Business English Collocations and Phrasal Verbs: Modern Workplace Exercises
13th February 2025
Take/Have Collocations for the 2020s
The shift to digital workspaces has transformed how we communicate in English, making precise language choices more crucial than ever. This activity explores the nuances of “take” and “have” through scenarios that mirror today’s professional world – from virtual team meetings to social media management. Students practice these essential collocations in contexts that reflect the blend of remote and office work, preparing them for effective communication across digital platforms and in-person interactions.
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Digital Self-Service Collocations
Ever stood in front of a self-checkout kiosk and wondered why we “scan” items but “enter” codes? Or why we “access” systems but “activate” screens? This activity gets to the heart of how we talk about digital self-service – the exact words that go together when we’re dealing with everything from QR codes to smart lockers. It’s not just about learning individual words; it’s about mastering the combinations that make you sound natural when using modern technology.
Fast Fashion Collocations
‘Fast fashion.’ ‘Textile waste.’ ‘Sustainable practices.’ These buzzwords are everywhere – from TikTok videos to corporate boardrooms. But have you noticed how certain words always partner up, like dance pairs at a fashion show? This activity breaks down those partnerships, giving you the authentic language tools to join conversations about fashion’s footprint on our world. Ready to decode the vocabulary that’s reshaping how we think about our clothes?
Business Collocations: Do vs Make
Have you ever noticed how tricky it can be to choose between “do” and “make” in English? These words trip up even confident English speakers, especially in business settings. This activity gets straight to the point with examples you’ll actually use – like talking about company decisions, profits, and working with international clients.
Product Development Collocations
Product lifecycles are shorter than ever and customer expectations constantly evolve, making precise communication in product development crucial. This activity focuses on the key language patterns used in modern product development – from conducting market research to launching digital products. By mastering these essential collocations, students learn to discuss product innovation, customer needs, and market strategy with the clarity needed in today’s fast-paced business environment.
Cybersecurity Collocations
“Is my password strong enough?” “Should I click this link?” “Why does this website keep asking me to verify my identity?” Sound familiar? These are questions we all face in our digital lives, but explaining them in English can feel like solving a puzzle. This activity breaks down the natural way English speakers talk about online security, using real-life situations you probably deal with every day. Whether you’re helping your grandparents secure their new tablet or discussing data protection at work, you’ll learn to express these tech concepts as smoothly as a native speaker.
Common phrasal verbs
Phrasal verbs are essential building blocks of natural English conversation, appearing constantly in our daily routines and digital interactions. This activity explores common combinations through everyday scenarios – from handling mobile devices to managing household tasks. By practicing these verb patterns in relatable contexts, students develop the fluid language skills needed for comfortable communication in English.
2 Husband/wife phrasal verb role play and /or listening activity(with audio and answers)
“Could you please…” “Would you mind…” We use these phrases constantly at home, but getting them right in English can be tricky. This role-play puts you right in the middle of a typical evening at home – complete with noisy radios, burning food, and yes, those unexpected calls from the in-laws. You’ll learn how real people ask for help and use phrasal verbs naturally, whether they’re dealing with pets on tables or racing to save dinner from the oven. It’s the kind of English you’ll actually use when living with family, roommates, or partners – no textbook formality, just practical, everyday communication.
Husband/wife phrasal verb role play
Verb-noun collocations (for life and success)
“I need to make some changes in my life.” “Let’s set new goals.” “We can make a difference.” Sound familiar? These phrases pop up whenever we talk about our plans and decisions – but why these exact word combinations? This activity dives into the natural way English speakers talk about change and decision-making, using everyday situations you’ll actually encounter. From personal makeovers to community projects, you’ll learn to express your ideas with the same fluid confidence as a native speaker.
Common phrasal verbs 2
Ever notice how English speakers rarely just “enter” a room – they “go in”? Or how they don’t “depart” – they “take off”? This activity gets straight to the heart of how English really works in everyday life. You’ll learn the exact phrases you need for common situations, from doing household chores to traveling.
Related Resources
Phrasal verbs for transport and getting around (PDF)
Common business collocations (PDF)
Do go play: elementary collocations
I think the do/go/play collocations exercise is probably the most elementary collocation exercise given to students. It’s ok but usually focuses on sports, just for simplicity, I guess. Most of my students aren’t that interested in sports, so I like to change it a little. I also make it a little more difficult by teaching that “do” and “go” can often be used with the same nouns (eg. do/go shopping). Sometimes they are interchangeable and sometimes they are used for slightly different meanings. This makes it a bit more difficult but more accurately reflects the real world.
Do/make collocations
The do/make collocation exercise is probably the most useful and important elementary collocation exercise. These are verb-noun combinations that students really need in order to communicate in English.
Take or have or break ?? collocations exercise (with answers)
Students match the verbs “take” or “have” or “break” with the phrases scrambled at the top of the worksheet. Once they have done this they use the collocations and their own ideas to write sentences at the bottom of the page.
Take/have/break collocations (PDF)
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