Strong Business Collocations: 8 Advanced Expressions

1. Introduction to Business Collocations

Many English learners have a large vocabulary of nouns—words like success, opportunity, and choice. However, they often lack the strong adjectives that naturally pair with these nouns.

In professional English, using precise and powerful adjectives can significantly improve how you communicate. These word combinations are called collocations—pairs of words that native speakers commonly use together.

Learning strong business collocations will help you:

• Sound more advanced and professional
• Express ideas with greater precision
• Understand more of what colleagues and clients say
• Improve your performance in meetings, interviews, and presentations

The Eight Business Collocations

#	Collocation	Category
1	a resounding success	Positive
2	a golden opportunity	Positive
3	a wise choice	Positive
4	sound advice	Positive
5	an abject failure	Negative
6	a huge loss	Negative
7	deep trouble	Negative
8	harsh criticism	Negative

What Is a Collocation?

A collocation is a combination of words that frequently appear together and sound natural to native speakers. For example, native speakers say resounding success rather than very big success.

Basic Expression	Advanced Collocation
a very big success	a resounding success
a very good opportunity	a golden opportunity
a very good choice	a wise choice
very good advice	sound advice
a very big failure	an abject failure
a very big loss	a huge loss
very big trouble	deep trouble
very bad criticism	harsh criticism

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2. Positive Business Collocations

2.1 A Resounding Success

Meaning

A resounding success means a very big, complete, and impressive success. It describes something that succeeded enormously.

8 Examples with Explanations

#	Example	Explanation
1	The sales campaign was a resounding success.	The campaign achieved huge results.
2	The product launch proved to be a resounding success.	The launch was extremely successful.
3	The conference was a resounding success with over 500 attendees.	The event succeeded on a large scale.
4	Her presentation was a resounding success.	The presentation impressed everyone.
5	The new marketing strategy was a resounding success.	The strategy produced excellent results.
6	The charity event was a resounding success, raising double the expected funds.	The event exceeded expectations.
7	The merger was a resounding success for both companies.	The merger benefited both sides greatly.
8	The training program was a resounding success among employees.	Employees responded very positively.
9	The film was a resounding success at the box office.	The film earned huge revenue.
10	Their partnership was a resounding success from the start.	The partnership worked extremely well.

Word Meaning Section

Word	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
Resounding	very great; complete; emphatic	বিপুল; ব্যাপক
Success	achieving a desired result	সাফল্য

Related Phrasal Verb

Phrasal Verb	Meaning	Example
Pay off	to produce a successful result	All their hard work paid off with a resounding success.

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2.2 A Golden Opportunity

Meaning

A golden opportunity means an excellent, rare, and highly valuable chance that may not come again.

8 Examples with Explanations

#	Example	Explanation
1	She has a golden opportunity to join a consulting firm.	The job offer is exceptional.
2	Studying abroad is a golden opportunity for students.	The experience is extremely valuable.
3	This internship is a golden opportunity to gain experience.	The internship offers rare benefits.
4	Don’t miss this golden opportunity to expand your network.	The chance is valuable and rare.
5	The merger created a golden opportunity for growth.	The merger opened valuable possibilities.
6	He was offered a golden opportunity to lead the project.	The leadership role is a great chance.
7	This is a golden opportunity to showcase your skills.	The chance to demonstrate skills is precious.
8	The job offer in London is a golden opportunity.	The offer is excellent and rare.
9	She called the promotion a golden opportunity.	The promotion was highly valuable.
10	Investing now is a golden opportunity for early buyers.	The investment chance is excellent.

Word Meaning Section

Word	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
Golden	extremely valuable; excellent	সোনালী; অত্যন্ত মূল্যবান
Opportunity	a chance to do something	সুযোগ

Related Phrasal Verb

Phrasal Verb	Meaning	Example
Take advantage of	to use an opportunity well	You should take advantage of this golden opportunity.

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2.3 A Wise Choice

Meaning

A wise choice means a smart, intelligent, and sensible decision.

