This vocabulary list is for reference only. Your Lexical Resource scores are calculated based on the overall level of vocabulary used in your writing and speaking answers. To improve your Lexical Resource scores, it is necessary that you improve your overall level of vocabulary.
However, skillfully incorporating these words in your writing and speaking answers together with a good vocabulary level will increase the chance of enhanced Lexical Recourse scores.
Vocabulary List
1. General Vocabulary
| Words/Phrases | Types | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participate in | Verb phrase | To take part in or become involved in an activity | “Many people participate in sports to improve their physical health.” |
| Competitive edge | Noun phrase | An advantage over others in a competitive situation | “Athletes often train extensively to gain a competitive edge over their opponents.” |
| Physical fitness | Noun phrase | The condition of being physically healthy and strong | “Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining physical fitness.” |
| Endurance training | Noun phrase | A type of exercise aimed at increasing stamina | “Endurance training is essential for marathon runners to improve their performance.” |
| Peak performance | Noun phrase | The highest level of achievement or capability | “Athletes strive to reach their peak performance in the final stages of a tournament.” |
| Break a record | Verb phrase | To surpass a previously set record in a sport or activity | “The swimmer managed to break a record at the international competition.” |
| Overcome obstacles | Verb phrase | To successfully deal with or defeat challenges | “Professional athletes must overcome obstacles to reach the highest levels of their sport.” |
| Team cohesion | Noun phrase | The unity and collaboration among members of a team | “Team cohesion plays a significant role in achieving success in team sports.” |
| Sportsmanship | Noun | Fair and respectful behavior in sports, especially toward opponents | “Displaying good sportsmanship is essential for building a positive sports culture.” |
| Take up a sport | Verb phrase | To start participating in a particular sport | “Many young people take up a sport in order to stay active and develop discipline.” |
| High-intensity training | Noun phrase | Intense and short bursts of exercise with maximum effort | “High-intensity training can help athletes improve their agility and cardiovascular fitness.” |
| Healthy competition | Noun phrase | A rivalry that encourages improvement without hostility | “Healthy competition can motivate players to enhance their skills without animosity.” |
| Injury prevention | Noun phrase | Measures taken to avoid harm during physical activity | “Proper warm-up exercises are essential for injury prevention.” |
| Mental toughness | Noun phrase | The psychological strength to face challenges or adversity | “Mental toughness is crucial for athletes to handle the pressure of major competitions.” |
| Achieve a milestone | Verb phrase | To reach a significant point in development or progress | “Winning the championship was an important milestone for the team.” |
| Stay in shape | Verb phrase | To remain physically fit and healthy | “Many people choose to stay in shape by engaging in regular sports activities.” |
| Physical exertion | Noun phrase | Physical effort or strain | “Sports that require high physical exertion can be demanding on the body.” |
| Boost morale | Verb phrase | To raise the confidence or spirits of a group | “A coach’s encouragement can help boost the morale of the team before a crucial match.” |
| Fan base | Noun phrase | A group of people who support a particular team or athlete | “The team’s fan base has grown considerably after their recent successes.” |
| Spectator sport | Noun phrase | A sport that attracts large numbers of viewers | “Football is a popular spectator sport enjoyed by millions around the world.” |
2. Sports and unity
| Words/Phrases | Types | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Promote teamwork | Verb phrase | To encourage cooperative effort within a group | “Competitive sports promote teamwork by requiring players to work together toward a common goal.” |
| Foster camaraderie | Verb phrase | To create a sense of friendship and trust among participants | “Team sports help foster camaraderie among players, building lasting bonds beyond the competition.” |
| Shared goals | Noun phrase | Common objectives or aims that unite people | “In competitive sports, having shared goals strengthens unity within the team.” |
| Develop mutual respect | Verb phrase | To build a sense of admiration and respect among individuals | “Playing on a team helps athletes develop mutual respect for each other’s skills and roles.” |
| Build community spirit | Verb phrase | To enhance a sense of belonging and support within a group | “Competitive sports build community spirit by bringing people together to support their local teams.” |
| Cultivate unity | Verb phrase | To develop a sense of oneness and harmony among people | “Sports tournaments often cultivate unity among diverse groups of fans and players alike.” |
| Encourage cooperation | Verb phrase | To promote collaborative work and mutual assistance | “Sports that require strategic planning encourage cooperation among team members.” |
| Instill discipline | Verb phrase | To teach self-control and adherence to rules | “Competitive sports instill discipline in players, which is essential for team unity and success.” |
| Break down barriers | Verb phrase | To overcome social or cultural differences | “Sports competitions can break down barriers between different communities, fostering understanding.” |
