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Road to Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination

Writing notes (6) (常用詞語和片語)

意思 詞語/片語

重要 1. n. / v.+ing + is + (very) important/significant/crucial/critical/vital …是重要的

important (adj.) Example: Exercising regularly is very important.
significant (adj.) Example: To prevent infectious diseases, personal hygiene is crucial.
crucial (adj.) Example: Tourism is very significant in Hong Kong’s economy.
critical (adj.)
vital (adj.) 2. It is + important/significant/crucial/critical /vital + to + v. 做…是重要的
Example: It is important to toughen the penalties on the offenders of drink driving.
Example: It is crucial to integrate ethnic minorities into our society.
Example: It is critical to increase Hong Kong people’s sense of belonging to mainland
China.

3. It is + important/significant/crucial/critical/vital + for sbdy + + to + v.

對..來說，做…是重要的
Example: It is important for the police to strike a balance between freedom of
expression and social order.
Example: It is significant for the government to increase the number of university places
for local students.
Example: It is crucial for the government to implement waste charging as soon as
possible.

忽略 1. Sbdy + neglect / overlook / ignore / disregard + sthg 忽略

neglect (v.) Example: It is clear that our society neglects the rights of foreign domestic workers.
overlook (v.) Example: Many countries have overlooked the potential of renewable power resources.
ignore (v.) Example: Because of hectic lifestyle, parents often ignore the needs of their children.
disregard (v.) Example: The government has disregarded public opinion and rejected HKTV’s
application for a free TV licence.

冷漠 2. Sbdy + is + indifferent / apathetic + to + sthg 冷漠

indifferent (adj.) Example: The government was indifferent to the plight of the poor.
apathetic (adj.) Example: Many schools are apathetic to the psychological needs of students.
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視而不見 1. Sbdy turns a blind eye to sthg 視而不見

turn a blind eye to Example: The government has turned a blind eye to the animal abuse problem.

充耳不聞 2. Sthg falls on deaf ears 充耳不聞

fall on deaf ears Example: In the consultation over landfill expansion, the concerns of Tseung Kwan of
residents have fallen on deaf ears.

不顧 1. Regardless of + n., SVO. 不顧

Regardless of (+ / -) SVO + regardless of + n.
without regard to (+/-) Without regard to + n., + SVO
SVO + without regard to + n.
Example: Regardless of serious knee injury, Kobe Bryant insisted on playing the game.
Example: The Chinese government demolishes many old buildings without regard to
the opposition of residents.

漠視
2. In disregard of + n. , + SVO 漠視
In disregard of (-)
SVO + in disregard of + n.
Example: The government plans to develop northeast New Territories in disregard of
the risk of the project.

受歡迎 1. Sthg is / are + more and more popular …越來越受歡迎

popular (adj.) Example: Dating shows are more and more popular in Hong Kong.

2. Sthg is / are getting more and more popular …越來越受歡迎

Example: Costume play is getting more and more popular among teenagers.

普及 3. Sthg is/are gaining popularity …越來越受歡迎

popularity (n.) Example: Singing contests, like the Voice of the Stars are gaining popularity in Hong
Kong.

4. Sthg + has led to / has resulted in / has caused + the popularity of + sthg
...導致…的流行
Example: The exam-oriented culture in Hong Kong has led to the popularity of
tutorial classes.
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廣泛使用 1. Sthg + has led to / has resulted in / has caused + the widespread use of + sthg
the widespread use of ...導致…的廣泛使用
(n. phrase) Example: The invention of smartphones has resulted in the widespread use of
communicative applications like Whatsapp and Wechat.

2. The widespread use of + sthg + v.

…的廣泛使用…
Example: The widespread use of credit cards among university students has raised
concerns about their spending habits.

著名 1. Sthg / Sbdy is famous / reputable / renowned / well-known / noted for

famous (adj.) + n. / v. +ing ...因…著名
reputable (adj.) Example: The movie industry in Hong Kong is famous for its kung-fu movies.
renowned (adj.) Example: The Mass Transit Railway system is reputable for its reliability.
well-known (adj.) Example: Hong Kong people are renowned for their persistence and hard work.
noted (adj.) Example: The country parks in Hong Kong are well-known for their beauty.

臭名遠播 1. Sthg / Sbdy is notorious / infamous for + + n. / v. +ing …因…臭名遠播

notorious (adj.) Example: Confucianism is notorious for stifling the creativity of people.
infamous (adj.) Example: Mainland tourists are infamous for their uncivilized behavior.

被譽為 1. Sthg / Sbdy is known as / hailed as / acclaimed as sthg …被譽為…

known as (v.) Example: Hong Kong is known as Pearl of the Orient.
hailed as (v.) Example: Hong Kong is hailed as a shopping paradise.
acclaimed as (v.) Example: Hong Kong is acclaimed as a gourmet paradise.

被視為 2. Sthg / Sbdy is regarded as sthg …被視為…

regarded as Example: In Hong Kong, excellent academic performance is regarded as the key to
success.
小心 1. Sbdy should look out / watch out …應該小心
look out for (v. phrase) Example: The floor is slippery. You should look out.
watch out for (v. phrase) 2. Sbdy should look out for / watch out for sthg …應該小心…
Example: In summer, we should watch out for flies and mosquitoes because they can
easily spread diseases.
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小心 1. Sbdy should be + careful of + sthg / sbdy …應該小心…

careful (adj.) Example: We should be careful of the latest computer virus.

beware (v.) 2. Sbdy should + beware of + sthg / sbdy …應該小心…

Example: When we go shopping in Mong Kok, we should beware of pickpockets.
缺乏 1. Sbdy / Sthg + lacks + sthg …缺乏…
lack (v.) Example: Hong Kong lacks world-class stadiums and gymnasiums.
Example: In the 1950s and the 1960s, the children in Hong Kong lacked food and
entertainment.

2. Sthg is/are lacking …缺乏

Example: Financial assistance for the poor is lacking in Hong Kong.
Example: Sports activities are lacking in the schools in Hong Kong.

lack (n.) 3. Sbdy / Sthg + is/are + in lack of + Sthg …缺乏…

shortage (n.) Example: Hong Kong is in lack of facilities for cultural activities like dancing and
dearth (n.) Cantonese operas.
Example: Many teenagers in Hong Kong are in lack of determination to succeed.

4. There is + a lack of / a shortage of / a dearth of sthg …缺乏

Example: There is a lack of high-quality singers in Hong Kong.
Example: There is a shortage of housing supply in Hong Kong.
Example: There is a dearth of support for the victims of domestic violence.

deficient (adj.)
5. Sbdy / Sthg + is /am/are/was/were + deficient + in + n.
Example: Hong Kong is deficient in natural resources.

Without (prep)
6. Without / In the absence of / + n., + SVO …缺乏, …
In the absence of (ph.)
Example: Without standard working hours, the workload of Hong Kong workers is
heavy.
Example: In the absence of legislation, it is difficult to alleviate light pollution.
Devoid of (ph.)
In dearth of (ph.)
7. Sbdy / Sthg + is / are + devoid of / in dearth of + Sthg …缺乏
Example: Hong Kong is devoid of inspiring and educational TV dramas.
Example: Hong Kong students are in dearth of creativity and problem-solving skills.
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足夠 1. There is (not) / are (not) + enough + n. 有足夠的…

enough (adj.) There is (not) / are (not) + ample + n.
ample (adj.) There is (not) / are (not) + sufficient + n.
sufficient (adj.) Example: There is not retirement protection in Hong Kong.
Example: There is ample rainfall in Indonesia.
Example: There are not sufficient facilities for the physically-disabled in Hong Kong.

2. Sbdy + (do not/does not / did not) + has / have + enough + n. 某人有足夠的..

Sbdy + (do not/does not / did not) + has / have + ample+ n.

Sbdy + (do not/does not / did not) + has / have + sufficient + n.
Example: The children in Hong Kong have enough food and entertainment.
Example: The athletes in Hong Kong do not have enough resources.
Example: The schools in Hong Kong do not have sufficient facilities for extra-curricular
activities.

3. Sbdy + (do not/does not / did not) + has / have + enough + n. + to + v.

Sbdy + (do not/does not / did not) + has / have + ample+ n. + to + v.
Sbdy + (do not/does not / did not) + has / have + sufficient + n. + to + v.
某人有足夠的..去..
Example: Many poor children do not have enough financial support to perform well in
schools and change their destiny.
Example: Our society is increasingly materialistic. Many people have ample money to
replace their smartphones frequently.
Example: Hong Kong does not have sufficient tourist destinations to attract tourists
from around the world.

不足 1. There + is/are + insufficient + n.

Example: There is insufficient protection against copyright infringement in Hong Kong.
insufficient (adj.)

2. Sbdy + has / have + insufficient + n.

Example: The workers in Hong Kong have insufficient holidays.

3. Sbdy + has / have + insufficient + n. + to + v.

Example: African countries have insufficient advanced technology to develop their
economies.
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有助 1. Sbdy / Sthg + helps sbdy + (to) + do + sthg …幫助某人做某事

help (v.) Example: A balanced diet helps us strengthen our body.
Example: Mr. Yu helps Ka Yi to study English.
Example: The construction of public housing estates in the 1950s helped many Hong
Kong people to improve their living conditions.
使 1. Sbdy / Sthg + makes sbdy + do + sthg …使某人做某事
make (v.)  made Example: The success story of Kobe Bryant makes Mr. Yu work hard.
Example: The minimum wage makes many workers in Hong Kong benefit.
Example: The devastating typhoon made many people lose their lives.

2. Sbdy / Sthg + makes sbdy + adj. 使某人感到…

Example: Heavy schoolwork makes many Hong Kong students frustrated.
Example: Repeated food safety scandals make many people distrustful of the food
made in China.
Example: Winning gold medals in the World Cycling Championship and a bronze
medal in the London Olympics made Lee Wai-sze proud.
使 … 能夠 1. Sbdy / Sthg + enables sbdy + to + do + sthg …使某人能夠做某事
enable (v.) Sbdy / Sthg + allows sbdy + to + do + sthg …使某人能夠做某事
allow (v.) Example: Social-networking websites enable people to make many friends.
Example: The open-door policy of China enabled Hong Kong to accelerate economic
development.
Example: Exchange programmes allow students to learn about different foreign
cultures.
Example: Liberal Studies allow students to develop their logical thinking and critical
thinking skils.

讓 1. Sbdy / Sthg + lets sbdy + do + sthg …讓某人做某事

let (v. )  let Example: Because Ka Yi was so sleepy, Mr. Yu let her take a rest.
Example: Parents should let their children participate in more extra-curricular
activities.
Example: At the end of the English lesson, the teacher let her students ask some
questions.
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隨著 1. With + n. , + SVO 隨著…, …

With (prep) Following + n. , + SVO
Following (conj.) Example: With rising youth unemployment, countries in the world should enhance
vocational training for youngsters.
Example: Following the Sars epidemic, Hong Kong adopted the Individual Travellers’
Scheme and allowed more mainland tourists to visit Hong Kong.

緊記 1. Sbdy should remember that + SVO…應該緊記 …

remember (v.) Sbdy should bear in mind that + SVO
bear in mind (v. ph.) Example: We should remember that the elderly made a lot of contributions to Hong
Kong when they were young.
Example: The mass media should bear in mind that they should not invade the
privacy of celebrities.

2. It should be remembered that + SVO 應該緊記

It should be borne in mind that + SVO

Example: It should be remembered that aging population will undermine the
productivity of Hong Kong.
Example: It should be borne in mind that more competition will lead to higher quality
of television programmes in Hong Kong.

承認 1. Sbdy should admit that + SVO …應該承認 …

admit (v.) Sbdy should acknowledge that + SVO
acknowledge (v.) Sbdy should recognize that + SVO
recognize (v.) Example: We should admit that the quality of local movies and songs is declining.
Example: The government should recognize that it is not doing a good job in helping
poor children.
2. It should be admitted that + SVO 應該承認
It should be acknowledged that + SVO
It should be recognize that + SVO
Example: While Internet slang is funny, it should be admitted that it may be indecent
and compromise our communication skills.
Example: Many teachers in Hong Kong are conscientious and enthusiastic about
nurturing students. Nevertheless, it should be recognized that the moral standard of
some of the teachers is far from satisfactory.
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值得留意 1. Sthg is worth noting. …值得留意

worth noting (ph.) Sthg is noteworthy.
noteworthy (adj.) Example: The deteriorating teenage drug abuse problem is worth noting.
Example: The increasing number of socially withdrawn youths is noteworthy.

2. It is worth noting that + SVO …值得留意

It is noteworthy that + SVO
Example: It is worth noting that materialism has made many youngsters obsessed
with luxury goods.
Example: It is noteworthy that many children in Hong Kong are spoilt by their
parents. This will be harmful to their future growth.
再不 1. Sbdy / Sthg + no longer + v. …再不…
no longer (ph.) Example: China no longer relies on agriculture.
Example: The public no longer trust the government.

2. Sbdy / Sthg + is / are + no longer + adj. …再不…

Example: With the advent of the Internet, international communication is no longer
costly and difficult.

3. Sbdy / Sthg + is / are + no longer + n. …再不是…

Example: Industry is no longer the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s economy.
Example: Watching television is no longer the only entertainment of Hong Kong
people.
不斷的 1. repeated / continuous / incessant / endless / ceaseless + n. 不斷的..
repeated (adj.) Example: Repeated failures have made many students hopeless.
continuous (adj.) Example: Incessant noise has irritated the residents nearby.
incessant (adj.) Example: Endless conflicts will slow down the economic development of Hong Kong.
endless (adj.)
ceaseless (adj.) 2. n. + has + repeatedly / continuously / incessantly / endlessly / ceaselessly + p.p.
n. + has + p.p. + repeatedly / continuously / incessantly / endlessly / ceaselessly
不斷地..
Example: The government has repeatedly emphasized that the development of
northeast New Territories is beneficial to the future of Hong Kong.
Example: The divorce rate in Hong Kong has increased continuously.
Example: Ka Yi ceaselessly shouted, “I am hungry! I want to eat rice!
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期望 1. Sbdy + has / have + high expectations + of + sbdy / sthg …對…有高期望

expectations (n.) Example: Parents in Hong Kong have high expectations of their children. Therefore,
they force them to join different kinds of courses.

2. n. + comes / came up to the expectations + of + sbdy …達到…的期望

n. + lives / lived up to the expectations + of + sbdy
n. + does not come / did not come up to the expectations + of + sbdy
n. + does not live / did not live up to the expectations + of + sbdy
…不能達到…的期望
Example: His academic results come up to his expectations.
Example: The poverty alleviation measures of the government did not live up to the
expectations of welfare groups.

3. Sbdy + v. + sthg to + come up to the expectations of sbdy …做…達到期望

Sbdy + v. + sthg to + live up to the expectations of sbdy

Example: Many students in Hong Kong are working very hard to come up to the
expectations of their parents.

4. n. + falls short of / fell short of + the expectations of sbdy

n. + is / was unable to meet + the expectations of sbdy
…不能達到…的期望
Example: The effectiveness of the mother tongue policy fell short of the expectations
of the government.
不是…而是 1. Instead of + v. + ing, + SVO 不是…而是
instead of (ph.) SVO + instead of + v. + ing
rather than (ph.) Example: Instead of regretting and grumbling about ourselves, we should work hard
every day to prepare for the HKDSE.
Example: We should care about neighbours and strangers instead of ignoring them.

2. Rather than + v. + ing, + SVO 不是…而是

SVO + rather than + v. + ing

Example: Rather than wasting money, space exploration improves our living standard.
Example: We should provide support for the disabled rather than discriminating
against them.
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代價 1. SVO + at the expense of + n. 做了一件事以…為代價

expense (n.) Example: China blindly pursued economic development at the expense of the
cost (n.) environment and cultural heritage.

2. SVO at all costs 不惜任何代價做了一件事

Example: Many parents in Hong Kong are willing to enhance their children’s academic
results at all costs.

通過 1. By + v. + ing / n. + n. , SVO 通過..達到目的

by (prep) SVO + by + v. + ing / n.
through (prep) Example: By participating in sports, we can cultivate our sportsmanship.
Example: Some universities try to win fame by admitting child prodigies.

2. Through + v. + ing / n. + n. , SVO 通過..達到目的

SVO + through + v. + ing / n.
Example: Through graffiti, teenagers express their frustration with their life and society.
Example: As Hong Kong is a free society, the public can vent their dissatisfaction and
anger with the government through staging protests.

最近 1. Recently, + SVO 最近 …
recently (adv.) SVO + recently
lately (adv.) Example: Recently, the online sale of fake goods has increased.
Example: Some mainland scholars have discussed the feasibility of abolishing the one-
child policy in China recently.

2. Lately, + SVO 最近 …

SVO + lately
Example: Lately the police have arrested 60 members of several triad societies.
Example: The lack of places in kindergartens for the coming academic year has raised
public concerns lately.
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現在 1. Now, + SVO 現在 …
Now (adv.) SVO + now
Nowadays (adv.) Example: Now, obesity is a very serious issue in the world.
At present (adv.) Example: High-tech products are indispensable in our daily life now.

2. Nowadays, + SVO 現在 …
SVO + nowadays
Example: Nowadays, micro-blogging is very popular in China.
Example: With the widespread use of the Internet, cyber-bullying is increasingly common
nowadays.

3. At present, + SVO 現在 …

SVO + at present
Example: At present, sixty demonstrators are sitting outside the government
headquarters and protesting against its rejection of HKTV’s application of a free TV
licence.
Example: Euthanasia is illegal in Hong Kong at present.

將來 1. In the future, + SVO 將來…..

In the future SVO + in the future
Example: In the future, the population in China will decrease.
Example: The divorce rate will continue to soar in the future thanks to the rise of
individualism and the decline of traditional family value.

即將 2. SVO + soon 即將…

Soon Example: Brazil will host the Soccer World Cup and the Olympic Games soon. Therefore,
it is constructing stadiums and transportation facilities in full swing.

越快越好 3. SVO + as soon as possible …越快越好

as soon as possible Example: The government should prohibit smoking in all entertainment venues as soon
as possible.
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同一時間，然而 1. SVO. + At the same time, + SVO. …同一時間…

at the same time n. + and + n. + v. + at the same time
in the meantime Example: A good teacher should be strict. At the same time, he should care about his
students’ feelings.
Example: Ka Yi and Shiro are sleeping at the same time.

2. SVO. + In the meantime, + SVO. …同一時間…

Example: It is understandable for the government to carry out reclamation to tackle the
lack of land of supply. But in the meantime, it should protect the habitat of marine
animals.

支持 1. Sbdy + supports + sbdy/sthg …支持…

support (v.) Example: Environmentalists support legislations to cope with light pollution.
in favour of (ph.) Example: She needs to support her family. Therefore, she is working very hard.

2. Sbdy + is/are in favour of + sbdy/sthg …支持…

Example: The public are in favour of standard working hours so that they can enjoy
work-life balance.

同意、贊成 3. Sbdy + agrees + with + Sbdy A 君同意 B 君

agree (v.) Example: The democrats do not agree with CY Leung. They believe that universal
approve of (v.) retirement protection is essential in our society.

4. Sbdy + agrees + to + sthg/v. + ing A 君同意某事

Example: As most athletes can earn very little income, many people agree to the
commercialization of sports.

5. Sbdy + agrees + to + v. + sthg A 君同意做某事

Example: The government agreed to stall the implementation of national education
due to widespread public opposition.

6. Sbdy + approves of + sthg A 君贊成/批准某事

Example: Most employees in Hong Kong approve of five-day working weeks.
Example: The principal approved of the proposal to build a new gymnasium in the
school.
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反對 1. Sbdy + opposes + sthg/v.+ing 某人反對某事

oppose (v.) Example: Some people oppose compulsory drug-testing in secondary schools as this
object to (v. ph.) will invade the privacy of students.

2. Sbdy + objects to + sthg/v.+ing 某人反對某事

Example: The Chinese government objects to abolishing capital punishment because
it can serve as a deterrent against criminals.

不贊成 3. Sbdy + disagree with + sbdy 某人不贊同某人

disagree (v.) Example: The residents disagreed with the government. They pointed out that it
disapprove of (v. ph.) should not replace recreational facilities with public housing.

4. Sbdy + disagree to + sthg/v.+ing 某人不贊成某事

Example: Many people disagree to building more incinerators in Hong Kong as they
emit toxic substances and pollute the environment.

5. Sbdy + disagrees + to + v. + sthg A 君不贊成做某事

Example: CY Leung disagreed to make any compromises despite the mass protest.

6. Sbdy + disapproves of + sthg A 君不贊成/不批准某事

Example: The legislators disapproved of the government’s plan to expand the landfills
in Tsueng Kwan O, Ta Ku Ling and Tuen Mun.

7. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + opposed+ to sthg/v.+ing 某人反對某事

反對
Example: Many people in the Chinese society are very conservative. For example,
opposed (adj.)
they are opposed to organ transplant.
against (prep.)

8. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + against+ to sthg/v.+ing 某人反對某事

Example: Employers in Hong Kong are against raising the minimum wage to $35 per
hour because this will increase their production cost.

批評
1. Sbdy + criticizes + sthg/sbdy 某人反對某事
criticize (v.)
Example: A famous columnist recently criticized the local music industry.
critical (adj.)
2. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were+ critical of + sthg/sbdy 某人反對某事
Example: Employers are critical of the attitude of the Post-80s.
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堅持 1. Sbdy + insists on + v. + ing / n. 某人堅持做某事

insist on (v. ph.) Example: The drink-driver insisted on his innocence.
persist in (v. ph.)
2. Sbdy + persists in + v. + ing / n. 某人堅持做某事
Example: Despite coughing and sneezing ceaselessly, Mr. Yu persisted in working
16 hours a day and completing the essay.

忙於 1. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + busy + v. + ing 某人忙於做某事

busy (adj.) Example: Many sixth-formers are busy preparing for the HKDSE next year.
occupied (adj.) Example: The government is busy formulating policies to help the poor.
occupy (v.)
2. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + busy + with + n. 某人忙於某事
Example: A lot of Hong Kong people are busy with their work and ignore the well-
being of their children.

3. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + occupied+ with + n. 某人忙於某事

Example: They are occupied with their rehearsal for the dancing performance in
December.

4. Sbdy + occupies + oneself in v. + ing / n. 某人忙於某事

Example: Bill Gates has occupied himself in philanthropic work.

專心於 1. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + immersed+ in + v. + ing / n. 某人專心於某事

immersed in (adj.) Example: After being a member of Doctors Without Borders, he is immersed in
absorbed in (adj.) curing the patients in Africa.
engrossed in (adj.) 2. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + absorbed+ in + v. + ing / n. 某人專心於某事
dedicated to (adj.) Example: Lee Wai-sze is absorbed in achieving excellent results in international
committed to (adj.) cycling competitions.
3. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + engrossed+ in + v. + ing / n. 某人專心於某事
Example: Many teachers are respectable because they are engrossed in nurturing
the next generation.
4. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + dedicated + to + v. + ing / n. 某人專心於某事
Example: Martin Luther King was dedicated to eliminating racial discrimination.
5. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + committed+ to + v. + ing / n. 某人專心於某事
Example: Mr. Yu is committed to teaching Ka Yi.
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沉迷於 1. Sbdy + indulge + in + v. + ing / n. 某人沉迷做某事

indulge in (v.) Example: Many non-engaged youths indulge in playing online games.
obsessed with (adj.)
preoccupied with 2. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + obsessed+ with + v. + ing / n. 某人沉迷做某事
(adj.) Example: Hong Kong people are obsessed with money and fame.
addicted to (adj.)
hooked on (adj.) 3. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + preoccupied+ with + v. + ing / n. 某人沉迷做某事
Example: Since the invention of smartphones, a lot of people have been preoccupied
with chatting with their friends through Whatsapp.

4. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + addicted+ to + v. + ing / n. 某人沉迷做某事

Example: He is addicted to drugs. As a result, his health is deteriorating.

5. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + addicted+ to + v. + ing / n. 某人沉迷做某事

Example: Mr. Leung is a pathological gambler. He has been hooked on horse racing
and soccer betting for five years.

