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"""In the f... against c... we will not just t... serious c..., but all crime, including s... crime and v... crime, so that the streets will be safer for everyone."" "

"""In the fight against crime we will not just target serious crime, but all crime, including street crime and vehicle crime, so that the streets will be safer for everyone."" " 35 Crime

"""This government is doing very little to f... c...."

"""This government is doing very little to fight crime." 35 Crime

"""We are doing everything in our power to c... c...."

"""We are doing everything in our power to combat crime." 35 Crime

"It is time the party in power did something."""

"It is time the party in power did something.""" 35 Crime

My younger brother is only two — he's just a t... t... but he's very cute.

"My younger brother is only two — he's just a tiny tot"", but he's very cute." 18 People: physical appearance

"That's why we're determined to t... c...."""

"That's why we're determined to tackle crime.""" 35 Crime

"The c... r... has come down, and that is because we have put 10,000 more police officers on the streets and focused on j... c..., because that is where the problem begins."""

"The crime rate has come down, and that is because we have put 10,000 more police officers on the streets and focused on juvenile crime, because that is where the problem begins.""" 35 Crime

"We have all had some experience of the recent c... w... in our cities, whether it is p... c... or more s... o...."""

"We have all had some experience of the recent crime wave in our cities, whether it is petty crime or more serious offences.""" 35 Crime

(To a guest who's just arrived) Come in and m... y... at h... while I finish getting dinner ready, (relax and make yourself comfortable)

(To a guest who's just arrived) Come in and make yourself at home while I finish getting dinner ready, (relax and make yourself comfortable) 22 Houses, flats and rooms

Basically her role is to t... c... of her boss, who is not a very organised person, and make sure nothing g... w....

Basically her role is to take charge of her boss, who is not a very organised person, and make sure nothing goes wrong. 30 Work

Become, not get, is used with the following: e..., (un)..., h...,f ....

Become, not get, is used with the following: extinct, (un)popular, homeless, famous. 8 Everyday verbs 2

Before the universe ..., time and space did not exist. [... is preferred in more formal and abstract contexts.]

Before the universe began, time and space did not exist. [Begin is preferred in more formal and abstract contexts.] 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

Before they g... in for / e... a c..., athletes train hard.

Before they go in for / enter a competition, athletes train hard. 26 Sport

Behind it, the streets are full of l... b... and f... c....

Behind it, the streets are full of lively bars and fashionable clubs. 16 Towns and cities

Being able to h... r... on computer makes it much easier for businesses to keep track of customers and of orders.

Being able to hold records on computer makes it much easier for businesses to keep track of customers and of orders. 28 Computers

Bella h... a job as a PA.

Bella has a job as a PA. 30 Work

Bella is a very w...-o... person.

Bella is a very well-organised person. 30 Work

Bob and I s... the s... taste in music; we often buy the same CDs.

Bob and I share the same taste in music; we often buy the same CDs. 45 Taste and smell

B... o... can be extremely unpleasant and embarrassing

Body odour can be extremely unpleasant and embarrassing 45 Taste and smell

Both of these metaphors about tears suggest the girl is crying a lot. The little girl was in ..... Tears were..... a f.... / f.... of tears,tears s.... ....

Both of these metaphors about tears suggest the girl is crying a lot. The little girl was in floods of tears. Tears were streaming down her face. a flood / floods of tears,tears streaming down someone's face 12 Metaphor

Both teams hope that they will have t... the l... by half-time.

Both teams hope that they will have taken the lead by half-time. 26 Sport

B... c... are widely available now. This makes o... s... much easier.

Broadband connections are widely available now. This makes online shopping much easier. 28 Computers

B... a CD is a quick and easy way to b... up your w....

Burning a CD is a quick and easy way to back up your work. 28 Computers

Bust-out's new double C... f... Jofa V, a young r... a... from Miami.

Bust-out's new double CD features Jofa V, a young rap artist from Miami. 25 Music

But also, we s... a h... v... on customer service, especially a...-sales s....

But also, we set a high value on customer service, especially after-sales service. 31 Business

But at the end of the day, r... a successful b... is a combination of hard work, luck and intuition.

But at the end of the day, running a successful business is a combination of hard work, luck and intuition. 31 Business

But he's also d... his d... to close down the San Antonio project, which is losing a lot of money.

But he's also defending his decision to close down the San Antonio project, which is losing a lot of money. 57 Deciding and choosing

But if you're a real classical m... l..., save your money.

But if you're a real classical music lover, save your money. 25 Music

But in 1994 we w... a c..., despite s... c..., to supply the local government offices, and that was an important moment for us.

But in 1994 we won a contract, despite stiff competition, to supply the local government offices, and that was an important moment for us. 31 Business

But poverty is not just an issue for d... countries, is it

But poverty is not just an issue for developing countries, is it 39 Global problems

But so much depends on the g... economy.

But so much depends on the global economy. 39 Global problems

But we also need to t... into c... the economic history of Latin America as a whole

But we also need to take into consideration the economic history of Latin America as a whole 33 Academic writing 2: structuring

By the time he was twenty he had already m... a small f... though, of course, most of his money was t... up in his business.

By the time he was twenty he had already made a small fortune though, of course, most of his money was tied up in his business. 37 Money

CLEANO POLISH will get rid of those marks on paint and wallpaper made by g... hands and. s... fingers.

CLEANO POLISH will get rid of those marks on paint and wallpaper made by greasy hands and. sticky fingers. 44 Texture

C... F... IN SPANISH RALLY Pedro Macarro emerged the winner of today's Spanish Grand Prix in a very c... f.... Macarro was just 0.5 seconds ahead of Finland's Pekka Hirvonen.

CLOSE FINISH IN SPANISH RALLY Pedro Macarro emerged the winner of today's Spanish Grand Prix in a very close finish. Macarro was just 0.5 seconds ahead of Finland's Pekka Hirvonen. 51 Starting and finishing

COMPUTER FACTORY TO .... [make staff redundant]

COMPUTER FACTORY TO AXE JOBS[make staff redundant] 5 Register

Can I s... an a... with this e-mail

Can I send an attachment with this e-mail 28 Computers

Can you t... me the t..., please I left my watch at home. NOT tell the hour

Can you tell me the time, please I left my watch at home. NOT tell the hour 40 Time

Changing the rules may ... more ... than good.

Changing the rules may do more harm than good. 7 Everyday verbs 1

Chapter 3 r... important q... about the need for transport planning in rapidly growing urban environments. It also t... on i... such as pollution

Chapter 3 raises important questions about the need for transport planning in rapidly growing urban environments. It also touches on issues such as pollution 33 Academic writing 2: structuring

Charles Amworth, 26, had served two years in a prison for y... o... ten years ago before working for the bank.

Charles Amworth, 26, had served two years in a prison for young offenders ten years ago before working for the bank. 35 Crime

Children whose parents have separated or divorced are said to come from a b... h....

Children whose parents have separated or divorced are said to come from a broken home. 19 Families

C... can also be used to mean that the relationship is a very strong one: We are a very c... family, or We are a very c...-k... family.

Close can also be used to mean that the relationship is a very strong one: We are a very close family, or We are a very close-knit family. 19 Families

C... r... are those like parents, children, brothers or sisters

Close relatives are those like parents, children, brothers or sisters 19 Families

C.../i... f... refers to people who are your nearest b... r...: I don't have much c.../i... family.

Close/immediate family refers to people who are your nearest blood relatives: I don't have much close/immediate family. 19 Families

C... jokes are vulgar jokes, jokes in bad taste.

Coarse jokes are vulgar jokes, jokes in bad taste. 44 Texture

C... still c... and you have to waste time re-i... your p....

Computers still crash and you have to waste time re-installing your programs. 28 Computers

C... and c... also convey the idea of something happening repeatedly: I couldn't get on with my work today because of c... interruptions - the phone kept ringing every five minutes. It was a mistake to go on holiday with them. Their c... complaining drove us mad.

Constant and continual also convey the idea of something happening repeatedly: I couldn't get on with my work today because of constant interruptions - the phone kept ringing every five minutes. It was a mistake to go on holiday with them. Their continual complaining drove us mad. 46 Number and frequency

Contrary to p... b..., it is not true that blondes are dumb.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not true that blondes are dumb. 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

C... continues to e.../r... over the appointment of the new Director.

Controversy continues to exist/rage over the appointment of the new Director. 55 Agreeing and disagreeing

Crisps will only s... your a....

Crisps will only spoil your appetite. 23 Eating and drinking

Critics r... books and films, NOT criticise them. To criticise a book or film means to say negative things about it

Critics review books and films, NOT criticise them. To criticise a book or film means to say negative things about it 24 Films and books

C... f... year after year in some of the poorest parts of the world.

Crops fail year after year in some of the poorest parts of the world. 39 Global problems

Crow himself c... two of the p..., hence the CD title.

Crow himself composed two of the pieces, hence the CD title. 25 Music

D.... .... are gloomy or sinister ones and .... .... or .... .... are unpleasant times to live through.

Dark thoughts are gloomy or sinister ones and dark days or dark times are unpleasant times to live through. 12 Metaphor

David, I wonder if I could have a b... c... with you about our new secretary

David, I wonder if I could have a brief chat with you about our new secretary 49 Ways of speaking

Detective stories are good for train journeys as they're an e... read.

Detective stories are good for train journeys as they're an easy read. 24 Films and books

Difficult! You're mad! Look, just don't r... South America o... of h....

Difficult! You're mad! Look, just don't reject South America out of hand. 57 Deciding and choosing

D... r... are people like second cousins [the children of a cousin of your mother or father] or d... c....

Distant relatives are people like second cousins [the children of a cousin of your mother or father] or distant cousins. 19 Families

Divorce is a h... e... experience for all those involved.

Divorce is a highly emotional experience for all those involved. 21 Feelings and emotions

Do I detect a w... of p... Are you meeting someone special tonight

Do I detect a whiff of perfume Are you meeting someone special tonight 45 Taste and smell

Do you always s... to your p...

Do you always stick to your programme 27 Health and illness

Do you care about h... e...

Do you care about healthy eating 27 Health and illness

Do you eat a b... d...

Do you eat a balanced diet 27 Health and illness

Do you f... a personal f... p...

Do you follow a personal fitness programme 27 Health and illness

Do you have a g... Z of the fashion industry

Do you have a good knowledge of the fashion industry 30 Work

Do you h... e... in sales

Do you have experience in sales 30 Work

Do you k... a vocabulary n... It's a good way of recording new collocations.

Do you keep a vocabulary notebook It's a good way of recording new collocations. 29 Study and learning

Do you t... regular v... e...

Do you take regular vigorous exercise 27 Health and illness

Does your government r... foreign q... for school teachers

Does your government recognise foreign qualifications for school teachers 29 Study and learning

D... f... are often more expensive than international ones, [flights within a country]

Domestic flights are often more expensive than international ones, [flights within a country] 14 Travel

Don't confuse p... an e... with s.../t... an exam. P... means to be successful in an exam or test. Say 'I d... my homework', NOT 'I made my homework.

Don't confuse pass an exam with sit/take an exam. Pass means to be successful in an exam or test. Say 'I did my homework', NOT 'I made my homework. 29 Study and learning

Don't do it like that. You're w... time. You'll s... time if you do it like this. S..., w... and s... are often used with money as well as time.

Don't do it like that. You're wasting time. You'll save time if you do it like this. Spend, waste and save are often used with money as well as time. 40 Time

Don't forget the difference between steal and rob. A person s... something, e.g. He s... a car / some money, but r... someone or an institution, e.g. She r... an elderly person / a bank. Steal is often used in the passive, e.g. My car was stolen

Don't forget the difference between steal and rob. A person steals something, e.g. He stole a car / some money, but robs someone or an institution, e.g. She robbed an elderly person / a bank. Steal is often used in the passive, e.g. My car was stolen 35 Crime

Donna is a ...; it's difficult for her to work full time.

Donna is a single parent; it's difficult for her to work full time. 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

Doradella Street has a lot of u... s... and rather p..., sometimes o..., r..., but not far away is the Genasia district, where you'll find restaurants which offer g... v... and a more r... a....

Doradella Street has a lot of upmarket shops and rather pricey, sometimes overpriced, restaurants, but not far away is the Genasia district, where you'll find restaurants which offer good value and a more relaxed atmosphere. 16 Towns and cities

E... S... TO HOLIDAY Many people have decided to m... an e... s... to the bank holiday weekend. Traffic was already building up on major motorways on Thursday evening.

E A R L Y START TO HOLIDAY Many people have decided to make an early start to the bank holiday weekend. Traffic was already building up on major motorways on Thursday evening. 51 Starting and finishing

Embracing g... p... may be our best hope in the long term, but we need urgent short-term measures too.

Embracing green politics may be our best hope in the long term, but we need urgent short-term measures too. 39 Global problems

Eventually he decided he most wanted to become a writer. The next day he t... his first f... s... at writing a novel.

Eventually he decided he most wanted to become a writer. The next day he took his first faltering steps at writing a novel. 50 Ways of walking

Every half hour we Look out of the tent hoping for a b.... In the c.....

Every half hour we Look out of the tent hoping for A break In the clouds. 13 Weather

Every morning she m... a l... of everything she needs to do.

Every morning she makes a list of everything she needs to do. 30 Work

Everyone agrees that the peace talks are d... to f..., [are certain to fail]

Everyone agrees that the peace talks are doomed to failure, [are certain to fail] 52 Talking about success and failure

Everyone ...,when they heard the shocking news.

Everyone fell silent when they heard the shocking news. 8 Everyday verbs 2

Everywhere you go, the f... p... of Caranza Island's wild flowers follows you.

Everywhere you go, the fragrant perfume of Caranza Island's wild flowers follows you. 45 Taste and smell

E... f... from millions of vehicles and the burning of f... fuels are causing i.../i... damage to our environment.

Exhaust fumes from millions of vehicles and the burning of fossil fuels are causing irreparable/irreversible damage to our environment. 39 Global problems

FLU .... SOUTHERN EUROPE

FLU OUTBREAK HITS SOUTHERN EUROPE 5 Register

Finally I l... my p... and shouted at her.

Finally I lost my patience and shouted at her. 17 People: character and behaviour

Finally, there are rumours that you may f... the c... on the stock market.

Finally, there are rumours that you may float the company on the stock market. 31 Business

First we .... to a little town and then we .... going to various villages and got off when we saw one that we .... to.

First we took a train to a little town and then we took a bus we took a bus going to various villages and got off when we saw one that we took a liking to. 9 Everyday verbs 3

.... suggests that things progress easily, without effort. It was a very successful meeting. The i.... i.... ...., c.... ....

Flow suggests that things progress easily, without effort. It was a very successful meeting. The ideas flowed. ideas flow, conversation flows 12 Metaphor

For a few days it was a.../i... p..., but now it's just a d... a....

For a few days it was acutely/intensely painful, but now it's just a dull ache. 27 Health and illness

For fans of e... l... and c... t..., this is all you need.

For fans of easy listening and catchy tunes, this is all you need. 25 Music

For instance, we always c... out m... r... before l... a new p....

For instance, we always carry out market research before launching a new product. 31 Business

For many people, octopus is an a... t..., but it's a must on the south coast, and the s... f... of the local vegetable, quingat, provides a perfect accompaniment.

For many people, octopus is an acquired taste, but it's a must on the south coast, and the subtle flavour of the local vegetable, quingat, provides a perfect accompaniment. 45 Taste and smell

For the last few weeks I've been much more sensitive to h... and sensitive to l... than I used to be.

For the last few weeks I've been much more sensitive to heat and sensitive to light than I used to be. 54 Remembering and sensing

Fortunately, the teacher could t... a j... and didn't punish them.

Fortunately, the teacher could take a joke and didn't punish them. 17 People: character and behaviour

From most rooms there are u... v... of the castle. [nothing blocks the views of the castle]

From most rooms there are uninterrupted views of the castle. [nothing blocks the views of the castle] 15 Countryside

From the balcony there is a s... v... of the mountains. [very dramatic view]

From the balcony there is a spectacular view of the mountains. [very dramatic view] 15 Countryside

From the top floor restaurant diners have a p... v... of the countryside, [view over a very wide area]

From the top floor restaurant diners have a panoramic view of the countryside, [view over a very wide area] 15 Countryside

F... a... the fact that different learners find different methods useful, Jones m... the p... that motivation is the key factor in most learners' success.

Fully accepting the fact that different learners find different methods useful, Jones makes the point that motivation is the key factor in most learners' success. 58 Claiming and denying

F... f... flat a... to r... from 1st September. Quiet r... a....

Fully furnished flat available to rent from 1st September. Quiet residential area. 22 Houses, flats and rooms

GOVERNMENT .... WILL .... THIS YEAR

GOVERNMENT SPENDING WILL ROCKET THIS YEAR 5 Register

.... is often used with abstract nouns relating to political authority. The socialist party .... of the National Assembly. .... +.. p...., c...., a....

Gain is often used with abstract nouns relating to political authority. The socialist party gained control of the National Assembly. gain+.. power, control, access 11 Synonyms and confusable words 2

.... is often used with abstract nouns that suggest benefit to the 'gainer' Her paintings .... thanks to a major exhibition in New York .... [formal]+... a r...., p...., r.... , an a....

Gain is often used with abstract nouns that suggest benefit to the 'gainer' Her paintings gained recognition thanks to a major exhibition in New York gain [formal]+... a reputation, publicity, recognition, an advantage 11 Synonyms and confusable words 2

G...-f... winds c... a lot of d... to property.

Gale-force winds caused a lot of damage to property. 13 Weather

George Arthur Lode, accused of murdering his wife, w... on t... today.

George Arthur Lode, accused of murdering his wife, went on trial today. 34 Law an punishment

.... when you get home.

Give me a ring when you get home. 5 Register

Go is used for changes in people's personality, appearance and physical abilities: People go m... /b... /g... /b... /d...

Go is used for changes in people's personality, appearance and physical abilities: People go mad/bald/grey/blind/deaf 8 Everyday verbs 2

Good web design is making it easier to n... w..., [find your way round] - Computer criminals are getting better at h... i... other people's computers.

Good web design is making it easier to navigate websites, [find your way round] - Computer criminals are getting better at hacking into other people's computers. 28 Computers

HAVE YOUR PHOTOS PRINTED H E R E M... FINISH OR G... FINISH

HAVE YOUR PHOTOS PRINTED H E R E MATT FINISH OR GLOSS FINISH 44 Texture

Harriet is ... with all her schoolwork.

Harriet is making progress with all her schoolwork. 7 Everyday verbs 1

Harry was .... that he was in danger. [Harry had no idea at all, often used about something unpleasant]

Harry was blissfully unaware that he was in danger. [Harry had no idea at all, often used about something unpleasant] 4 Types of collocation

H... m... and the occasional v... p... from its two soloists mark this collection of popular British classical music, which aims to c... a w... a... for the classics and to promote Britain's m... h....

Haunting melodies and the occasional virtuoso performance from its two soloists mark this collection of popular British classical music, which aims to capture a wider audience for the classics and to promote Britain's musical heritage. 25 Music

Have you m... a d... yet about the new job

Have you made a decision yet about the new job 57 Deciding and choosing

Have you made your t... a... for the sales conference yet

Have you made your travel arrangements for the sales conference yet 14 Travel

Have you p... in the correct a...

Have you put in the correct address 28 Computers

He also worked in his school holidays to e... m....

He also worked in his school holidays to earn money. 37 Money

He always does everything in an u... m..., (slow; implies slight criticism]

He always does everything in an unhurried manner, (slow; implies slight criticism] 47 Movement and speed

He a... c... that the universe has a unique nature.

He argues convincingly that the universe has a unique nature. 33 Academic writing 2: structuring

He b... a s... r... to his father, [looks remarkably like)

He bears a striking resemblance to his father, [looks remarkably like) 18 People: physical appearance

He b... s... the views of leading physicists and mathematicians, d... p... with some of them and d... the c... that science alone cannot solve the mystery of the universe.

He briefly summarises the views of leading physicists and mathematicians, disagrees profoundly with some of them and draws the conclusion that science alone cannot solve the mystery of the universe. 33 Academic writing 2: structuring

He can never forget the h... of w..., and he believes that we must do everything we can to a... w... in the future.

He can never forget the horrors of war, and he believes that we must do everything we can to avert war in the future. 38 War and peace

He can't. He just likes people to think he can. He's got no m... t... whatsoever.

He can't. He just likes people to think he can. He's got no musical talent whatsoever. 25 Music

He claims that he has been w... a... by The Moon because of its l...-r... battle with the government.

He claims that he has been wrongly accused by The Moon because of its long-running battle with the government. 58 Claiming and denying

He couldn't decide what job to choose. Many different w... of l... appealed to him.

He couldn't decide what job to choose. Many different walks of life appealed to him. 50 Ways of walking

He didn't want to g... to w... but he had no choice.

He didn't want to go to war but he had no choice. 38 War and peace

He didn't want to r... h... i... something that he would later regret.

He didn't want to rush headlong into something that he would later regret. 50 Ways of walking

He d... a... to new research which suggests that other universes may also exist alongside ours.

He draws attention to new research which suggests that other universes may also exist alongside ours. 33 Academic writing 2: structuring

He drove at b... s... along the motorway and was soon stopped by the police. (Carelessly fast and dangerous]

He drove at breakneck speed along the motorway and was soon stopped by the police. (Carelessly fast and dangerous] 47 Movement and speed

He f... through the n... as he didn't have time to read it properly.

He flicked through the newspaper as he didn't have time to read it properly. 36 News

He g... a really good d... because he found a shop that was g... c....

He got a really good deal because he found a shop that was going cheap. 37 Money

He had a c... for r... dating back to 1986

He had a conviction for robbery dating back to 1986 35 Crime

He has s... o... on many subjects. NOT heavy or big

He has strong opinions on many subjects. NOT heavy or big 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

He justly deserves all the r... r... he will undoubtedly receive from many others as well as myself.

He justly deserves all the rave reviews he will undoubtedly receive from many others as well as myself. 60 Praising and criticisin

He kindly offered to .... my .... me.

He kindly offered to carry my suitcase for me. 11 Synonyms and confusable words 2

He lives in a very ... /... up in the mountains.

He lives in a very lonely place/spot up in the mountains. 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

He ordered that Hickey should s... a s... of at least 15 years in prison

He ordered that Hickey should serve a sentence of at least 15 years in prison 35 Crime

He .... the beautiful vase .... on the window ledge.

He placed the beautiful vase gently on the window ledge. 4 Types of collocation

He put this money in a bank account and hardly ever m... a w... from it.

He put this money in a bank account and hardly ever made a withdrawal from it. 37 Money

He seemed to g... off on the w... foot with the publishers, who didn't like him and turned his book down.

He seemed to get off on the wrong foot with the publishers, who didn't like him and turned his book down. 50 Ways of walking

He seems to be unaware of the extent to which his own s... of b... has c... his j....

He seems to be unaware of the extent to which his own set of beliefs has coloured his judgement. 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

He s... out some powerful a... which will s... our t... for years to come.

He sets out some powerful arguments which will shape our thinking for years to come. 32 Academic writing 1: giving opinions

He started m... m... at school when he sold the sandwiches his mother had made him to other children.

He started making money at school when he sold the sandwiches his mother had made him to other children. 37 Money

He was very embarrassed and his face ....

He was very embarrassed and his face went red. 8 Everyday verbs 2

He's going to increase it by £10,000.1 think that's a s... d... that combines generosity and s... j....

He's going to increase it by £10,000.1 think that's a sensible decision that combines generosity and sound judgement. 57 Deciding and choosing

He's .... a laptop

He's using a laptop 11 Synonyms and confusable words 2

Helen had to r.../b... up c.../f... on her own.

Helen had to raise/bring up children/family on her own. 19 Families

Henry and his brother grew up in a family where m... was always t....

Henry and his brother grew up in a family where money was always tight. 37 Money

Henry hoped that when he was grown-up, money would be never be i... s... s... for him.

Henry hoped that when he was grown-up, money would be never be in short supply for him. 37 Money

Henry's brother only wanted a s... i... but Henry wasn't interested in just e... a g... s..., he wanted to m... b... money, to be s... r....

Henry's brother only wanted a steady income but Henry wasn't interested in just earning a good salary, he wanted to make big money, to be seriously rich. 37 Money

Her clothes boutique is doing b... b... since the shopping centre was renovated.

Her clothes boutique is doing brisk business since the shopping centre was renovated. 31 Business

Her cruel remarks left a b.../u... t... in our mouths.

