Word Usage & Collocations Questions with Solutions

Collocations are words that naturally go together in English. We conduct a study, refute an argument, propose a theory and analyse data. Saying "make a study" or "do an argument" is understandable but sounds wrong to a native speaker. Word usage questions test whether you know which verb, noun, adjective or preposition belongs with which word. They often appear as match-the-following questions, such as matching verbs with the nouns they usually take, or as questions asking which word best completes a phrase. The only reliable way to prepare is to learn words in pairs and phrases instead of on their own. Group common collocations by theme, for example academic writing (conduct research, draw a conclusion, pose a question), business (meet a deadline, run a business, make a profit) and everyday life (take a decision, pay attention, catch a cold). In the exam, say the phrase in your head and choose the combination that sounds natural. Eliminate options by matching the pairs you are sure of first, which usually leaves only one possible answer. Practise the word usage and collocation questions below. Each solution explains why the words go together.