Some useful expressions for essay writing

When it comes to ....+ noun e.g. cultural diplomacy + sentence e.g. we need to understand what is meant by soft power'.

Some would say that …. + sentence e.g. a military intervention should be avoided at all costs.

By doing this …. + sentence e.g. Italy's partners are failing to show the solidarity on which the European Union is based.

As a direct result of ….+ noun or gerund or phrase e.g. the economic crisis, + sentence e.g. many countries saw their public debt rise steeply.

Undoubtedly, …... + sentence e.g. this challenge requires a swift, collective and coordinated response.

In (the) light of this, or In the light of + noun e.g. this situation, these tensions etc. + sentence e.g. the need for negotiation has become urgent

In short, ...+ sentence e.g. despite the signs of economic recovery there are no grounds for complacency.

Let us now focus on …. + noun or gerund or phrase e.g. the economic challenge

There are no simple answers.

Here are some of the main questions that are raised by these events: + some direct questions

What is clear is (the fact) that …  + sentence e.g. there is no going back

What is less clear is whether …+ question e.g./ why this is happening. /what the UN should do. etc..

For a long time it has been fashionable to argue that … + sentence e.g. the social media strengthen democracy. However, ….

Conventional wisdom says that ../ tells us that …+ sentence e.g. all states need allies.

It must be stressed that... + sentence e.g. this offers only a temporary solution

Another factor/ question/ issue etc. to be considered is / to be taken into consideration is ... + sentence the level of unemployment

If, and this is a big if, ….  + sentence, (+ then) …. + sentence e,g, the government can reduce taxes, (then) this would provide crucial help to small businesses.

Given the current climate, ….+ sentence / Given the current climate of + noun e.g. debate, fear, distrust, optimism etc. e.g. Given the current climate of distrust, a return to negotiations seems unlikely at the moment

In the wake of … + noun e.g. recent events, these terrorist attacks  ,….+ sentence

e,g, In the wake of the terrorist attack, public opinion changed dramatically.

 

As you read, you should add expressions to this list. Daily if possible! Make sure you get a clear idea of how frequently they are used in diplomatic English and in what kind of context. Remember to check that they are common expressions. Have you seen them before? Are they basically elements that you recognise but don’t use? Part of your passive knowledge of English? Making these notes will help you and encourage you to use them, to make them part of your active knowledge of English, to expand your vocabulary and ability to express yourself in the right register.