Her cruel remarks left a bad/unpleasant taste in our mouths. 45 Taste and smell

Her father w.../h... a... of her new boyfriend.

Her father warmly/heartily approves of her new boyfriend. 60 Praising and criticisin

Her grandparents c... to C... in the last century.

Her grandparents converted to Christianity in the last century. 48 Change

Her son's is on e... 21st c... fiction while her daughter's is about life in p... t... - she's not interested in the r... p... at all.

Her son's is on early 21st century fiction while her daughter's is about life in prehistoric times - she's not interested in the recent past at all. 40 Time

Here it's a b... l... with r... m... in the distance.

Here it's a bleak landscape with rocky mountains in the distance. 15 Countryside

His latest paper also m... a significant c... to the field.

His latest paper also makes a significant contribution to the field. 32 Academic writing 1: giving opinions

His research l... him to c... that military action was justified.

His research leads him to conclude that military action was justified. 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

His teachers used to call him a w... e....

His teachers used to call him a walking encyclopaedia. 50 Ways of walking

Hmm. Let me have a s... ... mm ... When did you buy it It smells o... to me.

Hmm. Let me have a smell ... mm ... When did you buy it It smells offr to me. 45 Taste and smell

Hopes for a l... p... are, unfortunately, fading fast.

Hopes for a lasting peace are, unfortunately, fading fast. 38 War and peace

H... that the play would enjoy a long run in London were d..., [hopes have had to be abandoned]

Hopes that the play would enjoy a long run in London were dashed, [hopes have had to be abandoned] 52 Talking about success and failure

Hopes were initially high for the new project but it has proved to be a d... f..., [a total failure]

Hopes were initially high for the new project but it has proved to be a dismal failure, [a total failure] 52 Talking about success and failure

How can I add a t... of c... to my wardrobe without spending too much money

How can I add a touch of colour to my wardrobe without spending too much money 43 Colour and light

How can I e... my d... to her without appearing silly or childish

How can I express my disappointment to her without appearing silly or childish 21 Feelings and emotions

How do I g... o...

How do I go online 28 Computers

How do I r... to this e-mail Sorry, I'm not very good with computers.

How do I reply to this e-mail Sorry, I'm not very good with computers. 28 Computers

However, he's r... judgem...ment on the Berlin project until he gets more reliable information.

However, he's reserving judgement on the Berlin project until he gets more reliable information. 57 Deciding and choosing

However, his evidence is based on one single document and a... too much i... to this.

However, his evidence is based on one single document and attaches too much importance to this. 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

However, .... can also be used in expressions like a .... smile, the children's .... faces to mean happy;

However, sunny can also be used in expressions like a sunny smile, the children's sunny faces to mean happy; 12 Metaphor

Hundreds of people took to the streets to demonstrate about third-world d... r....

Hundreds of people took to the streets to demonstrate about third-world debt repayments. 39 Global problems

I accept that there is no s... s...

I accept that there is no simple solution 39 Global problems

I actually think their r... m... are good too.

I actually think their ready meals are good too. 23 Eating and drinking

I agree, and I accept that children and adults who l... on the s... are in d... n..., and that these social conditions b... crime

I agree, and I accept that children and adults who live on the streets are in desperate need, and that these social conditions breed crime 39 Global problems

I always .... my .... whenever I go out. (NOT wear)

I always carry my mobile phone whenever I go out. (NOT wear) 11 Synonyms and confusable words 2

I always p... off m... decisions till the last possible moment.

I always put off making decisions till the last possible moment. 57 Deciding and choosing

I am sure they will also w... a lot of p... for their original and exciting costumes.

I am sure they will also win a lot of praise for their original and exciting costumes. 60 Praising and criticisin

I can r... short v... clips and send them to my friends and I can a... my e-mails on it.

I can record short video clips and send them to my friends and I can access my e-mails on it. 28 Computers

I can see why you wanted to b... out that m...!

I can see why you wanted to blot out that memory! 54 Remembering and sensing

I can v... r... it now though.

I can vividly remember it now though. 54 Remembering and sensing

I can't a... my company's w.... Can you help

I can't access my company's website. Can you help 28 Computers

I can't believe f... a... are good for our long-term health.

I can't believe food additives are good for our long-term health. 23 Eating and drinking

I can't believe you're going to p... up the o... of a trip to South America.

I can't believe you're going to pass up the opportunity of a trip to South America. 57 Deciding and choosing

I can't drink b... c.... I'll have to put some sugar in this.

I can't drink bitter coffee. I'll have to put some sugar in this. 45 Taste and smell

I could t... a lot of s... about Jim, my best friend since childhood, but I don't want to embarrass him, so I won't.

I could tell a lot of stories about Jim, my best friend since childhood, but I don't want to embarrass him, so I won't. 49 Ways of speaking

I could tell by the t... of her v... that she was serious.

I could tell by the tone of her voice that she was serious. 49 Ways of speaking

I couldn't finish the exam because I r... out of t....

I couldn't finish the exam because I ran out of time. 40 Time

I detected a s... h... in your last e-mail. Are you h... second t... Anyway, let me know.

I detected a slight hesitation in your last e-mail. Are you having second thoughts Anyway, let me know. 57 Deciding and choosing

I d... the first d... of my essay last week and the f... d... this week. I have to hand it in tomorrow.

I did the first draft of my essay last week and the final draft this week. I have to hand it in tomorrow. 29 Study and learning

I didn't hear every word, but I g... the f... of what he was saying and I didn't like it.

I didn't hear every word, but I got the flavour of what he was saying and I didn't like it. 45 Taste and smell

I do a lot of long-distance flying and I don't r... the t... of a twelve-hour flight with no leg-room, so I usually fly with Arrow. They give you a lot of space, even in economy. And they seem to t... p... in looking after you.

I do a lot of long-distance flying and I don't relish the thought of a twelve-hour flight with no leg-room, so I usually fly with Arrow. They give you a lot of space, even in economy. And they seem to take pleasure in looking after you. 59 Liking and disliking

I do not t... his j....

I do not trust his judgement. 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

I don't know Rod well. We're just c... Z

I don't know Rod well. We're just casual acquaintances 20 Relationships

I don't know whether I should t... my i... and hand in my resignation. Or am I just being r... o...-s...

I don't know whether I should trust my intuition and hand in my resignation. Or am I just being ridiculously over-sensitive 54 Remembering and sensing

I don't think a horror story makes good b... reading.

I don't think a horror story makes good bedtime r eading. 24 Films and books

I failed an exam recently and it was a h... d... to me.

I failed an exam recently and it was a huge disappointment to me. 21 Feelings and emotions

I f... m... in l... with Anton from the moment I met him.

I fell madly in love with Anton from the moment I met him. 20 Relationships

I felt a g... s... when I had to say goodbye to my friends at the end of our three years in university.

I felt a great sadness when I had to say goodbye to my friends at the end of our three years in university. 21 Feelings and emotions

I felt a .... of .... when I saw the old photos of the village where I grew up.

I felt a pang of nostalgia when I saw the old photos of the village where I grew up. 4 Types of collocation

I felt a .... pain in my foot

I felt a sharp pain in my foot 3 Using your dictionary

I find it difficult to g... into c... with new people, or to j... in a c... that's already started.

I find it difficult to get into conversation with new people, or to join in a conversation that's already started. 49 Ways of speaking

I f... b... that young people should have the right to vote at 16.

I firmly believe that young people should have the right to vote at 16. 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

I got some t... b... with details of camping trips.

I got some travel brochures with details of camping trips. 14 Travel

I had a d... of o... with my brother.

I had a difference of opinion with my brother. 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

1 ... frightening ... the other day.

I had a frightening experience the other day. 9 Everyday verbs 3

I had a h... c... and a s... h..., so I wasn't in a good mood, (the opposite of a h... c... is a s... c...]

I had a heavy cold and a splitting headache, so I wasn't in a good mood, (the opposite of a heavy cold is a slight cold] 27 Health and illness

I ... last night.

I had a nightmare last night. 9 Everyday verbs 3

I had a q... w... with Lorna about it yesterday; she said there have been problems.

I had a quick word with Lorna about it yesterday; she said there have been problems. 49 Ways of speaking

I have a b... y... jacket and I think the c... goes w... with my bright green trousers. But my best friend thinks the colours clash.

I have a bright yellow jacket and I think the colour goes well with my bright green trousers. But my best friend thinks the colours clash. 43 Colour and light

1 ... that something is wrong.

I have a feeling that something is wrong. 9 Everyday verbs 3

I .... it and let you know

I have a think about it and let you know 5 Register

I have n... but p... for this production of Dogs and o... my c... to all the cast.

I have nothing but praise for this production of Dogs and offer my congratulations to all the cast. 60 Praising and criticisin

I have s... m... about his research and I h... d... about the accuracy of some of his facts.

I have serious misgivings about his research and I have doubts about the accuracy of some of his facts. 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

I haven't ... yet. [... here means complete]

I haven't finished my homework yet. [Finish here means complete] 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

I haven't lived in Oxford for long but I already f... at h... there.

I haven't lived in Oxford for long but I already feel at home there. 22 Houses, flats and rooms

I helped an ... who was trying to cross the road, [... is more polite than old]

I helped an elderly person who was trying to cross the road, [elderly is more polite than old] 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

I hope my r... j... is better! The opposite of r... j... is o... j....

I hope my return journey is better! The opposite of return journey is outward journey. 14 Travel

I hope we can b... the r... and let her take the exam on another day. [informal: break the rules in a way that is not considered important]

I hope we can bend the rules and let her take the exam on another day. [informal: break the rules in a way that is not considered important] 34 Law an punishment

I hope you will g... your z to the plan, [say you wish it well]

I hope you will give your blessing to the plan, [say you wish it well] 60 Praising and criticisin

I h... you'll come to my party. NOT wish

I hope you'll come to my party. NOT wish 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

I hope you'll invite me to your h...-w... p....

I hope you'll invite me to your house-warming party. 22 Houses, flats and rooms

I knew at once that he was the l... of my l... but at first I was not sure if my l... w... r... or not.

I knew at once that he was the love of my life but at first I was not sure if my love was returned or not. 20 Relationships

I know it's a d... s... but I don't think we need to make it a l... d... with everyone involved.

I know it's a delicate subject but I don't think we need to make it a lengthy discussion with everyone involved. 49 Ways of speaking

I know next week is a b... trip, but you must do some sightseeing too while you're here.

I know next week is a business trip, but you must do some sightseeing too while you're here. 14 Travel

I know you have a h... a..., but you had a h... b... only three hours ago

I know you have a healthy appetite, but you had a hearty breakfast only three hours ago 23 Eating and drinking

I know you'll be b... h... together.

I know you'll be blissfully happy together. 21 Feelings and emotions

I know, I know, but it's a t... c....

I know, I know, but it's a tough choice. 57 Deciding and choosing

I l.... way that Jack can't be trusted

I learnt the hard way that Jack can't be trusted 2 Finding, recording and learning collocations

I like meeting people and I want to be able to get to know them and not just m... polite c.... What can I do

I like meeting people and I want to be able to get to know them and not just make polite conversation. What can I do 49 Ways of speaking

I like most James Bond Films, but Goldfinger is my a.../a...-t... favourite.

I like most James Bond Films, but Goldfinger is my absolute/all-time favourite. 59 Liking and disliking

I live ..., but I don't like travelling ...; it's nice to be with someone.

I live alone, but I don't like travelling alone; it's nice to be with someone. 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

I l... my b... and fell off my bike.

I lost my balance and fell off my bike. 47 Movement and speed

I l... my f... and fell down the bank into the river.

I lost my footing and fell down the bank into the river. 47 Movement and speed

I l... my t... and was s... with a... when she called me an idiot. [I suddenly became very angry]

I lost my temper and was seething with anger when she called me an idiot. [I suddenly became very angry] 21 Feelings and emotions

I love u... p... text now.

I love using predictive text now. 28 Computers

I love you and want to marry you,' Derek .... to Marsha.

I love you and want to marry you,' Derek whispered softly to Marsha. 4 Types of collocation

I m... a few a... to the gears and my bike works much better now.

I made a few adjustments to the gears and my bike works much better now. 48 Change

I met an ... the other day. It's a very ...

I met an old friend the other day. It's a very old building 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

I need to .... [used for batteries, electrical items]

I need to charge my phone. [used for batteries, electrical items] 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

I put a pair of red socks in the washing machine with my white shirt and my p... b... shorts and the colour r....

I put a pair of red socks in the washing machine with my white shirt and my pale blue shorts and the colour ran. 43 Colour and light

I saw Martin s... a g... the other day. I didn't know he could play.

I saw Martin strumming a guitar the other day. I didn't know he could play. 25 Music

I s... some t... between us. Now I h... a f... that he is trying to make things difficult for me.

I sensed some tension between us. Now I have a feeling that he is trying to make things difficult for me. 54 Remembering and sensing

I s... up a small b... selling office supplies in 1989, filing systems, office equipment, that sort of thing.

I set up a small business selling office supplies in 1989, filing systems, office equipment, that sort of thing. 31 Business

I s... your o... on the issue of hunting. I'm a g... b... in animals' rights

I share your opinion on the issue of hunting. I'm a great believer in animals' rights 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

I s.... looking for the keys before I found them in my bag. (NOT passed)

I spent an hour looking for the keys before I found them in my bag. (NOT passed) 11 Synonyms and confusable words 2

I s... some t... in South America when I was younger. NOT passed in this context - though you can say things like reading p... the time

I spent some time in South America when I was younger. NOT passed in this context - though you can say things like reading passes the time 40 Time

I s.../d... a deal with the car salesman and got a 15% discount for cash.

I struck/did a deal with the car salesman and got a 15% discount for cash. 31 Business

I studied hard for a whole month and the e... r... was that I got a grade 'A' in the exam.

I studied hard for a whole month and the end result was that I got a grade 'A' in the exam. 51 Starting and finishing

I suggest we take a d... t... to Canamuca on the Sunday.

I suggest we take a day trip to Canamuca on the Sunday. 14 Travel

I t... f... when I gave up my job and travelled for a year.

I tasted freedom when I gave up my job and travelled for a year. 45 Taste and smell

I think Globe Air are pretty good. You can s... your p... for a special low fat menu, or seafood or vegetarian. They have great in-flight entertainment too - they try to c... for everyone's t.... They seem to t... p... in their service.

I think Globe Air are pretty good. You can state your preference for a special low fat menu, or seafood or vegetarian. They have great in-flight entertainment too - they try to ater for everyone's tastes. They seem to take pride in their service. 59 Liking and disliking

I think historical dramas work particularly well on the b... s... and I'd love to m... a film about Vikings in Britain.

I think historical dramas work particularly well on the big screen and I'd love to make a film about Vikings in Britain. 24 Films and books

I think most people t... o... if they're just t... like a n.... I have no sympathy for airlines that lose customers because they're too lazy to g... them a w... w... when they step on board. Visa Airlines are always very friendly.

I think most people take offence if they're just treated like a number. I have no sympathy for airlines that lose customers because they're too lazy to give them a warm welcome when they step on board. Visa Airlines are always very friendly. 59 Liking and disliking

I think the new plans for cutting railway costs are a r... for d..., [will certainly lead to major problems]

I think the new plans for cutting railway costs are a recipe for disaster, [will certainly lead to major problems] 52 Talking about success and failure

I tried to s... the c... away from my terrible exam results, [change the subject]

I tried to steer the conversation away from my terrible exam results, [change the subject] 47 Movement and speed

I use it all the time but I hardly ever m... c... on it!

I use it all the time but I hardly ever make calls on it! 28 Computers

I used to have an a... sense of s... and a... h... but I don't any more

I used to have an acute sense of smell and acute hearing but I don't any more 54 Remembering and sensing

I want to buy a p... of my o... but there's a shortage of a... h... here and I don't want to t... out a big m....

I want to buy a place of my own but there's a shortage of affordable housing here and I don't want to take out a big mortgage. 22 Houses, flats and rooms

I wanted the sweater in the ... but they only had medium.

I wanted the sweater in the large size but they only had medium 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

I was able to .... new .....

I was able to make new friends. 8 Everyday verbs 2

I was at a party recently and I heard my friend Margie s... up' a c... with a handsome man sitting next to her.

I was at a party recently and I heard my friend Margie strike up' a conversation with a handsome man sitting next to her. 49 Ways of speaking

I was b... d... recently when a friend l... m... d... b....

I was bitterly disappointed recently when a friend let me down badly. 21 Feelings and emotions

I was ... when I failed the exam.

I was bitterly disappointed when I failed the exam. 6 Intensifying adverbs

I was .... when I read the newspaper report of the explosion.

I was filled with horror when I read the newspaper report of the explosion. 4 Types of collocation

I was trying to .... her .... but she misunderstood.

I was trying to pay her a compliment but she misunderstood. 9 Everyday verbs 3

I wish they would just l... me a.... NOT let

I wish they would just leave me alone. NOT let 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

I would ... that you learn a foreign language.

I would strongly recommend that you learn a foreign language. 6 Intensifying adverbs

I wouldn't like people to see me with d... h... and dirty clothes, [very untidy; used of people's hair and appearance)

I wouldn't like people to see me with dishevelled hair and dirty clothes, [very untidy; used of people's hair and appearance) 18 People: physical appearance

I'd advise you to m... a r... before you go. The hotels near the beach are very popular and get f... b... during the summer.

I'd advise you to make a reservation before you go. The hotels near the beach are very popular and get fully booked during the summer. 14 Travel

I'd like to buy a s... h... near the coast, [house used only for weekends, holidays, etc.]

I'd like to buy a second home near the coast, [house used only for weekends, holidays, etc.] 22 Houses, flats and rooms

I'd like to h... three c....

I'd like to have three children. 19 Families

I'd like to v... a c... r.... Is that OK

I'd like to visit a chat room. Is that OK 28 Computers

I'd love to m... out of my awful one room flat.

I'd love to move out of my awful oneroom flat. 22 Houses, flats and rooms

I'd .... and leave if I were you.

I'd take a chance and leave if I were you. 9 Everyday verbs 3

I'd want the m... l... to be played by Hugh Grant, while Nicole Kidman could have the f... l....

I'd want the male lead to be played by Hugh Grant, while Nicole Kidman could have the female lead. 24 Films and books

I'll do ... if you do ....

I'll do the washing if you do the ironing. 7 Everyday verbs 1

I'll explain what to do and then you can ... /....

I'll explain what to do and then you can have a go/try. 9 Everyday verbs 3

.... you up on (= accept) that ...

I'll take you up on (= accept) that offer. 3 Using your dictionary

I'm a k... a... of President Futral of Collocania. He is such a strong leader.

I'm a keen admirer of President Futral of Collocania. He is such a strong leader. 59 Liking and disliking

I'm d... of h...! I need a s... m....

I'm dying of hunger! I need a square meal. 23 Eating and drinking

I'm finally here after an extremely t... j...!

I'm finally here after an extremely tiring journey! 14 Travel

I'm glad that our children are such c.../s... f..., aren't you

I'm glad that our children are such close/special friends, aren't you 20 Relationships

I'm going to have to m... a c... soon about next year. I've been g... the c... of going on a six-month expedition to South America and I've been offered a job in a bookshop here.

I'm going to have to make a choice soon about next year. I've been given the chance of going on a six-month expedition to South America and I've been offered a job in a bookshop here. 57 Deciding and choosing

I'm going to r... my library book for another week.

I'm going to renew my library book for another week. 24 Films and books

I'm hoping Hilary can s.../t... some l... on what happened at work yesterday.

I'm hoping Hilary can shed/throw some light on what happened at work yesterday. 43 Colour and light

I'm not very good at s... my f....

I'm not very good at showing my feelings. 21 Feelings and emotions

I'm sorry, I didn't h... time to do my homework. Compare: Jo doesn't h... t... for lazy people, [has no patience with]

I'm sorry, I didn't have time to do my homework. Compare: Jo doesn't have time for lazy people, [has no patience with] 40 Time

I'm sure George will become successful one day. (NOT get)

I'm sure George will become successful one day. (NOT get) 48 Change

I'm sure that, as always, she would give an e... p....

I'm sure that, as always, she would give an excellent performance. 24 Films and books

I'm sure we will always love e... o... u....

I'm sure we will always love each other unconditionally. 20 Relationships

I'm sure you'll ... on the school trip.

I'm sure you'll have fun on the school trip. 9 Everyday verbs 3

I'm too tired to go out tonight. Let's ... and stay at home.

I'm too tired to go out tonight. Let's make an excuse and stay at home. 7 Everyday verbs 1

I'm trying to learn the violin, but my progress is p... s....

I'm trying to learn the violin, but my progress is painfully slow. 47 Movement and speed

I've always been a g... l... of Mozart's operas.

I've always been a great lover of Mozart's operas. 59 Liking and disliking

I've always had sensitive s... and sensitive t... but this is much worse than ever before.

I've always had sensitive skin and sensitive teeth but this is much worse than ever before. 54 Remembering and sensing

I've downloaded some new games with g... g... on it.

I've downloaded some new games with great graphics on it. 28 Computers

I've f... my homework I l... it at home. NOT I've forgotten my homework at home.

I've forgotten my homework I left it at home. NOT I've forgotten my homework at home. 54 Remembering and sensing

I've got a s... s... you may be right.

I've got a sneaking suspicion you may be right. 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

I've got c... hair and rather b... h...

I've got coarse hair and rather broad hips 18 People: physical appearance

I've got some fantastic r... t....

I've got some fantastic ring tones. 28 Computers

I've lost some weight - I need to h... some of my c... a....

I've lost some weight - I need to have some of my clothes altered. 48 Change

I've never had any desire to g... on the s... myself but I'd love to produce a film.

I've never had any desire to go on the stage myself but I'd love to produce a film. 24 Films and books

I've often disagreed strongly with Nancy but I've never had such a h...-on c... with her before, [disagreement where two people confront each other directly)

I've often disagreed strongly with Nancy but I've never had such a head-on clash with her before, [disagreement where two people confront each other directly) 55 Agreeing and disagreeing

I've t... u... the guitar. I've had three lessons so far.

I've taken up the guitar. I've had three lessons so far. 25 Music

I've tried .... way to get him to change his mind

I've tried every possible way to get him to change his mind 2 Finding, recording and learning collocations

If I .... of my own one day ...

If I have a child of my own one day ... 8 Everyday verbs 2

If Jim keeps on t... his m... a... like that, he soon won't have any left.

If Jim keeps on throwing his money around like that, he soon won't have any left. 37 Money

If a lot of people have enjoyed it, it is h... r....

If a lot of people have enjoyed it, it is highly recommended. 24 Films and books

If an atmosphere .... or a mood ...., it becomes more relaxed or cheerful than it was.

If an atmosphere lightens or a mood lightens, it becomes more relaxed or cheerful than it was. 12 Metaphor

If everything works out well for the c... c..., we say that the book/film has a h... e....

If everything works out well for the central characters, we say that the book/film has a happy ending. 24 Films and books

If he is found guilty of murder, he will have to f... the d... p....

If he is found guilty of murder, he will have to face the death penalty. 34 Law an punishment

If someone isn't playing very well the manager may decide to d... the p... from the team or b... on a s....

If someone isn't playing very well the manager may decide to drop the player from the team or bring on a substitute. 26 Sport

If someone repeatedly does something that annoys you, you can use the expression k... a..., k... i..., k... h..., etc. This is common in informal spoken English: Please don't k... i... me when I'm trying to work. The children k... a... me when we're going to buy a new computer.

If someone repeatedly does something that annoys you, you can use the expression keeps asking, keeps interrupting, keeps hitting, etc. This is common in informal spoken English: Please don't keep interrupting me when I'm trying to work. The children keep asking me when we're going to buy a new computer. 46 Number and frequency

If someone's face .... or their eyes .... or someone's expression ...., then we know that that person is unhappy, often because they are feeling angry.

If someone's face darkens or their eyes darken or someone's expression darkens, then we know that that person is unhappy, often because they are feeling angry. 12 Metaphor

If the family is a poor one, not having the things that are necessary for a pleasant life, such as enough money, food or good living conditions, it can be called a d... h....

If the family is a poor one, not having the things that are necessary for a pleasant life, such as enough money, food or good living conditions, it can be called a deprived home. 19 Families

If their family is a strong, loving one it can be called a s... h....

If their family is a strong, loving one it can be called a stable home. 19 Families

If they don't like a book/film they give it a bad review.

If they don't like a book/film they give it a bad review. 24 Films and books

If they succeed, they s... a n... w... r... and become a w... r... h....

