This lesson practises 30 C2 collocations on Language, Register & Fixed Expressions. 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.
simple truth
At a language workshop, the language guide featured the simple truth.
not mean any harm
The speaker did not mean any harm by the comment.
really get to a learner after a long lesson
Within the Language, Register & Fixed Expressions topic, repeated mistakes can really get to a learner after a long lesson.
completely separate
In a language workshop, the expression was completely separate.
qualify fully
In a language workshop, the speaker will qualify fully.
spell disaster
In a language workshop, the speaker will spell disaster.
bring to a halt
The organisers had to bring the event to a halt because of the storm.
yawning gap
At a language workshop, the language guide featured the yawning gap.
lead a seminar
In a language workshop, the speaker will lead a seminar.
totally separate
In a language workshop, the expression was totally separate.
light reading
At a language workshop, the language guide featured the light reading.
flatly contradict
The witness flatly contradicted the claim.
bad language
At a language workshop, the language guide featured the bad language.
make a discovery
In a language workshop, the speaker will make a discovery.
use plain language
In a language workshop, the speaker will use plain language.
make an apology
In a language workshop, the speaker will make an apology.
have a word with the learner
In a language workshop, the speaker will have a word with the learner.
totally dependent
In a language workshop, the outcome was totally dependent on careful planning.
plain truth
At a language workshop, the language guide featured the plain truth.
pack of dogs
In a language workshop, the speaker will pack of dogs.
draw up a list
In a language workshop, the speaker will draw up a list.
coin a phrase
In a language workshop, the speaker will coin a phrase.
totally different
In a language workshop, the expression was totally different.
standards slip
Standards slip when a company stops investing in training.
four-letter word
At a language workshop, the language guide featured the four-letter word.
coin a term
In a language workshop, the speaker will coin a term.
not utter a word
The child did not utter a word throughout the appointment.
not have much luck
The applicant did not have much luck finding a suitable job.
formal education
At a language workshop, the language guide featured the formal education.
make improvements
In a language workshop, the speaker will make improvements.