have a discussion
Use have a discussion for a conversation that explores a topic.
ModelWe had a discussion about the revised schedule.
Use it well: Discuss is a shorter verb alternative in many contexts.
Which verb goes with which noun, and which preposition follows: 36 word partnerships that make writing and speech sound natural, from “apply for” to “strong evidence”.
Collocations are words that habitually go together. English speakers say “make a decision” and “do research”, not the other way round, and there is often no logical reason why. Grammar alone will not tell you; you have to notice and collect them.
They matter for the TOEFL because they affect both comprehension and production. In reading and listening, recognizing a familiar pair lets you process a phrase as one unit. In emails, discussion posts and interview answers, the right partner word makes your English sound controlled; the wrong one is a small but noticeable slip.
Most useful for: Complete the Words · Read in Daily Life · Read an Academic Passage · Write an Email · Academic Discussion · Take an Interview
Use have a discussion for a conversation that explores a topic.
Use it well: Discuss is a shorter verb alternative in many contexts.
Use have a look when asking someone to inspect something briefly.
Use it well: It also works in a statement about inspecting something.
Use take a break when pausing work or study.
Use it well: The length of the break depends on context.
Use take a risk when accepting a possible negative outcome.
Use it well: Describe the actual risk when precision matters.
Use give advice when one person offers guidance.
Use it well: An adjective can identify the kind of advice offered.
Use make arrangements when organizing plans or logistics.
Use it well: The plural noun is common in this meaning.
Use apply for before the position, program, or opportunity sought.
Use it well: Keep for with the object that names what you are seeking.
Use prepare for before an event or task that is coming.
Use it well: The object names what the preparation is aimed at.
Use recover from before the condition or setback left behind.
Use it well: Use a different construction for retrieving an object.
Use depend on when an outcome is conditional on a factor.
Use it well: Name the factor clearly in the same sentence.
Use concentrate on for the object of focused attention.
Use it well: A distracting detail can change what the sentence emphasizes.
Use respond to before a message, question, or event.
Use it well: A response to is the related noun pattern.
Use reason for before the cause of a situation or action.
Use it well: The noun after for identifies what needs explaining.
Use responsibility for before a duty or area of control.
Use it well: Name the person and the duty clearly.
Use increase in before the quantity or area that rises.
Use it well: Use of before the amount of an increase.
Use research into before a question or subject investigated.
Use it well: Use the words after into to name the topic being studied.
Use example of before the category illustrated by an instance.
Use it well: Do not confuse an example with proof of a general claim.
Use response to before the message or event answered.
Use it well: The verb form is respond to.
Use strong evidence when support for a claim is substantial.
Use it well: Strength should be justified by the actual data.
Use limited evidence when the available support is narrow.
Use it well: A small sample does not prove the claim false.
Use preliminary evidence for early findings that need further checking.
Use it well: Do not present an early result as settled.
Use convincing evidence when support would reasonably persuade a reader.
Use it well: The adjective states an evaluation, not a measurement.
Use contradictory evidence for findings that conflict with an existing account.
Use it well: Explain which specific claim the evidence challenges.
Use sufficient evidence when support is enough for a stated decision.
Use it well: The required amount depends on the claim and context.
Use independent research for investigation carried out without direction or control from another person or organization.
Use it well: Independence depends on the actual research relationship.
Use recent research for studies current relative to the discussion.
Use it well: Give dates when the time boundary matters.
Use interdisciplinary research for work connecting more than one field.
Use it well: Name the fields if the connection is important.
Use rigorous research for work evaluated as methodologically careful.
Use it well: A label cannot replace a description of methods.
Use research project for a planned investigation with a defined aim.
Use it well: A project can include several separate studies.
Use research paper for an academic written report or argument.
Use it well: Local course conventions may define a narrower assignment.
Use advanced course for study beyond an introductory level.
Use it well: A course catalog defines the actual entry requirements.
Use elective course for a course selected by choice.
Use it well: A course may be elective in one program but required in another.
Use intensive course for concentrated study over a short period.
Use it well: Intensity does not specify an exact number of hours.
Use interdisciplinary course for study that connects fields.
Use it well: Explain the actual subject combination when relevant.
Use online course for a course delivered over the internet.
Use it well: Online format alone does not imply self-paced study.
Use required course for a program component students must take.
Use it well: Requirements vary by institution and degree.