Collocations Exercises

I was exhausted, so I drank a double espresso. Now I’m _____ awake.

I wasn’t expecting much of a raise, so I was ______ surprised when I got a sizeable raise.

We should hold ourselves to _____ standards. We shouldn’t be satisfied with these mediocre results.

Our CEO and company president got into a(n) _____ debate yesterday. They were at each other’s throats.

Bill’s doctor told him that he needs to start getting ______ exercise. He’s overweight and has high blood pressure.

We can’t afford to hire someone we need to train. We need someone who can step in and have a(n) _____ impact.

I didn’t want to bother Carl. He was in his office and it looked like he was lost in ______ thought.

I wouldn’t do that if I were you. You’re making a _____ mistake.

I have _____ admiration for the senator. She’s been a respected member of Congress for over thirty years.

Some people will undoubtedly be a few minutes late. There is really ______ traffic today.

Last year we had several blizzards and it was bitterly cold almost every day. Fortunately, this year we’re having a _____ winter.

There is a _____ chance that I’ll have to travel to one of our subsidiaries in April.

Can we meet at 6:30 instead of 7:30 for dinner? I had a _____ lunch, and I’m starting to get hungry.

Do we have any idea what the _____ cause is of this issue?

Honestly, I have no idea which candidate I’m voting for. I just don’t have very _____ political beliefs.

I was expecting a brief overview, so I was surprised when they went into everything in _____ detail.

The news was a shock for Miguel. He stared at his friends in _____ disbelief.

Big Data is a _____ topic right now in the IT field.

This research is too general. What we need is more _____ information.

I didn’t like the house I looked at today. It was rather cramped and there was a _____ smell in the basement.

I had no idea that Dave left the company. This comes as a _____ shock to me.

This isn’t something to be taken lightly. It’s a _____ decision. Why don’t you sleep on it and tell me your answer in the morning?

The weather report is calling for _____ rain this afternoon. There’s a flood watch in effect for several counties.

You can’t eat a bag of Doritos and a diet Coke for lunch every day. You need to eat ______ meals.

We arrived in London very quickly. I had no idea the train traveled at such a _____ speed.

It’s hard to take _____ criticism, especially if it’s true.

The database has an incredibly ______ amount of information.

I was nervous about skydiving at first, but now I’m happy I did it. What a(n) _____ experience!

The _____ majority of Americans have never been to Europe.

To work in customer service, you need to be able to keep a _____ head. You can’t get upset every time someone yells at you.

I have to run out of the house for a minute. Do you think you could _____ an eye on my kids for 5-10 minutes?

I think you _____ a mistake on question number two.

When I was a kid, I always _____ my homework as soon as I got home from school.

Please _____ attention to your teacher when she’s talking.

Could you please _____ a picture of me in front of the statue?

Why don’t you ever listen to me? You never ____ my advice. (two possible answers)

You should _____ the plane now before it takes off without you. (two possible answers)

I had to _____ some errands this afternoon. I went to the bank and the post office. (two possible answers)

I try to _____ money by buying used clothing at thrift shops instead of buying new clothes.

My doctor told me I’m not _____ enough exercise. (two possible answers)

_____ me the truth. What really happened?

I ____ my English test yesterday. It was easy. I’m sure I got a good grade.

He’s one of the top young Republicans. Many people think he’s going to _____ president in the next election.

Could you please _____ your cigarette? The smoke is bothering me.

He _____ a bad grade on his final exam.

It’s normal to _____ some weight during the holiday season. (two possible answers)

I have to do some yardwork this weekend. I have to _____ the grass and trim the hedges.

I _____ the doorbell, but no one answered.  I don’t think they’re home.

Kevin _____ three different sports when he was in high school: football, basketball, and baseball.

Could you _____ me a favor and turn the music down a little bit?

Studies show that if retail stores _____ music in the background, they can affect their customers’ buying habits.

I asked everyone for advice before I _____ the decision. (two possible answers)

Becky got in the car, put the keys in the ignition and _____ the car.

Before seeing the doctor, the receptionist told me to _____ some forms about my medical history.

I was scared the first time I _____ a horse. I thought I would fall off.

She gave the delivery guy twenty dollars and told him to _____ the change.

I celebrated my birthday last week. I _____ 30 years old.

To change the language on the TV, you need to _____ the button that says “menu.” (two possible answers)

Did you pass or _____ the test?

If you want to make friends, maybe you should _____ one of the groups at school.

I’m going to _____ the trash. The garbage collectors come tomorrow.

Little Johnny is in first grade. He is learning how to _____ time.

I thought he was going to break his promise, so I was pleasantly surprised when he _____ his word.

He _____ us a story about how he met his wife.

Before _____ an investment, you should carefully consider the risk.

In English class last night, we ____ an activity to practice using the grammar we learned.

Crystal doesn’t vote. She claims that voting won’t _____ a difference.

I’m sorry, Mrs. Klein isn’t in the office at the moment. If you’d like, I can ____ a message.

