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Collocations and Fixed Phrases

62 questions

All types62Multiple choice32Fill in the blank30
Question 1Question →

Although the senior parliamentarian held strong personal reservations regarding the proposed constitutional amendment, party leaders made it clear that he was expected to _____ the line during the final vote. Which of the following words correctly completes the fixed expression in the sentence?

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Answer: toe

Answer

The correct option is 'toe', forming the established idiomatic expression 'toe the line'.
The idiom 'toe the line' is a well-established fixed expression in English meaning to conform to rules, policies, or expectations set by an authority or group. In political and parliamentary contexts, 'toeing the party line' specifically refers to voting in alignment with official party policy.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and identify the required idiomatic phrase
The context requires a fixed expression that means conforming to official expectations or party discipline despite personal disagreement.
English possesses specific fixed collocational structures that convey precise idiomatic meanings.
2
Evaluate the options against standard British/International English idiomatic conventions
The correct idiom is historically derived from standing with one's feet along a line ('toe the line').
'Tow' is a common homophone misspelling, 'tread' alters the idiom, and 'follow' is a semantic substitution that breaks the fixed phrase.

Key Concept

Collocations and Fixed Idiomatic Expressions
Estimated Time:45s
Question 2Question →

After several hours of discussion, the committee members were able to _____ a compromise on the proposed budget. Which of the following words best completes the sentence to form a standard English collocation?

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Answer: reach

Answer

The word 'reach' is the correct choice because it forms the established standard English collocation 'reach a compromise'.
In standard English, the verb 'reach' is the conventional collocational partner for the noun 'compromise' when describing arriving at an agreement.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target noun in the sentence.
The target noun is 'compromise'.
English collocational norms dictate specific verbs that pair idiomatically with particular nouns.
2
Select the standard English verb that naturally pairs with 'compromise'.
'Reach' is the correct verb, forming the fixed expression 'reach a compromise'.
'Reach' accurately conveys arriving at a mutual agreement after discussion.

Key Concept

Verb-Noun Collocations
Question 3Question →

The chief analyst remarked that the recent empirical findings failed to _____ credence to the board's optimistic market projections. Which of the following words correctly completes the fixed English collocation in the sentence?

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Answer: lend

Answer

The word that correctly completes the sentence to form a standard fixed collocation is 'lend'.
In standard English grammar and lexis, the verb 'lend' uniquely combines with 'credence to' to form the established collocation 'lend credence to', meaning to make a theory, claim, or report seem more credible or believable.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the noun phrase that requires a collocating verb.
The target phrase is '_____ credence to'.
In English lexis, certain nouns require specific verbs to express particular idiomatic meanings.
2
Evaluate the verbs against standard formal English usage.
The verb 'lend' forms the standard fixed collocation 'lend credence to'.
While 'give' or 'yield' share semantic overlap, only 'lend' creates the conventional formal phrase meaning to support the credibility of something.

Key Concept

Fixed Verb-Noun Collocations
Question 4Question →

During the tripartite negotiations, the trade union representatives resolved to _______ horns with the corporate management over proposed reductions in employee healthcare benefits. Which verb correctly completes the fixed idiomatic expression in this sentence?

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Answer: lock

Answer

The correct verb is 'lock', forming the fixed phrase 'lock horns with'.
The idiomatic expression 'lock horns with' is a standard English fixed phrase meaning to enter into a battle, argument, or disagreement with someone. In the context of trade union and management negotiations, 'lock' is the only verb that naturally forms this specific fixed collocation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target fixed phrase context
The sentence describes two opposing sides entering into a direct dispute or argument over benefits.
Recognizing the semantic context helps isolate the specific idiomatic expression required.
2
Select the verb that conventionally collocates with 'horns with'
'Lock' is the established verb that pairs with 'horns' in English to mean engaging in conflict.
Fixed phrases and idioms rely on arbitrary, institutionalized word pairings that cannot be substituted with near-synonyms.

Key Concept

Fixed Verb-Noun Collocations and Idioms
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 5Question →

The newly discovered archaeological evidence served to _______ credence to the historian's longstanding theory regarding ancient trans-Saharan trade routes. Which verb correctly completes the fixed collocation in the sentence?

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Answer: lend

Answer

The correct verb is 'lend', forming the fixed collocation 'lend credence to'.
The correct phrase is 'lend credence to'. In standard English, the noun 'credence' specifically pairs with the verb 'lend' when expressing that new evidence or facts make an idea, statement, or theory more believable.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target noun phrase and prepositions in the sentence structure.
The target phrase is '_______ credence to'.
Recognizing the head noun ('credence') helps isolate the specific fixed verb-noun collocation required by standard English usage.
2
Evaluate standard idiomatic verb pairings for 'credence to'.
'lend credence to' is the recognized formal collocation meaning to make something plausible or trustworthy.
English collocations rely on fixed lexical pairings that cannot be substituted with near-synonyms without creating unidiomatic expressions.

