Speaker 0 | 00:00.040
Hey everyone and welcome back to another deep dive.
Speaker 1 | 00:02.681
I’m glad to be back.
Speaker 0 | 00:03.561
Me too and today we’re going to be looking at some more fascinating collocations.
Speaker 1 | 00:07.283
Always a good time.
Speaker 0 | 00:08.423
It is it’s like these little phrases these collocations they’re like these little puzzles. Right. They’re like the missing pieces to really sounding like a native speaker.
Speaker 1 | 00:16.406
Yeah you can know all the individual words but if you don’t know how to put them together in those natural sounding chunks. Exactly. Yeah you’re not going to quite get there.
Speaker 0 | 00:23.649
You won’t sound quite right. So that’s what we’re doing today. So are you ready to jump in?
Speaker 1 | 00:27.031
Absolutely. Let’s get started.
Speaker 0 | 00:29.256
Okay, cool. Our first phrase is preach a sermon. Pretty common one, right?
Speaker 1 | 00:36.541
Yeah, very classic image comes to mind, right? Preacher at the pulpit.
Speaker 0 | 00:40.404
Yeah, exactly. And you know, it’s a pretty literal phrase, right? I mean, you think of religion, you think of church, you think of a sermon.
Speaker 1 | 00:47.008
Yeah.
Speaker 0 | 00:48.629
But then we’ve got this really interesting one, which is preach to the choir.
Speaker 1 | 00:53.113
Oh, yeah.
Speaker 0 | 00:54.013
Have you ever felt like you’ve been preaching to the choir?
Speaker 1 | 00:56.295
Oh, all the time. It’s so easy to do, especially when you’re passionate about something and you find somebody who agrees with you and you just go on and on, even though they’re already on your side. Yeah,
Speaker 0 | 01:04.866
yeah. It’s like trying to convince someone who loves pizza that pizza is the best food ever.
Speaker 1 | 01:09.029
Exactly. Or telling a cat lover that cats are amazing. Like, yeah, we know.
Speaker 0 | 01:13.013
We get it. They already know. Right. But then it’s like even beyond the religious context, right? You can have preach for and preach against.
Speaker 1 | 01:22.180
That’s right. Yeah, you can preach for any cause or preach against something you disagree with.
Speaker 0 | 01:26.380
So it really has expanded right beyond that original religious meaning.
Speaker 1 | 01:29.781
Exactly. And it speaks to this broader idea of persuasion, using language to advocate for something you believe in.
Speaker 0 | 01:37.145
And often with like a moral or ethical dimension to it,
Speaker 1 | 01:41.006
right? Often, yeah. There’s a sense of right and wrong or at least strongly held beliefs behind it.
Speaker 0 | 01:45.588
Yeah. OK, now let’s switch gears a little bit and go to something we probably all hear a lot, especially in a workplace. Exceeding expectations. Ah,
Speaker 1 | 01:55.053
the classic performance review phrase.
Speaker 0 | 01:57.114
Right. And it’s always nice to hear. Right.
Speaker 1 | 01:59.036
It feels good. It feels like you’ve gone above and beyond.
Speaker 0 | 02:01.578
It does. It does. But then, you know, exceeding can also be negative too, right?
Speaker 1 | 02:06.141
Oh, absolutely. Think about exceeding your authority or exceeding the speed limit. Oh, right. Not so good in those contexts.
Speaker 0 | 02:13.826
Definitely not.
Speaker 1 | 02:14.766
Same word, but totally different implications depending on what it’s paired with.
Speaker 0 | 02:18.609
Exactly. That’s the thing with collocations. It’s not just the individual words. It’s how they work together.
Speaker 1 | 02:23.552
Right. The context is key.
Speaker 0 | 02:25.553
Okay. So let’s move on to something a little bit more mundane. And think about this phrase, run an errand.
Speaker 1 | 02:32.616
Okay.
Speaker 0 | 02:33.656
Do you have any errands to run today?
Speaker 1 | 02:35.177
You know, I actually do. I’ve been putting off going to the post office.
Speaker 0 | 02:39.279
The post office classic errand.
