Speaker 0 | 00:00.040
Hey everyone and welcome back. Are you ready to dive into some super cool English collocations with us today?
Speaker 1 | 00:06.985
I know I am.
Speaker 0 | 00:08.166
Collocations, you know those word pairings that just sound right together.
Speaker 1 | 00:11.169
Right, like make a mistake. We don’t really say do a mistake, do we?
Speaker 0 | 00:15.132
Exactly. And by mastering these collocations, your English will sound so much more natural and fluent. It’ll be like you’ve unlocked a secret level of fluency.
Speaker 1 | 00:24.579
Absolutely. They’re like little building blocks for sounding like a native speaker.
Speaker 0 | 00:28.142
I like that, building blocks. Yeah. So where should we start? Oh, I know. Let’s start with the word strife. It’s a word we hear a lot, sadly, especially these days. Right. Think about it. Political strife, religious strife, social strife, even civil strife.
Speaker 1 | 00:44.352
Yeah. Strife really captures that sense of like intense and prolonged conflict. It’s not just a disagreement. It’s a deep rooted struggle.
Speaker 0 | 00:51.395
A struggle. Yeah. It definitely has that heavy and serious vibe to it. Okay. Let’s switch gears a bit and talk about something a little lighter. How about sermons? We have. Preach a sermon, listen to a sermon, even Sunday sermon. But can you guess what kind of sermon might be called fire and brimstone? Ooh,
Speaker 1 | 01:07.903
fire and brimstone. That sounds pretty intense. I’m picturing like a preacher with a booming voice warning about the dangers of sin and the fires of hell. Something to really get people’s attention.
Speaker 0 | 01:20.028
Wow, yeah. I can practically feel the heat. Now, coming back down to earth a bit, let’s talk about something a little more petty. You know those small… kind of insignificant things that can sometimes bug us. Like, think, petty arguments, petty jealousy, even petty cash.
Speaker 1 | 01:36.116
Petty cash, that’s a good one. It really highlights the idea of something small and trivial, of little importance in the grand scheme of things, like arguing over who gets the last cookie.
Speaker 0 | 01:45.361
Uh-huh, exactly. Or, you know, getting annoyed because someone took your parking spot. Petty problems, right? But hey, it’s all about perspective, right?
Speaker 1 | 01:53.065
Totally. It’s a good reminder to not sweat the small stuff.
Speaker 0 | 01:56.007
Absolutely. So let’s talk about two powerful words that convey a sense of absoluteness. Innumerable and invariably. Yeah,
Speaker 1 | 02:04.350
okay. Bring them on.
Speaker 0 | 02:05.411
Have you ever felt like you were facing innumerable challenges, but somehow things invariably worked out for the best?
Speaker 1 | 02:13.134
Innumerable means countless, right? Like there’s just no end to them. And invariably means, without exception, it always happens.
Speaker 0 | 02:20.597
Exactly. No matter what obstacles you face, something good always seems to happen. It’s like a little mantra for… staying positive. I love that. Me too. Speaking of staying positive, let’s talk about subscribing and availing. Do you subscribe to any interesting podcasts or newsletters?
Speaker 1 | 02:37.425
Oh, yeah. I subscribe to way too many podcasts, actually. How about you?
Speaker 0 | 02:41.147
Oh, me too. It’s so easy to get sucked in. Yeah. And have you ever availed yourself of an opportunity, like a chance to learn something new or travel to a new place? Hmm.
Speaker 1 | 02:50.713
Availed myself. So subscribing is like signing up for something regularly to stay updated and… Availing yourself is more about taking advantage of something offered.
Speaker 0 | 02:59.077
You got it. It’s like that saying, opportunity knocks, but once. Gotta seize those moments.
Speaker 1 | 03:03.579
Right. Make the most of them.
Speaker 0 | 03:05.220
Exactly. Now, let’s dive into a word that’s become all too common lately. Virus. We talk about spreading a virus, fighting a virus, even needing virus protection on our computers. It’s everywhere.
Speaker 1 | 03:17.505
Ugh, don’t remind me. Virus definitely carries that negative connotation of something harmful and contagious. And unfortunately can apply to so many things these days, both physical and digital.
Speaker 0 | 03:27.878
It’s true. It really highlights the importance of taking precautions and staying informed, whether we’re talking about our health or our online security. OK, I think we need a mental palate cleanser after that one.
Speaker 1 | 03:38.845
I agree. Something a little more uplifting.
Speaker 0 | 03:41.086
Yes. So how about we talk about delicacies? Imagine a culinary delicacy or a local delicacy, even an exquisite delicacy.
Speaker 1 | 03:50.111
Ooh. Delicacy implies something rare, refined, and absolutely delightful. It’s something to be savored and enjoyed.
Speaker 0 | 03:56.935
Like a little taste of luxury.
