C2 Mastery Academic language and C2 style
Advanced collocation & formal register
Lesson goal. After this lesson you can use formal collocations (draw a conclusion, pose a threat, exercise caution, carry out an investigation) and replace phrasal verbs with their formal equivalents.
When to use it
- Replacing common phrasal verbs with formal Latin-based verbs: find out → ascertain, put off → postpone.
- Using correct fixed collocations (verb + noun) in academic writing: draw a conclusion, pose a threat.
- Writing reports/essays with a consistent register, avoiding a mix of phrasal verbs and formal vocabulary.
Form
| Phrasal verb | Formal verb |
|---|---|
| find out | ascertain / determine |
| put off | postpone |
| point out | indicate |
| look into | investigate |
| come up with | devise / propose |
| carry out | conduct / implement |
| bring about | cause |
Step by step
- Recognise phrasal verbs in draft/spoken sentences and find the formal equivalent (usually a single Latin-based verb).
- Learn fixed collocations as chunks (verb + noun) rather than single words: draw a conclusion (not make), pose a threat (not make/do).
- In academic writing/reports, use formal collocations consistently throughout, avoiding a mix of registers.
- When rewriting a sentence more formally, check both the main verb and any accompanying prepositional phrases (because of → due to/owing to).
Common fixed collocations at C2
| Collocation |
|---|
| draw a conclusion |
| pose a threat/risk |
| exercise caution |
| carry out/conduct an investigation |
| provide evidence |
Examples
We need to ascertain why the machine malfunctioned.
The manager postponed the meeting owing to the strike.
Rising sea levels pose a serious threat to coastal communities.
The committee will carry out a thorough investigation into the incident.
Common mistakes
The report makes a conclusion that further research is needed. → The report draws a conclusion that further research is needed.
The fixed collocation is 'draw a conclusion', not 'make a conclusion'.
The study gives strong evidence for the theory. → The study provides strong evidence for the theory.
In academic style, the formal collocation is 'provide evidence', not 'give evidence'.
Economic instability could make a significant risk to the region's growth. → Economic instability could pose a significant risk to the region's growth.
'pose a risk/threat' is the fixed collocation — don't use 'make' with risk/threat.
Memory tip
Learn collocations as fixed chunks (verb + noun) rather than separate words — wrong pairings (make a conclusion) are a very common mistake.
Summary
- Formal style favours Latin-based verbs over phrasal verbs: find out → ascertain, put off → postpone.
- Learn collocations as fixed chunks: draw a conclusion, pose a threat, exercise caution, carry out an investigation, provide evidence.
Practise this lesson
Do exercises with an explanation for every question, take mini tests and track your progress on GrammUp.