This lesson practises 30 C2 collocations on Communication & Conversation. Collocations are fixed word pairings that native speakers expect — Cambridge examiners test them in Use of English Part 1 and reward precise lexis in Writing. Run through the interactive drills first, then open this glossary to revise every item in the set. For question-by-question feedback, use Review mode after you finish the session.
rumour flies around
A rumour flies around the office after the unexpected announcement.
gain respect
In an interview, the interviewer will gain respect.
soft whisper
At an interview, the conversation featured the soft whisper.
dodge the question about the missing funds
The minister tried to dodge the question about the missing funds.
keep a promise
In an interview, the interviewer will keep a promise.
carry on a conversation
In an interview, the interviewer will carry on a conversation.
rash promise
At an interview, the conversation featured the rash promise.
give a full apology
In an interview, the interviewer will give a full apology.
spread a rumour
In an interview, the interviewer will spread a rumour.
empty promise
At an interview, the conversation featured the empty promise.
hold a conversation
In an interview, the interviewer will hold a conversation.
raise a concern
In an interview, the interviewer will raise a concern.
make a persuasive argument
In an interview, the interviewer will make a persuasive argument.
talk a lot of sense
In an interview, the interviewer will talk a lot of sense.
tough question
At an interview, the conversation featured the tough question.
drop the subject
The interviewer agreed to drop the subject after the guest became uncomfortable.
give a straight answer
In an interview, the interviewer will give a straight answer.
lose an argument
In an interview, the interviewer will lose an argument.
juicy gossip
At an interview, the conversation featured the juicy gossip.
strictly speaking
Strictly speaking, the rule applies only to registered members.
foul language
At an interview, the conversation featured the foul language.
exchange news
In an interview, the interviewer will exchange news.
reveal secrets
In an interview, the interviewer will reveal secrets.
break a promise
In an interview, the interviewer will break a promise.
strong language
At an interview, the conversation featured the strong language.
frame a question
In an interview, the interviewer will frame a question.
speak properly
In an interview, the interviewer will speak properly.
opening remarks
At an interview, the conversation featured the opening remarks.
get a message across
In an interview, the interviewer will get a message across.
keep up a foreign language
In an interview, the interviewer will keep up a foreign language.