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6 Common Business English Collocations for Risks and Challenges
- Erin West
- Aug 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 1
Have You Ever Missed a Hidden Risk in a Contract?
In Business English, some word combinations naturally go together and are used all the time at work. You might know the words on their own, but if you don’t know the right pairings, your English can sound a bit off — for example, when talking about risks and challenges.
That’s why in this post, we’re focusing on six useful Business English collocations for risk and challenges you’ll often hear in meetings, emails, and negotiations. Learning them will help your English sound more natural, more professional, and easier for others to follow.
Today’s Challenge
You’re reviewing a contract with your manager. Something seems off — there might be problems hidden in the details. Your colleague says:
There are many potential _____ in this contract. We need to review it carefully.
A) milestones
B) pitfalls
C) benchmarks
D) deliverables
Choose the correct answer and listen to the sentence!
Did you get it right?
MILESTONE
noun
an important point or event in the progress of something
Finishing the first year in business was a big milestone for the company.
PITFALL
noun
a hidden problem or danger that can cause trouble
They warned us about the pitfalls of signing a contract without reading it carefully.
BENCHMARK
noun
a standard or level used to measure how good something is
We use last year’s sales figures as a benchmark to measure this year’s performance.
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DELIVERABLE
noun
a product or task that must be finished and given to a customer or manager
The final report is the main deliverable of this project.
That's right! The correct answer is B) pitfalls.
Learn More Business English Collocations for Risks and Challenges
Learning Business English isn’t just about knowing single words. It’s about using the right word combinations that native speakers use every day. We’ll look at collocations that describe risks and challenges — phrases you’ll often hear in meetings and project discussions.
Step 1. Choose the correct option and listen to the sentence. Then scroll down for simple definitions and more examples.
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Step 2. Review the definitions with extra examples.
COSTLY MISTAKE
collocation
an error that results in serious financial or reputational loss
A typo in the contract turned into a costly mistake.
POTENTIAL PITFALLS
collocation
hidden problems or difficulties that could cause trouble later
We need to avoid the pitfalls of poor communication.
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UNEXPECTED CHALLENGE
collocation
a difficult situation that arises suddenly
Travel restrictions created unexpected challenges for the sales team.
MAJOR OBSTACLE
collocation
a big problem that blocks progress
Lack of skilled staff remains the biggest obstacle.
Want to learn the difference between assign, resign, and consign? Read the article and take the quiz here.
SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES
collocation
strong negative results of an action or decision
Failing to meet the deadline will have serious consequences.
HIDDEN RISKS
collocation
risks that are not obvious at first
The investment looked good, but there were hidden risks in the contract.
Want more practice? Download this PDF with extra exercises and audio.
Listen to the audio and complete the blanks (use the PDF above).
ANSWER KEY - QUIZ
1. The sudden regulation changes created a(n) ______.
A) marketing deliverable
B) unexpected challenge
C) easy benchmark
The correct answer is B) unexpected challenge.
2. Not backing up company data was a ______.
A) major milestone
B) costly mistake
C) regulatory procedure
The correct answer is B)costly mistake.
3. Budget cuts are ______ to finishing the project.
A) the main obstacle
B) a possible benchmark
C) a small milestone
The correct answer is A) the main obstacle.
4. Careful planning helps us avoid ______ .
A) routine approvals
B) minor milestones
C) potential pitfalls
The correct answer is C) potential pitfalls.
5. Ignoring the warning signs could lead to ______.
A) serious consequences
B) predictable trends
C) administrative privileges
The correct answer is A) serious consequences.
6. Expanding into new markets can carry ______ that companies must carefully evaluate to reduce the chance of failure.
A) customer incentives
B) sustainable growth
C) hidden risks
The correct answer is C) hidden risks.
Ready for more practice? Check out another Business English Collocations Quiz.
FAQ about Business English Collocations for Risks
What are collocations in Business English?
They are natural word combinations (e.g., “costly mistake,” “serious consequences”) that native speakers use.
Why are collocations important?
They help you sound fluent and professional. Using the wrong combination may sound unnatural or confusing.
Are these collocations common in business contexts?
Yes — all six are widely used in contracts, negotiations, and meetings.
How can I practice collocations?
Read business articles, listen to meetings or podcasts, and test yourself with quizzes like the one above.
What does "pitfall" mean in simple terms?
A "pitfall" is a hidden or unexpected problem that can cause trouble if you’re not careful.
What does “potential pitfalls” mean in business English?
It refers to possible problems or difficulties that may happen if you’re not careful.
How is “major obstacle” different from “challenge”?
An obstacle usually blocks progress and must be removed or solved, while a challenge is something difficult but not always a complete block.
What is the difference between a pitfall and a problem?
A pitfall is a hidden or unexpected danger that can cause problems later, often if you’re not careful. A problem is any difficulty you already face. For example, poor planning can lead to pitfalls, while a lack of budget is a problem you already have.
Can I say “big obstacle” instead of “major obstacle”?
Yes, but “major obstacle” is more professional and more common in business contexts.
What’s the difference between “hidden risks” and “unexpected challenges”?
“Hidden risks” are dangers you don’t see right away. “Unexpected challenges” are problems that come up suddenly, even if you thought you had planned well.
Is “costly mistake” only about money?
Not always. It often means financial loss, but it can also mean wasted time, effort, or damaged reputation.
What does “serious consequences” mean in business?
It means strong negative results that affect people, money, or decisions.
This article is brought to you by RealBusinessEnglish.com, where learning Business English is practical, professional, and just the right amount of fun.
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