| Promote inclusivity | Verb phrase | To encourage the involvement of all people, regardless of background | “Inclusive sports promote unity by allowing people of all abilities to participate and compete together.” |
| Sense of belonging | Noun phrase | A feeling of being accepted and part of a group | “Athletes often feel a strong sense of belonging to their team, which unites them.” |
| Strengthen bonds | Verb phrase | To make relationships or connections between people stronger | “Competitive sports strengthen bonds between players, building unity within the team.” |
| Enhance social cohesion | Verb phrase | To improve the sense of togetherness and solidarity in a community | “International sports events enhance social cohesion by bringing together fans from around the world.” |
| Team spirit | Noun phrase | The feeling of pride, unity, and enthusiasm among team members | “A strong team spirit is vital for achieving success in competitive sports.” |
| Promote healthy rivalry | Verb phrase | To encourage competition without hostility | “Healthy rivalry between teams promotes unity by fostering mutual respect and admiration.” |
| Unite diverse groups | Verb phrase | To bring together people from different backgrounds | “Sports events unite diverse groups, allowing them to bond over a shared passion for the game.” |
| Shared responsibility | Noun phrase | Joint accountability for the outcome of a task or goal | “In competitive sports, shared responsibility for the team’s success unites players.” |
| Common purpose | Noun phrase | A shared aim or reason for doing something | “A common purpose motivates athletes to work in harmony to achieve victory.” |
| Build trust | Verb phrase | To develop confidence and reliance on others | “Team sports help build trust among players, a key factor in fostering unity.” |
| Unified effort | Noun phrase | Collective work or action toward a common goal | “Victory in competitive sports often results from a unified effort by the whole team.” |
3. Sports and conflicts
| Words/Phrases | Types | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intense rivalry | Noun phrase | Strong competition and conflict between opponents | “Intense rivalry between teams can lead to tensions both on and off the field.” |
| Cause friction | Verb phrase | To create conflict or tension among people | “The competitive nature of sports can sometimes cause friction among players.” |
| Escalate tensions | Verb phrase | To increase stress or hostility between people | “Intense competition in sports often escalates tensions among rival teams and their supporters.” |
| Fuel animosity | Verb phrase | To increase feelings of hostility or resentment | “Aggressive tactics can fuel animosity between competing players.” |
| Poor sportsmanship | Noun phrase | Disrespectful or unfair behavior in a sporting context | “Poor sportsmanship can lead to conflicts, detracting from the positive aspects of competition.” |
| Heighten aggression | Verb phrase | To increase feelings of anger or hostility | “Competitive sports may heighten aggression, especially in high-stakes games.” |
| Undermine unity | Verb phrase | To weaken a sense of togetherness among people | “Conflict between players can undermine unity within a team, affecting overall performance.” |
| Resentment towards opponents | Noun phrase | Feelings of bitterness or anger toward competitors | “Intense rivalries can lead to resentment towards opponents, damaging the spirit of fair competition.” |
| Promote hostility | Verb phrase | To encourage unfriendly or antagonistic behavior | “When players lack mutual respect, competitive sports can promote hostility rather than healthy competition.” |
| Lead to disputes | Verb phrase | To cause arguments or disagreements | “Controversial referee decisions often lead to disputes in competitive sports.” |
| Cause divisiveness | Verb phrase | To create separation and discord within a group | “Sports can sometimes cause divisiveness, especially when rival teams are from the same community.” |
| Incite aggression | Verb phrase | To encourage hostile or violent behavior | “Overly competitive sports environments may incite aggression among players and fans alike.” |
| Create a toxic environment | Verb phrase | To foster an unhealthy, hostile, or negative atmosphere | “Excessive competitiveness can create a toxic environment for athletes.” |
| Exacerbate rivalry | Verb phrase | To make competitive hostility even worse | “Close scores often exacerbate rivalry, which can lead to conflict between players.” |
| Tarnish sportsmanship | Verb phrase | To harm the respect and fairness traditionally valued in sports | “Aggressive behavior can tarnish sportsmanship and the positive image of competitive sports.” |
| Cause internal conflicts | Verb phrase | To create disagreements or hostility within a team | “Competition for starting positions can cause internal conflicts among team members.” |
| Ego clashes | Noun phrase | Conflicts caused by inflated self-importance | “Ego clashes are common in competitive sports, especially when multiple players vie for attention.” |
| Undermine teamwork | Verb phrase | To weaken collaboration and unity among team members | “In competitive sports, personal ambition can undermine teamwork, leading to a disjointed team performance.” |
| Spark controversies | Verb phrase | To initiate debates or disagreements, often public and divisive | “Contentious plays or calls can spark controversies that linger long after the game ends.” |
| Intolerant of defeat | Adjective phrase | Showing unwillingness to accept loss gracefully | “An intolerant attitude toward defeat can lead to conflicts on the field, especially after a tough match.” |
4. Sports and health
| Words/Phrases | Types | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular health | Noun phrase | The health of the heart and blood vessels | “Regular sports participation improves cardiovascular health by enhancing circulation and reducing blood pressure.” |