Speaker 1 | 02:41.099
It never ends, does it?
Speaker 0 | 02:42.620
It really doesn’t. It really doesn’t. And I feel like run an errand, it’s always got that slight connotation of like something you have to do. Yeah. But it’s not necessarily.
Speaker 1 | 02:52.885
Yeah, it’s not like a fun adventure. Yeah. It’s more like a chore, a little task.
Speaker 0 | 02:57.549
Exactly. A little to-do list item. And then there’s also go on an errand, which is a little bit different. Right.
Speaker 1 | 03:03.675
It does sound different, doesn’t it? It does. Like maybe a longer journey or a series of errands. Yeah.
Speaker 0 | 03:08.799
Yeah. More intentional, maybe like.
Speaker 1 | 03:10.681
More of an expedition.
Speaker 0 | 03:12.102
There you go.
Speaker 1 | 03:12.683
Instead of just a quick in and out.
Speaker 0 | 03:14.264
And then there’s this phrase, collect a specimen, which. You know, instantly, I think science.
Speaker 1 | 03:19.536
Right, lab coats, microscopes.
Speaker 0 | 03:21.558
Yeah, exactly, beakers.
Speaker 1 | 03:22.658
Beakers, test tubes, the whole shebang.
Speaker 0 | 03:25.120
But then you could also be out in nature and be collecting specimens,
Speaker 1 | 03:28.061
right? Absolutely, picking up leaves, rocks, shells, whatever catches your eye.
Speaker 0 | 03:32.443
Totally. You don’t need a fancy lab for that.
Speaker 1 | 03:34.745
No, not at all.
Speaker 0 | 03:35.865
But then, of course, the medical context is very common, right? Like a blood specimen.
Speaker 1 | 03:41.028
Oh, right. Going to the doctor, giving a specimen.
Speaker 0 | 03:43.570
Exactly. So that word specimen, it really spans… you know, from everyday life to very specialized fields.
Speaker 1 | 03:50.354
It does. And I think that’s what makes these deep dives so interesting, seeing how language connects different aspects of our world.
Speaker 0 | 03:56.958
Yeah. It’s like those little threads that run through everything. OK, let’s let’s move on to something a bit more, I guess, emotion related.
Speaker 1 | 04:05.164
OK.
Speaker 0 | 04:05.844
Greet warmly.
Speaker 1 | 04:07.045
Ah.
Speaker 0 | 04:08.226
Think about a time when you were greeted warmly. How did it make you feel?
Speaker 1 | 04:12.449
Instantly welcome and comfortable like you were genuinely wanted there.
Speaker 0 | 04:16.832
Yeah, like that instant connection.
Speaker 1 | 04:18.352
Right. It’s not just the words. It’s the tone of voice, the smile, the body language.
Speaker 0 | 04:23.275
Yeah, nonverbal communication,
Speaker 1 | 04:24.736
right? Exactly. All those cues add up to create that feeling of warmth.
Speaker 0 | 04:29.539
Yeah, so you’re really saying, I’m glad you’re here without actually saying the words.
Speaker 1 | 04:33.741
It’s a powerful thing.
Speaker 0 | 04:34.962
It really is. Okay. And then this phrase, continual process. Ah. That’s something that comes up in all sorts of areas of life. It does.
Speaker 1 | 04:43.067
It suggests ongoing. effort and change, constant movement.
Speaker 0 | 04:47.010
Like personal growth.
Speaker 1 | 04:48.110
Perfect example, always learning, evolving, never truly finished.
Speaker 0 | 04:51.413
Or like a business, you know, constantly adapting and trying to improve.
Speaker 1 | 04:54.716
Exactly. Or the continual monitoring of a system, always checking, making sure things are running smoothly.
Speaker 0 | 04:59.940
Right. So it’s not a one-time thing. It’s this ongoing dynamic process.
Speaker 1 | 05:04.224
Exactly. And I think that captures the essence of this collocation beautifully.
Speaker 0 | 05:08.805
Yeah. It’s like always in motion, always evolving.
Speaker 1 | 05:10.946
And that’s life, isn’t it?
