Idioms for Discussing Change and Progress

The industry has undergone a sea change in the last decade.

Notice

  • The industry has undergone a sea change in the last decade.
  • The company hit the ground running after the merger.
  • Progress has been an uphill battle so far.
  • The new policy marks a turning point for the organisation.

Rule

Idiomatic expressions for change and progress (sea change = dramatic transformation; hit the ground running = start successfully and immediately; uphill battle = a difficult ongoing struggle; turning point = a decisive moment of change) let you discuss abstract processes vividly and naturally — common in business, journalism, and analytical writing.

Practice

  1. Use ‘sea change’: describe a major shift in public opinion.
    Answer: There has been a sea change in public opinion on this issue.
  2. Use ‘hit the ground running’: describe starting a new job successfully.
    Answer: She hit the ground running in her new role.
  3. Use ‘uphill battle’: describe a difficult ongoing effort.
    Answer: Convincing investors has been an uphill battle.
  4. What does ‘a turning point’ mean?
    Answer: A decisive moment after which a situation changes significantly.

Connect

Read texts using idiomatic change/progress language in context.

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CEFR: Reading — understand long, complex texts and appreciate distinctions of style.

Azizul Hakim
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