Topic Explanation and Use
Core idea
This lesson helps you say the same idea with sharper, more natural vocabulary.
Collocations: Common Phrases teaches natural word partnerships such as make progress and take responsibility.
Use these phrases to sound natural and efficient. English often prefers one fixed word partnership, even when other combinations seem logical.
At B1 level, learn fewer words but learn them well: meaning, collocation, and one model sentence.
Use it here
- Study the whole phrase, not only the head word.
- Check whether English uses make, do, take, or another partner.
- Reuse the collocation in a complete sentence soon after learning it.
Watch it work
Remember this
- Choose the meaning first before you choose the word.
- Learn the word with a natural collocation or partner phrase.
- Use the new word in one short sentence right away.
- Replace vague words only when the new word stays accurate.
- Keep the register stable so the language fits the task.
Real-World Examples with Collocations: Common Phrases
Example 1
Too weakStudents should do progress every week.
BetterStudents should make progress every week.
The stronger version names the real meaning instead of staying vague.
Example 2
Too weakThe team did a decision after the meeting.
BetterThe team made a decision after the meeting.
The better sentence sounds more natural for a real task and a real reader.
Word Bank and Useful Chunks
Word bank
- make progress: move forward successfully
- make a decision: choose between options
- do research: study a topic carefully
- take responsibility: accept duty for something
- meet a deadline: finish on time
- reach a conclusion: decide after thinking
Useful chunks
- make progress
- make a decision
- do research
- take responsibility
Sentence frames
- The team made progress after...
- Students should take responsibility for...
- Researchers often do...
Common Errors with Collocations: Common Phrases
Common problem 1
pairing a common noun with the wrong verb
WeakWe did research and then did a conclusion.
StrongWe did research and then reached a conclusion.
Fix: learn the full collocation instead of translating word by word
Common problem 2
changing a familiar collocation because another verb feels similar
WeakShe took progress after practice.
StrongShe made progress after practice.
Fix: keep the partner verb English normally uses
Common problem 3
memorizing the phrase but not using it in a sentence
WeakTake responsibility.
StrongStudents should take responsibility for checking their final answer.
Fix: activate the collocation in a complete sentence
Interactive Practice Lab
Practice
Start with meaning. Then move to collocations and sentence control for Collocations: Common Phrases.
Score: 0/3
Use words that sound natural together. Precision is more important than difficulty.
1. Quick pick
Which collocation is correct?
2. Build it
Put the sentence in a natural order.
Put the chunks in the natural order.
3. Type the missing word
Complete the useful chunk: make _____
Fix this: make progress: move forward successfully
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