If they succeed, they set a new world record and become a world record holder. 26 Sport

If things go s..., they go well.

If things go smoothly, they go well. 44 Texture

If we f... the r..., at least 20 people must be present at the meeting, [do what the rules say]

If we follow the rules, at least 20 people must be present at the meeting, [do what the rules say] 34 Law an punishment

If you are a serious sportsperson, you will certainly practise your sport, but that has a specific meaning, which is to do something again and again in order to get better at it, in other words t... t.... If you are a footballer you might p... t... a p..., for example.

If you are a serious sportsperson, you will certainly practise your sport, but that has a specific meaning, which is to do something again and again in order to get better at it, in other words to train. If you are a footballer you might practise taking a penalty, for example. 26 Sport

If you buy a big car you'll have to .... on petrol. (NOT use)

If you buy a big car you'll have to spend more money on petrol. (NOT use) 11 Synonyms and confusable words 2

If you fail to do this, you will c... p..., [use another person's idea or a part of their work and pretend that it is your own]

If you fail to do this, you will commit plagiarism, [use another person's idea or a part of their work and pretend that it is your own] 32 Academic writing 1: giving opinions

If you feel very embarrassed, your cheeks .... with e.....

If you feel very embarrassed, your cheeks burn with embarrassment. 12 Metaphor

If you make him angry, you'll have to s... the c....

If you make him angry, you'll have to suffer the consequences. 53 Talking about cause and effect

If you say t.... f...., you mean that people became angry with each other.

If you say tempers flared, you mean that people became angry with each other. 12 Metaphor

If you say that someone has a f.... t...., you mean that they often get suddenly angry.

If you say that someone has a fiery temper, you mean that they often get suddenly angry. 12 Metaphor

If you say that something is r... p..., you think it is neither too cheap nor too expensive. Calling something a r... p... may mean it is much too cheap or much too expensive.

If you say that something is reasonably priced, you think it is neither too cheap nor too expensive. Calling something a ridiculous price may mean it is much too cheap or much too expensive. 37 Money

If you tackle in an illegal way, you f... your o....

If you tackle in an illegal way, you foul your opponent. 26 Sport

If you want a good t... a..., I can recommend Atlas World.

If you want a good travel agent, I can recommend Atlas World. 14 Travel

If you want m... to b... out f... your hi-fi and annoy the neighbours, then Bloom's d... a..., with tracks from their l... p... at the Delaya Stadium, may be just what you want.

If you want music to blast out from your hi-fi and annoy the neighbours, then Bloom's debut album, with tracks from their live performance at the Delaya Stadium, may be just what you want. 25 Music

If you're in a difficult position, you can say that you're in a s... s..., [informal]

If you're in a difficult position, you can say that you're in a sticky situation, [informal] 44 Texture

If you're looking for b... m..., then this is not for you.

If you're looking for background music, then this is not for you. 25 Music

Improving the health service is another .... for government.

Improving the health service is another key issue for government. 4 Types of collocation

In 1991 I w... into p... with my old friend, James Britten.

In 1991 I went into partnership with my old friend, James Britten. 31 Business

In addition, the book offers a c... s... of the present state of Marxist philosophy.

In addition, the book offers a concise summary of the present state of Marxist philosophy. 32 Academic writing 1: giving opinions

In fact I'm w... s....

In fact I'm worried sick. 21 Feelings and emotions

In fact I've never seen such t.... r.....

In fact I've never seen such torrential rain. 13 Weather

In fact it's so relaxing you might just f... asleep.

In fact it's so relaxing you might just fall asleep. 25 Music

In fact some streets have become n...-g... a..., with high crime.

In fact some streets have become no-go areas, with high crime. 16 Towns and cities

In general, have you k... f... over the last two years

In general, have you kept fit over the last two years 27 Health and illness

In informal spoken English we often use l... after another adjective to make it sound more friendly, e.g. poor l... Joe, dear l... dog, nice l... room.

In informal spoken English we often use little after another adjective to make it sound more friendly, e.g. poor little Joe, dear little dog, nice little room. 42 Distance and size

In the north the farmers mostly .... [collocates with animals, children]

In the north the farmers mostly raise cattle. [collocates with animals, children] 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

In the south the farmers .... [collocates with crops, plants]

In the south the farmers grow crops. [collocates with crops, plants] 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

In this chapter, J d... a d... between societies where democracy has developed slowly and those where it came about quickly or suddenly.

In this chapter, J draw a distinction between societies where democracy has developed slowly and those where it came about quickly or suddenly. 33 Academic writing 2: structuring

In this latest book, Marina Kass g... an a... of Karl Marx's philosophy and p... e... to s... the c... that Garpov seriously misinterpreted Marx.

In this latest book, Marina Kass gives an account of Karl Marx's philosophy and provides evidence to support the claim that Garpov seriously misinterpreted Marx. 32 Academic writing 1: giving opinions

I... in old cars has g... considerably over the last few years. (NOT has increased)

Interest in old cars has grown considerably over the last few years. (NOT has increased) 48 Change

It also d... p... between the formation of new stars and the birth and death of flowers.

It also draws parallels between the formation of new stars and the birth and death of flowers. 33 Academic writing 2: structuring

It always g... me p... when I see my children doing well at school

It always gives me pleasure when I see my children doing well at school 59 Liking and disliking

It can be useful to invite a neutral country to help n... a peace a...

It can be useful to invite a neutral country to help negotiate a peace agreement 38 War and peace

It had g... d..., the candle f... and Bertram could see almost nothing, but suddenly a powerful b... of l... shone into the room and a police officer entered, with a torch in her hand.

It had grown dark, the candle flickered and Bertram could see almost nothing, but suddenly a powerful beam of light shone into the room and a police officer entered, with a torch in her hand. 43 Colour and light

It has a little garden with a stream at the end of it.The s... w... through the forest.They wanted to build a timber factory here but the local people said that it would d... the c... and, fortunately, their campaign to p... the e... succeeded

It has a little garden with a stream at the end of it.The stream winds through the forest.They wanted to build a timber factory here but the local people said that it would destroy the countryside and, fortunately, their campaign to protect the environment succeeded 15 Countryside

It has especially a... f... of resentment among professional people.

It has especially aroused feelings of resentment among professional people. 21 Feelings and emotions

It is clear that we must t... p... before it is too late.

It is clear that we must tackle pollution before it is too late. 39 Global problems

It is important in academic writing always to a... your s....

It is important in academic writing always to acknowledge your sources. 32 Academic writing 1: giving opinions

It is often much more difficult than you'd expect to b... a h....

It is often much more difficult than you'd expect to break a habit. 48 Change

It is the job of the police to u.../e... the law. [make sure that people obey the law]

It is the job of the police to uphold/enforce the law. [make sure that people obey the law] 34 Law an punishment

It is very easy to accidentally d... or e... a f..., [get rid of/ destroy a file)

It is very easy to accidentally delete or erase a file, [get rid of/ destroy a file) 28 Computers

It might be a h... or an a... m... depending on whether you're playing on your team's home ground or not.

It might be a home or an away match depending on whether you're playing on your team's home ground or not. 26 Sport

It needs to be c... r..., but Luke and I have always wanted to d... up an o... h... Come and visit.

It needs to be completely refurbished, but Luke and I have always wanted to do up an old house Come and visit. 22 Houses, flats and rooms

It now seems impossible that Harold Graves can receive a f... t..., given the media publicity surrounding his case.

It now seems impossible that Harold Graves can receive a fair trial, given the media publicity surrounding his case. 34 Law an punishment

It p... the c... for a complete rethinking of how we understand space.

It presents the case for a complete rethinking of how we understand space. 33 Academic writing 2: structuring

It r.... h.... all day yesterday but It's dry at the moment.

It raided heavily all day yesterday but It's dry at the moment. 13 Weather

It was a ... to make. There were some ... to solve

It was a big decision to make. There were some big problems to solve 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

It was six a.m. Soon the g... of the s... would make it difficult to see his way across the desert. He must get to the village at once.

It was six a.m. Soon the glare of the sun would make it difficult to see his way across the desert. He must get to the village at once. 43 Colour and light

It will be no easy task to b... about p... in the area.

It will be no easy task to bring about peace in the area. 38 War and peace

It's about two hours by car, and we can take a b... t... to the island in the middle of the lake and have lunch there.

It's about two hours by car, and we can take a boat trip to the island in the middle of the lake and have lunch there. 14 Travel

It's been p.... with r.... actually.

It's been pouring with rain actually. 13 Weather

It's f.... c.... in the tent.

It's freezing cold in the tent. 13 Weather

It's got a s... l... r... which has a wonderful v... o... the park, and a c... s... where we can both work.

It's got a spacious living room which has a wonderful view of the park, and a cosy study where we can both work. 22 Houses, flats and rooms

It's great here. Have had u.... s.... ever since we arrived.

It's great here. Have had unbroken sunshine ever since we arrived. 13 Weather

It's hard being a s... p.../m....

It's hard being a single parent/mother. 19 Families

It's hard not to give a p... e... r....

It's hard not to give a pure emotional response. 21 Feelings and emotions

It's in such a d... b....

It's in such a dilapidated building. 22 Houses, flats and rooms

It's t... them a... to complete their work but Tina is sure it will eventually all be w... their w....

It's taking them ages to complete their work but Tina is sure it will eventually all be worth their while. 40 Time

It's two o'clock. Let's m... a s... / g... s..., shall we Then we can finish by five.

It's two o'clock. Let's make a start / get started, shall we Then we can finish by five. 51 Starting and finishing

James found some e... w... of working with natural materials this year and his self-portrait was a b... s....

James found some effective ways of working with natural materials this year and his self-portrait was a brilliant success. 52 Talking about success and failure

James h... an excellent g... of French. This will c... in u... for the school trip to France next year, and we hope he will t... a... of the opportunities to speak French there.

James has an excellent grasp of French. This will come in useful for the school trip to France next year, and we hope he will take advantage of the opportunities to speak French there. 52 Talking about success and failure

James has been training hard and, as a member of the First Football Team, is now able to e... the f... of his hard work. Playing for the school has certainly b... out the b... in him and he has rightly w... the r... of all his team-mates.

James has been training hard and, as a member of the First Football Team, is now able to enjoy the fruits of his hard work. Playing for the school has certainly brought out the best in him and he has rightly won the respect of all his team-mates. 52 Talking about success and failure

James has done very well this year, p... his e... without any problems. If he continues to work hard, his s... next year is g....

James has done very well this year, passing his exams without any problems. If he continues to work hard, his success next year is guaranteed. 52 Talking about success and failure

James has m... a b... in his maths this year, doing excellent work in comparison with last year. A r... a....

James has made a breakthrough in his maths this year, doing excellent work in comparison with last year. A remarkable achievement. 52 Talking about success and failure

James has m... good p... with his geography this year, g... good m... in the end-of-year exam.

James has made good progress with his geography this year, gaining good marks in the end-of-year exam. 52 Talking about success and failure

James's history project was a g... s.... His use of original sources was h... e.... He m... useful c... in class and h... the a... to explain difficult ideas clearly to less able pupils.

James's history project was a great success. His use of original sources was highly effective. He makes useful contributions in class and has the ability to explain difficult ideas clearly to less able pupils. 52 Talking about success and failure

Jane s... her p... and admitted that she was wrong

Jane swallowed her pride and admitted that she was wrong 17 People: character and behaviour

Jane, do you think this cheese is bad It has a s... s.... Have a t..., tell me what you think.

Jane, do you think this cheese is bad It has a strong smell. Have a taste, tell me what you think. 45 Taste and smell

Jayanthi had the t... of her l... in Brazil.

Jayanthi had the time of her life in Brazil. 40 Time

Jean always wears red or yellow or some other ....

Jean always wears red or yellow or some other bright colour. 4 Types of collocation

Jeff and I had a f... d... over who should be the next Chair of the club.

Jeff and I had a fundamental disagreement over who should be the next Chair of the club. 55 Agreeing and disagreeing

Jill h... her b... yesterday.

Jill had her baby yesterday. 19 Families

Jill had ... between her career and her family.

Jill had to make a choice between her career and her family. 7 Everyday verbs 1

Jim has always b... u... the s... of his super-intelligent sister, [got less attention]

Jim has always been under the shadow of his super-intelligent sister, [got less attention] 43 Colour and light

John tried to t... a p... of it but it c... s... of us and flew off.

John tried to take a picture of it but it caught sight of us and flew off. 15 Countryside

Jola used to be with Chicago hip-hop band Frenzy, but w... solo in 2004.

Jola used to be with Chicago hip-hop band Frenzy, but went solo in 2004. 25 Music

Jones p... f... an interesting t... of language learning, b... up his a... with thorough data.

Jones puts forward an interesting theory of language learning, backing up his argument with thorough data. 58 Claiming and denying

Juan s... a lot of m... on travelling.

Juan spends a lot of money on travelling. 37 Money

Juliet f... a lasting f... with the boy she sat next to at primary school. NOT make a friendship

Juliet formed a lasting friendship with the boy she sat next to at primary school. NOT make a friendship 20 Relationships

Karen is very good at ....

Karen is very good at making friends. 7 Everyday verbs 1

Kids eat far too much j... f....

Kids eat far too much junk food. 23 Eating and drinking

LIGHTNING STRIKES A building c... fire when l... s... a farm in Hampshire yesterday. Fortunately there was no l... of l....

LIGHTNING STRIKES A building caught fire when lightning struck a farm in Hampshire yesterday. Fortunately there was no loss of life. 36 News

Last night I s.... watching TV. (NOT stayed)

Last night I spent two hours watching TV. (NOT stayed) 11 Synonyms and confusable words 2

Later, I shall m... r....to the work of Georgi Perelmutter, a leading figure in the field of zoology.

Later, I shall make reference.to the work of Georgi Perelmutter, a leading figure in the field of zoology. 33 Academic writing 2: structuring

Latino singers have had a m... i... on pop music this year.

Latino singers have had a major impact on pop music this year. 53 Talking about cause and effect

Let me know if you would like a h... copy of your e-mail and I'll show you how to p... out your w..., [a copy on paper]

Let me know if you would like a hard copy of your e-mail and I'll show you how to print out your work, [a copy on paper] 28 Computers

Let's find a cafe and have a q... s.... And I could really do with a refreshing drink

Let's find a cafe and have a quick snack. And I could really do with a refreshing drink 23 Eating and drinking

Let's give the winner a big c... / a r... of a....

Let's give the winner a big clap / a round of applause. 60 Praising and criticisin

Let's ... when you finish this exercise.

Let's have a break when you finish this exercise. 9 Everyday verbs 3

Let's ... at the end of term.

Let's have a party at the end of term. 9 Everyday verbs 3

L... can also mean young, e.g. l... brother [informal: younger brother, NOT small brother; the opposite is b... brother]. Sometimes l... or s... suggests that something is not very important, e.g. a l... problem, I've got a lot of l... things to do, to make someone look s..., to make s... talk [talk socially, about unimportant subjects].

Little can also mean young, e.g. little brother [informal: younger brother, N O T small brother; the opposite is big brother]. Sometimes little or small suggests that something is not very important, e.g. a little problem, I've got a lot of little things to do, to make someone look small, to make small talk [talk socially, about unimportant subjects]. 42 Distance and size

Look, this restaurant looks good and the s... m... is r... p.... Let's go in.

Look, this restaurant looks good and the set menu is reasonably priced. Let's go in. 23 Eating and drinking

Lorna was t... i... the other day. She's in hospital. They're not sure what it is yet

Lorna was taken ill the other day. She's in hospital. They're not sure what it is yet 27 Health and illness

Luke and I have just moved into our d... h....

Luke and I have just moved into our dream home. 22 Houses, flats and rooms

MINISTER G... THE G...-A... TO PLANS In a surprising t... of e... last night, the government agreed to plans for the development of the City. I... p... will h... talks throughout the week.

MINISTER GIVES THE GO-AHEAD TO PLANS In a surprising turn of events last night, the government agreed to plans for the development of the City. Interested parties will hold talks throughout the week. 36 News

M... Q... The Arts Minister has resigned after only six months in the t... j.... He has a... a... over his c... d... to re-introduce charges for museum entry.

MINISTER QUITS The Arts Minister has resigned after only six months in the top job. He has attracted attention over his controversial decision to re-introduce charges for museum entry. 36 News

MacRoy g... a sentimental p... of these old love songs.

MacRoy gives a sentimental performance of these old love songs. 25 Music

Major and minor often collocate with words relating to problems or points in an argument, e.g. major/minor d..., major/minor c..., major/minor e..., major/minor d..., major/minor p..., major/minor i..., major/minor f....

Major and minor often collocate with words relating to problems or points in an argument, e.g. major/minor difference, major/minor change, major/minor effect, major/minor difficulty, major/minor point, major/minor issues, major/minor factor. 42 Distance and size

Make sure you enter the right address, or the e-mail will b... (come back].

Make sure you enter the right address, or the e-mail will bounce (come back]. 28 Computers

Many collocations including the word price are connected with h.... Prices can be h... or l.... If they are very low, they may be called (usually by advertisers) r...-b... prices

Many collocations including the word price are connected with height. Prices can be high or low. If they are very low, they may be called (usually by advertisers) rock-bottom prices 37 Money

Many people find articles about the private lives of film stars c... r..., [so interesting you can't stop reading]

Many people find articles about the private lives of film stars compulsive reading, [so interesting you can't stop reading] 24 Films and books

Many people h... the v.../.../opinion that ... NOT meaning

Many people hold the view/opinion that ... NOT meaning 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

Many streets are s... with l... and there are numerous r...-d... b....

Many streets are strewn with litter and there are numerous run-down buildings. 16 Towns and cities

Many studies have attempted to a... the s... of diet in the prevention of cancer.

Many studies have attempted to assess the significance of diet in the prevention of cancer. 33 Academic writing 2: structuring

Market forces have caused many factories to close as businesses m... o..., [forces not influenced by government that decide price levels in an economy]

Market forces have caused many factories to close as businesses move overseas, [forces not influenced by government that decide price levels in an economy] 31 Business

ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN The Minister for Health today o... p... for a national anti-smoking campaign. The government intends to l... the c... in the new year

ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN The Minister for Health today outlined plans for a national anti-smoking campaign. The government intends to launch the campaign in the new year 36 News

ARTS FESTIVAL G... OFF TO A G... S... The Glasgow Arts Festival g... off to a g... s... this week, attracting more than 120,000 visitors during its first three days.

ARTS FESTIVAL GETS OFF TO A GOOD START The Glasgow Arts Festival got off to a good start this week, attracting more than 120,000 visitors during its first three days. 51 Starting and finishing

Above her, the s... t... in the night sky. Then she saw a p... of l... in the distance. As she walked towards it she realised it was a man on a bicycle coming

Above her, the stars twinkled in the night sky. Then she saw a pinpoint of light in the distance. As she walked towards it she realised it was a man on a bicycle coming 43 Colour and light

.... is used mainly with abstract nouns. It's difficult to .... in international sport .... +... s...., y.... ...., y.... ....

Achieve is used mainly with abstract nouns. It's difficult to achieve success in international sport Achieve+... success, your goals, your aims 11 Synonyms and confusable words 2

Actually, the whole weekend was an u... e....

Actually, the whole weekend was an unforgettable experience. 54 Remembering and sensing

Adverbs in English f... i... two main c...: those ending in -ly (e.g softly) and those with other endings (e.g. well).

Adverbs in English fall into two main categories: those ending in -ly (e.g softly) and those with other endings (e.g. well). 33 Academic writing 2: structuring

After a h... l... b..., she won compensation for the accident.

After a hard legal battle, she won compensation for the accident. 34 Law an punishment

After only a month or two he had m... great s... and was ready to take his book to a publishing house. It was here that he r... up a... some o....

After only a month or two he had made great strides and was ready to take his book to a publishing house. It was here that he ran up against some opposition. 50 Ways of walking

After secondary school, 30% of the population go on to h.../t... e..., and 20% of adults do some sort of f... e... course during their lives.

After secondary school, 30% of the population go on to higher/tertiary education, and 20% of adults do some sort of further education course during their lives. 29 Study and learning

After several months our a... w... into a... in the first d... b... of the war.

After several months our army went into action in the first decisive battle of the war. 38 War and peace

After the accident the traffic s... to a c... and then finally c... to a s....

After the accident the traffic slowed to a crawl and then finally came to a standstill. 47 Movement and speed

After the war was over, UN troops were sent into the troubled area to help k... the p... there.

After the war was over, UN troops were sent into the troubled area to help keep the peace there. 38 War and peace

After their m... h... in 2004 with Megalith, their record company has r... this CD hoping for another b... h....

After their massive hit in 2004 with Megalith, their record company has released this CD hoping for another big hit. 25 Music

After weeks of hesitating, it seems Archie has a... at a d... about the research fund.

After weeks of hesitating, it seems Archie has arrived at a decision about the research fund. 57 Deciding and choosing

All around us, small firms were g... b....

All around us, small firms were going bankrupt. 31 Business

All that matters in the exam is to ....

All that matters in the exam is to do your best. 7 Everyday verbs 1

Also, before the wedding, I g... him my w... that I wouldn't c... any j..., as I'm really bad at telling j....

Also, before the wedding, I gave him my word that I wouldn't crack any jokes, as I'm really bad at telling jokes. 49 Ways of speaking

Although a c... has been c... for the duration of the peace negotiations, hopes of its success are not high.

Although a ceasefire has been called for the duration of the peace negotiations, hopes of its success are not high. 38 War and peace

Although a lot of money was invested in the film it has proved to be a s... f.... [extremely unsuccessful]

Although a lot of money was invested in the film it has proved to be a spectacular failure. [extremely unsuccessful] 52 Talking about success and failure

Although it l... in r..., it is w... w... s... as it stands in a d... s... on a s... s... beside a f...-f... river with m... t... above it.

Although it lies in ruins, it is well worth seeing as it stands in a dramatic setting on a steep slope beside a fast-flowing river with mountains towering above it. 15 Countryside

Although the two stars tried to keep their relationship secret, n... of it soon l... out.

Although the two stars tried to keep their relationship secret, news of it soon leaked out. 36 News

Although this has been w... a... in general terms for some time, Jones is more precise than most, s... c... that motivation is more important than all other factors, and s... this c... with impressive data.

Although this has been widely acknowledged in general terms for some time, Jones is more precise than most, stating clearly that motivation is more important than all other factors, and substantiating this claim with impressive data. 58 Claiming and denying

Although you can be p... s... in social situations, at work you give the i... of being s... c....

Although you can be painfully shy in social situations, at work you give the impression of being supremely confident. 17 People: character and behaviour

An article in The Moon last week c... i... that a top political figure was involved in a scandal and d... a number of b... h... as to who it was.

An article in The Moon last week clearly implied that a top political figure was involved in a scandal and dropped a number of broad hints as to who it was. 58 Claiming and denying

An e... [formal] h.../w... is one who lives in a different place and has a difficult relationship with their h.../w....

An estranged [formal] husband/wife is one who lives in a different place and has a difficult relationship with their husband/wife. 19 Families

An e... f... is a wider network including grandparents, cousins, etc.

An extended family is a wider network including grandparents, cousins, etc. 19 Families

And if we want to a... an e... there's room for that too.

And if we want to add an extension' there's room for that too. 22 Houses, flats and rooms

And in the village of Jarca, the d... a... of the local dishes and the s... of fresh coffee w... across the square from the small

And in the village of Jarca, the distinctive aroma of the local dishes and the smell of fresh coffee wafting across the square from the small 45 Taste and smell

And there are some lovely l..., a... b... which o... the g....

And there are some lovely light, airy bedrooms which overlook the garden. 22 Houses, flats and rooms

And we were proud that we had c... j... for local people at a time when unemployment was high.

And we were proud that we had created jobs for local people at a time when unemployment was high. 31 Business

Anna and Marie h... a very g... r....They love doing things together.

Anna and Marie have a very good relationship.They love doing things together. 20 Relationships

Any story about the Royal Family will be h.../f...-p... news in Britain.

Any story about the Royal Family will be headline/front-page news in Britain. 36 News

Anyone who commits a crime has to s... the c....

Anyone who commits a crime has to suffer the consequences. 34 Law an punishment

Anyway, let's c... the s....

Anyway, let's change the subject. 49 Ways of speaking

Apparently it's an i... i... that runs in her family.

Apparently it's an incurable illness that runs in her family. 27 Health and illness

Are you a good t... p...

Are you a good team player 30 Work

Are you looking for a s... w... e...

