Advanced English Collocations: Lists, Examples and Quiz

a very painful disappointment that is hard to accept

Losing the final was a bitter disappointment for the team.

a very important question that people urgently want answered

The burning question is who will pay for it.

a situation in which you only just avoid danger

We had a narrow escape when a tree fell next to our car.

a personal reason, often financial, for wanting something to happen

Oil companies have a vested interest in the debate.

a general statement that is too simple and ignores important details

Saying all teenagers are lazy is a sweeping statement.

a result that is certain before something even happens

The election result was a foregone conclusion.

a risk you take after carefully thinking about what could go wrong

Leaving her job to start a business was a calculated risk.

another option that can really work

Trains are a viable alternative to short flights.

a person who supports someone or something loyally and strongly

She has always been a staunch supporter of women's rights.

a task or request that is very difficult to do

Finishing the report by tomorrow is a tall order.

a situation where one problem causes another that makes the first one worse (American English also: vicious cycle)

Stress stops me sleeping, and lack of sleep makes me more stressed. It's a vicious circle.

a weak excuse that nobody believes

Saying your alarm didn't go off is a lame excuse.

a long, difficult effort against many problems

Getting the law changed will be an uphill battle.

to be a possible danger

Rising temperatures pose a threat to many species.

to arrive at an agreement that everyone accepts

After hours of discussion, the committee reached a consensus.

to look similar to someone or something (used with to)

The new design bears a strong resemblance to the old one.

to finish something by the time it must be finished

We worked all weekend to meet the deadline.

to do something even though something bad might happen (used with of)

If you don't book now, you run the risk of missing out.

to secretly continue to have doubts (British English: harbour)

Some members still harbor doubts about the plan.

to have and use power or influence

Tech companies wield enormous power over what we read.

to find a good middle point between two different needs

It's hard to strike a balance between work and family.

to say publicly that you are worried about something

Parents have voiced concerns about the new timetable.

to help more people know about a problem (used with of)

The campaign aims to raise awareness of mental health.

to show clearly how two things are different (used with between)

We need to draw a distinction between facts and opinions.

to be more important than something else (used with over)

Safety must take precedence over speed.

extremely disappointed and upset

She was bitterly disappointed not to get the job.

very worried about something serious

We are deeply concerned about the rise in violence.

very improbable

It's highly unlikely that the shop will be open on a holiday.

knowing something completely (used with of or that)

I'm fully aware of the risks.

so slow that it is annoying or frustrating

The internet here is painfully slow.

completely silly or unreasonable

The idea is utterly ridiculous.

disagreeing very much with a plan or idea (used with to)

Local residents are strongly opposed to the new airport.

easy to find or buy in many places

The vaccine is now widely available.

extremely important; necessary

It is vitally important to follow the instructions.

completely clear and easy to understand

Let me make this perfectly clear.

completely different

Living in a city is an entirely different experience.

needing something very much (used with on)

The region is heavily dependent on tourism.

to advise something very firmly

I strongly recommend booking in advance.

to say sorry in a very honest and formal way (British English: apologise)

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.

to say no completely and directly

He flatly refused to discuss the matter.

to be very sure that something is true or right

I firmly believe that education should be free.

to remember something only a little, not clearly

I vaguely remember meeting him at a conference.

to think very carefully about doing something

We're seriously considering moving abroad.

to admit something quickly and without trying to hide it

I readily admit that I made a mistake.

to say very firmly that something is not true

The minister categorically denied the claims.

for as long as we can predict

Prices are unlikely to fall in the foreseeable future.

with very little warning (American English also: on short notice)

Thanks for coming in at such short notice.

without success

We tried to call them, but to no avail.

in general; mostly

By and large, the trip went well.

over a long period of time in the future

Buying a good bike saves money in the long run.

when all other options have failed

Use painkillers only as a last resort.

honestly, with good intentions

She signed the contract in good faith.

at risk; that could be lost or gained

With so many jobs at stake, the decision is difficult.