Collocations

http://www.englishcollocation.com/vocabular
y/wordsearch.aspx
A collocation is two or more words that often go together. These combinations just sound "right" to native English
speakers, who use them all the time. On the other hand, other combinations may be unnatural and just sound
"wrong". Look at these examples:

Natural English... Unnatural English...

the fast train the quick train

fast food quick food

a quick shower a fast shower

a quick meal a fast meal

Why learn collocations?

 Your language will be more natural and more easily understood.

 You will have alternative and richer ways of expressing yourself.
 It is easier for our brains to remember and use language in chunks or blocks rather than as single words.

How to learn collocations

 Be aware of collocations, and try to recognize them when you see or hear them.
 Treat collocations as single blocks of language. Think of them as individual blocks or chunks, and
learn strongly support, not strongly + support.
 When you learn a new word, write down other words that collocate with it (remember rightly, remember
distinctly, remember vaguely, remember vividly).
 Read as much as possible. Reading is an excellent way to learn vocabulary and collocations in context and
naturally.
 Revise what you learn regularly. Practise using new collocations in context as soon as possible after
learning them.
 Learn collocations in groups that work for you. You could learn them by topic(time, number, weather,
money, family) or by a particular word (take action,take a chance, take an exam).
 You can find information on collocations in any good learner's dictionary. And you can also find specialized
dictionaries of collocations.

Types of Collocation

There are several different types of collocation made from combinations of verb, noun, adjective etc. Some of the
most common types are:

 Adverb + Adjective: completely satisfied (NOT downright satisfied)

 Adjective + Noun: excruciating pain (NOT excruciating joy)
 Noun + Noun: a surge of anger (NOT a rush of anger)
 Noun + Verb: lions roar (NOT lions shout)
 Verb + Noun: commit suicide (NOT undertake suicide)
 Verb + Expression With Preposition: burst into tears (NOT blow up in tears)
 Verb + Adverb: wave frantically (NOT wave feverishly)
1. adverb + adjective

 Invading that country was an utterly stupid thing to do.

 We entered a richly decorated room.
 Are you fully aware of the implications of your action?

2. adjective + noun

 The doctor ordered him to take regular exercise.

 The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.
 He was writhing on the ground in excruciating pain.

3. noun + noun

 Let's give Mr Jones a round of applause.

 The ceasefire agreement came into effect at 11am.
 I'd like to buy two bars of soap please.

4. noun + verb

 The lion started to roar when it heard the dog barking.

 Snow was falling as our plane took off.
 The bomb went off when he started the car engine.

5. verb + noun

 The prisoner was hanged for committing murder.

 I always try to do my homework in the morning, after making my bed.
 He has been asked to give a presentation about his work.

6. verb + expression with preposition

 We had to return home because we had run out of money.

 At first her eyes filled with horror, and then she burst into tears.
 Their behaviour was enough to drive anybody to crime.

7. verb + adverb

 She placed her keys gently on the table and sat down.

 Mary whispered softly in John's ear.
 I vaguely remember that it was growing dark when we left.

Some common verbs

have do make

have a bath do business make a difference

have a drink do nothing make a mess
have a good time do someone a favour make a mistake
have a haircut do the cooking make a noise
have a holiday do the housework make an effort
have a problem do the shopping make furniture
have a relationship do the washing up make money
have a rest do your best make progress
have lunch do your hair make room
have sympathy do your homework make trouble
 take break catch

take a break break a habit catch a ball

take a chance break a leg catch a bus
take a look break a promise catch a chill
take a rest break a record catch a cold
take a seat break a window catch a thief
take a taxi break someone's heart catch fire
take an exam break the ice catch sight of
take notes break the law catch someone's attention
take someone's place break the news to someone catch someone's eye
take someone's temperature break the rules catch the flu

pay save keep

pay a fine save electricity keep a diary

pay attention save energy keep a promise
pay by credit card save money keep a secret
pay cash save one's strength keep an appointment
pay interest save someone a seat keep calm
pay someone a compliment save someone's life keep control
pay someone a visit save something to a disk keep in touch
pay the bill save space keep quiet
pay the price save time keep someone's place
pay your respects save yourself the trouble keep the change

come go get

come close go abroad get a job

come complete with go astray get a shock
come direct go bad get angry
come early go bald get divorced
come first go bankrupt get drunk
come into view go blind get frightened
come last go crazy get home
come late go dark get lost
come on time go deaf get married
come prepared go fishing get nowhere
come right back go mad get permission
come second go missing get pregnant
come to a compromise go on foot get ready
come to a decision go online get started
come to an agreement go out of business get the impression
come to an end go overseas get the message
come to a standstill go quiet get the sack
come to terms with go sailing get upset
come to a total of go to war get wet
come under attack go yellow get worried

