Welcome to your B2 English vocabulary lesson on collocations! If you want to speak English more fluently and naturally, understanding and using collocations is absolutely key. Many advanced English learners know grammar rules and lots of words, but their English can still sound a bit ‘off’ or unnatural. This often comes down to not using collocations correctly. Let’s dive in and improve your English vocabulary today!

What Exactly Are Collocations?

Simply put, collocations are words that naturally go together in English. Think of them as word partnerships. They are combinations of words that native English speakers frequently use together, and they just ‘sound right’. While grammatically other word combinations might be possible, using the correct collocation will make your English sound much more natural and fluent. For example, we say “take a photo” not “make a photo”, even though “make” and “take” can sometimes be similar verbs. This is a collocation!

Understanding and using English collocations is a sign of advanced English proficiency. At a B2 level, mastering these word pairings will significantly enhance your spoken English practice and overall communication skills.

Why Are Collocations Important for B2 English Learners?

You might be wondering, “Why should I spend time learning collocations?”. Here’s why they are crucial, especially as you aim for more advanced English:

Sound More Natural and Fluent

Using correct collocations is what makes your English sound natural and fluent, just like a native speaker. Incorrect collocations can sound awkward or even humorous, even if grammatically correct. Imagine saying “make a fast food” instead of “eat fast food”. People will understand you, but it sounds unnatural. Focusing on improving English vocabulary through collocations will make a huge difference.

Improve Your Speaking Confidence

When you use collocations correctly, you’ll feel more confident speaking English. You’ll know you are using the language accurately and in a way that resonates with native speakers. This confidence boost is invaluable for effective communication and spoken English practice.

Understand Native Speakers Better

Native English speakers use collocations all the time without even thinking about it. By learning collocations, you’ll become much better at understanding spoken and written English as it’s actually used in real-life situations. This is a key part of learn English vocabulary effectively at a B2 level.

Expand Your Vocabulary in a Practical Way

Learning collocations isn’t just about memorizing lists of words. It’s about understanding how words work together in context. This practical approach to vocabulary learning is much more effective than simply memorizing isolated words. It’s about advanced English vocabulary acquisition that you can actually use.

Common Types of Collocations in English

Collocations can be formed with different combinations of word types. Here are some common types to be aware of:

Verb + Noun Collocations

These are very common. Examples include:

• take a break (not “make a break”)
• make a mistake (not “do a mistake”)
• catch a cold (not “get a cold” – both are used, but “catch a cold” is a strong collocation)
• do your homework (not “make your homework”)
• have fun (not “make fun”)

Adjective + Noun Collocations

These describe nouns using specific adjectives:

• heavy rain (not “strong rain”)
• strong coffee (not “powerful coffee”)
• high temperature (not “tall temperature”)
• bright colours (not “shiny colours”)
• utter chaos (not “complete chaos” – both work, but “utter chaos” is more emphatic)

Adverb + Adjective Collocations

These modify adjectives to add emphasis or nuance:

• deeply concerned (not “strongly concerned”)
• highly likely (not “very likely” – both are common, “highly likely” is more formal)
• perfectly normal (not “completely normal” – both are fine, “perfectly normal” emphasizes ‘flawless’)
• terribly sorry (not “very sorry” – both work, “terribly sorry” is stronger)
• fully aware (not “completely aware” – both are similar, “fully aware” can mean a more comprehensive awareness)

Noun + Noun Collocations

These are often compound nouns or show a close relationship between two nouns:

• a bar of chocolate (not “a piece of chocolate” – although “piece of chocolate” is also used, “bar of chocolate” refers to a specific form)
• a cup of tea (not “a glass of tea” – unless it’s iced tea perhaps!)
• a piece of advice (not “an advice”)
• traffic jam (not “traffic block”)
• bus stop (not “bus station” – “bus station” is larger)

Prepositional Collocations

These involve prepositions following specific words:

• interested in (not “interested about”)
• dependent on (not “dependent of”)
• good at (not “good in”)
• responsible for (not “responsible of”)
• believe in (not “believe to”)

How to Learn and Use Collocations Effectively

Learning collocations doesn’t have to be daunting! Here are some effective strategies to help you:

Read and Listen Widely in English

The best way to naturally absorb collocations is through extensive reading and listening. Pay attention to how native speakers use words together in books, articles, podcasts, and movies. When you come across a collocation, note it down.

Use a Collocations Dictionary

There are dictionaries specifically designed for collocations! These are incredibly helpful resources. When you look up a word, a good collocations dictionary will show you common words that are used with it. Online collocation dictionaries are easily accessible.

Note Down Collocations in Context

When you encounter a new collocation, don’t just memorize the word pair in isolation. Write it down in a sentence or phrase that provides context. This will help you understand how it’s actually used and make it easier to remember.

Practice Using Collocations in Speaking and Writing

Active practice is essential! Make a conscious effort to use new collocations in your speaking and writing. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s part of the learning process. The more you use them, the more natural they will become. For excellent spoken English practice focusing on vocabulary, consider using Lingofrnd.com, an AI spoken English teacher that can help you practice using collocations in conversation. You can also Download App to practice on the go!

Focus on High-Frequency Collocations

Start by learning the most common and frequently used collocations. These will give you the most ‘bang for your buck’ and make the biggest difference to your fluency. Think about everyday topics and situations and learn collocations related to them.

Let’s Practice!

Now it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! Complete the sentences below by choosing the correct word to form a collocation. Choose from the words in the box below each set of sentences.

Exercise 1: Verb + Noun Collocations

1. I need to _______ a decision about my future career soon.
2. She always tries to _______ a good impression on new people.
3. We should _______ advantage of the good weather and go for a walk.
4. The company is hoping to _______ a profit this year.
5. Don’t _______ a noise, the baby is sleeping.

Words: make, take, do, have, create

Exercise 2: Adjective + Noun Collocations

1. He is a _______ smoker, he smokes two packs a day.
2. The traffic was _______ and I was late for work.
3. She has _______ blonde hair.
4. We had a _______ time at the party last night.
5. The news came as a _______ shock to everyone.

Words: heavy, strong, big, great, fair

Answers to Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Verb + Noun Collocations

1. I need to make a decision about my future career soon.
2. She always tries to make a good impression on new people.
3. We should take advantage of the good weather and go for a walk.
4. The company is hoping to make a profit this year.
5. Don’t make a noise, the baby is sleeping.

Exercise 2: Adjective + Noun Collocations

1. He is a heavy smoker, he smokes two packs a day.
2. The traffic was heavy and I was late for work.
3. She has fair blonde hair.
4. We had a great time at the party last night.
5. The news came as a big shock to everyone.

Keep Practicing and Expand Your Vocabulary!

Congratulations on taking a step towards mastering English collocations! Remember, learning collocations is an ongoing process. The more you expose yourself to English and actively practice, the better you will become at using them naturally. For more spoken English practice and to further improve English vocabulary, visit Lingofrnd.com. Start speaking English with confidence today! You can also Download App and practice anytime, anywhere.