| Reduce the risk of disease | Verb phrase | To lower the likelihood of developing illnesses | “Engaging in physical activities like sports can reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.” |
| Boost immune system | Verb phrase | To strengthen the body’s defense against illness | “Sports and regular exercise boost the immune system, helping the body to fight off infections more effectively.” |
| Improve mental health | Verb phrase | To enhance psychological well-being | “Sports can significantly improve mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.” |
| Increase stamina | Verb phrase | To improve the ability to sustain physical or mental effort for longer | “Consistent exercise in sports activities helps to increase stamina and endurance.” |
| Strengthen muscles and bones | Verb phrase | To make muscles and bones stronger through physical activity | “Weight-bearing sports are beneficial for strengthening muscles and bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.” |
| Reduce stress | Verb phrase | To lower feelings of pressure or tension | “Physical activities like sports help reduce stress, providing an effective way to unwind.” |
| Enhance flexibility | Verb phrase | To improve the ability to move joints through their full range of motion | “Sports like yoga and gymnastics enhance flexibility, which can help prevent injuries.” |
| Promote weight management | Verb phrase | To support the maintenance of a healthy weight | “Participating in sports is an excellent way to promote weight management, as it helps burn calories efficiently.” |
| Improve concentration | Verb phrase | To increase focus and attention span | “Engaging in sports has been shown to improve concentration, benefiting both academic and professional performance.” |
| Enhance coordination | Verb phrase | To improve the ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly | “Sports like tennis enhance coordination, which is essential for maintaining agility and balance.” |
| Boost self-esteem | Verb phrase | To improve confidence and self-worth | “Achieving personal goals in sports can boost self-esteem, making individuals feel more capable and confident.” |
| Encourage a healthy lifestyle | Verb phrase | To promote habits that contribute to overall health and well-being | “Playing sports encourages a healthy lifestyle by fostering routines that involve exercise and good nutrition.” |
| Prevent chronic conditions | Verb phrase | To help avoid long-lasting diseases | “Regular sports participation can prevent chronic conditions like hypertension and type 2 diabetes.” |
| Release endorphins | Verb phrase | To stimulate the release of chemicals in the brain that reduce pain and boost mood | “Physical activities, including sports, release endorphins, which naturally enhance mood and relieve pain.” |
| Mental resilience | Noun phrase | The ability to cope with stress and bounce back from challenges | “Sports help to build mental resilience, as athletes learn to overcome obstacles and manage pressure.” |
| Increase energy levels | Verb phrase | To raise stamina and reduce fatigue | “Engaging in sports regularly can increase energy levels, making individuals feel more active and alert.” |
| Improve sleep quality | Verb phrase | To enhance the restfulness and duration of sleep | “People who engage in physical activity, such as sports, tend to experience better sleep quality.” |
| Support mental clarity | Verb phrase | To aid clear thinking and focus | “Physical activities like sports support mental clarity, which can improve decision-making and productivity.” |
| Enhance lung capacity | Verb phrase | To increase the maximum amount of air the lungs can hold | “Endurance sports like swimming enhance lung capacity, which benefits overall respiratory health.” |
Idioms for speaking
| Idioms | How to Use | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hit the ground running | Part of a sentence | To start something enthusiastically and effectively | “I hit the ground running with my new workout routine, and I’m already seeing great results.” |
| Throw in the towel | By itself | To give up on a difficult task | “After months of trying to improve my tennis serve, I almost threw in the towel.” |
| Go the extra mile | Part of a sentence | To make a special effort to achieve something | “To become a top athlete, you need to go the extra mile every day in training.” |
| Down to the wire | Part of a sentence | Until the last possible moment | “The game was exciting because it went down to the wire.” |
| Ahead of the game | By itself | To be in a favorable position or ahead of others | “If you train consistently, you’ll always stay ahead of the game.” |
| On the ball | By itself | To be alert and efficient | “To be a successful athlete, you need to be on the ball at all times.” |
| Back to square one | Part of a sentence | To start over from the beginning | “After my injury, it felt like I was back to square one with my training.” |
| Hit below the belt | Part of a sentence | To act unfairly or in an inappropriate way | “Criticizing his skills was a bit like hitting below the belt.” |
| Take one for the team | By itself | To make a sacrifice for the benefit of others | “I took one for the team by playing with an injury during the finals.” |
| Step up to the plate | Part of a sentence | To take responsibility or take on a challenge | “When the team needed a leader, I had to step up to the plate.” |
1. General Vocabulary
Participate in
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To take part in or become involved in an activity
Example: “Many people participate in sports to improve their physical health.”
