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Business Collocations – Quiz 1
Business Collocations Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates students' understanding of business collocations, including their usage in various contexts such as communication, finance, negotiations, and performance evaluation. It also tests skills like feedback provision, problem resolution, and grammatical correctness in professional language.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
If you ..... , you might get sick and have to stay home from school.
A) Catch a cold.
B) Hit the nail on the head.
C) Go the extra mile.
D) Set the record straight.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because "catch a cold" is a common collocation that means to become ill with a cold, which would result in having to stay home from school.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Catching a cold leads to illness and staying home.
Option B:
This phrase is about hitting something precisely; it does not relate to getting sick or missing school.
Option C:
Going the extra mile means making an effort beyond what is required; it doesn't imply sickness or absence from school.
Option D:
Setting the record straight means clarifying a misunderstanding; this does not relate to illness or missing school.
2.
Choose the word or phrase to complete the collocation.go .....
A) Bankrupt.
B) A loss.
C) Staff.
D) A deal.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct collocation is "go bankrupt." This phrase is commonly used in business contexts to describe a company's financial failure and inability to pay its debts.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Go bankrupt" is a common business collocation.
Option B:
Incorrect. While "a loss" can be related to business, it does not form a typical collocation with "go."
Option C:
Incorrect. "Staff" does not typically collocate with "go."
Option D:
Incorrect. "A deal" is used in different contexts but not as a collocation for "go."
3.
It's not every day that a 3-year-old sees a product and sends a letter to a company to give his or her .....
A) Report.
B) Contribution.
C) Testimonial.
D) Feedback.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Feedback.
In this context, "feedback" refers to the child's opinion or reaction about a product, which aligns with the act of sending a letter to a company expressing thoughts. The other options do not fit as well: "Report," "Contribution," and "Testimonial" imply more formal or specific actions than simply giving an opinion.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Report - implies a detailed account, not just an opinion.
Option B:
Contribution - suggests adding value through work or ideas, not necessarily feedback.
Option C:
Testimonial - usually refers to a formal endorsement, which is too specific for this context.
Option D:
Feedback - accurately describes the child's action of sharing thoughts about the product.
4.
After doing a deal with their boss, the workers .....
A) Ended their strike.
B) Went on strike.
C) Fired him.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Ended their strike.
After doing a deal with their boss, the workers would likely agree to end their strike as part of resolving the negotiation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option correctly reflects that after reaching an agreement, the workers would cease their strike.
Option B:
Going on strike again is unlikely after a deal has been made.
Option C:
Firing the boss is not a typical outcome of negotiating a deal with employees.
Option D:
This option suggests none of the above, which is incorrect given that Option A fits the context.
5.
He thought about telling the police what he knew, but he decided to ..... quiet.
A) Get.
B) Be.
C) Go.
D) Keep.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Keep.
The phrase "keep quiet" is a common business collocation meaning to remain silent about something, which fits the context of deciding not to inform the police despite knowing information. Options A (Get), B (Be), and C (Go) do not form valid collocations with "quiet" in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Get does not form a valid collocation with quiet.
Option B:
Be does not form a valid collocation with quiet.
Option C:
Go does not form a valid collocation with quiet.
Option D:
Keep is the correct choice as it forms the collocation "keep quiet."
6.
We took ..... of the amazing facilities the hotel offered and spent time at the gym and the spa.
A) Advantage.
B) Multiple.
C) Compromise.
D) Chance.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Advantage.
The phrase "took advantage of" is a common business collocation that means to use an opportunity or benefit from something available. In this context, it fits well as the travelers utilized the hotel's facilities.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Took advantage of" is a standard business collocation meaning to make use of an opportunity.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Multiple" does not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Compromise" means to give up something, which is not the intended meaning here.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Chance" could be used but "advantage" better fits the business context and collocation usage.
7.
If you ..... , you make sure someone knows the latest information.
A) Miss the point.
B) Break the ice.
C) Keep someone posted.
D) Get cold feet.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Keep someone posted" is the correct collocation in this context because it means to inform someone regularly about updates or changes, ensuring they have the latest information.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Miss the point - This phrase does not fit as it refers to misunderstanding something.
Option B:
Break the ice - This idiom means to initiate a conversation or relax tension, which is unrelated here.
Option C:
Keep someone posted - Correct collocation meaning to inform regularly about updates.
Option D:
Get cold feet - This phrase refers to losing courage and is not relevant in this context.
8.
To ..... means to be the leader of a group of people working together on a business activity.
A) Work in a team.
B) Lead a team.
C) Work as a team.
D) Be in a team.
Show Answer
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Work in a team - This implies being part of a team but does not indicate leadership.
Option B:
Lead a team - Correct, as it means to be the leader guiding the team.
Option C:
Work as a team - Similar to Option A, this suggests teamwork without specifying leadership.
