Academic Vocabulary Collocation and Preposition Quiz - 10 Modules, 305 Questions

Advanced vocabulary only raises your score if you use it in the right collocation and with the right preposition. Writing an aptitude in languages, rely heavily in training or make a distinction among two ideas tells the examiner the word was memorised in isolation. This quiz drills the whole chunk instead.

It contains 305 multiple-choice questions built from all ten vocabulary modules, and you can practise any single module on its own from the Coverage panel. Four question types are mixed in: preposition and particle gaps (67 of them), collocation gaps where you choose the word that actually goes with the noun, meaning match, and natural word choice. Every answer explains the pattern and lists related collocations, and wrong answers are saved on your own device for seven days so you can retake only what you missed.

The ten modules: 1 Language learning · 2 Sleep, health and sport · 3 Architecture and design · 4 Business, leadership and advertising · 5 Geography, environment and prefixes · 6 Culture, society and emotions · 7 Animals, biology and pollution · 8 Art, music and craft · 9 Science, space and technology · 10 Education, diet and nutrition.

What the Ten Modules Cover

The quiz above is divided into ten module groups. Use the Coverage panel in the quiz to drill a single module, or run a mixed set that pulls from all ten.

Module 1 – Language Learning and Teaching28 questions · 13 preposition drills

Module 2 – Sleep, Health and Sport30 questions · 7 preposition drills

Module 3 – Architecture and Design31 questions · 4 preposition drills

Module 4 – Business, Leadership and Advertising28 questions · 6 preposition drills

Module 5 – Geography, Environment and Prefixes40 questions · 5 preposition drills

Module 6 – Culture, Society and Emotions33 questions · 11 preposition drills

Module 7 – Animals, Biology and Pollution33 questions · 6 preposition drills

Module 8 – Art, Music and Craft30 questions · 5 preposition drills

Module 9 – Science, Space and Technology23 questions · 4 preposition drills

Module 10 – Education, Diet and Nutrition29 questions · 6 preposition drills

Master Collocation and Preposition Reference

Every row below is one question from the quiz. Learn the whole pattern in the middle column, not the single word – that is what protects your marks in Write Essay and Summarize Written Text.

Module 1 – Language Learning and Teaching

Type	Pattern / Collocation	Key word	Collocations and usage notes
Preposition	aptitude for	for	Collocations: an aptitude FOR languages, language aptitude, a natural aptitude.
Preposition	brush up on	on	Brush up ON a skill you learned before: brush up on grammar, brush up on vocabulary.
Preposition	cater for	for	Cater FOR different needs / learners / abilities. American English also allows ‘cater to’.
Preposition	come in for	for	Come in FOR criticism / praise. Only negative or evaluative nouns follow it.
Collocation	complement + N	complement	Complement = combine well with and improve. Collocations: complement traditional approaches, complement each other.
Collocation	develop critical thinking	develop	Collocations: develop critical thinking, improve critical thinking, critical thinking skills.
Preposition	degree of	of	Degree OF success / difficulty / accuracy.
Collocation	digital infrastructure	infrastructure	Collocations: improve / build digital infrastructure.
Collocation	provide educational opportunities	provide	Collocations: provide / create educational opportunities FOR somebody.
Collocation	enhance performance	enhance	Collocations: enhance performance, enhance learning, enhance productivity.
Collocation	create a learning environment	create	Common collocations: CREATE or FOSTER a positive learning environment. Take, get and work are never used with environment.
Collocation	flexible approach	flexible	Collocations: a flexible approach, flexible teaching, flexible learning.
Preposition	fluency in	in	Fluency IN a language. Also: perfect fluency, achieve fluency.
Preposition	get by in / with	with	Get by IN a language but get by WITH a few phrases. Get by = manage with only a little.
Meaning	immersion	immersion	Collocations: an immersion program, language immersion, total immersion.
Collocation	linguistic ability	linguistic	Collocations: linguistic ability, a linguistic category, a linguistic task.
Collocation	literally change	literally	Literally = it is actually true, not a figure of speech.
Preposition	pick up	up	Pick UP a language / new words / expressions = learn informally.
Collocation	digital learning platform	platform	Collocations: a digital learning platform, an online platform.
Collocation	achieve full potential	achieve	Collocations: achieve full potential, have great potential, reach one’s potential.
Preposition	a wide spectrum of	of	Collocations: a wide spectrum OF, at both ends of the spectrum, on the spectrum.
Collocation	learning strategy	strategy	Collocations: a learning strategy, a teaching strategy, adopt a strategy.
Preposition	take in	in	Take IN information / new sounds / ideas = understand and remember.
Preposition	tend to	to	Tend TO + bare infinitive. Never ‘tend to learning’.
Preposition	think over	over	Think something OVER / think things OVER = consider carefully before deciding.
Collocation	undergo changes	undergo	Collocations: undergo changes, undergo training, undergo treatment.
Preposition	work out	out	Work OUT the meaning / a solution / associations = understand by thinking carefully.
Word choice	brush up on vs brush up in	brush up on my grammar	The particle is fixed: brush up ON something you already studied.