Competitive edge
Type: Noun phrase
Meaning: An advantage over others in a competitive situation
Example: “Athletes often train extensively to gain a competitive edge over their opponents.”
Physical fitness
Type: Noun phrase
Meaning: The condition of being physically healthy and strong
Example: “Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining physical fitness.”
Endurance training
Type: Noun phrase
Meaning: A type of exercise aimed at increasing stamina
Example: “Endurance training is essential for marathon runners to improve their performance.”
Peak performance
Type: Noun phrase
Meaning: The highest level of achievement or capability
Example: “Athletes strive to reach their peak performance in the final stages of a tournament.”
Break a record
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To surpass a previously set record in a sport or activity
Example: “The swimmer managed to break a record at the international competition.”
Overcome obstacles
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To successfully deal with or defeat challenges
Example: “Professional athletes must overcome obstacles to reach the highest levels of their sport.”
Team cohesion
Type: Noun phrase
Meaning: The unity and collaboration among members of a team
Example: “Team cohesion plays a significant role in achieving success in team sports.”
Sportsmanship
Type: Noun
Meaning: Fair and respectful behavior in sports, especially toward opponents
Example: “Displaying good sportsmanship is essential for building a positive sports culture.”
Take up a sport
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To start participating in a particular sport
Example: “Many young people take up a sport in order to stay active and develop discipline.”
2. Sports and Unity
Promote teamwork
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To encourage cooperative effort within a group
Example: “Competitive sports promote teamwork by requiring players to work together toward a common goal.”
Foster camaraderie
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To create a sense of friendship and trust among participants
Example: “Team sports help foster camaraderie among players, building lasting bonds beyond the competition.”
Shared goals
Type: Noun phrase
Meaning: Common objectives or aims that unite people
Example: “In competitive sports, having shared goals strengthens unity within the team.”
Develop mutual respect
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To build a sense of admiration and respect among individuals
Example: “Playing on a team helps athletes develop mutual respect for each other’s skills and roles.”
Build community spirit
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To enhance a sense of belonging and support within a group
Example: “Competitive sports build community spirit by bringing people together to support their local teams.”
Cultivate unity
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To develop a sense of oneness and harmony among people
Example: “Sports tournaments often cultivate unity among diverse groups of fans and players alike.”
Encourage cooperation
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To promote collaborative work and mutual assistance
Example: “Sports that require strategic planning encourage cooperation among team members.”
Instill discipline
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To teach self-control and adherence to rules
Example: “Competitive sports instill discipline in players, which is essential for team unity and success.”
Break down barriers
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To overcome social or cultural differences
Example: “Sports competitions can break down barriers between different communities, fostering understanding.”
Promote inclusivity
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To encourage the involvement of all people, regardless of background
Example: “Inclusive sports promote unity by allowing people of all abilities to participate and compete together.”
Sense of belonging
Type: Noun phrase
Meaning: A feeling of being accepted and part of a group
Example: “Athletes often feel a strong sense of belonging to their team, which unites them.”
Strengthen bonds
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To make relationships or connections between people stronger
Example: “Competitive sports strengthen bonds between players, building unity within the team.”
