#collocation-dictionary

[literaryvein-reblogs]

I hope this doesn't sound confusing, but is there a way to strike a balance between using "simple" words and "complex" words? Like, trying to write something that isn't too simple or too verbose.

I think context is the keyword here.

What I do is I just write using my current vocabulary, so that I'm able to convey what I mean as accurately as possible. And if I want to sort of elevate my writing, that's when I might swap out some simpler words with more "complex"/poetic words, or maybe even phrases. But I make sure I'm using the appropriate vocabulary. How do we do this? I'm just going to copy and paste here an excerpt from this writing resource to answer this question:

It’s important to use words and expressions that fit the context so your meaning is clear. For example, different audiences for your writing will require different levels of formality: the vocabulary you use in an academic essay may not be effective for a blogpost targeting a popular audience. Consider the following questions to help you choose the most appropriate words for your audience and purpose. a. What’s the exact meaning of the word? Words may be broadly similar in meaning but differ in important aspects of that meaning. Consider the difference between ‘the fragrance of flowers’  and ‘the odour of rotten eggs.’ Both words refer to the sense of smell, but fragrance has a positive core meaning while odour has a negative one. If you don’t know what a word exactly means, check it in a dictionary. Also look up sample sentences that use your "complex"/fancy word, and see how it is actually used. But, once you truly know what a word means, wordplay can be your friend. b. Is the word attached to a feeling? Compare the two sentences: ‘The freeway snakes through the town’ and ‘The freeway meanders through the town’. In this example, snake indicates negative feelings about the freeway while meander doesn’t. c. What level of intensity does the word show? Many words with similar meanings describe different degrees of the same quality or action. For example, ‘comical’, ‘hilarious’ and ‘side-splitting’  show different degrees of funniness. Think about the intensity of what you want to convey when choosing words. d. Is the word formal or informal? Go for formal words and expressions in business communication and academic writing. In the following examples, the second expression in each pair is more formal than the first: (1) come up with / create (2) one after another / at regular intervals (3) huge / considerable (4) enough / sufficient e. Is the word polite? Words which describe negative qualities or sensitive issues too directly can be offensive. Good communicators consider the feelings of their audience. For example, when writing about childhood obesity, it’s more appropriate to use ‘children with weight problems’ or ‘children of an unhealthy weight’ than ‘fat children’. f. Is the word specific or general? Use words with specific meanings whenever possible to make your message clearer to your audience. For example, avoid overusing general verbs such as ‘be’, ‘do’, ‘have’ and ‘get’, especially in academic writing, as they don’t accurately convey specific ideas. It’s better to use a more specific verb or verb phrase to strengthen your message. Compare the impact of the verbs in these sentences: ‘To be successful, learners need to have high-level literacy skills.’ ‘To be successful, learners need to develop and demonstrate high-level literacy skills.’ g. What other words does the word often go with? Some words are frequently used together and therefore sound more natural in combination. This is called collocation. For example, we say ‘fast train’ not ‘quick train’, but ‘quick shower’ not ‘fast shower’. Similarly, it’s more natural to say ‘highly critical’ rather than ‘deeply critical.’ Additionally, be aware of idioms. Idioms are commonly used word combinations or expressions. These have very specific meanings that are not obvious from the words they contain, e.g. ‘a piece of cake’, ‘get the hang of it’, ‘an Indian summer’, and ‘after a fashion’. Many dictionaries list and define idioms if you look up the component words. For example, try looking up ‘Indian’ or ‘summer’ to find ‘Indian summer’.

But if you have a wide vocabulary that people have difficulty understanding you, maybe you can do the opposite of this and swap out the too complex words with simpler ones, haha!

Lastly, when you read through your work whilst editing, ask yourself: Does this sound natural? Does it sound like your literary voice? Do you recognise yourself in this written work? Or do the simple/complex words you've inserted sound too unfamiliar?

Hope this helps, dear Anon. But if anyone has a better answer for this, do let us know.