Option D:
Be in a team - This also indicates being part of a team but not necessarily in a leadership role.
9.
So, have you already ..... change jobs or not?
A) Gone to.
B) Put on.
C) Decided to.
D) Wanted to.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Decided to.
This option fits best in the context of asking about a job change, as it implies that the person has made a decision regarding their employment status. The phrase "have you already decided to change jobs or not?" is a common business collocation used to inquire about intentions or plans.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Gone to" does not fit grammatically in this context as it would imply an action of going somewhere, which is unrelated to job changes.
Option B:
"Put on" is typically used for dressing or wearing something and is not relevant to the topic of changing jobs.
Option C:
"Decided to" correctly conveys the idea of making a decision, which aligns with asking about job changes.
Option D:
"Wanted to" suggests a desire but does not necessarily imply that the action has been taken or is in progress, making it less suitable for this context.
10.
She ..... an effort to find out as many details about the issue as possible.
A) Made.
B) Gave.
C) Put.
D) Tried.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Made" is the correct answer because it fits naturally in the context of making an effort, which is a common collocation in English. The phrase "made an effort" is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning effectively.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Made - Fits the context and is a correct collocation.
Option B:
Gave - While "gave an effort" could be used, it's less common than "made an effort."
Option C:
Put - "Put an effort" is not a natural or commonly used collocation in this context.
Option D:
Tried - While "tried to find out as many details about the issue as possible" could be correct, it implies a less focused and more general attempt compared to making a specific effort.
11.
Before starting the project they had a brainstorming session and
A) Devised a plan.
B) Developed a strategy.
C) Made a planning.
D) Scheduled another meeting.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Developed a strategy (Option B) is the correct answer because "developing a strategy" implies creating a detailed plan of action to achieve a business goal, which aligns with the context of a brainstorming session before starting a project. This term specifically denotes planning at a higher level than just devising a simple plan or scheduling meetings.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Devised a plan - While related to planning, it is less comprehensive and specific compared to developing a strategy.
Option C:
Made a planning - This option is grammatically incorrect and vague, making it an unsuitable choice.
Option D:
Scheduled another meeting - This action occurs after the brainstorming session and does not capture the essence of strategic planning discussed in the context.
12.
He's very good at ..... with people's problems.
A) Meeting.
B) Risking.
C) Dealing.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "He's very good at dealing with people's problems" is a common business collocation that indicates someone has the ability to handle and resolve issues effectively in interpersonal situations. This makes option C) Dealing correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Meeting refers to an event or occasion, not specifically addressing problem resolution.
Option B:
Risking implies taking chances or facing danger, which is unrelated to handling problems.
Option C:
Dealing with people's problems directly addresses the ability to manage and resolve issues effectively in a business context.
Option D:
None of the above would be incorrect since option C is valid.
13.
A ..... is the company with the highest sales and largest market share in the industry.
A) High tech.
B) Brand name.
C) Stand out business.
D) Market leader.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The term "Market leader" accurately describes a company with the highest sales and largest market share in its industry, making it the correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
High tech refers to advanced technology but does not describe a company's position in the market.
Option B:
Brand name indicates recognition and reputation but does not necessarily imply leadership in sales or market share.
Option C:
Stand out business suggests a company that stands out, but this term is too vague to specifically denote market leadership.
Option D:
Market leader directly refers to the company with the highest sales and largest market share in its industry, which aligns perfectly with the given description.
14.
..... a conversation
A) Go.
B) Break.
C) Have.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is C) Have, as the question pertains to business collocations and "have a conversation" is a common and appropriate collocation in English used for professional contexts.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Go does not form a typical collocation with "conversation".
Option B:
Break is often used in phrases like "break the conversation", but it's less common and formal.
Option C:
Have forms the correct collocation "have a conversation" which is widely used in business settings.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect since one of the options does form the correct collocation.
15.
A favor (for someone)
A) Do.
B) Make.
C) None.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "A favor (for someone)" is commonly used in business contexts to request assistance from a colleague or superior. The correct answer, Option A) Do, is appropriate because it aligns with the typical usage of this collocation. When asking for a favor, one often uses phrases like "Can you do me a favor?" or "Would you be able to do something for me?"
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Do" is used in the phrase "do someone a favor."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Make" does not fit naturally with "a favor (for someone)."
Option C:
Incorrect. "None" implies no correct answer, which is not applicable here.
Option D:
Incorrect. "None of the above" suggests there's an incorrect option, but Option A is correct.
16.
A small amount of money that is kept in an officefor making small payment
A) Petty cash.
B) Cash flow.
C) Cash dispenser.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Petty cash refers to a small amount of money kept in an office for making small payments, which aligns with the description given in the question.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Petty cash is defined as a small amount of money kept in an office for making small payments.