害怕 1. Sbdy + fears + that + SVO 某人害怕某事會發生

fear (v.) Example: Many sixth-formers fear that they cannot enter university.
afraid (adj.) 2. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + afraid + that + SVO 某人害怕某事會發生
frightened (adj.) Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + frightened + that + SVO 某人害怕某事會發生
terrified (adj.) Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + terrified + that + SVO 某人害怕某事會發生
Example: The government is afraid that soaring property prices will result in public
anger and social instability.
3. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + afraid of + sbdy / sthg 某人害怕某人/某事
Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + frightened of + sbdy / sthg 某人害怕某人/某事
Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + terrified of + sbdy / sthg 某人害怕某人/某事
Example: Middle-aged employees are afraid of unemployment.
Example: Many students are frightened of failures.
4. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + afraid of + being + adj. 某人害怕會…
Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + frightened of + being + adj. 某人害怕會…
Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + terrified of + being + adj. 某人害怕會…
Example: Many girls are afraid of being overweight.
Example: The elderly are terrified of being lonely.
 16

關心 1. Sbdy + cares about + sbdy / sthg 某人關心某人/某事

care about (v.) Example: We should care about our parents.
Example: We should care about the welfare of animals.
Example: Our society does not care about the tribulations of the ethnic minorities.
Example: Teenagers in Hong Kong do not care about current affairs.

擔憂、關注 2. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + concerned about + sbdy / sthg 某人關注某人/某事

concerned about (adj.) Example: The Spanish government is concerned about the youth unemployment
concern (n.) problem in the country.
Example: The public are concerned about the plight of Guo Binbin, who became blind
after his eyes had been gouged out by his aunt.

3. Sbdy + shows concern for + sbdy / sthg 某人關注某人/某事

Example: Hong Kong people showed concern for the victims of the Sichuan earthquake
and donated millions of money to them.

充滿人/物 1. 地方 + is/am/are/was/were + full of + sthg / sbdy (…充滿人/物)

full of (adj.) 地方+ is/am/are/was/were + filled with + sthg / sbdy
filled with (adj.) 地方+ is/am/are/was/were + crammed with + sthg / sbdy
crammed with (adj.) 地方+ is/am/are/was/were + packed with + sthg / sbdy
packed with (adj.) Example: During the golden week, the tourist destinations in Hong Kong were full of
mainland tourists.
Example: Korean dramas are full of romantic scenes.
Example: Before the restriction of milk powder export, MTR stations were crammed
with parallel traders.
Example: When Girls’ Generation arrived in Hong Kong, the airport was crammed with
crazy fans.

擠滿人 2. 地方 + is/am/are/was/were + crowded with + sbdy 擠滿人

crowded with (adj.) Example: During rush hours, MTR stations are crowded with office workers.
Example: During the firework displays, the waterfront along the Victoria Harbour is
crowded with people.
 17

留心、關心 1. Sbdy + pays attention 某人關心(問題)

pay attention to (ph.) Example: Compensated dating has deteriorated in recent years. Parents, schools and
focus one’s attention the government should pay attention (to the problem) and educate teenage girls about
on (ph.) the harmful effects of premature sexual behaviour.

2. Sbdy + pays attention to + sbdy / sthg 某人留心某事

Example: When our guest is speaking, we should pay attention to his speech.
Example: The students in the school do not pay attention to their teachers and always
play with their smartphones.

3. Sbdy + focus one’s attention on + sbdy / sthg 某人留心/關心某人 / 某事

Example: The government should focus its attention on the aging population problem
and propose long-term measures to maintain the competitiveness of Hong Kong.
Example: Teachers should focus their attention on the underperformers and provide
more assistance for them.

留心、注意 1. Sbdy +takes note of + sthg 某人注意 某事

take note of (v.) Example: The government should take note of constructive criticism and strive to
pay heed to (v.) improve its performance.

2. Sbdy +pays heed to + sthg 某人注意 某事

Example: Ka Yi must pay heed to Mr. Yu’s advice and avoid committing the same
mistakes next time

適合 1. suitable + n.
suitable for (adj.) appropriate + n.
appropriate for (adj.) Example: It is difficult to find a suitable English tutorial teacher.
Example: Sixth-formers need to think twice when they choose appropriate university
programmes.

2. Sthg + is/am/are/was/were (not) + suitable for + sbdy (to + v.) 某物適合某人

Sthg + is/am/are/was/were + (not) appropriate for + sbdy (to + v.)

Example: Many Chinese cities are highly polluted. They are not suitable for people
with respiratory diseases to live in.
Example: This exercise book is exam-oriented. It is appropriate for sixth formers.
 18

花時間 1. Sbdy spends time + v. + ing sthg 某人花時間做某事

spend time (v.) Example: Ka Yi spent three hours dancing.
 spent time Example: Parents should spend more time communicating with their children.
Example: The residents in Tin Shui Wai need to spend a long time commuting from home to
work every day.
Example: Beijing spent seven years preparing for the 2008 Olympics.

2. Sbdy spends time + on + sthg

Example: Under the 334 curriculum, senior secondary students spend a lot of time on other
learning experiences.
Example: In order to enter the Chinese University, Mr. Yu spent long hours on his academic
studies every day.

3. Sbdy spends time + with + sthg 某人花時間做某事

Example: Parents should spend more time with their children.
Example: Government officials should spend more time with the grassroots.

take time to (v.) 1. Sthg takes time to + v. 某事花時間去做

 took time to
Example: It takes four years to finish a university degree in Hong Kong.
Example: The reconstruction of Fukushima will take many years to complete.

花錢 1. Sbdy spends money + v. + ing sthg 某人花錢做某事

spend money (v.) Example: According to an advertisement, parents need to spend 4 million dollars bringing
 spent money up a child.
Example: Hong Kong spends billions of dollars treating smoking-related diseases every year.
Example: Nowadays, teenagers spend a lot of pocket money buying luxury products.

2. Sbdy spends money + on + sthg 某人花錢在某事

Example: With a view to preparing the HKDSE, some sixth-formers spend thousands of
dollars on tutorial classes every month.
Example: China spends billions of dollars on research and development annually.

cost money (v.) 3. It + costs money + to + v. 某事花錢

Example: It costs $168,400 to complete a university degree.
 19

取消 1. Sbdy cancel sthg 某人取消某事

cancel (v.) Example: The government should not cancel the export restriction of milk powder because of
 cancelled its limited supply.

廢除 2. Sbdy abolish sthg 某人廢除某事

abolish (v.) Example: Since the 20th century, many countries have abolished capital punishment.

廢除 3. Sbdy do away with sthg 某人廢除某事

do away with (v.) Example: China should do away with the one-child policy to alleviate the problem of
declining birth rate.

調查 1. Sbdy investigate sthg 某人調查某事

investigate (v.) Example: The police are investigating the murder.

調查 2. Sbdy look into sthg 某人調查某事

look into (v.) Example: The Chinese government will look into the latest cases of H7N9 and consider what
they should do to prevent the spread of the virus.
照顧 1. Sbdy take care of sbdy 某人照顧某人
take care of (v.) Example: We should take care of the elderly and let them enjoy a comfortable life.
 took care of
照顧 2. Sbdy care for sbdy 某人照顧某人
care for (v.) Example: The Chinese government does not care for the rural migrants.

照顧 3. Sbdy look after sbdy 某人照顧某人

look after (v.) Example: In Japan, many women resign from their jobs to look after their children.
視為 1. Sthg / Sbdy + is / are viewed as sthg 某人/物被視作…
viewed as Example: Tourism is viewed as the pillar of Hong Kong’s economy.

視為 2. Sthg / Sbdy + is / are regarded as sthg 某人/物被視作…

regarded as Example: In Hong Kong, excellent results in examinations are regarded as the key to success.

視為 3. Sthg / Sbdy + is / are considered to be sthg 某人/物被視作…

considered to be Example: In many Catholic countries, homosexuality is considered to be immoral.
 20

自豪 1. Sbdy + is proud of + sthg / v. + ing 某人為某事自豪

proud of (adj.) Example: Lee Wai-see is proud of winning a bronze medal in the 2012 London Olympics.

自豪 2. Sbdy + take pride in + sthg / v. + ing 某人為某事自豪

take pride in (v.) Example: Hong Kong people take pride in the economic achievements of China over the past
three decades.
忍受 1. Sbdy + bear + sthg / sbdy 某人+ 忍受某事 / 某人
bear (v.) Example: The residents in Tsueng Kwan O cannot bear the odour of the landfill.
 bore
忍受 2. Sbdy + stand + sthg / sbdy 某人+ 忍受某事 / 某人
stand (v.) Example: The victims of domestic violence should not stand the abusers. Instead, they should
call the police.

忍受 3. Sbdy + endure + sthg / sbdy 某人+ 忍受某事 / 某人

endure (v.) Example: The residents in subdivided flats have to endure poor living conditions.

忍受 4. Sbdy + tolerate + sthg / sbdy 某人+ 忍受某事 / 某人

tolerate (v.) Example: In order to succeed in his basketball career, Kobe Bryant has tolerated pain and
exhaustion.

忍受 5. Sbdy + put up with + sthg / sbdy 某人+ 忍受某事 / 某人

put up with (v.) Example: Many Hong Kong people cannot put up with the poor government and consider
 put up with migrating to other countries.

同情 1. Sbdy + sympathize with + sbdy / sthg 某人同情某人/某事

sympathize with Example: Hong Kong people sympathize with the victims of the Manila Hostage Crisis.
(v.)
同情 2. Sbdy + is / are + sympathetic with + sbdy / sthg 某人同情某人/某事
sympathetic to Example: Mr. Chan is sympathetic to the plight of stray dogs .
(adj.)
同情 3. Sbdy + take pity on + sbdy / sthg 某人同情某人/某事
take pity on (v.) Example: If you take pity on the starving children in Africa, you can donate money to charities
like the World Vision and the Red Cross.
 21

需要 1. Sbdy / Sthg + need + v. + ing 某人/某事需要…

need (v.) Sbdy / Sthg + need + to be + p.p.
Example: The consumer rights of Hong Kong people need protecting.
Example: The consumer rights of Hong Kong people need to be protected.

需要 2. Sbdy / Sthg + require + v. + ing 某人/某事需要…

require (v.) Sbdy / Sthg + require + to be + p.p.
Example: The causes of the accident require investigating.
Example: The causes of the accident require to be investigated.

值得 1. Sbdy / Sthg + deserve + v. + ing 某人/某事值得…

deserve (v.) Sbdy / Sthg + deserve + to be + p.p.
Sbdy / Sthg + deserve + n.
Example: The donors of organs deserve praising.
Example: The government deserves to be criticized for its poor performance.
Example: The abusers of animals deserve severe punishment.

值得 2. Sbdy / Sthg + is/are worth + v. + ing 某人/某事值得…

worth (adj.) Sbdy / Sthg + is/are worth + n.
Example: Chinese History books are worth reading because we can learn from the mistakes in
the past.
Example: Although achieving excellent results in the HKDSE is not easy, it is worth our effort.

值得
3. Sbdy / Sthg + is/are worthy of + v. + ing/ n.某人/某事值得…
worthy of (adj.)
Example: Her dedication to teaching and nurturing students is worthy of praise.

值得
4. It is + worthwhile + to + v. 某人/某事值得做
worthwhile (adj.)
Example: To prepare for the English examination in the HKDSE, it is worthwhile to study more
English vocabulary and practice writing regularly.

5. Sthg + is / are + worthwhile 某事是值得的

Example: Although smartphones are expensive, they are worthwhile because they have
multiple functions, like taking photos and sending Whatsapp messages.
Example: Mr. Yu spent a lot time in his holidays improving his English. Thankfully, all the effort
was worthwhile.
 22

難以 1. Sbdy have difficulty + v. + ing + sthg 難以

difficulty (n.) 困難 Sbdy have a hard time + v. + ing + sthg
 difficult (adj.) Sbdy have trouble + v. + ing + sthg
Example: The government has difficulty promoting sports in Hong Kong.
hard (adj.) 困難 Example: Hyperactive students have trouble concentrating in class.

trouble (n.) 麻煩 2. Sbdy find it difficult + to + v. + sthg 難以

 troublesome Sbdy find it hard + to + v. + sthg

(adj.) Sbdy find it troublesome + to + v. + sthg
Example: Many youngsters find it difficult to find jobs in the competitive labour market.
Example: With tremendous workload, a lot of people find it hard to relax themselves.

3. It is difficult + (for sbdy) to + v.+ sthg 難以

It is hard + (for sbdy) to + v. + sthg
It is troublesome + (for sbdy) to do sthg
Example: It is difficult for child prodigies to get along with their older classmates in
universities.
Example: Nowadays, it is troublesome to bring up a child.

普遍 1. Sthg is (very) common 某事很普遍

common (adj.) Sthg is commonplace
commonplace (adj.) Sthg is usual
usual (adj.) Example: Due to the problem of obesity, heart diseases are very common.
Example: With declining birth rates, one-child families are commonplace.

無處不在 2. Sthg + is/are + ubiquitous 某事無處不在

ubiquitous (adj.) Sthg + is/are + pervasive
pervasive (adj.) Example: When you walk in the street, Korean pop culture is ubiquitous.
Example: Smartphones are pervasive in our daily life. We use them anytime anywhere.

剝奪 1. Sbdy / Sthg + deprive + sbdy + of + sthg 某人/某事剝奪了某人的…

deprive of (v.) Example: The paparazzi deprive the celebrities of their privacy.
Example: Poverty deprives many children of education.
Example: The ossified education system deprived students of their creativity. With the
implementation of the new system, students can develop their logical thinking.
 23

歸屬感 1. Sbdy have a sense of belonging to sthg 有歸屬感

sense of belonging Sbdy develop a sense of belonging to sthg 建立歸屬感
Example: Many Hong Kong people do not have a sense of belonging to China.
Example: Students can develop a sense of belonging to their schools when they
participate in school activities.

滿足感 2. Sbdy gain a sense of satisfaction 獲取滿足感

sense of satisfaction Sbdy achieve a sense of satisfaction 獲取滿足感
Example: Teenagers can gain a sense of satisfaction by doing voluntary work and helping
the underprivileged.

成就感 3. Sbdy gain a sense of achievement 獲取成就感

sense of achievement Sbdy achieve a sense of achievement 獲取成就感
Example: Lee Lai-shan achieved a sense of achievement after winning the first Olympic
gold medal of Hong Kong in 1996.
知道 1. Sbdy know sthg 某人知道某事
know (v.)  knew Example: Most people do not know the harmful effects of soft drinks.

2. Sbdy know that + SVO 某人知道某事

Example: The government knows that small-class teaching is beneficial to secondary
school. Nevertheless, it has not implemented it in all secondary schools because of lack of
funding.

意識到 3. Sbdy + is/are/be aware of + sthg 某人意識到某事

aware of (adj.) Example: The Chinese government should be aware of the deteriorating problem of air
pollution and take prompt action to address the problem.

意識到 4. Sbdy + is/are/be conscious of + sthg 某人意識到某事

conscious of (adj.) Example: In a society where people are obsessed with beauty, women nowadays are
conscious of their physical appearance.
勸告 1. Sbdy advise sbdy + to + v. + sthg 某人勸告某人做某事
advise (v.) Example: Doctors advise their patients to have a balanced diet.

說服 2. Sbdy persuade sbdy + to + v. + sthg 某人說服某人做某事

persuade (v.) Example: Homosexuals are trying to persuade the government to legalize gay marriage.
 24

勸阻 1. Sbdy dissuade sbdy + from + v. + ing + sthg 某人勸阻某人不要做某事

dissuade (v.) Example: The social worker dissuaded the woman from committing suicide.

勸阻 2. Sbdy discourage sbdy + from + v. + ing + sthg 某人勸阻某人不要做某事

discourage (v.) Example: The government discourages the public from abusing the ambulance services.

鼓勵 1. Sbdy encourage sbdy + to + v. + sthg 某人鼓勵某人做某事

encourage (v.) Example: In view of the declining birth rate, the government encourages people to have
more children.
Example: Mr. Yu always encourages Ka Yi to work hard.

利用、善用 1. Sbdy take advantage of sthg + (to + v.) 某人利用某事達到目的

take advantage of Example: Hong Kong should take advantage of its proximity to China to promote
economic development.

利用、善用 2. Sbdy make good use of sthg (to + v.) 某人利用某事(達到目的)

make good use of Example: Sixth-formers should make good use of the Christmas and the Lunar New Year
make wise use of holidays to prepare for the HKDSE.
Example: Parents can make wise use of weekends and communicate with their children.

利用、善用 3. Sbdy capitalize on sthg (to + v.) 某人利用某事(達到目的)

capitalize on Example: Hong Kong can capitalize on its beautiful country parks to develop eco-tourism.

遭受 1. Sbdy suffer from sthg 某人遭受某事

suffer from Example: Owing to long working hours, many Hong Kong people suffer from exhaustion
and stress.
Example: A lot of obese people suffer from heart disease and diabetes.

成為..受害者 2. Sbdy fall victim to sbdy/sthg 某人成為…的受害者

fall victim to Example: Thousands of Filipinos fell victim to Super Typhoon Haiyan and lost their lives.
 fell victim to

成為…獵物 3. Sbdy fall prey to sbdy/sthg 某人成為…的獵物

fall prey to Example: Many immature adolescents fall prey to the criminals from triad societies.
 25

厭倦 1. Sbdy + is/are + bored with + sbdy / sthg 某人對…感到厭倦

bored with (adj.) Example: Some socially withdrawn youths are bored with their real life and therefore
preoccupy themselves with the virtual world.

厭倦 2. Sbdy + is/are + fed up with + sbdy / sthg 某人對…感到厭倦

fed up with (adj.) Example: Many young people in Hong Kong are fed up with their monotonous jobs and go
on working holidays in recent years.

厭倦 3. Sbdy + is/are + sick of + sbdy / sthg 某人對…感到厭倦

sick of (adj.) Example: Mr. Liu was sick of the money-obsessed world and moved into rural area.

厭倦 4. Sbdy + is/are + tired of + sbdy / sthg 某人對…感到厭倦

tired of (adj.) Example: Many nurses and doctors in public hospitals are tired of working long hours
every day and consider joining private hospitals.

厭倦 5. Sbdy + is/are + disgusted with + sbdy / sthg 某人對…感到厭倦

disgusted with (adj.) Example: Leslie Cheung was disgusted with his life and plunged to his death in 2003.

面對 1. Sbdy face sthg 某人面對某事

face (v.) Sbdy encounter sthg 某人面對某事
encounter (v.) Sbdy confront sthg 某人面對某事
confront Example: We have to face a lot of obstacles in our lives.
Example: The government plans to expand the landfills in Hong Kong. However, it
encounters a lot of opposition from the residents of Tsueng Kwan O and Tuen Mun.

面對 2. Sbdy are faced with sthg 某人面對某事

faced with (adj.) Sbdy are confronted with sthg 某人面對某事
confronted with (adj.) Example: Many European governments are faced with serious youth unemployment
problem.
Example: The ethnic minorities in Hong Kong are confronted with a lot of difficulties when
they try to integrate into society.

面對 3. Facing + n. , SVO 面對某事…..

Facing In face of + n. , SVO
In face of
Example: In face of soaring rent and declining profit, some shops have to close down.
 26

破壞 1. Sthg damage the image of sthg/sbdy 某事破壞某物/某人的形象

damage (v.) Sthg spoil the image of sthg/sbdy 某事破壞某物/某人的形象
spoil (v.)  spoilt Sthg tarnish the image of sthg/sbdy 某事損害某物/某人的形象
Example: Drunken incidents have damaged the image of Gary Chaw.
使灰暗 Example: Frequent breakdown of the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car spoils the image of Hong
tarnish (v.) Kong.

形象 2. Sthg damage the reputation of sthg/sbdy 某事破壞某物/某人的聲譽

image (n.) Sthg spoil the reputation of sthg/sbdy 某事破壞某物/某人的聲譽
Sthg tarnish the reputation of sthg/sbdy 某事損害某物/某人的聲譽
聲譽 Example: Food poisoning incidents damage the reputation of Chinese products.
reputation (n.) Example: Fraudulent retailers have tarnished the reputation of Hong Kong.

依靠 1. Sbdy depend on sbdy/sthg 某人依靠某物/某人

depend on (v.) Sbdy rely on sbdy/sthg 某人依靠某物/某人
rely on (v.) Example: Hong Kong’s economy depends on service industries, like finance and banking.
 relied on Example: Teenagers are not able to make a living and they have to rely on their parents.

依靠 2. Sbdy + is/are/was/were+ dependent on sbdy/sthg 某人依靠某物/某人

dependent on (adj.) Sbdy + is/are/was/were+ reliant on sbdy/sthg 某人依靠某物/某人
reliant on (adj.) Example: Many poor people are dependent on the financial assistance from the
government.
Example: China’s economic development is reliant on abundant labour supply and
government investment.

獨立 3. Sbdy + become+ dependent on sbdy/sthg 某人依靠某物/某人

independent from Sbdy + become+ reliant on sbdy/sthg 某人依靠某物/某人
(adj.) Example: Many Hong Kong students have become dependent on tutorial classes.
Example: The old man became reliant on medicine after suffering from diabetes.

4. Sbdy + is/are/was/were+ independent from sbdy/sthg 某人依靠某物/某人

Example: Korea were independent from Japan in 1945.

5. Sbdy + become+ independent from sbdy/sthg 某人依靠某物/某人

Example: After graduation, youngsters can become independent from their parents.
 27

准許 1. Sbdy + allow sbdy + to + v. + sthg 准許某人做某事

allow (v.) Sbdy + permit sbdy + to + v. + sthg 准許某人做某事
permit (v.) Example: Parents should allow their children to do part-time jobs to accumulate working
 permitted experience.
Example: Schools should not permit students to use smartphones because they may
distract them from studies.

禁止 2. Sbdy + ban sbdy + from + v.+ing + sthg 禁止某人做某事

ban (v.)  banned Sbdy + forbid sbdy + from + v.+ing + sthg 禁止某人做某事
forbid (v.)  forbade Sbdy + prohibit sbdy + from + v.+ing + sthg 禁止某人做某事
prohibit (v.)
Example: To safeguard students’ health, schools should ban tuck shops from selling junk
food.
Example: The government prohibits people from smoking in most public venues.

阻止
3. Sbdy + stop sbdy + from + v.+ing + sthg 阻止某人做某事
stop (v.)
Sbdy + keep sbdy + from + v.+ing + sthg 阻止某人做某事
keep (v.)  kept
Sbdy + deter sbdy + from + v.+ing + sthg 阻止某人做某事
deter (v.)  deterred
Sbdy + prevent sbdy + from + v.+ing + sthg 阻止某人做某事
prevent (v.)
Example: If the government suspends the import of chickens from the mainland, it can
stop the H7N9 virus from spreading.
Example: Severe punishment can deter pet owners from abusing animals.
Example: Regular exercise can prevent us from suffering from the flu.

有能力 1. Sbdy can + v. + sthg 有能力做某事

can (modal v.) Example: The government can protect the environment through legislation and education.

有能力 2. Sbdy is/are/was/were+ able to + v. + sthg 有能力做某事

able to (adj.) Example: With rapid economic development in China, many Chinese people are able to
buy comfortable homes and luxury cars.
Example: As many adolescents are immature, they are not able to distinguish right from
有能力 wrong.
capable of (adj.)
3. Sbdy is/are/was/were+ capable of + v.+ing + sthg 有能力做某事
Example: With world-class facilities, Hong Kong is capable of organizing international
exhibitions.
 28

控制 1. Sbdy control a problem 某人控制問題

control (v.) Sbdy check a problem
check (v.) Sbdy contain a problem
contain (v.) Sbdy curb a problem
curb (v.) Example: Parents and schools should cooperate with each other to monitor the behavior
of rebellious teenagers. This can curb the problem of youth crimes.
Example: As China is so large, the Chinese government cannot contain the problem of
privacy.
Example: The government can curb domestic violence by providing more counseling
services.

