English Lesson: Collocations for Making Decisions

In this lesson, we will focus on collocations connected with getting the information and advice you need to make a decision as well as thinking before making any decisions. 

These collocations can be used in informal situations.

Always think about your audience and the situation you are in when using collocations. 


GETTING INFORMATION OR ADVICE TO MAKE A DECISION 

seek advice (= try to get some advice) 

• If you plan to travel to Seoul, you'd better seek advice from someone who knows the city. 
• If you feel unwell, you should definitely seek medical advice. 
• Why don't you seek advice from an accountant? 

carry out research (into/on) | do research (into/on) 

• You need to carry out some research before travelling abroad. 
• The research was carried out by professors at Tokyo University. 
• They're doing some research on the way children learn vocabulary. 

pick someone's brain(s) (= to ask someone for ideas; to ask someone's advice) 

• If you know someone who has been there before, buy them a coffee and pick their brains. 
• Here's her phone number. Why don't you call her and pick her brains? 
• Do you mind if I pick your brains? I really need some fresh ideas. 
• I just started learning Korean and I'd love to pick your brain for any tips you might have. 

​

helpful hints 

• This website contains helpful hints on how to remember vocabulary. 
• I've got a book with lots of helpful hints on living in the UK - you can borrow it if you like. 

THINKING BEFORE YOU MAKE A DECISION 

something crosses your mind (= when an idea suddenly comes into your thoughts) 

• It crossed my mind that she might be lying about what had happened. 
• I never sent an email back even though it crossed my mind a hundred times. 
• What was the first thing that crossed your mind when you won the competition? 
• It never crossed my mind that he might be married. (= I never thought about that.) 

have a brainwave (= you suddenly have a clever idea) 

• I had a brainwave last night about how we can sell the car. 
• After many hours of searching, I had a sudden brainwave. 

toy with an idea (= thinking about doing something, but not very seriously) 

• We're toying with the idea of going to Japan next year. (= haven't decided yet) 
• I've been toying with the idea of living abroad. (= consider and think about an idea) 

think long and hard (= consider something very carefully before making a decision) 

• I thought long and hard about what universities to apply to -- it wasn't a rash decision. 
• I got a job offer yesterday but I thought long and hard about taking it. 

English collocation lessons: 
English Lesson: Collocations for Leisure 
English Lesson: Collocations for Success 
English Lesson: Collocations for Feelings 
English Lesson: Collocations for Rural Life 
English Lesson: Collocations for Urban Life 
English Lesson: Collocations for Saving Money 


Please LIKE and SHARE with friends! 

DO YOU WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH SPEAKING SKILLS?

​Our lessons are engaging and encourage students to speak more on a specific topic.
Students learn and practise new vocabulary, and improve grammar as well.
You will receive feedback on your mistakes and advice how to improve.

English Speaking Course

English Speaking & Writing Course