Are you looking for a stimulating working environment 30 Work

As Jack went on stage to receive his gold medal for the judo competition you could see his parents ...., [looking extremely proud]

As Jack went on stage to receive his gold medal for the judo competition you could see his parents swelling with pride, [looking extremely proud] 4 Types of collocation

As Sam read the lies about him, he felt a .... of ...., [literary: a sudden angry feeling]

As Sam read the lies about him, he felt a surge of anger, [literary: a sudden angry feeling] 4 Types of collocation

As a student, I can't afford to stay in s... h.... I always have to look for b... a..., [very cheap]

As a student, I can't afford to stay in smart hotels. I always have to look for budget accommodation, [very cheap] 14 Travel

As it left the city, the train g.../p... up s... and headed north.

As it left the city, the train gathered/picked up speed and headed north. 47 Movement and speed

As my father ..., he spent less time working.

As my father grew older, he spent less time working. 8 Everyday verbs 2

As my time at university c... to an e..., I knew I had to start looking for a job.

As my time at university came to an end, I knew I had to start looking for a job. 51 Starting and finishing

As we t... a c..., we c... a g... of a kingfisher standing in the water.

As we turned a corner, we caught a glimpse of a kingfisher standing in the water. 15 Countryside

As well as getting useful e-mails, you also r... a lot of s..., [junk e-mails)

As well as getting useful e-mails, you also receive a lot of spam, [junk e-mails) 28 Computers

As you drive into the city, the t...-l... a... of the r... a... are soon replaced by the h...-r... f... of the i... c....

As you drive into the city, the tree-lined avenues of the residential areas are soon replaced by the high-rise flats of the inner city. 16 Towns and cities

Ask the teacher if you ... with the exercise.

Ask the teacher if you have problems with the exercise. 9 Everyday verbs 3

At 47, he's not exactly a p... i... but his a... f... will love it.

At 47, he's not exactly a pop idol but his adoring fans will love it. 25 Music

At a funeral people .... to the person who has died.

At a funeral people pay their last respects to the person who has died. 9 Everyday verbs 3

At first I felt ... when I moved from London to the countryside.

At first I felt desperately lonely when I moved from London to the countryside. 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

At first there was an e... s..., then there was a r... of t... in the distance.

At first there was an eerie silence, then there was a rumble of thunder in the distance. 41 Sound

At first there were just m... i... but soon it developed into a...-o... war.

At first there were just minor incidents but soon it developed into all-out war. 38 War and peace

At home it's a g... l... with o... f...

At home it's a gentle landscape with open fields 15 Countryside

At the end of the war, all the countries involved s... a peace t... in Paris.

At the end of the war, all the countries involved signed a peace treaty in Paris. 38 War and peace

At the last moment the Olympic ski jumper l... his n... and did not take part in the competition, [was not brave enough]

At the last moment the Olympic ski jumper lost his nerve and did not take part in the competition, [was not brave enough] 52 Talking about success and failure

At the moment we have no intention of g... p..., and people shouldn't believe everything they read in the newspapers!

At the moment we have no intention of going public, and people shouldn't believe everything they read in the newspapers! 31 Business

Avoid going on the beach at midday when the s... is s.... s... s... [opposite: weak]

Avoid going on the beach at midday when the sun is strongest. strong sun [opposite: weak] 13 Weather

Millions of people have succeeded in e... p... in the last decade, but it is also true that in some regions, more people than ever are living b... the p... line, and we must help these people to l... them out of p....

Millions of people have succeeded in escaping poverty in the last decade, but it is also true that in some regions, more people than ever are living below the poverty line, and we must help these people to lift them out of poverty. 39 Global problems

Mona f.../s... t... the book without reading it in detail.

Mona flicked/skimmed through the book without reading it in detail. 24 Films and books

Moreover, other documents c... d... on his conclusions.

Moreover, other documents cast doubt on his conclusions. 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

Mr Grey ... last night but he's OK now.

Mr Grey had an accident last night but he's OK now. 9 Everyday verbs 3

My brother cares a lot about g... i... and has volunteered to do conservation work.

My brother cares a lot about green issues and has volunteered to do conservation work. 43 Colour and light

My brothers both have t... h... and b... e....

My brothers both have thick hair and bushy10 eyebrows. 18 People: physical appearance

My clothes are so dull, and I always wear s... colours. My favourite is d... green.

My clothes are so dull, and I always wear subdued colours. My favourite is dark green. 43 Colour and light

My doctor p... me some t... and they r.../a... the p....

My doctor prescribed me some tablets and they relieved/alleviated the pain. 27 Health and illness

My dream is to make a film that would be n... for an O....

My dream is to make a film that would be nominated for an Oscar. 24 Films and books

My e... m... of her is that we all went to the beach with her parents one weekend when we were about 12.

My earliest memory of her is that we all went to the beach with her parents one weekend when we were about 12. 54 Remembering and sensing

My father and my two older brothers are all w...-b... with b... s....

My father and my two older brothers are all well-built with broad shoulders. 18 People: physical appearance

My father has a r... f..., with c... c... and a d... m....

My father has a round face, with chubby cheeks and a droopy2 moustache. 18 People: physical appearance

My father is g... b... but he still has a very y... a... for someone who is over forty.

My father is going bald but he still has a very youthful appearance for someone who is over forty. 18 People: physical appearance

My grandfather has told me how terrified he was the first time he came within f... r... of the enemy.

My grandfather has told me how terrified he was the first time he came within firing range of the enemy. 38 War and peace

My grandfather said he hated being involved in f... the w... and that the only armies we should have should be p... f....

My grandfather said he hated being involved in fighting the war and that the only armies we should have should be peacekeeping forces. 38 War and peace

My grandmother died six months ago and I've felt d... s... and d... d...

My grandmother died six months ago and I've felt desperately sad and deeply depressed 21 Feelings and emotions

My hands have also started g... n... if I get at all cold.

My hands have also started going numb if I get at all cold. 54 Remembering and sensing

My m... went b.... I could r... her face but I'd c... forgotten her name. But once we started talking, the memories c... f... back.

My mind went black. I could remember her face but I'd completely forgotten her name. But once we started talking, the memories came flooding back. 54 Remembering and sensing

My mother has a more p... f... and a s... n....

My mother has a more pointed face and a straight nose. 18 People: physical appearance

My mother's side of the family mostly have d... h....

My mother's side of the family mostly have dark hair. 18 People: physical appearance

My parents always used to s... w.../h... of that journalist.

My parents always used to speak well/highly of that journalist. 60 Praising and criticisin

My poor friend Gina is t... i.... (She will die soon.]

My poor friend Gina is terminally ill. (She will die soon.] 27 Health and illness

My sister's illness c... a s... over our New Year family reunion, [made it less happy/cheerful]

My sister's illness cast a shadow over our New Year family reunion, [made it less happy/cheerful] 43 Colour and light

My son has to ... straight after school.

My son has to do his homework straight after school. 7 Everyday verbs 1

My wife's father always f... me with a.... He achieved so much during his life.

My wife's father always filled me with admiration. He achieved so much during his life. 59 Liking and disliking

NATURAL HAIR PRODUCTS for beautiful g... h...

NATURAL HAIR PRODUCTS for beautiful glossy hair 44 Texture

NEW CONSTITUTION Ministers met today to p... the f... t... to a new constitution for the European Union.

NEW CONSTITUTION Ministers met today to put the finishing touches to a new constitution for the European Union. 51 Starting and finishing

Nathan Peel attempts to e... a c... between mobile phone use and physical damage to users' brains, but he does not offer i... p... and the statistics do not show any s... t....

Nathan Peel attempts to establish a connection between mobile phone use and physical damage to users' brains, but he does not offer irrefutable proof and the statistics do not show any significant trends. 32 Academic writing 1: giving opinions

Neither of us would ever consider h... an a... with someone else.

Neither of us would ever consider having an affair with someone else. 20 Relationships

New arrivals on the rock m... s..., Bloom are already making a big impact.

New arrivals on the rock music scene, Bloom are already making a big impact. 25 Music

N...-b... a... available soon. Spacious accommodation, f...-f... k.... O...-r... p.... To let furnished or unfurnished. Would suit single academic or mature student. Tel: 3215766

Newly-built apartment available soon. Spacious accommodation, fully-fitted kitchen. Off-road parking. To let furnished or unfurnished. Would suit single academic or mature student. Tel: 3215766 22 Houses, flats and rooms

Nick has found it hard to c... to t... with his illness.

Nick has found it hard to come to terms with his illness. 17 People: character and behaviour

Nick works very long hours to p... for his f...

Nick works very long hours to provide for his family 19 Families

No need to hurry - you can t... your time. This means you can be as long as you wish

No need to hurry - you can take your time. This means you can be as long as you wish 40 Time

No point in staying somewhere where the boss has .... to you!

No point in staying somewhere where the boss has taken a dislike to you! 9 Everyday verbs 3

No problem. S... this o... here. Then just ask if you need my help.

No problem. Select this option here. Then just ask if you need my help. 28 Computers

No sound b... the s... of the wintry landscape.

No sound broke the silence of the wintry landscape. 41 Sound

No, I just want to b... the w... for a while.

No, I just want to browse the web for a while. 28 Computers

No, I'm not ready. 1 haven't ... yet.

No, I'm not ready. 1 haven't done my hair yet. 7 Everyday verbs 1

No, and I think p... f... in general are probably bad for us, not to mention G... f...!

No, and I think processed foods in general are probably bad for us, not to mention GM foods! 23 Eating and drinking

No, my l...-t... memory is terrible these days. Come to think of it, my s...-t... memory isn't that brilliant either. And I u... to have such a g... m...! Anyway, give me a clue.

No, my long-term memory is terrible these days. Come to think of it, my short-term memory isn't that brilliant either. And I used to have such a good memory! Anyway, give me a clue. 54 Remembering and sensing

Note these collocations: deny/reject a c..., deny a r... / an a... / an a... but reject an i... / a s... and refuse an i.../o....You d.../r.../r... something. You d... that something is true. You can also r... to do something (in the future) but d... doing something (in the past)

Note these collocations: deny/reject a claim, deny a rumour / an allegation / an accusation but reject an idea / a suggestion and refuse an invitation/offer.You deny/reject/refuse something. You deny that something is true.You can also refuse to do something (in the future) but deny doing something (in the past 58 Claiming and denying

Now I'm feeling i... a... that I'll fail the next one.

Now I'm feeling increasingly anxious that I'll fail the next one. 21 Feelings and emotions

Numbers of mature students have increased s.../g... since the 1960s.

Numbers of mature students have increased steadily/gradually since the 1960s. 46 Number and frequency

O'Connor's first play was a great success but his second p... f..., [failed to attract audiences]

O'Connor's first play was a great success but his second play flopped, [failed to attract audiences] 52 Talking about success and failure

OK, just open the s... e... or e... the web address and press enter\

OK, just open the search engine or enter the web address and press enter\ 28 Computers

Of course, I'd also like it to be an immediate b...-o... h..., playing to f... h... worldwide.

Of course, I'd also like it to be an immediate box-office hit, playing to full houses worldwide. 24 Films and books

Of course, a sportsperson's ultimate aim is to break the world record in their sport.

Of course, a sportsperson's ultimate aim is to break the world record in their sport. 26 Sport

Of course, no one can know what t... f... h..., but I hope she is right.

Of course, no one can know what the future holds, but I hope she is right. 40 Time

Of course, the cast cannot t... f... c... for its success; we must also w... c... the producer.

Of course, the cast cannot take full credit for its success; we must also warmly congratulate the producer. 60 Praising and criticisin

Oh well, I'll h... a w... with her and m... it c... that she has to improve or we may have to ask her to leave.

Oh well, I'll have a word with her and make it clear that she has to improve or we may have to ask her to leave. 49 Ways of speaking

Oh yes, that's right. Now I remember it well. It's terrible how m... f... as time passes, isn't it! Mind you, I'm happy to lose some of my more p... m... of school.

Oh yes, that's right. Now I remember it well. It's terrible how memories fade as time passes, isn't it! Mind you, I'm happy to lose some of my more painful memories of school. 54 Remembering and sensing

Oh yes. Now you're s... up m... for me. I can d... r... being stung by a jellyfish in the water.

Oh yes. Now you're stirring up memories for me. I can distinctly remember being stung by a jellyfish in the water. 54 Remembering and sensing

Oh, not bad, but I have to t... you the t..., I've been very busy with other things lately. In fact I was going to a... you a f... ...

Oh, not bad, but I have to tell you the truth, I've been very busy with other things lately. In fact I was going to ask you a favour ... 49 Ways of speaking

Oh, yes. I v... r... her now. She used to be friends with Jo, didn't she

Oh, yes. I vaguely remember her now. She used to be friends with Jo, didn't she 54 Remembering and sensing

On the web you can a... i... on any subject you want to.

On the web you can access information on any subject you want to. 28 Computers

One of the packages I posted w... a... and never arrived, [got lost]

One of the packages I posted went astray and never arrived, [got lost] 47 Movement and speed

One of them d... a h... that she might resign if nothing is done about it.

One of them dropped a hint that she might resign if nothing is done about it. 49 Ways of speaking

O... on the issue are d... and my own c... o... is that the writer is not to be trusted.

Opinions on the issue are divided and my own considered opinion is that the writer is not to be trusted. 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

Our local baker's has .... for its apple tarts.

Our local baker's has become famous for its apple tarts. 8 Everyday verbs 2

Our s... f... improved steadily, and soon we had an a... t... of more than ten million pounds.

Our sales figures improved steadily, and soon we had an annual turnover4 of more than ten million pounds. 31 Business

Owing to the economic crisis, many small firms c... t..., [closed their business].

Owing to the economic crisis, many small firms ceased trading, [closed their business]. 31 Business

POLICE .... [start dealing with it in a more severe way]

POLICE CRACK DOWN ON SPEEDING[start dealing with it in a more severe way] 5 Register

P... S... FOR AMBROSE Sally Ambrose, Britain's best hope in this year's Eurotennis tournament, m... a promising s... when she won her first match today against Sweden's Ulla Hemvik.

PROMISING START FOR AMBROSE Sally Ambrose, Britain's best hope in this year's Eurotennis tournament, made a promising start when she won her first match today against Sweden's Ulla Hemvik. 51 Starting and finishing

Palair offers excellent i...-f... e..., with the latest films and music.

Palair offers excellent in-flight entertainment, with the latest films and music. 14 Travel

Partridge s... d... her theory, which has c... under a... recently in several journals.

Partridge strenuously defends her theory, which has come under attack recently in several journals. 32 Academic writing 1: giving opinions

Paul annoys everyone at work. He takes days off even for the most t.../m... a....

Paul annoys everyone at work. He takes days off even for the most trivial/minor ailments. 27 Health and illness

P... a... around the world staged a series of massive demonstrations against the war.

Peace activists around the world staged a series of massive demonstrations against the war. 38 War and peace

People are m... their w... pages better, so i... is k... up-to-date.

People are maintaining their web pages better, so information is kept up-to-date. 28 Computers

People often support the death penalty because they say it a... as a d....

People often support the death penalty because they say it acts as a deterrent. 34 Law an punishment

People who park on double yellow lines f... a heavy f....

People who park on double yellow lines face a heavy fine. 34 Law an punishment

People who refuse to o... the l... should be punished, [less formal]

People who refuse to obey the law should be punished, [less formal] 34 Law an punishment

Perhaps we cannot e... p... altogether, but we can certainly a... p..., and that is our challenge.

Perhaps we cannot eradicate poverty altogether, but we can certainly alleviate poverty, and that is our challenge. 39 Global problems

Peter's back from a year abroad. His family are throwing a party to w... him h....

Peter's back from a year abroad. His family are throwing a party to welcome him home. 22 Houses, flats and rooms

Police are c... out an i... into a major theft in a factory in Woodvale.

Police are carrying out an investigation into a major theft in a factory in Woodvale. 34 Law an punishment

.... and .... suggest lots of people moving smoothly. People .... out of the hall at the end of the lecture. p.... /s....

Pour and stream suggest lots of people moving smoothly. People poured out of the hall at the end of the lecture. people pour/stream somewhere 12 Metaphor

Prices may i..., prices g... up and prices r.... If they go up very fast we say that prices s.... Occasionally prices g... down.

Prices may increase, prices go up and prices rise. If they go up very fast we say that prices soar. Occasionally prices go down. 37 Money

Professor McDellvit was always ... to her students.

Professor McDellvit was always deeply committed to her students. 6 Intensifying adverbs

Profits rose s.../s... in July, but fell s.../s... in September.

Profits rose sharply/steeply in July, but fell sharply/steeply in September. 46 Number and frequency

Quite a s.... w.... is b.... too.

Quite a strong wind is blowing too. 13 Weather

R0UX JUST WINS Claude Roux won the championship yesterday in a n...-b... f....

R0UX JUST WINS Claude Roux won the championship yesterday in a nail-biting finish. 51 Starting and finishing

Rare (infrequent and special] collocates with things in the natural world (rare d..., rare b..., rare s...) and also with collectable items of special interest (rare s...).

Rare (infrequent and special] collocates with things in the natural world (rare disease, rare bird, rare species) and also with collectable items of special interest (rare stamps). 46 Number and frequency

Remember that it m.../c... a bad i... if you're late.

Remember that it makes/creates a bad impression if you're late. 53 Talking about cause and effect

Remember that you w... television, NOT see television, but you can see or w... a film or programme on television. We usually say s... a film at the cinema

Remember that you watch television, NOT see television, but you can see or watch a film or programme on television. We usually say see a film at the cinema 24 Films and books

Remember the difference between a s... person [a person who is easily upset] and a s... person [a person with good judgement].

Remember the difference between a sensitive person [a person who is easily upset] and a sensible person [a person with good judgement]. 54 Remembering and sensing

Remember, the collocation is d... business, NOT make business: We're d... a lot of business in Asia these days.

Remember, the collocation is do business, NOT make business: We're doing a lot of business in Asia these days. 31 Business

Right now, we have a golden opportunity to c... p....

Right now, we have a golden opportunity to combat poverty. 39 Global problems

R... s... l... and the increase in g... gases are the result of our actions.

Rising sea levels and the increase in greenhouse gases are the result of our actions. 39 Global problems

Road conditions are difficult because of the d... r.... d... r... = r... falling fast and heavily h... r... (NOT strong r...) d... r...

Road conditions are difficult because of the driving rain. driving rain = rain falling fast and heavily heavy rain (NOT strong rain) driving rain 13 Weather

Roger Crow c... the o....

Roger Crow conducts the orchestra. 25 Music

Royal Avenue r... from north to south, and is l... with s....

Royal Avenue runs from north to south, and is lined with shops. 16 Towns and cities

S... journey.

Safe journey. 14 Travel

Sal was so e.../a... in her book that she didn't hear me.

Sal was so engrossed/absorbed in her book that she didn't hear me. 24 Films and books

Sara w.../s... all her m... on clothes and fast cars.

Sara wasted/squandered all her money on clothes and fast cars. 37 Money

Scouts and guides are supposed to ... every day.

Scouts and guides are supposed to do someone a good turn every day. 7 Everyday verbs 1

Sean Penn could play the role of a Viking warrior and I'd like Judi Dench to take on a c... r....

Sean Penn could play the role of a Viking warrior and I'd like Judi Dench to take on a cameo role. 24 Films and books

Several rivers b... their b....

Several rivers burst their banks. 13 Weather

Several roads were closed, so we had to m.../t... a d..., [a different or indirect route]

Several roads were closed, so we had to make/take a detour, [a different or indirect route] 47 Movement and speed

She argues that the Prime Minister p... a central r... in the political crisis of 1811, and g... into great d... to support her argument.

She argues that the Prime Minister played a central role in the political crisis of 1811, and goes into great detail to support her argument. 32 Academic writing 1: giving opinions

She a... m... for him and she t... the m... at the meetings

She arranges meetings for him and she takes the minutes at the meetings 30 Work

She does her best to a... her g....

She does her best to achieve her goals. 30 Work

She ...and was taken to hospital.

She fell ill and was taken to hospital. 8 Everyday verbs 2

She has a l... c... and beautiful s..., s... l... hair

She has a lovely complexion and beautiful sleek, shoulder length hair 18 People: physical appearance

She has a s... f... and a s... w....

She has a slim figure and a slender waist. 18 People: physical appearance

She has an o... f... and an u... nose.

She has an oval face and an upturned nose. 18 People: physical appearance

She has d... a t... for fast cars. She's just bought a bright red Ferrari.

She has developed a taste for fast cars. She's just bought a bright red Ferrari. 45 Taste and smell

She is sure they both h... a great f... a... of them.

She is sure they both have a great future ahead of them. 40 Time

She k... a r... of everything she does at work and s... herself t....

She keeps a record of everything she does at work and sets herself targets. 30 Work

She l... h... to go to university, but moving away from her family made her f... h....

She left home to go to university, but moving away from her family made her feel homesick. 22 Houses, flats and rooms

She m... a... for her boss and she makes sure he k... his a....

She makes appointments for her boss and she makes sure he keeps his appointments. 30 Work

She resigned and went to work for a r... c....

She resigned and went to work for a rival company. 31 Business

She says I should get some y... trousers to m... the jacket.

She says I should get some yellow trousers to match the jacket. 43 Colour and light

She spends a lot of time a... the p... and f... t... calls [dealing with all the calls she can handle herself and only putting the most urgent ones through to her boss] on his behalf.

She spends a lot of time answering the phone and fielding telephone calls [dealing with all the calls she can handle herself and only putting the most urgent ones through to her boss] on his behalf. 30 Work

She studied .... In ..., life was very hard

She studied ancient history. In ancient times, life was very hard 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

She suffers e.../u... p... most of the time.

She suffers excruciating/unbearable pain most of the time. 27 Health and illness

She thinks they will both get good academic jobs i... the n... too d... f....

She thinks they will both get good academic jobs in the not too distant future. 40 Time

She t... a few s... towards the bus, then changed her mind and decided not to go after all

She took a few steps towards the bus, then changed her mind and decided not to go after all 47 Movement and speed

She was the one with long black hair and glasses. You always used to say that she r... you s... of that singer you used to like

She was the one with long black hair and glasses. You always used to say that she reminded you strongly of that singer you used to like 54 Remembering and sensing

She was the ... of the crash. Everyone else died, [only survivor)

She was the sole survivor of the crash. Everyone else died, [only survivor) 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

She was very rude. She said ...!' [impolite way of telling someone not to speak] A dentist might ask you to .... s... is generally more informal

She was very rude. She said 'Shut your mouth!' [impolite way of telling someone not to speak] A dentist might ask you to close your mouth. Shut is generally more informal 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

She was .... a ..... (NOT carrying)

She was wearing a hat. (NOT carrying) 11 Synonyms and confusable words 2

She's a d... c... of mine; she's not a b... r....

She's a distant cousin of mine; she's not a blood relative. 19 Families

She's a(n) a.../d... f... of American football, ['showing strong feelings]

She's a(n) ardent/dedicated fan of American football, ['showing strong feelings] 59 Liking and disliking

She's got a new job where she will be the boss and will have her own PA.

She's got a new job where she will be the boss and will have her own PA. 30 Work

She's ..... (NOT using)

She's wearing a dress. (NOT using) 11 Synonyms and confusable words 2

Simon Hart c... the t... of social change put forward by Professor Kemp.

Simon Hart challenges the theory of social change put forward by Professor Kemp. 32 Academic writing 1: giving opinions

Simon came from a r... f..., so Mary's parents felt happy about the marriage.

Simon came from a respectable family, so Mary's parents felt happy about the marriage. 19 Families

So I'll do no more than w... Jim and Sandra l... and hope they have a long and happy life together.

So I'll do no more than wish Jim and Sandra luck and hope they have a long and happy life together. 49 Ways of speaking

So a f.... with pleasure and e.... with excitement or delight

So a face shines with pleasure and eyes shine with excitement or delight 12 Metaphor

So what's the s... of your s...

So what's the secret of your success 31 Business

Soldiers were sent in to r... o... after the uprising.

Soldiers were sent in to restore order after the uprising. 38 War and peace

Some collocations connected with war and military action are also used in a business or political context, e.g. a p... war, to f... crime, a w... on crime.

Some collocations connected with war and military action are also used in a business or political context, e.g. a price war, to fight crime, a war on crime. 38 War and peace

Some economists h... f... to the belief that a certain level of unemployment is inevitable.

