10 words
- pose a threatphrase/pohz a THRET/
to be a possible danger to someone or something
Invasive species can pose a threat to native wildlife.
Collocation: pose a serious threat to · Similar: endanger, threaten
- bridge the gapphrase/brij the GAP/
to reduce the difference between two groups
Free tutoring could help bridge the gap between rich and poor pupils.
Collocation: help bridge the gap · Similar: close the gap, narrow the divide
- draw conclusionsphrase/draw kon-KLOO-zhunz/
to decide what is true after considering evidence
It is too early to draw conclusions from such a small study.
Collocation: draw firm conclusions · Similar: infer, deduce
- meet demandphrase/meet di-MAHND/
to supply as much as people want
Farmers are struggling to meet demand for organic vegetables.
Collocation: struggle to meet demand · Similar: satisfy demand, keep up with demand
- raise awarenessphrase/rayz a-WAIR-nes/
to help more people know about an issue
The campaign aims to raise awareness of mental health issues.
Collocation: raise public awareness · Similar: highlight, publicise
- take precedencephrase/tayk PRES-i-dens/
to be treated as more important than something else
Safety should always take precedence over speed.
Collocation: take precedence over · Similar: come first, prevail
- bear in mindphrase/bair in MIND/
to remember and consider something when deciding
When choosing a university, bear in mind that costs vary widely.
Collocation: worth bearing in mind · Similar: remember, take into account
- strike a balancephrase/strike a BAL-ans/
to find a fair middle point between two needs
Parents must strike a balance between freedom and protection.
Collocation: strike the right balance · Similar: find a compromise, balance
- make headwayphrase/mayk HED-way/
to gradually progress towards a goal
Scientists are finally starting to make headway in treating the disease.
Collocation: make little headway · Similar: progress, advance
- shoulder the burdenphrase/SHOHL-der the BER-den/
to accept a heavy responsibility or cost
Why should young workers shoulder the burden of an ageing population?
Collocation: shoulder the financial burden · Similar: bear the cost, take responsibility
Grammar check
Choose the right option, then open the answer.
1. Experts have placed great emphasis ___ early education.
on · in · at · to
Show answer
on: The collocation is 'place emphasis on'.
2. The new law had a profound impact ___ small businesses.
to · for · at · on
Show answer
on: We say 'have an impact on' something.
3. The policy came ___ heavy criticism from teachers.
over · into · across · under
Show answer
under: 'Come under criticism' means to be criticised. It is a fixed collocation.
4. Little ___ the planners realise how popular the park would become.
had · were · did · do
Show answer
did: 'Little' at the start triggers inversion. With the base form 'realise' in the past, use 'did'.
5. Such ___ the demand that tickets sold out in minutes.
is · were · had · was
Show answer
was: 'Such was the + noun + that' emphasises size. 'Demand' is singular and the story is past, so 'was'.
Use the words: speaking questions
- What can be done to bridge the gap between rich and poor regions?
- Should economic growth ever take precedence over environmental protection?
- Which global problems pose the greatest threat to future generations?
Answer them out loud with Dodo in the app for a band and better versions of your answers.