[chicago-geniza]

Current favorite vlogger is a Polish guy who teaches English as a foreign language and he gives English equivalents of Polish words at B1, B2, C1, and C2 vocabulary levels and as far as I can tell the "algorithm" to assign complexity is 50% based on register, 50% a frequency-of-usage sliding scale from everyday conversational to "you would only encounter this collocation in a 19th-century novel." That's not why he's my favorite though. He's my favorite because he has one of those waxed 2010s hipster mustaches, and because his translations are, very often, wrong. Not glaringly wrong, just wrong in a more subtle, applied-linguistics way where you could technically cite a dictionary definition and earn your Scrabble points, but nobody actually uses the word like he does in his sample sentences

[ieltsguidephil]

Mastering Denotation and Connotation in English: A Key to High IELTS Band Scores

May 13, 2025

When preparing for the IELTS exam, most learners focus on grammar, vocabulary, and test strategies. But to truly excel—especially in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3—you need to master the nuances of word meaning. Understanding the difference between denotation (literal meaning) and connotation (implied or emotional meaning) helps you express your ideas with precision, appropriateness, and sophistication—all qualities the IELTS exam rewards with higher bands.

What Are Denotation and Connotation?

Denotation

Definition: The literal, dictionary definition of a word. Example:

Snake → a legless reptile.

Connotation

Definition: The emotional, cultural, or personal association that a word carries beyond its literal meaning. Example:

Snake → danger, betrayal, untrustworthiness (negative connotation)

Both play a vital role in how your English is understood and assessed in IELTS tasks.

Why Connotation and Denotation Matter in IELTS

IELTS Section / How It Matters Writing Task 2 / Helps you choose formal, precise, and neutral words for academic tone Speaking Part 1–3 / Enables appropriate word choice based on tone or context Reading / Enhances your ability to infer tone or author’s attitude Listening / Helps you detect implied meanings and speaker emotions

Types of Connotation

Type / Description / Example (vs. Neutral Word) Positive / Implies a good or favorable meaning / Youthful vs. Childish Negative / Implies an unpleasant or undesirable tone / Stingy vs. Thrifty Neutral / Factual or non-emotional tone / House vs. Home (home is warmer)

Examples in IELTS Contexts

Writing Task 2

Bad: Governments must control people. Better: Governments must regulate public behavior. → Control has a negative connotation of domination, while regulate sounds neutral and appropriate.

Speaking Part 3

Bad: My manager is very bossy. Better: My manager is quite assertive and direct. → Bossy has a negative tone, while assertive is more professional.

Reading

Passage says: “The politician manipulated public opinion.” → The connotation of manipulate suggests dishonesty or trickery, not neutral influence.

Common Mistakes IELTS Candidates Make

Mistake / Explanation / Example Using informal or negative connotations in Writing Task 2 / Makes tone inappropriate / “Kids” instead of “children” Assuming two synonyms are interchangeable / Not always true / “Cheap” vs. “Affordable” Overusing emotionally loaded words / Sounds biased or unbalanced / “Terrible traffic” vs. “Heavy traffic” Translating idioms/connotations literally from L1 (e.g., Tagalog) / Can lead to confusion / “She has a wide face” (may sound insulting)

Dos and Don’ts

Do:

Learn the connotations of new vocabulary, not just the definitions.

Replace informal or judgmental words with neutral, academic ones.

Use a thesaurus with care—verify meanings and tone using a dictionary.

Practice tone-matching exercises.

Don’t:

Use overly emotional or biased terms in essays.

Assume words with similar meanings are always interchangeable.

Use words like “mad,” “crazy,” “huge,” in academic writing without qualifiers.

Translate directly from your native language without checking tone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why is connotation so important in IELTS Writing?

A: Because academic writing values neutrality and precision. Connotative errors can make your writing sound informal or biased, reducing your Task Achievement and Lexical Resource scores.

Q2: Can connotation affect my Speaking score?

A: Yes. Using emotionally inappropriate or extreme words (e.g., “disgusting” for food you merely disliked) can hurt your score under Lexical Resource and Fluency.

Q3: How do I learn the connotations of new words?

A: Use tools like Cambridge Dictionary, or vocabulary books like English Collocations in Use. Look up example sentences and synonyms, and note the tone.

Q4: Is it okay to use slang if the tone is casual?