寵壞 1. Sbdy indulge sbdy 某人寵壞某人

indulge (v.) Sbdy spoil sbdy
spoil (v.)  spoilt Example: Nowadays, many parents indulge their children and give them whatever they
pamper want.
Example: Instead of spoiling their children, parents should let them solve their difficulties
themselves.
Example: In this era, children are increasingly materialistic and dependent because their
parents pamper them.

珍惜 1. Sbdy treasure the opportunity 某人珍惜機會

treasure (v.) Sbdy cherish the opportunity
cherish (v.) Example: We will organize the exchange trip in the coming summer holiday. Treasure this
opportunity to improve your English.
Example: As students are so busy with their schoolwork, they should cherish the
opportunity of PE lessons to exercise their body.

2. Sbdy treasure one’s life 某人珍惜生命

Sbdy cherish one’s life
Example: Life is full of adversities. However, we should treasure our life.
Example: Cherish your life. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.

3. Sbdy treasure one’s loved ones 某人珍惜所愛的人

Sbdy cherish one’s loved ones
Example: Life is unpredictable. We should treasure our loved ones.
 29

抓緊 1. Sbdy grasp the opportunity 某人抓緊機會

grasp (v.) Sbdy seize the opportunity 某人抓緊機會
seize (v.) Example: The HKDSE is approaching. Sixth-formers should grasp the opportunity of the
Christmas holiday to prepare for it.

2. Sbdy grasp the chance 某人抓緊機會

Sbdy seize the chance 某人抓緊機會
Example: The Chinese economy is growing rapidly. Hong Kong can seize the chance and
strengthen its economic cooperation with the motherland.
尋求、追求 1. Sbdy seek sthg 某人尋求某物
seek (v.)  sought Sbdy look for sthg 某人尋找某物
look for (v.) Sbdy search for sthg 某人尋找某物
search for (v.) Sbdy pursue sthg 某人追求某物
pursue (v.) Example: As the competition in Hong Kong is increasingly intense, more and more
youngsters seek job opportunities on the mainland.
Example: The police are searching for the 80-year-old man who suffers from dementia.
Example: People pursue wealth and fame and often forget the true meaning of life.

2. Sbdy + is/am/was/were + in search of + sthg

in search of Sbdy + is/am/was/were + in pursuit of + sthg
in pursuit of Example: The government is in search of ways to help the impoverished people.
Example: With decreasing social mobility, the Post-80s are in pursuit of their dreams and
lifelong careers

3. S + V + in search of + n.
S + V + in pursuit of + n.
Example: The police are investigating the case in search of the murderer.
Example: Many people work very hard every day in pursuit of more comfortable life.
蔓延、猖獗 1. Sthg is rife. 某種現象猖獗
rife (adj.) Sthg is rampant.
rampant (adj.) Sthg is pervasive.
pervasive (adj.) Example: Cyber-bullying is very rife in Hong Kong. Offenders are often very young.
Example: Corruption was rampant in the 1950s and the 1960s. Policemen always took
bribes from the public.
 30

總是、每次 1. Sbdy + always + v. + sthg 某人總是…

always (adv.) Example: Nowadays, people always spend a lot of time on their smartphones.

經常 2. Sbdy + often+ v. + sthg 某人經常…

often (adv.) Sbdy + usually+ v. + sthg
usually (adv.) Example: Pathological gamblers often demand for money from their families.
Example: Accountants usually work long hours and lack rest.

有時 3. Sbdy + sometimes+ v. + sthg 某人有時…

sometimes (adv.) Sbdy + at times + v. + sthg 某人有時…
at times (adv.) Example: Teenagers sometimes ignore their parents’ advice and become rebellious.
Example: Unscrupulous retailers at times maximize their profit by cheating tourists.

偶爾 4. Sbdy + occasionally+ v. + sthg 某人偶爾…

occasionally (adv.) Example: We occasionally hear the death of marine animals at Ocean Park.

很少 5. Sbdy + seldom+ v. + sthg 某人很少…

seldom Example: Although our parents provide us with love and care, we seldom express our
rarely gratitude for them.
Example: Due to global warming, the temperature in Hong Kong rarely drops below 10oC
even in winter.

永不 6. Sbdy + never+ v. + sthg 某人永不…

never Example: According to a medical research, people are healthier and less prone to cancer if
they never smoke.

打擊 1. Sbdy suppress sbdy/sthg 某人打擊某人/某現象

suppress (v.) Example: The government suppresses the drug abuse problem by implementing the
crack down on (v.) compulsory drug testing in schools.

2. Sbdy crack down on sbdy/sthg 某人打擊某人/某現象

Example: In order to crack down on the criminal activities of triad gangs, the police have
to monitor them continuously.
 31

尊敬 1. Sbdy respect sbdy/sthg 某人尊敬某人/某事

respect (v.) Example: In Hong Kong, people generally respect the elderly. For example, they let them
have a seat on MTR trains.

尊敬 2. Sbdy is/are/was/were+ sbdy/sthg 某人尊敬某人/某事

respectful to (adj.) Example: Compared with western societies, Chinese people are more respectful to their
parents.

表示尊敬 3. Sbdy +show respect for + sbdy 某人對某人表示尊敬

show respect for (v.) Sbdy +pay tribute to + sbdy
pay tribute to (v.) Example: The audience paid tribute to the players of the two teams.

值得尊敬的 4. Sbdy + is/are + respectable 某人值得尊重

respectable (adj.) Example: Many artists are respectable because they not only entertain the general public,
but also participate in philanthropic work to help the needy.

resort to (v.) 1. Sbdy resort to legal action 某人訴諸法律行動

訴諸 Example: If consumers are cheated by retailers, they can resort to legal action.

2. Sbdy resort to crimes 某人訴諸犯罪

Sbdy resort to criminal activities
Example: Nowadays, many teenagers cannot resist the temptation of luxury goods.
Therefore, they may resort to criminal activities like shoplifting and burglary.

3. Sbdy resort to death 某人訴諸自殺

Sbdy resort to suicide
Example: When people suffer from depression, they easily feel frustrated and hopeless. In
the worst-case scenario, they will resort to suicide.
旅遊景點 1. There are + many / a lot of + tourist spots / tourist destinations / tourist attractions
tourist spots 有很多旅遊景點
tourist destinations Example: There are many tourist attractions in Hong Kong, like the Big Buddha, Ocean
tourist attractions Park and Disneyland.
2. Sbdy + visit + tourist spots / tourist destinations / tourist attractions 去旅遊景點
Example: After the implementation of the Tourism Law, more mainland tourists will visit
the tourist spots in Hong Kong instead of going shopping endlessly.
 32

在電視 1. S + V + O + on television …在電視

on television Example: We can watch a lot of game shows, dating shows and singing contests on
television.

在電台 2. S + V + O + on the radio …在電台

on the radio S + V + O + on the Internet …在網上
在網上 Example: Nowadays, many people are used to purchasing trendy products on the Internet.
on the Internet

在報紙 3. S + V + O + in newspapers …在報紙

in newspapers S + V + O + in magazines …在雜誌
在雜誌 Example: Instead of keeping up with current affairs, most youngsters like to read the news
in magazines of pop idols in newspapers and magazines.
重視 1. Sbdy value sthg 某人重視某事
value Example: Nowadays, many people value physical appearance over inner beauty.

重視 2. Sbdy attach importance to sthg 某人重視某事

attach importance to Example: Hong Kong University attaches importance to the all-round development of
students. Hence, it organizes many activities and exchange programmes for students.

強調 3. Sbdy emphasize sthg 某人重視某事

emphasize Example: The education system in Hong Kong emphasizes the pursuit of excellent
academic results.

強調 4. Sbdy place emphasis on sthg 某人重視某事

place emphasis on Example: In materialistic societies like Hong Kong, people place emphasis on career
prospects and comfortable lifestyles.

不擅長 1. Sbdy + is/are/was/were + weak in + v. +ing / sthg 某人不擅長某事

weak in (adj.) Example: While some Hong Kong students are good at Mathematics and science subjects,
they are weak in Chinese Language and English Language.
不稱職
incompetent in (adj.) 2. Sbdy + is/are/was/were + weak in + v. +ing/ sthg 某人不稱職某事
Example: The government is incompetent in enhancing the long-term competitiveness of
Hong Kong.
 33

擅長 1. Sbdy + is/are/was/were + good at + v. +ing / sthg 某人擅長某事

good at (adj.) Example: Hong Kong is good at cycling, windsurfing and table tennis. It often wins medals
in these events in international sports events.

擅長 2. Sbdy excel in + v. +ing / sthg 某人擅長某事

excel in (v.) Example: The United States excels in technological innovation. Over the past decades, it
has created many high-tech products like computers and smartphones. As a result, the
living standard of human beings has drastically improved.

傑出、有能力 3. Sbdy + is/are/was/were excellent in + v. +ing / sthg 某人傑出於某事

excellent in (adj.) Sbdy + is/are/was/were competent in + v. +ing / sthg 某人傑出於某事
competent in (adj.) Example: Korea is excellent in creating high-quality dramas and movies as well as
charming pop stars. As a result, the Korean wave has swept across Asia.

熟練 4. Sbdy + is/are/was/were adept in + v. +ing / sthg 某人熟練於某事

adept in (adj.) Sbdy + is/are/was/were proficient in + v. +ing / sthg 某人熟練於某事
proficient in (adj.)
Example: Some people point out that Hong Kong students are adept in doing examination
papers but lack critical thinking skills.
Example: Mr. Yu spends a lot of time improving his English vocabulary and grammar, so he
is proficient in writing English essays.

採取主動 1. Sbdy take the initiative to + v.

take the initiative Example: The government should take the initiative to alleviate aging population.
took  taken

採取主動 2. Sbdy take the initiative in + v.+ing

take the lead Sbdy take the lead in + v.+ing
Example: The government has taken the initiative in tackling the cross-border parallel
trading problem.
Example: Developed countries should take the lead in solving the global warming
problem.
樹立榜樣
set a good example 3. Sbdy set a good example + by + v.+ing
Example: Parents have to set a good example by exercising regularly and maintaining a
balanced diet.
 34

困難 1. Sbdy + face + 數量詞 + difficulties / hardship / setbacks + in + v.+ing/ 名詞

difficulties (n.) Sbdy + encounter + 數量詞 + difficulties / hardship / setbacks + in + v.+ing /名詞
hardship (n.) Example: Inevitably, sixth-formers face many difficulties in their school life. However, as
long as they are determined and persistent, they can achieve their goals.
Example: Rafael Nadal has encountered a lot of hardship over the past two years.
Nevertheless, he is so resilient that he has overcome his injuries and become the world
no.1 again.
Example: Deng Xiaoping faced a lot of setback in his early years. With his indomitable
挫折 spirit, he ultimately overcame his hardship and led China to phenomenal economic
setback (n.) success.

逆境、困境 2. Sbdy + face + 數量詞 + adversities / predicaments + in + v.+ing/ 名詞

adversity (n.) Sbdy + encounter+ 數量詞 + adversities / predicaments + in + v.+ing/ 名詞
predicament (n.)
Example: Aung San Suu Kyi has encountered many adversities in her life but she never
plight (n.)
gives up.

3. Sbdy + face + 數量詞 + challenges/obstacles/hurdles + (in + v.+ing/ 名詞)

挑戰
Sbdy + encounter + 數量詞 + challenges/obstacles/hurdles + in + (v.+ing/ 名詞)
challenge (n.)
Example: When sports organizations promote sports in Hong Kong, it faces a number of
challenges, including lack of funding and lack of facilities.
障礙
Example: In Hong Kong, disabled people encounter many hurdles in their life, such as lack
obstacle (n.)
of job opportunities and discrimination.
hurdle (n.)

4. Sbdy + overcome + difficulties/hardship/adversities/predicaments

Example: Exhaustion and frustration are inevitable in our life. However, we will overcome
克服
our difficulties so long as we are confident of ourselves.
overcome (v.)
Example: Hong Kong was plagued by the Sars outbreak in 2003 and 299 people were dead.
The economy was plunged into recession. With determination and persistence, Hong Kong
finally overcame the adversity.

舒緩
5. Sbdy/Sthg + alleviate + difficulties/hardship/adversities/predicaments/plight
alleviate (v.)
Sbdy/Sthg + relieve + difficulties/hardship/adversities/predicaments/plight
relieve (v.)
Example: The government has alleviated the plight of poor people by providing financial
assistance.
Example: Rental subsidies can relieve the hardship of low-income people.
 35

灌輸 1. Sbdy + instill + sthg + into + sbdy 某人將…灌輸給某人

Instill (v.) Sbdy + inculcate + sthg + into + sbdy
inculcate (v.) Example: Parents should instill the concept of independence into children.
Example: Schools need to inculcate positive attitude towards life into students.

傳達 2. Sbdy + convey + sthg + to sbdy 某人將…傳達給某人

convey (v.) Example: The principal conveyed the importance of hard work to students during the morning
assembly.

教育 3. Sbdy + educate + sbdy + about + sthg 某人教育某人…

educate (v.) Example: The government often educates the public about personal hygiene through
commercials and campaigns.
易受影響 1. Sbdy/Sthg + is/are/was/were + vulnerable + to sthg/sbdy 某人/某事易收某人/某事影響
vulnerable (adj.) Sbdy /Sthg + is/are/was/were + susceptible + to sthg/sbdy
susceptible (adj.) Sbdy/ Sthg + is/are/was/were + prone + to sthg/sbdy
prone (adj.) Example: Adolescents are vulnerable to peer influence.
Example: Our physical and mental health is susceptible to stress.
Example: Obese people are prone to diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

影響 2. Sbdy/Sthg + is/are/was/were + easily influenced + by + sthg/sbdy

influence (v.) 某人/某事易收某人/某事影響
Example: The behavior of children is easily influenced by their parents.
值得 1. Sbdy + deserve + praise + for + v. + ing / n. 某人因為某事值得稱讚
deserve (v.) Sbdy + deserve + applause + for + v. + ing / n.
稱讚 Sbdy + deserve + compliment + for + v. + ing / n.
praise (n.) Sbdy + deserve + credit + for + v. + ing / n.
applause (n.) Example: Foreign domestic helpers deserve praise for serving Hong Kong people well.
compliment (n.) Example: The police force deserve applause for maintaining the law and order of Hong Kong.
credit (n.) Example: The Chinese government deserves credit for improving the living standard of millions
of people.
praise (v.)
applause (v.) 2. Sbdy + praise/applause/compliment/credit sbdy + (for sthg) 某人因某事稱讚某人
compliment (v.) Example: Instead of criticizing their children, parents can praise them for their good behavior.
credit (v.) Example: The president complimented the soldiers for their bravery and patriotism.
 36

空閒時間 1. SVO + in sbdy’s free time/spare time/leisure time 在空閒時間做….

free time In sbdy’s free time/spare time/leisure time, + SVO
spare time Example: We should communicate more with our parents in our spare time.
leisure time Example: In their leisure time, many Hong Kong people like singing karaoke and watching
movies.

2. Sbdy + spend + sbdy’s + free time/spare time/leisure time + v. + ing 某人花空閒時間做….

Example: Some Hong Kong people spend most of their free time playing games and chatting on
their smartphones.
Example: If we suffer from tremendous pressure in our life, we can spend our leisure time
listening to soft music.
選擇 1. Sbdy + choose + to + v. 某人選擇做…
choose (v.) Example: When facing setbacks in their life, some people choose to commit suicide.
 chose
寧願 2. Sbdy + prefer + to + v. 某人寧願做…
prefer (v.) Example: As Hong Kong is a business-oriented city, many sixth-formers prefer to study Business
 preferred Administration in university.

3. Sbdy + would rather + v. 某人寧願做…

would rather Example: Socially-withdrawn youths would rather play computer games at home all the time.
+ v. 寧願

態度 1. Sbdy + have + positive + attitude + to + life/work/study 對生命/工作/學習有正面態度

attitude (n.) Sbdy have + negative + attitude + to + life/work/study 對生命/工作/學習有負面態度
Example: No matter what difficulties we are facing, we should have positive attitude to life.
Example: Many employees in Hong Kong have negative attitude to their work. Although some
of them can earn high income, they hardly have any job satisfaction and do not like their jobs.
有興趣 1. Sbdy + is/are/was/were + interested in + n. / v. +ing 某人對某事有興趣
interested in Example: A lot of teenagers are interested in Korean culture.
(adj.) Example: Apparently, the government is not interested in promoting sports in Hong Kong.

喜歡 2. Sbdy + is/are/was/were + fond of + n. / v. +ing 某人喜歡某事

fond of (adj.) Sbdy + is/are/was/were + keen on + n. / v. +ing 某人喜歡某事
keen on (adj.) Example: In general, women are fond of shopping.
Example: Hong Kong people are keen on reading colourful and sensational news coverage.
 37

參加 1. Sbdy + join + sthg 某人參加某活動

join (v.) Example: In order to improve their English and broaden their horizons, students can join study
tours and exchange programmes.

參加 2. Sbdy + take part in + sthg 某人參加某活動

take part in Sbdy + participate in + sthg 某人參加某活動
 took part in Example: Many singers and artists took part in the charity show to raise funds for the poor.
參加 Example: Lee Wai-sze has participated in many international cycling competitions, like the the
participate in Asian Games and the Olympic Games. She has won many medals for Hong Kong.

出席 3. Sbdy + attend + sthg 某人出席某場合

attend (v.) Example: The members of the Geography Club should attend the weekly meeting on Friday
after school.

從事 4. Sbdy + engage in + sthg 某人從事某工作

engage in (v.) Example: In China, nearly half of the population still engages in agriculture.
Example: In Hong Kong, some youngsters engage in criminal activities to earn quick money.

折磨 1. Sbdy + is/are/was/were + tortured by + sbdy / sthg 某人被折磨

tortured by (v.) Sbdy + is/are/was/were + tormented by + sbdy / sthg
tormented by Example: Although some women are tortured verbally and physically by their husbands, they
(v.) dare not report to the police.
Example: In the exam-oriented education system in Hong Kong, students are tormented by
countless assignments, tests and examinations.

折磨 (v.) 2. Sbdy + is/are/was/were + beset with + sbdy / sthg 某人被困擾

beset with (v.) Example: In Hong Kong, the parents of new-born babies are beset with multiple problems, like
the shortage of milk powder and kindergarten places.
 38

嚴重的 1. Sthg is a + serious / severe / grave + problem 某事是一個嚴重的問題

serious (adj.) Example: Drug abuse is a serious problem in Hong Kong.
severe (adj.) Example: Food poisoning is a grave problem in mainland China.
grave (adj.)
2. Sbdy + face a + serious / severe / grave + problem 某人面對嚴重的問題
Sbdy + encounter a + serious / severe / grave + problem
Example: China will face a serious shortage of young workers.
Example: Hong Kong needs to encounter a severe problem of wealth gap.

3. The problem is (of sthg) + serious / severe / grave 問題是嚴重的

Example: The problem of light pollution is severe in Hong Kong.
Example: The problem of privacy invasion is grave in Hong Kong.

令人擔憂的 1. Sthg + is + worrying 某問題令人擔憂

worrying (adj.) Sthg + is + alarming 某問題令人擔憂、警惕
令人擔憂的 Example: With the kidnapping of a toddler in Kowloon City, the safety of children in Hong Kong
令人警惕的 is worrying.
alarming (adj.) Example: With the widespread use of the Internet, the problem of cyber-bullying is alarming.

2. Sthg + is a/an + worrying problem/issue 某事是令人擔憂的問題

Sthg + is a/an + alarming problem/issue 某事是令人擔憂、警惕的問題
Example: The increasing dependence of Hong Kong teenagers is a worrying problem.
Example: The rising number of cross-border trafficking of drugs is an alarming issue.

實行 1. Sbdy + introduce + measure / policy 某人實行措施/政策

introduce (v.) Sbdy + implement + measure / policy 某人實行措施/政策
implement (v.) Example: China introduced the one-child policy in 1979.
Example: The government implemented measures to curb speculation in the property market
last year.
採取
adopt (v.) 2. Sbdy + adopt + measure / policy 某人採取措施/政策
措施 Example: Employers should adopt measures like flexible working hours to allow their
measure (n.) employees to enjoy work-life balance.
政策
policy (n.)
 39

broaden one’s 1. V. + ing / + 活動+ can + broaden one’s horizons 某活動可以擴闊某人的視野

horizons Example: Participating in extra-curricular activities can broaden our horizons.
擴闊視野

2. Sbdy + can + broaden one’s horizons 某人可以擴闊視野

Example: Through reading different kinds of books such as fictions, biography and fairy tales
students can broaden their horizons.

越來越 1. n. + is/are/was/were + more and more + adj …越來越…

more and more n. + is/are/was/were + increasingly + adj.
increasingly Example: The prices of food in fast-food shops are more and more expensive.
(adv.) Example: Nowadays, children are increasingly dependent on their parents.

代價很大 1. N. / V. + ing + is/are/was/were + costly 某事代價很大

costly (adj.) Example: Developing north-east New Territories is very costly.
cost a lot of
money 2. N. / V. + ing + cost a lot of money 某事代價很大
Example: Organizing international sports events usually costs a lot of money.

很多、很大 1. huge/great/immense/enormous/tremendous + n. 巨大的…

huge (adj.) Example: Every year, Chinese people spend a huge amount of money on luxury goods.
great (adj.) Example: In Hong Kong, teachers face immense pressure in their life. Apart from teaching
immense (adj.) students, they have to handle enormous administrative work.
enormous (adj.)
tremendous 2. n. + is/am/are/was/were + huge/great/immense/enormous/tremendous …是巨大的
(adj.) Example: With limited amount of university places, the competition in the HKDSE is great.
Example: While civil servants are often criticized, their contributions to Hong Kong are
tremendous.

擔心 1. Sbdy + is/are/was/were + worried about + sbdy/sthg 某人擔心某人/某事

worried (adj.) Example: Some people are worried about the harmful effects of dating shows.
緊張 2. Sbdy + is/are/was/were + nervous about + sbdy/sthg 某人為某人/某事緊張
nervous (adj.) Example: Parents are nervous about the academic results of their children.
焦慮 3. Sbdy + is/are/was/were + anxious about + sbdy/sthg 某人為某人/某事緊張
anxious (adj.) Example: Some teenage girls are anxious about their physical appearance and weight.
 40

Pearl of the Orient 1. Hong Kong + is known as + the + Pearl of the Orient 香港被稱為東方之珠
東方之珠 Example: With economic prosperity and dazzling night view, Hong Kong is known as the Pearl
shopping paradise of the Orient.
購物天堂
gourmet paradise 2. Hong Kong + is known as + a shopping paradise / a gourmet paradise / a vibrant city
飲食天堂 香港被稱為購物天堂 / 飲食天堂 / 動感之都

vibrant city Example: Large-scale shopping malls are ubiquitous in Hong Kong. Therefore, it is known as a
動感之都 shopping paradise.

3. As everyone knows, Hong Kong is the Pearl of the Orient. 眾所周知，香港是東方之珠

4. As everyone knows, Hong Kong is a shopping paradise / a gourmet paradise / a vibrant

city 眾所周知，香港是購物天堂 / 飲食天堂 / 動感之都
Example: As everyone knows, Hong Kong is a gourmet paradise. You can taste different kinds
of food from different countries, like Korea, Japan and Italy.
Example: As everyone knows, Hong Kong is a vibrant city. We can enjoy a wide variety of
entertainment here.
珍貴的 1. valuable / invaluable / precious + n. 珍貴的…
valuable (adj.) Example: In recent years, China has protected valuable cultural heritage so as to develop
invaluable (adj.) tourism.
precious (adj.)
2. n. + is/are/was/were + valuable / invaluable / precious …是珍貴的
Example: Life is precious. We should treasure it and make the full use of it.
浪費 1. Sbdy + waste + sthg 某人浪費…
waste (v.) Sbdy + squander + sthg 某人浪費…
squander (v.) Example: Women obsessed with beauty squander a lot of money on cosmetic products.

