Business Collocations Quiz

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!

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Question 1

We're getting ready to __________ a new product that we believe will be very successful.

A	launch
B	break
C	take off

Question 1 Explanation:

To "launch" a product is to make it available to the market for the first time.

Question 2

Our company designs sophisticated business clothing for women. Our __________ market is female executives aged 35-45.

A	target
B	preferred
C	commercial

Question 2 Explanation:

A "target market" is the specific group of people to whom a business wants to sell its products or services.

Question 3

I'd like to get the opinions of the staff on this situation. Let's _________ a meeting to discuss it.

A	make
B	hold
C	do

Question 3 Explanation:

You can say "hold" a meeting or "have" a meeting.

Question 4

Our customer service department ____________ problems people encounter while using our products.

A	deals with
B	gets off
C	works away

Question 4 Explanation:

To "deal with" a problem is to take action on the problem and try to resolve it.

Question 5

I'd like to __________ your attention to the high number of sales in December due to our Christmas promotion.

A	draw
B	take
C	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

Everyone agreed with the plan except for Samuel, who _______ a few strong objections.

A	raised
B	put
C	said

Question 6 Explanation:

To "raise" an objection is to state your objection in the conversation, so that other people can hear it and consider it.

Question 7

I'll be out of the office next week; I'm going to _________ a conference on climate change.

A	presence
B	watch
C	attend

Question 7 Explanation:

"Attending" a conference means you will be present at the conference.

Question 8

There was a breakdown in negotiations and we weren't able to _________ the deal.

A	firm
B	close
C	nail

Question 8 Explanation:

To "close a deal" is to make an agreement final or effective.

Question 9

That company no longer exists; it ____________ for bankruptcy last year.

A	entered
B	asked
C	filed

Question 9 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 10

The company had to ___________ dozens of staff members due to budget cuts.

A	close out
B	send away
C	lay off

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 have a partnership with that company, and we often do __________ ventures.

A	together
B	joint
C	cooperate

Question 11 Explanation:

A "joint venture" is a project where two groups or companies work together.

Question 12

I __________ for a loan of $100,000 to start my own business.

A	tried out
B	registered
C	applied

Question 12 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.

There are 12 questions to complete.