A: In Speaking Part 1, a bit of informal language is acceptable. But in Writing, always avoid slang or strongly emotional expressions.

Top Strategies for IELTS Success

1. Build Word Banks with Tone Tags

Create lists of synonyms with their emotional tone:

Positive: generous, modest, innovative

Neutral: sufficient, adequate, legal

Negative: lazy, nosy, selfish

2. Read Model Essays and Highlight Tone

Underline emotionally neutral language in high-scoring Writing Task 2 samples. Note how connotation shapes tone and objectivity.

3. Practice Replacing Loaded Words

Original: “The project was a disaster.” Better: “The project faced significant challenges.”

4. Learn from Feedback

Have teachers or peers flag inappropriate word usage. Learn alternative expressions and practice rephrasing.

5. Use Context to Guess Connotation in Reading

When encountering a new word, consider the author’s overall tone. Is it sarcastic? Critical? Supportive?

Sample Exercise: Match the Connotation

Match the word with its tone:WordConnotationFrugalPositiveSkinnyNegativeAffordablePositiveCheapNegativeInexpensiveNeutral

Conclusion: Use the Power of Meaning

Mastering connotation and denotation helps you:

Communicate ideas more accurately and appropriately

Avoid awkward or offensive word choices

Improve your Lexical Resource and Task Response scores

At IELTS Guide Phil, we encourage you not just to learn what words mean—but how they make your listener or reader feel. Understanding word tone is a hidden secret to achieving high IELTS band scores.

#IELTSGuidePhil #IELTSTips #IELTSWriting #IELTSSpeaking #Band7Plus #ConnotationVsDenotation #AcademicVocabulary #LexicalResource #IELTSGrammar #IELTSMindset #EnglishPrecision #IELTS

[angeledunext]

Collocation for the IELTS Test – Use These Combinations on Your Test

One of the best ways to sound more natural and fluent in English is by using collocations — pairs or groups of words that commonly go together. This is especially important for the IELTS test, where strong vocabulary and natural language use are key to achieving a high score. Many learners from the top 10 IELTS classes in Ahmedabad are trained to use collocations correctly to enhance their performance in the Speaking and Writing sections.

Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for a band 7 or higher, learning common collocations can give you a big advantage.

What Are Collocations?

Collocations are words that frequently appear together in English. They “sound right” to native speakers. For example:

Make a decision (not do a decision)

Heavy rain (not strong rain)

Take a risk (not do a risk)

Using collocations correctly shows that you have a strong command of English, which is exactly what IELTS examiners look for.

Why Collocations Matter in IELTS

In the IELTS Speaking and Writing tasks, collocations help you:

Sound more fluent and natural

Avoid awkward or incorrect word choices

Make your language more sophisticated

Boost your lexical resource score

If your sentences sound too basic or unnatural, your score in the "Lexical Resource" criterion can suffer. But when you use natural collocations, your English appears polished and advanced.

Useful Collocations for IELTS

Here are some common collocations that can be useful for both Speaking and Writing sections:

1. Education

Receive an education

Gain knowledge

Pursue a degree

Attend lectures

Academic achievement

2. Work and Business

Job satisfaction

Career prospects

Work-life balance

Earn a living

Run a business

3. Health

Suffer from stress

Maintain a balanced diet

Mental health issues

Take medication

Lead a healthy lifestyle

4. Environment

Reduce pollution

Combat climate change

Use renewable energy

Environmental impact

Protect endangered species

5. Technology

Advanced technology

Digital devices

Internet access

Online platforms

Technological development

How to Learn and Practice Collocations

Here are a few practical ways to get familiar with collocations:

Read English newspapers, books, or websites regularly and take notes of word combinations.

Use a collocations dictionary or online tools.

Practice writing sample IELTS answers using the collocations.

Listen to English podcasts or watch interviews to hear them in real use.

Use flashcards to memorize and revise common combinations.

Conclusion

Mastering collocations can be a game-changer for your IELTS preparation. These natural word combinations help you express yourself more clearly and fluently, especially in the Speaking and Writing sections. Whether you're preparing through self-study or learning with guidance from the top 10 IELTS classes in Ahmedabad, building a solid list of topic-wise collocations will boost your confidence and improve your band score. Keep practicing, stay consistent, and soon enough, using these combinations will become second nature.