Option B:
Incorrect. Cash flow refers to the movement of money into and out of a business, not specifically for small payments.
Option C:
Incorrect. A cash dispenser is a machine that dispenses cash, typically found in banks or ATMs, not an office setting for making small payments.
Option D:
Incorrect. The description provided matches petty cash, so this option is not applicable.
17.
The winners of the Robotics Competition were ..... scholarships.
A) Received.
B) Awarded.
C) Commanded.
D) Deprived.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Awarded.
The verb "awarded" fits naturally in the context of a competition, where winners receive something as recognition for their achievement. In this case, it logically follows that the winners received scholarships.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Received - While "received" is grammatically correct, it does not convey the formal nature of an award in a competition setting.
Option B:
Awarded - This verb correctly conveys the act of officially giving something to the winners as recognition for their achievement.
Option C:
Commanded - "Commanded" is not appropriate here, as it implies an authoritative order rather than a formal award.
Option D:
Deprived - This verb means to take something away, which does not make sense in the context of a competition where winners are supposed to gain something.
18.
I prefer ..... drinks, like juice and water
A) Soft.
B) Hot.
C) Homemade.
D) Carbonated.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Soft.
The phrase "I prefer soft drinks, like juice and water" fits naturally in the context of drink preferences. "Soft drinks" commonly refers to non-alcoholic beverages, which aligns with the examples given (juice and water).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Soft drinks include juice and water.
Option B:
Incorrect. Hot drinks do not typically include juice or water.
Option C:
Incorrect. Homemade is a descriptor, not a type of drink category.
Option D:
Incorrect. Carbonated drinks are a specific subset that may include soda but not necessarily juice and water.
19.
Choose the right verb that completes the phrase: ..... business (with).
A) Do.
B) Make.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "do business" is a common collocation in English, meaning to engage in commercial transactions or dealings with someone or some organization. Therefore, the correct verb to complete the phrase "..... business (with)" is "do."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Do business" is a standard collocation.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Make business" is not a common collocation in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" is incorrect because only one option, "do," is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. "None of the above" is incorrect as "do" is the right answer.
20.
Billy always ..... for permission to go out and play.
A) Asks.
B) Cries.
C) Says.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because "asks for permission" is a common and appropriate collocation in English when referring to seeking approval before doing something, such as going out to play.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Asks for permission is the proper way to seek approval.
Option B:
Crying is not a typical or appropriate way to ask for permission.
Option C:
Saying does not specify the action of requesting permission.
Option D:
Not applicable as "asks" fits the context.
21.
..... mistakes is a natural part of any learning process
A) Doing.
B) Taking.
C) Making.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Making.
In the context of business collocations, "making mistakes" is a common phrase used to describe the process of learning and improving in various professional settings. This phrase aligns with the natural progression of acquiring new skills or knowledge.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Doing - Incorrect as it does not fit naturally into the business collocation for mistakes.
Option B:
Taking - Incorrect as it does not fit naturally into the business collocation for mistakes.
Option C:
Making - Correct, as "making mistakes" is a common business phrase indicating the learning process.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect as "Making" fits correctly in this context.
22.
A firm charges more than competitors for a premium item. What phrase describes this?
A) Raise the prestige of.
B) Charge higher prices.
C) Keep a good work environment.
D) Start up a business.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "Charge higher prices" accurately describes a firm that charges more than competitors for a premium item. This directly reflects the action of setting a price point above market rates, which is common in business when offering superior quality or additional value to justify the cost.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Raise the prestige of" - Incorrect. This phrase refers to enhancing reputation or status rather than pricing strategy.
Option B:
"Charge higher prices" - Correct. This directly describes setting a price above competitors for a premium item.
Option C:
"Keep a good work environment" - Incorrect. This pertains to internal business practices rather than pricing strategy.
Option D:
"Start up a business" - Incorrect. This refers to the initial phase of establishing a company, not pricing strategies.
23.
We ..... business with companies all over the world.
A) Give.
B) Take.
C) Do.
D) Make.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Do.
The phrase "We do business with companies all over the world" is a common and appropriate collocation in English, meaning that we engage in commercial activities or transactions with various companies globally. This usage reflects a general statement about the nature of one's business operations.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Give" implies providing something to other companies, which is not typically how international business relationships are described.
Option B:
"Take" suggests receiving or accepting goods/services from others, but it does not accurately convey the idea of engaging in commercial activities with multiple partners worldwide.
Option C:
"Do" is correct as it encompasses a wide range of business interactions and transactions across different companies globally.
Option D:
"Make" usually refers to producing goods or services, which does not fit the context of engaging in commercial activities with multiple partners worldwide.
24.
A:Why are you late, Jane?B:Oh, I couldn't ..... the car this morning!
A) Start.
B) Begin.
C) Start off.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Start.
