COLLOCATIONS

The 7 firsts

1-CAUSE alarm

Sudden anxiety and fear, especially that something dangerous or unpleasant might happen.

Ex: The blasting fire on the building caused alarm in the neighborhood.

2-Spare a Thought

Give a thought Ex: Not everyone is as lucky as you -

spare a thought to those who are out of work.

3-Fill one’s Time

To occupy one’s period of time Ex: It seems we do not know much about

what most animals fill their time with – that is…

4-Take issue with

To disagree strongly Ex: I feel I really must take issue with

your assertion that I am overpaid. Ex: I take issue with parents who push

their children too hard.

5-Call it a day

To finish or stop doing something, especially to stop working

Ex: We've planted hundreds of flowers -- let's call it a day.

6-Have a think

Ex: I can’t decide now – I need to have a think.

7-Back someone up

Support someone in an argument or discussion