This lesson practises 30 C2 collocations on Communication & Conversation. 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.
profess ignorance
In an interview, the interviewer will profess ignorance.
overstate a case
In an interview, the interviewer will overstate a case.
go back on a promise
In an interview, the interviewer will go back on a promise.
state a purpose
In an interview, the interviewer will state a purpose.
bring up the subject
In an interview, the interviewer will bring up the subject.
jot down a phone number
In an interview, the interviewer will jot down a phone number.
state their business
In an interview, the interviewer will state their business.
divulge a secret
The journalist refused to divulge a secret source.
speak very highly of the guest
In an interview, the interviewer will speak very highly of the guest.
have no respect for the guest
In an interview, the interviewer will have no respect for the guest.
it goes without saying
It goes without saying that patient safety must come first.
wouldn’t say no to a hot meal
After the long journey, the travellers wouldn’t say no to a hot meal.
opening gambit
At an interview, the conversation featured the opening gambit.
bombard the guest with questions
In an interview, the interviewer will bombard the guest with questions.
articulate a nuanced position
In an interview, the interviewer will articulate a nuanced position.
be drawn into an argument
During the interview, the spokesperson was drawn into an argument about the policy.
clarify a position
In an interview, the interviewer will clarify a position.
abject apology
At an interview, the conversation featured the abject apology.
enter into a discussion
In an interview, the interviewer will enter into a discussion.
pending the response
The decision was delayed pending the response from the regulator.
put a question to the guest
In an interview, the interviewer will put a question to the guest.
divulge a source
The journalist refused to divulge the source of the information.
field questions
After the presentation, the researcher fielded questions from the audience.
gift for languages
At an interview, the conversation featured the gift for languages.
tell a secret
In an interview, the interviewer will tell a secret.
engage the guest in conversation
In an interview, the interviewer will engage the guest in conversation.
not say a word
The witness did not say a word during the interview.
barrage of questions
At an interview, the conversation featured the barrage of questions.
engage in constructive dialogue
In an interview, the interviewer will engage in constructive dialogue.
with all due respect
With all due respect, the reporter challenged the minister’s explanation.