Speaker 0 | 05:12.367
I guess it is.
Speaker 1 | 05:13.087
A continual process from beginning to end.
Speaker 0 | 05:16.449
Yeah. I like that. And speaking of processes that never end.
Speaker 1 | 05:19.810
What’s next?
Speaker 0 | 05:20.670
Well, we’ve got a lot more collocations to explore. So stay tuned for part two of our deep dive.
Speaker 1 | 05:25.312
Sounds good. I’m ready when you are.
Speaker 0 | 05:27.273
Awesome. Me too. Processes that never end, like learning new collocations.
Speaker 1 | 05:31.535
Right. Always more to discover.
Speaker 0 | 05:33.556
Always. And, you know, speaking of processes that blaze.
Speaker 1 | 05:36.397
Ooh.
Speaker 0 | 05:37.218
I like this one, blaze up.
Speaker 1 | 05:38.518
It’s a good one. Very visual, right? That image of fire bursting forth. Yeah.
Speaker 0 | 05:42.721
Yeah. And it’s not just fire, right? It can be light, too, like a blazing sun.
Speaker 1 | 05:46.843
Oh, absolutely. That intense summer heat. Yeah.
Speaker 0 | 05:49.124
And even, you know, like sudden fame or success, you know, that blaze of glory. Oh,
Speaker 1 | 05:53.086
that’s a good one. That fleeting moment of brilliance.
Speaker 0 | 05:56.188
Yeah, that’s a great example. And then you can also use blaze to describe like really strong emotions. Oh,
Speaker 1 | 06:01.371
for sure. Like. blazing with anger blazing with passion it’s like the emotion is so strong it’s almost visible yeah like a fire burning inside right exactly and i think that’s what makes it such a strong image yeah it’s a great one okay let’s uh shift gears again okay where are we going now let’s go to deep sadness ah
Speaker 0 | 06:20.122
a heavier emotion for sure yeah it is and it is like the word deep really adds that extra layer of intensity right it does it suggests a sadness that’s profound
Speaker 1 | 06:30.988
and lasting something that really weighs on you.
Speaker 0 | 06:33.870
And then, you know, the sources also gave other examples like overwhelming sadness or lingering sadness.
Speaker 1 | 06:40.094
Right. Each phrase adds a slightly different nuance, a different shade of meaning to that sadness.
Speaker 0 | 06:45.778
It’s interesting, right, how language gives us so many ways to express those complex emotions.
Speaker 1 | 06:50.441
I know. It’s like a painter’s palette. We have all these different colors to work with to capture the subtleties of human experience.
Speaker 0 | 06:55.924
I like that analogy. Okay. Now let’s go to a point of successor. This one sounds very official, right?
Speaker 1 | 07:00.932
It does. Doesn’t it very formal and structured?
Speaker 0 | 07:03.013
Yeah, like something out of a history book, you know, kings appointing their heirs or businesses choosing the next CEO.
Speaker 1 | 07:09.277
Exactly. It implies a careful process of selection, a transfer of power and responsibility.
Speaker 0 | 07:15.201
And it’s interesting how collocations can reflect those social dynamics and hierarchies, right?
Speaker 1 | 07:19.765
Absolutely. They give us insights into how societies are organized and how power is passed down.
Speaker 0 | 07:24.588
OK, speaking of social dynamics, how about this one? Despise deeply.
Speaker 1 | 07:30.212
Ooh, strong word, despise.
Speaker 0 | 07:32.353
It is, right? It’s not just dislike.
Speaker 1 | 07:34.075
It’s a step beyond that.
Speaker 0 | 07:35.896
It’s like a visceral reaction almost.
Speaker 1 | 07:37.717
It suggests a deep-seated aversion often rooted in moral judgment.
Speaker 0 | 07:41.640
Yeah, like you see someone behaving in a way that completely contradicts your values.
Speaker 1 | 07:45.203
Exactly. You don’t just disagree. You find their actions reprehensible.
Speaker 0 | 07:48.885
And the sources gave some good examples like despise hypocrisy or despise arrogance.
Speaker 1 | 07:54.069
Right, those qualities that often trigger strong moral responses.