     

Miscellaneous
Time Business English Classifiers

bang on time annual turnover a ball of string

dead on time bear in mind a bar of chocolate
early 12th century break off negotiations a bottle of water
free time cease trading a bunch of carrots
from dawn till dusk chair a meeting a cube of sugar
great deal of time close a deal a pack of cards
late 20th century close a meeting
make time for come to the point
next few days dismiss an offer
past few weeks draw a conclusion
right on time draw your attention to
run out of time launch a new product
save time lay off staff
spare time go bankrupt
spend some time go into partnership
take your time make a loss
tell someone the time make a profit
time goes by market forces
time passes sales figures
waste time take on staff

"She gave the police an accurate description of the car.

(description)

"I need an accurate explanation of what happened."

(explanation)

"What is the accurate definition of that word?"

(definition, meaning)

"What is the accurate time?"
(time, weather, temperature)

"I need an accurate clock to measure his speed."

(clock, timer)

"The union failed to address our needs."

(failed, tried, helped)

"Please address her as 'Doctor Smith'."

"Things didn't work out because of poor administration."

(poor, faulty, inefficient)

"He doesn't do anything technical. His job is strictly administrative."

(strictly, purely, only, completely, entirely)

"I greatly admire your writing."
(greatly, deeply, really)

"She secretly admires him."
(secretly, openly, quietly)

"I honestly admit that I didn't like you when I first met you."

(honestly, frankly)

"He openly admitted that he was gay."

(openly, privately)

"I am forced to admit that his idea is better than mine."

(be + forced to, have to, must, refuse to)

"Congress was forced to adopt unpopular laws."

(be + forced, decided to, needed to, had to)

"We plan to adopt a child from China."

(plan to, hope to, applied to)
"We are adopting new laws to benefit senior citizens."
(laws, policies)

"We adopted a child from Africa."

(a child, a boy, a girl, children)

"We adopted a dog from a pet shelter."

(dog, cat, pet)

"Young adults are difficult to understand."

(young, older)

"There was a group for single adults."

(single, married, divorced, widowed)

"Responsible adults do not drink and drive."

(responsible, sensible)

"Our colleges have programs for adult education."

(education, literacy, learning)

"The army halted the enemy's advance."

(halted, stopped)

"Our company has made big advances in medicine."

(big, considerable, dramatic, great, important, remarkable, significant)

"I received advice from my professor."
(received, obtained, asked for, wanted, accepted, ignored, rejected)

"He wanted me to give him advice."

(give, offer)

"I did not take his advice."

(take, heed, listen to)

"She went against my advice."
(against, along with)

"I took a vacation on your advice."

(on, according to, against)

"Can you give me advice about parenting?"

(about, on)

"That is my advice to you."
(to, for)

"My private affairs are none of your business!"

(private, family, personal, secret)

"I am interested in international affairs."

(international, community, public, national)

"Please don't interfere in my affairs."

(interfere, get involved)

"The scandal will dramatically affect his election campaign."

(dramatically, negatively, clearly, greatly, significantly, directly)

"Studying will positively affect your test scores."

(positively, significantly, clearly, definitely, absolutely)

"Losing his dog deeply affected him."

(deeply, profoundly, greatly)

"We wasted the afternoon doing nothing."
(wasted)
"The afternoon progressed without any problems."
(progressed, wore on)

"It is time for my afternoon nap."

(nap, snack)

When you reach my age, you'll understand."

(reach, get to, approach, live to)

"I don't feel my age."
(feel)

"The legal drinking age was raised to 21."

(raised, lowered, changed)

"It took ages for me to finish college."

