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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(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) 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) 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) 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.

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