FAQs

1. Are collocations important for all sections of the IELTS test? They are especially important in the Speaking and Writing sections. In Reading and Listening, understanding them helps you comprehend text and audio better.

2. Will I get a lower score if I don’t use collocations? You won’t be penalized for not using collocations, but using them correctly can increase your Lexical Resource score and improve the overall fluency of your responses.

3. How can I remember so many collocations? Focus on learning topic-wise collocations (like education, health, technology) and use them in sentences. Regular practice is key.

4. Can I use collocations in both Task 1 and Task 2 of IELTS Writing? Yes, collocations can be used in both tasks. For example, “data shows a significant increase” in Task 1 or “governments should take responsibility” in Task 2.

5. Is it okay to learn collocations from IELTS model answers? Absolutely. Model answers are a great resource for learning how natural word combinations are used in context.

[angeledunextdigital]

Collocation for the IELTS Test – Use These Combinations on Your Test

One of the most effective ways to sound more fluent and natural in English is by using collocations — words that are commonly used together in natural speech and writing. This skill is especially important in the IELTS test, where strong vocabulary and accurate language use can help boost your band score. Many learners preparing for the exam with guidance similar to what is offered by the top 10 IELTS coaching in Ahmedabad focus on learning collocations to improve their performance, especially in the Speaking and Writing sections. Whether you're just starting your preparation or aiming for a band 7 or higher, learning these useful word combinations can give you a real advantage.

What Are Collocations?

Collocations are combinations of words that naturally go together in English. Native speakers use them automatically, and when you do the same, your English sounds more accurate and confident.

For example:

Make a decision (not do a decision)

Heavy rain (not strong rain)

Take a risk (not do a risk)

Using collocations correctly shows that you have a strong understanding of how English works, which is exactly what IELTS examiners look for.

Why Collocations Matter in IELTS

Using collocations effectively can improve your IELTS score in several ways:

Your language will sound more fluent and natural

You’ll avoid awkward or incorrect word combinations

Your vocabulary will appear more advanced and appropriate

Your Lexical Resource score may improve

Even if your grammar is correct, using simple or unnatural word combinations can lower your impact. Collocations help your ideas come across more smoothly and naturally.

Useful Collocations for IELTS

Here are some useful topic-based collocations to include in your IELTS practice:

1. Education

Receive an education

Gain knowledge

Pursue a degree

Attend lectures

Academic achievement

2. Work and Business

Job satisfaction

Career prospects

Work-life balance

Earn a living

Run a business

3. Health

Suffer from stress

Maintain a balanced diet

Mental health issues

Take medication

Lead a healthy lifestyle

4. Environment

Reduce pollution

Combat climate change

Use renewable energy

Environmental impact

Protect endangered species

5. Technology

Advanced technology

Digital devices

Internet access

Online platforms

Technological development

These are commonly used in IELTS Writing and Speaking topics, and they help you express your ideas more clearly and effectively.

How to Learn and Practice Collocations

Here are some helpful ways to learn and practice collocations:

Read English content regularly: Books, articles, and websites often use natural word combinations.

Listen to spoken English: Podcasts, interviews, and videos can help you hear collocations in context.

Write your own examples: Practice writing sentences using collocations on common IELTS topics.

Use collocation dictionaries: These tools can show you common word pairings.

Make topic-based flashcards: Organize collocations by theme and test yourself regularly.

Consistency and exposure are key. The more you see and use collocations, the more naturally they’ll come to you.

Conclusion

Mastering collocations is a smart way to improve your overall performance on the IELTS test. These word combinations help you express your thoughts clearly, sound more fluent, and demonstrate a good command of English—especially in the Speaking and Writing sections.

You don’t need to learn them all at once. Focus on one topic at a time, use them often in your practice, and review regularly. Over time, using collocations will become a natural part of how you communicate in English.

FAQs

1. Are collocations important for all sections of the IELTS test? They are especially useful in Speaking and Writing. In Listening and Reading, knowing them helps you understand content more easily.

