Talking about Advantages and Disadvantages

Talking about Advantages and Disadvantages

Do yourself a favour and add these expressions to your English vocabulary. Here are some useful expressions and phrases to help you do the talking about the advantages and disadvantages of different things and features.

(One of) the huge/great/big advantages of

Meaning: refers to a significant benefit or a major positive aspect of something. It’s often used to highlight a key strength or a crucial factor that gives someone or something an edge over others.

• One of the mobile phones’ biggest advantages is that you can make video calls to anyone anywhere in the world for free.

A distinct/great/huge advantage over someone/something

Meaning: having a clear and noticeable benefit or edge compared to others. It highlights a specific strength or superiority that sets someone or something apart.

• Her knowledge of the Spanish language gives her a distinct advantage over other candidates.

Advantages outweigh disadvantages

Meaning: the positive aspects or benefits of something are more significant or numerous than the negative aspects or drawbacks. It’s often used to express that, despite some downsides, the overall outcome or situation is favourable.

Despite being unreliable at times, the advantages of our healthcare system outweigh its disadvantages.

The good/bad thing about something

Meaning: used to highlight both the positive and negative aspects of a particular situation, object or concept. It allows for a balanced view by acknowledging both sides.

The best thing about living in Barcelona is that we can go swimming in the sea at any time.

Good/bad point

Meaning: used to highlight a specific positive or negative aspect of something.

• One of the best points of this bicycle is that it is foldable.

Advantages and disadvantages

Meaning: used to discuss the positive and negative aspects of a particular situation. It allows for a balanced view by considering both the benefits and drawbacks.

• An advantage of having a car is that you can travel large distances, but a disadvantage is the fuel cost and pollution.

The merits and demerits of (advantages and disadvantages)

Meaning: used to discuss the positive and negative aspects of something, similar to “advantages and disadvantages.”

• The article discussed the merits and demerits of studying abroad.

Pros and cons (Lat. pro et contra)

Meaning: used to discuss the positive and negative aspects of a particular situation. It allows for a balanced evaluation by considering both the benefits (pros) and drawbacks (cons).

• We should consider the pros and cons before we change jobs.

Weigh up the pros and cons

Meaning: to carefully consider both the positive and negative aspects of a particular situation, decision, or option before making a judgment.

• The Taylors should weigh up the pros and cons carefully before moving abroad.

Disadvantage

Meaning: refers to a condition or situation that makes it more difficult to succeed or achieve something.

• The main disadvantage of this car is that it is too small.

Major/main/only drawback

Meaning: used to highlight a significant negative aspect or disadvantage of something.

• The major drawback to life on planet Earth is climate change.

Downside

Meaning: refers to a negative aspect or disadvantage of a particular situation, decision, or object.

• One downside of this phone is its short battery life

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