Lesson 1: Expanding Your Collocation Power
Beyond "Make a Mistake"
Welcome to our B2 series on Collocations & Idiomatic Language! You already know that some words are natural partners, like 'make a mistake' or 'heavy rain'. At the B2 level, we expand this knowledge to include more powerful and specific collocations1. Mastering these will make your English sound more sophisticated, fluent2, and precise.
What is "Collocation Power"?
It's the ability to use a wider range of natural word partnerships, not just the most basic ones. This allows for more precise and interesting expression. Notice how one noun can partner with several different verbs.
| Key Noun | Common Verb Collocations | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| an effort | to make an effort to put in the effort |
You must make an effort to improve your pronunciation. |
| a chance | to get a chance to miss a chance to stand a chance |
He missed his chance to apply for the job. |
| a record | to set a record to break a record to hold a record |
She hopes to break the world record at the Olympics. |
| an opinion | to have an opinion to express an opinion to share an opinion |
He was not afraid to express his opinion in the meeting. |
| the rules | to follow the rules to break the rules to make the rules |
It is important to follow the rules of the game. |
| a point | to make a point to miss the point to see the point |
The manager made a good point about the new budget. |
Usage Note: How to Learn Collocations Effectively
Don't just memorize lists. The best way to learn collocations is in context.
- Notice them when you read and listen. When you see a verb and noun together, ask yourself, "Is this a common partnership?".
- Organize your notebook by keyword. Have a page for 'time', 'money', or 'effort'. On each page, list the collocations you learn for that word (e.g., save time, waste time, spend time, kill time).
In Conversation
Srey and Bora are talking about a recent work presentation.
Srey: That was an amazing presentation, Bora! You really made a good point about the new marketing plan.
Bora: Thanks! I wanted to express my opinion clearly. I had to put in a lot of effort to prepare for it.
Srey: Well, it was a success. I think you stand a chance of getting that promotion.
Bora: I hope I get a chance! My manager just said that it's important to follow the rules, but it's also important to be creative.
Srey: I agree. You don't want to miss the chance to show your new ideas.
Bora: Exactly. I feel like I could set a new record for the best presentation this year!
quiz Check Your Understanding
1. The athlete trained for years and finally ______ a new world record.
- a) did
- b) broke
- c) made
Click to see the answer
Answer: b) broke (The collocation is 'to break a record').
2. I was tired, but I ______ an effort to finish my homework.
- a) made
- b) did
- c) had
Click to see the answer
Answer: a) made (The collocation is 'to make an effort').
3. If you don't understand the main idea of an argument, you ______ the point.
- a) pay
- b) take
- c) miss
Click to see the answer
Answer: c) miss (The collocation is 'to miss the point').
edit Your Mission
- My Collocations: Write two sentences using collocations from the lesson. (e.g., "I try to save money every month." "It's important to pay attention in meetings.")
- Find Your Own: The noun 'a risk'. Use an online dictionary to find a common verb that collocates with it. Write a sentence with the full collocation.
- Speak: Your mission is to use two collocations from this lesson in a conversation. (e.g., "He broke the rules, so he had to pay a fine." or "Can I share my opinion?")
book Lesson Glossary
- Collocation (noun) - Khmer: ការរួមបញ្ចូលគ្នា - A group of words that are often used together in a way that sounds natural. ↩
- Fluent (adjective) - Khmer: fluent - Able to speak a language easily, correctly, and naturally. ↩
- Natural (adjective) - Khmer: ធម្មតា - Sounding normal and relaxed, as a native speaker would say it. ↩