Module 2 – Sleep, Health and Sport

Type	Pattern / Collocation	Key word	Collocations and usage notes
Collocation	accurate information	accurate	Collocations: an accurate assessment / record / description, accurate information.
Collocation	ample evidence	ample	Ample = more than enough. Collocations: ample evidence / time / opportunity.
Collocation	approximate figure	approximate	Approximate = close but not exact. Collocations: an approximate amount / figure / number.
Collocation	beneficial effects	beneficial	Collocations: beneficial effects, a beneficial impact, a beneficial role.
Collocation	common misconception	misconception	Collocations: a common misconception / assumption / feature / goal.
Preposition	compete in	in	Compete IN a tournament, compete AGAINST somebody, compete FOR a prize.
Collocation	constant lack of sleep	constant	Collocations: a constant lack of something, constant pressure, constant change.
Collocation	sleep cycle	cycle	Collocations: sleep cycle, life cycle, the cycle of poverty.
Preposition	make a distinction between	between	Fixed pattern: make a distinction BETWEEN A AND B.
Preposition	drop off	off	Drop OFF = begin to sleep. Compare: drop OUT of university = leave before finishing.
Collocation	negative effect on	effect	Collocations: a negative effect ON, a combined effect, a dramatic effect.
Meaning	endurance sport	endurance sport	Take part IN an endurance sport. Marathon running and cycling are typical examples.
Collocation	substantial evidence	substantial	Collocations: compelling / sufficient / substantial evidence.
Preposition	an expert in / on	in	An expert IN a field, an expert ON a topic: an expert on sleep.
Meaning	extreme sport	extreme sport	Take part IN an extreme sport: skydiving, free climbing, white-water rafting.
Collocation	wake up feeling groggy	groggy	Groggy = weak, tired and unable to think clearly. Collocation: wake up feeling groggy.
Meaning	indoor sport	indoor sport	Play an indoor sport: badminton, table tennis, basketball.
Collocation	have a lie-in	have	Fixed collocation: HAVE a lie-in. Compare: TAKE or HAVE a nap.
Collocation	take a nap	take	Both ‘take a nap’ and ‘have a nap’ are correct; ‘make a nap’ is not.
Collocation	improve athletic performance	improve	Collocations: enhance / improve / analyse performance.
Preposition	over a longer period	over	Patterns: OVER a longer period, DURING a period of time, FOR a period of six months.
Preposition	rely heavily on	on	Rely ON somebody or something. The adverb ‘heavily’ sits before the preposition.
Collocation	sleep deprivation	deprivation	Collocations: the effects OF sleep deprivation, suffer FROM sleep deprivation.
Collocation	sports kit	kit	Collocations: buy / wear / carry sports kit.
Collocation	sports nutrition	nutrition	Collocations: study / improve / focus on sports nutrition.
Collocation	sports psychology	psychology	Collocations: study sports psychology, work in sports psychology.
Preposition	a typical example of	of	A typical example OF something. Also: a prime / striking / classic example of.
Collocation	the ultimate goal	ultimate	Collocations: achieve / reach / pursue the ultimate goal.
Collocation	unfair treatment	unfair	Collocations: face / experience / complain about unfair treatment.
Collocation	uniform conditions	uniform	Uniform = the same in all parts. Collocations: a uniform standard / pattern / number.