Speaker 0 | 07:57.672
It’s fascinating how language allows us to express those judgments so powerfully.
Speaker 1 | 08:01.893
It’s a double-edged sword, isn’t it? Words can build up and they can tear down.
Speaker 0 | 08:05.634
True, true. Okay, let’s go to something a little bit lighter now.
Speaker 1 | 08:08.575
All right, I need a break from all this despising.
Speaker 0 | 08:11.035
Me too, me too. How about blush with embarrassment?
Speaker 1 | 08:14.496
We’ve all been there.
Speaker 0 | 08:15.757
Oh yeah, that feeling of heat rising in your cheeks.
Speaker 1 | 08:18.057
And the worst part is you can’t control it.
Speaker 0 | 08:20.038
Exactly, it’s involuntary. Your body betraying you.
Speaker 1 | 08:23.119
Right, and that’s what makes it such a powerful indicator of… embarrassment or shyness.
Speaker 0 | 08:27.701
Yeah. It’s like an outward sign of those inner feelings.
Speaker 1 | 08:29.902
Exactly. Ready for another one?
Speaker 0 | 08:32.104
I am. What do you have?
Speaker 1 | 08:33.645
How about find lodging?
Speaker 0 | 08:36.247
That’s a good one. Especially if you’re traveling.
Speaker 1 | 08:38.609
Essential. Right. Yeah. Gotta have a place to stay.
Speaker 0 | 08:41.891
And it’s not just about finding a bed. It’s about finding a place where you feel comfortable at a home, even if it’s just for a night.
Speaker 1 | 08:48.236
That’s a good point. It’s about creating a temporary sense of belonging.
Speaker 0 | 08:51.698
Exactly. Okay. Now let’s shift our focus a bit and look at some collocations related to perspectives and institutions.
Speaker 1 | 08:58.624
Sounds good. I’m intrigued. Okay,
Speaker 0 | 09:00.726
first up, conservative estimate.
Speaker 1 | 09:02.767
Ah, a classic phrase used in all sorts of contexts.
Speaker 0 | 09:06.070
It is, and it always implies caution, right? Like you’re not overestimating or taking unnecessary risks.
Speaker 1 | 09:11.415
Exactly. It’s about being prudent and erring on the side of caution.
Speaker 0 | 09:15.298
So a conservative estimate is likely to be on the lower end.
Speaker 1 | 09:18.521
Right, rather than overly optimistic.
Speaker 0 | 09:21.003
Okay, and, you know. the word conservative itself, it has all sorts of connotations, right?
Speaker 1 | 09:25.044
Oh, absolutely. It can refer to political views, social values, even fashion choices.
Speaker 0 | 09:30.886
It’s a word that carries a lot of baggage.
Speaker 1 | 09:32.386
It does. It’s loaded with meaning and often reflects underlying beliefs and attitudes.
Speaker 0 | 09:36.928
Okay, let’s move on to prosperous economy. This one’s often used in discussions about, you know, economics and politics.
Speaker 1 | 09:43.629
Oh, yes. It evokes an image of a thriving society, doesn’t it? One where people are doing well and there’s a sense of abundance.
Speaker 0 | 09:51.216
It does. But what does it actually mean for an economy to be prosperous? Are there specific criteria?
Speaker 1 | 09:57.100
Well, economists look at various indicators like GDP growth, unemployment rates, Inflation.
Speaker 0 | 10:03.685
OK, so it’s not just a subjective feeling. It’s based on measurable data.
Speaker 1 | 10:07.548
Right. But ultimately, it’s about how those numbers translate into the lives of everyday people.
Speaker 0 | 10:12.151
So it’s about people having opportunities, feeling secure and being able to pursue their goals.
Speaker 1 | 10:17.034
Exactly. A prosperous economy should benefit everyone, not just a select few.
Speaker 0 | 10:21.697
OK, let’s let’s switch gears again and go to something completely different. Gothic Cathedral.
Speaker 1 | 10:26.721
Ooh, those magnificent structures.
Speaker 0 | 10:28.842
Yeah, they’re awe inspiring. Those soaring arches. The stained glass windows.