8 Examples with Explanations

#	Example	Explanation
1	Completing your MBA was a wise choice.	The decision was intelligent and beneficial.
2	Investing in renewable energy was a wise choice.	The investment was smart.
3	Hiring an experienced manager was a wise choice.	The hiring decision was sensible.
4	Choosing the flexible payment plan was a wise choice.	The financial decision was smart.
5	Moving to a larger market was a wise choice.	The business move was intelligent.
6	Partnering with that company was a wise choice.	The partnership decision was smart.
7	Saving for retirement early is a wise choice.	The financial habit is sensible.
8	Selecting the cloud-based system was a wise choice.	The technology choice was smart.
9	Focusing on customer service was a wise choice.	The strategic focus was intelligent.
10	Buying that property was a wise choice.	The purchase decision was sensible.

Word Meaning Section

Word	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
Wise	showing good judgment; smart	বিজ্ঞ
Choice	a decision; an option selected	পছন্দ; সিদ্ধান্ত

Related Phrasal Verb

Phrasal Verb	Meaning	Example
Go with	to choose or select something	They went with the wise choice of hiring internally.

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2.4 Sound Advice

Meaning

Sound advice means very good, strong, reliable, and sensible advice.

8 Examples with Explanations

#	Example	Explanation
1	My supervisor gave me sound advice about my career.	The advice was strong and reliable.
2	My parents always gave me sound advice.	The advice was sensible and good.
3	The consultant offered sound advice on the merger.	The advice was professional and solid.
4	She followed the sound advice of her mentor.	The advice was wise and reliable.
5	The lawyer provided sound advice on the contract.	The legal advice was solid.
6	He gave me sound advice about saving money.	The financial advice was sensible.
7	The professor gave sound advice on career development.	The academic advice was strong.
8	Seeking sound advice before investing is important.	Reliable advice helps decision-making.
9	The board received sound advice from the auditors.	The professional advice was solid.
10	Her grandfather’s sound advice shaped her career.	The advice was wise and valuable.

Word Meaning Section

Word	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
Sound	strong; reliable; sensible	দৃঢ়; নির্ভরযোগ্য
Advice	guidance or recommendations	উপদেশ

Related Phrasal Verb

Phrasal Verb	Meaning	Example
Pass on	to give advice or information	She passed on some sound advice to the new employee.

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3. Negative Business Collocations

3.1 An Abject Failure

Meaning

An abject failure means a complete, extreme, and total failure. It is a very strong negative expression.

8 Examples with Explanations

#	Example	Explanation
1	The new policy was an abject failure.	The policy completely failed.
2	The product launch was an abject failure.	The launch failed entirely.
3	The merger proved to be an abject failure.	The merger failed completely.
4	His management style was an abject failure.	The style did not work at all.
5	The marketing campaign was an abject failure.	The campaign produced no results.
6	The negotiation was an abject failure.	The negotiation completely failed.
7	The software update was an abject failure.	The update failed entirely.
8	The new training program was an abject failure.	The program did not work.
9	Their expansion strategy was an abject failure.	The strategy failed completely.
10	The event was an abject failure with almost no attendees.	The event failed completely.

Word Meaning Section

Word	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
Abject	complete; extreme; total	চরম; সম্পূর্ণ
Failure	lack of success; a failed effort	ব্যর্থতা

Related Phrasal Verb

Phrasal Verb	Meaning	Example
Fall through	to fail to happen or be completed	The plan fell through and was an abject failure.

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3.2 A Huge Loss

Meaning

A huge loss means a very big financial or emotional loss.

8 Examples with Explanations

#	Example	Explanation
1	They had a huge loss in sales last quarter.	The financial loss was very large.
2	The company experienced a huge loss due to the scandal.	The loss was significant.
3	The investment resulted in a huge loss.	Money was lost on a large scale.
4	The fire caused a huge loss for the business.	The damage was financially massive.
5	The stock market crash led to a huge loss.	Investors lost a lot of money.
6	The cancellation of the project was a huge loss.	The loss was substantial.
7	The company reported a huge loss in its annual statement.	The financial loss was large.
8	Losing the major client was a huge loss.	The business impact was significant.
9	The pandemic caused a huge loss in revenue.	The revenue drop was massive.
10	The theft resulted in a huge loss of inventory.	The inventory loss was large.

