Complete the 12 sentences below. Choose the best answer for each one.
1The new proposal ............... a faint resemblance to the scheme the committee rejected last year.
Wrong!
We say something "bears" a resemblance to something else; 'carry a resemblance' is not the normal collocation.
2The inquiry will not reopen unless investigators uncover ............... evidence of procedural misconduct.
Wrong!
Evidence that is strong and persuasive is "compelling"; 'compulsive evidence' confuses the adjective used for irresistible behaviour.
3There is a ............... need to clarify how the archive acquired the disputed manuscripts.
Wrong!
A serious and immediate need is a "pressing" need; 'pressed need' is not the collocation.
4Despite the public apology, several former employees still ............... a grudge against the board.
Wrong!
The fixed collocation is to "harbour" a grudge, meaning to keep resentment for a long time.
5Given the consultant's obvious conflict of interest, we should take her optimism with a ............... of salt.
Wrong!
In standard British English, you take a claim with a "pinch" of salt; 'grain of salt' belongs to the related American expression.
6If the court accepts anonymous testimony here, it ............... a precedent that future defendants may challenge.
Wrong!
A decision "sets" a precedent; 'make a precedent' is not the normal legal or procedural collocation.
7Her review offered ............... criticism of the minister's attempt to redefine academic independence.
Wrong!
Sharp, forceful criticism is "trenchant" criticism; 'trenched' does not collocate with criticism.
8The lobby group tried to ............... pressure on regulators before the safety report was published.
Wrong!
You "exert" pressure on someone or something; 'execute pressure' is a false collocation.
9The ambassador maintained a ............... relationship with the opposition leader despite their public disagreements.
Wrong!
A polite and friendly professional relationship is a "cordial" relationship; 'cardial' is a medical adjective and does not fit this collocation.
10The senator's ............... support for the whistle-blower surprised colleagues who had expected a cautious response.
Wrong!
Firm, loyal support is "staunch" support; 'stark support' is not the collocation.
11Unencrypted patient records ............... a serious risk to the hospital's legal and ethical standing.
Wrong!
Something can "pose" a risk, meaning present or create a risk; 'post a risk' is not standard.
12The auditors noticed a ............... discrepancy between the inventory records and the warehouse manager's testimony.
Wrong!
An obvious and problematic difference is a "glaring" discrepancy; 'glowing discrepancy' does not collocate.
Exercise complete
0 out of 12
correct answers
Answers
- The new proposal bears a faint resemblance to the scheme the committee rejected last year.
- The inquiry will not reopen unless investigators uncover compelling evidence of procedural misconduct.
- There is a pressing need to clarify how the archive acquired the disputed manuscripts.
- Despite the public apology, several former employees still harbour a grudge against the board.
- Given the consultant’s obvious conflict of interest, we should take her optimism with a pinch of salt.
- If the court accepts anonymous testimony here, it sets a precedent that future defendants may challenge.
- Her review offered trenchant criticism of the minister’s attempt to redefine academic independence.
- The lobby group tried to exert pressure on regulators before the safety report was published.
- The ambassador maintained a cordial relationship with the opposition leader despite their public disagreements.
- The senator’s staunch support for the whistle-blower surprised colleagues who had expected a cautious response.
- Unencrypted patient records pose a serious risk to the hospital’s legal and ethical standing.
- The auditors noticed a glaring discrepancy between the inventory records and the warehouse manager’s testimony.