
to make a process or action easier
Ramps and lifts facilitate access for wheelchair users.
Collocation: facilitate learning · Similar: enable, assist
- curtailverb/ker-TAYL/
to limit or cut back something, often by force
The new rules will sharply curtail the use of private jets.
Collocation: curtail spending · Similar: restrict, reduce
- advocateverb/AD-vo-kayt/
to publicly support or recommend a particular policy
Many doctors advocate a tax on sugary drinks.
Collocation: advocate reform · Similar: champion, support
- scrutiniseverb/SKROO-ti-nize/
to examine something very carefully and critically
Journalists should carefully scrutinise the claims made by large corporations.
Collocation: scrutinise the data · Similar: examine, inspect
- fosterverb/FOS-ter/
to encourage the development of a feeling or skill
Team sports can foster a strong sense of belonging among teenagers.
Collocation: foster creativity · Similar: encourage, nurture
- compelverb/kum-PEL/
to force someone to do something
Rising rents compel many young people to live with their parents.
Collocation: feel compelled to · Similar: force, oblige
Grammar check
Choose the right option, then open the answer.
1. The decline in sales can be attributed ___ poor marketing.
to · for · with · on
Show answer
to: 'Attribute' takes 'to': we attribute a result to its cause.
2. Not only ___ the policy reduce emissions, but it also created jobs.
has · did · does · was
Show answer
did: After 'Not only' at the start, invert the auxiliary and subject. Past tense 'did' matches 'created'.
3. The study ___ to have underestimated the risks.
believes · is believed · is believing · has believed
Show answer
is believed: Advanced passive: 'is believed to have + past participle' reports a common view about something in the past.
4. It is essential that every claim ___ carefully scrutinised.
was · has · will · be
Show answer
be: After 'It is essential that', formal English uses the subjunctive: the base form 'be'.
5. The researchers focused ___ the factors that underpin student motivation.
in · at · on · about
Show answer
on: The verb 'focus' is followed by 'on'.
Use the words: speaking questions
- To what extent can governments foster a culture of lifelong learning?
- Do you think social media undermines or strengthens public debate? Why?
- What measures could mitigate the negative effects of tourism on historic cities?
Answer them out loud with Dodo in the app for a band and better versions of your answers.