Collocations (Intermediate, B1).
Intermediate collocations
Collocations are combinations of words that frequently appear together, forming natural-sounding expressions in a language. They are important for language learners as they help improve fluency and create more native-like speech and writing. Understanding collocations at an intermediate level allows learners to communicate more effectively and with greater precision. Below are explanations of some intermediate collocations that you may encounter:
- Lost and found: A lost and found is a place where lost items are collected and kept until their owners claim them. These are often found in schools, offices, or other public places.- **Peace and quiet: This collocation refers to a calm and tranquil environment, free from noise and disturbance. It is often used when someone wants to relax or concentrate.
- Rush hour: Rush hour is the time of day when traffic is at its busiest, typically during morning and evening commutes when people are traveling to and from work or school.
- Limited resources: Limited resources refer to the insufficiency of materials, money, or other assets needed to achieve a particular goal or complete a task.
- Limited time: This collocation describes a situation where there is not much time available to complete a task or enjoy an experience.
- Limited budget: A limited budget means having a restricted amount of money to spend on a project, event, or purchase.
- Sharp wit: Sharp wit refers to the ability to think and express oneself quickly and cleverly, often with a sense of humor.
- Small talk: Small talk is casual, light conversation about everyday topics, such as the weather or recent events, often used to break the ice or fill silence between people.
- Short notice: Short notice means having very little time to prepare for something or respond to a request.
- Long overdue: This collocation is used to describe something that should have been done or happened a long time ago, but has been delayed.
- Private property: Private property refers to land, buildings, or belongings owned by an individual or a group, as opposed to being owned by the government or the public.
- Public property: Public property is property owned by the government or a community, and is accessible to everyone, such as parks, libraries, and government buildings.
- Childcare center: A childcare center is a facility that provides supervision and care for young children, typically while their parents are at work or otherwise occupied.
- Secondary school: Secondary school is the educational institution attended by students after completing primary school, usually between the ages of 12 and 18, depending on the country. It is often called high school or middle school in some regions.
By familiarizing yourself with these collocations, you will enhance your language skills and be better equipped to express yourself clearly and naturally.
Now try the quiz to check if you remember these!
Vocabulary for Intermediate/B1 English level
Vocabulary for Intermediate/B1 English level refers to the set of words and phrases that learners at this level are expected to know and use in the language. These learners have a good foundation of vocabulary, but they are still working on expanding it in order to communicate effectively. At the B1 level, learners are expected to have a good command of common vocabulary, including nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and basic grammar structures. They are also expected to have a general understanding of vocabulary related to everyday topics such as family, work, and leisure. Additionally, learners at this level are expected to be able to understand and use more complex vocabulary and idiomatic expressions, such as phrasal verbs and collocations, to communicate more nuanced ideas and express themselves in a more detailed way.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary in English language can be thought of as a toolbox that you use to express yourself and understand others. It's important to continue expanding and refining it. This means learning new words, phrases, and idiomatic expressions and understanding how to use them in different contexts. The more tools you have in your toolbox, the more effectively you can communicate and understand others. Having a broad vocabulary also allows you to understand and engage with more complex texts and ideas, giving you access to new information and opportunities. Additionally, having a strong vocabulary is essential for academic and professional success, as it allows you to express yourself clearly and persuasively in writing and speaking. Like a carpenter who continues to learn new tools and techniques to improve their craft, expanding your vocabulary is an ongoing process that will help you improve your communication skills.
B1 / Intermediate
A CEFR B1 level English language user is considered to be at an intermediate level. A B1 level English language user is expected to have the following abilities:
- Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
- Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
- Can describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
- Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
- Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
- Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
At B1 level, English language users are expected to have a basic level of proficiency in the language. They should be able to understand and produce language in simple and routine tasks, and be able to communicate in familiar and routine matters. They should be able to understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters and be able to produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. They are able to express themselves with a degree of fluency, but with some hesitation, and occasional errors in grammar and vocabulary.
Difficulty: Easy
Easy difficulty. Difficulty levels represent author's opinion about how hard a question or challenge is.