abuse 

The abuse of women needs to be treated seriously and sensitively.

I'm afraid the position is open to abuse.

 

stress

Stress may act as a trigger for these illnesses.

Poor housing and family stress can affect both physical and mental health.

 

ban 

I certainly think there should be a ban on tobacco advertising.

Top supermarkets are to ban many genetically modified foods.

 

due 

due to 

The factory was due to shut for the festive period.

Her forgetfulness is due to advancing age.

 

automatic 

The process should be automatic, instinctive.

Breathing is an automatic function of the body.

 

mental 

The woman will be confined to a mental institution.

Mental exercise is particulatly important for young children.

 

mentally 

You may be physically and mentally exhausted after a long flight.

Mentally, he can still run rings round men half his age!

 

effect

The effect on coffee prices has been disastrous for the producers.

The road safety programme is having a demonstrable effect on road users.

 

strengthen

His visit is intended to strengthen ties between the two countries.

He has a new fitness regime to strengthen his back.

 

decide on

Let's put our heads together and decide on a plan of action.

We can decide on our next step tomorrow.

 

feel like (doing) 

Do you feel like you could do with a change?

Although sometimes I feel like bothering, as often as not I don't.

 

desperate

Car firms are desperate to achieve economies of scale.

It was flight now, a desperate, hopeless flight that carried him on for some hours.

 

disappointed

When things go wrong, all of us naturally feel disappointed and frustrated.

She will be disappointed if her feelings are not returned.

 

ashamed 

I felt incredibly ashamed of myself for getting so angry.

You ought to be ashamed of yourselves. You've created this problem.

 

in spite of 

In spite of the recession, profits have galloped ahead.

In spite of the extremity of her seclusion she was sane.

 

take risks (a risk) 

They show no disposition to take risks.

You take a risk by investing it all in one area.

 

get into

I might get into trouble.

I want you to get into a whole new state of mind.

 

at risk

The crisis could well place the relationship at risk.

An estimated seven million people are at risk of starvation.

 

awkward

Unfortunately, Grandma always seems to awaken at awkward moments.

I'm always being told off for being so awkward.