This quiz works best with JavaScript enabled.
Home
>
English Grammar
>
Grammar
>
Advanced
>
Corpus Linguistics
>
Academic Collocations – Quiz 1
Academic Collocations Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of academic collocations, including verb-noun and activity-noun pairings in both formal and conversational English. It also assesses grammatical correctness and semantic appropriateness in sentence construction, particularly relevant for academic writing.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
The company has ..... him the position.
A) Applied.
B) Offered.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Offered.
The verb "offer" in this context means to propose or present a position for acceptance, which fits well with the sentence structure and meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Applied - This implies that he has submitted an application, not necessarily received a position.
Option B:
Offered - This means the company proposed or presented him with a position for acceptance.
Option C:
All the above - This is incorrect because "Applied" and "Offered" have different meanings in this context.
Option D:
None of the above - This is incorrect as "Offered" is the correct choice.
2.
Resort to violence
A) Prevent violence.
B) Use violence.
C) Deny using violence.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because "resort to violence" means turning to violent methods as a last resort, implying the use of violence in certain situations. This aligns with Option B which states "Use violence."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Prevent violence contradicts the phrase "resort to violence," which does not imply preventing but rather using it.
Option C:
Deny using violence is incorrect as "resort to" implies actually using violence, not denying its use.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect since Option B accurately reflects the meaning of "resort to violence."
3.
..... exercises is good for your health.
A) Doing.
B) Making.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Doing.
The phrase "Doing exercises" is a common and proper collocation in English, indicating the act of performing physical activities for health benefits. "Making exercises" would imply creating or producing exercises, which does not fit the context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Doing exercises" is a standard collocation.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Making exercises" is not a typical collocation in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" cannot be correct since only one option fits the context.
Option D:
Incorrect. The correct answer exists among the options provided.
4.
Choose the best verb to complete each collocation. There are different ways for progressing / processing new information, and one of them is active reading.
A) Progressing.
B) Processing.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Processing" is the correct verb to complete the collocation because "processing new information" refers to the systematic examination, analysis, and handling of data or ideas. Active reading involves these steps, making it a suitable choice for this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Progressing - This term typically means moving forward in time or development, which does not fit well with the systematic examination implied by "active reading."
Option B:
Processing - Correct. It accurately describes the handling and analysis of new information through active reading.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect because progressing is not an appropriate term for this context.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect as processing is the correct choice.
5.
Which of the following collocations is correct?
A) Do a decision.
B) Take a decision.
C) Have a decision.
D) Make a decision.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct collocation is
make a decision.
This phrase is commonly used in English to indicate the process of forming an opinion, choice, or judgment about something. The other options are less common: "do" and "have" can be used in specific contexts but not as standard collocations for making decisions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Do a decision" is not a standard English phrase.
Option B:
Correct. "Take a decision" is also correct and commonly used, but less frequent than "make a decision." Both are acceptable in formal contexts.
Option C:
Incorrect. While "have a decision" can be used to indicate possession of a decision already made, it does not describe the process of making one.
Option D:
Correct. "Make a decision" is the most common and standard collocation for this action in English.
6.
Mike opted ..... early retirement.
A) For.
B) From.
C) In.
D) To.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) For.
The phrase "opt for" is a common academic collocation that means to choose or decide in favor of something. In this context, Mike opted for early retirement indicates he chose the option of retiring earlier than usual.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Opt for" is an appropriate collocation with "early retirement."
Option B:
Incorrect. "From" does not form a standard collocation with "opt."
Option C:
Incorrect. "In" does not form a standard collocation with "opt."
Option D:
Incorrect. "To" does not form a standard collocation with "opt."
7.
Everyday collocation:What is the noun form of the verb 'give'?
A) Grant.
B) Donation.
C) Bestow.
D) Gift.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The noun form of the verb 'give' that best fits in academic collocations is
gift
. A gift refers to something given voluntarily, often as a present, which aligns well with the act of giving.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Grant typically means to give permission or approval, not necessarily in the context of a present.