(took)

"What is the age limit at the bar?"

(limit, range, group)

"She broke the agreement."
(broke, severed, violated, went back on)

"They finally reached an agreement."
(reached, arrived at, came to)

"The scientist conducted a close analysis of the results."

(close, careful, serious, in-depth, thorough)

"Can I trust your objective analysis?"

(objective, honest, fair)

"He only gives brief answers."

(brief, quick, short, one-word)

"I need an immediate answer."

(immediate, final, honest, straight, definite, real, serious)

"I thought it was a reasonable answer."

(reasonable, sensible, satisfactory)

"He gave a clear answer."

(clear, detailed, precise, vague, unclear)

"The problem was solved with an easy answer."

(easy, simple)

"Did you receive an answer?"
(receive, have, get)

He waited for an answer to his proposal."

(waited for, expected)

"I was able to correctly answer the test questions."

(correctly, confidently, fully)

"I am nervously anticipating my test results."

(nervously, anxiously)

"The change increased her anxiety."
(increased, caused)

"She experiences anxiety over the smallest things."

(experiences, feels, suffers from)

"Her parents tried to ease her anxieties."

(ease, lessen, reduce, relieve, soothe)
"His eyes showed his anxiety."
(showed, reflected, displayed, revealed)

"We decided to live apart."

(live, stay)

"My daughter had to sit apart from her friend."

(sit, stay)

"You have an attractive appearance."

(attractive, handsome, beautiful, youthful)

"The external appearance of the car is old and dirty."

(external, outward, outer, physical)

"We should pay attention to our personal appearance."

(personal, physical, overall)

"I finally sent in my job application."

(job, written, membership, passport)

"We're trying to sell our software application."

(software, web, desktop, interactive, mobile)

"She applies lipstick while driving."
(lipstick, make-up, eye shadow, mascara, cosmetics)

"The artist decided to apply more paint."

(paint, ink, color)

"We have to apply more force to knock down this wall."

(force, effort, muscle)

"We have an appointment for Tuesday."
(have, scheduled, booked, made, set up)

"The board of directors approved his appointment."

(approved, rejected, accepted)

"We greatly appreciate your help."
(greatly, deeply, sincerely, really, truly)

"I'll show you the conventional approach."

(conventional, usual, traditional, balanced, practical, sensible)

"He was praised for taking such a fresh approach to the problem."

(fresh, unique, creative, innovative)

"They will be safer with a more cautious approach."

(cautious, conservative)

"Our boss prefers the hands-on approach to managing."

(hands-on, wait-and-see, informal, no-nonsense, proactive, aggressive)

"I think you took the right approach to parenting."

(right, wrong, best)

"The soldiers made a quick approach to the enemy line."

(quick, rapid)

"I use a more traditional approach to teaching."

(use, take, have)

"We've decided to adopt a new approach."

(adopt, take, apply, employ, follow, try, use, utilize, tackle)

"After multiple problems, I'm going to abandon this approach."

(abandon, reject)
"The airplane made its approach to the airport."
(made, began, signaled)

"Always approach dogs slowly."
(slowly, carefully, cautiously)

"If you want a date, you should approach her directly."

(directly, personally)

"That suit is appropriate for the wedding."

(be: is/am/are, seems, looks)

"She was considered appropriate for the position."

(be + considered, be + deemed)

"Your decision was extremely appropriate for the situation."

(extremely, fairly, very, perfectly, certainly, entirely)

"My father says things that aren't culturally appropriate."

(culturally, socially, morally, politically, religiously)

"I hope you took the appropriate action."

(action, measures, precautions)

"They didn't think he received the appropriate punishment."

(punishment, sentence, discipline)

"You need to take your problem to the appropriate department."

(department, authority, person)

"The applicant has the appropriate skills."

(skills, qualifications, abilities)

"This is not the appropriate time."

(time, place, time and place)

"She gave an appropriate response to the difficult question."

(response, reply, answer)

"I fully approve of your decision."

(fully, completely, wholeheartedly)

"I don't personally approve of tattoos, but it's your choice."

(personally, really, completely, fully)

"Our proposal was formally approved today."

(formally, officially, finally)

"The law was unanimously approved by Congress."

