Lesson 1: Advanced Collocations
Strength, Style & Nuance
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 collocations. Mastering these will make your English sound more sophisticated, fluent, and precise.
Key Vocabulary
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Collocation
Two or more words that often go together naturally.
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Register
The level of formality of a piece of writing or speech, from informal to formal.
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Nuance
A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound.
1. Collocations of Strength and Intensity
Choosing a different word partner can dramatically change the intensity of your meaning.
- Instead of `a big difference`:
- For a small difference: `a subtle difference`, `a slight difference`
- For a large, important difference: `a significant difference`, `a fundamental difference`
- For a very large, life-changing difference: `a world of difference`
- Instead of `an important impact`:
- For a big, lasting impact: `a profound impact`, `a lasting impact`
- For a bad impact: `a detrimental impact`, `an adverse impact`
Example: "Switching to a monolingual dictionary made a world of difference to my English."
2. Collocations of Formality (Register)
Some collocations are more appropriate for formal, academic, or professional contexts.
| Neutral / Informal | Formal / Academic |
|---|---|
| do research | conduct / carry out research |
| get results | obtain / yield results |
| give a reason | provide a rationale |
| find a solution | devise a solution |
Example: "The scientists will conduct research to test their hypothesis." (This is more formal than 'do research').
3. Collocations That Carry Specific Nuance
Some collocations have a very specific meaning that you must learn as a chunk.
- to draw a conclusion: To make a logical judgment after considering the evidence. (Neutral/Positive)
- to jump to a conclusion: To make a judgment hastily, without enough evidence. (Negative)
- a resounding success: A very great, complete success, often used for projects, performances or victories.
- to meet a deadline: To finish something by its deadline. (The natural verb is 'meet', not 'finish' or 'complete').
Discourse in Action: A Book Review
Notice the powerful collocations used in this formal review of an academic book.
"In her latest work, the author provides a rationale for a new approach to urban planning. There is a fundamental difference between her theory and that of her contemporaries. She has conducted research over ten years, and the book has been celebrated as a resounding success within her field. Her work will undoubtedly have a profound impact on future urban development. She is careful to only draw conclusions that are strongly supported by her data."
Check Your Understanding
- 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.
- Which verb collocates most naturally and formally with "research"?
- a) to make
- b) to conduct
- c) to perform
Answer: b) to conduct
- 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
- Rank the Strength: Arrange these collocations from weakest to strongest: `a slight improvement`, `a significant improvement`, `a marginal improvement`.
- 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').
- 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.