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