English Grammar | Verb Collocations They have made a lot of progress in improving working conditions. [correct] They have achieved a lot of progress in improving working conditions. [incorrect] Poor diet in childhood can have a long-term effect on health. [correct] Poor diet in childhood can leave a long-term effect on health. [incorrect] There are many common verb + noun combinations [colocations] in English: make progress : I think the team have made progress this season . make an impression : It is important to make a good first impression . make a difference : We believe we can make a difference to children's lives . make someone | something happy, comfortable, effective etc.: She made her mother very happy with her gift . They put a cushion on the chair to make it more comfortable . With a few changes they made the process much more efficient . have an effect : This incident will have a negative effect on tourism . have time : Retired...

English Grammar | how to use verbs to describe statistics The birth rate has reduced over the past ten years. [incorrect] The birth rate has dropped over the past ten years. [correct] The graph shows a rise in the number of accidents involving cyclists. [correct] The graph represents a rise in the number of accidents involving cyclists. [incorrect] Common verbs used to describe graphs, charts and diagrams include: The chart/graph shows levels of post-school education in four countries. The diagram illustrates/represents the structure of the political system. The chart/graph compares average working hours in the USA and Europe. We can see from the chart/graph that the number of visitors peaks in August. Common verbs to describe figures and statistics include: The statistics/figures suggest that people in rural areas are healthier. The figure will increase further, reaching 6 million in 2020. Demand rose by 48% in just 2 years. [not raised by 48%] Time spe...

English Grammar | how to use adjectives and adverbs This difference can be explained quite easy . [incorrect] This difference can be explained quite easily . [correct] It is clearly that people without money do not have as much freedom. [incorrect] It is clear that people without money do not have as much freedom. [correct] Adjectives are used to describe a noun: Today life is very complicated . (complicated describes the noun life ) To describe a whole idea or situation, we can use: It is + adjective + that-clause or It is + adjective + to + infinitive : It is essential that you bring back all of your books before the end of term. It is important to begin studying several weeks before the exam. Adverbs can be used to describe a verb: We must act quickly . (quickly describes the verb act ) or an adjective : This chart is significantly different . (not significant different) ( significantly is an adverb describing the adjective different ). We use adverbs such a...