Vocabulary Hub · A2–B1

Symptoms & Treatment: English Vocabulary

Learn symptoms & treatment vocabulary in British English: 10 useful words and phrases, definitions, natural examples, collocations and a quick practice quiz.

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

A2–B1

prescription

A doctor’s written instruction for medicine.

Example: You need a prescription for this medicine.

Natural collocation: get a prescription

A2–B1

recovery

The process of becoming well again.

Example: Her recovery took several weeks.

Natural collocation: make a full recovery

A2–B1

injury

Physical damage to the body.

Example: He returned to training after a knee injury.

Natural collocation: minor injury

A2–B1

fitness

The state of being physically healthy and strong.

Example: Regular walking can improve your fitness.

Natural collocation: physical fitness

A2–B1

balanced diet

A diet containing appropriate amounts of different foods.

Example: A balanced diet should include plenty of vegetables.

Natural collocation: maintain a balanced diet

A2–B1

wellbeing

General physical and mental health.

Example: Sleep has a major effect on wellbeing.

Natural collocation: mental wellbeing

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prevent

To stop something from happening.

Example: Warming up can help prevent injury.

Natural collocation: prevent illness

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diagnose

To identify an illness or problem.

Example: The doctor diagnosed a chest infection.

Natural collocation: diagnose a condition

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dose

A measured amount of medicine.

Example: Take one dose after food.

Natural collocation: recommended dose

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check-up

A routine examination of your health.

Example: I have a dental check-up twice a year.

Natural collocation: routine check-up

Quick vocabulary check

  1. 1. Which word means “a doctor’s written instruction for medicine”?
    prescription
  2. 2. Which word means “the process of becoming well again”?
    recovery
  3. 3. Which word means “physical damage to the body”?
    injury
  4. 4. Which word means “the state of being physically healthy and strong”?
    fitness
  5. 5. Which word means “a diet containing appropriate amounts of different foods”?
    balanced diet

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.

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