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B2 FIRST · VOCABULARY · PART 1

Fixed phrases

Groups of words that never change, like in the long run or by chance.

Finn the puffin with glasses and a book, your vocabulary teacher
Finn says

Some phrases are like blocks: the words always come in the same order, and you can't change any of them. We say by chance, never 'with chance', and on purpose, never 'for purpose'. Part 1 loves these phrases, because the wrong options look perfectly reasonable – unless you know the phrase.

Phrases with prepositions

by chance
without planning it
We met by chance at the airport.
on purpose
deliberately
I'm sure he broke it on purpose.
in advance
before a certain time
You need to book tickets in advance.
at first sight
the first time you see something
It was love at first sight.
out of order
not working (for machines)
The lift is out of order again.
on average
usually, typically, as a mathematical average
On average, we get 50 emails a day.

Longer expressions

in the long run
in the future, after a long time
Studying now will help you in the long run.
at short notice
with very little warning
The meeting was cancelled at short notice.
in charge of
responsible for
Who is in charge of the project?
in short supply
difficult to get because there isn't enough
Fresh water was in short supply.
a step in the right direction
a change that improves a situation
The new law is a step in the right direction.
in the blink of an eye
extremely quickly
The holiday was over in the blink of an eye.

How it comes up in Part 1

In Part 1 you choose the word (A, B, C or D) that best fits each gap. The four options often have similar meanings, so knowing which words go together is what gets you the mark.

You should book your seats well in advance.
A advance B front C before D early

In advance means before the time. "In front" is about position.

I didn't do it on purpose – it was an accident!
A purpose B intention C aim D plan

On purpose means deliberately.

Exercising regularly will save you money in the long run.
A run B time C way D road

In the long run is fixed.

Common mistakes

  • ✗ We met for chance.✓ We met by chance.The phrase is by chance.
  • ✗ He did it by purpose.✓ He did it on purpose.The phrase is on purpose.
  • ✗ The machine is out of work.✓ The machine is out of order.Machines are out of order; people are out of work.
  • ✗ Who is the charge of the team?✓ Who is in charge of the team?The phrase is be in charge of.
Finn the puffin, smiling kindly
Finn's exam tip

When a gap is inside a group of words that sounds 'fixed', say the whole phrase to yourself with each option. Keep a page in your notebook for fixed phrases – they appear again and again in Part 1.

Quick check

Choose the word that best fits each gap.

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