Using Collocation to Boost Your IELTS Score - Key Word: A Sign of

Some of the most effective ways in order to improve your IELTS band score, mainly in the Speaking and Writing modules, is by mastering collocations; which are just the combinations of words that naturally go together in the English language. But a proper set of vocabulary for IELTS does not just mean knowing a long list of words. 

On the contrary, it also means knowing how to properly use them naturally. This is exactly where the collocations come in to the scene. 

A collocation is nothing but a pair or group of words which are often used together, just like “a sign of.” Combinations like this will surely sound natural to the native speakers, and when you are using them correctly in your IELTS Speaking and Writing exam, it will show that you have a firm command of the English language. 

In this blog, we will learn about this collocation of “a sign of” with the help of our expert crafted practice exercises that you can use in both academic and everyday English.

Practice Exercise: Key Word - A Sign of

Verb+Sign of

1. Use the correct form of these verbs:

1. The tyres on my car are beginning to______signs of wear. I’ll need to replace them soon.
2. We must stick to our original plan. Any change of policy will be______as a sign of weakness.
3. The detectives searched the house from top to bottom, but they______no sign of the stolen goods.

(Be) a sign of

2. Match the two halves of these sentences:

Sign of+Noun

3. Complete the sentences with these words:

1. She’s such a cold fish. I have rarely seen her display any sign of______.
2. At last, her work is showing some signs of______.
3. The police have shown no signs of______to the kidnappers’ demands.
4. I’m afraid she’s showing the first signs of______the disease. We’ll need to start treatment.
5. Make sure you call the police at the first sign of______.
6. Rising crime is just a sign of the______!

Answer Key: Key Word - A Sign of

Verb+Sign of

Ex 1:

1. show
2. seen
3. found

(Be) a sign of

Ex 2:

1. c
2. d
3. a
4. b
5. f
6. e

Sign of+Noun

Ex 3:

1. emotion
2. improvement
3. giving in
4. having
5. trouble
6. times

Also check :

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• English Pronunciation in use Intermediate pdf
• Work Vocabulary IELTS
• Advanced Vocabulary for IELTS