2. Will I get a lower score if I don’t use collocations? Not directly, but without them, your responses might sound too basic. Using them effectively can help increase your Lexical Resource score.

3. How can I remember so many collocations? Study them by topic, write your own sentences, and practice using them regularly.

4. Can I use collocations in both Task 1 and Task 2 of IELTS Writing? Yes. In Task 1: “The data shows a significant increase.” In Task 2: “Governments should take responsibility.”

5. Is it okay to learn collocations from IELTS model answers? Yes, model answers are useful examples of how collocations are used in context.

[literaturereviewhelp]

Scientifically investigating the learning of foreign language vocabulary which is the building block of communication has been neglected largely favoring research in other language acquisition areas in the century’s second half, first three decades (Ard, 1982). A study by Holley in 1973 noted that learning of vocabulary’s role in the education of foreign languages is secondary. This is the result of first language acquisition which has led to teachers being misled. In fact, children in acquisition of the first language start acquiring vocabulary in a small range until after mastering structural patterns, thereby pushing the vocabulary’s role into the background as indicated in Carter’s study in 1988. There exists ways that are wide and varied that deal with vocabulary. Dictionary use has been triggered and is convention of instruction method used in learning both first and second language. A comment by Marckwardt’s research in 1973 depicts that dictionaries in most cases give information that is not found elsewhere about the language. In addition to this, they also give information on grammar, status, usage, discrimination, synonym, application of affixes of derivatives and differences between written and spoken English. Laufer’s research in 1990 likewise, believes that a familiar word whose sentence in which it is used or makes no sense on its wider context at all, consulting a dictionary by the learner is encouraged. When reading independently using a dictionary gives meaning of difficult vocabulary for the reader. It also helps figure out, based on information that is contextual, unfamiliar words’ meanings. Dictionaries also expose the word on other contexts, with different constructions and collocate by enabling the learner view the words in relation to the dictionary and the passage that is to be read. A number of studies regarding dictionary use in learning second language have been reported literally. This literature review essay proves that monolingual dictionaries are better than bilingual dictionaries to the learners. Literature Review of Bilingual and Monolingual Dictionaries Presently, research therefore tries to show the necessity by comparing the bilingual and monolingual dictionaries that may influence vocabulary retention and recall of the proficiency of the level of intermediate language. Some teachers support the contribution of the learning of vocabulary by monolingual dictionaries. In a study conducted by Underhill in 1985, he says that appropriate treatment is given to words of high frequency in monolingual dictionaries. Baxter in 1980 claimed that definitions that are used alternatively in items which are lexical are demonstrated in monolingual thereby providing the means by which the definitions can be employed. He encourages the use of monolingual dictionaries due to the fact that fluency is promoted by giving definitions contextually as opposed to bilingual dictionaries that lead the leaner to having translations which are single-worded. This may not fit the question’s discourse. In his survey on EFL students of a university in Japan, Baxter supports his claims. He has it combined with the justification for more direction needed in skills of reference. Baxter in 1980 favors the monolingual English dictionary. In his study, he established that among university students, only those who majored in English actually purchased a monolingual dictionary. Few of them however utilized it on daily basis. As he concludes, Baxter has the recommendation that both bilingual and monolingual dictionaries should be used. Whether it matters what type of dictionary student’s use is the issue at hand, in one way or another, many dictionary experts and teachers agree that quality information is rarely achieved in bilingual dictionaries compared to that got in the students’ monolingual dictionaries. Learners using monolingual dictionaries also agree with this suggestion as claimed by Bejoint’s study in 1981. Read the full article

[russian-grammar-examples]

☃️ Resources of the week: ⭐ This cool online Russian dictionary with collocations. For example: bitter. ⭐ The origins of ё, й, ь, ъ in an 8-min YouTube video.

⭐ Russian, Book 1: Russian Through Propaganda. This is a preview of a good book for the A2-B1 level.

