B2 Stage 1: Sentence
Use exact words and words that go together
Collocations at B2: words that go together
You can use exact words and natural word partners, like 'make a decision' or 'have an effect on', instead of very general words.
This guide is for B1 writers moving to B2. It is a stage 1 skill: write one sentence (8-40 words).
When to use word partners
In every sentence you write. When you see 'thing', 'stuff', 'nice', 'good', 'bad' or 'very big' in your writing, stop and look for an exact word and its natural partner.
Word partners: how to do it
Some words always go together. We 'make a decision' (not 'do a decision'), 'have an effect on' something, 'take a risk', and we talk about 'a growing problem', 'heavy traffic' and 'strong coffee'. These are word partners. Very general words (thing, stuff, nice, good, bad, very big) say little. Replace them with an exact word: not 'a good result' but 'a positive result'; not 'a big problem' but 'a serious problem'. When you learn a new word, learn it with its partners and its small words: 'depend on', 'a lack of', 'an increase in'.
Useful language for word partners
- make a decision
- have an effect on ...
- take a risk
- a growing problem
- play a part in ...
- pay attention to ...
Example of word partners
Air pollution in large cities is a growing problem, and it has a serious effect on children's health.
Topic: Air pollution
How the BetterWrite coach checks word partners
The BetterWrite coach checks 3 points for this skill, plus accuracy and staying on topic, and quotes your own words when one is not there yet.
Try it
Write ONE sentence about keeping fit. Use exact words and at least one natural word partnership, like 'make a decision' or 'have an effect on'.
Write 8-40 words (one sentence).