(1) Two black coffees, please.
(2) a shiny black car
(3) black storm clouds

(1) cast/wrought/corrugated iron
(2) iron gates/bars/railings
(3) an iron and steel works

(1) the vitamins that are vital for health
(2) Good financial accounts are vital to the success of any enterprise.
(3) It is vital that you keep accurate records when you are self-employed.

(1) to sleep well/deeply/soundly/badly
(2) I couldn't sleep because of the noise.
(3) I had to sleep on the sofa.

(1) After a few preliminary remarks he announced the winners.
(2) preliminary results/findings/enquiries
(3) the preliminary rounds of the contest

(1) a child of the 90s
(2) They can't have children .
(3) a support group for adult children of alcoholics

(1) There are several species of zebra.
(2) The black and white lineslines on a zebra so it's called a'zebra crossing '.
(3) The zebra is thirsty, too.

(1) Let's go for a dip before breakfast.
(2) He dipped the brush into the paint.
(3) dip your hand in to see how hot the water is.

(1) He came back of his own accord.
(2) The symptoms will clear up of their own accord.
(3) Our society accords great importance to the family.

(1) bright/dark/light/pale blue
(2) The room was decorated in vibrant blues and yellows.
(3) She was dressed in blue.

(1) the theory and practice of teaching
(2) She's determined to put her new ideas into practice .
(3) common/current/standard practice

(1) She received private tuition in French.
(2) The courses will give the beginner personal tuition in all types of outdoor photography.
(3) Angela's $7,000 tuition at University this year will be paid for with scholarships.

(1) an evil man
(2) an evil grin
(3) evil deeds

(1) The scenery is magnificent.
(2) to enjoy the scenery
(3) ...the island's spectacular scenery...

(1) a needle and thread
(2) a robe embroidered with gold thread
(3) the delicate threads of a spider's web

(1) ...a tiny little transparent pill, about 20 millimetres long.
(2) The coats, made of polythene sheet 0.05 millimetre thick, are fitted on the sheep after shearing.
(3) The total amount of pollen was measured more accurately by 30 millimetre deameter globes.

(1) They left for Spain early this morning.
(2) See you tomorrow morning .
(3) I prefer coffee in the morning .

(1) a calendar for 2006
(2) This is one of the biggest weeks in the racing calendar.
(3) the Islamic calendar

(1) Her face grew solemn.
(2) a solemn expression
(3) a solemn oath/undertaking/vow, etc.

(1) Take my advice . Don't do it.
(2) I chose it on his advice .
(3) Follow your doctor's advice .

(1) You will be liable for any damage caused.
(2) The court ruled he could not be held personally liable for his wife's debts.
(3) We're all liable to make mistakes when we're tired.

(1) The policeman noted down every word he said.
(2) What the government paid as interest was less than the market offered.
(3) The policeman whistled for the car to stop.

(1) a laser beam
(2) a laser navigation device
(3) The bar codes on the products are read by lasers.

(1) She never took a taxi, even though she could afford to.
(2) He couldn't afford the money to go on the trip.
(3) (formal)They could ill afford to lose any more staff.

(1) whose house is that?
(2) I wonder whose this is.
(3) He's a man whose opinion I respect.

(1) He walked out of the room and slammed the door.
(2) They were in the next room and we could hear every word they said.
(3) a dining/living/sitting room

(1) It was becoming more and more difficult to live on his salary.
(2) It soon became apparent that no one was going to come.
(3) She was becoming confused.

(1) a loose button/tooth
(2) Check that the plug has not come loose .
(3) She usually wears her hair loose.

(1) Our camping trip was spoilt by bad weather.
(2) Don't let him spoil your evening.
(3) The tall buildings have spoiled the view.

(1) an inward smile
(2) Her calm expression hid her inward panic.
(3) an inward flow

(1) a dark and stormy night
(2) stormy weather
(3) stormy seas (= with big waves)

(1) hard liquor
(2) She drinks wine and beer but no liquor.
(3) intoxicating liquor

(1) vivid memories
(2) He gave a vivid account of his life as a fighter pilot.
(3) vivid blue eyes

(1) Common salt is a compound of sodium and chlorine.
(2) a prison compound
(3) a compound adjective, such as fair-skinned

(1) Water splashed onto the floor.
(2) Rain splashed against the windows.
(3) He splashed cold water on his face.

(1) She sat and stared at the letter in front of her.
(2) May I sit here?
(3) Just sit still!

(1) They charge a daily rate.
(2) The machines are inspected twice daily.
(3) The story was in all the dailies.

(1) I recognized him as soon as he came in the room.
(2) Do you recognize this tune?
(3) I recognized her by her red hair.

(1) The newspapers branded her a hypocrite.
(2) They were branded as liars and cheats.
(3) an unorthodox brand of humour

(1) She was angling for sympathy.
(2) The programme is angled towards younger viewers.
(3) We need a new angle for our next advertising campaign.