(unanimously, overwhelmingly, narrowly, surprisingly)

"He does not approve of his daughter's boyfriend."

(does not)

"Her manager must approve the designs."

(must, has to)

"Her manager must approve the report."

(report, article, details, information, design, plans)

"The football field takes up a huge area."

(huge, large, wide)

"Police were searching the immediate area."

(immediate, surrounding, local, general, right, wrong)

"We live in a rural area."

(rural, urban, suburban, mountainous)

"He was hiding in a secluded area."

(secluded, isolated, unpopulated, remote)

"We don't want to live in a disaster area."

(disaster, high-crime, dangerous)

"This is the dining area."
(dining, picnic, waiting, storage, non-smoking)

"We decided to visit the area."

(visit, explore, tour, survey, investigate, search)

"The police patrolled the area."
(patrolled, covered, protected)

"Do you live in this area?"

(live in, like, prefer)

"I constantly argue with my neighbor about noise."

(constantly, continuously, continually)

"My daughter argues back when I tell her to do something."

(back)

"The politician argued passionately during the debate."

(passionately, strongly, powerfully, convincingly, effectively, persuasively)

"They argued about who would go first."

(about, over)

"They often argue with each other."

(with)

"She argued against the new law."

(against, for)

"It turned into a bitter argument."

(bitter, heated, violent, big)

"I had a little argument with my friend this morning."

(little, petty, pointless, silly, stupid)

"Her speech included a powerful argument."

(powerful, strong, great, valid, compelling)

"It was a pretty weak argument."

(weak)

"His basic argument was not enough to convince his parents."

(basic, main)

"The lawyer gave his closing argument."

(closing)

"A heated argument erupted outside my apartment."

(erupted, broke out, developed)

"She made one last argument."
(made, gave, attempted, tried, presented)

"I'd like to hear your argument."

(hear, address)

"They have rejected my argument."
(rejected, dismissed, accepted, agreed with, considered, listened to)

"His argument depends on faulty logic."

(depends, is based on, relies on)

"They finally settled their argument."
(settled)
"The argument is about gun control."
(about, concerning, for, over)

"Problems frequently arise in the workplace."

(frequently, usually, naturally, typically)

"Problems commonly arise from misunderstandings."
(commonly, often, occasionally )

"Problems may arise if you're not careful."

(may, might, can)

"Problems often arise from misunderstandings."
(from, out of)

"I have a tattoo on my left arm."

(left, right, upper, lower)

"He has powerful arms."
(powerful, strong, muscular, skinny, hairy)

"She has a broken arm."

(broken, bruised, sore, bloody)

"We welcome you with open arms."

(open)

"He misses the loving arms of his wife."

(loving, comforting, protective)

"Can you bend your arm?"
(bend, move, lift, raise, flex, lower, wave)

"He broke his arm."
(broke, dislocated, hurt, twisted)

"I crossed my arms because it was cold."

(crossed, folded)

"The doctors amputated his arm."
(amputated, repaired, bandaged)

"He grabbed her arm."
(grabbed, took, clutched, squeezed, touched, held)

"The empire had a great army."

(great, powerful, strong, large, massive, mighty)

"The army was too small to defend the town."

(small, weak)

"They fled from the approaching army."

(approaching, advancing, invading)

"She wanted to join the army."

(join, enter, go into, enlist in, leave, desert)

"The army assembled outside the battle line."

(assembled, formed, gathered)

"They supply the army with basic artillery."

(supply, equip, train)

"We will crush their army."
(crush, defeat, decimate, destroy, rout)

"The army advanced on the city."

(advanced on, marched on, invaded, charged)

"The army attacked the enemy."
(attacked, fought, killed, defeated)

"The army withdrew from the enemy line."

(withdrew, pulled back, retreated)

"Their army surrendered after being outnumbered."

(surrendered, gave up)

"She is an army general."
(general, commander, colonel, sergeant, officer, lieutenant, veteran)

"We drove through the army checkpoint."

(checkpoint, base, camp)

"I work at the army headquarters."

(headquarters, hospital, base)

"They were wearing army boots."

(boots, fatigues, uniforms)

"I drive an army tank."