Some economists hold firmly to the belief that a certain level of unemployment is inevitable. 33 Academic writing 2: structuring

Some judges are more likely to give h... s... than others.

Some judges are more likely to give harsh sentences than others. 34 Law an punishment

Some kids .... in us and showed us some great places.

Some kids took an interest in us and showed us some great places. 9 Everyday verbs 3

Some new jobs will b... a... soon. (NOT get)

Some new jobs will become available soon. (NOT get) 48 Change

Some of the i...-c... a... are an u... w... and are somewhat dangerous for visitors.

Some of the inner-city areas are an urban wasteland and are somewhat dangerous for visitors. 16 Towns and cities

Some of the most d... r... have large populations living on the m... of s..., and it is for these specific groups that we can do most.

Some of the most deprived regions have large populations living on the margins of society, and it is for these specific groups that we can do most. 39 Global problems

Some sports people so d... w... to win that they take drugs to e... their p....

Some sports people so desperately want to win that they take drugs to enhance their performance. 26 Sport

Someone p... f... a theory or p... a theory, NOT gives a theory

Someone puts forward a theory or proposes a theory, NOT gives a theory 32 Academic writing 1: giving opinions

Someone's l... h.../w... is one who has died.

Someone's late husband/wife is one who has died. 19 Families

Something rises, for example, p... rise, p... rise, the s... rises. But you raise something. You raise (NOT rise) your h..., the government raises (NOT rises) t..., and during a meeting you sometimes raise (NOT rise) a q...

Something rises, for example, prices rise, profits rise, the sun rises. But you raise something.You raise (NOT fise) your hand, the government raises (NOT rises) taxes, and during a meeting you sometimes raise (NOT rise) a question 48 Change

Sometimes a team or player d... to w..., but g... n... d.../b....

Sometimes a team or player deserves to win, but gets narrowly defeated/beaten. 26 Sport

Sometimes they are satisfied if they just a... a p... b....

Sometimes they are satisfied if they just achieve a personal best. 26 Sport

Soon the w... was w... through the trees and we could hear the w... c... on the beach.

Soon the wind was whistling through the trees and we could hear the waves crashing on the beach. 41 Sound

Spending several weeks on holiday together has c... their f.... opposite = s... their f...

Spending several weeks on holiday together has cemented their friendship. opposite = spoil their friendship 20 Relationships

Sportsmen and sportswomen want to w... m..., not l... m....

Sportsmen and sportswomen want to win matches, not lose matches. 26 Sport

.... suggests continuous movement. There was a .... of t.... outside our room all night. a stream of vi.... / t....

Stream suggests continuous movement. There was a stream of traffic outside our room all night. a stream of visitors/ traffic 12 Metaphor

Student: Do we have to g... to all the l... to do the course or just yours Teacher: You must a... all the l... to complete the course.

Student: Do we have to go to all the lectures to do the course or just yours Teacher: You must attend all the lectures to complete the course. 29 Study and learning

Student: Excuse me. Where will next week's class be In this room Teacher: No. Next week's class will b... h... in Room 405.

Student: Excuse me. Where will next week's class be In this room Teacher: No. Next week's class will be held in Room 405. 29 Study and learning

Student: What do I have to do if I want to leave the course Teacher: If you want to w... from the c..., you have to go to the College Office.

Student: What do I have to do if I want to leave the course Teacher: If you want to withdraw from the course, you have to go to the College Office. 29 Study and learning

Student: When do we have to give you our essays Teacher: You have to h... in your e... on Friday.

Student: When do we have to give you our essays Teacher: You have to hand in your essays on Friday. 29 Study and learning

Student: When do we have to send in our university applications Teacher: You have to s... your a... by December 1st.

Student: When do we have to send in our university applications Teacher: You have to submit your application by December 1st. 29 Study and learning

Suddenly the sky ... very ... and it started to rain.

Suddenly the sky went very dark and it started to rain. 8 Everyday verbs 2

TOURIST T... C... A tourist was t... h... when rebel troops seized control of St Pips Airport last night. The government has l... c... of the area. Our reporter in St Pips is k... a c... w... on the situation and we shall be k... you i... as the news develops.

TOURIST TAKEN CAPTIVE A tourist was taken hostage when rebel troops seized control of St Pips Airport last night. The government has lost control of the area. Our reporter in St Pips is keeping a close watch on the situation and we shall be keeping you informed as the news develops. 36 News

TREATY B... CIVIL WAR TO AN E... The 12-year civil war in Collocania was finally b... to an e... yesterday when the two sides signed a peace treaty.

TREATY BRINGS CIVIL WAR TO AN END The 12-year civil war in Collocania was finally brought to an end yesterday when the two sides signed a peace treaty. 51 Starting and finishing

TRY OUR YOGURT - s..., c... texture delicious with f... c... cucumber, c... grain sea salt and c... garlic.

TRY OUR YOGURT - smooth, creamy texture delicious with finely chopped cucumber, coarse grain sea salt and crushed garlic. 44 Texture

TV newscaster: N... has just c... in of an earthquake.

TV newscaster: News has just come in of an earthquake. 36 News

.... of being in London-there are always plenty of jobs there.

Take advantage of being in London-there are always plenty of jobs there. 9 Everyday verbs 3

Take care with the different collocations that go with tall and high.We talk about tall p..., tall t..., tall b..., but high m..., high p..., high i... rates, high h..., high t..., high j.... Make a note of any collocations with tall or high as you notice them.

Take care with the different collocations that go with tall and high.We talk about tall people, tall trees, tall buildings, but high mountains, high prices, high interest rates, high heels, high tide, high jump. Make a note of any collocations with tall or high as you notice them. 42 Distance and size

That child is a ....

That child is a real pain in the neck 3 Using your dictionary

That judge believes that all shoplifters should be s... p....

That judge believes that all shoplifters should be severely punished. 34 Law an punishment

That's OK. Just h... 'reply, then c... your message, then press 'send

That's OK. Just hit 'reply, then compose your message, then press 'send 28 Computers

That's great know I love l... m.... What can you play

That's great know I love live music. What can you play 25 Music

The Abbey f... into r... about three hundred years ago.

The Abbey fell into ruin about three hundred years ago. 15 Countryside

The Daily Times recently r... a s... about an affair between a famous rock star and a politician.

The Daily Times recently ran a story about an affair between a famous rock star and a politician. 36 News

The Internet has revolutionised the way people do research. ...

The Internet has revolutionised the way people do research. 48 Change

The Judge, Mr Newell, said that Hickey was a h... criminal w... had c... 12 serious o....

The Judge, Mr Newell, said that Hickey was a hardened criminal who had committed 12 serious offences. 35 Crime

The Justice Minister said that the men were not p... p... but were c... criminals who had committed a... of t...

The Justice Minister said that the men were not political prisoners but were common criminals who had committed acts of terrorism 35 Crime

The Minister has i... a s..., saying the c... are u....

The Minister has issued a statement, saying the claims are unfounded. 58 Claiming and denying

The Palace is a l... h... on the main square of Porto Alegre.

The Palace is a luxury hotel on the main square of Porto Alegre. 14 Travel

The Panorama is a rather r...-d... h... in a back street near the city centre.

The Panorama is a rather run-down hotel in a back street near the city centre. 14 Travel

The President is f... for his l... tonight in the City hospital after a major operation.

The President is fighting for his life tonight in the City hospital after a major operation. 38 War and peace

The President's speech was disappointing as it totally m... the p..., [failed to understand what is really important]

The President's speech was disappointing as it totally missed the point, [failed to understand what is really important] 52 Talking about success and failure

The Regional Education Committee has reached a u... a... on a new system of exams for secondary schools.

The Regional Education Committee has reached a unanimous agreement on a new system of exams for secondary schools. 55 Agreeing and disagreeing

The accident had a h... e... on her life.

The accident had a huge effect on her life. 53 Talking about cause and effect

The actors had managed to p... on a simply d... p....

The actors had managed to put on a simply dazzling production. 60 Praising and criticisin

The area has some b... s... — mountains, cliffs, lakes. [extremely striking and beautiful views]

The area has some breathtaking scenery — mountains, cliffs, lakes. [extremely striking and beautiful views] 15 Countryside

The author, Patrick Rivaux, p... f... the argument that the universe is as it is because we humans are here looking at it.

The author, Patrick Rivaux, puts forward the argument that the universe is as it is because we humans are here looking at it. 33 Academic writing 2: structuring

The b... i... d... next week.

The baby is due next week. 19 Families

The band have r... four tracks from earlier albums and Jola's u...-t... numbers just add to the excitement.

The band have remixed four tracks from earlier albums and Jola's uptempo numbers just add to the excitement. 25 Music

The band themselves w... the m....

The band themselves wrote the music. 25 Music

The bank robbers didn't o... any r... when the police surrounded them.

The bank robbers didn't offer any resistance when the police surrounded them. 38 War and peace

The b... r... for several days.

The battle raged for several days. 38 War and peace

The best a... of your p... is the way you always p... o... f....

The best aspect of your personality is the way you always put others first. 17 People: character and behaviour

The b... d... between the two groups finally led to violence.

The bitter dispute between the two groups finally led to violence. 55 Agreeing and disagreeing

The book The Eye of the Universe d... an a... between the birth of the universe and a lottery.

The book The Eye of the Universe draws an analogy between the birth of the universe and a lottery. 33 Academic writing 2: structuring

The book c... an u... in the United States, [made a lot of people complain angrily]

The book caused an uproar in the United States, [made a lot of people complain angrily] 53 Talking about cause and effect

The book is b... w... -I highly recommend it.

The book is beautifully written -I highly recommend it. 24 Films and books

The business d... a lot of m... each year to charity.

The business donates a lot of money each year to charity. 37 Money

The castle d... the l... for miles around. [can be seen from a long way away]

The castle dominates the landscape for miles around. [can be seen from a long way away] 15 Countryside

The chairperson ... at 4.30. [We c... m... /d... / c..., etc.]

The chairperson closed the meeting at 4.30. [We close meetings/discussions/ conferences, etc.] 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

The child t... a t... when I wouldn't buy him any sweets.

The child threw a tantrum when I wouldn't buy him any sweets. 17 People: character and behaviour

The children p... a j... on /trick the teacher by hiding under their desks before she came into the room

The children played a joke/trick on the teacher by hiding under their desks before she came into the room 17 People: character and behaviour

The c... s... is a wonderful mix of old and new, and the city itself has a lot of busy, narrow c... s....

The city skyline is a wonderful mix of old and new, and the city itself has a lot of busy, narrow cobbled streets. 16 Towns and cities

The class ... understanding what to do.

The class had difficulty understanding what to do. 9 Everyday verbs 3

The c... s... away from the city centre contrast sharply with the poor s... t... one sees on the way to the airport.

The comfortable suburbs away from the city centre contrast sharply with the poor shanty towns one sees on the way to the airport. 16 Towns and cities

The company a... w... the law as regards the rights of its employees, [formal]

The company acted within the law as regards the rights of its employees, [formal] 34 Law an punishment

The cottage is in some wonderful u... c... on the edge of a d... f....

The cottage is in some wonderful unspoilt countryside on the edge of a dense forest. 15 Countryside

The crisis was the d.../i... result of bad economic planning. One i.../u... result of the new laws has been a rise in unemployment.

The crisis was the direct/inevitable result of bad economic planning. One indirect/unforeseen result of the new laws has been a rise in unemployment. 53 Talking about cause and effect

The doctor's very busy but he'll try to m... time for you. M... here has a simple meaning of c...

The doctor's very busy but he'll try to make time for you. Make here has a simple meaning of create 40 Time

The drug companies h... a lot of i... on doctors.

The drug companies have a lot of influence on doctors. 53 Talking about cause and effect

The e... i... of both parties is intense, and the emotional impact on children is huge, [these are rather formal collocations]

The emotional involvement of both parties is intense, and the emotional impact on children is huge, [these are rather formal collocations] 21 Feelings and emotions

The events of 1954 are a p... e... of how political leaders make misjudgements that have serious long-term effects.

The events of 1954 are a perfect example of how political leaders make misjudgements that have serious long-term effects. 32 Academic writing 1: giving opinions

The farewell party was such a s... o....

The farewell party was such a sad occasion. 21 Feelings and emotions

The father a... for c... of the children, but the judge g.../g... c... to the mother

The father applied for custody of the children, but the judge gave/granted custody to the mother 19 Families

The figures offer a t... e... of the causes of acid rain pollution, [an explanation given by someone who is not totally certain that it is the correct explanation]

The figures offer a tentative explanation of the causes of acid rain pollution, [an explanation given by someone who is not totally certain that it is the correct explanation] 32 Academic writing 1: giving opinions

The ... the hero dying. They ... a year ago. [... here means decide to stop.]

The film ended with the hero dying. They ended their relationship a year ago. [End here means decide to stop.] 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

The f... p... is excellent, and they have a big o... f... s....

The fresh produce is excellent, and they have a big organic food section. 23 Eating and drinking

The f... s... of herbs is everywhere in the local markets

The fresh scent of herbs is everywhere in the local markets 45 Taste and smell

The government hopes to r.../m... the impact of the new taxes. The support she got from the Prime Minister s.../i... the impact of her report

The government hopes to reduce/minimise the impact of the new taxes. The support she got from the Prime Minister strengthened/increased the impact of her report 53 Talking about cause and effect

The government think they can solve the problem by t... m... at it.

The government think they can solve the problem by throwing money at it. 37 Money

The government tried to b... his n... because he was critical of their policies, [destroy his reputation]

The government tried to blacken his name because he was critical of their policies, [destroy his reputation] 43 Colour and light

The government were sending troops to the south where they expected f... f....

The government were sending troops to the south where they expected fierce fighting. 38 War and peace

The hotel has its own s... b....

The hotel has its own sandy beach. 15 Countryside

The i... c... of the problem was an oil leak. The u... c... of the problem was a lack of funds over many years.

The immediate cause of the problem was an oil leak. The underlying cause of the problem was a lack of funds over many years. 53 Talking about cause and effect

The i...-f... m... includes maps and information about major airports.

The in-flight magazine includes maps and information about major airports. 14 Travel

The i... z... which lie on the edge of the city are grey and polluted.

The industrial zones which lie on the edge of the city are grey and polluted. 16 Towns and cities

The invention of television m... the b... of the end for popular radio shows.

The invention of television marked the beginning of the end for popular radio shows. 51 Starting and finishing

The invention of the steam engine was the k... f... in the birth of the industrial revolution.

The invention of the steam engine was the key factor in the birth of the industrial revolution. 32 Academic writing 1: giving opinions

The judge said it was vital that anyone with a c... r... should not be able to get a job where large sums of money were placed in their care.

The judge said it was vital that anyone with a criminal record should not be able to get a job where large sums of money were placed in their care. 35 Crime

The jury are expected to take several days to r... a v....

The jury are expected to take several days to reach a verdict. 34 Law an punishment

The lady who entered the room h... a very s... a..., [unusual appearance, in a positive, attractive sense]

The lady who entered the room had a very striking appearance, [unusual appearance, in a positive, attractive sense] 18 People: physical appearance

The l... news from the earthquake zone is more hopeful.

The latest news from the earthquake zone is more hopeful. 36 News

The law about re-using pictures from the Internet seems to be a g... a..., [an unclear area]

The law about re-using pictures from the Internet seems to be a grey area, [an unclear area] 43 Colour and light

The lawyer for the prosecution, Mr Arthur Larchwood, stated that Henry Banks was already a c... c... when he was appointed chairman of the company but that nobody knew this fact.

The lawyer for the prosecution, Mr Arthur Larchwood, stated that Henry Banks was already a convicted criminal when he was appointed chairman of the company but that nobody knew this fact. 35 Crime

The local technical college p... t... for young people in a variety of professions.

The local technical college provides training for young people in a variety of professions. 29 Study and learning

The lovely beach was completely spoilt by the a... smoke and n... fumes from a f...-s... chemical factory nearby.

The lovely beach was completely spoilt by the acrid smoke and noxious fumes from a foul-smelling chemical factory nearby. 45 Taste and smell

The main i... of n... today is the earthquake in Broskva City.

The main item of news today is the earthquake in Broskva City. 36 News

The meal we had on our last evening in Istanbul was a p... e... to our holiday.

The meal we had on our last evening in Istanbul was a perfect end to our holiday. 51 Starting and finishing

The meeting d... to a c... at 5.30, after a long discussion.

The meeting drew to a close at 5.30, after a long discussion. 51 Starting and finishing

The mountaineer's attempt to climb Mt Everest w... b... w....

The mountaineer's attempt to climb Mt Everest went badly wrong. 52 Talking about success and failure

The new l... f.../p... smoking in all public places, [the law does not allow]

The new law forbids/prohibits smoking in all public places, [the law does not allow] 34 Law an punishment

The new manager is planning to ....

The new manager is planning to make some changes. 7 Everyday verbs 1

The new measures had an u.../ u... outcome. The new tax led to the p.../i... outcome that many people became poorer.

The new measures had an unexpected/ unforeseen outcome. The new tax led to the predictable/inevitable outcome that many people became poorer. 53 Talking about cause and effect

The news gave his mother such a shock that her hair ... overnight.

The news gave his mother such a shock that her hair turned white overnight. 8 Everyday verbs 2

The noise .... and soon we realised it was a plane approaching.

The noise grew louder and soon we realised it was a plane approaching. 8 Everyday verbs 2

The number of crimes committed in the city has remained c.../stable since 2001.

The number of crimes committed in the city has remained constant/stable since 2001. 46 Number and frequency

The old town is a c... a... and it has a lot of q... o... b... dating back to the city's foundation in the 1500s.

The old town is a conservation area and it has a lot of quaint old buildings dating back to the city's foundation in the 1500s. 16 Towns and cities

The orchestra received a s... o... for their performance of the symphony, [the audience liked the performance so much that they stood up to applaud]

The orchestra received a standing ovation for their performance of the symphony, [the audience liked the performance so much that they stood up to applaud] 60 Praising and criticisin

The organisation helps alcoholics who want to k... the h..., [informal]

The organisation helps alcoholics who want to kick the habit, [informal] 48 Change

The other secretaries are c... b... that they end up doing her work.

The other secretaries are complaining bitterly that they end up doing her work. 49 Ways of speaking

The pages of the book had ... over the years.

The pages of the book had gone yellow over the years. 8 Everyday verbs 2

The parents are still in .... pain .... the death of their child

The parents are still in great pain over the death of their child 3 Using your dictionary

The passenger b... the p... on time, but it was delayed taking off and she missed her c... f... in Amsterdam.

The passenger boarded the plane on time, but it was delayed taking off and she missed her connecting flight in Amsterdam. 14 Travel

The p... few w... have been really difficult for Tina's two grown-up children.

The past few weeks have been really difficult for Tina's two grown-up children. 40 Time

The p... c... and shops of Luna Square are pleasant but very expensive.

The pavement cafes and shops of Luna Square are pleasant but very expensive. 16 Towns and cities

The people of the village p... up a heroic f... against the construction of the new motorway, but finally l... the b....

The people of the village put up a heroic fight against the construction of the new motorway, but finally lost the battle. 38 War and peace

The people who r... the b.../f... are called b... r... / f... c... and they w... b.../f... r....

The people who review the book/film are called book reviewers / film critics and they write book/film reviews. 24 Films and books

The police fought a r... b... with football hooligans in the town centre.

The police fought a running battle with football hooligans in the town centre. 38 War and peace

The p.../b... effects of the changes were soon apparent. The n.../a... effects of the changes were not noticed immediately.

The positive/beneficial effects of the changes were soon apparent. The negative/adverse effects of the changes were not noticed immediately. 53 Talking about cause and effect

The price increase .... for us. [is a problem]

The price increase poses a problem for us. [is a problem] 4 Types of collocation

The r... r.../s... that all students must register for the course, [formal: the rules say that]

The regulations require/stipulate that all students must register for the course, [formal: the rules say that] 34 Law an punishment

The restaurant was leaving p... f... lying round outside the fridge, and some people got f... p... so the authorities closed it down.

The restaurant was leaving perishable food lying round outside the fridge, and some people got food poisoning so the authorities closed it down. 23 Eating and drinking

The r... p.../a... members to bring guests into the club only at weekends.

The rules permit/allow members to bring guests into the club only at weekends. 34 Law an punishment

The scandal is expected to h... the h... tomorrow.

The scandal is expected to hit the headlines tomorrow. 36 News

The scandal was the f...-p... h... in all the newspapers.

The scandal was the front-page headline in all the newspapers. 36 News

The school can ... pupils with special needs.

The school can make arrangements for pupils with special needs. 7 Everyday verbs 1

The screen is small but it d... i... brilliantly.

The screen is small but it displays images brilliantly. 28 Computers

The s... e... of children is a w...-w... problem, as is child l....

The sexual exploitation of children is a world-wide problem, as is child labour. 39 Global problems

The shop tried to sell me a ... but I noticed it just in time. [collocates with words for things]

The shop tried to sell me a damaged sofa but I noticed it just in time. [collocates with words for things] 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

The singer was out of the country when the s... about his wife b....

The singer was out of the country when the story about his wife broke. 36 News

The sky ... as the sun set.

The sky turned gold as the sun set. 8 Everyday verbs 2

The s... is lovely and c... this morning. c... s... = snow that is fresh and h.../f.../c.../t.../ d... snow

The snow is lovely and crisp this morning. crisp snow = snow that is fresh and heavy/fresh/crisp/thick/ driving snow 13 Weather

The standard of l... is r... steadily / is i.... (NOT increasing or growing)

The standard of living is rising steadily / is improving. (NOT increasing or growing) 48 Change

The statistics b... s... the view that the economy is heading towards recession.

The statistics broadly support the view that the economy is heading towards recession. 32 Academic writing 1: giving opinions

The storm ... to our roof.

The storm did some damage to our roof. 7 Everyday verbs 1

The teacher wanted to ... at what we were doing.

The teacher wanted to have a look at what we were doing. 9 Everyday verbs 3

The t... a... at the end of last night's performance was r... d....

The thunderous applause at the end of last night's performance was richly deserved. 60 Praising and criticisin

The train left b.../d.../r... on time, Exactly on time - the first two are very informal

The train left bang/dead/right on time, Exactly on time - the first two are very informal 40 Time

The trip to Brazil certainly a... c... to our rather boring lives.

The trip to Brazil certainly added colour to our rather boring lives. 43 Colour and light

The two .... in 2003 and now form one very large corporation.

The two companies merged in 2003 and now form one very large corporation. 4 Types of collocation

The v... of t... has increased in recent years and the i... r... of trucks and buses makes the city centre an extremely noisy place.

The volume of traffic has increased in recent years and the incessant roar of trucks and buses makes the city centre an extremely noisy place. 16 Towns and cities

The weather en route is fine, and we anticipate a s... f... to Stockholm today. The opposite is a b... f...

The weather en route is fine, and we anticipate a smooth flight to Stockholm today. The opposite is a bumpy flight 14 Travel

The w... is likely to d... later on today. D... is quite formal — the w... is g... w... is more informal. w... d... [opposite: improves]

The weather is likely to deteriorate later on today. Deteriorate is quite formal — the weather is getting worse is more informal. weather deteriorates [opposite: improves] 13 Weather

The w... g... between rich and poor in some countries is often due to external forces beyond their control.

The widening gulf between rich and poor in some countries is often due to external forces beyond their control. 39 Global problems

The w... was l... this morning but it's p... up now and will be very s... by the evening. The w... was w... through the trees. b... w... = very cold w... If the wind p... up, it gets stronger. h.../s.../l.../b... winds the wind p... up [opposite: d... down] the wind b.../w...

The wind was light this morning but it's picking up now and will be very strong by the evening. The wind was whistling through the trees. biting winds = very cold winds If the wind picks up, it gets stronger. high/strong/light/biting winds the wind picks up [opposite: dies down] the wind blows/whistles 13 Weather

The writer seems to m... a... based on an u... b... in the superiority of his own value system.

The writer seems to make assumptions based on an unshakeable belief in the superiority of his own value system. 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

Their love affair c... a s....

Their love affair caused a sensation. 53 Talking about cause and effect

Then come the i... b... of the Parliament and government departments.

Then come the imposing buildings of the Parliament and government departments. 16 Towns and cities

Then suddenly two s... r... out and we heard the p... cry of a dying bird.

Then suddenly two shots rang out and we heard the piercing cry of a dying bird. 41 Sound

Then the teacher g... us f... after about a week.

Then the teacher gives us feedback after about a week. 29 Study and learning

Then we heard the p... of rain on the leaves above us.

