COLLOCATION TEST (KEY)

Coin a phrase = invent/ make up a new phrase

Shoulder the blame = take responsibility for sth bad

Foot the bill = pay

Impart knowledge/wisdom = transfer/share knowledge

Gauge reaction: test the response

Bow to pressure = give in to pressure

File for divorce = make an official request for a divorce

Pose a threat: be a threat

Fuel fear: make pp feel more afraid

Unveil a plan = show/ make known for the first time

I. Complete each sentence using a verb from the box in the appropriate form the box. (PRE
– TEST )
Foot gauge take coin fuel bow
File impart shoulder pose unveil

1. I wonder who coined the term “blogging”

2. Although others were also responsible for the problem, Sue decided to shoulder the blame
3. Choose what you like from the menu – the company is footing the bill.
4. He tried to impart his knowledge to his son
5. The government leaked the story to the press in order to gauge the public reaction.
6. TV chiefs have bowed to public pressure and have entered into an agreement not to show scenes of
gun violence on prime - time television
7. Hollywood star Glenda Nixon has filed for divorce. She and her husband Kevin Lomax have lived
apart for the last six months.
8. These problems are very serious and pose a real threat to the future of the Library.
9. The incidents has fuelled fears of a full – scale war.
10. The minister unveiled a new plan for reducing traffic accidents.

II. Correct the collocation errors in these sentences (POST – TEST)

1. I’m reading a fascinating book about how new words and phrases are used (coined) to
express new social and technical needs.
2. Nuclear weapons reduce (pose) a threat to the whole world.
3. The accident has felt (fuelled) fears with regard to safety on the railways.
 4. Workers in both organizations has established practices for having (imparting/sharing)
knowledge which were informal and unstructed.
5. This is a fantastic band who do not apply (bow) to the commercial pressures of the music
industry.
6. He eyed her cautiously, trying to have (gauge) her reaction.
7. He announced he would be defending himself to save the taxpayer reducing (footing) his
legal aid bill.
8. The next day I saw a lawyer and asked (filed) for a divorce.
9. The minister made (unveiled) the government’s plan for modernising the health service.
10. Parent must get (shoulder) the blame if their kids behave badly

10 verb-noun collocation for advanced learners (DUNG)

1. to arouse suspicion: to make someone feel very unfriendly and angry, or suspicious

Parked vehicles that arouse suspicion should be reported.

2. to wreak/play/cause havoc: to cause great damage

These insects can wreak havoc on crops.

3. to catch a glimpse: to see sth

Here's where you might just catch a glimpse of the royals this year.

4. to adjourn the meeting: have a pause or rest during a meeting

The chairperson adjourned the meeting.

5. to pass up the chance: fail to take advantage of an opportunity

I didn’t want to pass up the chance of seeing Hong Kong, so I agreed to go on the trip.

6. to withstand the impact: to bear the impact

The police officer’s vest can withstand the impact of a bullet.

7. to grab a seat: to sit down

Arrive early to grab a seat!

8. to alight from the bus: to get off the bus

Do not alight from the bus until it stops.

9. to stage a protest: make a formal protest

The students staged a protest against rising tuition fees.

10. to lodge a complaint: make a formal complaint

Several people have lodged a complaint about the receptionist’s rudeness