Word Meaning Section

Word	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
Huge	very large; enormous	বিশাল
Loss	the amount lost; failure to keep	ক্ষতি

Related Phrasal Verb

Phrasal Verb	Meaning	Example
Write off	to accept a loss	The company had to write off the huge loss.

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3.3 Deep Trouble

Meaning

Deep trouble means being in a very serious and difficult situation.

8 Examples with Explanations

#	Example	Explanation
1	Their law firm is in deep trouble.	The firm faces serious problems.
2	The company was in deep trouble after the scandal.	The company faced major difficulties.
3	He found himself in deep trouble with the authorities.	He faced serious legal issues.
4	The project is in deep trouble due to budget cuts.	The project faces major challenges.
5	The airline is in deep trouble financially.	The financial situation is severe.
6	She was in deep trouble for missing the deadline.	The consequences were serious.
7	The economy is in deep trouble.	The economic situation is critical.
8	The team was in deep trouble after losing three matches.	The team faced serious problems.
9	The politician was in deep trouble after the speech.	The political consequences were severe.
10	The startup is in deep trouble without funding.	The startup faces major challenges.

Word Meaning Section

Word	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
Deep	serious; severe; intense	গভীর; গুরুতর
Trouble	a problem or difficulty	সমস্যা

Related Phrasal Verb

Phrasal Verb	Meaning	Example
Bail out	to rescue from difficulty	The government had to bail out the company in deep trouble.

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3.4 Harsh Criticism

Meaning

Harsh criticism means very strong, severe, and negative comments or judgment.

8 Examples with Explanations

#	Example	Explanation
1	The General Manager received harsh criticism for his comments.	The criticism was severe.
2	The new policy faced harsh criticism from employees.	Employees strongly criticized the policy.
3	The author received harsh criticism for the book.	The reviews were very negative.
4	The decision drew harsh criticism from the public.	The public strongly opposed the decision.
5	The CEO faced harsh criticism after the layoffs.	The criticism was severe.
6	The film received harsh criticism from reviewers.	The reviews were extremely negative.
7	The proposal was met with harsh criticism at the meeting.	The proposal was strongly rejected.
8	The team faced harsh criticism for missing the deadline.	The criticism was severe.
9	The new regulation attracted harsh criticism from businesses.	Businesses strongly opposed it.
10	The politician’s remarks drew harsh criticism.	The remarks were widely condemned.

Word Meaning Section

Word	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
Harsh	severe; very strict; unpleasant	কঠোর; রূঢ়
Criticism	negative comments; judgment	সমালোচনা

Related Phrasal Verb

Phrasal Verb	Meaning	Example
Single out	to choose someone for special attention, often negative	The manager was singled out for harsh criticism.

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4. Grammar Focus: Adjective + Noun Collocations

Basic Structure

Adjective + Noun

All eight expressions follow this pattern. The adjective strengthens or specifies the meaning of the noun.

Adjective	Noun	Collocation
resounding	success	resounding success
golden	opportunity	golden opportunity
wise	choice	wise choice
sound	advice	sound advice
abject	failure	abject failure
huge	loss	huge loss
deep	trouble	deep trouble
harsh	criticism	harsh criticism

With Articles

For countable nouns, use the article a or an.

Article	Adjective	Noun	Expression
a	resounding	success	a resounding success
a	golden	opportunity	a golden opportunity
a	wise	choice	a wise choice
an	abject	failure	an abject failure
a	huge	loss	a huge loss

For non-count nouns, no article is used.

Adjective	Noun	Expression
sound	advice	sound advice
deep	trouble	deep trouble
harsh	criticism	harsh criticism

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5. Countable and Non-Count Nouns in Collocations

Countable Nouns

These nouns can be counted and take the article a or an.

Noun	Article	Example
success	a	The campaign was a resounding success.
opportunity	a	This is a golden opportunity.
choice	a	That was a wise choice.
failure	an	The policy was an abject failure.
loss	a	They suffered a huge loss.