Then we heard the patter of rain on the leaves above us. 41 Sound

Then, after a while, during a l... in the c..., I heard her w... softly to him that she was not married.

Then, after a while, during a lull in the conversation, I heard her whisper softly to him that she was not married. 49 Ways of speaking

There are some d... a... round the city centre with huge social problems.

There are some deprived areas round the city centre with huge social problems. 16 Towns and cities

There is a separate b... f..., which we might turn into a g... f... for my mother.

There is a separate basement flat, which we might turn into a granny flat for my mother. 22 Houses, flats and rooms

There is a s... t... in the work of some linguists to suggest that spoken language is inferior to written language.

There is a strong tendency in the work of some linguists to suggest that spoken language is inferior to written language. 32 Academic writing 1: giving opinions

There is c...-t... competition in the music industry these days, [very severe competition)

There is cut-throat competition in the music industry these days, [very severe competition) 31 Business

There is t... f... on the motorway. There are p... of f... on the east coast but these should l... by midday. P... of f.../m... are small areas of f.../m..., whereas a b... of f.../m... is thicker and more extensive. t.../d... f..., p... of f.../m..., a b... of f... [literary] , f.../m... c... down [opposite: l...]

There is thick fog on the motorway. There are patches of fog on the east coast but these should lift by midday. Patches of fog/mist are small areas of fog/mist, whereas a blanket of fog/mist is thicker and more extensive. thick/dense fog, patches of fog/mist, a blanket of fog [literary] ,fog/mist comes down [opposite: lifts] 13 Weather

There was a d... rise/fall in the number of students applying to university this year.

There was a dramatic rise/fall in the number of students applying to university this year. 46 Number and frequency

There was a little b... s... and birds were s... in the trees.

There was a little babbling stream and birds were singing in the trees. 41 Sound

There was a lot of discussion, but apparently it was a u... d... in the end.

There was a lot of discussion, but apparently it was a unanimous decision in the end. 57 Deciding and choosing

There was an o... stink coming from the river today as I drove over the bridge. It always g... off a s... in the hot weather but this was dreadful.

There was an overpowering stink coming from the river today as I drove over the bridge. It always gives off a smell in the hot weather but this was dreadful. 45 Taste and smell

There was just one ... on the otherwise deserted beach, [one person on their own]

There was just one solitary figure on the otherwise deserted beach, [one person on their own] 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

There was nothing in the fridge except an old carton of milk which had g... s....

There was nothing in the fridge except an old carton of milk which had gone sour. 45 Taste and smell

There will be a h... f... tonight. opposite of a h... f... = a l... f... (NOT a soft frost)

There will be a hard frost tonight. opposite of a hard frost = a light frost (NOT a sefe frost) 13 Weather

There'd be plenty of opportunities to use s... e... during battle scenes.

There'd be plenty of opportunities to use special effects during battle scenes. 24 Films and books

There's always been a d... of u... surrounding the future of the Madrid office, but let's just hope this will now be seen as a w... d... by everyone.

There's always been a degree of uncertainty surrounding the future of the Madrid office, but let's just hope this will now be seen as a wise decision by everyone. 57 Deciding and choosing

There's been a big i... in your p... this year. (NOT increase)

There's been a big improvement in your performance this year. (NOT increase) 48 Change

These adjectives also collocate with family: l..., r..., d... [unhappy, not working in a healthy way

These adjectives also collocate with family: loving, respectable, dysfunctional [unhappy, not working in a healthy way 19 Families

These r.../r... a... to all students, not just new ones, [the rules are for]

These rules/regulations apply to all students, not just new ones, [the rules are for] 34 Law an punishment

These statistics l... s... to the view that attitudes to the environment are changing fundamentally

These statistics lend support to the view that attitudes to the environment are changing fundamentally 33 Academic writing 2: structuring

These tablets should help ...

These tablets should help to ease the pain 3 Using your dictionary

They are hoping to s... a f... soon

They are hoping to start a family soon 19 Families

They are likely to p... up a f... to g.../g... a place in the next s.../r... of the competition.

They are likely to put up a fight to gain/get a place in the next stage/round of the competition. 26 Sport

They are nearly finished but there are lots of l...-m... things left to do.

They are nearly finished but there are lots of last-minute things left to do. 40 Time

They are sure to c... up a... f.../i... competition as they try to a... their a....

They are sure to come up against fierce/intense competition as they try to achieve their ambitions. 26 Sport

They have a h... f... and are due to g... on t... later this year.

They have a huge following and are due to go on tour later this year. 25 Music

They ... and drove away.[used for cargoes, lorries, vans, ships, etc. and for weapons]

They loaded the lorry and drove away.[used for cargoes, lorries, vans, ships, etc. and for weapons] 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

They may be having a t... s... and may eventually decide to get a divorce. In some cases it can be a b.../a... d..., [full of anger, arguments and bad feeling]

They may be having a trial separation and may eventually decide to get a divorce. In some cases it can be a bitter/acrimonious divorce, [full of anger, arguments and bad feeling] 19 Families

They probably a.../d... at least five t... s... a week.

They probably attend/do at least five training sessions a week. 26 Sport

They saw him and o... f... but he was able to escape.

They saw him and opened fire but he was able to escape. 38 War and peace

They s... their a... for five o'clock and get up as soon as the alarm g... off.

They set their alarms for five o'clock and get up as soon as the alarm goes off. 40 Time

They specialise in b... travel.

They specialise in business travel. 14 Travel

They work from d... till d... and indeed sometimes they stay up until the s... h....

They work from dawn till dusk and indeed sometimes they stay up until the small hours. 40 Time

They've g... up h... of any survivors. NOT the hope

They've given up hope of any survivors. NOT the hope 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

They've ... in our bill.

They've made a mistake in our bill. 7 Everyday verbs 1

This car has a t... s... of 180 kilometres per hour, [maximum speed]

This car has a top speed of 180 kilometres per hour, [maximum speed] 47 Movement and speed

This chapter m... a c... for re-examining the assassination of President Kennedy in the light of evidence which has emerged since 1963.

This chapter makes a case for re-examining the assassination of President Kennedy in the light of evidence which has emerged since 1963. 33 Academic writing 2: structuring

This has brought d... f... to some regions and equally d... f... to others.

This has brought devastating famines to some regions and equally devastating floods to others. 39 Global problems

This is a c... i... of the importance of a strong monetary policy.

This is a clear illustration of the importance of a strong monetary policy. 32 Academic writing 1: giving opinions

This is a ..., with three past Prime Ministers all together in one room.

This is a unique occasion, with three past Prime Ministers all together in one room. 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

This shop sells .... She collects ... jewellery, [old and valuable]

This shop sells antique furniture. She collects antique jewellery, [old and valuable] 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

This will be discovered when they f... a d... t....

This will be discovered when they fail a drugs test. 26 Sport

This will lead to the referee b... his w... and an opponent t... a p... or t... a f... kick.

This will lead to the referee blowing his whistle and an opponent taking a penalty or taking a free kick. 26 Sport

This year has seen a d... i... in James's English. His c... a... was his performance in the school production of Othello.

This year has seen a dramatic improvement in James's English. His crowning achievement was his performance in the school production of Othello. 52 Talking about success and failure

Thousands of people seek p... a... in other countries every year. Most are g... a... seekers, but some are e... m... looking for a better life.

Thousands of people seek political asylum in other countries every year. Most are genuine asylum seekers, but some are economic migrants looking for a better life. 39 Global problems

Three ... were taken to hospital after the accident. [collocates with words to do with people]

Three injured people were taken to hospital after the accident. [collocates with words to do with people] 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

Tina can't wait until they stop working such u... h....

Tina can't wait until they stop working such ungodly hours. 40 Time

To a... means to have an influence on someone/something, or to cause them to change*. (Her death a... everyone deeply.) To e... means 'to achieve something / make something happen'. (We are trying to e... a change in the way people think about their diet.) The noun e...(s) refers to the result(s) of something. (His stressful life has had an e... on his health.)

To affect means to have an influence on someone/something, or to cause them to change*. (Her death affected everyone deeply.) To effect means 'to achieve something / make something happen'. (We are trying to effect a change in the way people think about their diet.) The noun effect(s) refers to the result(s) of something. (His stressful life has had an effect on his health.) 53 Talking about cause and effect

Today the first thing on her list is ' H... in my n...! But she's not going to t... early r....

Today the first thing on her list is ' Hand in my notice! But she's not going to take early retirement. 30 Work

.... suggests a few people moving slowly. People .... into the concert hall.

Trickle suggests a few people moving slowly. People trickled into the concert hall. 12 Metaphor

Triope is a s... c... with b...-to-b... traffic all day long.

Triope is a sprawling city with bumper-to-bumper traffic all day long. 16 Towns and cities

Unemployment is a .... for the government at the moment.

Unemployment is a major problem for the government at the moment. 4 Types of collocation

Unfortunately the peace talks now seem likely to f... m..., [be totally unsuccessful]

Unfortunately the peace talks now seem likely to fail miserably, [be totally unsuccessful] 52 Talking about success and failure

Unfortunately the trees b... the v... of the s...-c... mountains.

Unfortunately the trees block the view of the snow-covered mountains. 15 Countryside

Unfortunately, more pupils than ever are said to be f... their final e....

Unfortunately, more pupils than ever are said to be failing their final exams. 52 Talking about success and failure

V... sky is dark and deep with a beautiful soft smooth quality like the cloth velvet.

Velvety sky is dark and deep with a beautiful soft smooth quality like the cloth velvet. 44 Texture

v.... f.... up and t.... .... up. These all mean that problems which existed in the past suddenly become serious again.

Violence flares up and troubles flare up. These all mean that problems which existed in the past suddenly become serious again. 12 Metaphor

W... was d... on his 25th birthday.

War was declared on his 25th birthday. 38 War and peace

Wastov l... e... on examining the vital first three years of a child's development

Wastov lays emphasis on examining the vital first three years of a child's development 33 Academic writing 2: structuring

We Hope marriage brings you l... h...

We Hope marriage brings you lasting happiness 21 Feelings and emotions

We all g.... s.... to t.... s.....

We all got soaked, to the skin. 13 Weather

We are d... the e... b... everywhere, as can be seen in the decrease in fish s... in the oceans.

We are disturbing the ecological balance everywhere, as can be seen in the decrease in fish stocks in the oceans. 39 Global problems

... are ... to test how the metal reacts with water.

We are doing an experiment to test how the metal reacts with water. 7 Everyday verbs 1

We are p... a... in our attitudes to life.

We are poles apart in our attitudes to life. 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

We call these n... d..., but it is human beings who are causing them.

We call these natural disasters, but it is human beings who are causing them. 39 Global problems

We can offer you j... s... and g... b....

We can offer you job satisfaction and generous benefits. 30 Work

We can say that a novel or film i... b... on a t... s....

We can say that a novel or film is based on a true story. 24 Films and books

We d... research or c... out research, NOT make research.

We do research or carry out research, NOT make research. 32 Academic writing 1: giving opinions

We don't have exams at my school. We have c... a..., [system where the quality of a student's work is judged by pieces of course work and not by one final examination]

We don't have exams at my school. We have continuous assessment, [system where the quality of a student's work is judged by pieces of course work and not by one final examination] 29 Study and learning

We got to the airport very early, so we had a meal in the restaurant to k... (some) time. to fill in the time while you are waiting to do something you have planned

We got to the airport very early, so we had a meal in the restaurant to kill (some) time. to fill in the time while you are waiting to do something you have planned 40 Time

We got up late and had a l... b..., [done in a relaxed way, without hurrying]

We got up late and had a leisurely breakfast, [done in a relaxed way, without hurrying] 47 Movement and speed

We had a g.../g... time at the party. [NOT spent a great time]

We had a good/great time at the party. [NOT spent a great time] 40 Time

We had a very h... a... about immigration the other day.

We had a very heated argument about immigration the other day. 55 Agreeing and disagreeing

We ... / ... about how to fix the car.

We had an argument / a row about how to fix the car. 9 Everyday verbs 3

We have had a s... of b... in this part of the city, v... theft, drug a... and so on, and police have reported a s... i... in the number of acts of mindless vandalism.

We have had a spate of burglaries in this part of the city, vehicle theft, drug abuse and so on, and police have reported a staggering increase in the number of acts of mindless vandalism. 35 Crime

We have r... to b... that you witnessed the accident.

We have reason to believe that you witnessed the accident. 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

We have thousands s... r... every night in cities like London and New York, and s... c... in a lot of big cities around the world.

We have thousands sleeping rough every night in cities like London and New York, and street children in a lot of big cities around the world. 39 Global problems

We have to c... with the r... concerning the testing of equipment, [formal: do what the rules say]

We have to comply with the regulations concerning the testing of equipment, [formal: do what the rules say] 34 Law an punishment

We live with my mum now, but we'll s... up h... on our own soon.

We live with my mum now, but we'll set up home on our own soon. 19 Families

We m... a l... for the first two years, but then things got better and we've m... a p... most years ever since.

We made a loss for the first two years, but then things got better and we've made a profit most years ever since. 31 Business

We managed to get a c... f...; it was half the price of the s... f....

We managed to get a charter flight; it was half the price of the scheduled flight. 14 Travel

We managed to get a c... f...; it was half the price of the scheduled flight.

We managed to get a charter flight; it was half the price of the scheduled flight. 14 Travel

We must accept that we have seriously d... the ozone l... in the last few decades by our selfish actions.

We must accept that we have seriously depleted the ozone layer in the last few decades by our selfish actions. 39 Global problems

We must all o... the l... at all times, [formal]

We must all observe the law at all times, [formal] 34 Law an punishment

We must also g... c... to the production's wardrobe department.

We must also give credit to the production's wardrobe department. 60 Praising and criticisin

We must first g... e..., then c... out a detailed s... of all the factors that p... a p... in social conditioning.

We must first gather evidence, then carry out a detailed study of all the factors that play a part in social conditioning. 32 Academic writing 1: giving opinions

We must k... in c.../t... when the course ends. opposite = lose c.../t...

We must keep in contact/touch when the course ends. opposite = lose contact/touch 20 Relationships

We need to t... h... about this problem. NOT consider hard - could be c... this problem c...

We need to think hard about this problem. NOT consider hard - could be consider this problem carefully 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

We say small q..., small n..., small a..., a small i.... (NOT little) The opposite is large q..., large n..., large a..., a large i.... Similarly, we talk about problems or objects being on a large s... or on a small s...: If you are walking in the mountains you need a l... s... map. The UK has similar problems to the USA, but on a s... s....

We say small quantities, small numbers, small amounts, a small increase. (NOT little) The opposite is large quantities, large numbers, large amounts, a large increase. Similarly, we talk about problems or objects being on a large scale or on a small scale: If you are walking in the mountains you need a large scale map. The UK has similar problems to the USA, but on a smaller scale. 42 Distance and size

We say that a b.../f... c... an a... or that a book/film d... with a t....

We say that a book/film captures an atmosphere or that a book/film deals with a topic. 24 Films and books

We s... d... and decided not to enter the city. It was a wise choice.

We smelt danger and decided not to enter the city. It was a wise choice. 45 Taste and smell

We s... a (foreign) language. We don't say 'I can tell Arabic/French/etc'

We speak a (foreign) language. We don't say 'I can tell Arabic/French/etc' 49 Ways of speaking

We .... in the mountains. It was wonderful. (NOT passed)

We spent three days in the mountains. It was wonderful. (NOT passed) 11 Synonyms and confusable words 2

We stayed in a small, f...-r... h....

We stayed in a small, family-run hotel. 14 Travel

We stopped for a few minutes to a.../e... the v....

We stopped for a few minutes to admire/enjoy the view. 15 Countryside

We talk about a b.... of g.... or a b.... of p.... meaning there is a lot of it and it is spectacular.

We talk about a blaze of glory or a blaze of publicity meaning there is a lot of it and it is spectacular. 12 Metaphor

We talk about low p..., low w..., low l.... (NOT small)

We talk about low prices, low wages, low levels. (NOT small) 42 Distance and size

We talk about the Z and e... of a b.../f... (NOT start and finish).

We talk about the beginning and end of a book/film (NOT start and finish). 24 Films and books

We talk about the o.../c... s... of a film and the o.../c... c... of a book.

We talk about the opening/closing scenes of a film and the opening/closing chapters of a book. 24 Films and books

We told ghost stories all night if I r... r....

We told ghost stories all night if I remember rightly. 54 Remembering and sensing

We t... a s... through a narrow side-street and saved ourselves a 15-minute walk.

We took a shortcut through a narrow side-street and saved ourselves a 15-minute walk. 47 Movement and speed

We t... on s... and expanded.

We took on staff and expanded. 31 Business

We use a g... deal of (NOT large or -big) in contexts like this: She should be able to help you because she has a g... deal of t... / a g... deal of m... / a g... deal of e... / a g... deal of e....

We use a great deal of (NOT large or -big) in contexts like this: She should be able to help you because she has a great deal of time / a great deal of money / a great deal of energy / a great deal of enthusiasm. 42 Distance and size

We were at school together, but our f... g... after we'd left school.

We were at school together, but our friendship grew after we'd left school. 20 Relationships

We were stuck in s...-m... traffic for an hour on our way to the airport.

We were stuck in slow-moving traffic for an hour on our way to the airport. 47 Movement and speed

We'll ... practising these collocations tomorrow.

We'll do some exercises practising these collocations tomorrow. 7 Everyday verbs 1

We'll do ... on our project and then we'll go to the cinema.

We'll do some work on our project and then we'll go to the cinema. 7 Everyday verbs 1

We're having a wonderful time - though in the middle of the day it's just too s.... h.... to do anything but lie on the beach s.... up the s.....

We're having a wonderful time - though in the middle of the day it's just too scorching hot to do anything but lie on the beach soaking up the sunshine. 13 Weather

We're s... a little m... each month to buy a new car next year.

We're saving a little money each month to buy a new car next year. 37 Money

We're so glad we decided to .... here

We're so glad we decided to take a holiday here 9 Everyday verbs 3

We've decided to a... a new a... to the parking problem.

We've decided to adopt a new approach to the parking problem. 48 Change

We've had to m... a slight a... to our plans for the evening.

We've had to make a slight alteration to our plans for the evening. 48 Change

We've m... a few m... to the software so that it suits our systems better.

We've made a few modifications to the software so that it suits our systems better. 48 Change

Well I think you're just t... the s... o... if you choose the bookshop.

Well I think you're just taking the soft option if you choose the bookshop. 57 Deciding and choosing

Well, I know you never t... my a... but I would s... a... you to think of the future.

Well, I know you never take my advice but I would strongly advise you to think of the future. 57 Deciding and choosing

Well, actually, I'm rather glad you r... the s....

Well, actually, I'm rather glad you raised the subject. 49 Ways of speaking

Well, believe it or not, I don't have a b... d... to see the world, I'd m... p... just to stay at home. Anyway, I'm going to c... all the o... before I decide.

Well, believe it or not, I don't have a burning desire to see the world, I'd much prefer just to stay at home. Anyway, I'm going to consider all the options before I decide. 57 Deciding and choosing

Well, during the economic recession of the early 1990s, a lot of small b... were g... u..., and I thought our business w... f..., but we survived.

Well, during the economic recession of the early 1990s, a lot of small businesses were going under', and I thought our business would fold2, but we survived. 31 Business

Well, how about having a s... d... and a bag of crisps now, and a proper lunch later

Well, how about having a soft drink and a bag of crisps now, and a proper lunch later 23 Eating and drinking

Well, s... off the r..., every time you g... her i..., she never seems to understand, and if you c... her directly she just p... i....

Well, speaking off the record, every time you give her instructions, she never seems to understand, and if you challenge her directly she just pleads ignorance. 49 Ways of speaking

Well, the first week was all about t... the i.... I've got to p... a p... for my teacher next week.

Well, the first week was all about tuning the instrument. I've got to play a piece for my teacher next week. 25 Music

What do you like to do in your f.../ s... time Both expressions refer to the time when you are not working

What do you like to do in your free/ spare time Both expressions refer to the time when you are not working 40 Time

When I first met my new boss, I h.../g... the i... that he might be a difficult person to work for.

When I first met my new boss, I had/got the impression that he might be a difficult person to work for. 54 Remembering and sensing

When Jack retired, his boss made a speech .... to all he had done for the company.

When Jack retired, his boss made a speech paying tribute to all he had done for the company. 9 Everyday verbs 3

When a new b... or f... c... out, newspapers will review it.

When a new book or film comes out, newspapers will review it. 24 Films and books

When did you first g... into b...

When did you first go into business 31 Business

When he left school, he r... enough m... through the bank to buy his first shop.

When he left school, he raised enough money through the bank to buy his first shop. 37 Money

When her boss has to give a presentation, she m... all the p... that are required, including m... p... of any papers that he needs.

When her boss has to give a presentation, she makes all the preparations that are required, including making photocopies of any papers that he needs. 30 Work

When her boss has to travel, she m... the r... for him.

When her boss has to travel, she makes the reservations for him. 30 Work

When she spilt juice on her new skirt the little girl ...., [suddenly started crying)

When she spilt juice on her new skirt the little girl burst into tears, [suddenly started crying) 4 Types of collocation

When the tomatoes ..., the farmers pick them and sell them.

When the tomatoes turn red, the farmers pick them and sell them. 8 Everyday verbs 2

When w... b... out, my grandfather j... the a....

When war broke out, my grandfather joined the army. 38 War and peace

When you are criticised you c... i... for criticism. You may r... to this criticism, you may c... the criticism [criticise your critic back] or you may d... the criticism [say it is untrue or unimportant].

When you are criticised you come in for criticism. You may respond to this criticism, you may counter the criticism [criticise your critic back] or you may dismiss the criticism [say it is untrue or unimportant]. 60 Praising and criticisin

When you go to university you will m... a lot of new f.... NOT find friends (a common student error)

When you go to university you will make a lot of new friends. NOT find friends (a common student error) 20 Relationships

Whenever I m... a s... I always try to g... to the p... as quickly as possible.

Whenever I make a speech I always try to get to the point as quickly as possible. 49 Ways of speaking

Whenever you need to do something really important at work, the c... seem to b... d..., [not be working)

Whenever you need to do something really important at work, the computers seem to be down, [not be working) 28 Computers

Whether it's a l... m... or a s...(large) m... you're looking for, whether you want a s...-up m...(unusually large and good) , a g... m...(high-quality) or just tasty, h...-c... f..., there's something for everyone in the Old Port restaurant area. Enjoy good food in a pleasant setting.

Whether it's a light meal or a substantial(large) meal you're looking for, whether you want a slap-up meal(unusually large and good) , a gourmet meal(high-quality) or just tasty, home-cooked food, there's something for everyone in the Old Port restaurant area. Enjoy good food in a pleasant setting. 23 Eating and drinking

Widespread [existing or happening in many places or among people] collocates strongly with a lot of words relating to either attitude (widespread i..., widespread s...) or problems (widespread d..., widespread p...): There has been widespread s... for the government's new policy on education. The heavy winds at the weekend have caused widespread d....

Widespread [existing or happening in many places or among people] collocates strongly with a lot of words relating to either attitude (widespread interest, widespread support) or problems (widespread damage, widespread poverty): There has been widespread support for the government's new policy on education. The heavy winds at the weekend have caused widespread damage. 46 Number and frequency

.... is often used in contexts associated with competition. He .... a medal in the 2004 Olympic Games. .... + an a...., a p...., a m.... , a m....

Win is often used in contexts associated with competition. He won a medal in the 2004 Olympic Games. win+ an award, a prize, a medal, a match 11 Synonyms and confusable words 2

.... is often used in contexts associated with fighting The conservative party .... the 1994 General ..... win+... a b...., a w...., an e....

Win is often used in contexts associated with fighting The conservative party won the 1994 General Election. win+... a battle, a war, an election 11 Synonyms and confusable words 2

With black jeans the c... always f... after two or three washes.

With black jeans the colour always fades after two or three washes. 43 Colour and light

Within a few days, however, he had told me that he was d... in l... with me too.

Within a few days, however, he had told me that he was desperately in love with me too. 20 Relationships

Without any warning, he was fired from the newspaper in 2004. It was an a... e... to his career in journalism.

Without any warning, he was fired from the newspaper in 2004. It was an abrupt end to his career in journalism. 51 Starting and finishing

Would you like to be an i... p... of a c... team

Would you like to be an integral part of a close team 30 Work

Wow! South America! That sounds like the o... of a l...! How could you say no

Wow! South America! That sounds like the opportunity of a lifetime! How could you say no 57 Deciding and choosing

Yeah, but it's hard to get them to eat n... m....