Key Concept

Fixed Verb-Noun Collocations
Question 6Question →

Complete the sentence by filling in the blank with the appropriate word to complete the fixed English collocation.

Fill in the blanks below

By secretly securing exclusive distribution rights before rival firms had even submitted their proposals, the logistics company managed to a march on the entire regional market.
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Answer

steal
The verb 'steal' correctly completes the fixed English expression 'to steal a march on', which means to gain an advantage over competitors by acting secretly or before they are prepared.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target idiom/collocation in the sentence context.
The phrase '_ a march on' signifies gaining an unexpected advantage over competitors by acting before them.
Standard English fixed expressions require specific verbs that cannot be substituted with near-synonyms.
2
Select the verb that correctly pairs with 'a march on'.
The correct verb is 'steal', completing the idiom 'to steal a march on'.
'Steal a march on' is an established idiomatic expression originating from military tactics.

Key Concept

Fixed Idiomatic Collocations
Question 7Question →

Which of the options best completes the sentence below?

The school principal urged all students to _____ attention to the newly published examination timetable.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: pay

Answer

pay
The word 'pay' forms a fixed, standard English collocation with 'attention' (to pay attention), which means to listen to or direct one's mind toward something.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the noun in the target blank
The target noun phrase is '_____ attention to'.
English lexis relies on specific conventional verb-noun combinations.
2
Select the natural verb collocation
The established fixed collocation is 'pay attention'.
'Pay' is the standard verb that pairs naturally with 'attention' to express directing one's mental focus.

Key Concept

Fixed Verb-Noun Collocations
Question 8Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the word that forms a natural, standard English collocation.

Fill in the blanks below

Before making an important life decision, it is advisable to advice from an experienced mentor.
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Answer

The correct verb to fill the blank is 'seek' (or 'take' / 'obtain'). In standard English, one 'seeks advice' from someone.
In standard English usage, the verb 'seek' forms a classic collocation with 'advice' (to seek advice). Synonymous natural expressions include 'take advice' or 'get advice'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the key noun following the target gap.
The target noun is 'advice'.
Collocations require choosing a verb that pairs naturally with the specific noun.
2
Select the standard verb that collocate appropriately with 'advice'.
The verb 'seek' naturally pairs with 'advice' to mean asking for or searching for guidance.
Verbs like 'make' or 'demand' create unnatural pairings or alter the intended formal meaning.

Key Concept

Verb-Noun Collocations
Question 9Question →

In the sentence, 'The committee chairman reminded all delegates that personal grievances should not interfere with public policy, urging them to _____ this principle throughout the meeting,' which fixed phrase correctly fills the blank?

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Answer: bear in mind

Answer

The correct phrase to complete the sentence is 'bear in mind'.
The fixed phrase 'bear in mind' is the standard, idiomatically correct expression in English meaning to remember or take something into account.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the required meaning in the sentence context.
The sentence requires a fixed expression that means 'to remember or keep under consideration'.
The chairman is asking delegates to keep a principle in their thoughts during discussions.
2
Evaluate the options against standard British English collocational usage.
'Bear in mind' is the established standard expression, whereas 'keep in head', 'hold in thought', and 'carry in memory' are unidiomatic word combinations.
Fixed phrases rely on conventionalized word pairings that cannot be substituted with literal synonyms.

Key Concept

Collocations and Fixed Phrases
Question 10Question →

Which preposition correctly completes the sentence below to form a standard English fixed phrase?

Fill in the blanks below

The armed robbery occurred broad daylight, shocking the entire neighborhood.
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Answer

The correct preposition to fill the blank is 'in', forming the standard fixed phrase 'in broad daylight'.
The expression 'in broad daylight' is a well-established fixed phrase in Standard English meaning during the daytime when things are clearly visible. 'In' is the only preposition that naturally collocates with 'broad daylight'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target fixed phrase in the sentence context.
The sentence requires an idiom meaning during the daytime when actions are clearly visible.
The noun phrase 'broad daylight' forms a rigid, conventional prepositional collocation in Standard English.
2
Select the pre-established preposition that collocates with 'broad daylight'.
The preposition 'in' is selected.
'In broad daylight' is a fixed idiom; substituting other prepositions like 'at', 'on', or 'under' creates an unnatural collocation.