2. Sbdy + waste + sthg + on + n. / v. + ing 某人浪費…在某事上

Sbdy + squander + sthg + on + n. / v. + ing 某人浪費…在某事上
Example: Non-engaged youths waste a lot of time on online games.
Example: The obese man squanders a large sum of money on buying junk food.
和平的 1. peaceful / harmonious + n. 和平的/和諧的…
peaceful (adj.) Example: Hong Kong people usually express their dissatisfaction through peaceful means.
和諧的 2. n. + is/are/was/were + peaceful / harmonious …是和平的/和諧的
harmonious (adj.) Example: Hong Kong is not a harmonious society. Social conflicts are frequent.
 41

懲罰 1. Sbdy punish sbdy (for sthg) (為某事)而懲罰某人

punish (v.) Example: In order to alleviate the problem of online privacy, the government should severely
punish the uploaders of music and movies.

打擊 2. Sbdy combat sthg 某人打擊某問題

combat (v.) Sbdy fight sthg 某人打擊某問題
fight (v.) Example: Through increasing punishment, the government can combat drunk driving.

3. In order to + combat sthg, + SVO / SVO + in order to + combat sthg

In order to + fight sthg, + SVO / SVO + in order to + fight sthg
為了打擊某問題，…
Example: In order to fight corruption, the colonial government set up the Independent
Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in 1974.

打擊 4. In order to + crack down on sthg, + SVO / SVO + in order to + crack down on sthg
crack down on (v.) In order to + clamp down on sthg, + SVO / SVO + in order to + clamp down on sthg
clamp down on 為了打擊某問題，…
(v.) Example: The police force have infiltrated triad societies with undercover policemen in order
to investigate and crack down on their crimes.

令人反感的 1. Sthg/Sbdy + is/are/was/were + distasteful/disgusting/repugnant 某事/某人令人反感

distasteful (adj.) Example: The behavior of animal abusers is disgusting.
disgusting (adj.) Example: In the video, Uncle Bus shouted foul languages at the young man. While some of
repugnant (adj.) them thought the video is amusing, it was repugnant for some other people.

2. distasteful/disgusting/repugnant + n. 令人反感的…
Example: There was repugnant smell in the toilet.

3. It is/was + distasteful/disgusting/repugnant + to see + n. 看到…，令人反感

It is/was + distasteful/disgusting/repugnant + to hear + n. 聽到…，令人反感

Example: It is distasteful to see the photos of dead bodies on newspapers.

4. It is/was + distasteful/disgusting/repugnant + to see that + SVO 看到…，令人反感

It is/was + distasteful/disgusting/repugnant + to hear that + SVO 聽到…，令人反感
Example: It is disgusting to hear that the people in Syria has suffered from violence.
 42

貧窮的 1. poor/impoverished/destitute/needy/underprivileged/ disadvantaged + people

poor (adj.) Example: The government should care about the needs of poor people.
impoverished Example: Through becoming voluntary workers, we can give our helping hands to needy
(adj.) people.
destitute (adj.)
2. Sbdy + is/are/was/were +poor/impoverished/destitute/needy/underprivileged
有需要的 / disadvantaged

needy (adj.) Example: While wealthy people can live in luxurious apartments, many people in Hong Kong
are impoverished.

社會地位低下的 Example: In Hong Kong, the welfare of the ethnic minorities is not safeguarded. Many of

underprivileged them are underprivileged.

(adj.)
disadvantaged 3. the poor / the impoverished / the destitute 貧窮的人

(adj.) the needy 有需要的人

注意: the underprivileged / the disadvantaged 社會地位低下的人

上述的 6 個形容 Example: The government is responsible for helping the poor.

詞前面加上 Example: Most of the revenue of the Hong Kong Jockey Club is used to help the needy.

“the”，會變成名
詞

4. Sbdy + suffer from + poverty / impoverishment / destitution 某人遭受貧窮

貧窮
Example: Although the coastal regions in China are prosperous, many people in central and
poverty (n.)
western China suffer from poverty.
impoverishment
(n.)
5. Sbdy + is/are/was/were + in + poverty / impoverishment / destitution 某人處於貧窮
destitution (n.)
Example: Due to poor governance and ceaseless natural disasters, most North Korean people
are in destitution.

poverty line (n.) 5. Sbdy + live below the poverty line 某人生活在貧窮線下

貧窮線 Example: According to the government, a fifth of Hong Kong’s population lives below the
poverty line.

惡性循環 1. SVO + This will result in a vicious circle. 這會導致惡性循環

vicious circle (n.) SVO + A vicious circle will form. 惡性循環會形成

Example: Sadly, poor children are deprived of opportunities to raise their competitiveness.
This will result in a vicious circle and they are more likely to be impoverished in the future.
 43

非法的 1. N. / V. + ing + is/am/are/was/were + illegal …是非法的

illegal (adj.) N. / V. + ing + is/am/are/was/were + illicit
illicit (adj.) Example: Trafficking drugs is illegal.
Example: Animal abuse is illicit. Offenders may be sent to jail.

2. illegal + n. 非法的…
illicit + n.
Example: In the 1960s and the 1970s, many illegal immigrants from China and Vietnam came
to Hong Kong.

恐怖的 1. N. / V. + ing + is/am/are/was/were + horrible …是恐怖的

terrible (adj.) 2. N. / V. + ing + is/am/are/was/were + terrible …是恐怖的
horrible (adj.) 3. N. / V. + ing + is/am/are/was/were + scary…是恐怖的
gruesome (adj.) 4. N. / V. + ing + is/am/are/was/were + gruesome…是恐怖的
Example: The hygiene in India and many Southeast Asian countries is horrible.
Example: Mr. Wong was very terrible when he lost his temper.
Example: The murder scenes in some local movies are gruesome.

1. horrible + n.
2. terrible + n.
3. scary + n.
4. gruesome + n.
Example: In November, a horrible terrorist attack happened in Beijing. Three terrorists and
two tourists were killed in Tiananmen.
Example: It is always foggy and rainy in Britain. Many people hate the terrible weather there.

表達意見 1. Sbdy + express one’s opinion + about + sbdy/sthg

express opinion Sbdy + express one’s viewpoints + about + sbdy/sthg
express Example: I am writing to express my opinion about the legalization of same-sex marriage.
viewpoints Example: The guest speakers expressed their viewpoints about expanding landfills.
表示憤怒
express anger 2. Sbdy + express + one’s anger + with + sbdy / sthg 某人對某人/某事的憤怒

表示憤恨 Sbdy + express + one’s resentment + with + sbdy / sthg 某人對某人/某事的憤恨

express Example: The protestors expressed their anger with the government.
resentment
 44

表示失望 3. Sbdy + express + one’s disappointment + with + sbdy / sthg 某人對某人/某事的失望

express Sbdy + express + one’s frustration + with + sbdy / sthg 某人對某人/某事的沮喪
disappointment Example: I am writing to express my disappointment with the services of your hotel.
表示沮喪 Example: Some youngsters express their frustration with society through anti-social
express frustration behavior.

表示不滿 4. Sbdy + express + one’s dissatisfaction + with + sbdy / sthg 某人對某人/某事的不滿

express Sbdy + express + one’s discontent + with + sbdy / sthg 某人對某人/某事的不滿
dissatisfaction Example: As Hong Kong is a free society, people can express their dissatisfaction through
express discontent different channels, like newspapers and protests.
Example: In a forum yesterday, some employers expressed their discontent with the attitude
of the Post-80s.

受歡迎 1. N./V. + ing + is/are/was/were + popular …受歡迎

popular Example: ICQ and MSN Messenger were very popular among teenagers a decade ago.
2. popular + n. 受歡迎的…
時髦的 Example: Candy Crush is a very popular smartphone application in the world.
trendy
fashionable 3. Sthg + is/are/was/were + trendy …是時髦的
Sthg + is/are/was/were + fashionable
Example: Korean fashion is trendy.

4. trendy + n. 時髦的…
fashionable + n.
Example: GAP is a fashionable clothing brand. It has opened many stores in the world.

羨慕、妒忌 1. Sbdy + is/are/was/were + jealous of + sbdy / sthg 某人羨慕某人/某事

jealous of (adj.) Sbdy + is/are/was/were + envious of + sbdy / sthg 某人羨慕某人/某事
envious of (adj.) Example: Many Hong Kong people are jealous of the wealth of Li-Ka-shing.
Example: Many women are envious of Michelle Lee, who is pretty and married to a tycoon.
羨慕、妒忌
envy (v.) 2. Sbdy + is/are/was/were + envy + sbdy / sthg 某人羨慕某人/某事
envy  envied Example: Most men envy David Beckham for his charm and excellent football skills.
 45

非常好 1. N. + is/are/was/were + excellent …是非常好的

excellent (adj.) N. + is/are/was/were + fantastic
fantastic (adj.) N. + is/are/was/were + superb
superb (adj.) Example: Professor Shen’s academic results were excellent when he was a student.
Example: Ka Yi’s dancing performance is fantastic.

2. excellent + n. 非常好的…
fantastic + n.
superb + n.
Example: Tourists often praise Hong Kong for its excellent food and hotels.
Example: Yunnan is well-known for its fantastic scenery.
Example: Hong Kong’s superb infrastructures and low tax rates are the reason why so many
foreign enterprises have invested here.
批評 1. Sbdy criticize sbdy for + n. / v. + ing 某人為某事批評某人
criticize (v.) Example: Some people criticize adolescents for their obsession with luxury goods.

指責 2. Sbdy condemn sbdy for + n. / v. + ing

condemn (v.) Example: CY Leung condemned the organizers of the Occupy Central Movement for
disrupting social order.
考慮 1. Sbdy + consider + n. 某人考慮某事
consider (v.) Sbdy + think about + n.
think about (v.) Sbdy + take into account + n.
think  thought Example: When couples want to have babies, they have to consider the cost and their ability
take into account to provide an excellent growing environment for their future children.
(v.) Example: When showbiz journalists report the news of celebrities, they have to think about
take  took  the celebrities’ privacy.
taken

準備 1. Sbdy + prepare + sthg 某人準備某事

prepare (v.) Example: The Geography Club will prepare some snacks for the participants of the trip.
2. Sbdy + prepare for + sthg 某人準備某事
Example: Sixth-formers are preparing for the 2014 HKDSE through doing mock exam papers
and attending tutorial classes.
3. Sbdy + prepare to + v. + sthg
Example: The government prepares to take some measures to help the poor.
 46

消失 1. Sthg/Sbdy + disappear 某事/某人消失

disappear (v.) Sthg/Sbdy + vanish
vanish (v.) Sthg/Sbdy + die out
die out (v.) Example: With the popularity of smartphones, like iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones,
traditional mobile phones have almost disappeared.
Example: Due to urban development, many historical buildings in are vanishing.

競爭 1. cut-throat competition 激烈的競爭

competition (n.) fierce competition
intense competition
激烈的 keen competition
cut-throat (adj.) Example: Sixth-formers have to go through cut-throat competition in the HKDSE in order to
fierce (adj.) enter university.
intense (adj.) Example: Owing to the fierce competition in the labour market, we have to continuously
keen (adj.) improve our competitiveness.

2. The competition + 詳細資料+ is/was + cut-throat 競爭是激烈的

The competition +詳細資料+ is/was + fierce
The competition +詳細資料 + is/was + intense
The competition +詳細資料 is/was + keen
Example: The competition for kindergarten places in Hong Kong is keen.
Example: Many parents force their children to attend talent classes and tutorial classes
because the competition in Hong Kong is intense.

最新的、新潮的 1. up-to-date + n. 最新的、新潮的事物

up-to-date (adj.) Example: Through browsing CNN.com, you can get the up-to-date news of the world.

過時的、落伍的 2. out-of-date + n. 過時的、落伍的事物

out-of-date (adj.) Example: Mr. Yu is still using an out-of-date Nokia 3110 mobile phone.

3. Sthg + is/are + up-to-date 事物是最新的、新潮的

Example: The fashion sold in Zara and H&M is up-to-date.

4. Sthg + is/are + out-of-date 事物是最新的、新潮的

Example: Most of the information in textbooks are out-of-date.
 47

根深蒂固 1. deep-rooted + n. 根深柢固的事物

deep-rooted (adj.) entrenched + n. 根深柢固的事物
entrenched (adj.) Example: Discrimination against women is a deep-rooted phenomenon in China.

2. Sthg + is/are + deep-rooted 某事是根深柢固的

Sthg + is/are + entrenched 某事是根深柢固的
Example: Mutual distrust is entrenched in our society.

疲倦 1. Sbdy + is/are/was/were / feel + tired 某人感到疲倦

tired (adj.) Sbdy + is/are/was/were / feel + exhausted 某人感到疲倦
exhausted (adj.) Example: Office workers are tired after a day of hard work.
Example: Judy felt exhausted after she had participated in two mock examinations.
令人疲倦的
tiring (adj.) 2. N. / V. + ing + is/are/was/were + tiring 某事令人疲倦
exhausting N. / V. + ing + is/are/was/were + exhausting 某事令人疲倦
Example: Bringing up children is not only tiring, but also costly.
Example: Preparing for the HKDSE is exhausting, but it is worthwhile.

放棄、戒除 1. Sbdy + give up + n. / v. + ing 某人放棄某事

give up (v.) Example: To enter university, many Form 6 students give up their leisure time and study hard.
Example: In order to be healthier, he gave up smoking two years ago.

基本的 1. basic + n. 基本的…

basic (adj.) elementary + n.
elementary (adj.) Example: After finishing primary school, students have learnt basic English grammar.
Example: Through participating in our course, you can learn some elementary dancing skills.

轉化 1. Sbdy + translate words into action 將說話轉化為行動

translate (v.) Sbdy + transform words into action
transform (v.) Example: Ka Yi always says she will work hard. Now, she should translate words into action.
Example: Establishing the official poverty line is a welcome development. Nevertheless, the
government needs to transform words into action and take some concrete measures to
alleviate poverty.
 48

寧願 1. Sbdy + prefer + v. + ing 某人寧願

prefer Example: Teenagers nowadays prefer listening to Korean songs.
prefer  preferred
2. Sbdy + prefer + to + v. 某人寧願
Example: Without friends and jobs, socially withdrawn youths prefer to play computer
games.

3. Sbdy + prefer + v. + ing + to + v. + ing 某人寧願…，不願…

Example: Many secondary school students prefer attending tutorial classes to trusting their
school teachers.

寧願 4. Sbdy + would rather + v. 某人寧願

would rather Example: Many people would rather download music illegally.

5. Sbdy + would rather + v. 某人寧願，不願…

Example: Youngsters would rather apply for low-paid jobs in offices than become
construction workers.

可憐的 1. poor +n. 可憐的…

poor (adj.) pitiful + n.
pitiful (adj.) pathetic + n.
pathetic (adj.) Example: Shiro is a poor pet. Its owner often forgets to feed it.
Example: Susan is a pathetic girl. She is always left alone by her parents.

2. N. + is/are/was/were + poor …是可憐的

N. + is/are/was/were + pitiful
N. + is/are/was/were + pathetic
Example: The victims of the typhoon disaster are poor. They lack food and shelters.
Example: The situation of homeless people is pitiful. Many of the cannot afford to rent
even a subdivided flat.

羞恥 1. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were+ ashamed (of + v. + ing) 某人因…而羞恥

ashamed (adj.) 2. Sbdy + feel+ ashamed (of + v. + ing)
Example: When his teacher was scolding him, he was ashamed.
Example: Unlike foreign students, Hong Kong students feel ashamed of asking questions.
 49

老人家 Example: As elderly people made great contributions to the success of Hong Kong, the
old people government should provide them with sufficient financial assistance to ensure that they can
elderly people enjoy a fruitful life.
aged people Example: On buses and MTR compartments, we should vacant our seats for aged people.
the elderly Example: According to the Census, the elderly will account for one-fourth of Hong Kong’s
population.

長者 Example: In Hong Kong, senior citizens aged 65 can enjoy a wide variety of discounts.

senior citizens

傳達 1. Sbdy + convey + sthg + to + sbdy 某人傳達訊息給某人

convey (v.) Sbdy + deliver + a sthg + to + sbdy
deliver (v.) Sbdy + communicate + sthg + to + sbdy
溝通 Example: The government can convey the importance of environmental protection to the
communicate (v.) public through TV commercials.
訊息 Example: Schools should deliver a clear message to students that extra-curricular activities

message (n.) are as important as academic studies.

選擇 1. There are + 數字 + choices. 有..選擇

choices (n.) There are +數字 + options.
options (n.) There are +數字 + alternatives.
alternatives (n.)
Example: There are two choices for smokers. They can abandon smoking and their health
will not deteriorate. On the other hand, they can continue smoking but they are more likely
to suffer from deadly diseases.
2. Sbdy + have +數字 + choices. 某人有..選擇

Sbdy + have +數字 + options.

Sbdy + have +數字 + alternatives.

Example: Coastal countries have two alternatives. They can strengthen their disaster
prevention mechanism and relocate some of the residents away from hazard-prone zones.
On the other hand, they can do nothing and but they will suffer from severe death tolls in
future disasters.
3. Sbdy + make a choice. 某人作出選擇
Example: When economic development conflicts with heritage preservation, we have to
make a choice.
 50

寧靜的 1. Sbdy keep quiet 某人保持寧靜

quiet (adj.) Example: When we study in a library, we should keep quiet.
peaceful (adj.)
tranquil (adj.) 2. a quiet environment 寧靜的環境
a peaceful environment
a tranquil environment
Example: Through visiting country parks, we can forget about our hectic life and enjoy
ourselves in a peaceful environment.

強迫 1. Sbdy + force + sbdy + to + v. + sthg 某人強迫某人做某事

force (v.) Sbdy + compel + sbdy + to + v. + sthg
compel (v.) Example: In Hong Kong, tiger parents are ubiquitous. They often force their children to
enroll in tutorial classes and talent classes.
Example: In poor countries, parents often compel their children to become child labour so
that they can make ends meet.

憤怒 1. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were / feel + angry 感到憤怒

angry (adj.) Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were / feel + annoyed
annoyed (adj.) Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were / feel + irritated
irritated (adj.) Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were / feel + exasperated
exasperated (adj.) Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were / feel + infuriated
infuriated (adj.) Example: Environmentalists are angry because the world has not done anything to cope
with the problem of global warming.
Example: The teacher was irritated as his students were not serious about their homework.

2. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + angry + at / by + sbdy/sthg 因為某事/某人憤怒

Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + annoyed + at / by + sbdy/sthg
Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + irritated + at / by + sbdy/sthg
Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + exasperated + at / by + sbdy/sthg
Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + infuriated + at / by + sbdy/sthg
Example: The public are annoyed by the soaring property prices.
Example: The customers were irritated at the poor services of the hotel.
Example: Passengers are exasperated by the frequent mechanical failures of MTR trains.
 51

有信心 1. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + confident of + sbdy/sthg 某人對…有信心

confident (adj.) Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + confident about + sbdy/sthg
Example: Many people are not confident of the future of the city.
Example: Parents are confident about the quality of foreign milk powder.

2. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + confident of + v. + ing 某人有信心做某事

Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + confident about + v. + ing

Example: The Chinese government is confident of maintaining rapid economic growth.
Example: According to a survey, the Post-80s are not confident of buying their homes.

信心 3. Sbdy + has/have + confidence + in + sbdy / sthg 某人對…有信心

confidence (n.) Example: The government has confidence in the effectiveness of waste charging.

4. Sbdy + has/have + confidence + in + v. + ing 某人有信心做某事

Example: Tokyo has confidence in hosting the 2020 Olympics.

5. Sthg / V. + ing + strengthen one’s confidence + in + sthg/v. + ing 某事加強某人的信心

Sthg / V. + ing + enhance one’s confidence + in + sthg/ v. + ing

Example: Participating in extra-curricular activities can strengthen our confidence.
Example: Foreign exchange trips can enhance our confidence in speaking English.

6. Sthg / V. + ing + weaken one’s confidence + in + sthg/v. + ing 某事減弱某人的信心

Sthg / V. + ing + lower one’s confidence + in + sthg/ v. + ing
Example: Repeated criticism weakens the confidence of teenagers.
Example: Successive scandals lower people’s confidence in Chinese dairy products.

發掘 1. Sbdy + explore + one’s potential 某人發掘潛能

explore (v.) Example: Through participating in talent shows, students can explore their potential.
實現
fulfill (v.) 2. Sbdy + fulfill + one’s potential 某人實現潛能
realize (v.) Sbdy + realize + one’s potential
發展 Example: After becoming a pop singer, Joey Yung finally realized her potential.
develop (v.)
潛能 3. Sbdy + develop + one’s potential 某人發展潛能

potential (n.) Example: Students can develop their potential by trying a wide variety of activities.
 52

破壞 1. Sbdy/ Sthg + damage + sthg 某人/某物破壞某物

damage (v.) Sbdy /Sthg + destroy + sthg
destroy (v.) Example: Last week, some adolescents damaged my car.
Example: In recent years, many mainland tourists have been cheated by unscrupulous
retailers. Apparently, these incidents damage the reputation of Hong Kong.
Example: Super Typhoon Haiyan destroyed the central parts of the Philippines.

破壞 2. Sthg/Sbdy + cause damage to + sthg 某人/某物為某物帶來破壞

damage (n.) Sthg/Sbdy + cause destruction to + sthg
destruction (n.) Example: Heavy rain caused damage to the vegetable farms in China.
Example: The 311 earthquake caused destruction to the north-eastern part of Japan.

了解、明白 1. Sbdy + know + more about + sthg 某人更了解某事

know (v.) Sbdy + learn+ more about + sthg
know  knew Sbdy + understand + more about + sthg
 known Sbdy + comprehend + more about + sthg
learn (v.) Example: Through studying Liberal Studies, students can know more about current affairs.
learn  learnt Example: We can learn more about wildlife by visiting country parks.
understand (v.) Example: Students can understand more about foreign cultures through studying overseas.
 understood
comprehend (v.)
取決於 1. Sthg/V. + ing + depend on + sthg/v. + ing 某事取決於某事
depend on (v.) Sthg/V. + ing + hinge on + sthg/v. + ing
hinge on (v.) Example: Success depends on hard work.
Example: Achieving excellent results in the HKDSE hinges on determination and persistence.

全面的 1. all-round + n. 全面的…

all-round (adj.) comprehensive + n.
comprehensive thorough + n.
(adj.) Example: Learning sports and arts can ensure the all-round development of teenagers.
thorough (adj.) Example: The government has to take comprehensive measures to tackle the aging
population problem.
Example: After thorough investigation, the police found out that the baby was not
kidnapped.
 53

滿意的 1. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + satisfied with + sthg/sbdy 某人滿意某事/某人

satisfied with (adj.) Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + content with + sthg/sbdy
content with (adj.) Example: Many foreigners are not satisfied with the air quality of Hong Kong.
Example: According to a survey, most people will be content with a 5% salary rise.
破壞 1. Sthg + ruin + one’s future 某事破壞某人的將來
ruin (v.) Sthg + spoil + one’s future
spoil (v.) Example: Drug abuse will ruin our abuse. Therefore, we should resist the temptation from
spoil  spoilt our peers and say no to drugs.
Example: Shoplifting will spoil our future. We will be sent to jail if we commit the crime.
戒除 1. Sbdy + stop + v. + ing 某人戒除做某事
stop Sbdy + abandon + v. + ing
stop  stopped Sbdy + abstain from + v. + ing
abandon Example: Teenagers should stop relying on their parents.
abstain from Example: After Mr. Chan abandoned drinking, his health improved significantly.
Example: You should abstain from gambling. Otherwise, your family will be ruined.

室內活動 1. Sbdy + hold / organize + indoor activities 某人舉辦室內活動

indoor activities Sbdy + hold / organize + outdoor activities 某人舉辦室外活動
室外活動 Example: Schools can hold indoor activities, like dancing competition and book exhibitions.
outdoor activities

2. Sbdy + join / participate in + indoor activities 某人參加室內活動

Sbdy + join / participate in + outdoor activities 某人參加室外活動
Example: In summer, we can participate in outdoor sports activities to exercise our body.