[lurenperrier-rose]

WOLF PACK definition in American English | Collins English Dictionary

Summary

Definitions

Synonyms

Pronunciation

Collocations

Conjugations

Sentences

Grammar

Definition of 'wolf pack'

wolf pack

in American English

noun

1. a group of submarines operating together in hunting down and attacking enemy convoys

2. a group of wolves hunting together

Most material © 2005, 1997, 1991 by Penguin Random House LLC. Modified entries © 2019 by Penguin Random House LLC and HarperCollins Publishers Ltd

Word origin

[1890–95 for def. 2; 1940–45 for def. 1]

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wolf pack

in British English

(wʊlf pæk )

noun

zoology

a group of wolves that live and hunt together

And the model for this community is the wolf pack.

Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers

Examples of 'wolf pack' in a sentence

wolf pack

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content that does not reflect the opinions or policies of Collins, or its parent company HarperCollins.

We welcome feedback: report an example sentence to the Collins team. Read more…

But make that jump into the next level of importance, numbers, and production volume, and the wolf pack is waiting for you at the corner.

Gagman, Maurice DOUBTFUL MOTIVES

The seafood diet seems to suit the wolf pack, as it has reached one of the highest-ever population densities seen for this species.

New Scientist (Life) (2023)

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New collocations added to dictionary

Collocations are words that are often used together and are brilliant at providing natural sounding language for your speech and writing.

FEBRUARY 13, 2020

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[loveyouenglish]

100+ English Collocations to Sound More Fluent

Hello everyone, Learning vocabulary words is important when studying English. However, just knowing individual words is often not enough to sound truly fluent. Native speakers don't just string words together randomly - they use common word combinations called collocations. A collocation is when certain words seem to naturally go together and are frequently used in that combination. For example, we say "strong wind" not "powerful wind", and "meet someone" rather than "encounter someone." Using the right collocations will make your English sound much more natural and fluent. Here are over 100 useful collocations to boost your English vocabulary across different topics:

Adj + Noun Collocations

Heavy traffic Strong wind Bright colors Loud noise Tiny apartment Freezing cold Boiling hot Pouring rain Sheer determination Sheer coincidence Blistering heat Searing pain Excruciating pain Utter foolishness Grave mistake Dire consequences Abject poverty Abject misery Stark contrast Stark reality Read more: 100+ English Collocations to Sound More Fluent 100+ English Collocations to Sound More Fluent 30 Common English Collocations You Should Know English Collocation Sentences Everyday English Expressions for Daily Use  

Verb + Noun Collocations

Do homework Make a mistake Take a risk Pay attention Pose a threat Commit a crime Violate a law Flout the rules Break a promise Keep a promise Catch a cold Make an impression Leave an impression Set an example Follow instructions Offer advice Lend a hand Hold a meeting Call it a day Pull someone's leg

Adverb + Adj Collocations

Deeply disappointed Bitterly cold Seriously ill Terribly sorry Utterly ridiculous Insanely popular Vastly different Hopelessly lost Totally confused Strictly forbidden Highly unlikely Fairly obvious Relatively safe Roughly equal

Verb + Adverb Collocations

Think carefully Smile warmly Whisper softly Ponder deeply Insist politely Argue heatedly Apologize profusely Obey blindly Hesitate briefly Deny vehemently Dressed casually Work diligently Move swiftly

Noun + Verb Collocations

Clocks tick Waves crash Birds chirp Cats meow Dogs bark Bees buzz Rain pours Sun shines Wind howls Fire crackles

Noun + Noun Collocations

Economic growth Price range Ray of hope Stroke of luck Wealth of knowledge Piece of advice Shower of sparks Stroke of genius Herd of elephants Bouquet of flowers Shades of grey Words of wisdom