Module 3 – Architecture and Design

Type	Pattern / Collocation	Key word	Collocations and usage notes
Collocation	widely accepted	accepted	Collocations: universally / commonly accepted, become accepted.
Preposition	analogous to	to	Fixed pattern: be analogous TO something.
Collocation	architectural style	architectural	Collocations: architectural structures / approach / style.
Collocation	blend tradition with modernity	blend	Collocations: blend elements, blend styles, blend tradition WITH modernity.
Collocation	a bold decision	bold	Collocations: a bold claim / decision / attempt.
Collocation	careless design	careless	Collocations: a careless design / mistake / plan.
Collocation	stone columns	columns	Collocations: a grand column, a wooden column, a stone column.
Meaning	communal area	communal area	Collocations: a shared communal area, a communal living area.
Collocation	construction industry	construction	Collocations: a construction company, the construction industry, construction work.
Collocation	dramatic effect	dramatic	Collocations: dramatic images / effect / design.
Collocation	a classic example	classic	Collocations: a prime / striking / classic example OF something.
Collocation	experimental design	experimental	Collocations: use / adopt experimental design.
Collocation	ornate facade	facade	Collocations: an ornate / beautiful / glass facade.
Collocation	guiding principle	principle	Collocations: follow a guiding principle, a key guiding principle.
Collocation	meet safety standards	meet	Collocations: meet criteria / expectations / a target / standards.
Collocation	natural light	natural	Collocations: natural light / colours / materials / surroundings / elements.
Collocation	connect with nature	nature	Collocations: study nature, connect with nature, protect nature.
Collocation	ornate details	ornate	Ornate = heavily decorated. Collocations: ornate facades / buildings / details.
Preposition	pave the way for	for	Fixed phrase: pave the way FOR change / development / innovation.
Collocation	remain unclear	remain	Collocations: remain stable / constant / unclear.
Meaning	rooftop garden	rooftop garden	Collocations: create / build / maintain a rooftop garden.
Collocation	develop a sense of beauty	sense	Fixed phrase: develop a sense OF beauty / responsibility / belonging.
Collocation	state-of-the-art facilities	state-of-the-art	Collocations: state-of-the-art buildings / equipment / facilities.
Collocation	a solid structure	structure	Collocations: a tall / solid / internal structure.
Collocation	technical advances	technical	Collocations: technical advances / skills / problems.
Preposition	give thought to	to	Fixed pattern: give thought TO something; give a lot of thought to.
Collocation	thoughtful layout	thoughtful	Collocations: a thoughtful layout / design / approach.
Collocation	a growing trend	trend	Collocations: the latest / growing / upward trend.
Collocation	unique design	unique	Collocations: a unique shape / design / feature.
Preposition	live in urban areas	in	Live IN urban areas. Also: the growth OF urban areas.
Collocation	clearly visible	visible	Collocations: visible signs / material, clearly visible.

