Lesson 1: Collocations for Everyday Life

Now that you have a solid understanding of what collocations are, it’s time to build your vocabulary with word partnerships that are essential for the B2 level. The collocations in this module will help you navigate everyday conversations with more confidence and precision.

This lesson focuses on the language you need for daily routines, work, and social situations. Mastering these will make your English sound much more natural.

• When to use them: Use these collocations when talking about your job or studies, making plans with friends, or describing your daily schedule.

• Collocations & Conversational Examples:

  • to meet a deadline

    • Use: To talk about completing work by a required time.

    • Example: “I have to work late tonight. I have to meet a deadline for a big project by tomorrow morning.”

  • to take a break

    • Use: To describe a short rest period from work or study.

    • Example: “I’ve been studying for three hours straight. I think it’s time to take a break and get some coffee.”

  • to catch up with a friend

    • Use: To describe meeting someone you haven’t seen in a while and learning their news.

    • Example: “It was so lovely to catch up with Sarah last weekend. I hadn’t seen her in ages!”

  • to do the housework

    • Use: The general term for cleaning and tidying your home.

    • Example: “Saturday morning is usually when I do the housework—you know, vacuuming, laundry, and all that.”

  • to make arrangements

    • Use: For organizing or planning something, like a meeting or a trip.

    • Example: “I need to call the hotel and make arrangements for our stay next month.”

  • to pay a compliment

    • Use: To say something nice to someone about their appearance or an achievement.

    • Example: “He paid me a lovely compliment yesterday. He said he was really impressed with my presentation.”

  • to run errands

    • Use: To describe making short trips to do necessary tasks like going to the bank or post office.

    • Example: “I can’t join you for lunch, I have to run some errands. I need to pick up my dry cleaning and go to the supermarket.”