Speaker 1 | 03:58.316
Exactly.
Speaker 0 | 03:58.996
And speaking of luxury, how about that feeling of glittering success? A glittering career. A glittering future. Even glittering jewels.
Speaker 1 | 04:08.142
It’s like everything is sparkling and shining. A moment of pure brilliance and achievement. Makes you think of red carpets and champagne, doesn’t it? Huh.
Speaker 0 | 04:16.867
It does. But let’s be real. Sometimes we get a little too caught up in those worldly possessions and those trifling matters that don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.
Speaker 1 | 04:25.311
So true. Worldly is all about those material things, those earthly concerns, while trifling emphasizes their insignificant nature. It’s like, why are we stressing about this tiny thing when there are bigger issues to worry about?
Speaker 0 | 04:37.098
Right. We need to keep our priorities straight. Now, let’s talk about a word that’s often associated with raw power, brute, brute animal, brute force, even. Brute strength.
Speaker 1 | 04:48.973
Brute definitely has that raw, untamed quality to it, like something powerful but unrefined, maybe even a little scary.
Speaker 0 | 04:56.543
Yeah, for sure. And it often suggests a lack of intelligence or subtlety, just pure raw power. Right. But on a more organized note, let’s talk about doing things in a duly authorized manner. Think duly signed, duly appointed, duly completed.
Speaker 1 | 05:10.270
Duly adds that sense of legitimacy and correctness, like everything’s been done by the book.
Speaker 0 | 05:14.992
Exactly. It means things have been done according to established procedures and with the proper authority. No cutting corners.
Speaker 1 | 05:22.135
Right.
Speaker 0 | 05:23.156
And to wrap up this part of our deep dive, let’s end with a calming image. A babbling brook. Picture a mountain brook, a forest brook, even a crystal clear brook. It sounds peaceful, doesn’t it?
Speaker 1 | 05:37.712
It does. Babbling brook really evokes a sense of tranquility and natural beauty. It’s like a little escape from the chaos of everyday life.
Speaker 0 | 05:45.658
Exactly. And that’s a perfect note to end on, I think. We’ll be back with more amazing collocations in part two, so stay tuned.
Speaker 1 | 05:52.343
Can’t wait. Welcome back to our collocation exploration. We’re uncovering those awesome word pairings that make English so rich and colorful.
Speaker 0 | 06:00.850
They really do add a lot of depth to the language, don’t they? Like you can say so much more with just a few well-chosen words.
Speaker 1 | 06:06.595
Right. It’s like adding those extra spices to a dish. Just a pinch here and there can make all the difference.
Speaker 0 | 06:11.339
Makes sense. Okay, so where are we headed next on this collocation adventure?
Speaker 1 | 06:15.402
Well, let’s step into a realm that’s known for sparking strong opinions. The world of politics.
Speaker 0 | 06:22.208
Ooh, politics. Always a hot topic.
Speaker 1 | 06:24.510
That’s for sure. We often hear about political strife, but what about political sermons? Have you ever come across that phrase?
Speaker 0 | 06:32.406
Political sermons.
Speaker 1 | 06:34.167
Hmm. That makes me think of, like, someone using religious authority to push a certain political agenda.
Speaker 0 | 06:40.430
Exactly. It’s like blending ideology with a moral appeal.
Speaker 1 | 06:44.052
Yeah, like trying to convince people that their political views are the righteous ones. You got it. It’s a powerful reminder that words can be used to shape beliefs and motivate action. Okay, let’s lighten things up a bit. How about we talk about petty crime? It almost sounds like an oxymoron, doesn’t it?
Speaker 0 | 06:59.321
It does have a funny ring to it. Petty crime refers to those minor offenses, you know, like shoplifting or vandalism.
Speaker 1 | 07:06.726
So not exactly grand theft auto or anything like that?
Speaker 0 | 07:09.368
Nope, definitely not. But even though these crimes might seem small, they can still have a big impact on communities. You know, it creates a sense of unease when those things happen all the time. Yeah, that’s true. It’s a reminder that even small actions can have big consequences. All right, let’s shift gears completely now and talk about something that always gets me excited. Innumerable opportunities.
Speaker 1 | 07:32.280
Innumerable opportunities. I love that. There’s just something so hopeful about that phrase. Like the world is full of possibilities just waiting to be discovered.
Speaker 0 | 07:41.228
Exactly. And it makes me think of those chance encounters or unexpected moments that can lead us in totally new directions. Speaking of new directions, what about the world of subscriptions? You know, subscribing to things like… magazines, podcasts, newsletters.
Speaker 1 | 07:57.036
Oh, yeah. It seems like everyone wants us to subscribe to something these days. And, you know, there’s a reason for that. It creates that sense of connection, like you’re part of a community.
Speaker 0 | 08:05.601
That’s true. And a lot of times subscriptions come with, like, exclusive content or early access. It can be pretty tempting. Although sometimes I feel overwhelmed by all the things I’m subscribed to.
