This lesson practises 30 C2 collocations on Time, Space & Quantity. 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.
short of space
The clinic is short of space in its waiting area.
drop of brandy
The sauce needs only a drop of brandy for depth of flavour.
allow sufficient time
Travellers should allow sufficient time to change platforms at the central station.
sheer quantity
The sheer quantity of files made the move take all afternoon.
take the time to
Please take the time to review the proposal before the meeting.
heavy workload
The team faced a heavy workload before the annual audit.
small amount
A small amount of rain is forecast for the morning.
dollop of cream
A dollop of cream made the dessert richer without making it too sweet.
a fair few
A fair few guests stayed after the celebration ended.
heavy burden
Caring alone for a relative can become a heavy burden.
occupy limited space
The new equipment occupies limited space in the laboratory.
a good few
A good few students asked for extra feedback after the seminar.
pack of hounds
A pack of hounds crossed the field at dawn.
large quantity
The warehouse stores a large quantity of emergency supplies.
sheer size
The sheer size of the building surprised first-time visitors.
wide range
The library offers a wide range of courses for adults.
high percentage
A high percentage of respondents supported longer opening hours.
good size
The hall is a good size for a workshop of twenty people.
pack of wolves
A pack of wolves was spotted near the forest edge.
free up time
Automating the report can free up time for more careful analysis.
pod of dolphins
A pod of dolphins followed the boat for several minutes.
small percentage
A small percentage of tickets remain unsold.
clap of thunder
A clap of thunder interrupted the outdoor ceremony.
lick of paint
The entrance needed only a lick of paint before the opening.
make a sound
Even the smallest movement might make a sound during the recording.
confined space
The rescue crew had to work in a confined space beneath the bridge.
volume of work
The team underestimated the volume of work involved in the move.
large amount
The flood deposited a large amount of debris along the riverbank.
small quantity
The test requires only a small quantity of the solution.
dash of cream
The chef finished the soup with a dash of cream.