Module 4 – Business, Leadership and Advertising

Type	Pattern / Collocation	Key word	Collocations and usage notes
Collocation	take appropriate action	take	Fixed collocation: TAKE appropriate action. Never ‘make’ or ‘do’ action.
Collocation	articulate a vision	articulate	Collocations: articulate a vision / concerns / ideas.
Preposition	have authority over	over	Have authority OVER somebody; give authority TO somebody.
Preposition	bombard someone with	with	Bombard somebody WITH questions / emails / advertisements.
Collocation	a trusted brand	brand	Collocations: a popular / global / trusted brand; choose brands.
Collocation	launch an advertising campaign	launch	Collocations: launch / run an advertising campaign.
Collocation	captivate an audience	captivate	Collocations: captivate staff / an audience / customers.
Collocation	a captivating speech	captivating	Collocations: a captivating vision / speech / story.
Collocation	capture somebody’s attention	attention	Fixed phrase: capture somebody’s attention. Also: hold / attract attention.
Preposition	take a closer look at	at	Fixed pattern: take a closer look AT something.
Preposition	convince someone to do	to	Convince somebody TO DO something, or convince somebody THAT + clause.
Meaning	direct mail	direct mail	Collocations: send / receive direct mail.
Collocation	a distinct type of	distinct	Collocations: a distinct type OF something; fall into a distinct type.
Collocation	standard format	format	Collocations: a common / standard / digital format.
Preposition	the initiation of	of	The initiation OF proceedings / a project.
Collocation	intrinsic value	intrinsic	Collocations: intrinsic interest / value / motivation.
Collocation	long-term issues	issues	Collocations: long-term / serious / financial issues.
Collocation	run a marketing campaign	run	Collocations: launch / run a marketing campaign.
Collocation	long-term outcomes	outcomes	Collocations: short-term / long-term / positive outcomes.
Collocation	company policy	policy	Collocations: company policy, government policy, apply a policy.
Collocation	deliver a sales pitch	deliver	Collocations: deliver a sales pitch, listen to a sales pitch.
Collocation	seasoned leaders	seasoned	Collocations: seasoned leaders / politicians / professionals.
Preposition	sponsorship of	of	Careful: sponsorship OF a team but sponsorship FROM a company. Also: a sponsorship deal.
Collocation	straightforward process	straightforward	Collocations: a straightforward form / process / explanation.
Collocation	superior performance	superior	Collocations: superior value / performance / quality.
Collocation	registered trademark	trademark	Collocations: a company’s trademark, a registered trademark.
Collocation	a clear vision	vision	Collocations: a company vision, a clear vision, a long-term vision.
Word choice	sponsorship from vs sponsorship by	receive sponsorship from a company	Money comes FROM the sponsor. Use ‘sponsorship of’ for the thing being sponsored: sponsorship of the team.

Module 5 – Geography, Environment and Prefixes

Type	Pattern / Collocation	Key word	Collocations and usage notes
Collocation	agro- / agri-	agroforestry	The prefix agro- / agri- means farming: agrochemicals, agroforestry, agribusiness.
Collocation	bio-	biodiversity	The prefix bio- means life: biodiversity, biodegradable, biofuel.
Collocation	local circumstances	circumstances	Collocations: local / difficult circumstances; under certain circumstances.
Preposition	commonly found in	in	Commonly found IN a place, commonly found ACROSS a region.
Collocation	make a concerted effort	make	Fixed collocation: MAKE a concerted effort. Never ‘do’ or ‘take’ an effort.
Meaning	crater	crater	Collocations: a volcanic crater, an impact crater.
Collocation	de-	deforestation	The prefix de- shows removal or reversal: deforestation, defrost, decompose.
Collocation	eco-	eco-friendly	The prefix eco- relates to the environment: eco-friendly, ecosystem, ecotourism.
Collocation	chemical element	element	Collocation: a chemical element. Compare: a key element OF a plan.
Collocation	renewable energy	renewable	Collocations: renewable energy, an energy source, an energy company.
Collocation	cause environmental damage	cause	Collocations: cause / reduce environmental damage.
Preposition	the foothills of	of	The foothills OF a mountain range.
Collocation	geo-	geothermal	The prefix geo- relates to the Earth: geomagnetic, geopolitics, geothermal.
Collocation	geographical location	location	Collocations: an extreme geographical location, the exact geographical location.
Collocation	melting glacier	glacier	Collocations: a melting glacier, glacier movement. A glacier moves down a mountain valley.
Collocation	steep hillside	hillside	Collocations: a steep hillside, a hillside village.
Meaning	ice cap	ice cap	Collocations: the polar ice cap, a melting ice cap.
Meaning	iceberg	iceberg	Collocations: a floating iceberg, iceberg melting. Only about a tenth of it is visible.
Preposition	identify sources of	of	Identify sources OF pollution; identify problems / causes.
Preposition	depend in large part on	on	In large part = mostly. Pattern: depend in large part ON something.
Collocation	indigenous people	indigenous	Collocations: indigenous people, indigenous communities.
Collocation	mountain range	range	Collocations: a mountain range, a mountain peak, an enormous mountain.
Collocation	naturally occurring minerals	naturally occurring	Naturally occurring = existing in nature without human help.
Collocation	notoriously unpredictable	notoriously	Notoriously is used for bad or difficult things: notoriously unreliable / difficult.
Collocation	ocean floor	floor	Collocations: the ocean floor, the ocean bottom, an ocean current.
Collocation	odd geographical features	odd	Odd = unusual or different from what is expected.
Collocation	polar region	polar	Collocations: the Arctic polar region, a polar climate, polar wildlife.
Collocation	coral reef	reef	Collocations: a coral reef, a reef ecosystem.
Collocation	release poisonous gases	release	Collocations: release poisonous gases, release carbon dioxide.
Preposition	invest in renewable energy	in	Invest IN something. Also: renewable energy generation / projects.
Collocation	sea level	level	Collocations: sea level, sea life, deep-sea research.
Collocation	alternative power sources	sources	Collocations: identify sources OF, alternative power sources, energy sources.
Collocation	mountain stream	stream	A stream is smaller than a river. Collocations: a mountain stream, a stream of water.
Collocation	symbiotic relationship	symbiotic	Collocations: form / have a symbiotic relationship.
Meaning	trench	trench	Collocations: an ocean trench, a deep-sea trench. The Mariana Trench is the deepest.
Meaning	tundra	tundra	Collocations: the Arctic tundra, the frozen tundra.
Collocation	fertile valley	valley	Collocations: a deep / mountain / fertile valley.
Collocation	play a vital role	play	Fixed collocation: PLAY a vital role IN something.
Collocation	untouched wilderness	wilderness	Collocations: remote wilderness, protected wilderness areas.
Collocation	dense woodland	woodland	Collocations: dense woodland, ancient woodland.

