Collocational precision
Achieve native-like collocational precision: subtle verb, adjective and adverb choices that separate proficient from advanced English.
In this lesson you will
- Choose precise collocates in formal and academic contexts
- Recognise ‘near-miss’ collocations
- Build a personal collocation bank
Learn
At C2, errors are rarely grammatical — they are near-miss collocations: make a crime (commit), high respect (great/deep respect), strong rain (heavy), do an effort (make).
Precise verbs: exert pressure/influence, wield power, harbour doubts/resentment, allay fears, dispel myths, incur costs/debts, forge links/alliances, voice concerns, stem the flow/tide.
Precise adjectives/adverbs: a sweeping generalisation, a vested interest, a foregone conclusion, a scathing review, blissfully unaware, fiercely independent, inextricably linked, patently obvious.
Method: when you meet a strong noun, note its verbs and adjectives together (doubt: harbour, cast, raise, dispel; nagging, lingering, serious).
Examples
- The report dispelled several myths about migration.
- She harboured doubts about the plan from the start.
- Poverty and poor health are inextricably linked.
- The minister sought to allay public fears.
Vocabulary
allay
reduce (fear or worry)
harbour
keep (a feeling) secretly
wield
have and use (power)
scathing
severely critical
inextricably
in a way that cannot be separated
Practice
The government tried to ___ public fears.
Speaking
Summarise a controversial decision using at least eight precise collocations from this lesson.
Writing
Write an editorial paragraph (150–180 words) on public trust in science, using at least ten precise collocations.
Lesson quiz
___ doubts
Review
Key points
- Near-miss collocations.
- Precise verbs: allay, dispel, wield, harbour, incur.
- Precise adjectives/adverbs: scathing, sweeping, inextricably.
- Collect noun + collocate sets.
What you learned
- ✓ I use precise collocations.
- ✓ I avoid near-miss errors.
- ✓ I build a collocation bank.