This lesson practises 30 C2 collocations on Places, Towns & the Built Environment. 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.
broad avenue
The new tram line runs along the broad avenue near the station.
perfect venue
The restored hall is the perfect venue for a neighbourhood meeting.
get a place
Thousands of applicants hope to get a place at the new academy.
improve public amenities
The plan aims to improve public amenities in the outer estates.
derelict building
The council plans to convert the derelict building into workshops.
run-down area
The investment will transform a run-down area beside the canal.
bear left
At the junction, the driver will bear left to avoid the traffic queue.
go trekking
Visitors often go trekking in the hills beyond the village.
inner city
The project offers affordable studios in the inner city.
open all hours
The corner shop seems to be open all hours.
secure a place
The council aimed to secure a place for the new public garden in the redevelopment plan.
urban living
For many residents, urban living offers quick access to services and transport.
close off a street
Police had to close off a street while engineers inspected the bridge.
change takes place
The plan allows change to take place gradually rather than suddenly.
take the field
At dawn, the surveyors set out to take the field to map the site.
bustling centre
The market sits in the bustling centre of the old town.
congested road
The bus was delayed on a congested road during rush hour.
leave room
The architect had to leave room for a lift and wider corridors.
preserve historic buildings
The council voted to preserve historic buildings along the waterfront.
hail a taxi
After the late concert, we had to hail a taxi home.
long opening hours
The library offers long opening hours during exam season.
within walking distance
The hotel was within walking distance of the main station.
crowded street
They avoided the crowded street by using the riverside path.
wireless hotspot
The new plaza includes a free wireless hotspot.
hectic pace of life
Many residents move out to escape the hectic pace of life in the capital.
silence reigns
Silence reigns in the courtroom while the verdict is read.
back of beyond
The small village lies in the back of beyond, far from the nearest railway station.
leafy suburbs
Families often choose the leafy suburbs for more space.
silence descends
Silence descends over the stadium before the final penalty.
make an escape
The driver managed to make an escape before traffic closed the route.