Benefit

bring benefit

Tourism has brought many benefits to the area.

outweigh benefit

I want to say that I’m against the building of this new center. I think the risks of the scheme far outweigh any potential benefits.

include benefit

Book your holiday with us. The benefits include full medical cover while you’re abroad.

derive benefit

Too many children from poor social backgrounds don’t derive much benefit from school.

>No, I know what you mean. I didn’t get much benefit from my days at school either.

feel benefit

The doctor said that I would start to feel the benefits of the new treatment in a few months’ time.

outline benefit

There’s an article in this morning’s paper outlining the benefits of eating fresh fruit and vegetables every day.

reap benefit

Joanne is now a millionaire. She’s finally reaping the benefits of all those years of writing.

benefit of hard work

He’s just beginning to see the benefits of all his hard work and dedication.

benefit of helmet

Most cyclists are fully aware of the safety benefits of wearing a helmet.

benefit of education

Getting a good job was easy as I had the benefit of a university education.

benefit of scheme

The report of the town planners emphasized the likely, benefits of the new traffic scheme, but said little about the costs.

benefit of exercise

My two unmarried aunts have been keen swimmers ever since they read about the benefits of regular exercise.

benefit of organic food

I’m a great believer in the benefits of organic food. Most of the things we eat today are full of preservatives and chemicals.

child benefit

In the UK all families with children under 18 years of age are entitled to child benefit.

unemployment benefit

Our neighbor lost his job ten years ago and he’s been claiming unemployment benefit ever since.

fringe benefit

A company car and first-class air travel are the main fringe benefits I get in my job.

means-tested benefit

Every used to get child benefits – irrespective of income. Now we’re changing to a system of means-tested benefits. Some people think it’s fairer.

housing benefit

I’m afraid you’ll have to pay the full rent for the flat. You’re not eligible for housing benefit.

welfare benefit

All employees have to pay into a fund for welfare benefits such as unemployment and sickness pay.

Notes   

Note how we describe a lot of benefit:

• You need to take these pills for three or more weeks to get the full benefit.
• The new reward scheme will be of great benefit to our customers.
• We want you to get maximum benefit from your course.
• These new laws will have far-reaching benefits for single-parent families.
• The benefit to the local economy will be incalculable.

If you ‘give somebody the benefit of the doubt’, it means you accept what they say even though you think they may be wrong or lying.

Notice these ways of speaking enthusiastically about benefits:

• His book extols the benefits of vegetarianism.
• He’s always waxing lyrical about the benefits of bathing in icy cold water – even in winter!

Notice the prepositions in these expressions:

• Look, this plan will make us thousands! You can’t say no. It’s to our mutual benefit.
• She repeated the instructions again for my benefit. (just for me)