Enhance social cohesion
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To improve the sense of togetherness and solidarity in a community
Example: “International sports events enhance social cohesion by bringing together fans from around the world.”
Team spirit
Type: Noun phrase
Meaning: The feeling of pride, unity, and enthusiasm among team members
Example: “A strong team spirit is vital for achieving success in competitive sports.”
Promote healthy rivalry
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To encourage competition without hostility
Example: “Healthy rivalry between teams promotes unity by fostering mutual respect and admiration.”
Unite diverse groups
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To bring together people from different backgrounds
Example: “Sports events unite diverse groups, allowing them to bond over a shared passion for the game.”
Shared responsibility
Type: Noun phrase
Meaning: Joint accountability for the outcome of a task or goal
Example: “In competitive sports, shared responsibility for the team’s success unites players.”
Common purpose
Type: Noun phrase
Meaning: A shared aim or reason for doing something
Example: “A common purpose motivates athletes to work in harmony to achieve victory.”
Build trust
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To develop confidence and reliance on others
Example: “Team sports help build trust among players, a key factor in fostering unity.”
Unified effort
Type: Noun phrase
Meaning: Collective work or action toward a common goal
Example: “Victory in competitive sports often results from a unified effort by the whole team.”
3. Sports and conflicts
Escalate tensions
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To increase stress or hostility between people
Example: “Intense competition in sports often escalates tensions among rival teams and their supporters.”
Fuel animosity
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To increase feelings of hostility or resentment
Example: “Aggressive tactics can fuel animosity between competing players.”
Poor sportsmanship
Type: Noun phrase
Meaning: Disrespectful or unfair behavior in a sporting context
Example: “Poor sportsmanship can lead to conflicts, detracting from the positive aspects of competition.”
Heighten aggression
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To increase feelings of anger or hostility
Example: “Competitive sports may heighten aggression, especially in high-stakes games.”
Undermine unity
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To weaken a sense of togetherness among people
Example: “Conflict between players can undermine unity within a team, affecting overall performance.”
Resentment towards opponents
Type: Noun phrase
Meaning: Feelings of bitterness or anger toward competitors
Example: “Intense rivalries can lead to resentment towards opponents, damaging the spirit of fair competition.”
Promote hostility
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To encourage unfriendly or antagonistic behavior
Example: “When players lack mutual respect, competitive sports can promote hostility rather than healthy competition.”
Lead to disputes
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To cause arguments or disagreements
Example: “Controversial referee decisions often lead to disputes in competitive sports.”
Cause divisiveness
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To create separation and discord within a group
Example: “Sports can sometimes cause divisiveness, especially when rival teams are from the same community.”
Incite aggression
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To encourage hostile or violent behavior
Example: “Overly competitive sports environments may incite aggression among players and fans alike.”
Create a toxic environment
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To foster an unhealthy, hostile, or negative atmosphere
Example: “Excessive competitiveness can create a toxic environment for athletes.”
Exacerbate rivalry
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To make competitive hostility even worse
Example: “Close scores often exacerbate rivalry, which can lead to conflict between players.”
Tarnish sportsmanship
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To harm the respect and fairness traditionally valued in sports
Example: “Aggressive behavior can tarnish sportsmanship and the positive image of competitive sports.”
Cause internal conflicts
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To create disagreements or hostility within a team
Example: “Competition for starting positions can cause internal conflicts among team members.”
Ego clashes
Type: Noun phrase
Meaning: Conflicts caused by inflated self-importance
Example: “Ego clashes are common in competitive sports, especially when multiple players vie for attention.”
Undermine teamwork
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To weaken collaboration and unity among team members
Example: “In competitive sports, personal ambition can undermine teamwork, leading to a disjointed team performance.”
Spark controversies
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To initiate debates or disagreements, often public and divisive
Example: “Contentious plays or calls can spark controversies that linger long after the game ends.”
Intolerant of defeat
Type: Adjective phrase
Meaning: Showing unwillingness to accept loss gracefully
Example: “An intolerant attitude toward defeat can lead to conflicts on the field, especially after a tough match.”
4. Sports and health
Cardiovascular health
Type: Noun phrase
Meaning: The health of the heart and blood vessels
Example: “Regular sports participation improves cardiovascular health by enhancing circulation and reducing blood pressure.”
Reduce the risk of disease
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To lower the likelihood of developing illnesses
Example: “Engaging in physical activities like sports can reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.”