You’ll never improve your English unless you _____ an effort.

Sometimes the only way to get what you want is by _____ a risk.

What you’re telling me doesn’t _____ sense. How can that be possible?

Michael Phelps _____ many records during his career as a swimmer. (two possible answers)

Every morning I wake up and _____ my dog through the park.

Make sure you wear a jacket so you don’t _____ a cold.

The driver _____ control of the car and drove it into a tree.

It snowed for five days and I didn’t leave the house once. I was starting to _____ crazy.

I work hard during the week, but the weekends are for _____ time with my family.

During summer vacation, we used to _____ my mom crazy. She was always happy when we went back to school.

For our chemistry final,  I looked at my friend’s paper and copied off of him. It was the only time I ever _____ on a test.

He’s married, but he doesn’t _____ any kids yet.

I wouldn’t tell her about it if I were you. Everyone knows she can’t _____ a secret.

Don’t let it affect you. You need to _____ the positive attitude you’ve always had. (two possible answers)

I’m trying to ____ time by shopping online instead of going to the store.

That corporation has repeatedly ______ the law and gotten away with it.

The people of the United States _____ Jimmy Carter as president in 1976.

I do the cooking, and my wife _____ the grocery shopping.

The police were able to  _____ the criminal when they received an anonymous tip about his location.

Gary woke up late this morning and _____ the 8 o’clock bus. He had to take the bus at 9 AM instead.

People who can _____ more than one language have a distinct advantage over monolingual people.

My neighbor’s dogs were _____ a lot of noise last night. I had trouble sleeping.

Please _____ your shoes before you come in the house. We just cleaned the carpets.

I’m going to _____ copies of these documents in case we lose the originals.

I need to ____ Frank a call and see how he’s been doing. I haven’t talked to him in a while.

You should find some clothes hangers and  _____ your clothes in the closet so they don’t get wrinkled. (two possible answers)

I didn’t ask for it, but he _____ me his opinion anyway.

66. Sharon _____ a photography course when she was in college.

67. Sometimes I _____ my bike to work if the weather is nice.

68. I’d love to take a flight training course one day. I’ve always wanted to learn how to _____ a plane.

69. Mike got a bucket of water and _____ the fire.

70. Did he _____ his promise or did he keep it?

71. My son _____ an experiment in his science class today. (two possible answers)

72. Let’s go somewhere else. When you see the waiter, can you _____ the check?

Managers should be good ___ motivating their teams.

I’ve been very busy preparing ___ the sales conference next week.

My wife and I are very proud ___ our son.

Post-It notes were invented ___ accident. The inventor was trying to create a completely different product.

Blake needs to get his resume ready so he can start applying ___ jobs.

We arrived ___ London at about 9 o’clock in the morning.

Have you ever been accused ___ committing a crime?

Initially, my wife and I couldn’t agree ___ a name for our daughter.

He made a lot of decisions that management didn’t approve ___.

I strongly believe ___ the power of positive thinking.

As the coach of the team, he needs to take the blame ___ the team’s lack of success.

I’ve really been concentrating ___ finishing my degree.

Our sales team consists ___ a dozen people with varied backgrounds.

Each and every one of you has contributed ___ the success of this organization.

I know we can count ___ Tim to resolve this for us.

Our success depends ___ hiring the right people.

He graduated ___ Princeton in 1994.

Jack insisted ___ paying for lunch.

This might not matter ___ you, but some people are going to be negatively affected by this decision.

At first, I thought he was really angry. Then, he smiled ___ me and I knew he was joking.

Many people objected ___ the decisions the president made during his first 100 days in office.

To make extra money, Rick participated ___ some clinical trials for new drugs.

We plan ___ opening two more stores within the next three years.

Cheryl has been very busy right now. She’s applying ___ law schools.

The judge ordered the jurors not to comment ___ the case.

They were arguing ___ who deserved the blame for the recent increase in crime.

I had trouble deciding ___ a college major.

What is the reason ___ this new trend?

He expressed his dissatisfaction ___ the service he received.

We’ve seen a decrease ___ tourism over the last few years.

People have to be able to adapt ___ change.

Please contact me ___  your earliest convenience so we can discuss this issue.

What is the difference ___ these two cell phone plans?

International trips are always a problem for Jim because of his intense fear ___ flying.

I can’t take the credit ___ this. It was a team effort.

The attorney chose not to respond ___ the reporter’s questions.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t aware ___ the new developments.

Some states have very high taxes ___ cigarettes and alcohol.

Who is responsible ___ implementing these changes?

Stress is a major cause ___ many diseases.

We should take advantage ___ the sale and stock up on supplies.

They have an excellent relationship ___ our clients.

Do you have any interest ___ seeing the movie?

Who is in charge ___ approving these requests?

We’ve been having some trouble ___ our Wi-Fi.

I hung up on a customer ___ mistake. I’ll have to call her back.