(tank, helicopter, jeep)

"The plane made an early arrival."

(early, late)

"We weren't ready for his sudden arrival."

(sudden, unexpected)

"I'm delighted by your safe arrival."

(safe, early)

"We would like to welcome our latest arrival."

(latest, newest, new, recent)

"When did she make her arrival?"

(make, schedule, plan)

"Snow marks the arrival of winter."
(marks, signals)

"We are expecting their arrival."
(be + expecting, be + anticipating, be + awaiting)

"I cannot wait to meet our newest arrival."

(meet, welcome, greet, celebrate)

"When is your arrival date?"
(date, time)

"We are studying ancient art."

(ancient, classical, modern, religious, folk, Asian, African)

"She wrote a brilliant article for the newspaper."

(brilliant, excellent, fascinating, great, informative, interesting)

"The newspaper article was controversial."
(controversial, provocative, well-written, well-researched)

"I'm reading a short article about space exploration."

(short, long, brief, lengthy)

"He only reads academic articles."

(academic, scientific, news, online, journal, magazine, newspaper)

"Did you publish the newspaper article?"

(write, research, edit, review)

"We read an interesting article."
(read, saw, noticed)
"The newspaper printed a provocative article."
(printed, published, ran, carried)

"The article appeared in the last journal issue."

(appeared, be: was/were)

"They manufacture articles of clothing."
(manufacture, produce, design, make)

"The store sells common household articles."

(sells, carries)

"She took me aside for a private talk."

(took, grabbed, pulled)

"Lay the books aside that you aren't reading."

(lay, put, set, toss)

"She shoved us aside as she walked through the crowd."

(shoved, pushed)

"Please step aside to make room for the police."

(step, stand)

"They put aside some savings just in case of an emergency."

(savings, money, funds)

"Can you set aside some time for this project?"

(time)

"They set aside their differences and tried to work together."

(differences, problems)

"If you want help, please ask nicely."

(nicely, politely)

"I calmly asked if he knew anything about the accident."

(calmly, cautiously, carefully, casually)

"They nervously asked about the accident."

(nervously, anxiously)

"My son eagerly asked about his birthday present."

(eagerly, curiously)

"My wife suspiciously asked where I was last night."

(suspiciously)

"I specifically asked for a window seat."

(specifically, particularly)

"I want to ask you a serious question."

(want, need, would like, have)

"I dare you to ask her out on a date."

(dare)

"You forgot to ask the important question."

(forgot to, didn't)

"Our baby is sound asleep."

(sound, fast, deeply, peacefully)

"I was almost asleep when the phone rang."

(almost, nearly, half)

"Is she still asleep?"
(still, already)
"He remained asleep during the fire alarm."
(remained, stayed)

"I couldn't fall asleep last night."

(fall, go to)

"Everyone was asleep."
(be: was/were, seemed, appeared to be)

"Studying is an important aspect of school."

(important, essential, fundamental, major, key, significant, vital)

"An attractive aspect of this apartment is the view."

(attractive, appealing, exciting, positive)

"This is the controversial aspect of the story."

(controversial, disappointing, disturbing, negative, troubling)

"We're studying the environmental aspects of this issue."

(environmental, commercial, cultural, economic, historical, legal, military, psychological, religious, scientific, social)

"This problem has several aspects."
(has)

"We need to address all aspects."

(address, consider, cover, deal with, discuss, examine, explore, look at)

"We cannot ignore this aspect."
(ignore, neglect, overlook)

"I am giving you a special assignment."

(special, important)

"This assignment could be very dangerous."
(dangerous, difficult, tough)

"I am busy with a work assignment."

(work, school, job)

"I've finished my reading assignment."

(reading, writing, written, class, homework)

"He accepted a new assignment."
(accepted, took, received, have, got)

"Have you completed your assignment?"
(completed, finished, read)

"She refused the assignment."
(refused, rejected)

"The teacher handed out an assignment."

(handed out, gave, gave out)

"Please hand in your assignments."
(hand in, turn in)

"She greatly assisted her mother after the surgery."

(greatly)

"He actively assisted in the search of the missing dog."

(actively)

"They received considerable assistance from their parents."

