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
pronunciation
The way a word is spoken.
Example: Listen carefully to the pronunciation.
Natural collocation: correct pronunciation
stress
Extra force given to a syllable or word when speaking.
Example: Word stress can change how natural you sound.
Natural collocation: word stress
collocation
Words that commonly occur together.
Example: “Make a decision” is a common collocation.
Natural collocation: natural collocation
formal
Appropriate for serious or professional situations.
Example: This expression is quite formal.
Natural collocation: formal language
informal
Relaxed and suitable for everyday situations.
Example: That phrase is more informal.
Natural collocation: informal expression
synonym
A word with the same or a similar meaning.
Example: “Large” is a synonym of “big”.
Natural collocation: close synonym
antonym
A word with the opposite meaning.
Example: “Cheap” is an antonym of “expensive”.
Natural collocation: common antonym
expression
A word or group of words used in a particular way.
Example: It is a useful everyday expression.
Natural collocation: fixed expression
fluency
The ability to speak smoothly and easily.
Example: Regular practice helps build fluency.
Natural collocation: speaking fluency
accurate
Correct and without mistakes.
Example: Try to be accurate before you try to speak faster.
Natural collocation: grammatically accurate
Quick vocabulary check
- 1. Which word means “the way a word is spoken”? pronunciation
- 2. Which word means “extra force given to a syllable or word when speaking”? stress
- 3. Which word means “words that commonly occur together”? collocation
- 4. Which word means “appropriate for serious or professional situations”? formal
- 5. Which word means “relaxed and suitable for everyday situations”? informal
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.