Collocations using the prepositions ‘under’ and ‘without’

Collocations are phrases with two or more words that always go together,
and can be made in a variety of ways:

 with prepositions: ‘at first’ ‘on closer inspection’ ‘without doubt’

 verb + noun: ‘take a break’ ‘see a doctor’
 adjective + noun: ‘complete support’ ‘a close call’
 verb + verb: ‘try to relax’ ‘allowed to use’
 adverb + adjective: 'absolutely fabulous' 'utterly hopeless'

For example, only one preposition collocates with certain words or phrases:

You are, by doubt, the most intelligent person I know. X

You are, under doubt, the most intelligent person I
X
know.
You are, without doubt, the most intelligent person I

know.

Practice questions

1. Choose from either ‘under’ or ‘without’ to complete each of

these phrases.

i) ___________ the impression

ii) ___________ control
iii) ___________ doubt
iv) ___________ delay
v) ___________ age
vi) ___________ warning

2. Use each of these collocations to fill in the gaps in the reading

passage.

1
(A)
_________________ one of the greatest problems facing the world today
is the issue of global warming and climate change. Increases in extreme
weather such as floods, drought, fires, heat waves and blizzards are
affecting people all over the world. Animals are also having to adapt as
shrinking polar caps force polar bears to change their diet to survive, while
mountain lions in drought-stricken areas are forced to forage in densely
populated regions. It is clear to many that the time to act is now, and that
these issues must be brought (B)_________________.

Some scientists believe that the earth may face some cataclysmic event,
virtually (C)________________, forcing us into another ice age, if funding
into global warming is not increased immediately. Even with increased
research we may be reaching the point of no return so it is imperative that
the global community act (D)_________________.

You may be (E)_________________ that the decision to slow down climate

change is one for your government and world leaders, and that your
obligation ends when you vote. While young people are often more aware
of the problems we face, possibly because they are the ones who will
inherit the earth, when it comes time to voting they are
(F)
_________________ and therefore unable to participate in the decisions
facing their country and the world.

The fight against global warming and climate change begins with the
citizens of the world and does not end when you cast your vote. We all
need to do our part by conserving water and energy, considering
renewable energy sources like solar and wind power for our home,
recycling as much as possible and reducing the amount of pollutants we
put out into the world by walking, cycling or using public transport rather
than taking the car.

Answers

Phrases: under the impression, under control, without doubt, without delay, under age, without warning

Reading Passage:
A. Without doubt
B. under control
C. without warning
D. without delay
E. under the impression
F. under age