室內 3. SVO + indoors
indoors (adv.) SVO + outdoors
outdoors (adv.) Example: Due to heavy rain, students had to stay indoors.
Example: Don’t always stay in bed. Go outdoors and enjoy the sunshine.

誘因 1. Sbdy +has/have + incentives + to + v. 某人有誘因去做某事

incentives (n.) Example: Owing to affluence, some youngsters do not have incentives to work hard.
2. Sbdy + provide + incentives + for + sbdy +( to + v.) 某人提供誘因給某人(做某事)
Example: The government can provide some incentives for couples to have more babies.
 54

願意 1. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were+ willing to + v. + sthg 某人願意做某事

willing to (adj.) Example: To enjoy working holidays, many young people are willing to sacrifice their jobs.
Example: In order to earn higher income, Hong Kong people are willing to work long hours.

不願意 2. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were+ unwilling to + v. + sthg 某人不願意做某事

unwilling to (adj.) Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were+ reluctant to + v. + sthg 某人不願意做某事
reluctant to (adj.) Example: Sadly, many Hong Kong people are unwilling to donate blood.
Example: In the past, sick people were reluctant to wear masks. However, since the
outbreak of Sars, more people have been willing to do so as they have raised their
awareness of personal hygiene.

財政困難 1. Sbdy + have + huge/great + financial difficulties 某人有很大的財政困難

financial difficulties Sbdy + have + huge/great + financial burden 某人有很大的財政負擔
(n.) Example: Nowadays, many university students over-spend with their credit cards. When
they cannot repay their loans, they have great financial difficulties.
財政負擔
financial burden (n.) 2. Sbdy + face+ huge/great + financial difficulties 某人面對很大的財政困難
Sbdy + face + huge/great + financial burden 某人面對很大的財政負擔
Example: Many people living in Sham Shui-po face great financial difficulties. They have to
endure poor living conditions.
Example: Parents in Hong Kong face huge financial burden. They have to spend a lot of
money to bring up their children.

3. Sthg + cause + huge/great + financial difficulties + to sbdy 某事對某人造成財政困難

Sthg + cause + huge/great + financial burden + to sbdy 某事對某人造成財政負擔
Example: The high rent and transportation cost in Hong Kong cause great financial burden
to poor people.

傾向於 1. Sbdy + tend to + v. + sthg 某人傾向於做某事

tend to (v.) Example: When people become the victims of domestic violence, they tend to tolerate the
abusers and do not report to the police.
Example: When a country becomes richer, people tend to eat more meat and fatty food. As
a result, some of the them will become obese.
 55

能夠 1. Sbdy + can + v. + sthg 某人能夠做某事

can (modal v.) Example: We can enjoy the beauty of wildlife in country parks.
Example: With the use of information technology, teachers can interact with students.

能夠 2. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + able to + v. + sthg 某人能夠做某事

able to (adj.) Example: In Hong Kong, convenience stores are ubiquitous. As a result, people are able to
buy basic necessities anytime anywhere.

能夠 3. Sbdy + is/am/are/was/were + capable of + v.+ing + sthg 某人能夠做某事

capable of (adj.) Example: The government should strengthen vocational education in secondary schools and
universities so that youngsters will be capable of working efficiently after their graduation.

成功完成 4. Sbdy + manage to + v. + sthg 某人能夠做某事

manage to (v.) Example: In the dancing competition, Ka Yi managed to dance beautifully.

不能完成、失敗 5. Sbdy + fail to + v. + sthg 某人做某事不成功

fail to (v.) Example: A few days ago, a Primary 5 student who was teased by her classmates jumped to
her death. Sadly, her school failed to discover her plight and provide help for her.

有益身心的 1. V. + ing / N. + is/are + salutary to sbdy 某事對某人有益身心

salutary to (adj.) V. + ing / N. + is/are + therapeutic to sbdy 某事對某人有益身心
therapeutic to (adj.) Example: Participating in extra-curricular activities is salutary to all of us.
Example: Regular exercise is therapeutic to students.

促進 1. V. + ing / n. + can + promote + growth/development 某事可以促進發展

promote (v.) V. + ing / n. + can + foster + growth/development 某事可以促進發展
foster (v.) V. + ing / n. + can + facilitate + growth/development 某事可以促進發展
facilitate (v.) Example: Developing more tourist destinations can promote economic growth.
Example: Leadership training can facilitate the psychological development of teenagers.
增長 growth (n.) 2. V. + ing / n. + can + promote + understanding 某事可以促進理解
發展
V. + ing / n. + can + foster + understanding 某事可以促進理解
development (n.)
V. + ing / n. + can + facilitate + understanding 某事可以促進理解
understanding (n.)
Example: Freqeuent communication can foster understanding between parents and
理解
children.
 56

迎合 1. Sbdy + cater to + sbdy/sthg 某人迎合某人/某事

cater to (v.) Example: Fast food shops like Fairwood and Café de Coral provide different dishes to cater
to the tastes of different people.
Example: In Hong Kong, newspapers tend to cater to readers through publishing sensational
or even pornographic content.

有責任 1. Sbdy + is/are/was/were + obligated to + v. + sthg 某人有責任做某事

obligated to (adj.) Sbdy + is/are/was/were + compelled to + v. + sthg 某人有責任做某事
compelled to (adj.) Example: The government is obligated to protect the cultural heritage in Hong Kong.
Example: Teachers are compelled to inculcate knowledge and positive attitude in students.

responsible for 2. Sbdy + is/are/was/were responsible for + v.+ing + sthg 某人有責任做某事

(adj.) Example: The government is responsible for protecting the rights of consumers.
Example: Your restaurant is responsible for providing high-quality food and services.

3. Sbdy + has/have the responsibility to + v. + sthg 某人有責任做某事

Example: Schools have the responsibility to alleviate the emotional problems of students.

歧視 1. Sbdy + discriminate against + sbdy 某人歧視某人

discriminate against Example: Many local people discriminate against ethnic minorities, like the Indians, the
(v.) Nepaleses and the Africans.
look down on (v.)
2. Sbdy + look down on + sbdy 某人歧視某人
Example: We should not look down on the mentally-disabled and physically-disabled
people. Instead, we should provide more assistance for them.

歧視 3. Sbdy + have + discrimination + against + sbdy 某人歧視某人

discrimination (n.) Example: In bygone days, western people had discrimination against the Chinese and called
them the sick men in East Asia.

偏見 4. Sbdy + have + prejudice + against + sbdy 某人歧視某人

prejudice (n.) Example: In recent years, many Hong Kong people have had prejudice against mainlanders.
They regard them as locusts as they have eroded the precious resources in Hong Kong.
 57

興趣 1. Sbdy + have + interests 某人有興趣

interests (n.) Sbdy + have + hobbies 某人有嗜好
Sbdy + have + pastimes 某人有消遣
嗜好 Example: Nowadays, secondary school students have many interests, like fashion and
hobbies (n.) Korean pop stars.
Example: In Hong Kong, many elderly people can enjoy a comfortable and fruitful life. They
消遣 have a lot of pastimes, like playing taichi and eating out in restaurants.
pastimes (n.)
2. Sbdy + develop + interests 某人有興趣
Sbdy + develop + hobbies 某人有嗜好
Sbdy + develop + pastimes 某人有消遣
Example: In universities, we will have more leisure time and can develop our interests, such
as dancing and rowling.
Example: Although working is important, we should also relax ourselves and develop our
hobbies.

拋棄 1. Sbdy + dump + sthg 某人拋棄某物

dump (v.) Sbdy + discard + sthg 某人拋棄某物
abandon (v.) Sbdy + throw away + sthg 某人拋棄某物
discard (v.) Sbdy + dispose of + sthg 某人拋棄某物
throw away (v.) Example: Yesterday, Mary dumped her boyfriend.
dispose of (v.) Example: Our landfills have almost reached full capacity. Therefore, we should not discard
our rubbish directly. Instead, we should put it in recycling bins.
Example: If we dispose of burning cigarettes in the streets, they may cause fire.

學習、研究 1. Sbdy + study + sthg 某人學習、研究某事

study (v.) Example: In Hong Kong, many students would like to study profession-related subjects, such
as Business Administration, Accountancy and Medicine.
Example: The government is studying the feasibility of increasing public housing supply.

調查、研究 2. Sbdy + investigate + sthg 某人調查、研究某事

investigate (v.) Example: The Fire Services Department is investigating the cause of the fire.
Example: Scientists are investigating the cure for cancer.
 58

富裕的 1. rich / wealthy / affluent / well-off + person / people / businessmen 富裕的人

rich (adj.) rich / wealthy / affluent / well-off + city / country 富裕的城市/國家
wealthy (adj.) Example: In Hong Kong, there are thousands of wealthy people. Sadly, there are also more
affluent (adj.) than a million people who live below the poverty line.
well-off (adj.) Example: South Korea is an affluent country. Most people can enjoy high living standard.

2. Sbdy + is/are/was/were + rich / wealthy / affluent / well-off 某人富裕

A city / A country + is/are/was/were + rich / wealthy / affluent / well-off
某城市/國家富裕
Example: Bill Gates is very rich. He has donated billions of dollars.
Example: Compared with many Asian countries, Hong Kong is well-off.

3. Sbdy + is/are/was/were + the richest / the wealthiest / the most affluent 某人最富裕
A city / A country + is/are/was/were + the richest / the wealthiest / the most affluent
某城市/國家最富裕
Example: Li Ka-shing is the wealthiest man in Asia.
Example: Japan is the most affluent country in Asia.

4. Sbdy + has/have become + richer / wealthier / more affluent 某人變得更富裕

A city / A country + has/have become + richer / wealthier / more affluent
某城市/國家變得更富裕
Example: As many Hong Kong people have become more affluent, they can afford to buy
luxury goods.
Example: In recent years, China has become wealthier and wealthier.

奢華的 1. lavish / luxurious / extravagant / sumptuous + n. 奢華的事物

lavish (adj.) Example: Many Chinese tycoons are living a luxurious life.
luxurious (adj.) Example: Many local artists are wealthy and can enjoy an extravagant lifestyle.
extravagant (adj.) Example: The businessman has spent millions of dollars to decorate his sumptuous home.
sumptuous (adj.)
2. N. + is/are/was/were + lavish / luxurious / extravagant / sumptuous 某物是奢華的
Example: The lifestyle of some Hong Kong people is luxurious as they live in extravagant
homes and drive expensive cars.
Example: The banquet last night was sumptuous. All the guests were satisfied after the
banquet.
 59

蔓延 1. Sthg + is/are/was/were + spreading + in + 地方 (…在…蔓延)

spread (v.) Sthg + is/are/was/were + proliferating + in + 地方 (…在…蔓延)
proliferate (v.) Example: The H7N9 virus is spreading in Shenzhen.
Example: The hill fire was spreading quickly yesterday.
Example: The phenomenon of cyberbullying is proliferating in Hong Kong.
Example: Every day, you can read the news of suicides. Apparently, pessimism and negative
attitude towards life are proliferating in Hong Kong.

沉悶的 1. boring / dull / tedious / dreary + n. 沉悶的事物

boring (adj.) Example: It was a boring tutorial class. Many students fell asleep.
dull (adj.) Example: Many Hong Kong people are having a tedious lifestyle. They work from morning
tedious (adj.) till night and can hardly relax themselves.
dreary (adj.)
2. N. / V. + ing + is/are/was/were + boring / dull / tedious / dreary 某事物是沉悶的
Example: Life is dull but we can create meaningful and beautiful dramas in our life.
Example: The campus life in Hong Kong is dreary. Students have to face endless
assignments, tests and examinations.

吸引的 1. attractive / appealing / tempting + n. 吸引的事物

attractive (adj.) Example: There are many attractive tourist destinations in Macau.
appealing (adj.) Example: The fat boy wanted to keep fit, so he resisted the tempting junk food.
tempting (adj.)
2. N. / V. + ing + is/are/was/were + attractive / appealing / tempting 某事物是吸引的
Example: The scenery in Hong Kong is attractive, so the city can attract millions of tourists
every year.
Example: Although some jobs are appealing, youngsters should carefully choose their jobs
so that they will not fall prey to criminals.
Example: The luxury hand bags were tempting but the woman had no money to buy them.
麻煩的 1. troublesome / thorny + issue
troublesome (adj.) troublesome / thorny + problem 麻煩的、棘手的問題

Example: Drug abuse is a thorny issue in Hong Kong.

棘手的
thorny (adj.) 2. The problem is troublesome / thorny
The issue is troublesome / thorny 問題是麻煩、棘手的

Example: In Hong Kong, rubbish disposal is troublesome as the city lacks land.
 60

結婚 1. Sbdy + marry / marries / married+ sbdy 某人與某人結婚

marry (v.) Example: In recent years, many local men have married women from the mainland.

結婚 2. Sbdy + gets married / get married / got married 某人結婚

get married (v.) Sbdy + gets married to / get married to / got married to+ sbdy 某人與某人結婚
get married to (v.) Example: In the past, people got married when they were very young.
Example: Mr. Chan got married to his wife at the age of 30.

divorce (v.) 3. Sbdy + divorce / divorces / divorced+ sbdy 某人與某人離婚

Example: Nicholas Tse divorced Cecilia Cheung a few years ago.

get divorced (v.) 4. Sbdy + gets divorced / get divorced / got divorced 某人離婚
get divorced to (v.) Sbdy + gets divorced to / get divorced to / got divorced to sbdy 某人與某人離婚
Example: In bygone days, marriage was long-lasting. Nowadays, people get divorced easily
for different reasons, like misunderstanding and financial difficulties.

marriage (n.) 婚姻 5. marriage 婚姻

divorce (n.) 離婚
divorce 離婚
Example: Loyalty and mutual respect are the prerequisite for a happy marriage.
Example: In recent decades, the divorce rate in Hong Kong has been rising.

清拆 1. Sbdy + demolish + sthg 某人清拆某建築物

demolish (v.) Sbdy + pull down + sthg 某人清拆某建築物
pull down (v.) Example: Since the 1970s, China has demolished many historical buildings to make way for
residential development.
Example: Social activists think that the government should not blindly pursue economic
development and pull down valuable historical buildings.

欺騙 1. Sbdy + cheat + sbdy 某人欺騙某人

cheat Sbdy + deceive + sbdy 某人欺騙某人
deceive Example: Criminals often capitalize on the ignorance of old people and cheat them.

2. Sbdy + cheat + sbdy + into + v. + ing + sthg 某人欺騙某人

Sbdy + deceive + sbdy+ into + v. + ing + sthg 某人欺騙某人
Example: The young man deceived the housewife into buying a fake LV handbag
 61

令人誤導的 1. misleading + n. 令人誤導的事

misleading (adj.) deceptive + n. 令人誤導的事
deceptive (adj.) Example: The newspapers in Hong Kong often publish misleading stories.

2. Sthg + is/are/was/were + misleading 某事令人誤導

Sthg + is/are/was/were +deceptive 某事令人誤導
Example: The behavior of many retailers in Hong Kong is deceptive. The new consumer
protection law can deter unscrupulous retailers from cheating customers.

貢獻 1. Sbdy + contribute to + n. 某人為…貢獻

contribute to (v.) Example: When the elderly were young, they contributed a lot to our society.
Example: Bill Gates and Steve Jobs contributed to the development of computer
technology.

貢獻 2. Sbdy + make contribution to + n. 某人為…貢獻

contribution (n.) Example: Foreign domestic workers have made a lot of contributions to Hong Kong.
Example: Deng Xiaoping made many contributions to the economic development in China.
有決心的 1. Sbdy + be / is/are/was/were + determined (…是有決心的)
determined Sbdy + be / is/are/was/were + tenacious (…是堅毅的)
堅毅的 Sbdy + be / is/are/was/were + persistent(…是堅毅的)
tenacious Example: If we want to achieve excellent results in the HKDSE, we should be determined
persistent and persistent.

2. a determined person 有決心的人

a tenacious / persistent 堅持的人
Example: Kobe Bryant is a determined and persistent athlete. Even when he faces setback,
he does not easily give up.

強調 1. Sbdy + underline / stress / emphasize + that + SVO 某人強調…

underline (v.) Example: Catholics stress that the legalization of homosexual marriage will erode the moral
stress (v.) foundation of our society.
emphasize (v.)
2. Sbdy + underline / stress / emphasize + n. 某人強調…
Example: The government emphasizes the all-round development of schoolchildren.
 62

支柱 1. Sthg + is a pillar + of sthg 某物是某物的支柱

pillar (n.) Sthg + is the cornerstone + of sthg 某物是某物的基石
cornerstone (n.) Example: Tourism is a pillar of Hong Kong’s economy.
Example: High-quality human resources is the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s success.
改善 1. V. + ing / n. + improve + n. 某事改善某事
improve (v.) V. + ing / n. + enhance + n.
enhance (v.) V. + ing / n. + ameliorate + n.
ameliorate (v.) Example: Reading and writing regularly can improve our English.
Example: Learning multiple foreign languages can enhance our competitiveness.
Example: Communication can ameliorate family relationship.
取得 1. Sbdy + get + sthg 某人取得某物
get (v.) Sbdy + obtain + sthg 某人取得某物
get  got Example: If a youngster gets a university degree, he or she can find a better job.
obtain (v.) Example: When an athlete becomes more successful, he can obtain sponsorship from
famous sports brands, like Nike and Adidas.

取得、完成、達到 2. Sbdy + achieve+ sthg 某人完成某目標

achieve (v.) Sbdy + accomplish + sthg 某人完成某目標
accomplish (v.) Example: In recent decades, China has achieved rapid economic growth.
Example: Steve Jobs achieved phenomenal success and completely changed our life.
Example: If we work hard, we can achieve excellent academic results and enter a
good
university.
Example: To accomplish our goals, we have to be determined and persistent.

安慰 1. Sbdy + console + sbdy 某人安慰某人

console (v.) Sbdy + comfort + sbdy 某人安慰某人
comfort (v.) Example: Her friends consoled her when she heard the bad news.
Example: When children perform disappointly in school, their parents should comfort
them and encourage them.

侵入 1. Sbdy + invade + sthg 某人入侵某物

invade (v.) Sbdy + intrude on + sthg 某人入侵某物
intrude on (v.) Example: The paparazzi often invade the privacy of celebrities.
Example: The police should not intrude on protestors’ freedom of expression.
 63

窮人 Example: In Hong Kong, the poor have to suffer from poor living conditions.
the poor Example: Without sufficient social security, the poor feel helpless and hopeless.
有需要的人 Example: Through doing voluntary work, we can give a helping hand to the needy.

the needy Example: To bridge the wealth gap, the government can provide more financial

社會低下的人 assistance for the unverprivileged.

the underprivileged Example: Hong Kong is a polarized society. While the rich can enjoy luxurious lifestyle,

有錢人 the poor find it difficult to make ends meet.

the rich

年青人 Example: Under the influence of Korean pop culture, the young in Hong Kong worship
idols, like Girls’ Generation and Super Junior.
the young
Example: After their retirement, the elderly often feel lonely.
老人家
Example: To satisfy the needs of the elderly, the government can build more elderly
the elderly
homes.

傷殘人士
Example: Public transportation companies should build more facilities to provide
the physically-disabled
more convenience for the physically-disabled.
弱智人士
Example: The government can encourage fast-food shops to employ the mentally
the mentally-disabled
disabled.
昂貴的 1. N. / V. + ing + is/are/was/were + expensive 某物是昂貴的
expensive (adj.) N. / V. + ing + is/are/was/were + costly 某物是代價高的
代價高的 Example: iPhones and Samsung Galaxy smartphones are expensive.
costly (adj.) Example: Developing space exploration projects is costly.

2. expensive + n. 昂貴的物品
costly + n. 代價高的物品
Example: Louis Vuitton handbags are expensive products in China, but many
mainlanders can afford to buy them.
Example: The high-speed railway between mainland China and Hong Kong is a costly
project.
可致命的 1. N. / V. + ing + be/is/are/was/were + fatal 某事是可致命的
fatal (adj.) N. / V. + ing + be/is/are/was/were + deadly 某事是可致命的
deadly (adj.) N. / V. + ing +be/ is/are/was/were + lethal 某事是可致命的
lethal (adj.) Example: Drunk –driving can be fatal. Therefore, we should not drive after drinking.
Example: Smoking is deadly. Hence, smokers should abandon smoking.
 64

恥笑 1. Sbdy + tease + sbdy 某人恥笑某人

tease (v.) Sbdy + ridicule + sbdy 某人恥笑某人
ridicule (v.) Example: In many cyberbullying cases, the abuser teases the victim on the Internet and
makes the victim upset and depressed.
恥笑 Example: The students ridiculed the fat boy because he was stupid.
laugh at (v.)
2. Sbdy + laugh at + sbdy 某人恥笑某人
Example: Ka Yi laughed at Mr. Yu because he mistook Leader’s leg for his tail.

康復 1. Sbdy recover 某人康復

recover (v.) Sbdy recuperate 某人康復
recuperate (v.) Example: After staying in hospital for five days, Stanley Ho finally recovered.
Example: The old woman suffered from liver cancer and almost died. Fortunately, she
ultimately recuperated.

恢復 2. Sbdy + recover + sthg 某人恢復感覺、能力

recover (v.) Example: The old man recovered his consciousness after collapsing in the wet market.

重新找回 3. Sbdy + recover + sthg 某人找回某物

recover (v.) Example: The police recovered the stolen jewellery in a house in Fanling.
合法化 1. Sbdy + legalize + n. / v. + ing 某人將某事合法化
legalize (v.) Example: Taiwan is planning to legalize homosexual marriage.

非法化 2. Sbdy + outlaw + n. / v. + ing 某人將某事非法化

outlaw (v.) Example: If the government outlaws derivative work on the Internet, it will invade Hong Kong
people’s freedom of expression.
服從人、法規 1. Sbdy + obey + sthg 某人服從法規
obey (v.) Sbdy + obey + sbdy 某人服從某人
Example: As a responsible citizen, we should obey the law.
Example: The dog is docile and obeys its owner.

服從法規 2. Sbdy + abide by+ sthg 某人服從法規

abide by (v.) Sbdy + comply with+ sthg 某人服從法規
comply with (v.) Example: The participants of the Sports Day must abide by the rules.
 65

解雇 1. Sbdy + sack + sbdy 某人解雇某人

sack (v.) Sbdy + fire + sbdy 某人解雇某人
fire (v.) Sbdy + dismiss sbdy 某人解雇某人
dismiss (v.) Sbdy + lay off + sbdy 某人解雇某人
lay off (v.) Example: If the government further increases the minimum wage, employers may sack
some of their employees to reduce cost.
Example: According to newspaper reports, some companies dismiss some Post-80s
employees have working performance and attitude.

投訴、埋怨 1. Sbdy + complain about + sthg/sbdy 某人投訴某事/某人

complain about (v.) Sbdy + grumble about + sthg/sbdy 某人投訴某事/某人
grumble about (v.) Example: Environmentalists often complain about the low temperature in public transport.
Example: Housewives always grumble about rising prices.

垃圾 1. produce + rubbish/litter/waste/refuse/trash 製造垃圾

rubbish (n.)
Example: Everyday, families and businesses produce a lot of rubbish.
litter (n.)
waste (n.)
refuse (n.)
2. dispose of + rubbish/litter/waste/refuse/trash 棄置垃圾
trash (n.)
Example: As Hong Kong is small, it is difficult to find land to dispose of rubbish.

3. collect + rubbish/litter/waste/refuse/trash 收集垃圾

Example: The government is responsible for collecting litter in public venues.

4. recycle + rubbish/litter/waste/refuse/trash 循環再造垃圾

Example: To reduce the burden on landfills, the government should encourage people to
recycle rubbish.

故意地 1. Sbdy + v. + sthg + deliberately/intentionally 某人故意做某事

deliberately (adv.) Example: The strong boy trampled on the poor girl deliberately and made her cry.
intentionally (adv.) Example: Many TV channels exaggerate ratings intentionally to maximize advertising
on purpose (adv.) revenue

2. Sbdy + v. + sthg + on purpose 某人故意做某事

Example: In online derivative work, cartoonists distort the appearance of celebrities on
purpose and make fun of them.
 66

事件 () Example: The unification with China in 1997 was an important event in the history of Hong
event (n.) Kong and China.