Option B:
Donation usually implies a contribution given for charitable purposes and is more formal than 'gift'.
Option C:
Bestow often refers to formally giving something, such as an honor or title, which may not always imply a gift in the colloquial sense of the verb 'give'.
Option D:
Gift is the most appropriate noun form for the verb 'give' in everyday usage and academic collocations.
8.
..... YOUR OWN BUSSINES
A) BEING IN CHARGE.
B) RUNNING.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B) RUNNING is correct because "running your own business" implies managing and operating the business yourself, which aligns with the phrase "being in charge." However, "all the above" (C) would be incorrect since it includes an option that does not fit ("none of the above," D), making C invalid.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Being in charge means having control and responsibility. This is closely related to running a business but doesn't fully encompass the action of operating it.
Option B:
Running refers directly to managing and operating the business yourself, which accurately describes owning and operating your own business.
Option C:
All the above would be incorrect because option D is included, making this choice invalid.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect since running a business (option B) fits the context perfectly.
9.
Shall we ..... a drink after work?
A) Go for.
B) Go.
C) Go to.
D) Go on.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Go for a drink after work?" is the correct collocation in this context. This phrase suggests going out to have a drink together as an activity, which fits naturally into the conversation about post-work plans.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Go for" is commonly used with activities like drinks or meals.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Go" alone does not specify an activity or purpose.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Go to" typically indicates a destination, not an activity.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Go on" usually means continuing with something or going somewhere for a longer period, which doesn't fit here.
10.
Which word does not collocate with "make" ?
A) Exercise.
B) Mistake.
C) Effort.
D) Progress.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "make" is typically used with certain nouns to form collocations that are commonly accepted in English. Among the options, "exercise," "mistake," "effort," and "progress" can all be correctly paired with "make." However, "Exercise" does not naturally collocate with "make" as often; it's more common to say "do an exercise" or "complete an exercise."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Does not commonly collocate with "make."
Option B:
Can be used in the phrase "make a mistake."
Option C:
Can be used in the phrase "make an effort."
Option D:
Can be used in the phrase "make progress."
11.
Exactly the .....
A) Opinion.
B) Opposite.
C) Perfect.
D) Together.
E) Poor.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "Exactly the" is often used to indicate a contrast, which aligns with the meaning of "Opposite." When we say "Exactly the opposite," it means something that is completely different or contrary to what was expected or stated. This usage highlights the idea of direct contradiction.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Opinion - Not directly related to the phrase's meaning.
Option B:
Opposite - Correct, as it indicates a direct contrast or contradiction.
Option C:
Perfect - Does not fit the context of "Exactly the" in this case.
Option D:
Together - Not relevant to the phrase's meaning here.
Option E:
Poor - Not appropriate for the given context.
12.
Complete with a verb + adverb collocation: "You'll do it if you ..... enough."
A) Try hard.
B) Really try.
C) Want to.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct verb + adverb collocation is "try hard." This phrase emphasizes the effort one needs to put in to achieve a goal, making it suitable for the context of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Try hard" conveys the necessary effort and determination.
Option B:
Incorrect. While "really try" is close in meaning, "try hard" fits better grammatically with the sentence structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Want to" does not fit well as a verb + adverb collocation here.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
13.
Match the formal verb with the informal alternative.diminish
A) Disagree with.
B) Get.
C) Decrease.
D) Look at.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Diminish" means to make something smaller in size, amount, or importance. The informal alternative that best matches this meaning is "Decrease," as both indicate a reduction or lowering of something.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Disagree with. - This verb implies not agreeing with someone or something and does not relate to making something smaller.
Option B:
Get. - This is too general and can mean many things, not specifically related to reduction in size or amount.
Option C:
Decrease. - Correct. It means to make something smaller in size, amount, or importance, which aligns with the meaning of "diminish."
Option D:
Look at. - This verb is about directing one's gaze towards something and does not relate to reduction.
14.
Sonia ..... a quick lunch and left for work.
A) Made.
B) Had.
C) Took.