Phrasal Verb Collocations

Put off (delay) Put up with (tolerate) Put on (wear) Get over (recover) Get through (complete) Go after (pursue) Look into (investigate) Look forward to (anticipate) Catch on (understand) Point out (identify) Figure out (understand) Run out of (use up) Come across (find) Carry on (continue) With these collocations covering adjectives, nouns, verbs, adverbs, and phrasal verbs, you can massively expand your vocabulary and start sounding much more natural in English. Of course, there are thousands of other collocations that would be useful to know. But memorizing these common combinations is a great way to quickly upgrade your English from sounding awkward and robotic to smooth and fluent. Let's look at some examples of how using collocations can make your English better: Without collocations: I did work for university today. I feel disappointing about my low score. I encountered someone charming. The power of thunder is huge. With collocations: I did my homework today. I feel deeply disappointed about my low score. I met someone charming. The thunderclaps were deafening. See how the second versions sound much more natural and native-like? Here are some more tips for learning and using collocations effectively: Start noticing collocations used by native speakers in conversations, movies, books, etc. Underline or note down the common word partnerships. When learning a new vocabulary word, also try to learn its common collocations. For example, if you look up "traffic" in a dictionary, it may list "heavy traffic" as a common combination. Use collocations in your writing and speaking practice as much as possible. The more you use them, the more naturally they will come. Be aware that collocations often can't be figured out through literal meaning. "Make a decision" is a common collocation, but you wouldn't say "create a decision." Some words have restricted collocations and can't go with just anything, like "rancid" which combines with foods but not ideas or theories. Collocation rules can also vary between languages. So, a collocation in your native language might not make sense if translated directly to English. With some focused effort on mastering these word combinations, you'll be able to instantly transform your English vocabulary from basic to extremely proficient. Not only will using collocations make you sound much more natural and fluent, but it's also a sign of advancing to higher levels of English. Beginners rarely use collocations properly. So, study this list of over 100 common English collocations across different topics. Try making sentences with them, listen for them in conversations, and most importantly - use them yourself as much as possible when speaking and writing English. With a little dedication to learning collocations, you'll be amazed at how much more native-like your English will sound. You'll boost your vocabulary in an efficient and practical way. Over time, using the right collocations will become second nature, helping you achieve remarkable English fluency. ________________________ Check out these awesome collocations books I recommend: English Collocations in Use Intermediate Book with Answers Oxford Collocation Dictionary Advanced English Collocations & Phrases in Dialogues OXFORD PHRASAL VERBS DICTIONARY FOR LEARNERS OF ENGLISH Collocations For Eloquent Communication Read the full article

[arabicfornerds]

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[errant-heron]

so the Etymonline entry appearing elsewhere in the thread only talks about the nautical sense, and doesn't comment on whether the day-to-day usage borrows the nautical phrase or came about independently. here are some excerpts from the OED, which recognizes three relevant forms around 'bitter end':

A1: by 1537: A conclusion attended by suffering, disappointment, or remorse; a termination reached through painful endurance. first example: 'Euery man ought well to considre this, for the worldly seruice cometh to a bytter ende.' A2: by 1823: until one can do no more, or proceed no further; without surrender or compromise. first example: 'Unitarians will not be slow to enter the controversy, and pursue it to the bitter end.' etymology: bitter (flavour) + end (end), the collocation 'probably after Proverbs 5:4 and also 2 Samuel 2:26', with A2 'perhaps also influenced' by the nautical sense

the nautical sense:by 1622: The part of the anchor cable attached to the bitts [...] Chiefly in to the bitter end with reference to running out the anchor cable to its full extent. first example: 'We for our part had lost all our Cables in the Terceras, sauing those which were a ground, and those very short, and vered to the better end.' (bitter/better is inconsistent before 1755). interestingly, the phrase 'bring to a bitter' appears before this nautical 'to the bitter end', by 1600.

i would tend to agree with the dictionary: from these examples, it's not clear to me that sense A2 definitely came exclusively from the nautical phrase. people and the bible were talking about things coming to bitter (flavour) ends, including in the context of struggles, for a long time. they did this also in Hebrew and Greek: 'shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not, that it will be bitterness in the latter end?' it is interesting that the first example of A2 is in a religious context.

God it really fucks me up that “the bitter end” is a nautical metaphor that has nothing to do with bitter as in flavor. That’s so wrong

[mishkakagehishka]

Done with the book. Fuck my entire life, as the professor so eloquently wrote in one of his instructions.

It was a good book tho #recommend

[tonguesofash]

honestly thank god I started reading as a method of gaining vocabulary bc the collocations that I have gotten from narnia alone is just unbelievable... 

it’s like the moment you discover collocations when it comes to learning your tl they just haunt you....

[mlmespio]

I should stop falling asleep at random times :[ but I can't help ittt I'm constantly tiredddd