Advanced English Collocations in Use | Unit 4

Cambridge C2 Proficiency

Find at least three collocations for the given word.

cast (as verb with the basic meaning of throw)

• cast a stone

• cast a net

• cast a line (fishing)

• cast a glance (figurative “throw a look”)

• cast doubt (figurative “throw doubt onto something”)

• cast aspersions (criticise someone harshly)

• cast a light

• cast a shadow

• cast suspicion

• cast a / your vote

• cast a spell

Find at least three collocations for the given word.

application

• submit an application

• process an application

• reject an application

• file an application

• complete an application

• a letter of application

• to send off an application (send by post)

• to fill in an application form

• the application of research

• to have a particular application to (be especially relevant/useful for)

Find at least three collocations for the given word.

utter (as adjective)

• utter nonsense

• utter silence

• utter chaos

• utter disbelief

• utter failure

• utter confusion

• utter rubbish

• utter waste of time

• utter bliss

utter = complete

Find at least three collocations for the given word.

absolutely

• absolutely essential

• absolutely impossible

• absolutely convinced

• absolutely delighted

• absolutely clear

• absolutelu nothing

• absolutely loathe (hate)

• absolutely adore

Find at least three collocations for the given word.

release (as verb)

• release a statement

• release a report

• release a film / album / product

• release pressure

• release data

• release a prisoner

• release the handbrake

• release gases

Rewrite the bold part of each sentence using the word in brackets. Use a dictionary to help you.

His opponent made critical and damaging remarks about his honesty. (ASPERSIONS)

His opponent cast aspersions on his honesty.

Rewrite the bold part of each sentence using the word in brackets. Use a dictionary to help you.

The point you're making is quite unrelated to our topic. (RELEVANCE)

The point you're making is has no relevance for/to our topic. (RELEVANCE)

Rewrite the bold part of each sentence using the word in brackets. Use a dictionary to help you.

The speaker praised Janice's contribution to the project. (TRIBUTE)

The speaker paid tribute to Janice's contribution to the project.

Rewrite the bold part of each sentence using the word in brackets. Use a dictionary to help you.

As soon as she got home Kay started working. (SET)

As soon as she got home Kay set to work.

Rewrite the bold part of each sentence using the word in brackets. Use a dictionary to help you.

His rudeness made us all fall silent. (RENDERED)

His rudeness rendered us all speechless.

Rewrite the bold part of each sentence using the word in brackets. Use a dictionary to help you.

It is uncertain how many workers will be affected by the changes. (INDETERMINATE)

An underteminate number of workers will be affected by the changes. (INDETERMINATE)

Rewrite the bold part of each sentence using the word in brackets. Use a dictionary to help you.

The marketing campaign was better than we had expected. (EXCEEDED)

The marketing campaign exceeded (all) our (wildest) expectations.

Rewrite the bold part of each sentence using the word in brackets. Use a dictionary to help you.

I'm slightly unsure about these sales figures. (NIGGLING)

I have some niggling doubts about these sales figures.

Give the definitions to the phrase. Identify whether it is a collocation or not.

cast a groan

let out a deep sound of pain or annoyance

(not a collocation as it is not frequent)

Give the definitions to the phrase. Identify whether it is a collocation or not.

cast a concert

stream a digital concert from a device to a larger screen

(not a collocation as it is not frequent)

Give the definitions to the phrase. Identify whether it is a collocation or not.

cast a play

select actors for roles

(it is a collocation)

Give the definitions to the phrase. Identify whether it is a collocation or not.

cast a smile

to smile in a particular direction, often griefly as a greeting, e.g. “She cast a welcoming smile in his direction.”

(It is a collocation.)

Which word do the following word collocate with?

aspersions

cast aspersions on/upon

It would be wrong of me to cast aspersions on the validity of the methodology; that is not the point.

Which word do the following words collocate with?

age, number, (prison) terms, prices

• indeterminate (adjective) /ˌɪn.dɪˈtɜː.mɪ.nət/

• not measured, counted, or clearly known:

• indeterminate number An indeterminate number of workers have already been exposed to the danger.

• indeterminate age a man of indeterminate age

Which word do the following words collocate with?

doubt, problem, fear, comment, criticism

niggling (adjective /ˈnɪɡ.əl.ɪŋ/

1. worrying someone slightly or causing them slight pain, usually for a long time:

• a niggling doubt/fear

• He has a niggling hip injury, which has troubled him on and off over the past year.

2. criticizing someone about small details or giving too much attention to details:

• a niggling comment/criticism

• She had to know every niggling detail.

Which word do the following words collocate with?

pay, receive, floral, special

tribute (noun) /ˈtrɪb.juːt/

something that you say, write, or give that shows your respect and admiration for someone, especially on a formal occasion:

The minister paid tribute to the men who had fought the blaze.

floral tribute Floral tributes (= flowers given to show respect for someone who has died) piled up at the scene of the accident.

There was a special tribute to Arthur Ashe by leading tennis players.

The king also often received tributes and offerings at these occasions.