B2 noun Neutral

resource

/rɪˈsɔːrs/

A resource is a supply of assets, materials, or information that can be drawn upon to achieve a goal or function effectively. In a broader sense, it can refer to natural substances, financial means, or personal qualities like skill and intelligence.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The internet is an incredible resource for learning new skills at home.

The web is a very helpful source for teaching yourself new things.

2

The government must manage its natural resources sustainably to protect the environment.

The state needs to handle its environmental assets carefully for future protection.

3

If you're stuck on the homework, that website is a lifesaver resource.

If you can't do the work, that site is an extremely helpful tool.

Word Family

Noun
resource
Verb
resource
Adverb
resourcefully
Adjective
resourceful
Related
resourcefulness
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Memory Tip

Think of the word 'RE-SOURCE' as something you can go back to (RE) as a 'SOURCE' of help whenever you have a problem.

Quick Quiz

The country is rich in natural ________ like oil and gas.

Correct!

The correct answer is: resources

Examples

1

The internet is an incredible resource for learning new skills at home.

everyday

The web is a very helpful source for teaching yourself new things.

2

The government must manage its natural resources sustainably to protect the environment.

formal

The state needs to handle its environmental assets carefully for future protection.

3

If you're stuck on the homework, that website is a lifesaver resource.

informal

If you can't do the work, that site is an extremely helpful tool.

4

Academic journals are a primary resource for researchers conducting literature reviews.

academic

Scholarly magazines are the main source of data for people doing research studies.

5

We need to optimize our human resources to increase the company's annual productivity.

business

We must make better use of our employees to improve the company's output.

Word Family

Noun
resource
Verb
resource
Adverb
resourcefully
Adjective
resourceful
Related
resourcefulness

Common Collocations

natural resources materials like oil or wood found in nature
human resources the people who work for an organization
limited resources a restricted amount of available help or materials
financial resources the money available to a person or group
allocate resources to distribute assets for a specific purpose

Common Phrases

a man of resources

someone who is very good at finding ways to solve problems

pool resources

to combine money or efforts to achieve a common goal

drain on resources

something that uses up too much of what is available

Often Confused With

resource vs source

A source is the origin where something begins, while a resource is the supply that can be used.

📝

Usage Notes

When referring to money or materials in a general sense, the plural form 'resources' is almost always used. The singular 'resource' is more common when referring to a specific tool or a person's capability.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'source' when they mean 'resource.' Remember: you get water from a source (the spring), but the water itself is a resource for the village.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'RE-SOURCE' as something you can go back to (RE) as a 'SOURCE' of help whenever you have a problem.

📖

Word Origin

From the Old French 'resourdre,' meaning to rise again or recover, suggesting something that helps you get back on your feet.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun (usually plural) Commonly followed by 'for' (e.g., a resource for students) Often used as a compound noun (e.g., resource management)
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Cultural Context

In modern corporate culture, 'Human Resources' (HR) is the standard department name for managing employees.

Quick Quiz

The country is rich in natural ________ like oil and gas.

Correct!

The correct answer is: resources

Related Words

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

for

A1

Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.

not

A1

A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.

with

A1

A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.

he

A1

A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.

you

A1

Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.

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