Boost immune system
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To strengthen the body’s defense against illness
Example: “Sports and regular exercise boost the immune system, helping the body to fight off infections more effectively.”
Improve mental health
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To enhance psychological well-being
Example: “Sports can significantly improve mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.”
Increase stamina
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To improve the ability to sustain physical or mental effort for longer
Example: “Consistent exercise in sports activities helps to increase stamina and endurance.”
Strengthen muscles and bones
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To make muscles and bones stronger through physical activity
Example: “Weight-bearing sports are beneficial for strengthening muscles and bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.”
Reduce stress
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To lower feelings of pressure or tension
Example: “Physical activities like sports help reduce stress, providing an effective way to unwind.”
Enhance flexibility
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To improve the ability to move joints through their full range of motion
Example: “Sports like yoga and gymnastics enhance flexibility, which can help prevent injuries.”
Promote weight management
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To support the maintenance of a healthy weight
Example: “Participating in sports is an excellent way to promote weight management, as it helps burn calories efficiently.”
Improve concentration
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To increase focus and attention span
Example: “Engaging in sports has been shown to improve concentration, benefiting both academic and professional performance.”
Enhance coordination
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To improve the ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly
Example: “Sports like tennis enhance coordination, which is essential for maintaining agility and balance.”
Boost self-esteem
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To improve confidence and self-worth
Example: “Achieving personal goals in sports can boost self-esteem, making individuals feel more capable and confident.”
Encourage a healthy lifestyle
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To promote habits that contribute to overall health and well-being
Example: “Playing sports encourages a healthy lifestyle by fostering routines that involve exercise and good nutrition.”
Prevent chronic conditions
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To help avoid long-lasting diseases
Example: “Regular sports participation can prevent chronic conditions like hypertension and type 2 diabetes.”
Release endorphins
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To stimulate the release of chemicals in the brain that reduce pain and boost mood
Example: “Physical activities, including sports, release endorphins, which naturally enhance mood and relieve pain.”
Mental resilience
Type: Noun phrase
Meaning: The ability to cope with stress and bounce back from challenges
Example: “Sports help to build mental resilience, as athletes learn to overcome obstacles and manage pressure.”
Increase energy levels
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To raise stamina and reduce fatigue
Example: “Engaging in sports regularly can increase energy levels, making individuals feel more active and alert.”
Improve sleep quality
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To enhance the restfulness and duration of sleep
Example: “People who engage in physical activity, such as sports, tend to experience better sleep quality.”
Support mental clarity
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To aid clear thinking and focus
Example: “Physical activities like sports support mental clarity, which can improve decision-making and productivity.”
Enhance lung capacity
Type: Verb phrase
Meaning: To increase the maximum amount of air the lungs can hold
Example: “Endurance sports like swimming enhance lung capacity, which benefits overall respiratory health.”
5. Idioms for speaking
Hit the ground running
Type: Part of a sentence
Meaning: To start something enthusiastically and effectively
Example: “I hit the ground running with my new workout routine, and I’m already seeing great results.”
Throw in the towel
Type: By itself
Meaning: To give up on a difficult task
Example: “After months of trying to improve my tennis serve, I almost threw in the towel.”
Go the extra mile
Type: Part of a sentence
Meaning: To make a special effort to achieve something
Example: “To become a top athlete, you need to go the extra mile every day in training.”
Down to the wire
Type: Part of a sentence
Meaning: Until the last possible moment
Example: “The game was exciting because it went down to the wire.”
Ahead of the game
Type: By itself
Meaning: To be in a favorable position or ahead of others
Example: “If you train consistently, you’ll always stay ahead of the game.”
On the ball
Type: By itself
Meaning: To be alert and efficient
Example: “To be a successful athlete, you need to be on the ball at all times.”
Back to square one
Type: Part of a sentence
Meaning: To start over from the beginning
Example: “After my injury, it felt like I was back to square one with my training.”
Hit below the belt
Type: Part of a sentence
Meaning: To act unfairly or in an inappropriate way
Example: “Criticizing his skills was a bit like hitting below the belt.”
Take one for the team
Type: By itself
Meaning: To make a sacrifice for the benefit of others
Example: “I took one for the team by playing with an injury during the finals.”
Step up to the plate
Type: Part of a sentence
Meaning: To take responsibility or take on a challenge
Example: “When the team needed a leader, I had to step up to the plate.”
