Collocations are words that go together “naturally”
A collocation is two or more words that go naturally together, for example:
- Our company does business with several international clients.
We say “does business” and not “makes business” or “has business” because do + business is a collocation.
Test your knowledge of common collocations used in Business English with this quiz!
Business Collocations Quiz
Question 1 |
Our company designs sophisticated business clothing for women. Our __________ market is female executives aged 35-45.
preferred | |
commercial | |
target |
Question 1 Explanation:
A "target market" is the specific group of people to whom a business wants to sell its products or services.
Question 2 |
We have a partnership with that company, and we often do __________ ventures.
joint | |
cooperate | |
together |
Question 2 Explanation:
A "joint venture" is a project where two groups or companies work together.
Question 3 |
I __________ for a loan of $100,000 to start my own business.
registered | |
tried out | |
applied |
Question 3 Explanation:
To "apply for a loan" is to request to borrow money from the bank. The bank will evaluate the situation and decide whether or not to approve your application and lend you the money.
Question 4 |
There was a breakdown in negotiations and we weren't able to _________ the deal.
nail | |
firm | |
close |
Question 4 Explanation:
To "close a deal" is to make an agreement final or effective.
Question 5 |
I'd like to __________ your attention to the high number of sales in December due to our Christmas promotion.
take | |
draw | |
give |
Question 5 Explanation:
To "draw attention" is to invite people to pay attention to something. You can also use the collocation "call attention."
Question 6 |
That company no longer exists; it ____________ for bankruptcy last year.
asked | |
filed | |
entered |
Question 6 Explanation:
When a company "files for bankruptcy," it begins to have the official legal status of being bankrupt - that is, it does not have enough money to pay its obligations.
Question 7 |
Our customer service department ____________ problems people encounter while using our products.
deals with | |
works away | |
gets off |
Question 7 Explanation:
To "deal with" a problem is to take action on the problem and try to resolve it.
Question 8 |
I'd like to get the opinions of the staff on this situation. Let's _________ a meeting to discuss it.
do | |
hold | |
make |
Question 8 Explanation:
You can say "hold" a meeting or "have" a meeting.
Question 9 |
I'll be out of the office next week; I'm going to _________ a conference on climate change.
watch | |
presence | |
attend |
Question 9 Explanation:
"Attending" a conference means you will be present at the conference.
Question 10 |
The company had to ___________ dozens of staff members due to budget cuts.
lay off | |
close out | |
send away |
Question 10 Explanation:
If a company "lays off" workers, it means it eliminates those employees' jobs, so the people need to find new jobs at a different company.
Question 11 |
We're getting ready to __________ a new product that we believe will be very successful.
launch | |
take off | |
break |
Question 11 Explanation:
To "launch" a product is to make it available to the market for the first time.
Question 12 |
Everyone agreed with the plan except for Samuel, who _______ a few strong objections.
put | |
raised | |
said |
Question 12 Explanation:
To "raise" an objection is to state your objection in the conversation, so that other people can hear it and consider it.
There are 12 questions to complete.
