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