Module 6 – Culture, Society and Emotions

Type	Pattern / Collocation	Key word	Collocations and usage notes
Collocation	adversely affect	adversely	Collocations: adversely / directly / severely affect something.
Preposition	approach to problem solving	to	An approach TO something. Never ‘an approach of’.
Collocation	problems arise	arise	Collocations: issues arise, problems arise, opportunities arise. Arise needs no object.
Preposition	bottle up	up	Bottle UP emotions / negative feelings = keep them hidden.
Preposition	cheer up	up	Cheer UP; cheer somebody UP.
Meaning	collectivism	collectivism	Collocations: a belief in collectivism, the principle of collectivism.
Collocation	collectivist culture	collectivist	Collocations: a collectivist culture / society. Opposite: an individualist culture.
Collocation	contemporary issue	contemporary	Collocations: a contemporary issue / society / life.
Collocation	Conversely	Conversely	Conversely introduces the opposite of what has just been said.
Preposition	over the course of	over	OVER the course of a year; THROUGHOUT the course of the project.
Collocation	traditional cultural attitudes	attitudes	Collocations: traditional / changing cultural attitudes.
Collocation	promote cultural diversity	promote	Collocations: promote / value cultural diversity.
Collocation	demographic groups	demographic	Collocations: demographic groups / variables / changes.
Preposition	have difficulty doing sth	in	Have difficulty (IN) DOING something. Never ‘have difficulty to do’.
Collocation	discriminatory behaviour	discriminatory	Collocations: discriminatory behaviour / policy / practice.
Collocation	cause distress	cause	Collocations: cause distress, emotional distress.
Preposition	show empathy towards	towards	Show empathy TOWARDS somebody; feel empathy FOR somebody.
Collocation	the younger generation	generation	Collocations: the younger / previous generation, my parents’ generation.
Preposition	in an altruistic fashion	in	Fixed pattern: IN a … fashion = in a particular way.
Collocation	individual needs	individual	Collocations: individual behaviour / interests / needs.
Collocation	individualist culture	individualist	Collocations: an individualist culture / society.
Collocation	inherent risk	inherent	Collocations: an inherent characteristic / risk / ability.
Preposition	let somebody down	down	Let somebody DOWN = disappoint them.
Preposition	open up about	about	Open up ABOUT feelings; open up TO other people.
Collocation	personal choice	choice	Collocations: personal choice, personal circumstances.
Preposition	take priority over	over	Fixed pattern: take priority OVER something. Also: a top / high priority.
Collocation	play a pivotal role	pivotal	Collocations: a major / minor / pivotal role; PLAY a role IN something.
Collocation	representative sample	sample	Collocations: a sample OF people, a student sample, a representative sample.
Collocation	shared values	shared	Collocations: shared goals / values / responsibility.
Preposition	stir up	up	Stir UP conflict / trouble / emotions.
Collocation	fair treatment	fair	Collocations: appropriate / effective / fair treatment.
Collocation	particularly useful	particularly	Collocations: extremely / particularly useful; prove useful.
Collocation	Western society	Western	Collocations: Western democracy / society / culture.