D) Did.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Had" is the correct answer because it fits well with "lunch" in this context, forming a common academic collocation: "have lunch." This phrase indicates that Sonia completed her meal before leaving for work.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Made - Does not fit naturally with "lunch" to form a standard English expression.
Option B:
Had - Fits well as part of the collocation "have lunch," meaning Sonia finished her meal.
Option C:
Took - While it can be used in some contexts, it does not fit naturally with "lunch" to form a standard English expression here.
Option D:
Did - Is too general and does not specifically indicate the action of having lunch.
15.
Choose the correct option this shirt is ..... fit for me
A) Correct.
B) Good.
C) Perfect.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "fit for me" is an academic collocation that typically requires a verb to complete it, such as "fits," "suits," or "is suitable." Among the given options, "Perfect" (Option C) implies a high degree of suitability and can be used in this context. Therefore, stating "This shirt is perfect for me" conveys that the shirt fits well and meets your expectations.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as "Correct fit" would require a verb.
Option B:
Not specific enough to convey high suitability.
Option C:
Correct, conveys the shirt fits well and meets expectations.
Option D:
Incorrect as there is a suitable option among the choices.
16.
Choose the correct collocation.
A) Have lunch.
B) Have a lunch.
C) Take lunch.
D) Take a lunch.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct collocation is "have lunch." This phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct in English. The verb "have" is typically paired with the noun "lunch" without an article when referring to the meal itself, as opposed to carrying or bringing a specific instance of it.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Have lunch" is the standard and correct collocation.
Option B:
Incorrect. Adding an article before "lunch" makes the phrase grammatically incorrect in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. The verb "take" does not typically collocate with "lunch" to refer to eating a meal.
Option D:
Incorrect. Similar to Option B, adding an article before "lunch" is incorrect in this context.
17.
"She spoke ..... to her daughter, reassuring that she's going to be just fine."
A) Softly.
B) Soft.
C) Silently.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Softly.
The adverb "softly" describes the manner in which she spoke, indicating a gentle and soothing tone appropriate for reassurance to her daughter.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Softly" fits grammatically and contextually as it modifies how she spoke.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Soft" is an adjective, not an adverb, so it cannot modify the verb "spoke."
Option C:
Incorrect. "Silently" means without sound, which does not fit the context of speaking reassuringly to her daughter.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
18.
The company made a huge amount of ..... out of tobacco sales.
A) Loss.
B) Campaign.
C) Profit.
D) Money.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Money.
The phrase "made a huge amount of" followed by the noun "money" is a common collocation in English, indicating that the company earned a significant sum from tobacco sales. This usage is grammatically and idiomatically appropriate.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Loss - Incorrect. The phrase indicates earning, not losing.
Option B:
Campaign - Incorrect. "Campaign" does not fit the context of sales figures.
Option C:
Profit - While possible, "money" is more general and commonly used in this context.
Option D:
Money - Correct. This collocation accurately conveys earning a significant sum.
19.
I'm not cooking tonight! Let's ..... out! We can ..... to this new restaurant and then we might ..... to the cinema.
A) Have.
B) Tale.
C) Be.
D) Go.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Go.
The phrase "let's go out!" is a common collocation in English, meaning to leave one’s home for an outing. Following this, "we can go to this new restaurant" fits naturally as the next step in the plan. Finally, "and then we might go to the cinema" completes the sentence with another logical activity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Have" does not fit grammatically or contextually after "out!" and does not make sense as a continuation of the plan.
Option B:
"Tale" is not a verb and does not fit in this context at all.
Option C:
"Be" does not fit grammatically or contextually after "out!" and does not make sense as a continuation of the plan.
Option D:
"Go" is correct, forming natural collocations with "out," "to this new restaurant," and "to the cinema."
20.
What's the correct collocation?I need to ..... the explation.(meaning "follow carefully")
A) Pay attention.
B) Give attention.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Pay attention" is the correct collocation to use in this context because it means to focus one's mind on something carefully, which aligns with the meaning of "follow carefully" in your sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Pay attention" means to concentrate or focus on something.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Give attention" typically implies directing care or consideration towards someone, not necessarily following carefully.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
21.