We’re going to have to build the whole thing over ___ scratch.

Complaining ___ it won’t help. You need to do something about it.

Many parents find it difficult to pay ___ their children’s education.

There is a high demand ___ this type of product.

You can get a 50% discount with a coupon, but you’ll have to pay __ advance.

Twelve miles? I have no idea how far that is. What is it __ kilometers?

__ the other hand, this decision might be just what we need.

It’s not something we want the whole team to know about. If you want to talk about it, let’s meet __ private.

Kurt says he hasn’t finished yet, but that it’s __ his list of things to do.

__ average, I go out for lunch twice a week.

It’s probably the best one __ the market.

Sometimes he gets __ the way and it’s hard to get work done.

I just want to make sure we’re both __ the same page.

I think the documents are saved __ my computer.

I can’t believe you’re blaming this __ me.

You got here just __ time. We’re just about to start the meeting.

We need to stay __ control of the situation.

Have you ever been __ TV or the radio?

It isn’t appropriate to post this photo __ Facebook.

I can drop you off at your house because it’s __ the way.

During dinner, they got __ an argument about politics.  

I think he might be ___ denial about what happened.

We started as a small group, but now there are 23 people ___ my team.

During orientation, they had us do team-building activities __ groups.

I can’t wait to start something new. I’ve been working __ this project for several months now.

Who is __ charge of implementing these changes?

We should go over all of this __ detail so we know we’re 100% prepared.

We’re __ the process of evaluating some of these policies to see if any changes need to be made.

Steve used to work __ the sales department but now he’s one of the managers.

These people are industry experts we know we can rely __.

I only have a few minutes before my next meeting, so let’s schedule a meeting for tomorrow morning. I want to make sure we have enough time to talk about this __ depth.

Your support means a lot to us. We’re so glad you’re __ our side.

Did I receive anything __ the mail today?

Brett says he can’t help us right now. He’s __ the middle of something.

I don’t like that solution. I think it might ____ more harm than good.

I’m sorry, but he said that he wouldn’t like to ____ a contribution. He’s already contributed to several charities this year.

Jacky said she’ll meet us at the restaurant. She has to ____ a phone call.

You should always ____ some research about your prospective employer before going on a job interview.

I ____ my mother a promise that I would graduate college on time.

I’m not ____ a fortune, but I’m content with my salary.

Let’s talk it over. I want to be sure we are  ____ the right thing.

Many small businesses take months or even years to ____ a profit.

The newspaper ____ a mistake in one of yesterday’s articles. They printed a retraction today.

Both of them have the last name Ewing, but I didn’t ____ the connection that they might be related.

In his early twenties, Sidney had to work two jobs to _____ ends meet.

I’ll ____ my best to pick a time that is convenient for everyone.

Many people criticized the president for not ____ anything about the crisis.

The scandal ____ damage to both his reputation and his personal life.

You won’t even know I’m here. I won’t ____ a sound.

With a demanding job and two kids, it’s hard to ____ time for myself.

Have you ____ any plans for the upcoming three-day weekend?

If you want to ____ business in this country, I suggest you learn about the culture.

Could we ____ something about the temperature in this room? It’s freezing.

I think the mayor ____ a good point, but I’m not totally sold on his proposal.

Steve ____ an attempt to clarify the confusion.

I typically try to ____ my shopping during the week so that I can have my weekends free.

We celebrated a job well ____ by opening a bottle of champagne.

Could you ____ me a favor and take these documents to Monica?

Congress plans to pass a law to ____ sure this never happens again.

Gary voted this morning. He said it felt good to ____ his civic duty.

Our interns are trying to ____ the most of their time here.

We should have gone out instead of having the party here. We ____ a complete mess.

He didn’t ____ any excuses. He simply apologized for what happened.

Great team effort, guys! Everyone ____ their share.

We have a strict policy against that. I don’t know that they’ll ____ an exception.

Do you think it ____ sense for us to outsource this?

We wish we didn’t have to ____ this choice.

Tanya took a job as a part-time contractor for another company. She’s not ____ as much money as she was here, but she says she’s happy.

My car is ____ a strange noise. I’m going to take it to the mechanic.

I have a feeling that the government has a(n) _______ agenda. There is usually some ulterior motive behind these decisions.

I asked Alejandro if I was being considered for the position, but I couldn’t get a _______ answer out of him.

The new purchasing manager looks _______ familiar.

I tried to _______ a glimpse of the email he was reading, but I couldn’t see the screen.

Mark told me that he _______ hoped that we weren’t sacrificing quality for quantity.

It’s a mutually _______ deal that we can all feel good about.

It’s a tough industry with a lot of _______ competition.

Improving education remains a ______ priority for the federal government.

I think we need to give this issue further _______ before making a decision.

I don’t think this aptitude test helps us evaluate people in any ________ way.

The United Nations _______ a statement about the tragedy.

Switching to a cheaper supplier was definitely a(n) _______ choice.