Speaker 1 | 10:33.149
It’s like stepping back in time, isn’t it?
Speaker 0 | 10:36.091
It is. Have you ever visited a Gothic cathedral that really made an impression on you?
Speaker 1 | 10:41.874
Oh, many. But the one that stands out is probably Notre Dame in Paris. Oh, yeah. Before the fire. Of course, it was just breathtaking the way the light filtered through those stained glass windows. It was magical.
Speaker 0 | 10:53.160
Yeah. It’s amazing how these structures have stood for centuries.
Speaker 1 | 10:56.022
A testament to human ingenuity and artistry.
Speaker 0 | 11:00.284
Okay. And now for… Some collocations that evoke sensory experiences.
Speaker 1 | 11:04.006
Oh, I like this.
Speaker 0 | 11:05.167
We’ve got a bunch related to beaches. Sandy beach, sandy shore, sandy dune.
Speaker 1 | 11:09.089
You can practically feel the sand between your toes.
Speaker 0 | 11:12.692
Right. And the sources even mention sandy hair.
Speaker 1 | 11:15.153
Oh, yeah. That windblown beachy look.
Speaker 0 | 11:17.514
Exactly. And it’s not just about the sand, right? It’s about the whole sensory experience of the beach. The sound of the waves, the smell of the salt air.
Speaker 1 | 11:24.879
It’s a feast for the senses.
Speaker 0 | 11:26.420
It really is.
Speaker 1 | 11:27.445
So are we ready for our final set of collocations?
Speaker 0 | 11:30.728
We are. Bring it on. All right. So for our final set of collocations, we’re going to look at tools and systems, starting with breathing apparatus.
Speaker 1 | 11:37.976
OK. That one sounds a bit technical.
Speaker 0 | 11:39.838
It does. Right. But apparatus, it basically just means like a set of equipment with a specific purpose.
Speaker 1 | 11:45.064
Right. So it’s not just one tool. It’s a whole collection of things working together.
Speaker 0 | 11:49.168
Yeah. Exactly. Like think about a gymnastic apparatus. Oh,
Speaker 1 | 11:51.750
yeah. With the uneven bars, the balance beam.
Speaker 0 | 11:54.231
Right. All those different components.
Speaker 1 | 11:55.672
Or a firefighting apparatus with all the hoses and ladders and pumps.
Speaker 0 | 11:59.935
Yeah. So many different tools working together to achieve a specific goal.
Speaker 1 | 12:05.098
And I bet we encounter different types of apparatus in our daily lives without even realizing it.
Speaker 0 | 12:10.922
Oh, totally. Like our kitchens are full of them, right?
Speaker 1 | 12:12.943
Exactly. Blenders, food processors. Coffee makers.
Speaker 0 | 12:16.929
It’s true. I never thought of my coffee maker as an apparatus before, but it totally is.
Speaker 1 | 12:21.050
It fits the definition perfectly. And that’s what’s so cool about exploring these collocations. It helps us see familiar things in a new light.
Speaker 0 | 12:28.712
Yeah, it expands our understanding of how language works. Those connections between different areas of life.
Speaker 1 | 12:34.154
And hopefully helps us sound a little more like native speakers, too.
Speaker 0 | 12:37.015
That’s the goal, right?
Speaker 1 | 12:37.955
Absolutely.
Speaker 0 | 12:38.715
Well, expert speaker, this has been another fascinating deep dive. I always learn so much from these conversations.
Speaker 1 | 12:44.317
It’s been a pleasure as always.
Speaker 0 | 12:46.098
And for our listeners, I hope you enjoyed this exploration of collocations. Keep an ear out for them in your everyday life. They’re everywhere once you start noticing them.
Speaker 1 | 12:56.302
And remember, even if you don’t use them yourself, understanding them will help you understand native speakers better.
Speaker 0 | 13:02.345
Exactly. It’s all about expanding our knowledge and appreciation of this amazing language.
Speaker 1 | 13:07.107
That’s what we’re here for.
Speaker 0 | 13:08.307
Until next time, happy language learning, everyone.