Speaker 1 | 08:15.686
Uh-huh. Me too. Yeah. It’s important to be mindful about what we’re subscribing to, right? Like, are we actually getting something out of it?
Speaker 0 | 08:21.889
Totally. So true. Okay. On a more serious note, let’s talk about a collocation that’s been on everyone’s minds lately. Virus transmission.
Speaker 1 | 08:30.302
Yeah, virus transmission. Unfortunately, it’s a phrase we’ve all become way too familiar with in recent years. It just means how a virus spreads from one person to another, and understanding this process that becomes so important for public health.
Speaker 0 | 08:44.650
Yeah, it really makes you think about all the changes we’ve had to make. You know, masking, social distancing, all that stuff.
Speaker 1 | 08:52.254
For sure. It’s definitely a reminder that we’re all interconnected. Like, what affects one person can quickly affect a whole community or even the whole world.
Speaker 0 | 09:00.361
Okay, I think we need a palate cleanser after that one.
Speaker 1 | 09:02.362
Agreed. Something a little more lighthearted.
Speaker 0 | 09:04.484
How about the phrase, delicacy of flavor? It just sounds so elegant, doesn’t it?
Speaker 1 | 09:09.768
It does. Delicacy of flavor. Like, something subtle and complex that really delights your taste buds.
Speaker 0 | 09:15.033
It’s like the culinary version of a beautiful piece of music.
Speaker 1 | 09:17.795
That’s a great way to put it.
Speaker 0 | 09:18.996
And speaking of beautiful things, how about that feeling of attending… A glittering event. Ugh,
Speaker 1 | 09:24.740
glittering event. It just conjures up images of elegance, excitement, and glamour. It makes you think of red carpets and sparkling gowns.
Speaker 0 | 09:31.524
Uh-huh, exactly. Like something straight out of a movie. All right, let’s bring things back down to earth a bit now. The source mentions worldly goods, which always reminds me that material possessions aren’t everything.
Speaker 1 | 09:43.630
Right. It’s like a gentle reminder that sometimes we get too attached to stuff.
Speaker 0 | 09:47.192
Totally. You know, it’s easy to get caught up in wanting more and more, but ultimately… True happiness comes from connection and purpose, not from accumulating things.
Speaker 1 | 09:56.350
I think that’s a really important message. It’s about finding contentment in what we already have.
Speaker 0 | 10:01.535
Absolutely. Now, let’s talk about a collocation that evokes raw Untamed power. Brute nature.
Speaker 1 | 10:08.463
Brute nature. Okay, I’m picturing wild animals, powerful storms, untamed landscapes, like those forces of nature that are completely beyond our control.
Speaker 0 | 10:17.406
Yeah, exactly. It reminds us that we’re not really the masters of the universe. We’re just part of something much bigger than ourselves.
Speaker 1 | 10:24.009
It’s about respecting the power of nature and knowing our place in the world.
Speaker 0 | 10:28.251
Right. Now, time for a little order and structure, I think. How about the phrase duly informed?
Speaker 1 | 10:34.498
Duly informed. That makes me think of someone who has all the information they need to make an informed decision. Like everything’s transparent and above the word.
Speaker 0 | 10:42.480
Yeah, it implies a sense of fairness and respect. Like everyone’s on the same page. All right. Before we wrap up part two, let’s go back to that sense of tranquility for a moment. The source mentions a mountain brook.
Speaker 1 | 10:55.144
Oh, a mountain brook. I love that. It’s like you can almost hear the water rushing over the rocks. So peaceful and refreshing.
Speaker 0 | 11:01.686
It really is. It’s like a little escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Speaker 1 | 11:04.987
The perfect way to unwind and recharge.
Speaker 0 | 11:07.568
Totally. And on that peaceful note, we’re going to take a short break. Join us for the final part of our deep dive into collocations, where we’ll explore even more fascinating word pairings.
Speaker 1 | 11:18.231
And we’re back for the final part of our collocation deep dive.
Speaker 0 | 11:21.151
I’m ready for more. You know, it’s amazing how these simple word pairings can tell us so much about how we view the world.
Speaker 1 | 11:27.973
Right. Like… Little windows into our thoughts and values.
Speaker 0 | 11:31.620
Exactly. So let’s jump right in. The source mentions Sunday sermon. What comes to mind when you hear that phrase?
Speaker 1 | 11:38.564
Sunday sermon. Hmm. Definitely a sense of tradition, maybe even a little nostalgia, like those classic images of families dressed up for church.
Speaker 0 | 11:47.591
Yeah. I can practically hear the organ music and see the sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows. Yeah. Okay. Let’s switch gears to something a little less reverent. How about the phrase petty mind? That doesn’t sound like a compliment at all.