賽事、比賽項目 Example: Before organizing international sports events, Hong Kong needs to build world-

event (n.) class sports venues.

事件 () Example: In the incident, 50 schoolchildren suffered from food poisoning and were sent to

incident (n.) hospital.

Example: Last Monday, a primary 5 girl committed suicide in her school. This incident has
raised alarm bells about the mental health of students.
賠償 1. Sbdy + compensate + sbdy + for sthg 某人為某事賠償某人
compensate (v.) Example: Your company should compensate me for the poor services of the staff.

彌補 2. Sthg + compensate for + sthg 某事彌補某事

compensate for (v.) Sthg + make up for + sthg 某事彌補某事
make up for (v.) Example: His hard work compensated for his poor grammar and vocabulary foundation.
Example: Mr. Chan paid the bill to make up for his lateness.
條件、情況 1. Under this condition, + SVO
condition (n.) Under this circumstance, + SVO
circumstance (n.) Example: In Hong Kong, many parents spoil their children. Under this condition, children
may become dependent and do not know how to take care of themselves in the future.
Example: The aging population problem will persist in the coming decades. Under this
circumstance, the competitiveness of Hong Kong will decline.
阻嚇 1. N. / V. + ing + is /are/was/were + a deterrent + to + n. / v. + ing 某事對某事有阻嚇
deterrent (n.) Example: Imprionment is a deterrent to drunk-driving.

2. N. / V. + ing + serve as + a deterrent + to + n. / v. + ing 某事對某事起阻嚇作用

Example: The new consumer protection law serves as a deterrent to retailers.

阻嚇的 3. N. / V. + ing + has/have + deterrent effects on +n. 某事有阻嚇性的影響

deterrent (adj.) Example: Death penalty has deterrent effects on the behavior of criminals.

阻嚇、制止 4. N. / V. + ing + deter + sbdy + from + v.+ing + sthg

deter (v.) Example: Increasing the prices of cigarettes significantly has deterred youngsters from
smoking.
 67

養育 1. Sbdy + raise + sbdy 某人養育某人

raise (v.) Sbdy + bring up + sbdy 某人養育某人
bring up (v.) Example: To raise a child, parents need to spend a lot of time and money.
Example: Many couples work from day till night in order to bring up their children. As they
培育 are so occupied with their work, they may ignore their children’s psychological needs.
nurture (v.)
2. Sbdy + nurture + sbdy 某人培育某人
Example: In Hong Kong, parents spend a lot of money nurturing their chidren. For example,
they make them participate in language and instrument classes.

懷疑 1. Sbdy + is/are/was/were + unsure + of/about + sthg (某人懷疑某事)

unsure (adj.) Sbdy + is /are/was/were + uncertain + of/about + sthg
uncertain (adj.) Sbdy + is /are/was/were + doubtful + of/about + sthg
doubtful (adj.) Sbdy + is /are/was/were + skeptical + of/about + sthg
skeptical (adj.) Sbdy + is /are/was/were + sceptical + of/about + sthg
sceptical (adj.)
Example: The Hong Kong Observatory is uncertain of the future path of the typhoon.
Example: Many people are doubtful about China’s capability to sustain rapid economic
development in the next decade.
Example: With the water pipes of several public housing estates contaminated by lead, the
public are sceptical about the government’s explanation.
出色 (+) 1. Sbdy/ Sthg is/are/was/were + outstanding
outstanding (adj.) Sbdy/ Sthg is/are/was/were + extraordinary
非凡 Sbdy/ Sthg is/are/was/were + distinctive
extraordinary (adj.) Sbdy/ Sthg is/are/was/were + unique
distinctive (adj.) Sbdy/ Sthg is/are/was/were + striking
獨特 Example: The academic performance of mainland students studying in local universities is
unique (adj.) outstanding.
引人注目 Example: Roger Federer’s performance in the Wimbledon semifinal was extraordinary.
striking (adj.) Example: The fusion of eastern and western cultures is a unique feature of Hong Kong.
Example: Obsession with conquering others is the distinctive character of Michael Jordan
and Kobe Bryant.
Example: The economic and technological advancement of South Korea since the end of the
Second War has been striking.
 68

怪異 (-) 1. Sbdy/ Sthg + is/are/was/were + strange/bizarre/peculiar/eccentric/weird

strange (adj.) Example: The behaviour of the middle-aged woman is bizzare. Every evening, she wanders
bizarre (adj.) at Pacific Coffee and asks others what time it is although she wears a watch.
peculiar (adj.) Example: Sir Issac Newton was eccentric, often forgetting to have lunch when doing
eccentric (adj.) experiments and thinking about new scientific theories.
weird (adj.)
2. strange/bizarre/peculiar/eccentric/weird + n.
Example: Many old people are disgusted by the peculiar clothes of costume players.
Example: The teacher was perplexed by his student’s weird response.

獨有的 3. Sthg + is peculiar to + sthg

peculiar (adj.)to Example: The linked exchange rate system is peculiar to Hong Kong.
Example: The annual bull festival is peculiar to Spain.

恩賜 (+) 1. n. + is/are/was/were + a + blessing / boon / godsend + to + n

blessing (n.) Example: British colonial rule was a blessing to most Hong Kong people.
boon (n.) Example: The discovery of shale gas is a boon to the United States.
godsend (n.) Example: With his dazzling repertoire of soccer skills, Lionel Messi is a godsend to soccer
fans all over the world.

禍患 (-) 1. n. + is/are/was/were + a + curse / bane / plague + of + n

curse (n.) Example: While the construction of casinos can stimulate economic development, it could
bane (n.) become a curse of the psychological development of youngsters.
plague (n.) Example: Killing thousands of people, the Ebola virus disease is a bane of Africans.
Example: Corruption and bureaucracy are the plague of India, stifling its economic
development and preventing the country transforming into a developed country.

延遲 1. Sbdy/sthg + puts off/delays/postpones/defer + sthg

put off (v.) Example: Jay Chou put off his concert due to the typhoon.
delay (v.) Example: Mechanical faulures delayed dozens of MTR trains in the rush hours.
postpone (v.) Example: Owing to technical problems, the construction of high-speed railway linking Hong
defer (v.) Kong and Guangdong is postponed.
Example: Being severely sick, Stephon Chow deferred press conference about his latest film.
 69

挽救 1. Sbdy + helps + sbdy + out of + sthg

help (v.) Sbdy + bails + sbdy + out of + sthg

bail (v.) Example: Every effort should be made to help Africans out of their impoverishment.
save (v.) Example: The European Union has bailed Greece out of bankruptcy by granting new loans
rescue (v.) to the country and allowing it to stay in the Euro zone.

2. Sbdy + saves + sbdy + from + sthg

Sbdy + rescues + sbdy + from + sthg

Example: Becoming China’s leader in the wake of the Cultural Revolution, Deng Xiaoping
saved Chinese people from poverty.
Example: The soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army rescued the survivors from the ruins.

存取、享用 1. Sbdy + access + sthg

access (v.) Example: With the lack of railways and highways, many parts of Tibet and Xinjiang could
hardly be accessed.
存取、享用

access (n.) 2. Sbdy + have access to + sthg

Sbdy + get access to + sthg

Sbdy + gain access to + sthg

Example: With men’s superiority over women, the latter did not have access to education.
Example: Every student of Sing Yin Secondary School can gain access to past examination
papers from the the school intranet.
不成熟 1. Sbdy + is + immature

immature (adj.) Example: As some students are immature, they do not realize the significance of hard work
and preoccupy themselves with online games.
不成熟

at a tender age 2. At a tender age, + SVO

of tender age Example: At a tender age, she always pestered her parents to purchase expensive toys.

3. Sbdy + of tender age

Example: Children of tender age are prone to peer influence.

 70

盛年 1. SVO + in one’s prime

prime (n.) Example: Known as the king of comedy, Stephen Chow was one of Hong Kong’s most
popular actors in his prime.

盛年的 2. SVO + in one’s prime time

prime (adj.) Example: Roger Federer won 17 Grand Slam titles in his prime time.

危險 1. Sthg + puts + sbdy + in danger

danger (n.) Sthg + puts + sbdy + in peril
peril (n.) Sthg + puts + sbdy + in jeopardy
jeopardy (n.) Sthg + puts + sbdy + at risk
risk (n.) Example: The government’s failure to remove crumbling buildings puts residents’ lives in
danger.
Example: Excessive spending on social welfare has put Greece’s financial situation in peril.
Example: Lead contamination of water pipes may put residents’ health in jeopardy.
Example: Excessive use of smartphones puts our eyesight at risk.
預先 1. SVO + beforehand
beforehand (adv.) SVO + in advance
in advance Example: To dine in this restaurant, you have to make a reservation beforehand.
Example: If candidates with learning disabilities would like to lengthen the time allowed for
their examinations, they have to apply to the HKEAA in advance.

之前 1. SVO + before/prior to/previous to/ahead of/in the run-up to + n.

before (prep.) Example: The hourly salary of employees working for McDonald’s and KFC was below $20
prior to before the implementation of minimum wage.
previous to Example: Prior to the Opium War, China was regarded as one of the most powerful
ahead of countries in the world.
in the run up to Example: Previous to the HKDSE, she was obsessed with watching Korean dramas. As a
result, her results were poor.
Example: Ahead of the World Cup qualifier, the national anthem of China was played, which
was booed by Hong Kong’s soccer fans.
Example: In the run-up to the 2012 Chief Executive Election, it was reported that Henry
Tang had been involved in extramarital affairs.
 71

之後 1. SVO + after/in the wake of/in the aftermath of/subsequent to + n.

after (prep.) Example: Beijing intervened and purchased shares after the stock market plunge.
in the wake of Example: In the wake of the dust explosion incident, the Taiwanese police arrested the
in the aftermath of organizers of the colour party.
subsequent to Example: In the aftermath of the Korean War, South Korea was one of the pooest countries
in the world.
Example: The players of the Chinese women’s volleyball team celebrated ecstatically
subsequent to their victory over the USA.
沉浸於 1. Sbdy + is soaked in / submerged in + sthg
soaked in Example: Hannah Quinlivan has been soaked in bliss and merriment after getting married to
submerged in Jay Chou.
Example: With a view to coming through the HKDSE with flying colours, he was submerged
in his studies every day, attending tutorial classes and revising from day till night.
由…組成 1. Sthg + comprises / consists of + sthg / sbdy
comprise (v.) Example: The United States comprises 50 states.
consist of Example: The investigative committee consisted of retired judges, civil servants and
policemen.
is comprised of
is composed of 2. Sthg + is comprised of/ is composed of / is made up of + sthg / sbdy
is made up of Example: China is comprised of 23 provinces, 5 autonmous regions, 4 municipalities and 2
special administrative regions.
Example: A basketball team is normally made up of 12 to 15 players.

組成 3. Sthg / Sbdy + makes up / constitutes / composes + sthg

make up Example: 70 members constitute the Legislative Council in Hong Kong.
constitute (v.) Example: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland compose the United Kingdom.
compose (v.)

補救 1. Sbdy + reverse / remedy / repair / retrieve + sthg

reverse (v.) Example: To reverse the economic downturn in the wake of the financial tsunami, Beijing
remedy (v.) increased investment on infrastructures.
repair (v.) Example: Japan has remedied its lack of power resources by importing petroleum from
retrieve (v.) Middle Eastern countries and African countries.
Example: Mr. Chan repaired his health by resigning and going on a working holiday in
Australia.
 72

不能補救的 1. irreversible / irreparable / irretrievable / irremediable + n.

irreversible (adj.) n. + is + irreversible / irreparable / irretrievable / irremediable
irreparable (adj.) Example: With its irremediable financial situation, Greece has no choice but to accept the
irretrievable (adj.) assistance package offered by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.
irremediable (adj.) Example: His relationship with his wife is irreversible, so he has decided to file for divorce.
Example: With CY Keung’s intransigent attitude, the relationship between the executive and
the legislature is irreparable.

補救 2. Sthg + is + beyond reversion / beyond repair / beyond remedy (無法補救)

reversion (n.) Example: Lying in the intensive care unit, his life is beyond reversion.
repair (n.) Example: With the coming reclamation projects in the waters of Lantau Isalnd, the habitat
remedy (n.) of Chinese White Dolphins will be beyond remedy.

有錯覺 1. Sbdy + is under the impression that + SVO

under the Sbdy + is under the illusion that + SVO
impression Sbdy + mistakenly believes that + SVO
under the illusion Example: Many sixth-formers are under the impression that examination skills can improve
mistakenly believe their English results overnight.
Example: Many people are under the illusion that money can buy everything.

挑剔 1. fault-finding / fastidious / demanding + n.

fault-finding n. + is + fault-finding / fastidious / demanding
fastidious Example: It is difficult for salespersons to cater to fault-finding customers.
demanding Example: With improving living standard, Chinese people are increasingly fastidious. What
they demand for are high-quality products and high-quality services.
Example: He is such a demanding English teacher that he cannot tolerate any grammar
mistakes committed by students in English writing.

毫不動搖的 1. unwavering / unyielding + n.

unwavering (adj.) Example: The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong has shown
unyielding (adj.) unwavering support for the government since the handover.
Example: Nelson Mandela was an unyielding revoluntary disregarding political persecution
and pursuing racial justice relentlessly.
 73

無數的 1. numerous / innumerable / countless + n.

numerous (adj.) Example: There are numerous kangaroos in Australia.

innumerable (adj.) Example: Being the commander-in-chief, President Obama faces innumerable challenges

countless (adj.) every day, ranging from racial divide to the war against Islamic terrorists.

Example: With the popularity of tutorial classes, there are countless star tutors in Hong

Koong, including Patrick Chan, Calvin Sun, YY Lam and Dick Hui.

先決條件 1. Sthg + is the precondition / is the prerequisite + for + sthg

precondition (n.) Example: Diligence is the precondition for excellent academic results.

prerequisite (n.) Example: High productivity is the prerequisite for the sustainable development of a country.

gateway (n.) 2. Sthg + is the gateway / is the passport + to + sthg

passport (n.) Example: Excellent communication skills and a broad social network are the gateway to

career success in Hong Kong.

Example: Kobe Bryant’s relentless pursuit of perfection is the passport to his illustrious

basketball career.

評價標準 1. Sthg is the criterion / yardstick / barometer + for + sthg

criterion (n.) Example: Punctuality and quality of work are the criterions for determining whether a

yardstick (n.) student is a good or not.

barometer (n.) Example: Internationally, IELTS is the yardstick for English proficiency.

Example: Economic growth is the most important barometer for assessing the performance

of the Chinese Communist Party.

屈服 1. Sbdy + gives way to / yield to + sthg

give way to Example: The British army in Hong Kong gave way to the Japanese Imperial Army and Hong

yield to Kong was subsequently occupied by Japan for three and eight months.

Example: Maria Cordero, also known as Fat Mum, yielded to mouth-watering delicacies and

became obese again after participating in a slimming programme.

 74

懷疑 1. Sbdy + doubts / suspects + n.

doubt (v.) Example: Many people doubt CY Leung’s credibility.

suspect (v.) Example: Mrs. Chan suspects her husband’s fidelity.

2. Sbdy + suspects that + SVO

Example: The users of Hkgolden suspect that the severe pollution on Dong Jiang is the

culprit of the excessive level of lead in water pipes.

3. Sbdy + is suspected of + v.+ing / n.

Example: The official is suspected of embezzling government funds and under criminal

investigation.
懷疑

suspicion (n.) 4. Sbdy + doubts that + SVO

Example: The Chinese government doubts that CY Leung is a competent Chief Executive.

5. Sbdy + is under the suspicion of + n.

Example: Miss Long is under the suspicion of shoplifting in a supermarket.

狂熱者 1. Sbdy + is a devotee / fanatic

devotee (n.) Example: She is a devotee of Korean dramas and Korean pop bands.

fanatic (n.) Example: He used to be a basketball fanatic, watching every game of Los Angeles Lakers.

兩難 1. Sbdy + is + in a dilemma / on the horns of a dilemma / in a quandary

dilemma (n.) Example: Getting 15 marks in the HKDSE, she is in a dilemma, not knowing whether to

quandary (n.) enroll in an associated degree course or study in Taiwan.

Example: Having accumulated $1 million, he is in a quandary. He is considering purchasing a

flat in Yuen Long or opening a toy shop.

陷於兩難 2. Sbdy + is torn between + n. / v.+ing + and + + n. / v.+ing

is torn between Example: After giving birth to her first son, she was torn between resuming his work and

becoming a full-time housewife.

 75

關鍵 1. Sthg + is the root / core / crux / heart of a problem

root (n.) Example: The absence of true democracy is the root of the social problems in Hong Kong.
core (n.) Example: Profligacy is the crux of precarious financial situation of Greece.
crux (n.) Example: The caste system is the heart of India’s social problems.
heart (n.)
問題 1. There is no question about + n. (毫無疑問)

question (n.) Example: There is no question about Roger Federer’s drive and voracity for success.

2. n. + is beyond question (毫無疑問)

Example: The dedication of Kenneth Lau is beyond question.

毫無疑問 3. n. + is unquestionable
unquestionable Example: “The quality of our milk is unquestionable.” The milk manufacturer said.
(adj)

種類 1. different / various + sorts / types / kinds / forms / breeds + n.

sorts (n.) Example: As a gourmet paradise, Hong Kong offers different sorts of cuisine for tourists to
types (n.) choose from.
kinds (n.) Example: Toyota provides various kinds of models, including petrol-driven cars, electric
forms (n.) cars and hybrid cars.
breeds (n.) Example: The intense political conflicts in Hong Kong have engendered a new breed of
activists who want Hong Kong to be independent from China.

難以忍受的 1. intolerable / unbearable / insufferable + n.

intolerable (adj.) Sthg + is + intolerable / unbearable / insufferable

unbearable (adj.) Example: Kobe Bryant insisted on shooting the free throws despite intolerable pain.
insufferable (adj.) Example: For many Hong Kong people, the problem of parallel trading is unbearable.

超越、勝過 1. Sthg + transcend/go beyond + Sthg

transcend (v.) Example: Drug trafficking is a problem that transcends border. Every effort has to be made
go beyond internationally to combat the problem.
Example: Her latest composition transcends anything that she has written.
Example: The profit of Café de Coral has gone beyond expectation.
 76

引誘 1. Sthg + tempts/ entices + sbdy + to + v.

tempt (v.) Example: Many triad gangs tempt teenagers to commit crimes.
entice (v.) Example: They were enticed by the huge discount to purchase books on Bookdepository.
lure (v.)
seduce (v.) 2. Sthg +lures / seduces + sbdy + into + v.+ing

Example: Many sellers on Taobao lure netizens into purchasing counterfeir goods.
Example: The prospect of earning quick money seduced many Chinese people into investing
in the stock market.

吸引的 3. Sthg + is tempting / enticing / appealing / seductive

tempting (adj.) Example: The fried chickens at KFC are tempting.
enticing (adj.) Example: The scenery of Victoria Harbour is enticing.
appealing (adj.) Example: YY Lam’s teaching is so appealing that he is the most popular Chinese tutor in
seductive (adj.) Hong Kong.
風險 1. Sbdy + takes / runs the risk of + v.+ing

risk (n.) Example: Tempted by monetary rewards, drug traffickers take the risk of being sent to jail.
Example: Participating in the strike, the workers run the risk of being sacked.
自願 1. SVO + voluntarily

voluntarily (adv.) SVO + of one’s own accord

of one’s own accord SVO + of one’s own free will
of one’s own free Example: Having retired from work, he offers advice to his former employer voluntarily.
will Example: Enthusiastic about seving the motherland, he joined the People’s Liberation Army
of his own accord.
不能滿足的 1. unquenchable / insatiable + desire/ thirst / craving + for + sthg

unquenchable (adj.) Example: With his unquenchable desire for glory, Kobe Bryant has become one of the
insatiable (adj.) greatest players in NBA history.
Example: With an insatiable thirst for wealth, Li Ka-shing has been expanding his global
欲望 business conglomerate.

desire Example: The problem of obesity has been deteriorating owing to people’s insatiable

thirst craving for junk food.

craving
 77

無成果的 1. Sthg + is fruitless

fruitless (adj.) Example: The government’s promotion of constitutional reform was fruitless.

徒勞無功 2. Sthg + is in vain

in vain Sthg + is of no vail

of no avail Example: His efforts in preparing for the HKDSE are in vain. Scoring only 5 marks, he is
to no vail unlikely to enter university.
go down the drain Example: Rescue workers arrived at the scene of the ferry disaster promptly. Nonetheless,
their efforts were of no avail.

3. SVO, but to no avail.

Example: The Japanese government tried to revitalize the economy, but to no avail.

4. Sthg + goes down the drain

Example: She always fears that her efforts will go down the drain.
凌駕於、優先於 1. Sthg + outweighs /prevails over / takes precedence over + sthg

outweigh (v.) Example: The Greeks think that generous social welfare outweighs debt repayment.
prevail over Example: For Buddhists, spiritual tranquility prevails over material comfort.
takes precedence Example: In the wake of the veto of the government’s political reform package, social and
over economic development takes precedence over political controversy.
先例 1. Sthg + is without precedent (前所未有)

precedent (n.) Example: The severity of Typhoon Haiyan was without precedent.
前所未有

unprecedented 2. Sthg + is + unprecedented /unparalleled

(adj.) Example: China has been enjoying unprecedented economic growth over the past few
unparalleled(adj.) decades.
Example: Michael Jordan’s basketball talent was unparalleled.

烙印 1. Sthg + is engraved / imprinted / etched + on sbdy’s mind

engrave (v.) Example: The traumatic memory of the Tuananmen Massacre is engraved on many
imprint (v.) people’s mind.
etch (v.) Example: After the English course, the significance of grammatical accuracy is imprinted on
students’ mind.
 78

檢視 1. investigate + an issue + exhaustively / thoroughly/comprehensively / in depth / in

investigate (v.) detail

examine (v.) examine + an issue + exhaustively / thoroughly/comprehensively / in depth / in

detail

徹底、全面 Example: In the following, I will investigate the issue of domestiv violence exhaustively.

exhaustively(adv.) Example: The causes of his death will be comprehensively examined.

thoroughly (adv.) Example: The murder will be investigated in depth.

comprehensively Example: The application letters and resume of every candidate will be thoroughly

(adv.) examined.

in depth
in detail

閃亮的 1. glittering / glittening / sparkling / scintillating + n.

glittering (adj.) Example: Visitors were captivated by the glittering Christmas decorations.
glittening (adj.) Example: Every Lunar New Year, we can view sparkling firework displays along the Victoria
sparkling (adj.) Harbour.
scintillating (adj.) Example: The spectators were amazed by Lionel Messi’s sparkling performance last night.

閃亮 2. Sbdy’s eyes sparkle / twinkle / glint / glisten / glitter / shine + with excitement

sparkle (v.) Example: Joanne’s eyes sparkled with excitement when she was informed that she had got
twinkle (v.) 5** in 7 DSE subjects.
glint (v.) Example: The little girl’s eyes glistened with excitement when her parents promised her to
glisten (v.) take her to Ocean Park.
glitter (v.) Example: Thomas’s eyes shone with excitement at the moment when Golden States
shine (v.) Warriors won the NBA championship.
終結 1. Sbdy + ends up in + 地方

end up in Sbdy + winds up in + 地方

wind up in Example: Drug traffickers usually end up in jail.
Example: Without any working and interpersonal skills, David wound up in shopping mall
being a security guard.
 79

重新評估 1. Sbdy + reviews/reassess/review + sthg

reconsider (v.) Example: Many multinational corporations are reconsidering their investment in China
reassess (v.) owing to economic downturn.
review (v.) Example: A firm often reassesses the performance of its employees before promoting them.
Example: The central government is reviewing the performance of CY Leung.

修訂 1. Sbdy + amend / revise + sthg

amend Example: With the parliamentary majority of the Liberal Democratic Party, Shinzo Abe
revise successfully amended the Japanese constitution, granting more power to the Self-Defence
Force.
revision Example: Beijing has revised the one-child policy, allowing more parents to have two
amendment children.