Non-Count Nouns

These nouns cannot be counted and do not take a or an.

Noun	No Article	Example
advice	sound advice	She gave me sound advice.
trouble	deep trouble	The company is in deep trouble.
criticism	harsh criticism	He received harsh criticism.

Common Mistake

Incorrect	Correct
a sound advice	sound advice
a deep trouble	deep trouble
a harsh criticism	harsh criticism
He gave me an advice.	He gave me advice.
She was in a deep trouble.	She was in deep trouble.

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6. Sentence Patterns and Structures

Pattern 1: Subject + be + article + collocation

Tense	Example
Past simple	The campaign was a resounding success.
Present simple	This is a golden opportunity.
Present perfect	The project has been an abject failure.
Future simple	The event will be a resounding success.

Pattern 2: Subject + have/has + article + collocation

Example	Explanation
She has a golden opportunity.	She possesses an excellent chance.
They had a huge loss last year.	They experienced a large loss.
The company has a wise choice to make.	The company needs to decide wisely.

Pattern 3: Subject + be + in + non-count collocation

Example	Explanation
The company is in deep trouble.	The company faces serious problems.
The manager was in deep trouble.	The manager faced serious issues.

Pattern 4: Subject + receive + non-count collocation

Example	Explanation
The GM received harsh criticism.	The GM was criticized severely.
She received sound advice from her mentor.	She got strong advice.

Negative Sentences

#	Negative Sentence	Explanation
1	The campaign was not a resounding success.	The campaign did not succeed greatly.
2	This is not a golden opportunity.	The opportunity is not excellent.
3	That was not a wise choice.	The decision was not smart.
4	He did not receive sound advice.	The advice was not reliable.
5	The policy was not an abject failure.	The policy did not fail completely.
6	They did not experience a huge loss.	The loss was not large.
7	The company is not in deep trouble.	The company is not in serious difficulty.
8	She did not receive harsh criticism.	The criticism was not severe.

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7. WH Questions with Business Collocations

5 WH-Question Examples with Answers

#	WH Question	Possible Answer
1	What was a resounding success for your company?	The product launch was a resounding success.
2	Why was the new policy an abject failure?	It was an abject failure because it was poorly planned.
3	When did you receive sound advice?	I received sound advice during my first job.
4	How did the company experience a huge loss?	The company experienced a huge loss due to the scandal.
5	Who gave you sound advice about your career?	My mentor gave me sound advice.

Interrogative Forms

Question Type	Formula	Example
Yes/No	Was/Were + subject + collocation?	Was the campaign a resounding success?
Yes/No	Did + subject + receive + collocation?	Did she receive harsh criticism?
WH	WH word + was/were + subject + collocation?	Why was it an abject failure?
WH	WH word + did + subject + receive + collocation?	What advice did you receive?

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8. Special Tips for Learners

Tip 1: Learn Collocations as Complete Chunks

Do not translate word by word. Memorize the full expression:

• a resounding success
• a golden opportunity
• a wise choice
• sound advice
• an abject failure
• a huge loss
• deep trouble
• harsh criticism

Tip 2: Categorize by Meaning

Category	Collocations
Positive	resounding success, golden opportunity, wise choice, sound advice
Negative	abject failure, huge loss, deep trouble, harsh criticism

Tip 3: Replace Basic Expressions

Basic	Advanced
very big success	resounding success
very good opportunity	golden opportunity
very good choice	wise choice
very good advice	sound advice
very big failure	abject failure
very big loss	huge loss
very big trouble	deep trouble
very bad criticism	harsh criticism

Tip 4: Remember the Article Rules

Type	Article	Example
Countable nouns	a/an	a golden opportunity
Non-count nouns	no article	sound advice

Tip 5: Practice Pronunciation

Pay special attention to these words:

Word	Pronunciation Tip
resounding	The “s” sounds like “z”: re-zounding
golden	Two syllables: gol-den
wise	Ends with a “z” sound
sound	Rhymes with “found”
abject	Short “a” at the beginning: ab-ject
huge	Starts with an “h” sound
deep	Long “e” sound
harsh	Ends with a “sh” sound

Tip 6: Use in Real Sentences

After learning each collocation, create a sentence about your own work or life.

