Environmental Issues
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EN: The structure 'one of the + superlative adjective + plural noun' is used to identify a specific item as belonging to a group of the highest degree. Note that the noun must be plural.
He is one of the most talented players in the team.
EN: A relative clause starting with 'that' is used here to provide more information about the noun 'challenges'. In this case, 'that' acts as the object of the verb 'faces'.
This is a problem that we need to solve immediately.
EN: In modern global discourse, 'Climate Change' has largely replaced 'Global Warming' to reflect that the phenomenon involves more than just rising temperatures, including extreme weather and shifting patterns.
EN: Present Perfect Continuous Tense (has/have + been + V-ing): Used to describe an action that started in the past and is still continuing in the present, emphasizing the duration or ongoing nature of the process.
It has been raining since this morning.
EN: Prepositional Phrase as Time Adverbial: 'Over the past century' indicates a period of time extending from a point in the past up to the present.
Over the last few years, technology has changed rapidly.
EN: Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle): Used here to describe an action that happened at an unspecified time in the past and has relevance to the present situation.
Researchers have found a new way to save energy.
EN: Noun Clause as Object: The word 'that' introduces a clause (human activities are...) which functions as the direct object of the verb 'discovered'.
I believe that we can protect the environment.
EN: The sentence uses a Zero Conditional structure (When + present simple, present simple) to describe general truths or scientific facts that always happen under certain conditions.
When you heat ice, it melts.
EN: The preposition 'into' is used to show movement or direction toward the inside of something (the atmosphere).
She poured the water into the glass.
EN: Non-restrictive Relative Clause: The word 'which' is used after a comma to add extra information about the entire preceding clause ('This gas traps heat from the sun').
He passed the exam, which surprised everyone.
EN: Causative structure with 'make': The verb 'make' is followed by an object ('the planet') and an adjective ('warmer') to describe a change in state caused by something.
The bright sun makes the room bright.
EN: Passive Voice with Modal Verbs: The structure 'modal verb + be + past participle' is used to show that the subject is receiving an action rather than performing it. Here, 'can be seen' indicates that the effects are visible to people.
The results can be found on our website.
EN: Prepositional Phrases as Modifiers: The phrase 'of climate change' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'effects', specifying what kind of effects are being discussed.
The sound of the ocean is very relaxing.
EN: Present Perfect Continuous Tense (has/have + been + -ing): This tense is used to describe an action that started in the past and is still continuing in the present, emphasizing the duration or ongoing nature of the process.
It has been raining all morning.
EN: Comparative with 'than': Used to compare two things or situations. In this sentence, 'faster than' compares the current speed of melting to the speed that was previously expected.
She runs faster than her brother.
EN: Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle): Used here to describe an action that started in the past and has a result or relevance in the present.
The global temperature has increased significantly over the last decade.
EN: The phrase 'at risk of' is followed by a noun or a gerund (verb+ing) to indicate a situation where something unpleasant might happen.
Many species are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss.
EN: Coastal cities like Venice, Miami, and Bangkok are frequently cited in global discussions about climate change as they are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels.
EN: Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle): Used to describe an action or state that started in the past and continues to the present, or has relevance to the present.
Technology has changed the way we communicate.
EN: Comparative Adjectives (more + adjective): Used to compare two things or states. For adjectives with two or more syllables like 'frequent', we use 'more' before the word.
Online shopping is becoming more popular than traditional shopping.
EN: The term 'extreme weather' is frequently used in global environmental discussions to emphasize that climate change isn't just about gradual warming, but also about the increasing intensity and unpredictability of storms and dry spells.
EN: The word 'especially' is an adverb used to single out one person, thing, or situation above all others to emphasize it.
I love fruit, especially mangoes.
EN: The phrase 'those who' is a relative clause structure where 'those' acts as a plural pronoun and 'who' introduces a clause that describes which people are being referred to.
Those who finish their work early can leave.
EN: The term 'developing countries' is commonly used in international contexts to refer to nations with less industrialization and lower human development index scores, often being the most vulnerable to global issues like climate change.
EN: The structure 'There are + noun + that...' uses a relative clause to describe the noun. In this sentence, 'that ordinary people can do' is a relative clause modifying 'many things'.
There are several books that you should read.
EN: The infinitive 'to help' functions as an adverb of purpose, explaining why the actions are being taken.
I went to the store to buy some milk.
EN: The phrase 'ordinary people' is often used in social and environmental activism to empower individuals, suggesting that you don't need to be a scientist or a politician to make a difference.
EN: The structure 'One of the + superlative adjective + plural noun' is used to identify a single item from a group of items that share a specific quality. Note that the noun must be plural, but the verb (is) must be singular to agree with 'One'.
One of the most important rules is to be on time.
EN: 'Instead of' is a prepositional phrase followed by a gerund (V-ing) or a noun, used to indicate that one action or thing is chosen or happens rather than another.
She decided to walk instead of taking the bus.
EN: Passive Voice (be + past participle): This structure is used when the action is more important than who is performing it. In this sentence, 'are recycled' and 'is used' focus on the processes rather than the people doing them.
The old building was demolished last week.
EN: Adverbial Clause of Time: The sentence starts with 'When', which introduces a condition or a specific time frame for the main action to occur.
When the sun sets, the temperature drops quickly.
