C1 - Lesson 3: Elevate Your English with Collocations
For Fluency, Precision & Style
You have an advanced vocabulary and a strong command of grammar. The final step is to add the layer of polish that makes your English truly impressive. This lesson provides a toolkit of C1-level collocations designed to elevate1 your language. Mastering these phrases will make you sound more articulate2, and will add a new level of sophistication3 to your writing and speech.
1. Collocations for Fluency and Flow
These phrases are used by articulate speakers to connect ideas smoothly and manage the flow of conversation.
- It goes without saying that...: Used to introduce a point that is considered obvious or self-evident. (Ex: "It goes without saying that regular exercise is beneficial for your health.")
- On a related note...: Used to smoothly transition to a topic that is connected to the previous one. (Ex: "The marketing report was positive. On a related note, we need to approve the budget for the next campaign.")
- By and large...: A sophisticated way to say 'in general' or 'on the whole'. (Ex: "By and large, the community supports the new development project.")
2. Collocations for Precision and Clarity
These word partnerships allow you to express a complex idea with great accuracy.
- to draw a distinction between: To highlight a clear difference between two similar things. (Ex: "It's important to draw a distinction between being thrifty and being stingy.")
- to meet the criteria/requirements: To satisfy the necessary conditions. (Ex: "Applicants must meet all the criteria to be considered for the scholarship.")
- to pose a threat/risk/challenge: The verb 'pose' is the formal and natural partner for these nouns. (Ex: "Climate change poses a significant threat to coastal cities like Kep.")
- a case in point: A specific, clear example that illustrates what you are discussing. (Ex: "Many old buildings are being demolished. The old cinema is a case in point.")
3. Collocations for Style and Impact
These phrases demonstrate a high command of English and are often used to make a point more memorable.
- a double-edged sword: Something that has both positive and negative consequences. (Ex: "Social media is a double-edged sword; it connects us but can also spread misinformation.")
- to serve as a stark reminder: To be a very clear, often unpleasant, reminder of a fact. (Ex: "The abandoned factory serves as a stark reminder of the city's industrial past.")
- a foregone conclusion: A result that is certain to happen and can be predicted. (Ex: "Once their star player was injured, the team's defeat was a foregone conclusion.")
Discourse in Action: A Formal Briefing
Notice how these collocations are woven together in this excerpt from a formal presentation.
"Good morning. It goes without saying that we must address the findings of this report. By and large, the data is promising. However, it also serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. The rise of automation is a double-edged sword. It improves efficiency, but it also poses a threat to many traditional jobs. Therefore, we must draw a distinction between short-term gains and long-term social well-being. Success is not a foregone conclusion unless we act decisively."
quiz Check Your Understanding
1. A situation that has both good and bad effects is called...
- a) a stark reminder.
- b) a double-edged sword.
- c) a foregone conclusion.
Click to see the answer
Answer: b) a double-edged sword.
2. Which phrase is a sophisticated way to say "in general"?
- a) On a related note...
- b) A case in point...
- c) By and large...
Click to see the answer
Answer: c) By and large...
3. The correct verb to use with "a threat" in a formal context is...
- a) to make a threat.
- b) to do a threat.
- c) to pose a threat.
Click to see the answer
Answer: c) to pose a threat.
edit Your Mission
- Complete the Collocation: "To be eligible for the visa, you must __________ all the necessary __________." (Hint: one verb, one noun from the lesson).
- Rephrase with Style: Rewrite this simple sentence to be more sophisticated using a C1-level collocation: "It was obvious that the experienced team would win."
- The C1 Activation Challenge: In the next 24 hours, find an opportunity to use ONE of the collocations from this lesson. You could use it in a conversation, an email, or a comment online. Using the language is the only way to make it yours.
book Lesson Glossary
- To Elevate (verb) - Khmer: លើកកម្ពស់ (ləək kɑm-pɔɔh) - To raise something to a more important or impressive level. ↩
- Articulate (adjective) - Khmer: ច្បាស់លាស់ (chbas-leah) - Able to express thoughts and feelings easily and clearly. ↩
- Sophistication (noun) - Khmer: កម្រិតខ្ពស់ (kɑm-rət kʰpuəh) - The quality of having a high level of complexity, understanding, and knowledge of the world. ↩