(considerable, great, a lot of, valuable)

"The city received emergency assistance after the earthquake."

(emergency, immediate, direct, federal, government, financial)
"The city gave assistance to the fire victims."
(gave, promised, provided, offered)

"She's hoping to obtain assistance."

(obtain, receive, get)

"We require assistance."
(require, be + in need of, need)

"I would appreciate some assistance."
(appreciate, welcome)

"This is my chief assistant."
(chief, administrative, senior, personal, special)

"She's a teaching assistant."
(teaching, laboratory, research, dental, production)

"We're looking to hire a new assistant."

(hire, recruit, employ)

"The company has a new assistant."

(has)

"He's fired his assistant."
(fired)

"She is a close associate."
(close, old, former, business)

"I'm working as an associate professor."

(professor, producer, director, pastor, editor)

"He's studying for an associate degree."

(degree)

"He is currently an associate member of the club."

(member)

"They formed an international association."

(international, local, national, regional, non-profit, private, public)

"We're helping out our neighborhood association."

(neighborhood, school, housing, community, parent-teacher)

"The business partners have had a close association."

(close, long, personal, professional, intimate)

"There is a direct association between the two parties."

(direct, clear)

"They formed a student association on campus."

(formed)

"They have maintained a professional association for many years."

(maintained)

"Studies have shown a direct association between stress and health."

(shown, proven, indicated, found, demonstrated, discovered)

"The community association meets once a month."

(meets, gathers)

"There is a clear association between diet and exercise."

(between)

"His political associations with the mayor benefits his business."

(with)
"He is guilty by association."
(by)

"She automatically assumes that I will help her."

(automatically, naturally)

"They widely assumed that we would get married."

(widely, generally, commonly)

"We can safely assume that it'll be sunny tomorrow."

(safely, reasonably)

"She usually assumes the worst."
(usually)

"We can assume a lot of guests will come to the party."

(can, might, must, should)

"People tend to assume too much."
(tend, like to)

"It would be a mistake to assume that."
(would be a mistake, would be unwise, would be wrong, would be easy)

"He made basic assumptions during the board meeting."

(basic, fundamental, key)

"Science has disproven many common assumptions."

(common, general, widespread, cultural)

"We need to correct those false assumptions."

(false, mistaken, wrong)

"That is a safe assumption."
(safe, reasonable, natural, smart)

"My teacher told me not to make assumptions."

(make)

"Our research was based on that assumption."

(be + based on, began with, started from)

"She is challenging certain assumptions."
(be + challenging, be + questioning, be +testing)

"The evidence supports our assumption."
(supports, backs, validates)

"This city has a cozy atmosphere."

(cozy, comfortable, relaxed, calm, nice)

"The neighborhood's atmosphere is friendly."
(friendly, pleasant, positive, welcoming, warm)

"Her speech created an emotional atmosphere among the crowd."

(emotional, hostile, tense, nervous)

"The holidays bring a festive atmosphere."

(festive, exciting, joyous, fun, lively)

"This restaurant provides a romantic atmosphere."

(romantic, intimate)

"He is very uncomfortable in a political atmosphere."

(political, social)

"Our atmosphere is polluted."
(polluted, terrible)

"Those birds fly in the upper atmosphere."

(upper, lower)
"The atmosphere is very thin in this city."
(thin, thick)

"The bar had a very smoky atmosphere."

(smoky, stuffy)

"The music created a relaxing atmosphere."

(created, maintained, provided)

"The factory poisoned the atmosphere."
(poisoned, polluted, disturbed, ruined)

"The clown tried to lighten the atmosphere."

(lighten, improve, relax)

"I sensed a negative atmosphere in the room."

(sensed, felt, noticed)

"The spaceship left the atmosphere."
(left, escaped, entered, re-entered)

"Securely attach the handle to the box."

(securely, firmly)

"He carefully attached a corsage to his date's dress."

(carefully, delicately)

"We were shocked by the brutal attack."

(brutal, horrific, violent, verbal, deadly)

"The sneak attack caught everyone off guard."

(sneak, unprovoked, surprise, direct)

"We won't tolerate sexual attacks."

(sexual, racist, homophobic, personal)

"He was the victim of a random attack."