Yeah, but it's hard to get them to eat nourishing meals. 23 Eating and drinking

Yes, I passed there the other day. It's a revolting stench. The pollution is getting worse and worse.

Yes, I passed there the other day. It's a revolting stench. The pollution is getting worse and worse. 45 Taste and smell

Yes, yes, I already said I'm going to w... up the o... and c... to a d....

Yes, yes, I already said I'm going to weigh up the options and come to a decision. 57 Deciding and choosing

Yes. I'd c... f... about her too

Yes. I'd clean forgotten about her too 54 Remembering and sensing

Yesterday f... w... c... h... the south-west of England.

Yesterday freak weather conditions hit the south-west of England. 13 Weather

Yesterday we f... a p... down to the lake.

Yesterday we followed a path down to the lake. 15 Countryside

Yesterday we .... to the mountains.

Yesterday we took a trip to the mountains. 9 Everyday verbs 3

Yoga has the p... to t... the way we feel, [make a positive change]

Yoga has the power to transform the way we feel, [make a positive change] 48 Change

You are good at k... s... and never b... a g....

You are good at keeping secrets and never bear a grudge. 17 People: character and behaviour

You are g... c... but you may have a s... s... .

You are good company' but you may have a selfish streak . 17 People: character and behaviour

You are h... i... with a r...-s... mind.

You are highly intelligent with a razor-sharp mind. 17 People: character and behaviour

You can also say you g... to aerobics/judo/yoga/karate - this means that you g... to a class in this sport.

You can also say you go to aerobics/judo/yoga/karate — this means that you go to a class in this sport. 26 Sport

You can be b... h... and sometimes h... others' f....

You can be brutally honest and sometimes hurt others' feelings. 17 People: character and behaviour

You can c... some m... at the airport.

You can change some money at the airport. 37 Money

You can .... by investing etc., not just by working The company .... last year. .... +... a p...., m....

You can make money by investing etc., not just by working The company made a profit last year. make +... a profit, money 11 Synonyms and confusable words 2

You can paint your walls using either m... paint or g... paint.

You can paint your walls using either matt paint or gloss paint. 44 Texture

You can ... or ... a (football) match / game (of football).

You can play or have a (football) match / game (of football). 26 Sport

You can quickly go from the hustle and bustle of the town to the t.../p... c..., [formal]

You can quickly go from the hustle and bustle of the town to the tranquil/peaceful countryside, [formal] 15 Countryside

You can t... out/b... six l... books at one time.

You can take out/borrow six library books at one time. 24 Films and books

You can wander for miles along the g... s....

You can wander for miles along the golden sands. 15 Countryside

You cannot expect your claim to be accepted if you cannot o... supporting e....

You cannot expect your claim to be accepted if you cannot offer supporting evidence. 32 Academic writing 1: giving opinions

You d... a p... on the b... for such excellent marks! [you deserve praise]

You deserve a pat on the back for such excellent marks! [you deserve praise] 60 Praising and criticisin

You do g..., j..., w..., a..., y..., w..., c... training, a..., a...

You do gymnastics, judo, weightlifting, aerobics, yoga, wrestling, circuit training, archery, athletics 26 Sport

You ... or ... sport. (NOT make sport)

You do or play sport. (NOT make sport) 26 Sport

You .... by working for it. I .... $21 10 a month .... + a s...., m....

You earn money by working for it. I earn $21 10 a month earn+ a salary, money 11 Synonyms and confusable words 2

You exchange m... (from one currency to another), exchange a... (when people give each other details of where they live), exchange i... (when people share their thoughts about something).

You exchange money (from one currency to another), exchange addresses (when people give each other details of where they live), exchange ideas (when people share their thoughts about something). 48 Change

You find it hard to k... your t... if you think someone is m... a f... out of you

You find it hard to keep your temper if you think someone is making a fool out of you 17 People: character and behaviour

You go f..., s..., Z, c..., k..., surfing, s..., h...-g...,c..., h... w..., s..., j..., s...

You go fishing, skiing, bowling, cycling, kateboarding, surfing, nowboarding, hang-gliding,climbing, hill walking, sailing, jogging, swimming 26 Sport

You go into a d... h..., down a c... c... and into this really c... r....

You go into a draughty hall, down a chilly corridor and into this really cramped room. 22 Houses, flats and rooms

You have a strong s... of r... and always k... your w...

You have a strong sense of responsibility and always keep your word 17 People: character and behaviour

You h... a t... to make s... d...

You have a tendency to make snap decisions 17 People: character and behaviour

You h... a v... i..., but you tend to l... your t... too easily.

You have a vivid imagination, but you tend to lose your temper too easily. 17 People: character and behaviour

You have an o... p... and a g... s... of h....

You have an outgoing personality and a good sense of humour. 17 People: character and behaviour

You may r... a book/film that you enjoyed to a friend.

You may recommend a book/film that you enjoyed to a friend. 24 Films and books

You must .... to traffic from the left

You must give way to traffic from the left 2 Finding, recording and learning collocations

You must .... to the teacher.

You must pay attention to the teacher. 9 Everyday verbs 3

You play g...,b..., b..., h..., Z, r..., Z, (table) t..., c..., baseball, c..., d..., Z, Z

You play games,badminton, billiards, hockey, bowls, rugby, golf, (table) tennis, cricket, baseball, chess, darts, cards, dominoes 26 Sport

You s... h... s... for yourself and are f... l... to your friends

You set high standards for yourself and are fiercely loyal to your friends 17 People: character and behaviour

You will need a very good lawyer if you are going to have any hope of w... your c....

You will need a very good lawyer if you are going to have any hope of winning your case. 34 Law an punishment

You .... but .... /.... ..... .... is more formal than .... He .... in the tennis final. .... /.... +... a t...., an o....

You win a match but beat/defeat an opponent. Defeat is more formal than beat He defeated his opponent in the tennis final. beat/defeat+... a team, an opponent 11 Synonyms and confusable words 2

You'll be sorry b... t... for speaking to me like that! [informal: extremely]

You'll be sorry big time for speaking to me like that! [informal: extremely] 40 Time

You'll love the s... b..., [without many people]

You'll love the secluded beaches, [without many people] 15 Countryside

You'll need to .... warm .... when you go to Alaska. (NOT carry )

You'll need to take warm clothes when you go to Alaska. (NOT carry ) 11 Synonyms and confusable words 2

You'll soon find something else, so ...., that's my advice!

You'll soon find something else, so take action, that's my advice! 9 Everyday verbs 3

You're already c... to the I.... Do you want to s... e-m...

You're already connected to the Internet. Do you want to send e-mail 28 Computers

You're lucky to h... a c..., a lot of people stay at home because they h... no o....

You're lucky to have a choice, a lot of people stay at home because they have no option. 57 Deciding and choosing

You've probably heard that the management have t... the d... to close the Madrid office.

You've probably heard that the management have taken the decision to close the Madrid office. 57 Deciding and choosing

I will never forget the s... e... of listening to the children singing. We get g... e... out of our little cottage in the mountains.

enjoyment I will never forget the sheer enjoyment of listening to the children singing. We get great enjoyment out of our little cottage in the mountains. 59 Liking and disliking

I'd prefer not to e... into an a... over the war in Collocania.

enter into an argument I'd prefer not to enter into an argument over the war in Collocania 55 Agreeing and disagreeing

People who make e... noise after 10 p.m. are very antisocial.

excessive noise (used uncountably) People who make excessive noise after 10 p.m. are very antisocial. 41 Sound

Bill is always travelling to f...-o.../f...-f... places, [distant]

far-off/far-flung places Bill is always travelling to far-off/far-flung places, [distant] 42 Distance and size

The f... train to London only takes 45 minutes. I don't like driving in the f... lane on the motorway.

fast car, train, lane, computer, pace The fast train to London only takes 45 minutes. I don't like driving in the fast lane on the motorway. 47 Movement and speed

f.... food

fast food 1 What is a collocation?

get/become+ a.../ b.../ e.../ d.../ u.../ i.../ v...

get/become+ angry, bored, excited, depressed, upset, impatient, violent 8 Everyday verbs 2

I g... a... with your v... that crime and poverty are linked.

go along with an idea / a view I go along with your view that crime and poverty are linked. 55 Agreeing and disagreeing

The big old iron door made a g... n... as it opened.

grating noise/ sound The big old iron door made a grating noise as it opened. 41 Sound

I could hear his h... Z coming down the corridor.

heavy/light steps Heavy can suggest either that the person walking is large or that they are sad, angry or tired. I could hear his heavy steps coming down the corridor. 50 Ways of walking

it's a long o... j... from the capital to get there

it's a long overnight journey from the capital to get there 14 Travel

.... to/ .... to the rules

keep to/ stick to the rules 1 What is a collocation?

I have a p... l... for quiet, relaxing music. She had a g... l... for her cousins.

liking I have a particular liking for quiet, relaxing music. She had a genuine liking for her cousins 59 Liking and disliking

Suddenly there was a l... / an a... bang, the lights went out and smoked poured from the back of the TV set.

loud/almighty bang, explosion Suddenly there was a loud / an almighty bang, the lights went out and smoked poured from the back of the TV set. 41 Sound

His g... love of nature can be seen in his paintings. Her p... love of the sea inspired her to sail round the world.

love His great love of nature can be seen in his paintings. Her passionate love of the sea inspired her to sail round the world. 59 Liking and disliking

As we talked to the factory owner, the machines h.../w... in the background.

machine hum/whirr As we talked to the factory owner, the machines hummed/whirred in the background. 41 Sound

We could hear the m... sound of music from the flat above us.

muffled sound We could hear the muffled sound of music from the flat above us. 41 Sound

Loud music was blaring out of the radio in the kitchen.

music/radio blare (out) Loud music was blaring out of the radio in the kitchen. 41 Sound

my mother had j...-b... h... when she was younger, before she w... g...

my mother had jet-black hair when she was younger, before she went grey 18 People: physical appearance

Many people who work here actually live in n... t....

neighbouring town/ country/area Many people who work here actually live in neighbouring towns. 42 Distance and size

51 is an o... number - 50 is an e... number

odd/even numbers 51 is an odd number - 50 is an even number 46 Number and frequency

on my father's side some have f... h... and some have g... h....

on my father's side some have fair hair and some have ginger hair. 18 People: physical appearance

It's been a g... p... meeting you. I hope we meet again. It was such a h... p... to be able to relax and do nothing for a week.

pleasure It's been a great pleasure meeting you. I hope we meet again. It was such a huge pleasure to be able to relax and do nothing for a week. 59 Liking and disliking

When asked, many people expressed a c... Z for organic food. I've always had a s... p... for short stories rather than novels.

preference When asked, many people expressed a clear preference for organic food. I've always had a strong preference for short stories rather than novels. 59 Liking and disliking

My comments p... the opposite e... to what I intended. His research has not yet p... any r..., but we must wait.

produce + results and effects My comments produced the opposite effect to what I intended. His research has not yet produced any results, but we must wait 53 Talking about cause and effect

P... payment of bills is a good idea. I was happy that my letter received such a p... reply.

prompt payment, reply, response Prompt payment of bills is a good idea. I was happy that my letter received such a prompt reply. 47 Movement and speed

We had a q... glance at the menu and went in. 1 think I'll have a q... shower before going out.

quick look, glance, answer, decision, shower, lunch We had a quick glance at the menu and went in. I think I'll have a quick shower before going out. 47 Movement and speed

There has been a r... decline in the number of sea-birds visiting the island each year. The builders made r... progress with the new stadium.

rapid growth, decline, change, progress, increase, movement There has been a rapid decline in the number of sea-birds visiting the island each year. The builders made rapid progress with the new stadium. 47 Movement and speed

I could hear r... laughter coming from the party next door.

raucous laughter I could hear raucous laughter coming from the party next door. 41 Sound

I have always had the g... r... for her. She has the h... r... for her teacher.

regard [formal] I have always had the greatest regard for her. She has the highest regard for her teacher. 59 Liking and disliking

Ann r... all Joe's s... about how to decorate their flat.

reject an idea / a suggestion Ann rejected all Joe's suggestions about how to decorate their flat. 58 Claiming and denying

I couldn't sleep with the constant r... of the traffic outside my window.

roar of traffic I couldn't sleep with the constant roar of the traffic outside my window. 41 Sound

The research findings r... c... to popular belief.

run contrary to The research findings run contrary to popular belief. 58 Claiming and denying

I can s... your p...; I've never thought of it in that way before.

see someone's point [understand their opinion] I can see your point; I've never thought of it in that way before. 55 Agreeing and disagreeing

The management and the union have finally s... their p... d.... I'm sure we can s... our d... without damaging our friendship.

settle a dispute / your differences The management and the union have finally settled their pay dispute. I'm sure we can settle our differences without damaging our friendship. 55 Agreeing and disagreeing

I s... your o... that sport is over-commercialised.

share an opinion / a view I share your opinion that sport is over-commercialised. 55 Agreeing and disagreeing

This pencil is b... — I can't work unless I have a good s... pencil.

sharp pencil/knife blunt pencil/knife This pencil's blunt — I can't work unless 1 have a good sharp pencil 44 Texture

s...-l... a... available near university and studio flats

short-let accommodation aavailable near university and studio flats 22 Houses, flats and rooms

Your article on c... c... was excellent.

Your article on climate change was excellent. 39 Global problems

Your attitude to work may change a bit as time g... b... / as time p....

Your attitude to work may change a bit as time goes by / as time passes. 40 Time

Your boss t... the w... of you. He's always s... your p... to me. [informal]

Your boss thinks the world of you. He's always singing your praises to me. [informal] 60 Praising and criticisin

[announcement by a cabin attendant] Ladies and gentlemen, we'll shortly be landing at Dublin Airport. Please f... your s....

[announcement by a cabin attendant] Ladies and gentlemen, we'll shortly be landing at Dublin Airport. Please fasten your seatbelts. 14 Travel

Marie has such a s... voice. I can't listen to her for long.

shrill voice, laugh Marie has such a shrill voice. I can't listen to her for long. 41 Sound

smoking is .... forbidden is more natural than smoking is strongly forbidden

smoking is strictly forbidden is more natural than smoking is strongly forbidden 1 What is a collocation?

The outward flight was very b.... I hope the return flight is s....

smooth road/flight bumpy road/flight The outward flight was very bumpy. I hope the return flight is smoother 44 Texture

Use this cream and the r... skin on your hands will soon become s...

smooth skin/surface/complexion rough skin/surface/complexion Use this cream and the rough skin on your hands will soon become smooth 44 Texture

I hope the sea will be s... today - I hate r... seas.

smooth water/sea choppy or rough water/ sea I hope the sea will be smooth today - I hate rough seas. 44 Texture

I'd much rather sleep with a f... pillow than a very s... pillow.

soft pillow/bed/ground hard or firm pillow/bed/ ground I'd much rather sleep with a firm pillow than a very soft pillow. 44 Texture

The hotel is a c... d... from the beach, [quite a long way]

a considerable/long/short distance from The hotel is a considerable distance from the beach, [quite a long way] 42 Distance and size

Actors fear him because he is such an o... critic....

a critic + harsh, outspoken [critic who says exactly what s/he thinks] Actors fear him because he is such an outspoken critic. 60 Praising and criticisin

There's been a recent d... in the n... of boys joining the army.

a decline/drop in the number of Drop is more informal than decline. There's been a recent decline in the number of boys joining the army. 46 Number and frequency

We can go for a l... s... around the park later.

a leisurely/gentle stroll Go for a stroll is more common in speech than take a stroll. We can go for a leisurely stroll around the park later. 50 Ways of walking

The announcement s... off r.../d... in the cities. His wife's absence s... off r... in the media.

spark off + sudden, often negative, events The announcement sparked off riots/demonstrations in the cities. His wife's absence sparked off rumours in the media 53 Talking about cause and effect

She made a s... recovery after her operation. The new web pages provide s... access to airline and train timetables for 52 countries.

speedy recovery, conclusion, response, access She made a speedy recovery after her operation. The new web pages provide speedy access to airline and train timetables for 52 countries. 47 Movement and speed

The PM s... d... claims of corruption made against him.

strongly deny The PM strongly denied claims of corruption made against him. 58 Claiming and denying

Local residents s... o... to the development plans.

strongly, strenuously [with a lot of effort] + object to Local residents strenuously objected to the development plans. 60 Praising and criticisin

I strongly disapprove of smoking.

strongly, thoroughly+ disapprove of I strongly disapprove of smoking. 60 Praising and criticisin

suffer / sustain [formal] (m.../m.../s.../h...) injuries The driver sustained serious head injuries in the crash.

suffer / sustain [formal] (major/minor/serious/head) injuries The driver sustained serious head injuries in the crash. 27 Health and illness

suffer from a..., h... f..., b... She has s... from a... all her life.

suffer from asthma, hay fewer, backache She has suffered from asthma all her life. 27 Health and illness

The government took s... action to change the law. This is an extremely urgent matter. I hope you will be able to give us a s... response.

swift action, response, reaction, recovery The government took swift action to change the law. This is an extremely urgent matter. I hope you will be able to give us a swift response. 47 Movement and speed

I t... to a... that parents often blame teachers for problems which start within the family.

tend to agree/disagree I tend to agree that parents often blame teachers for problems which start within the family. 55 Agreeing and disagreeing

It's deliciously t... meat - how did you cook it My steak is always t....

tender meat tough meat It's deliciously tender meat - how did you cook it My steak is always tough 44 Texture

a sharp b.... /t....

a sharp bend/turn 2 Finding, recording and learning collocations

a sharp c.... /d.... /d....

a sharp contrast/difference/distinction 2 Finding, recording and learning collocations

a sharp p....

a sharp pain 2 Finding, recording and learning collocations

a sharp r.... /i.... /d....

a sharp rise/increase/drop 2 Finding, recording and learning collocations

The standard u... of c... in most EU countries is the euro.

a unit of currency/ measurement We also talk about a unit of electricity, unit of length. The standard unit of currency in most EU countries is the euro. 46 Number and frequency

I e... a... with you on the question of nuclear waste.

agree + entirely/ wholeheartedly I entirely agree with you on the question of nuclear waste. 55 Agreeing and disagreeing

I a... up to a p..., but I also think there are other important factors.

agree + partly/up to a point I agree up to a point, but I also think there are other important factors. 55 Agreeing and disagreeing

I don't think we will ever agree with each other. We'll just have to a... to d....

agree to differ [agree to have different opinions] I don't think we will ever agree with each other. We'll just have to agree to differ. 55 Agreeing and disagreeing

alternatives to do a course i decided to e... on / t... a course in computer programming.

alternatives to do a course i decided to enroll on / take a course in computer programming. 29 Study and learning

alternatives to do a degree/diploma She s... for / t... a degree in engineering.

alternatives to do a degree/diploma She studied for / took a degree in engineering. 29 Study and learning

alternatives to do a lecture/talk Professor Parkinson g... a l... on the American Civil War.

alternatives to do a lecture/talk Professor Parkinson gave a lecture on the American Civil War. 29 Study and learning

alternatives to do a subject (e.g. law) i s.../t... history and economics in high school.

alternatives to do a subject (e.g. law) i studied/took history and economics in high school. 29 Study and learning

alternatives to do an essay/assignment All students have to w... an e.../a... at the end of term.

alternatives to do an essay/assignment All students have to write an essay/assignment at the end of term. 29 Study and learning

alternatives to do an exam i have to s.../t... an exam in biology at the end of term.

alternatives to do an exam i have to sit/take an exam in biology at the end of term. 29 Study and learning

alternatives to do research, do a research project Our class c... out / c... a r... project into the history of our school.

alternatives to do research, do a research project Our class carried out / conducted a research project into the history of our school. 29 Study and learning

alternatives to get a degree/diploma He o... / w... a... a diploma in Town Planning in 1998.

alternatives to get a degree/diploma He obtained / was awarded a diploma in Town Planning in 1998. 29 Study and learning

alternatives to get a grade Her essay r... / w... g... an A-grade.

alternatives to get a grade Her essay received / was given an A-grade. 29 Study and learning

alternatives to get a qualification You will need to o.../a... a q... in social work.

alternatives to get a qualification You will need to obtain/acquire a qualification in social work. 29 Study and learning

alternatives to get an education The country is poor; only 27% of children r... a basic e....

alternatives to get an education The country is poor; only 27% of children receive a basic education. 29 Study and learning

It's an e... w... into town from here.

an easy / a gentle walk Gentle walk suggests going slowly; easy walk suggests it's neither long nor difficult It's an easy walk into town from here. 50 Ways of walking

The i... in the n... of homeless people is worrying.

an increase/rise in the number of Rise is slightly more informal than increase. The increase in the number of homeless people is worrying. 46 Number and frequency

I a... your p... of v..., but I still think you are overstating the problem.

appreciate someone's point of view I appreciate your point of view, but I still think you are overstating the problem. 55 Agreeing and disagreeing

I've never seen a member of the royal family at such c... r... before. [so near]

at close range I've never seen a member of the royal family at such close range before. [so near] 42 Distance and size

His book has a... a lot of c.../i.... The charity appeal a... s... from a wide range of people.

attract + reactions from people His book has attracted a lot of criticism/interest. The charity appeal attracted support from a wide range of people 53 Talking about cause and effect

He has always had a h... a... to hard work of any kind. Most people have a s... a... to excessive violence on TV.

aversion He has always had a huge aversion to hard work of any kind. Most people have a strong aversion to excessive violence on TV. 59 Liking and disliking

When you work in a big office you get used to constant b... noise.

background noise When you work in a big office you get used to constant background noise. 41 Sound

be diagnosed with (l.../b...) c..., A..., l..., a... He was diagnosed with l... c... and died a year later.

be diagnosed with (lung/breast) cancer, AIDS, leukaemia, autism He was diagnosed with lung cancer and died a year later. 27 Health and illness

We a... in c... a... over the question of drug abuse in athletics.

be in (complete) agreement We are in complete agreement over the question of drug abuse in athletics. 55 Agreeing and disagreeing

best wishes to the h... c...

best wishes to the happy couple 21 Feelings and emotions

Over the last few years the birth r... has been f....

birth rate rises/falls A rate can also drop or decline as well as fall. Over the last few years the birth rate has been falling. 46 Number and frequency

carries a feeling of deep sadness; used slightly more in writing than in conversation ...+ d.../d... /r.../ c.../ r.../ c.../ c... /w...

bitterly+ disappointing/disappointed /resent/ criticize/ regret/ complain/ cry /weep 6 Intensifying adverbs

The discovery of X-rays b... about a r.../ t... in medical science. The events b... about the d.../c... of the government

bring about + positive and negative changes The discovery of X-rays brought about a revolution/ transformation in medical science. The events brought about the downfall/collapse of the government 53 Talking about cause and effect

We had a b... walk before lunch. She does everything with b... efficiency.

brisk walk, pace, business, efficiency We had a brisk walk before lunch. She does everything with brisk efficiency. 47 Movement and speed

catch a c..., the f..., a c..., p... I got soaking wet and c... a c....

catch a cold, the flu, a chill, pneumonia I got soaking wet and caught a cold. 27 Health and illness

The storm caused c... / h... / a lot of d.... Her remarks caused a.../c.... Her son's behaviour caused her great a... / a lot of e....

cause + negative events, situations and feelings The storm caused chaos / havoc / a lot of damage. Her remarks caused alarm/concern. Her son's behaviour caused her great anxiety / a lot of embarrassment 53 Talking about cause and effect

Jack is going to c... jobs next year so they'll have to m... house and the children will have to c... schools.

change jobs/schools/ doctors, but move house NOT change house Jack is going to change jobs next year so they'll have to move house and the children will have to change schools. 48 Change

Would you like to c... p.../s... with me — then you can sit next to your friend.

change places/seats Would you like to change places/seats with me — then you can sit next to your friend. 48 Change

It's your turn to c... the b... - there's a packet of nappies upstairs.

change the baby It's your turn to change the baby - there's a packet of nappies upstairs. 48 Change

I'll get some clean sheets and we'll c... the b....

change the beds I'll get some clean sheets and we'll change the beds. 48 Change

Whenever Fiona talks about marriage. Bill c... the s....

change the subject Whenever Fiona talks about marriage. Bill changes the subject. 48 Change

Do you want to c... your c... before we go out

change your clothes Do you want to change your clothes before we go out 48 Change

Harry is planning to study law at university but he may c... his m....