In this context, "start the car" is a common collocation that means to begin operating the vehicle. The phrase "I couldn't start the car this morning!" fits naturally and conveys the idea of Jane being late because her car did not function properly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Start" is a common collocation with "the car."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Begin" does not typically collocate with "the car."
Option C:
Incorrect. "Start off" could be used, but it's less direct and natural in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
25.
..... a good time
A) Do.
B) Have.
C) Make.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Have.
The phrase "have a good time" is a common business collocation used to express that someone enjoys an event, meeting, or activity. This collocation is widely accepted and understood in professional contexts.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Do not use "do" with this phrase as it does not form a standard collocation.
Option B:
Correct, "have a good time" is the proper business collocation.
Option C:
Make typically implies creating or causing something and does not fit naturally in this context.
Option D:
Not applicable as one of the options is correct.
26.
We have already started to ..... plans for Christmas
A) Do.
B) Create.
C) Make.
D) Prepare.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Make plans" is a common business collocation that means to create or form plans, especially for future events such as Christmas. This phrase fits naturally in the context of starting preparations well in advance.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Do" is too general and does not fit the specific meaning required by the context.
Option B:
"Create" could work but is less common than "make plans" in this context.
Option C:
"Make" is correct as it is a standard collocation with "plans."
Option D:
"Prepare" while related, is not the most precise collocation for starting to form specific plans. "Make plans" is more direct and commonly used.
27.
They ..... a bitter quarrel about some money three years ago and they haven't spoken to each other since.
A) Had.
B) Made.
C) Got.
D) Took.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Had.
The verb "had" fits best in this context because it indicates a completed action in the past that has relevance to the present situation, which is why they haven't spoken to each other since. "Had" conveys that the quarrel was a significant event that occurred and had lasting effects.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Had - Correct. Indicates a completed past action with ongoing consequences.
Option B:
Made - Implies creating or producing, not suitable for describing an argument.
Option C:
Got - Typically used for receiving something, not appropriate here.
Option D:
Took - Suggests spending time on something, not fitting the context of a quarrel.
28.
It can be difficult to ..... of individual staff, but there are lots of useful tools that use a rating scale of 1-10.
A) Assess the situation.
B) Generate enthusiasm.
C) Achieve good results.
D) Measure the performance.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence is about evaluating staff performance using a rating scale, which directly relates to measuring the performance of individual staff members. This aligns with option D: Measure the performance.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Assess the situation - Not specifically related to performance measurement.
Option B:
Generate enthusiasm - Focuses on motivation, not performance evaluation.
Option C:
Achieve good results - While related, it's more about outcomes rather than the process of measuring performance.
Option D:
Measure the performance - Correctly identifies the task of evaluating staff using a rating scale.
29.
In Colorado, you can go on ..... with other people and enjoy this extreme sport.
A) A ski holiday.
B) A business trip.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is Option A: A ski holiday. Skiing is an extreme sport that can be enjoyed in Colorado, often involving going on a ski holiday with other people.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Skiing is an extreme sport and a common activity during a ski holiday.
Option B:
Incorrect. Going on a business trip does not typically involve the enjoyment of an extreme sport like skiing.
Option C:
Incorrect. A business trip would not usually be associated with enjoying an extreme sport such as skiing.
Option D:
Incorrect. All other options are incorrect, making this option invalid in context.
30.
The following collocation fits into which collocation pattern?a surge of emotion
A) Verbs and expressions with preposition.
B) Verbs and adverbs.
C) Noun + noun.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The collocation "a surge of emotion" fits the pattern of a noun followed by another noun, indicating an increase in intensity or quantity of something (in this case, an emotional state).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Verbs and expressions with preposition - Incorrect. This collocation does not involve verbs or prepositions.
Option B:
Verbs and adverbs - Incorrect. This collocation does not include a verb or an adverb.
Option C:
Noun + noun - Correct. "Surge" and "emotion" are both nouns, forming this specific collocation pattern.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect. Option C is correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are business collocations?
Business collocations refer to commonly used combinations of words in professional contexts, such as 'business negotiations' or 'performance evaluation,' which help convey specific meanings relevant to the field.
Why are business collocations important?
Understanding and using appropriate business collocations is crucial for effective communication in professional settings, ensuring clarity and precision when discussing topics like finance or strategy.
How do business collocations differ from general English?
Business collocations often include specific terminology related to the corporate world, such as 'bitter quarrel' in negotiations or 'finance terminology,' which are less common in everyday language.
Where can I find examples of business collocations?
Examples of business collocations can be found in professional literature, business reports, and academic articles focused on corporate communication and strategy.
How do I improve my knowledge of business collocations?
Improving your knowledge involves reading extensively in professional contexts, using corpora or specialized dictionaries, and practicing by incorporating these phrases into your own writing and speech.