(random, isolated, recent)

"The army is afraid of suicide attacks."

(suicide, direct, enemy, terrorist, air, missile, nuclear)

"She had a sudden asthma attack."

(asthma, heart, panic)

"The boys carried out attacks on strangers."

(carried out, planned)

"I blocked the attacks with my ninja skills."

(blocked, dodged, evaded)

"Where did the attack occur?"

(occur, take place, happen)

"He is experiencing a heart attack."

(be + experiencing, be + having, be + suffering from)

"Stress can cause panic attacks."
(cause, bring about, bring on, trigger)

"We hope to resist their attack."

(resist, stop, prevent)

"The city was scared of the recent attacks against women."

(against, on)

"The number of violent attacks by young children are increasing."

(by)
"The country is under attack by rebel forces."
(under)

"The bear brutally attacked the hikers."

(brutally, viciously, savagely)

"He was physically attacked outside of his house."

(physically, verbally, directly)

"They were repeatedly attacked by bees."

(repeatedly)

"He was strongly attacked by the media after the scandal came out."

(strongly, verbally, publicly, openly)

"Her successful attempt at going back to school inspired many people."

(successful)

"We were sad about our failed attempt at marriage."

(failed, unsuccessful)

"He's making a deliberate attempt to learn a new language."

(deliberate, conscious)

"It was a brave attempt to climb the mountain."

(brave, bold, determined)

"He made a desperate attempt to find a date at the last minute."

(desperate, last-ditch, pathetic, weak, lame)

"The police were warned of an assassination attempt."

(assassination, escape, rescue, suicide)

"She made repeated attempts to quit smoking."

(repeated, many)

"He made a another attempt at asking her out to dinner."

(made, succeeded in)

"He abandoned his attempt at swimming the English Channel."

(abandoned, failed, gave up)

"She succeeded in her attempt to qualify for the Olympics."

(succeeded, failed)

"The actor attempted a comeback."
(comeback)

"The criminal attempted an escape."
(escape, robbery)

"The police are attempting a dangerous rescue."

(rescue, recovery, stakeout, operation)

"The daredevil attempted a dangerous stunt."

(stunt)

"She attempted suicide."
(suicide)

"He regularly attends meetings."
(regularly, often, never, frequently)

"You have my full attention."

(full, undivided, complete)

"Pay careful attention to his words."

(careful, close, serious, extra, particular, special, considerable)

"The book received critical attention."

(critical, media, public)
"The scandal got international attention."
(international, national, worldwide)

"My grandmother needs medical attention."

(medical, immediate, personal, special, constant)

"Please devote your attention to this project."

(devote, direct, focus, shift, turn)

"We should pay attention to the teacher."

(pay)

"The movie gained a lot of attention."

(gained, garnered, got, received, attracted)

"Her words caught our attention."
(caught, demanded, drew, grabbed, captured, attracted)

"We concentrated our attention on getting the job done."

(concentrated, focused, directed)

"This issue deserves our attention."
(deserves, merits, needs, requires, warrants)

"My kids compete for my attention."

(compete, fight)

"My wife brought this story to my attention."

(brought)

"My attention wanders during class."
(wanders, drifts, fades)

"She has a carefree attitude."

(carefree, good, healthy, positive, upbeat)

"They had a favorable attitude toward the change."

(favorable, positive)

"We're upset by his negative attitude."

(negative, bad, aggressive, hostile)

"His success has given him an arrogant attitude."

(arrogant, cocky, condescending, patronizing)

"The parents have a relaxed attitude with their kids."

(relaxed, tolerant, conservative, casual, flexible)

"They adopt a positive attitude."
(adopt, maintain, take)

"He displays a carefree attitude."
(displays, expresses, has)

"Racist attitudes still exist in some parts of the country."

(exist, persist)

"We need to change the attitudes of the people."

(change, shift, modify)

"She has a terrible attitude problem."

(problem)

"He is in need of a serious attitude adjustment."

(adjustment)

"She needs to change her attitude about life."

(about, on)
"His attitude toward his parents is unhealthy."
(toward, towards)

"He used funny words to attract the attention of young kids."

(attention)

"The low price attracted the buyer to the house."

