How to use this lesson: read each item aloud, notice the collocation, cover the definition and retrieve the word from memory. Then use at least three items in your own sentences.
10 useful words and phrases
debt
Money that is owed.
Example: They are trying to reduce their debt.
Natural collocation: get into debt
deposit
Money paid in advance or placed in an account.
Example: We paid a deposit on the flat.
Natural collocation: pay a deposit
refund
Money returned after a purchase is cancelled or rejected.
Example: The shop issued a full refund.
Natural collocation: request a refund
afford
To have enough money to pay for something.
Example: We cannot afford a new car this year.
Natural collocation: can afford
invest
To put money into something with the aim of making a return.
Example: She invests a small amount each month.
Natural collocation: invest wisely
transaction
An occasion when money is paid, received or transferred.
Example: The transaction appears on my statement.
Natural collocation: bank transaction
fee
An amount charged for a service.
Example: The bank charges a monthly fee.
Natural collocation: service fee
value
How useful or worthwhile something is compared with its cost.
Example: The course offers good value for money.
Natural collocation: good value
statement
A bank document listing transactions.
Example: Check your bank statement regularly.
Natural collocation: monthly statement
budget
A plan for how money will be spent.
Example: We set a monthly budget for food.
Natural collocation: tight budget
Quick vocabulary check
- 1. Which word means “money that is owed”? debt
- 2. Which word means “money paid in advance or placed in an account”? deposit
- 3. Which word means “money returned after a purchase is cancelled or rejected”? refund
- 4. Which word means “to have enough money to pay for something”? afford
- 5. Which word means “to put money into something with the aim of making a return”? invest
Make the vocabulary active
Choose five items above and make them personal. Say one true sentence about your life, work, studies or experience for each item. For stronger recall, return tomorrow and try to reproduce the collocations without looking.