EN: The use of 'to + verb' (infinitive) as a subject complement. In this sentence, 'to reduce' follows the linking verb 'is' to define or explain what the 'action' is.
My goal is to travel around the world.
EN: The preposition 'by' followed by a gerund (verb-ing) to express the method or means of doing something.
You can improve your English by reading more books.
EN: The term 'carbon footprint' has become a standard way in English-speaking cultures to discuss individual responsibility regarding climate change. It refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases produced by our actions.
EN: Second Conditional: Used to talk about hypothetical or unlikely situations in the present or future. The structure is 'If + past simple, would + base verb'.
If I had more time, I would travel around the world.
EN: Gerund as Subject: A gerund (verb + -ing) functions as a noun and can serve as the subject of a sentence. It is treated as a singular noun.
Learning a new language takes time and patience.
EN: Modal Verb 'Does not have to': This expression is used to indicate a lack of necessity. It means that something is not required or mandatory.
You do not have to finish the report today.
EN: In modern Western discourse, 'sustainable lifestyle' often refers to conscious consumerism, such as reducing plastic waste and choosing eco-friendly products, which is a growing social trend.
EN: The preposition 'by' followed by a gerund (verb-ing) is used to indicate the method or means by which an action is performed.
You can improve your English by reading more books.
EN: The phrase 'such as' is used to introduce specific examples that belong to a broader category mentioned earlier (in this case, 'saving energy').
I like tropical fruits, such as mangoes and pineapples.
EN: Gerund as Subject: A gerund is the '-ing' form of a verb that functions as a noun. In this sentence, 'Buying local food' acts as the subject of the sentence.
Reading books helps improve your vocabulary.
EN: Subordinating Conjunction 'because': This word is used to introduce a dependent clause that provides a reason or cause for the main action.
She stayed at home because it was raining.
EN: The 'Locavore' movement encourages people to eat food grown within a short distance of where it is consumed, aiming to reduce 'food miles' and support local economies.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle) is used here to describe an action that started in the past and continues to be relevant or true in the present.
They have lived in this city for ten years.
EN: The verb 'start' can be followed by a gerund (V-ing) to indicate the beginning of an activity. Both 'start growing' and 'start to grow' are grammatically correct.
She started learning French last month.
EN: In many Western countries, 'home gardening' or 'allotment gardening' is a popular hobby that combines physical activity with sustainable living. It is seen as a way to reduce one's carbon footprint and ensure food quality.
EN: The correlative conjunction 'both... and...' is used to join two words or phrases of the same grammatical type, emphasizing that two things are included or true.
The movie was both exciting and educational.
EN: The adjective 'good' followed by the preposition 'for' indicates that something has a positive effect or benefit on a person or thing.
Drinking plenty of water is good for your skin.
EN: The phrase 'it is + adjective + to + verb' uses 'it' as a dummy subject (formal subject) to introduce an infinitive phrase that carries the real meaning.
It is important to save water every day.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'but' is used to connect two independent clauses, showing a contrast between the serious problem and the remaining opportunity to act.
The task is difficult, but we can finish it.
EN: The phrase 'In conclusion' is a standard formal transition used in essays and speeches to signal the final point or summary. In environmental discourse, it is common to balance a serious warning with a 'call to action' to encourage the audience.
EN: The modal verb 'must' is used to express strong obligation or necessity. It is followed by the base form of the verb (infinitive without 'to').
All employees must wear a safety helmet in the factory.
EN: The 'to-infinitive' (to + verb) is used here as an adverbial of purpose, answering the question 'why' the action is being performed.
She studied hard to pass the entrance exam.
EN: In modern corporate discourse, 'sustainable solutions' refers not only to environmental protection but also to long-term economic viability and social responsibility (ESG criteria).
EN: The phrasal verb 'add up' means to increase gradually until there is a large amount. When followed by 'over time', it emphasizes the cumulative effect of small actions.
Saving a few dollars every day adds up over time.
EN: The word 'matter' is used here as an intransitive verb meaning 'to be important' or 'to have significance'. It is often used to emphasize the value of something.
Your opinion matters to us.
EN: The First Conditional (If + Present Simple, ... will/can/may + Verb) is used to talk about things that are possible in the future and their likely results.
If you study hard, you can pass the exam.
EN: The phrasal verb 'commit to' is followed by a gerund (V-ing) or a noun, meaning to promise or dedicate oneself to doing something.
She is committed to improving her English skills.
EN: The term 'carbon emissions' is a central concept in global environmental discussions. In many Western countries, reducing one's 'carbon footprint' is seen as a personal moral responsibility.
EN: The phrasal verb 'depend on' means to be determined or conditioned by something. In this sentence, it is used in the present simple tense to state a general fact or truth.
Success depends on your hard work.
EN: The word 'that' introduces a relative clause ('that we make today') which functions as an adjective to modify the noun 'choices'. This specifies which choices are being discussed.
The book that I read yesterday was interesting.
EN: This sentence reflects a common theme in environmental activism: individual agency. It emphasizes that the collective future is not predetermined but is a result of current human decisions.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.
To increase gradually until there is a large amount.
In a situation where something bad or harmful could happen.
To stop a device from functioning by using a switch.
Used to introduce the last part of a speech or a piece of writing.
Natural fuels such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.
Conserving an ecological balance by avoiding depletion of natural resources.
The release of carbon into the atmosphere, especially in the form of carbon dioxide.