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Grammar fix

usher in

introduce a new era or significant change

to make the start of something new or important happen, especially a period of big change or a new way of doing things.

phrasal verbC1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • The invention of the smartphone ushered in a new era of instant communication.society
  • If governments invest more in renewable energy, it could usher in a period of cleaner and more sustainable development.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: usher in + noun (often 'a new era', 'change', 'reform', etc.)

WrongThe reforms ushered a new era.

RightThe reforms ushered in a new era.

'Usher IN' — don't drop 'in'.

Patternusher in + noun (often 'a new era', 'change', 'reform', etc.)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The invention inaugurated a new period of communication.

Natural The invention ushered in a new era of communication.

'Usher in' is the idiomatic verb for marking the start of a big change; 'inaugurated' is formal.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • usher in + era
    a new eraan age ofchangea new chapter

Don't confuse it

Unlike the basic verb 'usher', which means to show someone where to go (e.g. in a theatre), 'usher in' is figurative and refers to starting a significant new period or change.

Try it in Daily Speak →