Key Concept

Collocations and Fixed Phrases
Question 11Question →

The minister decided to _____ a visit to the newly renovated community hospital. Which of the following options correctly completes the sentence to form a standard English collocation?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: pay

Answer

The word 'pay' is the correct choice to complete the fixed expression 'pay a visit'.
The verb 'pay' naturally collocates with the noun phrase 'a visit' in standard English usage to form the fixed phrase 'pay a visit'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target noun phrase following the blank.
The target noun phrase is 'a visit'.
Collocations depend on specific word combinations established by standard usage.
2
Select the verb that naturally pairs with 'a visit' in standard British English.
'pay' is the established verb that collocates with 'a visit'.
Phrases like 'pay a visit', 'pay attention', and 'pay respects' are fixed verb-noun collocations.

Key Concept

Verb-Noun Collocations
Question 12Question →

Fill in the blank with the word that correctly completes the standard English fixed phrase in the sentence below.

Fill in the blanks below

The annual financial audit was conducted in with the established accounting regulations.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word that correctly completes the fixed phrase is 'accordance'.
The noun 'accordance' forms the fixed prepositional phrase 'in accordance with', which is standard English for conforming to established laws, rules, or standards.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the structure of the prepositional phrase surrounding the blank.
The frame consists of 'in' before the blank and 'with' after the blank.
Fixed prepositional expressions follow strict structural pairings in standard English.
2
Select the noun that completes the fixed phrase meaning 'in agreement or conformity with established rules'.
The word 'accordance' fits precisely to form 'in accordance with'.
'In accordance with' is the standard, recognized idiomatic fixed phrase used when following official guidelines or regulations.

Key Concept

Fixed Prepositional Phrases and Collocations
Question 13Question →

The managing director emphasized during the emergency briefing that safety protocols must _____ all other operational targets until the system audit is complete.

Which of the following options correctly completes the sentence to form a standard English fixed collocation?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: take precedence over

Answer

The phrase 'take precedence over' correctly completes the sentence to mean that safety protocols take priority over all other considerations.
The idiomatic expression 'take precedence over' is a fixed collocation in English meaning to have higher priority or importance than another matter. The verb 'take', the noun 'precedence', and the preposition 'over' form the only standard combination for this context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the semantic context of the sentence
The context calls for an expression meaning 'to be more important than or have priority over' operational targets.
Understanding context determines the intended meaning of the required collocation.
2
Evaluate standard verb-noun-preposition collocations in English
The established idiom for having greater importance than another thing is 'take precedence over'.
English fixed phrases rely on specific, conventional pairings of verbs, nouns, and prepositions.

Key Concept

Fixed Verb-Noun-Preposition Collocations
Estimated Time:50s
Question 14Question →

During the international trade summit, the ambassador was advised to exercise utmost caution so as not to ________ aspersions on the host nation's judicial integrity. Which of the following verbs correctly completes the fixed collocation in the sentence?

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Answer: cast

Answer

The verb 'cast' correctly completes the fixed expression 'to cast aspersions on', which means to criticize or attack someone's character or integrity.
The correct verb 'cast' combines with 'aspersions on' to form a well-established fixed collocation in formal English meaning to make derogatory remarks about someone's character or conduct.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target fixed phrase in the sentence structure.
The target phrase is '________ aspersions on'.
English lexis relies on restricted collocations where specific nouns require dedicated verbs to maintain standard idiomatic meaning.
2
Evaluate the verb options against established British English collocations.
'Cast' is the unique, standard verb that pairs with 'aspersions'. Verbs like 'pass', 'heap', and 'draw' pair with other nouns ('judgment', 'scorn', 'criticism') but are ungrammatical in this specific fixed collocation.
Collocations are institutionalized word combinations that cannot be substituted with near-synonyms without creating unnatural phrasing.

Key Concept

Restricted Verb-Noun Collocations and Fixed Phrasal Expressions
Question 15Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the appropriate word to form a standard English fixed expression.

Fill in the blanks below

During the court proceedings, the defense attorney argued that the prosecutor was merely attempting to cast on the integrity of the primary witness.
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Answer

The word that correctly completes the fixed phrase is 'aspersions', forming the standard collocation 'cast aspersions on'.
In standard formal English, the fixed phrase 'cast aspersions on' is used to express making critical, damaging, or defamatory remarks about someone's character or integrity. The noun 'aspersions' naturally collocates with the verb 'cast' and preposition 'on'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence frame and identify the target verb-noun-preposition collocation structure.
The sentence requires a noun to complete the fixed expression 'to cast _____ on someone/something'.
English lexis relies on fixed pairings where specific verbs combine with designated nouns and prepositions to convey precise meanings.
2
Select the conventional lexical pairing that fits the context of attacking someone's character or reputation.
The standard fixed idiom is 'cast aspersions on', which means to make derogatory remarks or attack someone's character.
Alternative noun choices such as 'doubts', 'blame', or 'slurs' do not form the standard, formal fixed phrase required in formal register and standard English assessments.