Module 7 – Animals, Biology and Pollution

Type	Pattern / Collocation	Key word	Collocations and usage notes
Collocation	shed antlers	antlers	Collocations: a deer’s antlers, grow antlers, shed antlers.
Collocation	sharp beak	beak	Collocations: a sharp beak, a bird’s beak.
Collocation	biological process	biological	Collocations: biological evolution / process / science.
Preposition	be bitten by	by	Passive pattern: be bitten BY an animal. Also: bite INTO an apple.
Collocation	sheep bleat	bleat	Bleat is the cry of sheep, goats and calves. Wolves howl, lions roar, mice squeak.
Preposition	form close bonds with	with	Form close bonds WITH somebody. Also: strengthen bonds, an emotional bond.
Collocation	a broad range	broad	Collocations: broad agreement / definition / range.
Collocation	sharp claws	claws	Collocations: sharp claws, the claws of a bear.
Collocation	comprise several parts	comprises	Comprise = consist of. Never say ‘is comprised of’ in careful writing.
Collocation	domesticated animals	domesticated	Collocations: domesticated animals; keep animals as domesticated pets.
Collocation	easily understood	easily	Collocations: easily accessible / identified / understood.
Collocation	environmental degradation	environmental	Collocations: environmental degradation / policy / pollution.
Preposition	exclusion from	from	Exclusion FROM something. Also: social exclusion, the risk of exclusion.
Collocation	experimental research shows	shows	Pattern: experimental research shows THAT + clause; conduct experimental research.
Collocation	the next generation	next	Collocations: the first / next / previous generation.
Collocation	a horse’s hoof	hooves	Plural: hooves. Collocations: a horse’s hoof, a cloven hoof.
Collocation	curved horns	horns	Collocations: curved horns, the horns of a goat. Deer have antlers, not horns.
Collocation	wolves howl	howl	Wolves and dogs howl; sheep bleat; lions roar; mice squeak.
Collocation	internal organs	internal	Collocations: internal anatomy / organs / structure.
Collocation	migration patterns	migration	Collocations: migration patterns, seasonal migration.
Meaning	muzzle	muzzle	Collocations: a dog’s muzzle, a long muzzle.
Collocation	nuclear energy	nuclear	Collocations: nuclear energy / reactor / weapon.
Collocation	relatively simple	relatively	Collocations: relatively simple / small / easy.
Collocation	a lion roars	roar	Lions roar. Collocations: roar loudly, a lion’s roar.
Collocation	archaeological site	site	Collocations: a polluted / construction / archaeological site.
Collocation	demonstrate social behaviour	demonstrate	Collocations: demonstrate / study social behaviour.
Collocation	a mouse squeaks	squeak	Mice squeak. Collocations: squeak loudly, a high-pitched squeak.
Preposition	be stung by	by	Passive pattern: be stung BY an insect. Compare: be bitten BY a dog.
Collocation	wag its tail	wag	Collocations: wag its tail, a long tail, a bushy tail.
Preposition	thrive in	in	Thrive IN a place, thrive ON something, thrive UNDER conditions.
Collocation	toxic waste	toxic	Collocations: toxic material / waste / chemicals.
Preposition	treat someone with respect	with	Treat somebody WITH respect; treat somebody fairly; treat A AS B.
Collocation	illegal waste dump	dump	Collocations: an illegal waste dump, a waste dump site.

