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
By listening more than he spoke, the new chair began to gain respect from the committee.
soft whisper
From behind the curtain came a soft whisper that silenced the audience.
dodge the question
The minister tried to dodge the question about the missing funds.
keep a promise
She wanted to keep a promise to call her parents as soon as she arrived.
carry on a conversation
Despite initial awkwardness, they could carry on a conversation throughout the long train journey.
rash promise
His rash promise to finish the project overnight soon created problems.
give a full apology
The company issued a statement to give a full apology for losing customer data.
spread a rumour
Someone tried to spread a rumour that the presenter had resigned.
empty promise
The minister's assurance proved to be an empty promise when no funds arrived.
hold a conversation
The interpreter helped the two visitors hold a conversation despite speaking different languages.
raise a concern
Several residents are expected to raise a concern about the lack of evening buses.
make a persuasive argument
The union representative sought to make a persuasive argument for protecting flexible work.
talk a lot of sense
The analyst can talk a lot of sense about why the plan needs more testing.
tough question
The interviewer saved one tough question for the end of the programme.
drop the subject
The interviewer agreed to drop the subject after the guest became uncomfortable.
give a straight answer
The spokesperson finally agreed to give a straight answer about the delay.
lose an argument
Nobody enjoys having to lose an argument in public, but she accepted the evidence gracefully.
juicy gossip
The celebrity magazine was full of juicy gossip about the award ceremony.
strictly speaking
Strictly speaking, the rule applies only to registered members.
foul language
The teacher intervened when a student used foul language during the debate.
exchange news
The two editors met each month to exchange news about upcoming publications.
reveal secrets
A trusted colleague would never reveal secrets shared in confidence.
break a promise
The candidate could break a promise by missing the Friday deadline.
strong language
The editor asked staff to avoid strong language in the public response.
frame a question
The journalist tried to frame a question that invited a detailed answer.
speak properly
In formal negotiations, it is important to speak properly and avoid slang.
opening remarks
In her opening remarks, the chair thanked the volunteers.
get a message across
The charity used simple infographics to get a message across to younger donors.
keep up a foreign language
To keep up a foreign language, he listens to local radio every morning.