collocations and idioms
Match the verbs (1-10) with the collocates (a-j).
1 conduct i the news / your feelings
2 terminate g strike action / the use of troops
3 rule out j a major deal / an envelope
4 suppress f focus groups / an experiment
5 seal a a contract / a project
1 f 2 a 3 g 4 i 5 j
Choose the correct option.
1 He’s been accused of / for / by threatening to kill his ex-boss.
2 They raised over $1 million in start-up funds, many of which / most of which / the extent to which has been spent on day-to-day running costs.
1 of 2 most of which
Complete the sentences. Use the word in brackets to form a word that fits in the space.
2 We need to__________our range if we’re going to survive. (diverse)
2 diversify
Match the verbs (1-10) with the collocates (a-j).
6 lobby с your target / your expectations
7 up d your offer / your stake in the firm
8 exceed e the government / your MP
9 make b jobs / production by 50%
10 slash h serious cutbacks / staff redundant
6 e 7 d 8 c 9 h 10 b
Choose the correct option.
5 He insisted to go / on going / going back and apologising to everyone.
6 He’s a person for who / for whom / for which / whom I have the greatest respect.
5 on going 6 for whom
Complete the sentences. Use the word in brackets to form a word that fits in the space.
5 We’re quite optimistic about the sales ______ for the coming year. (project)
6 I left when they decided to ________ to a small town in a desperate bid to cut costs. (location)
5 projections 6 relocate
Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between three and five words, including the word given.
1 It took me ages to get over the fact that he forgot our anniversary.
It was a long time before I was ready to __________ our anniversary. FORGIVE
1 forgive him for forgetting
Choose the correct option.
3 We can grab a coffee on / in / en route to the airport.
4 I spoke to my boss and she suggested to apply / me to apply / applying for funding.
3 en 4 applying
Complete the sentences. Use the word in brackets to form a word that fits in the space.
1 Sales have increased ___________ this quarter, which is great news for all concerned. (four)
3 The board needs to decide whether or not to recommend the bid to the ___________. (share)
4 They called off the strike after winning major ___________ from their employers. (concede)
1 fourfold 3 shareholders 4 concessions
Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between three and five words, including the word given.
4 A takeover bid is a distinct possibility and may well be the best way out.
We’ve reached ___________ a takeover may be the best solution to our current problems. POINT
5 It’s my own fault. I should’ve noticed what was going on much earlier.
To be honest, I ___________ what was going on earlier. BLAME
4 the point where
5 blame myself for not noticing
Complete the sentences with a preposition in each space.
1 Sales have doubled this year, but we did start ___________ a very low base! 2 We’ve been inundated ___________ orders since we launched the campaign.
1 from 2 with
Complete the text with one word in each space. The first letters are given.
Last year was our best ever. We saw a significant 1 up__________ in sales and decided to 2 t___________ о__________ new people. Then when the recession started, we thought we’d be able to 3 w__________ the storm, but we’ve really had to 4 sc__________ b__________ since the start of the year.
1 upturn 2 take on 3 weather 4 scale back
Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between three and five words, including the word given.
2 Other people’s situations often seem more attractive than our own.
_________ on the other side. GRASS
3 It’s best not to expect too much. You may end up disappointed.
You know what they say - __________ ! CHICKENS
6 Ice was kept in caves and covered with wood. This ensured a supply for months to come.
People stored ice in caves and covered it with wood, __________ a steady supply. MEANS
2 The grass is always greener
3 don’t count your chickens
6 by which means they had
Complete the sentences with a preposition in each space.
3 I can’t believe it! He’s been cleared _______ charges.
4 We’ve basically found a gap _______ the market and we aim to fill it!
5 We’ve pulled out of the project _______ concerns for our workers’ safety.
6 The club has barred over 100 fans ______ a major crackdown ________ hooliganism.
3 of 4 in 5 over 6 in, on
Complete the text with one word in each space. The first letters are given.
We may even need to start 5 l___________people о___________ if things don't 6 p______ u______ soon. As things stand, though, we're just about 7 h________ i_______, which is an achievement in itself when others have already 8 g_______ u_______. We’re lucky in that we have a 9 fairly s______ client base, which ensures a steady 10 ca_______ f________. If we can just 11 co_________ our range of products and maybe think about 12 pi_______ for one or two new contracts, we’ll be fine.
5 laying, off 6 pick up 7 hanging in 8 gone under 9 solid 10 cash flow 11 consolidate 12 pitching