Module 8 – Art, Music and Craft

Type	Pattern / Collocation	Key word	Collocations and usage notes
Collocation	professional calligrapher	calligrapher	Collocations: a professional / skilled calligrapher. Calligraphy is beautiful handwriting.
Collocation	cultural identity	cultural	Collocations: cultural background / identity / significance / heritage.
Collocation	decorative features	decorative	Collocations: decorative use / arts / features.
Collocation	eccentric behaviour	eccentric	Collocations: eccentric behaviour / personality / artist.
Preposition	evolve into	into	Evolve INTO something; evolve gradually; a character evolves.
Preposition	flexibility in	in	Flexibility IN something; give flexibility TO somebody; greater flexibility.
Collocation	highly skilled	highly	Collocations: highly competitive / skilled / unlikely / respected.
Collocation	historical records	historical	Collocations: a historical event / record / monument; historical evidence.
Collocation	Impressionist paintings	Impressionist	Collocations: Impressionist paintings, the Impressionist movement.
Collocation	intricate pattern	intricate	Collocations: an intricate design / pattern / network.
Preposition	a key factor in	in	A key factor IN something; a key factor FOR somebody.
Collocation	lighten the mood	lighten	Collocations: lighten a mood, lighten the atmosphere.
Collocation	manual work	manual	Collocations: manual creation / labour / work.
Collocation	meticulous process	meticulous	Collocations: a meticulous process, meticulous planning, meticulous research.
Collocation	shape the narrative	narrative	Collocations: shape the narrative, narrative structure, a personal narrative.
Preposition	be of paramount importance	of	Fixed pattern: be OF paramount importance. Also: a paramount concern.
Collocation	supervise post-production	supervise	Collocations: supervise post-production, the post-production process.
Collocation	renowned artist	renowned	Collocations: a renowned artist / scientist; world-renowned.
Collocation	require careful planning	require	Collocations: require consideration / knowledge / resources / careful planning.
Collocation	closely resemble	closely	Collocations: closely resemble, strongly resemble. Both adverbs go before the verb.
Collocation	rigid rules	rigid	Collocations: rigid rules / system / structure.
Collocation	contemporary sculptor	sculptor	A sculptor is the person; a sculpture is the artwork.
Collocation	bronze sculpture	sculpture	Collocations: a stone / bronze / modern sculpture.
Collocation	add sound effects	add	Collocations: generate / add sound effects.
Collocation	develop a strong relationship	develop	Collocations: develop / form / maintain a strong relationship WITH somebody.
Collocation	symbolic meaning	symbolic	Collocations: symbolic meaning / gesture / value.
Preposition	take into consideration	into	Fixed phrase: take something INTO consideration. Compare: take into account.
Collocation	traditional culture	traditional	Collocations: traditional culture / form / view / art.
Collocation	venerated figure	venerated	Collocations: a venerated leader / figure; highly venerated.
Collocation	visualise the final design	visualise	Collocations: visualise the narrative / success / the final design.

Module 9 – Science, Space and Technology

Type	Pattern / Collocation	Key word	Collocations and usage notes
Collocation	remain aloft	aloft	Collocations: remain aloft, float aloft, stay aloft = high up in the air.
Collocation	positive buoyancy	buoyancy	Collocations: positive buoyancy, natural buoyancy.
Preposition	in stark contrast to	to	Careful: a stark contrast TO something, but a contrast BETWEEN A AND B. Also: in complete contrast to.
Collocation	cosmic rays	cosmic	Collocations: cosmic rays / radiation / dust.
Preposition	exposed to	to	Be exposed TO something; constantly / directly / extremely exposed to.
Collocation	generally considered	generally	Collocations: generally considered / found / known.
Collocation	pose hazards	pose	Fixed collocation: POSE a hazard TO somebody. Also: predict hazards, a health hazard.
Preposition	have implications for	for	Have implications FOR something. Also: legal / economic implications.
Preposition	indistinguishable from	from	Fixed pattern: be indistinguishable FROM something.
Collocation	innovative design	innovative	Collocations: an innovative design / approach / technology.
Collocation	surgical instruments	instruments	Collocations: surgical / measuring / precision instruments.
Meaning	interplanetary	interplanetary	Collocations: interplanetary travel, an interplanetary mission.
Meaning	interstellar	interstellar	Collocations: interstellar space, interstellar travel.
Collocation	lunar mission	lunar	Collocations: a lunar mission, the lunar surface, lunar exploration.
Collocation	a major advantage	major	Collocations: a major advantage / challenge / problem / change.
Collocation	locking mechanism	mechanism	Collocations: a locking / defence / safety mechanism.
Collocation	rescue mission	mission	Collocations: a space / surveillance / rescue mission.
Collocation	solve problems	solve	Collocations: create / encounter / solve problems.
Collocation	radical transformation	radical	Collocations: a radical transformation / change / solution.
Collocation	exercise regime	regime	Collocations: an exercise / training / fitness regime.
Collocation	impose restrictions	impose	Collocations: impose / lift restrictions; travel restrictions.
Collocation	industrial robots	robots	Collocations: create robots; soft / industrial / autonomous robots.
Collocation	specific requirements	specific	Collocations: specific areas / purpose / requirements.

