Communication

Collocations for speaking, writing, and expressing ideas

Introduction

How we talk about communication itself uses many fixed collocations. We "make a point" not "do a point", "raise a question" not "lift a question". These are essential for discussions, presentations, and debates.

This chapter covers collocations related to speaking, writing, and the exchange of ideas.

Themes

All Collocations in This Chapter (28)

• make a point To express an argument or opinion clearly
• raise a question To bring up a question for discussion or consideration
• give a speech To deliver a formal talk to an audience
• hold a conversation To maintain a discussion with someone, especially despite difficulty
• break the news To tell someone about something important or upsetting for the first time
• spread rumours To pass on unverified information or gossip to others
• keep a secret To not reveal confidential information to others
• tell the truth To say what is factually correct and honest
• tell a lie To say something that is not true
• drop a hint To give a subtle or indirect suggestion about something
• pay a compliment To say something nice or flattering to someone
• change the subject To start talking about something different, often to avoid an uncomfortable t...
• small talk Light, casual conversation about unimportant topics
• heated argument An angry, intense disagreement between people
• frank discussion An open, honest conversation where people speak directly
• reach an agreement To arrive at a mutual decision or settlement after discussion
• come to terms To reach an agreement, or to accept a difficult situation
• express an opinion To state your personal view or belief about something
• voice concerns To speak up about worries or problems
• clear communication Communication that is easy to understand and unambiguous
• mixed messages Contradictory or confusing signals that are hard to interpret
• body language Non-verbal communication through gestures, posture, and facial expressions
• plain English Simple, clear language that anyone can understand
• mother tongue A person's first or native language
• get the message To understand what someone is trying to communicate, especially indirectly
• lost for words Unable to think of anything to say, usually due to shock or strong emotion
• have a word To speak briefly with someone, often privately about something important
• final say The ultimate authority or decision-making power on a matter