If you don't shut ..... your computer properly, you may lose any unsaved work.
A) Off.
B) Up.
C) Down.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Down.
The phrase "shut down" refers to the process of properly turning off a computer, which ensures that any unsaved work is not lost. This collocation is commonly used in academic and professional contexts.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Off" - While this can be correct in some contexts, it does not form the specific collocation needed for the sentence.
Option B:
"Up" - This is incorrect as it refers to turning on a computer and has no relation to saving work.
Option C:
"Down" - Correct, forming the proper collocation with "shut."
Option D:
"None of the above" - Incorrect since "down" is the correct answer.
22.
A ..... sample of students took part in the survey. We hadn't met them before.
A) Rapid.
B) Rare.
C) Rough.
D) Random.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The term "random" is correct because it accurately describes a sample where each student has an equal chance of being selected, fitting the context that the students were not previously known to the survey organizers.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Rapid" refers to speed and does not fit the context of selection.
Option B:
"Rare" means uncommon or infrequent, which is unrelated to the sampling method.
Option C:
"Rough" suggests an approximate or imprecise method, but it doesn't describe a specific sampling technique.
Option D:
"Random" correctly indicates that students were chosen without bias, fitting the context of not having met them before.
23.
My teacher is really satisfied ..... my work.
A) Of.
B) With.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) With.
The phrase "satisfied with" is a common academic collocation used to express approval or contentment regarding someone's work or performance. Using "with" in this context is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Of" is not typically used with "satisfied" when referring to a person's opinion of another's work.
Option B:
"With" is correct and commonly used in academic contexts.
Option C:
"All the above" is incorrect because only one option, "with," fits correctly in this sentence.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect since "with" is the correct choice.
24.
The car overturned and ..... fire.
A) Did.
B) Made.
C) Got.
D) Caught.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Caught fire" is the correct collocation to use in this context, meaning that the car started burning due to a fire caused by the accident. The other options do not fit grammatically or semantically: "Did," "made," and "got" are not typically used with "fire" in this scenario.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Did - Incorrect, as it does not form a proper collocation with "fire."
Option B:
Made - Incorrect, as it implies causing something, which is not the intended meaning.
Option C:
Got - Incorrect, as it suggests receiving fire, which is not appropriate here.
Option D:
Caught - Correct, forming the proper collocation "caught fire."
25.
Ivan Duque hopes to ..... / ..... the impact of the new taxes.
A) Reduce/minimise.
B) Reduce/cut.
C) Curb/ cut.
D) Minimise/cut.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Reduce/minimise" is the correct choice because both words are commonly used in academic contexts to express a decrease in something, often with similar connotations of making an issue smaller or less significant. "Minimise" is more formal and is preferred in some academic writing.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Both "reduce" and "minimise" are correct and commonly used interchangeably to express a decrease.
Option B:
While "cut" can be used, it is less formal than "reduce/minimise" in academic contexts.
Option C:
"Curb" means to control or restrict, which implies stopping something rather than decreasing its impact. It does not fit the context as well as "reduce/minimise."
Option D:
Both "minimise/cut" includes a less formal term ("cut") and is therefore less suitable for academic collocations.
26.
7 Select the corresponding verb.a decision
A) Do.
B) Take.
C) Have.
D) Make.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "make" is the correct choice for collocating with "a decision." In English, it is common to use "make a decision," which means to form an opinion or determine a course of action. The other options do not fit this context: "do" implies performing an action but does not specifically relate to forming decisions; "take" can be used in some contexts (e.g., take a decision), but it is less common and formal than "make"; "have" typically means possessing something, which does not align with the concept of making a decision.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Do. Implies performing an action but not specifically related to decisions.
Option B:
Take. Can be used in some contexts but is less common and formal than "make."
Option C:
Have. Means possessing something, which does not align with the concept of making a decision.
Option D:
Make. Correct choice for collocating with "a decision."
27.