Tip 7: Notice Them in Reading and Listening

When you read business articles or listen to business news, watch for these expressions.

Tip 8: Use Positive Expressions in Your Own Communication

Focus on using the positive collocations when talking about yourself and your achievements.

Tip 9: Practice with Emotion and Intonation

These expressions carry emotional weight. Practice saying them with appropriate intonation.

Tip 10: Avoid Overuse

Use these expressions naturally. Too many advanced collocations can sound artificial.

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9. Tips for Competitive Exams: IELTS, TOEFL, GRE

IELTS

Skill	How It Is Tested	Strategy
Writing Task 2	Business and social issues essays often require advanced vocabulary.	Use expressions like “golden opportunity” and “wise choice” in arguments.
Speaking Part 3	Discussing social and business topics.	Use “resounding success” and “harsh criticism” to show lexical range.
Reading	Business articles may include these collocations.	Recognize them for better comprehension.
Listening	Lectures may use advanced business vocabulary.	Note collocations like “sound advice.”

TOEFL

Skill	How It Is Tested	Strategy
Writing	Integrated essays may discuss business and academic topics.	Use “wise choice” and “deep trouble” in academic arguments.
Speaking	Campus and business conversations may include collocations.	Use “golden opportunity” and “huge loss” naturally.
Listening	Lectures may mention social problems and solutions.	Recognize “sound advice” and “resounding success.”

GRE

Skill	How It Is Tested	Strategy
Analytical Writing	Issue essays may discuss policy and social problems.	Use “harsh criticism” and “wise choice” in formal arguments.
Text Completion	Advanced vocabulary is tested directly.	Learn collocations as vocabulary items.
Sentence Equivalence	Precise word choice matters.	Understand subtle differences: resounding vs. big, abject vs. complete.

Exam Rules

• Use these expressions in formal writing when appropriate.
• Do not force collocations into essays; use them naturally.
• In speaking, practice using them in full sentences.
• Recognize collocations in reading and listening for better comprehension.

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10. Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the correct collocation from the list to complete each sentence.

List: resounding success, golden opportunity, wise choice, sound advice, abject failure, huge loss, deep trouble, harsh criticism

1. They had a very bad loss in sales. They had a ______.
2. She has a very good opportunity to join a consulting firm. She has a ______.
3. My supervisor gave me very good advice. My supervisor gave me ______.
4. Their law firm is in very big trouble. Their law firm is in ______.
5. Completing your MBA was a very good choice. Completing your MBA was a ______.
6. The new policy was a very big failure. The new policy was an ______.
7. Our sales campaign was a very big success. Our sales campaign was a ______.
8. The General Manager received very bad criticism. The GM received ______.
9. The company experienced a very big loss. The company experienced a ______.
10. He received very good advice from his mentor. He received ______ from his mentor.

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice Questions

Choose the correct collocation for each definition.

1. Which collocation means “a very big and impressive success”?
   a) a golden opportunity
   b) a resounding success
   c) a wise choice
   d) sound advice
2. Which collocation means “an excellent and rare chance”?
   a) a huge loss
   b) deep trouble
   c) a golden opportunity
   d) harsh criticism
3. Which collocation means “a smart and sensible decision”?
   a) an abject failure
   b) a wise choice
   c) deep trouble
   d) a huge loss
4. Which collocation means “strong and reliable guidance”?
   a) sound advice
   b) harsh criticism
   c) a golden opportunity
   d) a resounding success
5. Which collocation means “a complete and total failure”?
   a) a huge loss
   b) deep trouble
   c) an abject failure
   d) harsh criticism
6. Which collocation means “a very large financial loss”?
   a) a resounding success
   b) a huge loss
   c) a wise choice
   d) sound advice
7. Which collocation means “a very serious problem situation”?
   a) a golden opportunity
   b) harsh criticism
   c) deep trouble
   d) an abject failure
8. Which collocation means “severe and negative comments”?
   a) sound advice
   b) harsh criticism
   c) a wise choice
   d) a resounding success
9. Which collocation is positive?
   a) an abject failure
   b) deep trouble
   c) a golden opportunity
   d) harsh criticism
10. Which collocation is negative?
    a) a resounding success
    b) a wise choice
    c) sound advice
    d) a huge loss

Exercise 3: Sentence Transformation / Error Correction

Rewrite each sentence by replacing the basic expression with the correct collocation.

