Idioms, Collocations, Phrases and Proverbs

Collocations – what they are and why matter: Collocations are really no more or less than word combinations –
words that commonly go together. They matter because this is how we use language: we don’t use words one by one; we use words
together in typical combinations.
A quick word on collocations: There are many different types of collocation and it is worth noticing some of the more
common patterns. These are some of the more important : 1.adjective noun – an illegal immigrant 2. adverb adjective –
technically difficult 3. noun – night shift 4. verb noun – imply failure 5. adverb verb – comment regularly 6. slightly longer
phrases with a combination of words – make a contribution towards something

Exceptional ability * Miserable living conditions * Friendly manner * abnormal behavior

*a turning point *Highly motivated *radical views *wise decisions *Social obligations
* a horribly expensive mistake * Sound solutions * low-income families * A high-paying job
*Emotionally or physically abused *widely accepted *freely accessible *affordable accommodation
* a multicultural country *successfully accomplished by * we strongly condemn * to give priority
to sth over sth else * Ideological differences * All things considered,… * to prioritize your work
*truly appreciate *turning to the other side of the argument, *Environmentally friendly…
* Genetically modified food * what goes around, comes around * weighty problems
* to weigh up the pro and cons * debt-burdened countries * major responsibilities
*physically disabled * man-made laws. * ominous consequences * decent housing *to take
urgent/immediate action on sth * extra- curricular activities * Easily adapted.. * Highly
adaptable software *completely adequate * strongly adhere to … * A considerable/ major
advantage *students have access to good information, helpful advice and professional guidance.
*severely aggravate * extraordinarily ambitions * wholeheartedly/totally/completely agree with.
*to achieve ambition. * Partially/greatly alleviate their fears *acceptable/convenient alternative
* the majority of developing countries are increasingly angry….. * Widely/globally applicable
advice * as the saying goes … * A must-see attraction *culturally/socially aware people.
* People from disadvantaged backgrounds * to reach a balanced approach *we need to achieve
strike balance between all these factors. *A radical change/reform * highly qualified staff
*poorly qualified. * Increasingly prominent/important … * A promising start * in a professional
manner *highly productive workers * from an economic point view * require meticulous planning
and organization * enthusiastically participate in * terrorism is an international phenomenon and
requires an international response *a difficult and emotionally painful process * with great
flexibility…. * highly motivated * an overwhelming success. * Dangerously overweight
* it is not absolutely /strictly necessary. * Unfairly exploited *successfully established
* brutal exploitation * rational or convincing explanation * indispensible guide.
* Prove extremely handy for * in extremely hazardous conditions *It has a damaging effect on
local communities* poorly equipped/trained* in recent decades. * There is no convincing evidence
that…*undoubtedly enriches… * they have a far more objective and sophisticated understanding
of the topic. * For example a study run by…. * for example a recent study showed that
* it heavily influenced …* It can play a vital role in… * For example recent surveys have
discovered that * across the globe…… *Over the past few decades… * ………has gone through a
boom period.* People reap high economic benefits * incredibly popular * all things considered,……
* For example,…. department of …….. recently revealed statistics showing that ……….
*it is now becoming increasingly clear that…. * incredible opportunities. * Consumers are more
environmentally conscious then before * Tax-payers * since the world has become heavily
reliant on computers/processed food, * art-lovers. * The question of women's rights has always
sparked heated controversy * the most practical solution to this problem is a government sponsored
a wariness campaign * hopefully will raise awareness amongst the public * this can be tackled
through… * therefore, having weighed up the pros and cons, ……… * whether it is a blessing or a
curse. * It has a fundamentally beneficial influence on our lives.* there is no clear-cut evidence
that… * reliable resources *a countless number of … * this vicious cycle will continue
unless…… * they live in difficult conditions because of the extreme poverty upheaval, hunger,
unemployment, lack of education and both inexperienced and corrupt administrations
* Devastating consequences * they play an indispensable role in….. * Although….. has some
disadvantages , I think that it proves to be the best way to…… * to see how valid this argument is,
we have to look at both sides of the debate. * Significant efforts have been made to educate
humanity about…… * it is notably more expensive than….. * Due to being burdened with
numerous responsibilities * advertizing on highly frequented websites like Facebook could do a lot
to raise a awareness of people. * to obtain prestigious jobs with high salaries. * In brief, each
method has its own pains and gains * to be strongly/widely criticized. * I partly/partially agree
with the latter view for many reasons * extremely expensive ….* the outcome of this scenario is
that world would be devoid of….. *A high-quality/decent education * to (lessen/minimize)
(increase/enhance) the effects of sth….. * They have developed a beautifully simple but amazingly
effective strategy. * To deal with…… in a professional and efficient manner. * Low-income
families. * It is almost impossible to totally eradicate…. * exceptional skills/talents.
* According to clear ethical principles. * The ethnic diversity of the local community * Fears
about ….were wildly exaggerated *greatly impressed by…. * Fruitful exchange. * Fully exploit
the advantages of * Well off /well to do families (wealthy).

Suggested by: Bilal Abu Dahab