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