Vocabulary: Collocations (Advanced & Natural Use) (C1) - Lesson 3: Elevate Your English: Collocations for Fluency, Precision & Style

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 elevate your language. Mastering these phrases will make you sound more articulate, and will add a new level of sophistication to your writing and speech.

Key Vocabulary

• To Elevate (verb) | លើកកម្ពស់
  To raise something to a more important or impressive level.
• Articulate (adjective) | ច្បាស់លាស់
  Able to express thoughts and feelings easily and clearly.
• Sophistication (noun) | កម្រិតខ្ពស់
  The quality of having a high level of complexity, understanding, and knowledge of the world.

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."

Check Your Understanding

1. If a new policy has a very negative effect on the environment, you could say it has...
   • a) a profound impact.
   • b) a subtle impact.
   • c) a detrimental impact.
   Answer: c) a detrimental impact.

2. Which verb collocates most naturally and formally with "research"?
   • a) to make
   • b) to conduct
   • c) to perform
   Answer: b) to conduct

3. Your friend hears a rumor and immediately thinks it's true. This person tends to...
   • a) draw conclusions.
   • b) meet conclusions.
   • c) jump to conclusions.
   Answer: c) jump to conclusions.

Your Mission

1. Rank the Strength: Arrange these collocations from weakest to strongest: `a slight improvement`, `a significant improvement`, `a marginal improvement`.
2. Choose the Right Verb: Fill in the blank with the best C1-level verb: "After weeks of work, the engineers finally ________ a solution to the problem." (Hint: it means 'to invent or plan a solution').
3. Collocation Hunt: Read an article from a reputable English news source (e.g., The Guardian, New York Times, BBC). Find and write down three strong collocations that you think are good examples of C1-level language.