1. The campaign was a very big success.
2. She has a very good opportunity.
3. He made a very good choice.
4. She gave me very good advice.
5. The policy was a very big failure.
6. They experienced a very big loss.
7. The company is in very big trouble.
8. He received very bad criticism.
9. This is a very good opportunity.
10. The project was a very big success.

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11. Answer Key with Explanations

Exercise 1 Answers

1. a huge loss
   Explanation: “Very bad loss” matches “huge loss.”
2. a golden opportunity
   Explanation: “Very good opportunity” matches “golden opportunity.”
3. sound advice
   Explanation: “Very good advice” matches “sound advice.”
4. deep trouble
   Explanation: “Very big trouble” matches “deep trouble.”
5. a wise choice
   Explanation: “Very good choice” matches “wise choice.”
6. an abject failure
   Explanation: “Very big failure” matches “abject failure.”
7. a resounding success
   Explanation: “Very big success” matches “resounding success.”
8. harsh criticism
   Explanation: “Very bad criticism” matches “harsh criticism.”
9. a huge loss
   Explanation: “Very big loss” matches “huge loss.”
10. sound advice
    Explanation: “Very good advice” matches “sound advice.”

Exercise 2 Answers

1. b) a resounding success
   Explanation: Means very big and impressive success.
2. c) a golden opportunity
   Explanation: Means excellent and rare chance.
3. b) a wise choice
   Explanation: Means smart and sensible decision.
4. a) sound advice
   Explanation: Means strong and reliable guidance.
5. c) an abject failure
   Explanation: Means complete and total failure.
6. b) a huge loss
   Explanation: Means very large financial loss.
7. c) deep trouble
   Explanation: Means very serious problem situation.
8. b) harsh criticism
   Explanation: Means severe and negative comments.
9. c) a golden opportunity
   Explanation: Positive expression.
10. d) a huge loss
    Explanation: Negative expression.

Exercise 3 Answers

1. The campaign was a resounding success.
   Explanation: Replace “very big success” with “resounding success.”
2. She has a golden opportunity.
   Explanation: Replace “very good opportunity” with “golden opportunity.”
3. He made a wise choice.
   Explanation: Replace “very good choice” with “wise choice.”
4. She gave me sound advice.
   Explanation: Replace “very good advice” with “sound advice.”
5. The policy was an abject failure.
   Explanation: Replace “very big failure” with “abject failure.”
6. They experienced a huge loss.
   Explanation: Replace “very big loss” with “huge loss.”
7. The company is in deep trouble.
   Explanation: Replace “very big trouble” with “deep trouble.”
8. He received harsh criticism.
   Explanation: Replace “very bad criticism” with “harsh criticism.”
9. This is a golden opportunity.
   Explanation: Replace “very good opportunity” with “golden opportunity.”
10. The project was a resounding success.
    Explanation: Replace “very big success” with “resounding success.”

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12. Conclusion

Strong business collocations are essential for professional English communication. They follow a simple pattern—adjective + noun—and are used frequently in business, academic, and social contexts.

Key points to remember:

• Positive: resounding success, golden opportunity, wise choice, sound advice
• Negative: abject failure, huge loss, deep trouble, harsh criticism
• Use a/an with countable nouns like success, opportunity, choice, failure, and loss
• Use no article with non-count nouns like advice, trouble, and criticism
• Replace basic expressions like “very good” and “very big” with these stronger collocations
• Practice pronunciation with appropriate emotion and intonation

These expressions are also valuable for competitive exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and GRE, where advanced vocabulary and precise communication are essential.

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Call to Action: Choose three collocations from this lesson and write one sentence for each about your own work or study situation. Practice saying them aloud with appropriate intonation and try to use them in a conversation or email this week.