Collocations for Competitive Exams
High-level vocabulary • 200 collocations available
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a case in point
Used to introduce a perfect example that proves a statement.
Example:
"Many young people struggle to find jobs. India is a case in point."
a clear majority
More than half, by an obvious amount.
Example:
"A clear majority of respondents supported the plan."
a compelling argument
A reason or case that is very convincing.
Example:
"The author presents a compelling argument for reducing working hours."
a double-edged sword
Something that has both good and bad effects.
Example:
"Social media is a double-edged sword: it connects people but also spreads misinformation."
a dramatic surge in
A sudden and large increase in something.
Example:
"There was a dramatic surge in smartphone sales."
a gradual recovery
A slow return to a previous higher level after a fall.
Example:
"The economy showed a gradual recovery after the crisis."
a growing body of evidence
An increasing amount of research or proof that supports a claim.
Example:
"A growing body of evidence suggests that sleep affects academic performance."
a marginal increase
A very small rise.
Example:
"There was only a marginal increase in car ownership."
a minority of
Less than half of a group.
Example:
"Only a minority of students chose to study abroad."
a modest rise
A small or moderate increase.
Example:
"Wages saw a modest rise of 3 percent."
a narrow margin
A very small difference between two results.
Example:
"Tea beat coffee by a narrow margin."
a negligible difference
A difference so small that it is not important.
Example:
"There was a negligible difference between the two groups."
a noticeable change
A change that is easy to see in the data.
Example:
"There was a noticeable change in spending patterns after 2015."
a positive role model
A person whose good behaviour or success inspires others, especially young people, to follow their example.
Example:
"Teachers can be a positive role model for students from difficult backgrounds."
a pressing issue
A problem that is urgent and needs to be dealt with immediately.
Example:
"Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time."
a sharp downturn
A sudden and large fall, especially in an economy or sales.
Example:
"The economy suffered a sharp downturn in 2008."
a significant disparity
A large and important difference between two things.
Example:
"There is a significant disparity between urban and rural incomes."
a social safety net
Government support, such as benefits and free services, that protects people from falling into serious hardship.
Example:
"A strong social safety net protects families when someone loses a job."
a steady climb
A slow and regular increase over time.
Example:
"Temperatures showed a steady climb from January to July."
a steady decline in
A gradual and continuous fall in the amount or number of something.
Example:
"There has been a steady decline in the number of printed newspapers."
a substantial proportion of
A large share or part of a total.
Example:
"A substantial proportion of the budget was spent on education."
a sudden dip in
A short and quick fall in numbers.
Example:
"There was a sudden dip in attendance in March."
a threefold increase
A rise that makes something three times larger.
Example:
"There was a threefold increase in online sales."
a tiny fraction of
A very small part of a total.
Example:
"Renewable sources supplied only a tiny fraction of total energy."
a vested interest in
A personal reason to want something to happen because you may gain from it.
Example:
"Large corporations have a vested interest in keeping prices high."
a viable alternative
Another option that is practical and likely to succeed.
Example:
"Solar power is a viable alternative to fossil fuels."
a well-paid job
Work that gives a good salary.
Example:
"A good education makes it easier to find a well-paid job."
above all
Used to stress the most important point of all.
Example:
"Above all, schools should teach students how to think."
account for
To make up a certain percentage or share of a total.
Example:
"Rent accounts for 35 percent of the average household budget."
achieve top results
To obtain very successful or high-level results.
Example:
"Athletes train for years to achieve top results."