(1) It comforted her to feel his arms around her.
(2) She comforted herself with the thought that it would soon be spring.
(3) The victim's widow was today being comforted by family and friends.

(1) to pack/unpack a suitcase
(2) It did not take Andrew long to pack a suitcase.
(3) The suitcase is rather heavy.

(1) steam rose from the boiling kettle.
(2) the introduction of steam in the 18th century
(3) steam power

(1) a ban on the importation of ivory
(2) customs imported from the West
(3) goods imported from Japan into the US

(1) She's a very great dramatic actress.
(2) And the teddy bear you gave me that I held so tight.
(3) She succeeded in fulfil ( l ) ing herself as an actress.

(1) a careful piece of work
(2) a careful examination of the facts
(3) After careful consideration we have decided to offer you the job.

(1) economic activity
(2) The streets were noisy and full of activity.
(3) Muscles contract and relax during physical activity.

(1) a boom in car sales
(2) Living standards improved rapidly during the post-war boom.
(3) a boom year (for trade, exports, etc.)

(1) He's touring South america at this moment in time.
(2) I scrolled down to find "United States of america".
(3) They fled to South america around the turn of the century.

(1) the provinces of Canada
(2) The show will tour the provinces after it closes in London.
(3) a shy young man from the provinces

(1) The Prime Minister is now 64 years old and in all probability this will be the last election that he is likely to contest...
(2) You will find a wide variety of choices available in school cafeterias...
(3) The show will be open to the public at 2pm; admission will be 50p...

(1) a bus/train timetable (= when they arrive and leave)
(2) We have a new timetable each term (= showing the times of each class in school) .
(3) Sport is no longer so important in the school timetable (= all the subjects that are taught at schools) .

(1) 3 000 acres of parkland
(2) a three-acre wood
(3) (informal)Each house has acres of space around it (= a lot of space) .

(1) a computer/machine operator
(2) a tour operator
(3) a bus operator

(1) to remain silent/standing/seated/motionless
(2) Train fares are likely to remain unchanged.
(3) It remains true that sport is about competing well, not winning.

(1) to get on/off a train
(2) I like travelling by train .
(3) a passenger/commuter/goods/freight train

(1) Her tiny hands gently touched my face...
(2) Don't touch that dial…
(3) Their knees were touching ...

(1) Her position in the party has strengthened in recent weeks.
(2) Yesterday the pound strengthened against the dollar.
(3) The wind had strengthened overnight.

(1) the royal family
(2) the royal household
(3) the royal Navy

(1) a nuclear power station
(2) the nuclear industry
(3) nuclear-powered submarines

(1) ‘How are you feeling today? ’ ‘so-so. ’
(2) I only did so-so in the exam.
(3) Their lunch was only so-so...

(1) There was growing criticism of the government's conduct of the war.
(2) The guide conducted us around the ruins of the ancient city.
(3) He conducted himself far better than expected.

(1) I go jogging every evening.
(2) Someone jogged her elbow, making her spill her coffee.
(3) I like to go for a jog after work.

(1) He works as a painter and decorator.
(2) a famous painter
(3) a portrait/landscape painter

(1) The countryside was dotted with small villages.
(2) Small villages dot the countryside.
(3) There are lots of Italian restaurants dotted around London.

(1) He reduced speed and turned sharp left.
(2) The train began to pick up speed (= go faster) .
(3) The car was gathering speed .

(1) I'm usually home by 6 o'clock.
(2) We usually go by car.
(3) How long does the journey usually take?

(1) to settle a dispute/an argument/a matter
(2) It's time you settled your differences with your father.
(3) There is pressure on the unions to settle.

(1) My aunt lives in Canada.
(2) aunt Alice
(3) It was a present from aunt Vera.

(1) The service was a celebration of his life (= praised what he had done in his life) .
(2) birthday/wedding celebrations
(3) Her triumph was a cause for celebration .

(1) What a nice surprise!
(2) a surprise attack
(3) There are few surprises in this year's budget.

(1) The legal profession is still a largely male world, as evidenced by the small number of women judges.
(2) The police were much in evidence at today's demonstration.
(3) There is convincing evidence of a link between exposure to sun and skin cancer.

(1) Would dairy products such as skim milk and cheese and yoghurt be available?
(2) The manufacturer tried to call back the spoilt yoghurt.
(3) Monday : Sweet corn salad, Garlic bread, Seasonal fruits, rice noodle with beef, Cucumber, Juice or yoghurt.

(1) From his position on the cliff top, he had a good view of the harbour.
(2) Where would be the best position for the lights?
(3) Is everybody in position ?

(1) a pair of trainers
(2) teacher trainers
(3) a racehorse trainer

(1) The committee held its founding congress in the capital, Riga.
(2) He is founding director of The Conservation Foundation.
(3) We commemorate the founding of our nation with a public holiday.

(1) a world-famous scientist
(2) His books are world-famous.
(3) ...the world-famous Hollywood Bowl...

(1) Liz settled back in her seat, comfortably relaxed, enjoying being driven for a change.
(2) Now let me ask you a question, for a change...
(3) The courier had change for a £10 note.

(1) the tomb of the Unknown Soldier
(2) A few red roses were scattered on the tomb.
(3) Wreaths were laid at the martyr's tomb.

(1) Many areas in the country'sinterior are unable to report aids cases immediately.
(2) We can now talk openly about aids which we couldn't before.
(3) The official number of people carrying the aids virus is low.