(buyer, client)

"She attracted the audience with her humor."

(audience, crowd)

"Sale prices attracted customers to the store."

(customers, shoppers)

"The new amusement park attracted visitors to the city."

(visitors, tourists, vacationers, travelers)

"The food was attracting ants to our picnic."

(ants, bugs, flies, insects)

"The concert attracted a large audience."

(large, big, packed, diverse, select, small)

"The speaker was overwhelmed by the enthusiastic audience."

(enthusiastic, appreciative, receptive, sympathetic, hostile)

"What was the commercial's target audience?"

(target, intended)

"The movie was popular among international audiences."

(international, Western, worldwide)

"She sang for a private audience."

(private, small)

"The comedian addressed the audience."
(addressed, performed for, played for)

"The music attracted a large audience."

(attracted, drew, pulled in)

"The speaker captivated the audience."
(captivated, engaged, delighted, educated, informed)

"Her story really moved the audience."

(moved, reached, convinced, persuaded, touched)

"The audience cheered loudly."
(cheered, applauded, clapped, laughed, responded)

Used with nouns:

"We need audience participation to do the trick."

(participation)

"The magician picked an audience member."

(member)

"He is a best-selling author."
(best-selling, famous, well-known, popular, published, children's)

"Ernest Hemingway is my favorite author."

(favorite)

"We have never identified the anonymous author of the famous poem."

(anonymous, unknown)

"The average child watches too much television."

(woman, man, citizen, person, family)
"This is a product for the average consumer."
(consumer, shopper, family, man, woman, person)

"What is the average cost of houses in this neighborhood?"

(cost, price)

"What is the average income in this state."

(income, salary)

"The average rainfall in this city is high."

(rainfall, temperature, humidity, snowfall)

"What is the average intelligence of Americans?"

(intelligence, education, weight)

"Please calculate the annual average of wages."

(annual, yearly, monthly, weekly, daily, hourly)

"His overall average at work is really good."

(overall, career, lifetime)

"She has a poor batting average."

(batting, bowling, scoring, winning, grade point)

"We're going to exceed our average this year."

(exceed, fall short of, pass)

"I need to calculate the average."

(calculate, find, discover, compute)

"I try to avoid alcohol completely."

(completely, altogether, entirely)

"We intentionally avoid that street."
(intentionally, deliberately, purposely)

"She carefully avoided the angry stranger."

(carefully, wisely)

"Our team barely avoided defeat."
(barely, narrowly, easily, successfully)

"We generally avoid junk food."
(generally, mostly, usually, normally)

"The school gives out an annual award for outstanding performance."

(annual)

"The school won a national award for having the highest student test scores."
(national, prestigious, special)

"He won a cash award for building the best treehouse."

(cash, monetary)

"He is the winner of a lifetime achievement award."

(lifetime achievement, teaching, bravery)

"The awards will be announced tomorrow."
(announced, given out, handed out, presented)

"The movie earned many awards."
(earned, garnered, won, received, be + nominated for, deserved)

"I'm very proud to accept this award."

(accept, receive)

"The award went to the best student."

(went to, be + given to)

"Our company grants awards every year."

(grants, offers, gives)
"He's excited for the awards ceremony."
(ceremony, banquet, dinner, luncheon)

"The author is an award recipient."

(recipient, winner)

"She received an award for best actress."

(for)

"He received an award from school."

(from)

"People should have greater awareness of their environment at night."

(greater, higher, more, heightened, increased)

"There is a growing awareness of crime in that neighborhood."

(growing, increasing)

"Most traffic accidents can be avoided with conscious awareness."

(conscious, direct)

"He's working to promote environmental awareness."

(environmental, cultural, political, social, racial, ethnic, sexual)

"We are trying to raise public awareness for heart disease."

(public, general)

"People now have greater international awareness."

(have, possess, promote)

"The organization is trying to raise more awareness for breast cancer."

(raise, build, develop, encourage, increase, spread)

"They have a newborn baby."

(newborn, small, new, healthy, tiny, little, young)

"What a beautiful baby!"
(beautiful, cute, wonderful)

"Crying babies give me stress."
(crying, screaming)

"Growing babies need a lot of sleep."

(growing, healthy)