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
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.
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.
B1 | Intermediate
B1 is the intermediate level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It marks the point where you move beyond survival English and start expressing yourself with real independence — describing experiences, explaining opinions, and handling everyday situations without a script.
What a B1 user can do
At this level, you're expected to:
- Understand the main points of clear, standard speech and writing on familiar topics — work, school, travel, hobbies.
- Handle most travel situations in English-speaking environments.
- Produce simple connected text on topics you know or care about.
- Describe experiences, events, hopes, and plans, and give brief reasons and explanations for your opinions.
- Communicate in routine tasks that require a straightforward exchange of information.
What B1 grammar looks like
B1 is where grammar starts to get more layered. You're not just forming basic sentences anymore — you're combining ideas, using different tenses with more precision, and starting to handle structures like the passive voice, modal verbs for necessity and possibility, and gerunds vs. infinitives. You're also expected to build complex sentences with linking words and dependent clauses.
Typical B1 grammar areas include:
- Future tenses — distinguishing will, going to, and the present continuous for future plans
- Passive voice — The report was written yesterday.
- Modal verbs — You should apply early. / She might be late.
- Used to — I used to live in Berlin.
- Verb patterns — knowing whether a verb takes a gerund, an infinitive, or both (I enjoy reading vs. I decided to leave)
What B1 doesn't mean
B1 speakers still hesitate, make grammatical errors, and sometimes struggle with less familiar topics. That's normal. The key difference from A2 is that you can keep a conversation going and get your point across even when things aren't perfect. The step up to B2 involves handling more abstract topics, understanding nuance, and producing more complex, accurate language.
Self-check: Can you tell a friend about a recent trip — what happened, what you liked, and what you'd do differently — without switching to your native language? If yes, you're likely operating at B1 or above.
Ready to find out where you stand? Try Are you B1/Intermediate? Test your English CEFR Level to figure out!, then build your skills with challenges like Basics. Passive Voice, Basics. Modal verbs, and Used to.
Difficulty: Easy
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