Module 10 – Education, Diet and Nutrition

Type	Pattern / Collocation	Key word	Collocations and usage notes
Preposition	a host of	of	A host OF techniques / opportunities / different food groups = a large number of.
Collocation	academic performance	academic	Collocations: academic performance / success / achievement / research.
Collocation	balanced diet	balanced	Collocations: a balanced diet / approach / argument / lifestyle.
Collocation	calorie intake	intake	Collocations: a calorie-controlled diet, calorie intake, burn calories.
Collocation	draw a conclusion	draw	Collocations: come to / draw / reach a conclusion. Never ‘make a conclusion’.
Collocation	a considerable amount	considerable	Collocations: a considerable amount / detail / influence / effort.
Collocation	deem it necessary	deem	Collocations: deem appropriate / necessary / sufficient.
Preposition	drop out of	out	Drop OUT OF university / school. Compare: drop OFF = fall asleep.
Collocation	economic development	economic	Collocations: economic growth / development / policy / relationship.
Collocation	fulfilling career	fulfilling	Collocations: a fulfilling experience / career / life.
Collocation	inadvertently delete	inadvertently	Inadvertently = without intending to. Collocations: inadvertently cause / reveal / ignore.
Collocation	inevitably lead to	inevitably	Collocations: inevitably lead to, inevitably result in.
Collocation	build interpersonal relationships	build	Collocations: develop / improve / build interpersonal relationships.
Preposition	keep up with	with	Keep UP WITH technology / the latest research / developments.
Collocation	lifelong learning	lifelong	Collocations: collaborative / lifelong / active learning; enhance learning.
Collocation	long-term benefits	long-term	Collocations: a long-term reduction / effect / benefit / solution.
Collocation	low-carb diet	low-carb	Collocations: a low-carb diet, a low-carb meal.
Collocation	numerous studies	numerous	Numerous = many. Collocations: numerous studies / attempts / examples.
Collocation	particularly effective	particularly	Collocations: particularly effective / suited / important / apparent.
Collocation	perform tasks	perform	Collocations: perform a function / tasks / an experiment; perform well.
Collocation	perishable food	perishable	Collocations: store / transport perishable food.
Collocation	poor diet	poor	Collocations: a poor diet, poor nutrition.
Collocation	primary focus	primary	Collocations: primary education / focus / reason / objective.
Preposition	read up on	on	Read UP ON a topic = read a lot about it to learn more.
Preposition	reluctant to	to	Be reluctant TO DO something. Also: a reluctant participant / learner.
Preposition	run through	through	Run THROUGH the notes / a presentation / the report = go over it quickly.
Collocation	significant reduction	significant	Collocations: a significant reduction / improvement / difference / impact.
Collocation	staple food	staple	Collocations: a staple food, a dietary staple.
Collocation	vegan diet	vegan	Collocations: a vegan diet / food / lifestyle.

How to use this quiz for a 79+ score

Do one module a day from the Coverage panel, then use Mistake Quiz the next morning.

Prioritise the orange Preposition rows – a wrong preposition costs marks in every writing task.
Say each collocation aloud as a single chunk: an aptitude FOR, rely heavily ON, take INTO account.
After each module, write three sentences of your own using three new collocations.

Academic Vocabulary Collocation and Preposition Quiz – 10 Modules, 305 Questions