Formal Collocations and Complements

Study the questions and tasks

Work through the material below, or start the interactive practice above to complete an attempt. Try the exercises before opening any answer or transcript sections, then use them to review your work.

Practice level

C1. Try this level if you can follow the instructions and understand most of the language; choose an earlier level if you need more support.

Question formats

Matching

How to approach this practice

Read the complete context. Check both the meaning and the grammar, including word forms, collocations and links between sentences.

1. Question 1 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Making a qualified recommendation.

   Answer choices

   • about adopting the measure immediately.
   • to independent verification.
   • for withholding the results.

   Items

   • We have reservations
   • We attach considerable importance
   • We see no justification
   Check answers and explanations

   1. We have reservations

   about adopting the measure immediately.

   2. We attach considerable importance

   to independent verification.

   3. We see no justification

   for withholding the results.

   Reservations about, importance to and justification for require different complements.

2. Question 2 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Reviewing a policy.

   Answer choices

   • with the published guidance.
   • to new legal requirements.
   • on a written request.

   Items

   • The exception is conditional
   • The procedure is consistent
   • The change is attributable
   Check answers and explanations

   1. The exception is conditional

   on a written request.

   2. The procedure is consistent

   with the published guidance.

   3. The change is attributable

   to new legal requirements.

   Conditional on, consistent with and attributable to are distinct patterns.

3. Question 3 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Discussing responsibility.

   Answer choices

   • the control of the supplier.
   • the remit of the appeals panel.
   • for the use of public funds.

   Items

   • The board is accountable
   • The decision falls within
   • The delay is beyond
   Check answers and explanations

   1. The board is accountable

   for the use of public funds.

   2. The decision falls within

   the remit of the appeals panel.

   3. The delay is beyond

   the control of the supplier.

   Accountable for, within a remit and beyond control express different relations.

4. Question 4 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Assessing evidence.

   Answer choices

   • to the alternative explanation.
   • of variation between groups.
   • on the reliability of the measure.

   Items

   • The finding lends weight
   • The analysis takes account
   • The objection casts doubt
   Check answers and explanations

   1. The finding lends weight

   to the alternative explanation.

   2. The analysis takes account

   of variation between groups.

   3. The objection casts doubt

   on the reliability of the measure.

   Lend weight to, take account of and cast doubt on select their complements.

5. Question 5 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Framing a response.

   Answer choices

   • between an error and deliberate deception.
   • for the pressure under which they worked.
   • to the suggestion that staff acted dishonestly.

   Items

   • We take exception
   • We make allowance
   • We draw a distinction
   Check answers and explanations

   1. We take exception

   to the suggestion that staff acted dishonestly.

   2. We make allowance

   for the pressure under which they worked.

   3. We draw a distinction

   between an error and deliberate deception.

   Take exception to, allowance for and distinction between are fixed patterns.

6. Question 6 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Changing an arrangement.

   Answer choices

   • for review at six-month intervals.
   • our delegated authority.
   • to rights already established.

   Items

   • The revision is without prejudice
   • The agreement makes provision
   • The request is outside
   Check answers and explanations

   1. The revision is without prejudice

   to rights already established.

   2. The agreement makes provision

   for review at six-month intervals.

   3. The request is outside

   our delegated authority.

   Without prejudice to, provision for and outside authority express separate limitations.

7. Question 7 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Stating the basis of a decision.

   Answer choices

   • to the requirements set out in the contract.
   • on a narrow interpretation of the evidence.
   • from concerns raised by residents.

   Items

   • The conclusion rests
   • The recommendation stems
   • The plan conforms
   Check answers and explanations

   1. The conclusion rests

   on a narrow interpretation of the evidence.

   2. The recommendation stems

   from concerns raised by residents.

   3. The plan conforms

   to the requirements set out in the contract.

   Rest on, stem from and conform to select different prepositions.

8. Question 8 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Writing with precision.

   Answer choices

   • on how the rule is applied.
   • for a more limited reading.
   • to conflicting interpretations.

   Items

   • The ambiguity gives rise
   • The distinction has a bearing
   • The wording leaves scope
   Check answers and explanations

   1. The ambiguity gives rise

   to conflicting interpretations.

   2. The distinction has a bearing

   on how the rule is applied.

   3. The wording leaves scope

   for a more limited reading.

   Give rise to, bearing on and scope for require distinct endings.

What to review next

Explain why each answer fits the meaning and structure. Record useful phrases and write a new example using each pattern you found difficult.

A focused practice result shows how you did on these tasks. Use several activities across skills to decide what to study next; one practice score does not certify an overall CEFR level.