Subtle Collocation and Register Mismatches
About this practice test
Practise C2 Use of English through sentence editing. Build accuracy with subtle formal collocation and institutional register.
What you’ll practice
Grammar and vocabulary
Choose forms and words that work together.
Meaning in context
Follow meaning across sentences and texts.
Accurate expression
Use natural phrases and sentence patterns.
What to expect:
12 questions with explanations to review after submission.
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
- C2. 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
- Error correction
How to approach this practice
Read the complete context. Check both the meaning and the grammar, including word forms, collocations and links between sentences.
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Question 1 · Error correction
Rewrite the sentence, correcting the grammatical error.
Correct the one language error. Write the complete corrected sentence. The amendment is without preference to existing contractual rights.
Check answers and explanations
- Accepted answers
- The amendment is without prejudice to existing contractual rights.
Without prejudice to is the established rights-preserving formula.
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Question 2 · Error correction
Rewrite the sentence, correcting the grammatical error.
Correct the one language error. Write the complete corrected sentence. The decision creates a precedence for similar appeals.
Check answers and explanations
- Accepted answers
- The decision creates a precedent for similar appeals.
A precedent is an example for later cases; precedence is priority.
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Question 3 · Error correction
Rewrite the sentence, correcting the grammatical error.
Correct the one language error. Write the complete corrected sentence. The reply was ostentatiously in its conspicuous display of neutrality.
Check answers and explanations
- Accepted answers
- The reply was ostentatious in its conspicuous display of neutrality.
The adjective ostentatious describes the reply; ostentatiously is an adverb.
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Question 4 · Error correction
Rewrite the sentence, correcting the grammatical error.
Correct the one language error. Write the complete corrected sentence. The concession should not be construed for an admission of liability.
Check answers and explanations
- Accepted answers
- The concession should not be construed as an admission of liability. / The concession shouldn't be construed as an admission of liability.
Construe as means interpret as.
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Question 5 · Error correction
Rewrite the sentence, correcting the grammatical error.
Correct the one language error. Write the complete corrected sentence. The measure is commensurable to the risk in its severity.
Check answers and explanations
- Accepted answers
- The measure is commensurate with the risk in its severity.
Commensurate with expresses appropriate proportionality of severity.
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Question 6 · Error correction
Rewrite the sentence, correcting the grammatical error.
Correct the one language error. Write the complete corrected sentence. The allegation remains unsubstantiating by independent evidence.
Check answers and explanations
- Accepted answers
- The allegation remains unsubstantiated by independent evidence.
Unsubstantiated is the passive participial adjective for unsupported allegations.
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Question 7 · Error correction
Rewrite the sentence, correcting the grammatical error.
Correct the one language error. Write the complete corrected sentence. The reply was noncommittal; it neither endorsed nor rejected of the proposal.
Check answers and explanations
- Accepted answers
- The reply was noncommittal; it neither endorsed nor rejected the proposal.
Reject takes its object directly without of.
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Question 8 · Error correction
Rewrite the sentence, correcting the grammatical error.
Replace only cursory with an adjective that agrees with the meticulous description. Adjust the article if necessary, keep the rest unchanged and write the complete corrected sentence. The committee made a cursory examination in depth, checking every detail meticulously.
Check answers and explanations
- Accepted answers
- The committee made a thorough examination in depth, checking every detail meticulously. / The committee made a meticulous examination in depth, checking every detail meticulously. / The committee made a detailed examination in depth, checking every detail meticulously. / The committee made a comprehensive examination in depth, checking every detail meticulously. / The committee made an exhaustive examination in depth, checking every detail meticulously. / The committee made a careful examination in depth, checking every detail meticulously. / The committee made a rigorous examination in depth, checking every detail meticulously. / The committee made a painstaking examination in depth, checking every detail meticulously. / The committee made a close examination in depth, checking every detail meticulously.
Cursory means superficial and conflicts with checking every detail meticulously. Thorough, careful and the accepted equivalents describe a detailed examination instead.
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Question 9 · Error correction
Rewrite the sentence, correcting the grammatical error.
Correct the one language error. Write the complete corrected sentence. The undertaking is contingent to receipt of written consent.
Check answers and explanations
- Accepted answers
- The undertaking is contingent on receipt of written consent. / The undertaking is contingent upon receipt of written consent.
Contingent on or upon marks dependence on a condition.
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Question 10 · Error correction
Rewrite the sentence, correcting the grammatical error.
Correct the one language error. Write the complete corrected sentence. The statement pays only mouth service to transparency.
Check answers and explanations
- Accepted answers
- The statement pays only lip service to transparency.
Pay lip service means express support without acting on it.
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Question 11 · Error correction
Rewrite the sentence, correcting the grammatical error.
Correct the one language error. Write the complete corrected sentence. The concern was dismissed out of hands without investigation.
Check answers and explanations
- Accepted answers
- The concern was dismissed out of hand without investigation.
Out of hand is the fixed singular idiom.
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Question 12 · Error correction
Rewrite the sentence, correcting the grammatical error.
Correct the one language error. Write the complete corrected sentence. The institution reserved its right reviewing the arrangement.
Check answers and explanations
- Accepted answers
- The institution reserved its right to review the arrangement.
Reserve the right takes a to-infinitive.
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.