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
At a town-planning meeting, the city plan featured the broad avenue.
perfect venue
In a town-planning meeting, the city council will perfect venue.
get a place
In a town-planning meeting, the city council will get a place.
improve public amenities
In a town-planning meeting, the city council will improve public amenities.
derelict building
At a town-planning meeting, the city plan featured the derelict building.
run-down area
At a town-planning meeting, the city plan featured the run-down area.
bear left
At the junction, the driver will bear left to avoid the traffic queue.
go trekking
In a town-planning meeting, the city council will go trekking.
inner city
At a town-planning meeting, the city plan featured the inner city.
open all hours
In a town-planning meeting, the city council will open all hours.
secure a place
The council aimed to secure a place for the new public garden in the redevelopment plan.
urban living
At a town-planning meeting, the city plan featured the urban living.
close off a street
At a town-planning meeting, the city plan featured the close off a street.
change takes place
The plan allows change to take place gradually rather than suddenly.
take the field
In a town-planning meeting, the city council will take the field.
bustling centre
At a town-planning meeting, the city plan featured the bustling centre.
congested road
At a town-planning meeting, the city plan featured the congested road.
leave room
In a town-planning meeting, the city council will leave room.
preserve historic buildings
In a town-planning meeting, the city council will preserve historic buildings.
hail a taxi
In a town-planning meeting, the city council will hail a taxi.
long opening hours
At a town-planning meeting, the city plan featured the long opening hours.
within walking distance
The hotel was within walking distance of the main station.
crowded street
At a town-planning meeting, the city plan featured the crowded street.
wireless hotspot
At a town-planning meeting, the city plan featured the wireless hotspot.
hectic pace of life
At a town-planning meeting, the city plan featured the hectic pace of life.
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
At a town-planning meeting, the city plan featured the leafy suburbs.
silence descends
Silence descends over the stadium before the final penalty.
make an escape
In a town-planning meeting, the city council will make an escape.