English vocabulary includes the words, phrases, and expressions used to communicate ideas clearly and accurately. Building vocabulary helps you understand meanings, choose suitable words, and express yourself more naturally in speaking and writing.
Explore lessons on phrasal verbs, collocations, idioms, descriptive words, commonly confused words, expressions, alternatives, and themed word lists. Each section provides clear meanings, practical examples, and useful guidance for using vocabulary in context.
Academic collocations are word combinations commonly used in essays, assignments, reports, and research papers. Examples include conduct research, provide evidence, develop an argument, draw conclusions, and compelling evidence. These combinations help you express ideas clearly, but word choice also affects…
Collocations with pay are common English word combinations such as pay a bill, pay attention, pay someone a compliment, pay a visit, and pay the price. Although pay often refers to money, it also appears in expressions about attention, respect,…
Collocations with problem are common English word combinations such as have a problem, face a problem, cause a problem, solve a problem, and serious problem. The words used with problem help explain what’s happening. You might encounter a problem unexpectedly,…
Collocations with time are common English word combinations such as spend time, save time, make time for, run out of time, and on time. These expressions describe how you use time, how long an activity takes, and whether something happens…
Collocations with get are common English word combinations such as get a job, get permission, get a chance, and get some sleep. The verb get has several meanings. It can describe receiving something, obtaining an opportunity, understanding a message, or…
Collocations with give are common English word combinations such as give advice, give permission, give someone a chance, and give a presentation. In these expressions, give does not always mean handing something to another person. You can give someone information,…
Collocations with have are familiar English word combinations such as have breakfast, have a conversation, have a chance, and have trouble doing something. The verb have doesn’t always mean owning or possessing something. It can also describe an activity, an…
Collocations with take are common English word combinations in which take appears with particular nouns or other words. Examples include take a break, take notes, take responsibility for, and take part in. The meaning of take changes with the expression.…
English uses make and do in many familiar word combinations called collocations. We say make a decision, make progress, and make a mistake, but do homework, do research, and do your best. A useful starting point is that do often…
A noun + preposition collocation is a familiar combination in which a noun is followed by a particular preposition. Common examples include reason for, solution to, increase in, and effect on. The preposition connects the noun to another part of…
Use fewer when comparing the number of individual things and less when comparing an amount or degree. Compare: The revised timetable includes fewer evening services. The revised timetable leaves passengers with less time to make their connections. Services are separate…
Lay means to put or place someone or something somewhere. Lie means to recline, rest, or remain in a particular position. Compare: Please lay the architectural drawings flat on the table. The original drawings lie in a locked cabinet. In…