This is something that students at an upper-intermediate level and, more specifically, students preparing for the FCE need to study.

– So, let´s begin with one simple matching exercise (the key is below):

a) see someone off b) pick someone up c) take off d) set off e) check in f) get on g) drop someone off h) check out

1) to take someone to a place and leave them there
2) to say goodbye to someone at the airport or bus terminal, etc.
3) when the plane leaves the runway
4) to register your arrival at a hotel or airport
5) to pay the bill and depart from the hotel
6) to board a plane, train, bus, etc.
7) to start a journey
8) to collect or fetch someone at the airport, train station, etc.

– Here’s a useful fill-in exercise to practise.

– Now, think about your next holidays and try to make some example sentences like this: “My plane to New York takes off at 11 pm”.

– Did you enjoy your last holidays? Where did you go? How long did you stay? Write a short paragraph about them (try to include some of the expressions you’ve just learnt).

(key: 1.g, 2.a, 3.c, 4.e, 5.h, 6.f, 7.d, 8.b)