Key Concept

Collocations and Fixed Phrases
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 16Question →

The university senate decided to ________ exception to the auditor's unannounced inspection of the departmental accounts. Which of the following options best completes the sentence to form an idiomatically correct expression?

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Answer: take

Answer

The correct option is 'take', completing the fixed phrase 'take exception to'.
The verb 'take' combines with 'exception to' to form the recognized English fixed expression 'take exception to', which means to object strongly to or express offense at something.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context to determine the required meaning.
The sentence describes an action of expressing formal disapproval or objection toward an unannounced inspection.
Establishing contextual meaning helps determine which idiomatic collocation is required.
2
Match the noun 'exception' and preposition 'to' with its standard collocating verb.
The established fixed idiom meaning to object to or take offense at something is 'take exception to'.
Fixed phrases in Standard English require exact verb-noun combinations that cannot be substituted with semantic near-synonyms.

Key Concept

Fixed Verb-Noun Expressions ('take exception to')
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 17Question →

Following the unexpected delay of the flight, the airline manager stepped forward to _______ an unreserved apology to the stranded passengers. Which of the following words correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: tender

Answer

The word 'tender' correctly completes the sentence to form the fixed formal collocation 'tender an apology'.
The correct option 'tender' naturally collocates with 'an apology' in standard formal English when expressing an official offer of regret.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and formal register
The context involves an official statement by an airline manager addressing stranded passengers, requiring formal vocabulary.
Word choice in English lexis depends heavily on the appropriate level of formality and register.
2
Identify the target noun requiring a collocating verb
The target phrase is '_______ an unreserved apology'.
Certain nouns pair exclusively with specific verbs to express formal offering.
3
Select the correct collocating verb
'tender' is the standard verb paired with 'an apology' or 'resignation' in formal English.
'Tender an apology' is a fixed collocation in British and standard formal English usage.

Key Concept

Formal Verb-Noun Collocations
Estimated Time:45s
Question 18Question →

Which word correctly completes the sentence below to form a standard English collocation?

Fill in the blanks below

The severe macroeconomic instability threatens to havoc on the nation's fragile manufacturing sector.
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Answer

The correct verb to complete the collocation is 'wreak', forming the fixed phrase 'wreak havoc on'.
In standard English, the fixed expression meaning to cause great damage, chaos, or confusion is 'to wreak havoc on'. The verb 'wreak' is uniquely collocated with 'havoc' in this formal context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and identify the target noun 'havoc' followed by the preposition 'on'.
Recognize that the sentence requires a verb that combines with 'havoc on' to convey causing widespread destruction or chaos.
English lexis relies on established verb-noun collocations to express specific idiomatic meanings.
2
Select the verb that conventionally pairs with 'havoc'.
Identify 'wreak' as the correct collocate, yielding 'wreak havoc on'.
'Wreak' is the standard, idiomatically correct verb used in formal British and international English with 'havoc'.

Key Concept

Collocations and Fixed Phrases
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 19Question →

Which word correctly completes the fixed idiomatic expression in the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

During the union negotiations, the delegates refused to give short to the workers' safety demands.
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Answer

The word required to complete the sentence is 'shrift'.
The noun 'shrift' correctly forms the fixed idiomatic phrase 'give short shrift to', which means to dismiss quickly or give very little attention or sympathy to a matter.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context and structure of the sentence to determine the required idiomatic unit.
The context describes a situation where union delegates refuse to dismiss or give light attention to safety demands.
The surrounding phrase 'give short _____ to' indicates a specific standard English fixed expression.
2
Identify the precise lexical item that completes the fixed phrase.
The noun 'shrift' completes the idiom 'give short shrrift to'.
In standard British English, 'give short shrift to' is an established fixed phrase meaning to accord little time, consideration, or sympathy to something.

Key Concept

Fixed Phrases and Collocations
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 20Question →

The newly appointed chief compliance officer warned that any subsidiary company operating without proper environmental certification would fall ________ of the law and face severe statutory penalties. Which of the following words correctly completes the fixed expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: foul

Answer

The correct option is the word 'foul', completing the fixed expression 'fall foul of'.
The expression 'fall foul of' is an established English fixed phrase meaning to collide with, violate, or come into conflict with a regulation, law, or authority. The word 'foul' is the only valid component that completes this collocation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context to determine the required meaning.
The sentence describes a business entity coming into conflict with or breaching legal regulations.
English collocations and fixed phrases rely on established word combinations to convey specific meanings.
2
Identify the standard British English idiom that fits the structure 'fall ______ of the law'.
The correct fixed phrase is 'fall foul of'.
In standard English usage, 'fall foul of' uniquely means to commit an offense against or get into trouble with an authority or legal framework.

Key Concept

Fixed Prepositional Idioms and Verb-Adjective Collocations
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