Speaker 1 | 12:02.039
Definitely not. Petty mind suggests someone who focuses on like trivial things and maybe even enjoys causing drama.
Speaker 0 | 12:09.642
Like they can’t see the forest for the trees, you know?
Speaker 1 | 12:11.663
Exactly. Okay, how about we shift our focus to something truly awe-inspiring now? The source mentions innumerable stars. Ooh,
Speaker 0 | 12:19.846
innumerable stars. Just thinking about that makes me feel small, but also kind of connected to something much bigger than myself. Right.
Speaker 1 | 12:27.386
It reminds you of the vastness of the universe. All those stars out there, it’s incredible.
Speaker 0 | 12:31.528
It really puts things in perspective, doesn’t it? Makes you realize that some of our problems might not be as big as we think they are.
Speaker 1 | 12:37.873
That’s so true. Okay, let’s talk about a collocation that’s all about taking action and seizing the moment. Avail oneself of an opportunity.
Speaker 0 | 12:46.219
Avail oneself. It sounds a bit formal, but I like the sentiment. Like, grab those opportunities with both hands and make the most of them.
Speaker 1 | 12:52.563
Exactly. Don’t let those chances pass you by.
Speaker 0 | 12:55.465
So true. Now, let’s address a phrase that unfortunately we’ve heard all too often in recent years, virus infection. Ugh,
Speaker 1 | 13:03.054
yeah, virus infection. It definitely evokes feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. It’s a stark reminder of how vulnerable we are as humans.
Speaker 0 | 13:11.340
And it really underscores the importance of science and public health.
Speaker 1 | 13:14.221
Absolutely. We need to rely on facts and take care of each other. Okay, let’s shift to something more delightful. How about the phrase local delicacy?
Speaker 0 | 13:24.008
Ooh, local delicacy. Now that makes me think of travel and exploring new cultures through food.
Speaker 1 | 13:29.880
Right. It’s all about those unique culinary treasures you can only find in certain places.
Speaker 0 | 13:34.483
Yum. Makes me want to book a trip right now. Okay, last one from this set. What about glittering career?
Speaker 1 | 13:41.348
Glittering career. I love that. It’s just success, achievement, maybe even a little bit of fame.
Speaker 0 | 13:49.113
It makes me think of someone who’s passionate about their work and who’s making a real impact in their field.
Speaker 1 | 13:54.898
That’s a great way to put it. Someone who’s really shining.
Speaker 0 | 13:57.420
Absolutely. Yeah. But even amidst all that success, it’s important to remember that not everything is worth stressing over. The source mentions trifling matters. What are your thoughts on that?
Speaker 1 | 14:09.151
Trifling matters. Those little things that can drive you crazy but really don’t matter in the long run.
Speaker 0 | 14:14.155
Right. We need to learn to let go of those and focus on the things that truly make a difference.
Speaker 1 | 14:18.259
Absolutely. Prioritize what’s important.
Speaker 0 | 14:20.401
Couldn’t agree more. Now for one last collocation that reminds us of the raw power of nature. Brute animal.
Speaker 1 | 14:27.514
Brute animal. I’m picturing like a lion stalking its prey or a bear defending its cubs. Something powerful and instinctive.
Speaker 0 | 14:35.900
It makes you realize how strong and resilient nature can be. It may be a little bit scary too.
Speaker 1 | 14:40.723
True. Okay, I think I’m ready for a little structure and order now. The source mentions something being duly completed. It’s a nice feeling, isn’t it? Like you’ve checked. everything off your to-do list.
Speaker 0 | 14:51.251
Yeah. Duly completed just gives me a sense of satisfaction, like a job well done. No loose ends.
Speaker 1 | 14:57.360
I agree. And it suggests attention to detail and taking pride in your work.
Speaker 0 | 15:02.327
And to wrap up our entire collocation deep dive, let’s end with the phrase. Respected clergyman.
Speaker 1 | 15:08.278
Respected clergyman. Makes me think of someone wise, compassionate, and dedicated to their community.
Speaker 0 | 15:14.602
It’s interesting how our exploration of these collocations has taken us on such a journey, hasn’t it? We started with strife and ended with respected clergyman.
Speaker 1 | 15:23.027
We really did cover the full spectrum of human experience, and it’s all reflected in these little word pairings. It’s fascinating.
Speaker 0 | 15:29.931
That’s the beauty of language, I guess. It can express so much.
Speaker 1 | 15:33.213
It really can.
Speaker 0 | 15:34.486
Well, that’s a wrap for today’s Deep Dive. We hope you enjoyed exploring the world of English collocations with us.
Speaker 1 | 15:39.870
Thanks for joining us.
Speaker 0 | 15:40.971
And remember, keep listening, keep learning, and keep playing with language. You never know what amazing discoveries you might make.
Speaker 1 | 15:48.257
See you next time.