Lesson 1: Intro to Common Collocations

Welcome to B1 Intermediate! In this lesson, we will cover collocations—words that naturally go together in English.

A common mistake for English learners is translating verbs directly from their native language. This results in errors like saying "do a mistake" instead of "make a mistake". By learning these natural word pairings, you will immediately sound more fluent and professional.

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Welcome to B1 Intermediate! I am Teacher Sopheak. When my students talk to international visitors, they sometimes translate their verbs directly from their native language. In English, certain words just sound right together—we call these collocations.

Today, we will learn which verbs to pair with common nouns so you sound completely natural when speaking.

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Core Collocations

Collocation

Make a mistake /meɪk ə mɪˈsteɪk/

Definition: To do something incorrectly.

Example: The hotel receptionist made a mistake with our room booking.

Collocation

Do business /du ˈbɪznəs/

Definition: To engage in commerce or trade.

Example: We do business with local farmers to get fresh vegetables.

Collocation

Take a photo /teɪk ə ˈfoʊtoʊ/

Definition: To use a camera or phone to capture an image.

Example: The tourist asked me to take a photo of them in front of the temple.

Collocation

Catch a bus /kætʃ ə bʌs/

Definition: To get on a bus in time before it leaves.

Example: We need to leave the hotel now if we want to catch a bus to the city.

record_voice_over In Action: The Helpful Guide

A

Excuse me, can you take a photo for us?

B

Of course! Oh wait, I made a mistake. The flash was off. Let me try again.

A

Thank you! We have to hurry and catch a bus now.

warning Watch Out: Make vs. Do

"Make" and "Do" are completely different in English.

In many languages, a single word is used for both 'make' and 'do'. In English, they have very distinct uses.

build Use "Do"

For tasks, jobs, or activities.
(e.g., Do homework, Do business, Do the laundry)

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cookie Use "Make"

For creating, building, or producing something.
(e.g., Make a mistake, Make dinner, Make a plan)

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Real-World Check

edit_document Writing an Email

You are writing an apology email to a guest because you sent them the wrong tour schedule. How do you say "I created an error"?

(Hint: Look for the verb used for creating an error.)

camera_alt At the Temple

A tourist hands you their phone. What is the correct phrase to ask them?

(Hint: Look for the verb used with capturing images.)

directions_bus Travel Plans

You are leaving the restaurant quickly. You say: "I have to leave now so I can ________ to Kep."

(Hint: Look for the verb used for getting on public transport in time.)

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Lesson Complete!

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Study Resources

Lesson Summary & Review

Let's review the key concepts covered in the interactive module above to ensure you are ready to use these English collocations correctly.

Core Vocabulary

• Make a mistake: To do something incorrectly. (Example: "The receptionist made a mistake.")
• Do business: To engage in commerce. (Example: "We do business with local farmers.")
• Take a photo: To use a camera to capture an image. (Example: "Can you take a photo of us?")
• Catch a bus: To get on a bus in time before it leaves. (Example: "We need to catch a bus.")

Grammar Rule: Make vs. Do

In many languages, a single word is used for both "make" and "do", but in English, they are very different.

Use "Do" for tasks, jobs, or activities. (e.g., Do homework, Do the laundry).

Use "Make" for creating, building, or producing something new. (e.g., Make dinner, Make a plan, Make a mistake).