change your mind Harry is planning to study law at university but he may change his mind. 48 Change

collocations with career: to w.../r... someone's career to e... on a career at the h.../p... of your career to h... a career in(medicine) h... career l...... a p... career to s... a career a career t... off [a career starts to become very successful] a b... career to c... the career l...

collocations with career: to wreck/ruin someone's career to embark on a career at the height/peak of your career to have career in(medicine) her career lasted... a promising career to start a career a career takes off [a career starts to become very successful] a brilliant career to climb the career ladder 30 Work

collocations with job: a h...- p... job to a... for a job a f... job to o... s... a job a p... job a s... job a d... job

collocations with job: a high- powered job to apply for a job a fulfilling job to offer someone a job a permanent job a steady job a demanding job 30 Work

collocations with work: to s... work to c... out work to c... work to w... c... with a... to s... work to t... on work

collocations with work: to supervise work to carry out work to complete work to work closely with available to start work to take on work 30 Work

We disagree over what to do, but I'm sure we can c... to /r... a c....

come to / reach a compromise We disagree over what to do, but I'm sure we can come to / reach a compromise 55 Agreeing and disagreeing

If we add up all the figures it c... to a t... of 794.

come to a total of A calculation comes to a total of x; the person calculating arrives at a total of x. If we add up all the figures it comes to a total of 794. 46 Number and frequency

The politician was s... c... for his dishonesty.

condemn + severely The politician was severely condemned for his dishonesty. 60 Praising and criticisin

c... market r...

conduct market research 31 Business

contract [formal] a d..., m..., t... Uncle Jess c... m... while he was working in Africa.

contract [formal] a disease, malaria, typhoid Uncle Jess contracted malaria while he was working in Africa. 27 Health and illness

C... e... made it hard for the jury to reach a verdict

contradictory evidence/advice Contradictory evidence made it hard for the jury to reach a verdict 58 Claiming and denying

On our cycling tour we managed to c... (a d... of) about 40 kilometres a day.

cover/travel (a distance of) x kilometres On our cycling tour we managed to cover (a distance of) about 40 kilometres a day. 42 Distance and size

His book helped c... a... of inner-city poverty. Your presence on the committee is c... p... for all of us.

create + positive and negative situations and feelings His book helped create awareness of inner-city poverty. Your presence on the committee is creating problems for all of us 53 Talking about cause and effect

The writer is s... c... of our political system.

critical + highly and sharply The writer is sharply critical of our political system. 60 Praising and criticisin

He was r... c... for his rudeness.

criticise+ roundly [thoroughly], fiercely, bitterly He was roundly criticised for his rudeness. 60 Praising and criticisin

The play came in for some h... c....

criticism + harsh [strong], constant, constructive [useful] The play came in for some harsh criticism. 60 Praising and criticisin

We heard the e...-s.../d... sound/noise of three huge military aircraft passing low over our heads.

deafening/ ear-splitting sound,/noise (used as a countable noun) We heard the ear-splitting/deafening sound/noise of three huge military aircraft passing low over our heads. 41 Sound

The pop star has d... all the r... about her marriage.

deny a rumour / an allegation The pop star has denied all the rumours about her marriage. 58 Claiming and denying

Despite the evidence against him, the accused d... the c....

deny charges / an accusation Despite the evidence against him, the accused denied the charges. 58 Claiming and denying

develop [formal] (l.../b...) cancer, d..., A..., a..., A... d... My grandfather d... A... disease and could no longer remember things or recognise people.

develop [formal] (lung/breast) cancer, diabetes, AIDS, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease My grandfather developed Alzheimer's disease and could no longer remember things or recognise people. 27 Health and illness

D... e... / have a... between the unions and the management over how to solve the problem.

differences arise/exist Differences exist / have arisen between the unions and the management over how to solve the problem 55 Agreeing and disagreeing

The two philosophers d... f... over the effect of the environment on behaviour.

disagree + fundamentally/ totaJly/strongly The two philosophers disagreed fundamentally over the effect of the environment on behaviour. 55 Agreeing and disagreeing

The hotel d... all r... for guests' vehicles.

disclaim responsibility The hotel disclaims all responsibility for guests' vehicles. 58 Claiming and denying

I have an i... d... of rock music that is played too loud. She t... an i... d... to Mr Peabody, but she did not know why.

dislike I have an intense dislike of rock music that is played too loud. She took an instant dislike to Mr Peabody, but she did not know why. 59 Liking and disliking

You need to wash g... h... more often than you need to wash d... h....

dry hair greasy hair You need to wash greasy hair more often than you need to wash dry hair. 44 Texture

This cream is good for d... s... — that one would be better for o... skin.

dry skin oily skin This cream is good for dry skin — that one would be better for oily skin. 44 Texture

The heavy box fell off the shelf on to the carpet with a d... t....

dull thud The heavy box fell off the shelf on to the carpet with a dull thud. 41 Sound

She p... her w... cautiously along the icy pavement.

to pick your way cautiously = walked carefully across a dangerous or difficult area She picked her way cautiously along the icy pavement. 50 Ways of walking

to .... [get money to put into a business]

to raise capital [get money to put into a business] 5 Register

to .... a business

to start up a business 5 Register

The president s... c... across the room.

to stride angrily/ confidently/ purposefully We can also say also took confident/ angry/purposeful strides. Striding suggests large steps. The president strode confidently across the room. 50 Ways of walking

to .... [present a document offering to do a job and stating the price]

to submit a tender [present a document offering to do a job and stating the price] 5 Register

The nurse w... b... over to the bed.

to walk briskly/ swiftly Use these adverbs sometimes instead of quickly. The nurse walked briskly over to the bed. 50 Ways of walking

I didn't know what to do so I just w... a... around town all morning.

to wander aimlessly Both wander and aimlessly suggest having no particular purpose. I didn't know what to do so I just wandered aimlessly around town all morning. 50 Ways of walking

we can also say b... an e... = build an extra room or two onto an existing house

we can also say build an extension = build an extra room or two onto an existing house 22 Houses, flats and rooms

The country's aggressive behaviour has earned u... c....

wholesale, universal [both mean by (almost) everyone] + condemnation The country's aggressive behaviour has earned universal condemnation. 60 Praising and criticisin

with love and best wishes on this h... o...

with love and best wishes on, this happy occasion 21 Feelings and emotions

We have to live w... c... distance of my husband's office. [where it is possible to travel to work every day]

within commuting/ walking distance We have to live within commuting distance of my husband's office. [where it is possible to travel to work every day] 42 Distance and size

•You ... activities. (NOT make or practise activities)

•You do activities. (NOT make or practise activities) 26 Sport

•You ... exercises. (NOT make exercises)

•You do exercises. (NOT make exercises) 26 Sport

•You .../... a game of cards. (NOT make a game)

•You have/play a game of cards. (NOT make a game) 26 Sport

•You ... computer or other games. (NOT do games)

•You play computer or other games. (NOT de games) 26 Sport

. If someone's face.... or their eyes ...., they show that they suddenly feel happy

. If someone's face lights up or their eyes light up, they show that they suddenly feel happy 12 Metaphor

1 hope we'll have time to ... after the meeting.

1 hope we'll have time to have a chat after the meeting. 9 Everyday verbs 3

: I don't .... to that kind of secret information

: I don't have access to that kind of secret information 2 Finding, recording and learning collocations

A Chinese/ Mexican/French m... is what you eat in a restaurant. When referring in general to the food of a country or culture we say Chinese/Mexican/French f.../c.../c....

A Chinese/ Mexican/French meal is what you eat in a restaurant. When referring in general to the food of a country or culture we say Chinese/Mexican/French food/cooking/cuisine. 23 Eating and drinking

A c... b... is a man who seems to have no intention of ever marrying.

A confirmed bachelor is a man who seems to have no intention of ever marrying. 19 Families

A c... of o... within the National Olympic Association is threatening to delay the building of a new stadium.

A conflict of opinion within the National Olympic Association is threatening to delay the building of a new stadium. 55 Agreeing and disagreeing

A couple of his friends, though, were killed or t... p....

A couple of his friends, though, were killed or taken prisoner. 38 War and peace

A couple of major companies in the area w... out of b... last month, [stopped doing business]

A couple of major companies in the area went out of business last month, [stopped doing business] 52 Talking about success and failure

A couple of weeks later, we realised that we wanted to m... a c... to each other and, when Anton asked me to marry him, I immediately a... his p....

A couple of weeks later, we realised that we wanted to make a commitment to each other and, when Anton asked me to marry him, I immediately accepted his proposal. 20 Relationships

A dramatic story like that will m... h... world-wide.

A dramatic story like that will make headlines world-wide. 36 News

A friend of mine m... an interesting o... the other day: she said I always a... people too p... and I a... too p... if I do something wrong.

A friend of mine made an interesting observation the other day: she said I always address people too politely and I apologise too profusely if I do something wrong. 49 Ways of speaking

A government minister is today f... a... of taking bribes. There have been h... h... about this for some time.

A government minister is today facing accusations of taking bribes. There have been heavy hints about this for some time. 58 Claiming and denying

A .... de...., a .... di.... or a .... c.... is one in which people disagree in an angry way with each other.

A heated debate, a heated discussion or a heated conversation is one in which people disagree in an angry way with each other. 12 Metaphor

A hot bath may help to ....

A hot bath may help to relieve the pain 3 Using your dictionary

A l... y... was standing at the street corner, [tall and thin and tending to move awkwardly!

A lanky youth was standing at the street corner, [tall and thin and tending to move awkwardly! 18 People: physical appearance

A l... d... published in today's Moon, however, m... a number of serious a..., which openly accuse the Minister of corruption.

A leaked document published in today's Moon, however, makes a number of serious allegations, which openly accuse the Minister of corruption. 58 Claiming and denying

A little further on we r... a b... and St John's Abbey c... into v....

A little further on we rounded a bend and St John's Abbey came into view. 15 Countryside

A new l... has been i.../p... forbidding the use of mobile phones while driving.

A new law has been introduced/passed forbidding the use of mobile phones while driving. 34 Law an punishment

A n... f... is just parents and children.

A nuclear family is just parents and children. 19 Families

A number of b... were d..., roofs were t... off and fences were b... down.

A number of buildings were destroyed, roofs were torn off and fences were blown down. 13 Weather

A number of p... a... during the journey. (NOT appeared)

A number of problems arose during the journey. (NOT appeared) 48 Change

A person can give a s..., a l..., a l... cry, a c... of p.../s.../a..., a g..., a g....

A person can give a sigh, a laugh, a loud cry, a cry of pain/surprise/alarm, a gasp, a groan. 41 Sound

A person may s... his/her disapproval or e... his/her disapproval and this is often done by g... a l... of disapproval or w... a f... of disapproval.

A person may show his/her disapproval or express his/her disapproval and this is often done by giving a look of disapproval or with a frown of disapproval. 60 Praising and criticisin

A person's e...-h.../e...-w... is a man/woman that she/he used to be married to.

A person's ex-husband/ex-wife is a man/woman that she/he used to be married to. 19 Families

A person, animal or thing can make a s.../c.../r.../c... sound.

A person, animal or thing can make a scratching/clicking/rustling/crackling sound. 41 Sound

A p... g... answered the door, [fat and round; usually used of middle-aged and older men)

A portly gentleman answered the door, [fat and round; usually used of middle-aged and older men) 18 People: physical appearance

A r... of s... fell on his face and woke him up.

A ray of sunlight fell on his face and woke him up. 43 Colour and light

A short, d... w... was selling flowers at a stall on the street corner, [short and quite fat woman; used more often of women than of men]

A short, dumpy woman was selling flowers at a stall on the street corner, [short and quite fat woman; used more often of women than of men] 18 People: physical appearance

A terrible e... h... the region last year. The d... t... was massive.

A terrible earthquake hit the region last year. The death toll was massive. 39 Global problems

A... B... MAKE BEST LANGUAGE LEARNERS Research shows that a... b... have a better chance of learning a language well than those who start with some knowledge.

ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS MAKE BEST LANGUAGE LEARNERS Research shows that absolute beginners have a better chance of learning a language well than those who start with some knowledge. 51 Starting and finishing

AIRLINE .... [reduces prices drastically]

AIRLINE SLASHES PRICES [reduces prices drastically] 5 Register

"""If someone b... into your h..., s... your car, or r... you in the street, then of course you feel society has let you down."

"""If someone breaks into your house, steals your car, or robs you in the street, then of course you feel society has let you down." 35 Crime

"""The c... f... are the worst since 1995."

"""The crime figures are the worst since 1995." 35 Crime

A beautiful b... s... for miles along the coast.

A beautiful beach stretches for miles along the coast. 15 Countryside

A year ago he .... /.... .... k.

A year ago he had/suffered a heart attack. 8 Everyday verbs 2

As the ...., I began to relax

As the pain subsided, I began to relax 3 Using your dictionary

From my room I look out over the s... c....

From my room I look out over the surrounding countryside. 15 Countryside

I love b... colours.

I love bright colours. 43 Colour and light

I was .....

I was going crazy. 8 Everyday verbs 2

In 1998, Lucas Georgescu published the results of his g... r... on genetics.

In 1998, Lucas Georgescu published the results of his groundbreaking research on genetics. 32 Academic writing 1: giving opinions

In June, I ...., James.

In June, I had a baby, James. 8 Everyday verbs 2

In accidents, wars, etc., things get d... and people get i...: Their car was slightly d... but luckily no one was i....

In accidents, wars, etc., things get damaged and people get injured: Their car was slightly damaged but luckily no one was injured. 27 Health and illness

It was a cold morning and I could not .... [..., NOT begin, is used for engines and vehicles.

It was a cold morning and I could not start my car. [Start, NOT begin, is used for engines and vehicles. 10 Synonyms and confusable words 1

It was certainly l... at f... s....

It was certainly love at first sight. 20 Relationships

It was fascinating to see the winning goal again in s... m....

It was fascinating to see the winning goal again in slow motion. 47 Movement and speed

It was only when he left school that he began to r... into p....

It was only when he left school that he began to run into problems. 50 Ways of walking

It was p... d... when she left the house, but by the time she arrived at the beach, the f... g... of dawn was visible on the horizon.The sky was t... with g....

It was pitch dark when she left the house, but by the time she arrived at the beach, the faint glow of dawn was visible on the horizon.The sky was tinged with gold. 43 Colour and light

It's a big old f...-s... house.

It's a big old four-storey house. 22 Houses, flats and rooms

It's a film about the .... of parenthood

It's a film about the pains and pleasures of parenthood 3 Using your dictionary

It's a m... of o... whether men are better drivers than women

It's a matter of opinion whether men are better drivers than women 56 Talking about beliefs and opinions

It's a s... i..., but probably not l...-t....

It's a serious illness, but probably not life-threatening. 27 Health and illness

It's very different from the f... l... I see from the windows at home.

It's very different from the familiar landscape I see from the windows at home. 15 Countryside

Jack always did very well at school. He w... every e... he ever went in for.

Jack always did very well at school. He walked every exam he ever went in for. 50 Ways of walking

Jack s... up a f... with a girl he met on holiday. = start a friendship

Jack struck up a friendship with a girl he met on holiday. = start a friendship 20 Relationships

Jack was an e... w... [informal: in a bad emotional state] after his girlfriend finished with him.

Jack was an emotional wreck [informal: in a bad emotional state] after his girlfriend finished with him. 21 Feelings and emotions

Jack's failure to support her has certainly r... his t... c....

Jack's failure to support her has certainly revealed his true character. 17 People: character and behaviour

James King, in particular, g... an o... p....

James King, in particular, gave an outstanding performance. 60 Praising and criticisin

Players may t... an o... to try to t... p... of the ball.

Players may tackle an opponent to try to take possession of the ball. 26 Sport

Soraya i... e... a b....

Soraya is expecting a baby. 19 Families

The aim is to s... a g....

The aim is to score a goal. 26 Sport

The .... in the 1990s, [the economy was very strong]

The economy boomed in the 1990s, [the economy was very strong] 4 Types of collocation

The e... f... can be a nightmare.

The exhaust fumes can be a nightmare. 16 Towns and cities

The trial starts today but the witnesses will be a... in c... tomorrow.

The trial starts today but the witnesses will be appearing in court tomorrow. 34 Law an punishment

There is m... [growing] a... over the new tax, along with w... c... of it [a lot of people in many different places have condemned it].

There is mounting [growing] anger over the new tax, along with widespread condemnation of it [a lot of people in many different places have condemned it]. 21 Feelings and emotions

There's t.... c...., though, and It certainly l.... l.... rain.

There's thick cloud, though, and It certainly looks like rain. 13 Weather

This is a rock symphony, an extraordinary p... of m....

This is a rock symphony, an extraordinary piece of music. 25 Music

V... must be f... within three weeks.

Vacancy must be filled within three weeks. 30 Work

We say i... f.../c..., NOT worldwide f.../c....

We say international food/cuisine, NOT world wide food/cuisine. 23 Eating and drinking

You should r... your l... b... tomorrow.

You should return your library book tomorrow. 24 Films and books

f.... cars

fast cars 1 What is a collocation?

she's always i... g...

she's always immaculately groomed 18 People: physical appearance

•You... skiing. (NOT make skiing)

•You go skiing. (NOT make skiing) 26 Sport

We should not make a h... decision; we may regret it later. He made a h... exit when he saw his wife enter the room.

hasty decision, exit, conclusion, words We should not make a hasty decision; we may regret it later. He made a hasty exit when he saw his wife enter the room. 47 Movement and speed

She had a deep hatred of politicians, especially corrupt ones. The deep-rooted hatred between the two tribes led to a bloody civil war.

hatred She had a deep hatred of politicians, especially corrupt ones. The deep-rooted hatred between the two tribes led to a bloody civil war. 59 Liking and disliking

have an attack of b..., a..., h... f..., d... She had an a... of h... f... and was sneezing non-stop.

have an attack of bronchitis, asthma, hay fever, diarrhoea She had an attack of hay fever and was sneezing non-stop. 27 Health and illness

Every parent feels a .... of .... when their child does well or wins something.

Every parent feels a sense of pride when their child does well or wins something. 4 Types of collocation

.... the habit of .... a note of any good collocations you .... in any English text you read

Get into the habit of making a note of any good collocations you come across in any English text you read 2 Finding, recording and learning collocations

He is emaciated and ....

He is emaciated and racked with pain 3 Using your dictionary

He's been suffering various .... for years

He's been suffering various aches and pains for years 3 Using your dictionary

Highly is used with some probability words. With the exception of highly ... it usually combines with very positive words.Extremely can also be used with all the opposite adjectives except .... highly+ (un) .... /u.... /s.... /c.... /p.... /e.... /con.... /r....

Highly is used with some probability words. With the exception of highly controversial it usually combines with very positive words.Extremely can also be used with all the opposite adjectives except recommended highly+ (un)likely/unusual/successful/competitive /profitable/effective/controversial/recommended 6 Intensifying adverbs

I am .... that there are serious problems. [I know well]

I am fully aware that there are serious problems. [I know well] 4 Types of collocation

I'm .... in this lesson

I'm bored stiff in this lesson 5 Register

I'm glad it's you who has to ..., not me.

I'm glad it's you who has to make the decision, not me. 7 Everyday verbs 1

I've got to ... before dinner.

I've got to make some phone calls before dinner. 7 Everyday verbs 1

It is ... that I'll finish my work on time.

It is highly unlikely that I'll finish my work on time. 6 Intensifying adverbs

It was .... cold and .... dark.

It was bitterly cold and pitch dark. 1 What is a collocation?

Jill's ... behaviour began to worry her parents.

Jill's highly unusual behaviour began to worry her parents. 6 Intensifying adverbs

Jim .... me a very useful .... of advice

Jim gave me a very useful piece of advice 2 Finding, recording and learning collocations

Joe is really ... with his maths this term.

Joe is really making an effort with his maths this term. 7 Everyday verbs 1

Passengers must not .... whilst it is in motion. (get off the bus)

Passengers must not alight from the bus whilst it is in motion. (get off the bus) 5 Register

Please dispose of unwanted items in the ....

Please dispose of unwanted items in the receptacle provided 5 Register

Please tell me if I'm .... your way

Please tell me if I'm getting in your way 2 Finding, recording and learning collocations

Repainting the room has really ....

Repainting the room has really made an improvement. 7 Everyday verbs 1

She ... useful ... the discussion.

She made a useful contribution to the discussion. 7 Everyday verbs 1

She pulled steadily on the rope and helped him to safety, [pulled firmly and evenly)

She pulled steadily on the rope and helped him to safety, [pulled firmly and evenly) 4 Types of collocation

She .... as she looked at the photos of her new grandson.

She smiled proudly as she looked at the photos of her new grandson. 4 Types of collocation

She was in .... pain

She was in constant pain 3 Using your dictionary

The Internet has .... for our business, [brought new opportunities]

The Internet has created opportunities for our business, [brought new opportunities] 4 Types of collocation

The .... and now has branches in most major cities.

The company has expanded and now has branches in most major cities. 4 Types of collocation

The .... and now employs 50 more people than last year.

The company has grown and now employs 50 more people than last year. 4 Types of collocation

The company .... in 2002. [introduced the product]

The company launched the product in 2002. [introduced the product] 4 Types of collocation

The restaurant was .... I don't think we'll go there again.

The restaurant was ridiculously expensive. I don't think we'll go there again. 6 Intensifying adverbs

There are some .... monuments nearby. (NOT antique monuments)

There are some ancient monuments nearby. (NOT antique monuments) 1 What is a collocation?

They are .....

They are happily married. 4 Types of collocation

This car has a very .... engine

This car has a very powerful engine 1 What is a collocation?

.... will be .... [people who go onto someone's land or enter their building without permission will be taken to court]

Trespassers will be prosecuted [people who go onto someone's land or enter their building without permission will be taken to court] 5 Register

We had a .... about the exams but didn't have time to discuss them properly.

We had a brief chat about the exams but didn't have time to discuss them properly. 4 Types of collocation

When you look up a new word .... in several different collocations

When you look up a new word make a point of noting it down in several different collocations 2 Finding, recording and learning collocations

Would anyone like to ... on the talk

Would anyone like to make any comments on the talk 7 Everyday verbs 1

You .... a haircut

You badly need a haircut 5 Register

a q.... glance

a quick glance 1 What is a collocation?

a q.... meal

a quick meal 1 What is a collocation?

collocates mainly with words associated with feelings; used slightly more in writing than in conversation ...+ a.../c.../s.../c.../m.../a.../...(of feelings)/r.../c.../r.../ u...

deeply+ ashamed/ concerned/ shocked/ committed/ moved/ affected /hurt (of feelings) /regret /care/ religious/ unhappy 6 Intensifying adverbs

.... is an idiom meaning 'to pass responsibility for a problem to another person to avoid dealing with it oneself

pass the buck is an idiom meaning 'to pass responsibility for a problem to another person to avoid dealing with it oneself 1 What is a collocation?

poverty .... crime

poverty breeds crime 1 What is a collocation?

suggests something extreme, which seems unbelievable or unreasonable ...+ c.../ e.../ e.../ l.../ h... /l.../ s.../ s.../ l.../ e.../

ridiculously+ cheap/ expensive/ easy/ low/ high /long/ short/ small/ large/ early/ 6 Intensifying adverbs

collocates with verbs, particularly verbs that relate to having an opinion ...+ o.../ i.../ b.../ d... /r.../ s... /c.../ s.../ f... /a... /o...

strongly+ oppose/ influence/ believe/ deny /recommend/ support /condemn/ suggest/ feel /argue /object 6 Intensifying adverbs

s.... meal

substantial meal 1 What is a collocation?

to .... with someone [agree to start or run a business with someone]

to go into partnership with someone [agree to start or run a business with someone] 5 Register

Absolutely and (slightly more formal) utterly combine with adjectives with very extreme meanings where we can't use very. For example, we say absolutely / utterly ..., not very ..., whereas we say very tired, but not absolutely or utterly tired. Often, but not always, these words have negative connotations.<div>  Absolutely/ utterly+ r.../ s.../ i.../ w... /al.../ ap.../c... /d... /m...</div>

Absolutely and (slightly more formal) utterly combine with adjectives with very extreme meanings where we can't use very. For example, we say absolutely / utterly exhausted, not very exhausted, whereas we say very tired, but not absolutely or utterly tired. Often, but not always, these words have negative connotations <div>Absolutely/ utterly+ ridiculous/ stupid/ impossible/ wrong /alone/ appalled/convinced /devastated /miserable</div> 6 Intensifying adverbs

collocation Edu

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