Idioms and collocations: use them, but use them right
By Michael Ukwuma
Natural word partners and a short list of safe, everyday idioms, with the rules for using them on the test.
An article published under the CELPIP name says idioms can show range when they fit the situation, but warns that an idiom used out of place makes writing and speech feel awkward. So idioms are seasoning, not the meal. One or two per answer, never forced.
Collocations are even more useful. They are words that naturally travel together, and they make you sound fluent without any risk.
Collocations worth knowing
- make a decision, make a mistake, make progress, make an effort
- take a break, take a risk, take responsibility, take part in
- pay attention, pay a visit, pay a fee
- raise a concern, raise awareness, raise money
- heavy traffic, heavy rain, strong opinion, high demand
- meet a deadline, meet expectations, solve a problem, save time
The rest of this lesson is part of full access.