2. Sbdy + makes some revision to + sthg

Sbdy + makes some amendments to + sthg

Example: The Hong Kong Examiantion and Assessment Authority makes some revision to
the content of the HKDSE from time to time.
Example: With a view to enhancing teaching quality, the teacher makes some amendments
to his teacher materials every year.
引起 1. Sthg + causes / arouses / provokes / prompts/stir up/set off/trigger off/spark off + n.

cause (v.) Example: Lead contamination of water in public housing has aroused public concern.
arouse (v.) Example: Police use of tear gas provoked an outcry, triggering off the Umbrella Movement.
provoke (v.) Example: According to Beijing, the separatist Uigurs always stir up trouble, prompting the
prompt (v.) government to crack down on them.
stir up (v.) Example: Inflation and official corruption sparked off the Tiananmen Incident, which led to
set off (v.) serious casualties and international condemnation of China.
trigger off (v.)
spark off (v.)
踏腳石 1. Sthg + is + a stepping stone to + sthg (通往…的踏腳石)

stepping stone Example: Graduating from a reputable university is a stepping stone to career success.
絆腳石

stumbling block 2. Sthg + is + a stumbling block to + sbdy (對…的絆腳石)

Example: English is a stumbling block to many HKDSE candidates.

 80

注定 1. Sbdy is doomed to + n.

doomed (v.) Sbdy is destined for + n.

destined (v.) Example: Slothful and unmotivated students are doomed to failure.
fated (v.) Example: With outstanding talent, Kobe Bryant was destined for phenomenal success.

2. Sbdy + is doomed to / is destined to / is fated to + v.

Example: Athletes being obsessed with alcohol and drugs are doomed to fail.
Example: Yesterday, the coallpse of a school building in Sichuan caused severe causlties. In
the absence of supervision, similar tragedies are fated to happen again.
剝奪 1. Sthg + deprives/bereave/starve + sbdy + of + sthg

deprive (v.) Example: Poverty deprives many adolescents of a promising future.

bereave (v.) Example: The lack of effective governance bereft China of economic development.
starve (v.)
denied (v.) 2. Sbdy + is deprived of / is bereft of / is starved of / denied + sthg

Example: Being arrested by the authorities, the civil rights lawyers in China were deprived
of their freedom.
Example: Having worked for Cathay Pacific for five years, he has been starved of reasonable
salary rise.
Example: North Koreans are denied access to the Internet.
謊謬 1. It is ridiculous/ludicrous/absurd/preposterous/outrageous/farcical + for sbdy + to + v.

ridiculous (adj.) Example: It is ridiculous for the government to advise the public to turn on the tap for one
ludicrous (adj.) minute before using the water.
absurd (adj.) Example: With Beijing’s emphasis on the rule of law, it is absurd for China to arrest civil
preposterous (adj.) rights lawyers, who have relentlessly pursued social justice.
outrageous (adj.) Example: It is preposterous for our next generation to rely on their parents forever.
farcical (adj.) Example: For many Catholics, it is outrageous for governments to legalize same-sex
marriage
回顧 1. Looking back/In retrospect, + SVO

Looking back Example: Looking back, the Tang Dynasty was the most prosperous era of Chinese history.
In retrospect Example: In retrospect, the 20th century was a century of innovation and development.
 81

痛苦的、悲慘的 1. distressing / harrowing / traumatic + n.

distressing (adj.) Sthg is + distressing / harrowing / traumatic
harrowing (adj.) Example: Sent to an impoverished village in Guizhou during the Cultural Revolution, she led
traumatic (adj.) a distressing life.
Example: When she was talking about her traumatic childhood, tears blurred her vision.
Example: Mr. Chan has been living in the miniscule subdivided flat for five years and his life
is harrowing.
埋怨 1. Sbdy + complains / grumbles / groans / moans / groans an moans/ lament about sthg
complain (v.) Example: Hong Kong people have been complaining about skyrocketing property prices.
grumble (v.) Example: Many children grumble about the lack of communication with their parents.
groan (v.) Example: Many people groan about the degenerating moral standard of our society.
moan (v.) Example: The principal lamented about the poor academic performance of students.
groan and moan
lament (v.)
美好的 1. a + bright / brilliant / promising + future
bright (adj.) Example: In pursuit of a bright future, many students from underprivileged families work
brilliant (adj.) hard from day till night.
promising (adj.) Example: Despite the recent stockmarket meltdown, China will have a brilliant future.
Example: The employees of Big Four accounting firms work industriously every day in
exchange for a promising future.
接受訓練 1. Sbdy + train +with + sbdy + for + sthg
train (v.) Example: Brian is training with his teammates for the final.

培訓 2. Sbdy + breeds + sbdy

breed (v.) Sbdy + groom + sbdy
groom (v.) Example: The academy of Manchester United has bred a spate of excellent soccer players,
such as Ryan Giggs and David Beckham.
Example: The Chines Sbdy e University has been grooming talents for the future of Hong
Kong.
在…當中 1. SVO + during / amid / in the midst of + n.
during (prep.) Example: Hundreds of students were believed to have been killed during the Tiananmen
amid (prep.) Massacre.
in the midst of Example: In the midst of the Second World War, Winston Churchill reinvigorated the British
public with inspirational speeches.
 82

蜂擁 1. Sbdy + swarm to/flocks to + sthg

swarm (v.) Example: Having heard of the strictness of the tutorial centre, hundreds of parents
flock (v.) swarmed to the centre to enroll in summer courses.
Example: Lured by a wide variety of toys and action figures, many teenagers flocked to the
一大群 Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to attend HKACG 2015.

a swarm of
a flock of 2. a swarm of / a flock of + n.

Example: Last Sunday, a swarm of people visited the Yata Department Store to purchase
goods sold bargain prices.
Example: Every year, a flock of Muslims participate in the haj and make pilgrimages to
Mecca, which is the holy city of Islam.

吸引 1. Sbdy / Sthg + captivates / mesmerizes + sbdy

captivate (v.) Example: The brilliant performance of the pianist captivated the audience.
mesmerize (v.) Example: The charm and eloquence of YY Lam have mesmerized students.

吸引的 2. Sbdy / Sthg + is magnetic to + sbdy

magnetic (adj.) Example: The splendid scenery of the Yangtze river is magnetic to tourists.

吸引的 3. Sbdy / Sthg + is a magnet for + sbdy

magnet Example: The jobs of the civil service are a magnet for many university graduates.

俘虜人心 4. Sbdy / Sthg + captures the hearts and minds of + sbdy

capture the hearts Example: World Cup matches capture the hearts and minds of millions of fans.
and minds of

領域 1. different / various + domains/fields/realms/facets

domains (n.) Example: Since the end of the Cultural Revolution, China has achieved phenomenal success

fields (n.) in different domains, like economic development and poverty alleviation.

realms (n.) Example: Professor Shen Xuhui specializes in the realm of Internationak Relations.

facets (n.) Example: Apart from academic excellence, the students of Dioscean Girls’ School excel in
various facets, like sports and music.
 83

使放心 1. Sbdy + reassures + sbdy

reassure (v.) Example: In the wake of the reports of lead contamination, the government reassured the
public that the impact of lead intake is minimal.

放心 2. Sbdy + is relieved
relieved (adj.) Sbdy + rest assured
rest assured Example: After hearing that his son had found a job, she was relieved.
Example: Customers can rest assured that their personal information will not be utilized for
commercial purposes.
侵犯、干擾 1. n. + invades / infringes on / intrudes on / interfere with + n.

invade (v.) Example: The Chinese government ruthlessly invades the freedom of citizens.
infringe on Example: Despite being condemned, the paparazzi continue to infringe on the privacy of
intrude on celebrities.
interfere with Example: Uploading the latest movies and songs onto the Internet, many Internet users are
intruding on intellectual property.
刑罰太輕 1. Sthg + is too light / too lenient

light (adj.) Example: The legal punishment against animal cruelty is too light.
lenient (adj.) Example: For many netizens on Hkgolden, Jaycee Fong’s 6 -month jail term was too lenient.

a slap on the wrist 2. Sthg is a slap on the wrist

Example: Fast-food chains like Maxim and Fairwood are notorious for food poisioning. A fine
of several thousand dollars is a slap on their wrist.
侮辱 1. Sthg is an insult / a humiliation / a slap in the face

insult (n.) Example: Living in the street is an insult to human dignity.

humiliation (n.) Example: Being defeated by Hong Kong was a humiliation to the Chinese soccer team.
a slap in the face Example: His coach’s decision to substitute him during the halftime was a slap in the face to
him.
隱藏 1. Sthg + is hidden in / is covered in / is shrouded in + sthg

hidden (v.) Example: Fradulent terms are hidden in the contract.

covered (v.) Example: The Victoria Harbour is covered in smog.
shrouded (v.) Example: The scandal of lead contamination in several public housing estates is shrouded in
secrecy.
 84

短處、缺陷 1. eliminate / rectify + faults/flaws/defects/defects/shortcomings/

fault (n.) imperfections/blemishes

flaw (n.) Example: To rectify the flaws in the public medical system, the government has to allocate

defect (n.) more resources to recruit doctors and nurses.

shortcoming (n.) Example: So egoistic and narcissistic is Mary that she can hardly rectify her defects.

imperfection (n.) Example: John made strenuous effort to eliminate the shortcomings in his English writing,

blemish (n.) including grammatical inaccuracy, spelling mistakes and lack of elaboration.

浪潮 1. The rising/surging + tide / torrent / wave / flood + of + n.

tide (n.) Example: The rising tide of racial violence is a headache for President Obama.
torrent (n.) Example: The Vietnam War resulted in a surging torrent of Vietnamese illegal immigrants
wave (n.) flocking to Hong Kong.
flood (n.) Example: The rising wave of materialism is alarming.
突然一陣 1. A spate of / A spurt of / A rash of / A series of/A sequence of + n.

a spate of Example: The websites of the US government were invaded by a spate of hackers.
a spurt of Example: The stunning victory was followed by a spurt of excitement and jubiliation.
一系列的 Example: A series of scandals have demonstrated the incompetence of the government.

a rash of Example: The Filippinos were faced with a sequence of devastating typhoons.

a series of
a sequence of
多種類的 1. An array of / An assortment of / A wide variety of / A wide range of + n.

an array of Example: China is beleaguered by an array of thorny social problems, like widening wealth
an assortment of gap and pollution.
a wide variety of Example: In the book fair, you can purchase an assortment of books, like fiction and
a wide range of biography.
Example: The government has been providing a wide variety of financial assistance for the
elderly, including Old Age Living Allowance and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance.
許多 1. Multifarious / A large number of / a myriad of / a multiude of + n.

multifarious (adj.) Example: China exports a large number of vegetables every year.
a large number of Example: Beset with a myriad of setbacks, Danny Chan was addicted to alcohol.
a myriad of Example: Germany and Japan were clobbered by the Allied Powers during the Second World
a multitude of War owing to a multitude of factors.
 85

少量 1. little/scant/meager/hardly any + n.
little (adj.) Example: Living in a well-off family, she has little incentives to achieve spectacular success in
scant (adj.) her career.
meagre (adj.) Example: The Chinese government has shown scant regard for residents whose land has
hardly any been seized by property developers.
Example: With meagre salary, he always daydreams of purchasing a luxury home.
Example: In universities, there are many irresponsible free riders who have hardly any
contributions to group projects.
少量 1. A small number of / A small minority of / A handful of + n.
a small number of Example: A small number of Hkgolden users advocate Hong Kong’s independence from
a small minority of mainland China.
a handful of Example: A small minority of the Japanese were in favour of Shinzo Abe’s proposal to
amend the constitution and expand the power of the Self Defence Force.
Example: There is only a handful of students who manage to score 5** in DSE English.
值得稱讚的 1. Sbdy + is + praiseworthy / commendable / laudable / admirable
praiseworthy (adj.) Example: The players of the Chinese women’s volleyball team were praiseworthy for their
commendable (adj.) poise against the mighty USA team.
laudable (adj.) Example: Chancellor Angela Merkel is commendable as she has managed to bring economic
admirable (adj.) prosperity to the Germans.
Example: Saving dozens of workers trapped in the mine, the rescue workers are laudable.
附近 1. SVO + nearby / in the vicinity
nearby (prep) Example: The Southern District is tranquil. There are no large-scale shopping malls nearby.
in the vicinity Example: With no hospitals in the vicinity, he had no alternative but to endure the pain.
獨自 1. SVO + alone / independently / by oneself / on one’s own
alone (adv.) Example: Being single, the man dines alone every day and earns a living independently.
independently Example: In the wake of her husband’s death, she brought up six children by herself.
by oneself Example: The furniture was so heavy that he could not carry it on his own.
on one’s own
陰暗的 1. Sthg + is dim/gloomy/murky
dim (adj.) Example: Without any academic qualifications and technical skills, his career prospect is
gloomy (adj.) dim.
murky (adj.) Example: Under the leadership of CY Leung, the future of Hong Kong is gloomy.
Example: With a powerful typhoon looming, the sky is murky.
 86

象徵 1. Sthg + is a symbol of + sthg

symbol (n.) Example: Doves are a symbol of peace.

symbolize (v.) 2. Sthg + symbolizes + sthg

Example: In the traditional Chinese culture, red symbolizes banquet and celebration.

symbolic (adj.) 3. Sthg + is symbolic of + sthg

Example: The largest star on China’s national flag is symbolic of the Chinese Communist
Party.
微不足道 1. Sthg + is + unimportant / negligible / insignificant / trivial / inconsequential
unimportant (adj.) unimportant / negligible / insignificant / trivial / inconsequential + n.
negligible (adj.) Example: As far as many parents are concerned, extra-curricular activities are unimportant
insignificant (adj.) to their children.
trivial (adj.) Example: The differences between the new version and the old version of the textbook are
inconsequential negligible.
(adj.) Example: Lily is a sentimental girl who often bursts into tears due to trivial matters.
Example: Without any knowledge of the discussion topic, what he said during the meeting
was inconsequential.
無意義 1. It is + meaningless/pointless/vain + for + sbdy + to + v.
meaningless (adj.) Example: It is meaningless to attend tutorial classes without revising the tutorial notes.
pointless (adj.) Example: It is pointless for you to argue with such an obstinate person.
vain (adj.) Example: With most of the students preoccupying themselves with their smartphones, it
was vain for the teacher to teach them.
誇大 1. overstate / exaggerate / inflate + n.
overstate (v.) Example: Cosmetic companies often overstate the effectiveness of their products.
exaggerate (v.) Example: The indolent boy exaggerated his discomfort and refused to go to school.
inflate (v.) Example: Kris Lau always inflates the usefulness of the examination skills he teaches in class.
警覺 1. Sbdy + is/are + alert to / vigilant to / on one’s guard / keep a watchful eye on + sthg
alert (adj.) Example: Every investor should be alert to the risk of stock market collapse.
vigilant (adj.) Example: Vigilant to the threat from Islamic terrorists since the 911 attack, the United
on our guard States has tightened its security at airports.
keep a watchful eye Example: With a potentially devastating typhoon looming, the residents of the Philippines
are on their guard.
Example: The Ebola virus disease seems to be under control. Nonetheless, we need to keep
a watchful eye.
 87

考慮 1. Sbdy + think deeply over / consider / ponder over / reflect on / meditate on /

think (v.) deliberate on / cogitate on / ruminate on + sthg
consider (v.) Example: The government is pondering over the feasibility of standard working hours.
ponder (v.) Example: The boss is reflecting on the proposal put forward by his staff members.
reflect (v.) Example: Tracy meditated on her teachers’ advice regarding her selection of university
meditate (v.) programmes.
deliberate (v.) Example: Kobe Bryant has been deliberating on the possibility of retirement.
cogitate (v.) Example: After ruminating over the cost and benefits, CY Leung has decided to stand for re-
ruminate (v.) election in the 2017 Chief Executive election.
蓬勃發展 1. Sbdy / Sthg + thrive / flourish / prosper / boom / bloom / blossom
thrive (v.) Example: With the hegemony enjoyed by property developers, the real estate business in
flourish (v.) Hong Kong has been thriving.
prosper (v.) Example: Studying Politics and Economics at Oxford University, he has been flourishing.
boom (v.) Example: Prior to the burst of stock market bubbles in the early 1990s, the Japanese
bloom (v.) economy had been prospering.
blossom (v.) Example: After leaving the national team and recruiting her own coach, Li Na’s tennis career
started to blossom. Before her retirement in 2013, she had won two Grand Slam titles.
極好 1. Sthg is + terrific/wonderful/fantastic/fabulous/splendid/superb/marvelous/magnificent

terrific (adj.) terrific/wonderful/fantastic/fabulous/splendid/superb/marvelous/magnificent + n.

wonderful (adj.) Example: Lionel Messi’s performance in the final was terrific.

fantastic (adj.) Example: The teacher was impressed by his student’s fantastic work ethic and relentless pursuit

fabulous (adj.) of perfection.

splendid (adj.) Example: The decoration of the luxury home is splendid.

superb (adj.) Example: In bygone days, Cantopop was thriving owing to the emergence of superb singers like
Alan Tam and Jacky Cheung.
marvelous (adj.)
Example: The tourists were stunned by the magnificent view of the Great Wall.
magnificent (adj.)
可怕的 1. Sthg is gruesome/grisly/spine-shivering/spine-chilling/horrible/horrific/horrifying/scary

scary (adj.) gruesome/grisly/spine-shivering/spine-chilling/horrible/horrific/horrifying/scary + n.

horrifying (adj.) Example: The prospect of stock market meltdown is scary.

horrific (adj.) Example: The footage of executions carried out by ISIS is horrific.

horrible (adj.) Example: The Tangshan earthquake, which took the lives of 300,000 people, is spine-chilling.

spine-chilling (adj.) Example: Listening to the grisly ghost story, the little girl was so frightened that she covered her

spine-shivering face.
Example: The serial killer was executed last year. His anecdotes are gruesome.
(adj.)
grisly (adj.)
gruesome (adj.)
 88

陷入 1. Sbdy + is embroiled/entangled/involved in /enmeshed in /precipitated into

embroiled in / bogged down in + sthg
entangled in Example: Ling Jihua, an adviser of former President Hu Jintao, is embroiled in a corruption
involved in scandal.
enmeshed in Example: China has been entangled in territorial conflicts with Japan.
precipitated into Example: Obsessed with brand-name products, many university products are enmeshed in
bogged down in financial trouble.
Example: Getting poor results in the HKDSE, Sam was precipitated into a morass of
hopelessless.
Example: Facing incompetent groupmates, Iris was bogged down in irrelevant discussion
and only got Level 3 in the Chinese speaking exam. Fortunately, she managed to score Level
5** in the whole Chinese exam, thanks to her brilliance performance in writing and
integrated tasks.
擺脫 1. Sbdy + escape from + sthg
escape from Example: Studying in America, David can finally escape from the ossified education system
in Hong Kong.

使擺脫 2. Sbdy + disentangle / extricate / disengage + sbdy + from + sthg

disentangle from Example: Retiring from the civil service, Mr. Wong has disentangled himself from the inept
extricate from leadership under CY Leung.
disengage from Example: The rescue workers extricated the victims from the debris.
Example: Divorcing her husband, she has disengaged herself from the abusive and
disastrous marriage.
宣洩 1. Sbdy + release / vent / give vent to + anger / indignation / exasperation /

release (v.) outrage/resentment/rage/fury/wrath

vent (v.) Example: Goran Ivanisevic released his anger by throwing his racket.
give vent to Example: The protestors vented their indignation with the government’s plan to construct a
憤怒 petrochemical plant in their neighbourhood by blockading roads and burning police cars.

anger Example: Uncle Bus gave vent to his exasperation by insulting the young man’s mother.

indignation Example: The participants of the Umbrella Movement vented their resentment with the

exasperation political reform package by occupying Admiralty, Causeway Bay and Mong Kok.

outrage Example: The gorilla gave vent to its fury by pounding its chest.

resentment Example: The insane man released his wrath by throwing a television set and a washing

rage machine out of his apartment on the 30th floor.

fury
wrath
 89

野蠻 1. Sbdy / Sthg + is savagery / barbaric

savagery (adj.) savagery / barbaric + n.

barbaric (adj.) Example: The atrocities of the Japanese army during the Second World War were savagery.
Example: The lawyers in Hong Kong are indignant at Beijing’s barbaric arrest of civil right
lawyers on the mainland.
欺騙 1. Sbdy + cheat / deceive/delude/trick/fool/ diddle + sbdy
deceive (v.) Example: Cheated by his boyfriend, she felt depressed.
delude (v.) Example: The unscrupulous salesman deceived the old lady into buying useless herbs.
trick (v.) Example: Many criminals delude teenagers into trafficking drugs.
fool (v.) Example: The teenage girl was tricked into giving her password.
diddle (v.)
fiddle (v.) 2. Sbdy + fiddle + sbdy + of + sthg
Example: The syndicate fiddled the old man of his lifetime saving.
流行 1. Sthg + is popular/ fashionable / in vogue/ /all the rage
popular (adj.) Example: Online shopping is getting more and more popular.
fashionable (adj.) Example: In many western countries, body piercing is fashionable.
in vogue Example: Since the early 2000s, Korean dramas have been in vogue.
all the rage Example: Under the influence of western countries, long hair was all the rage among men in
the 1970s.
2. Sthg + go out of fashion / go out of vogue (不再流行)
Example: With the popularity of smartphone games, virtual pets have gone out of fashion.
Example: With the deterioration in the quality of local television programmes, watching TV
has gone out of vogue in Hong Kong.
驅逐 1. Sbdy + evict/expel + sbdy + from + sthg
evict (v.) Example: Long Hair was evicted from the celebration banquet for the National Day as he
expel (v.) was protesting relentlessly.
kick out Example: Mr. Yip was expelled from his public housing apartment as he had been keeping
dogs.
2. Sbdy + kick + sbdy + out of + sthg
Example: Simon was kicked out of his school owing to atrocious conduct and results.
差劣 1. Sthg + is + poor/abysmal/atrocious
poor (adj.) poor/abysmal/atrocious + n.
abysmal (adj.) Example: With his poor physical fitness, hardly can he become a policeman or a fireman.
atrocious (adj.) Example: Due to his abysmal academic results, he had to enroll in the Yi Jin Programme.
Example: Hundreds of flights were delayed owing to the atrocious weather.
 90

見證 1. Sbdy / Sthg + witness + sthg

witnes s (v.) Example: The little girl witnessed the murder last night.
Example: Our historical heritage has witnessed Hong Kong’s metamorphosis from a barren
rock into an international financial centre.

見證 2. Sbdy / Sthg + is a witness /are witnesses to + sthg

witness (n.) Example: They were witnesses to the atrocities of the Japanese army during their occupation
of Hong Kong.

3. Sthg + bear witness to + sthg (證明)

Example: Kobe Bryant spectacular achievements bear witness to the significance of hard work.
提醒 1. Sbdy / Sthg + remind + sbdy + of + sthg
remind (v.) Example: The suicide attack in Somalia reminds us of the grave threat posed by terrorism to
global security.

使人回想的 2. Sbdy / Sthg + is reminiscent + of + sthg

reminiscent (adj.) Example: Barack Obama’s public speaking style is reminiscent of Martin Luther King.
輕而易舉 1. Sthg + is effortless
effortless (adj.) effortless + n.
Example: For Kobe Bryant, scoring ore than 30 points in a game was effortless.
Example: Roger Federer won the Wimbledon with effortless ease.

2. It is effortless for + sbdy + to + v.

Example: Many sixth-formers have a misconception that it will be effortless for them to
achieve excellent results as long as they attend tutorial classes organized by star tutors.

