About this lesson
The teachers in this mix say good vocabulary is not about big words. It is about which words go together. These pairs are called collocations. A sentence can have no grammar mistake and still sound odd. Often the cause is a word-for-word translation from your first language.
To learn pairs, notice them while you read. Look a word up in a learner dictionary and see its partners. Save each pair in a full sentence about your own life. Review the sentences often. Some teachers also suggest a short text on one topic. It should use a group of pairs.
Exam teachers say the same about rare words. Use a word only if you know its meaning, its grammar and its style. A synonym can change your meaning. For repeated words, try a pronoun, a more exact noun, or a different sentence shape. Some creators sell word lists or templates. Treat them as ideas, not as safe language.
Examples from the clips
- We say heavy rain, not strong rain. The two words are partners.
- If good repeats, ask what kind of good. Reliable or affordable may be more exact.
- A swap can change meaning. Young adults and young children are different groups.
- A card idea: raise awareness of a problem, plus one sentence about your own town.
Questions this lesson answers
What is a collocation?
It is a pair or group of words that often go together. Other words with a similar meaning may sound wrong in that place.
Do I need rare words for a good vocabulary score?
Most exam teachers here say clear, correct words come first. One official video says to use less common words only if you use them correctly. No video gives a score rule.
Is a list of synonyms a good way to learn?
Teachers warn about it. A swap can change meaning or break grammar. Check each new word in a dictionary and use it in your own sentence.
How do I stop repeating the same word?
Try a pronoun, a more exact noun, or a different sentence shape. Keep the word if a swap would change your meaning.
Are formal words always better for writing?
Formal words suit essays. But a formal word can sound stiff in the wrong place. A learner dictionary shows if a word is formal or informal.