Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[jasonlulu_2000]

The following is from a short passage in a textbook.

So, many people think that headmasters, teachers and parents should be doing their part to address this situation. However, when taking steps to do so, everyone must know that banning junk food without other strategies and local decision-making is not a proper solution; it reduces personal and local responsibilities.

Q1: I cannot find "do one's part" in any dictionary. Is it natural for a native? Should I replace it with " doing their bit" or "playing their part"?
Q2: What does "local" mean in the underlined part? Does it mean "personal"? Is it naturally used here?

Thanks!

[IanT]

1. "Doing their part" sounds fine to me. "Doing their bit" would be a bit more informal. "Playing their part" would also be fine, but you would have to change "to address" to "in addressing".

2. Local is used here as an opposite to national. It suggests each local authority making its own decisions, rather than national government deciding for everyone. So, not personal. And yes, it seems natural to me.

Hope helps,
Ian
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