Collocation Mini-Lessons

Everyday Life I

Lesson 46  ·  General Communication

B1 – B2

Register Key

General Casual News Professional Workplace
4 phrases  ·  5 example sentences each  ·  See how each phrase is used across different real-world contexts.

1 make a living
Example Sentences
  • Doing what you love and making a living from it is rarer than most people think.General
  • How does he actually make a living? I've never really understood what he does.Casual
  • The documentary followed street artists trying to make a living in an increasingly expensive city.News
  • The company helps creative professionals build the skills they need to make a living from their work.Professional
  • Many of the workers here are making a living doing jobs that most people never think about.Workplace
2 have potential
Example Sentences
  • Everyone has potential — the difference is whether they choose to develop it.General
  • I think you really have potential — you just need to believe in yourself a bit more.Casual
  • Analysts say the region has enormous potential as a destination for green energy investment.News
  • The recruiter noted that the candidate had potential but lacked the experience required for the role.Professional
  • The new recruit has a lot of potential — with the right mentoring, she could go far.Workplace
3 have access to
Example Sentences
  • Not everyone has access to the same opportunities, and that inequality matters.General
  • Do you have access to the shared drive, or do I need to send you the file directly?Casual
  • Millions of people in the region still do not have access to clean drinking water.News
  • All senior staff have access to the full client database through the secure portal.Professional
  • Only authorized personnel have access to the storage area on the second floor.Workplace
4 have a tendency to
Example Sentences
  • He has a tendency to overthink things, which sometimes gets in the way of just getting started.General
  • You have a tendency to say yes to everything — it's okay to say no sometimes.Casual
  • The report noted that the agency had a tendency to prioritize speed over thoroughness.News
  • New managers often have a tendency to micromanage before they develop trust in their team.Professional
  • The machine has a tendency to overheat if it runs continuously for more than four hours.Workplace
Bonus

make the most of something