This lesson practises 30 C2 collocations on Change, Cause & Effect. 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.
undergo a transformation
Within a decade, the district could undergo a transformation as new housing replaces derelict sites.
exchange pleasantries
Before the meeting, the two managers exchanged pleasantries.
have a change of heart
After seeing the flood damage, the council may have a change of heart about building on the floodplain.
contributing factor
Poor drainage was a contributing factor in the flooding of the basement.
remain unchanged
After the first round of reforms, the eligibility rules will remain unchanged.
pending the results
The student’s place on the course remained provisional pending the results.
withstand the impact
The sea wall was built to withstand the impact of stronger winter storms.
strongly influence
Public opinion can strongly influence the final decision.
show an upward trend
The quarterly figures show an upward trend in demand for home insulation.
catastrophic results
Ignoring the warning signs could produce catastrophic results for the coastal towns.
life is turned upside-down
After the diagnosis, the patient’s life is turned upside-down.
slight decrease
The preliminary figures indicate a slight decrease in carbon emissions.
trigger a chain reaction
A power cut can trigger a chain reaction of failures across the transport network.
change beyond recognition
The old market may change beyond recognition after redevelopment.
let the employee out of their sight
After the incident, the supervisor refused to let the employee out of their sight, fearing another safety breach.
modest improvement
The trial showed a modest improvement in reaction times after six weeks.
it would make a change
Taking the train to work would make a change from driving every day.
exacerbate underlying problems
The delay could exacerbate underlying problems in the supply chain.
change imperceptibly
Over decades, the shoreline can change imperceptibly as tides reshape the sandbanks.
near completion
The bridge repairs are near completion, so the road should reopen next month.
dire consequences
Cutting the vaccine programme would have dire consequences for public health.
substantial decrease
The factory recorded a substantial decrease in water use after installing new equipment.
implement a change
The council will implement a change to the parking rules next month.
fundamental change
The introduction of remote work marked a fundamental change in office culture.
adapt to changing circumstances
Small manufacturers must adapt to changing circumstances when supply routes close without warning.
strongly influenced
The final result was strongly influenced by changes in housing costs.
change fundamentally
The way patients book appointments will change fundamentally under the new system.
exchange rates fluctuate
When exchange rates fluctuate sharply, importers may need to revise their prices.
increase dramatically
If demand continues, the number of electric vehicles could increase dramatically.
modest increase
The revised plan is expected to produce a modest increase in recycling rates.