5 Select the corresponding verb.a chance
A) Do.
B) Make.
C) Take.
D) Have.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "take" is the correct choice for collocating with "a chance." The phrase "take a chance" means to accept a risk or opportunity, which is a common and idiomatic expression in English.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Do. Incorrect. "Do a chance" does not form a natural collocation.
Option B:
Make. Incorrect. "Make a chance" is not commonly used and does not convey the intended meaning of accepting an opportunity or risk.
Option C:
Take. Correct. "Take a chance" is a common idiom that means to accept a risk or opportunity.
Option D:
Have. Incorrect. While "have a chance" can be used, it typically implies possession of an opportunity rather than actively accepting it, which is the meaning conveyed by "take a chance."
28.
To ..... fun of somebody
A) Play.
B) Make.
C) Laugh.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
To "make fun of somebody" is a common academic collocation in English, where the verb "make" is used to create this idiomatic expression meaning to ridicule or jest about someone. This usage aligns with option B as the correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Play does not fit naturally into the phrase "to play of somebody," which sounds awkward and incorrect in English.
Option B:
Make is correct, forming a common collocation with fun to mean ridiculing or jesting about someone.
Option C:
Laugh does not fit naturally into the phrase "to laugh of somebody," which sounds awkward and incorrect in English.
Option D:
Not applicable since one of the options is correct.
29.
Wait for me! I just need to ..... a quick phone call to my sister.
A) Have.
B) Make.
C) Be.
D) Take.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Make.
The verb "make" in this context fits naturally with the phrase "a quick phone call." In English, it's common to use "make" when referring to initiating a communication or activity. For example, one might say, "I just need to make a quick phone call."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Have" is not typically used with "phone call." One would not usually say "have a phone call."
Option B:
"Make" is correct as explained.
Option C:
"Be" does not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence.
Option D:
"Take" would imply a physical action, which doesn't match the intended meaning of initiating a phone call.
30.
Most voters care more about ..... than the environment.
A) Have access to.
B) High-level.
C) Mental health.
D) Economic growth.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "Most voters care more about" suggests a comparison between two topics, with the latter being emphasized as more important to the majority of voters. Among the options provided, economic growth (D) is a broad and commonly discussed topic in political contexts that often takes precedence over environmental concerns due to its direct impact on daily life, job security, and overall well-being.
Option A: "Have access to" - This phrase does not fit grammatically or contextually as it lacks the comparative element needed for the sentence.
Option B: "High-level" - This term is vague and does not provide a clear comparison point in relation to environmental concerns.
Option C: "Mental health" - While important, mental health is typically considered alongside other issues rather than being seen as more significant than environmental concerns by most voters.
Economic growth (D) aligns with the idea that many voters prioritize job markets and financial stability over environmental issues, especially in times of economic uncertainty.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Grammatically incorrect and lacks context.
Option B:
Vague term without clear comparison point.
Option C:
Important but not typically seen as more significant than environmental concerns by most voters.
Option D:
Most voters often prioritize economic growth over environmental issues due to its direct impact on daily life and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are academic collocations?
Academic collocations refer to commonly used word combinations in academic writing that help convey specific meanings and enhance the formal tone of the text. These include phrases like "conduct research" or "methodological approach."
How do academic collocations differ from everyday language?
Academic collocations are more formal and specialized, often used in scholarly writing to express precise ideas. They differ from everyday language by being more concise and specific, reflecting the conventions of academic discourse.
Why are academic collocations important for students?
Understanding and using appropriate academic collocations is crucial for students as it improves their writing quality, making their work more credible and professional. It also helps in aligning with the expectations of academic audiences.
How can one learn academic collocations effectively?
One effective way to learn academic collocations is by reading a wide range of scholarly articles and books. Additionally, using tools like corpora or specialized dictionaries can help identify common patterns and usage in academic writing.
Are there any common pitfalls when using academic collocations?
Yes, overusing certain collocations or misusing them can make the text sound unnatural. It’s important to use collocations appropriately and contextually to maintain clarity and coherence in writing.