輕而易舉地 3. SVO + effortlessly/without effort

effortlessly (adv.) Example: Being a zoologist, Mary caught the snake effortlessly.
without effort Example: Marco always dreams of coming through the HKDSE with flying colours without
effort.
突然出現 1. Sthg + crop up / spring up
crop up Example: Since residents moved into Kai Ching Estate, a lot of problems have cropped up.
spring up Family tragedies are commonplace and it has been reported that the drinking water is
contamined by lead.
Example: After incessant injuries, self-doubt has sprung up in Rafael Nadal’s mind.
 91

考慮 1. Sbdy + takes account of + sthg

take account of Example: Local universities seldom take account of students’ participation in extra-curricular
take into account activities when handling Jupas applications.
take …into
consideration 2. Sbdy + takes + sthg + into account
Sbdy + takes + sthg + into consideration
Example: When deciding a judgment, judges should not take public sentiment into account.
Example: When purchasing an apartment, parents often take its proximity to Band 1
secondary schools into consideration.

被考慮中 3. Sthg + is under consideration

under Example: He is sick of living in Hong Kong and pondering over migrating to another country.
consideration Sierra Leone and North Korea are under consideration by him.
明顯 1. It is + obvious/apparent/noticeable + remarkable / conspicuous + that + SVO
obvious (adj.) Example: It is apparent that CY Leung is a dictatorial leader.
apparent (adj.) Example: It is noticeable that Beijing has been fabricating GDP growth figures of China.
noticeable (adj.) Example: It is conspicuous that the government is interfering in the autonomy of the
remarkable (adj.) University of Hong Kong.
conspicuous (adj.)
2. obvious/apparent/noticeable + remarkable / conspicuous + n.
Example: The declining number of schoolchildren is a noticeable trend.
Example: The Cultural Revolution showed with remarkable clarity that Chairman Mao was an
idealistic leader.
Example: Chinese people have been well-known for their conspicuous consumption.
俗艷 1. Sbdy / Sthg + is showy / flashy
showy (adj.) showy / flashy + n.
flashy (adj.) Example: The fashion style of Maggie is showy.
Example: Mr. Wong is disgusted by the flashy decorations of his son’s home.

炫耀 2. Sbdy / Sthg + is flamboyant / ostentatious

flamboyant (adj.) flamboyant / ostentatious + n.
ostentatious (adj.) Example: Since winning Mark Six, he has been leading a flamboyant life.
Example: Miss Leung is an ostentatious woman who always squanders her salary on LV
handbags.
 92

強制的 1. compulsory/obligatory/mandatory + n.
compulsory (adj.) Example: The government has been adopting 12-year compulsory education with a view to
obligatory (adj.) equipping students with knowledge to meet future challenges.
mandatory (adj.) Example: Since the implementation of Mandatory Provident Fund, every employee is required
to reserve 5% of his or her monthly salary for long-term investment.

2. It is compulsory / obligatory / mandatory + for + sbdy + to + v.

Example: It is compulsory for Hong Kong students to wear uniform when going to school.
Example: It is obligatory for every driver to wear a seat belt to prevent danger.
Example: It is mandatory for mainland newspapers to adopt self-censorship.
氾濫 1. Sthg + is flooded/deluged/inundated with + sthg
flooded Example: The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre was flooded with people who
deluged were eager to purchase the latest toy figures.
inundated Example: Newspapers and magazines are deluged with risqué and obscene photos.
Example: China is inundated with irresponsible and unscrupulous food manufacturers.

吞沒 2. Sthg / Sbdy + is engulfed by sthg

engulfed Example: Thousands of houses were engulfed by the tsunami.
Example: With his land seized by property developers, he was engulfed by exasperation and
animosity.
務實 1. Sbdy/Sthg + is realistic / pragmatic/down-to-earth
realistic (adj.) realistic / pragmatic / down-to-earth + n.
pragmatic (adj.) Example: Barack Obama is a pragmatic president priotitizing economic development and social
down-to-earth welfare over military dominance.
(adj.) Example: Entering university is a realistic target.
Example: Mr. Shum is a down-to-earth investor who avoids taking risks.

2. It is + realistic / pragmatic + for + sbdy + to + v.

Example: It is not realistic for the public to have any expectations of CY Leung.
Example: It is pragmatic for Haier to penetrate the emerging markets before expanding into
developed ones.

腳踏實地 3. Sbdy + have + one’s feet on the ground

have one’s feet on Example: When selecting university programmes, we should have our feet on the ground and
the ground choose programmes compatible with our capabilities and interest.
 93

貪婪的 1. Sbdy + is/are + greedy/grasping/avaricious/voracious/rapacious

greedy (adj.) greedy/grasping/avaricious/voracious/rapacious + n.
grasping (adj.) Example: Mrs. Yip is such a greedy woman that always takes free gifts from cosmetic stores.
avaricious (adj.) Example: So voracious is Peter that he engages in criminal activities to quench his thirst for
voracious (adj.) wealth.
rapacious (adj.) Example: With its voracious appeitite, the dog ate all the dishes on the table.
Example: Western countries were notorious for their rapacious invasion in African and Asian
countries.
2. Driven by + greed/avarice/voracity/rapacity, + SVO (出於貪念)
貪婪 Out of greed/avarice/voracity/rapacity, + SVO (出於貪念)
greed (n.) Example: Driven by greed, the taxi driver stole the banknotes left by the old lady.
avarice (n.) Example: Driven by avarice, Adolf Hitler ordered Germany to invade Russia, only to find that
voracity (n.) Russia was too powerful to be defeated.
rapacity (n.) Example: Out of his voracity for scientific knowledge, Johnson aspires to become a scientist.
Example: Out of rapacity for money, Cheung Tze-keung abducted Walter Kwok and Victor Li,
reaping $2 billion.
失修破舊的 1. Sbdy + is/are + run-down/crumbling/dilapidating
run-down (adj.) run-down/crumbling/dilapidating + n.
crumbling (adj.) Example: Every effort should be made to revitalize the run-down historical buildings in Hong
dilapidating (adj.) Kong.
Example: Many crumbling schools were destroyed by the Sichuan earthquake.
Example: In the wake of the Opium War, Qing was a dilapidating empire exploited by western
powers.
疲累 1. Sbdy + is tired/exhausted/drained/worn-out/run-down
tired (adj.) Example: Having worked on the construction site for a whole day, he was exhausted.
exhausted (adj.) Example: After competing in the Standard Chartered Marathon, Miss Tsui was drained.
drained (adj.) Example: Working from day till night for three consecutive weeks, the accountant is worn-out.
worn-out (adj.) Example: Owing to sizzling heat, Hong Kong team were quickly run-down and clobbered by
run-down (adj.) Qatar.
交織 1. n. + and + n. + are intertwined / interwoven
intertwined Example: The economic development of Detroit has been inextricably intertwined with the
interwoven automobile industry. With the decline of automobile manufacturing, Detroit was run-down
and became bankrupt.
Example: Thanks to the irreversible tide of globalization, the development of different
countries is interwoven.
 94

指控 1. Sbdy + accuse + sbdy + of + n. / v+ing

accuse (v.) Example: The pro-government activists accuse the participants of the Umbrella Movement of
sabotaging the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.
檢控 2. Sbdy + indict + sbdy + for + n. / v+ing
indict (v.) Example: ATV was indicted for its failure to pay the salary of its staff.
prosecute (v.) Example: Amos Yee was prosecuted and jailed for defaming Lee Kuan-yew.
檢控 3. Sbdy + charge + sbdy + with + n. / v+ing
charge (v.) Example: Arrested by the police last week, the man was charged with manslaughter.
定罪 1. Sbdy + convict + sbdy + of + n. / v+ing
convict (v.) Sbdy + find + sbdy + guilty + of + n. / v+ing
find guilty Example: In China, most criminals convicted of murder are executed.
Example: Found guilty of trafficking 5kg of cocanine, he was sentenced to 18 years’
imprisonment.
巧合、偶然 1. SVO + coincidentally /fortuitously/by accident/by chance/by coincidence
coincidentally Example: Sue came across her English teacher coincidentally.
(adv.) Example: Mrs. Tong discovered her husband’s concubine fortuitously.
fortuitously (adv.) Example: Issac Newton discovered the gravitational force by accident.
by accident Example: He insisted that he had picked up $500,000 by chance.
by chance Example: They saw Gem Tang in Lan Kwai Fong by coincidence.
by coincidence
製造 1. Sbdy /Sthg + produce / turn out + sthg
produce Example: The United States is reputable for producing innovative products, like Windows and
turn out iPhones.
Example: Hong Kong University has turned out many prominent barristers, including Alan
Leung and Audrey Eu.
粗製濫造 2. Sbdy /Sthg + churn out + sthg
churn out Example: Chinese factories are notorious for churning out counterfeit products.
不能戰勝的 1. Sbdy /Sthg + is invincible
invincible (adj.) Example: Considered to be invincible, Los Angeles Lakers have become the weakest team in
不能克服的 the NBA.
insurmountable 2. Sbdy /Sthg + is insurmountable/insuperable
(adj.) insurmountable/insuperable + n.
insuperable (adj.) Example: As long as we are determined and persistent, the HKDSE is by no means
insurmountable.
Example: Income disparity is an insuperable problem in many countrie
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改變、轉化 1. Sbdy / Sthg + change / convert / transform / metamorphose + into + sthg (改變)
change Example: That little girl has changed into a glamorous woman.
convert Example: Having believed in Islam, he has converted into a Christian.
transform Example: Singapore has transformed from an abandoned child into an economic giant.
metamorphose Example: Once known as a hotbed for crimes, Macau has metamorphosed into Las Vegas of
translate the Orient.

2. n. + change / convert / transform / metamorphose/translate + sthg + into + n.

Example: YY Lam has converted the lackadaisical girl into a hardworking student.
Example: The British colonial government transformed Hong Kong into an international
financial centre.
Example: The government would like to metamorphose Lantau Island into a tourist
destination.
Example: Every sixth-former should translate word into action.

完好無缺 1. SVO + intact

intact (adj./adv.) Example: Few participants of the color party survived the dust explosion intact

2. keep + n. + intact
Example: According to the Basic Law, the lifestyle of Hong Kong people would be kept intact
for 50 years.

完美無瑕的 3. Sthg + is untarnished / unblemished

untarnished (adj.) untarnished / unblemished + n.
unblemished (adj.) Example: The vase bought from France 10 years ago is untarnished.
Example: Known for his participation in philanthropic work, Andy Lau has unblemished
reputation.

強迫 1. Sbdy + coerce / pressurize + sbdy + into + v.+ing

coerce (v.) Example: The authorities coerced the civil right lawyers into pleading guilty.
pressurize (v.) Example: Some monster parents pressurize their children into doing homework.

診斷 1. Sbdy + is diagnosed with + sthg

diagnose (v.) Example: The obese man was diagnosed with diabetes.
Example: The old lady was diagnosed with osteoporosis.
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碰撞 1. n. + bash into / bang into / bump into / struck against / collide with + n.
bash into Example: A lorry bashed into a double-decker bus last night, causing five deaths.
bang into Example: Banging into Shaquille O’Neal, he bled profusely.
bump into Example: When Mary was carrying a large pile of exercise books, she bumped into the
struck against principal.
collide with Example: After colliding with a ship, the star ferry capsized and gradually sank into the sea.
準備 1. Sbdy + get prepared / get ready / gear up + for + sthg
get prepared Example: The players of Manchester United are getting prepared for the coming season.
get ready Example: The summer holiday is drawing to a close. It is time for us to get ready for the new
gear up term.
Example: The participants are gearing up for the debate.
阻塞 1. n. + block / clog up / paralyze + n.
block (v.) Example: Several roads in Mong Kok and Admiralty were blocked by protestors during the
clog up (v.) Umbrella Movement.
paralyze (v.) Example: Many students’ memory is clogged up with examination skills.
Example: CY Leung accuses radical democrats of paralyzing the development of Hong Kong.
停止 1. Sbdy + stop/cease + v.+ing
stop (v.) Example: He should stop browsing Hkgolden and concentrate on his studies.
cease (v.) Example: The washing machine ceased functioning and needed repairing.

使停止 2. Sbdy + put an end to / put a stop to / put a halt to + sthg

put an end to Example: Kobe Bryant would like to put an end to his spectacular basketball career on a high
put a stop to note, but it seems impossible owing to his deteriorating physical conditions.
put a halt to Example: Hong Kong should put a halt to acrimonious political conflicts and focus on economic
development.
卓越的 1. Sbdy + is/are outstanding/remarkable/excellent/brilliant/distinguished/illustrious
outstanding (adj.) prominent / transcendent
remarkable (adj.) outstanding/remarkable/excellent/brilliant/distinguished/illustrious/prominent/
excellent (adj.) transcendent + n.
brilliant (adj.) Example: There are many outstanding table tennis players in China.
distinguished (adj.) Example: Miss Mak was a remarkable student, scoring 10As in the HKCEE.
illustrious (adj.) Example: Brandon Roy used to be a brilliant basketball player. Unfortunately, severe knee
prominent (adj.) injuries put a halt to his basketball career prematurely.
transcendent (adj.) Example: Having won three World Cups, Pele was a distinguished soccer player.
Example: Barack Obama has been enjoying an illustrious political career, having become the
first African American president and bailed the US economy out of the quagmire of recession.
Example: Kim Seo Hyun is a prominent actor with transcendent acting skills and hundreds of
thousands of fans around the globe.
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擊敗 1. Sbdy + demolish/crush/defeat/beat/clobber/trounce/vanquish/conquer + sbdy

demolish (v.) Example: Germany demolished Brazil in the 2014 World Cup semifinal and the final scoreline
crush (v.) was 7-1.
defeat (v.) Example: Being the market leader in the mobile phone industry a decade ago, Nokia was
beat (v.) crushed by smartphone companies.
clobber (v.) Example: Roger Federer was defeated in the Wimbledon final.
trounce (v.) Example: The US basketball team clobbered Spain in the final of the London Olympics.
vanquish (v.) Example: Vanquishing Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors won the 2015 NBA
conquer (v.) championship.
Example: It is difficult, if not impossible to conquer Mount Everest.

迅速行動 1. Sbdy + act promptly / take prompt action / swing into action
act promptly Example: In reponse to the lead contamination of water pipes in public housing estates, the
take prompt action government should act promptly and safeguard the health of residents.
swing into action Example: With a view to resuscitating the economy, the Greek government should take
prompt action and carry out thorough economic reforms.
Example: In view of the increasing frequency of mechanical failures, MTR should swing into
action and enhance the reliability of its trains.

使復甦 1. Sbdy + restore/revive/revitalize/rejuvenate/reinvigorate/resuscitate + sthg

restore Example: Every effort should be made to restore public confidence in the government.
revive Example: The Chinese government has increased public investment and slashed interested
revitalize rates to revive the economy, but to no avail.
rejuvenate Example: To revitalize its tourism in the wake of MERS outbreak, Korea has adopted a series of
reinvigorate measures to attract tourists.
resuscitate Example: Nurturing talents is instrumental in rejuvenating the movie industry.
Example: The return of Steve Jobs reinvigorated Apple and led the company to phenomenal
success in the subsequent years.
Example: To resuscitate his career, Andre Agassi divorced his wife, who distracted him from
tennis. Sunsequently, he became the world no.1 again and won the French Open in 1999.

加速 1. Sbdy + speed up/accelerate / expedite + sthg

speed up Example: Barack Obama has sped up US reconciliation with Cuba and resumed the diplomatic
accelerate relations between the two countries.
expedite Example: Deng Xiaoping accelerated China’s economic growth by liberalizing the economy in
the late 1970s.
Example: The invasion of Afghanistan and implementation of political reforms expedited the
collapse of the Soviet Union.
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等同於 1. V.+ing / n. + is/are equal to / equivalent to / identical to / tantamount to/

equal (adj.) synonymous with + v.+ing/n.
equivalent (adj.) Example: 20 US dollars are equivalent to 155 US dollars.
identical (adj.) Example: Her dress was indentical to Yoona’s.
tantamount (adj.) Example: Being addicted to drugs and alcohol is tantamount to giving up yourself.
synonymous (adj.) Example: In Hong Kong, affluence is synonymous with success.
知己 1. Sbdy and sbdy + are close friends/intimate friends/confidants
close friend find + close friends/intimate friends/confidants
intimate friend Example: Having played together for Los Angeles Lakers for more than a decade, Kobe Bryant
confidant (n.) and Derek Fisher are close friends.
Example: It is extremely to find intimate friends during undergraduate studies.
Example: Perplexed about her future, she sought advice from her confidants.
掃興 1. n. + chill/dampen/put a damper on + sbdy’s spirit/enthusiasm/passion
chill (v.) Example: The devastating defeat chilled the players’ spirit.
dampen (v.) Example: Incessant campus shooting incidents have dampened his enthusiasm about studying
put a damper on in the United States.
Example: His mother’s discouraging words have put a damper on his passion about becoming
a veterinarian.
瘋狂、狂亂 1. n. + is/am/are/was/were/become + crazy/insane/frenzied/fanatical/hysterical
crazy (adj.) Example: Mr. Yu is a crazy fan of Los Angeles Lakers, spending thousands of dollars on
insane (adj.) associated products, such as jerseys and toy figures.
frenzied (adj.) Example: The insane woman was sent to Castle Peak Hospital.
fanatical (adj.) Example: After the dust explosion, the participants of the colour party made a frenzied rush
hysterical (adj.) for the exit.
Example: Coco is a fanatical fan of Girls’ Generation, watching their performance on Youtube
every day.
Example: Since her divorce, the lady has become more and more hysteric, talking with herself
frequently.
感激 1. Sbdy + is/are + grateful for / appreciative of + n.
grateful (adj.) Example: Many students are grateful for Kris Lau’s teaching.
appreciative (adj.) Example: Steve Kerr is appreciative of his players’ strenuous effort.
公然 1. outright/flagrant/blatant + n.
outright (adj.) Example: Beijing’s incarceration of civil lawyers is an outright violation of freedom.
flagrant (adj.) Example: The school has shown flagrant disregard for the opinion of students.
blatant (adj.) Example: CY Leung has displayed balant disregard for public grievances.
即時 2. SVO + outright
outright (adv.) Example: The use of smartphones in the classroom should be prohibited outright.
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上升 1. n. + rise/soar/surge/rocket/skyrocket/snowball/escalate
rise Example: The number of students enrolling in the Institute of Vocational Education has risen.
soar Example: The Chinese stock market soared to a record high before tumbling.
surge Example: The Chinese population surged from 400 million to 1.3 billion in 2006.
rocket Example: The cases of mechanical failures on MTR trains have been skyrocketing due to
skyrocket adoption of compartments manufactured on the mainland.
snowball Example: With his debts snowballing, he had no alternative but to borrow money from loan
escalate sharks.
Example: There has been an escalating number of people who are willing to donate their
organs after their death.
突然上升 1. a surge in / an upsurge in / a sudden increase in + n.
surge (n.) Example: Thanks to intensifying competition in the HKDSE, there has been a surge in Hong
upsurge (n.) Kong students who complete their senior secondary education overseas and apply for local
sudden increase university programmes via Non-Jupas.
Example: Despite the government’s anti-drug campaigns, there has been an upsurge in drug
abusers.
Example: Drivers are exasperated by a sudden increase in petrol prices.
下跌 1. n. + decrease / drop / fall/decline/plunge/plummet/nosedive
decrease (v.) Example: The unemployment rate of the United States dropped to a 6-year low.
drop (v.) Example: The Japanese population is expected to fall below 70 million in 2030.
fall (v.) Example: Industrial production in China has been declining sharply, which has raised concerns
decline (v.) about the long-term health of the Chinese economy.
shrink (v.) Example: Beijing has spent billions of dollars on purchasing shares so as to prevent the stock
plunge (v.) market from plunging.
plummet (v.) Example: With the surging tide of individualism and hedonism, the number of new-born babies
nosedive (v.) in developed nations has been plummeting in recent decades.
創新 1. novel / innovative + n.
novel (adj.) Example: The principal is receptive to novel ideas.
innovative (adj.) Example: Spending billions of dollars on research and development every year, the United
States is the most innovative country in the world.
勤勉 1. Sbdy + is/are diligent / assiduous/industrious
diligent (adj.) diligent / assiduous/industrious + n.
assiduous (adj.) Example: In general, students coming from grassroots families are more diligent.
industrious (adj.) Example: Instead of relying on tutorial classes, students should be more assiduous in beefing
up their English.
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艱苦 1. strenuous / laborious / arduous + n.

strenuous (adj.) Example: Despite Rafael Nadal’s strenuous efforts in the final of the 2012 Australian Open, he
laborious (adj.) was trounced by Novak Djokovic.
arduous (adj.) Example: Getting 5** in every subject in the HKDSE is a laborious task.
painstaking (adj.) Example: Bringing up autistic children is an arduous task.
Example: Mr. Yu believes his students’ painstaking efforts will pay off.
猶豫 1. Sbdy + hesitate / waver / dither / falter
hesitate (v.) Example: Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate and contact us immediately.
waver (v.) Example: No matter how many setbacks he has encountered, never has he wavered.
dither (v.) Example: He was dithering over retaking the HKDSE or accepting the Jupas offer.
falter (v.) Example: Despite being ridiculed, the blind girl has never faltered in her resolve.
減弱 1. Sthg + weaken / waver
weaken (v.) Example: With the typhoon weakening significantly after its landfall, the Hong Kong
waver (v.) Observatory has cancelled all the warning signals.
Example: Hungry and thirsty, the primary students have become increasingly restless and their
concentration is wavering.
恩賜 1. Sbdy + is blessed with / is endowed with + sthg
blessed with Example: Brazil is blessed with abundant natural resources, including timber and petroleum.
endowed with Example: The child prodigy is endowed with mathematical and scientific talent.
受…之苦 1. Sbdy + is burdened with / is cursed with + sthg
burdened with Example: Hong Kong students are burdened with tremendous workload.
cursed with Example: The Philippines is cursed with natural disasters, like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions
and typhoons.
無力償還的 1. Sbdy + is/become insolvent
insolvent (adj.) insolvent + n.
Example: Obsessed with luxurious lifestyle, some university students have become insolvent.
破產的 2. Sbdy + is/become bankrupt
bankrupt (adj.) bankrupt + n.
Example: Mr. Chan, who was boastful of his flashy cars and luxury homes, has become
bankrupt owing to massive losses from the stock market.
Example: Many businessmen in China are morally bankrupt and disregard the safety of
customers.
引人入勝的 1. Sthg + is engrossing / intriguing
engrossing (adj.) engrossing / intriguing + n.
intriguing (adj.) Example: Romance of the Three Kingdoms is an engrossing story.
Example: The twists and turns in detective stories are intriguing.
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困擾 1. Sbdy + is troubled/ is beleaguered / is haunted / is harassed by + sthg

trouble (v.) Example: Spain and Greece are troubled by severe unemployment problems.
beleaguer (v.) Example: Hong Kong is beleaguered by ceaseless political conflicts.
haunt (v.) Example: Many Hong Kong people are haunted by migraine.
harass (v.) Example: He is harassed by tremendous workload and office politics.

緊跟 1. Sbdy + keep pace with / keep up with / keep up to date with/ keep abreast of / keep
keep pace with track of + sthg
keep up with Example: To keep pace with the knowledge-based economy, we have to pursue knowledge
keep up to date ceaselessly.
with Example: In order to keep up with its rivals like Apple and LG, Samsung has modified its
keep abreast of products persistently.
keep track of Example: We can keep abreast of current affairs through reading newspapers.
Example: The Hong Kong Observatory allows people to keep track of typhoons on its website.

支柱 1. n. + is the mainstay / pillar of + n.

mainstay (n.) Example: Service industries are the mainstay of the Hong Kong economy.
pillar (n.) Example: Teenagers are the pillars of Hong Kong’s future.

命脈 2. n. + is the lifeblood of + n.
lifeblood (n.) Example: Gambling is the lifeblood of Macau’s economy. With fewer gamblers from the
mainland due to economic downturn and Beijing’s anti-corruption measures, Macau has been
plunged into recession.

遇見 1. Sbdy + run into/bump into/come across/encounter + sbdy

run into Example: We often run into celebrities at Festival Walk.
bump into Example: David bumped into his English teacher at Commerical Press.
come across Example: He came across Leung Chai Yan at the airport.
encounter (v.) Example: They encountered Carmelo Anthony, Lebron James and Dwayne Wade at a casino in
Macau.