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