(1) rapid change/expansion/growth
(2) a rapid rise/decline in sales
(3) The patient made a rapid recovery .

(1) boats of every description /all descriptions
(2) Their money came from trade of some description.
(3) medals, coins and things of that description

(1) the beauties of nature
(2) man-made substances not found in nature
(3) nature conservation

(1) He quoted a passage from the minister's speech.
(2) to quote Shakespeare
(3) The President was quoted in the press as saying that he disagreed with the decision.

(1) a political opponent
(2) a dangerous/worthy/formidable opponent
(3) The team's opponents are unbeaten so far this season.

(1) Then, for no apparent reason , the train suddenly stopped.
(2) My parents were concerned at my apparent lack of enthusiasm for school.
(3) It was apparent from her face that she was really upset.

(1) medicated cleansing pads for sensitive skin
(2) sanitary pads (= that a woman uses during her period )
(3) a sketch/writing pad

(1) ...an insurance salesman.
(2) After entering the secret door, a tutorial for the Guard Hall sneaking system is given.
(3) The salesman is still persisting with his demands.

(1) the greatest scientific achievement of the decade
(2) It was a remarkable achievement for such a young player.
(3) They were proud of their children's achievements.

(1) She seemed to have everything ─looks, money, intelligence.
(2) everything in the capital is now quiet.
(3) ‘How's everything with you? ’ ‘Fine, thanks. ’

(1) a passenger train (= carrying passengers, not goods)
(2) The firm cannot afford to carry passengers.
(3) Mr Fullemann was a passenger in the car when it crashed.

(1) She's a sensible sort of person.
(2) I think that's a very sensible idea.
(3) Say something sensible.

(1) iron ore
(2) ...a huge iron ore mine.
(3) Origin of Iron ore: Banjarmasin area, South Kalimantan, Indonesia.

(1) epic/lyric/pastoral, etc. poetry
(2) T.S. Eliot's poetry
(3) a poetry reading

(1) to fly at the speed of sound
(2) A stork flew slowly past.
(3) A wasp had flown in through the window.

(1) ...Schubert's B flat Piano Trio (Opus 99).
(2) Her voice was flat, with no question or hope in it.
(3) 'Whatever you say,' he said in a deadly flat voice. 'I'll sit here and wait.'...

(1) the appearance of claims about the minister's private life in the press
(2) the early appearance of daffodils in spring
(3) the appearance of organic vegetables in the supermarkets

(1) He ached to see her.
(2) Mummy, I've got a tummy ache.
(3) Muscular aches and pains can be soothed by a relaxing massage.

(1) John was very keen to help.
(2) We are keen that our school should get involved too.
(3) I wasn't too keen on going to the party.

(1) I've had a devil of a job finding you.
(2) We ran like the devil.
(3) Well, speak of the devil─here's Alice now!

(1) ‘Coffee or tea? ’ ‘I'd prefer tea, thanks. ’
(2) I much prefer jazz to rock music.
(3) I would prefer it if you didn't tell anyone.

(1) the internal organs
(2) the sense organs (= the eyes, ears, nose, etc.)
(3) the sexual/reproductive organs

(1) improvements in efficiency at the factory
(2) I was impressed by the efficiency with which she handled the crisis.
(3) We are looking at our business to see where savings and efficiencies can be made.

(1) discounts on televisions, stereos and much more besides
(2) I don't really want to go. besides, it's too late now.
(3) I've got no family besides my parents.

(1) a valuable experience
(2) The book provides valuable information on recent trends.
(3) This advice was to prove valuable .

(1) He glanced briefly towards her but there was no sign of recognition.
(2) the automatic recognition of handwriting and printed text by computer
(3) a growing recognition that older people have potential too

(1) He works for us on an occasional basis.
(2) I enjoy the occasional glass of wine.
(3) He spent five years in Paris, with occasional visits to Italy.

(1) (North Amercian English) lightning strikes caused scores of fires across the state.
(2) a flash of lightning
(3) a violent storm with thunder and lightning

(1) He said he might come tomorrow.
(2) He might get there in time, but I can't be sure.
(3) I know Vicky doesn't like the job, but I mightn't find it too bad.

(1) an electric motor
(2) an electric light/guitar, etc.
(3) an electric current/charge

(1) a rise/an increase/a drop/a fall in profits
(2) The company made a healthy profit on the deal.
(3) profit from exports rose 7.3%.

(1) online content providers
(2) Not content with stealing my boyfriend (= not thinking that this was enough) , she has turned all my friends against me.
(3) He seemed more content, less bitter.

(1) The president is a good man...
(2) For me to think I'm any better than a homeless person on the street is ridiculous.
(3) The children were very good...

(1) Will you peel the potatoes for me?
(2) roast/boiled/baked/fried potatoes
(3) ...a political hot potato such as abortion.

(1) Do you like cabbage?
(2) two cabbages
(3) white/red cabbage

(1) a military/police/nurse's uniform
(2) soldiers in uniform
(3) The hat is part of the school uniform .

(1) to pass/adopt/carry a resolution
(2) The government is pressing for an early resolution of the dispute.
(3) The reforms owe a great deal to the resolution of one man.

(1) The losses were computed at £5 million.
(2) I tried to compute the cash value of the ponies and horse boxes.
(3) Some of them have highly demand on the storage and the compute capability.

(1) Who is in command here?
(2) He looked relaxed and totally in command of himself .
(3) For the first time in years, she felt in command of her life.

(1) Good morning, sir. Can I help you?
(2) Are you ready to order, sir?
(3) ‘Report to me tomorrow, corporal! ’ ‘Yes, sir! ’