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English Collocations Dictionary — 200+ Verb+Noun, Adj+Noun, Verb+Prep Combinations with Examples

English collocations reference — 200+ common verb + noun / adj + noun / verb + prep collocations with usage examples.

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337 collocations

Verb + Noun (76)

make a decision

做决定

Meaning: to decide something after consideration

Examples
  • She had to make a decision quickly.
  • I've made a decision — I'm taking the job.
  • The board will make a decision next Monday.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "做决定"很多人直译成 "do a decision" ❌,英文里决定只能 make,不能 do。
Alternatives:reach a decision,come to a decision,arrive at a decision

take a chance

冒险一试 / 碰运气

Meaning: to do something risky in the hope it works out

Examples
  • I'll take a chance and apply for the job.
  • Don't take any chances with your health.
  • She took a chance on the new restaurant and loved it.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "冒险"不要写成 "make a chance" ❌,固定搭配是 take a chance / take a risk。
Alternatives:take a risk,take a gamble,roll the dice

pay attention

注意 / 留心

Meaning: to listen or watch carefully

Examples
  • Pay attention to the details in this paragraph.
  • The students weren't paying attention in class.
  • You need to pay more attention to your spelling.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "注意听"不要说 "listen attention" ❌,要 pay attention to。注意介词是 to,不是 on/for。
Alternatives:take notice of,focus on,concentrate on

have a clue

了解一点点 / 知道

Meaning: to have some idea about something (mostly used in the negative)

Examples
  • I don't have a clue what he's talking about.
  • Do you have any clue where she went?
  • He hasn't got a clue about computers.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: 常用否定形式:"完全不懂"是 have no clue / haven't got a clue,不要说 "know no clue" ❌。
Alternatives:have an idea,have a notion,know the slightest thing

give a speech

发表演讲

Meaning: to deliver a formal address to an audience

Examples
  • The CEO will give a speech at the conference.
  • He gave a moving speech at the wedding.
  • I'm nervous about giving a speech tomorrow.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "发表演讲"不要写 "say a speech" / "speak a speech" ❌,固定是 give / make / deliver a speech。
Alternatives:make a speech,deliver a speech,give a talk

do homework

做作业

Meaning: to complete school assignments

Examples
  • I have to do my homework before dinner.
  • Have you done your math homework?
  • She's doing her homework upstairs.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: 注意:作业是 do,决定是 make,不能反过来 "make homework" ❌。
Alternatives:finish homework,complete an assignment

take a photo

拍照

Meaning: to capture an image with a camera

Examples
  • Can you take a photo of us?
  • She took hundreds of photos on her trip.
  • I'll take a quick photo for the report.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "照相"不要说 "shoot a photo" / "make a photo" ❌(后者德/中式直译)。英文标准:take a photo / take a picture。
Alternatives:take a picture,snap a photo,shoot a photo (informal, photography context)

make progress

取得进步 / 进展

Meaning: to advance or improve

Examples
  • She's making good progress in English.
  • The team has made significant progress this quarter.
  • We're not making much progress on the project.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "进步"不要说 "have progress" / "get progress" ❌,固定是 make progress。
Alternatives:make headway,make strides,move forward

take responsibility

承担责任

Meaning: to accept that you are answerable for something

Examples
  • You need to take responsibility for your actions.
  • The manager took full responsibility for the failure.
  • I'll take responsibility for organizing the event.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "负责"不要说 "carry responsibility" ❌,常用 take / accept / assume responsibility。
Alternatives:accept responsibility,assume responsibility,shoulder the blame

make a mistake

犯错误

Meaning: to do something wrong

Examples
  • Everyone makes mistakes.
  • I made a serious mistake on the test.
  • Don't make the same mistake twice.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "犯错"不要说 "do a mistake" ❌,固定就是 make a mistake。
Alternatives:make an error,slip up,get something wrong

take a break

休息一下

Meaning: to stop work briefly to rest

Examples
  • Let's take a short break.
  • I'm going to take a break from social media.
  • She took a five-minute break.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "休息一下"不要说 "have a rest a while" / "do a break" ❌,固定是 take a break / take a rest。
Alternatives:have a break,take a rest,take five (informal)

have a meeting

开会

Meaning: to hold a formal discussion

Examples
  • We're having a meeting at 3 pm.
  • The team has weekly meetings on Mondays.
  • I can't talk now — I'm in a meeting.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "开会"不要说 "open a meeting" ❌(只在"宣布会议开始"语境下用 open the meeting),日常是 have a meeting。
Alternatives:hold a meeting,attend a meeting,be in a meeting

pay a visit

拜访 / 参观

Meaning: to go to see a person or place

Examples
  • We paid a visit to my grandparents last weekend.
  • The minister paid an official visit to Japan.
  • Let's pay her a visit while we're in town.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "拜访某人"不要说 "make a visit to sb." 用 pay sb. a visit / pay a visit to sb.,更地道。
Alternatives:make a visit,drop by,call on someone

take notes

记笔记

Meaning: to write down information as you listen or read

Examples
  • Always take notes during lectures.
  • She took careful notes throughout the meeting.
  • I take notes in a small notebook.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "做笔记"不要说 "write notes" / "do notes" ❌(write notes 偏向"写小纸条"),记课堂笔记固定是 take notes。
Alternatives:make notes,jot down notes,keep notes

make friends

交朋友

Meaning: to begin a friendship with someone

Examples
  • She makes friends easily.
  • I made a lot of friends in college.
  • It's hard to make friends in a new city.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "交朋友"不要说 "have friends" ❌(这是"有朋友"),"交"这个动作要用 make friends。
Alternatives:befriend someone,strike up a friendship

do business

做生意

Meaning: to engage in commercial activity

Examples
  • We do business with companies all over Asia.
  • It's a pleasure doing business with you.
  • The store does most of its business online.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "做生意"是 do business,不是 "make business" ❌。注意 make/do 的搭配不能瞎换。
Alternatives:conduct business,trade with,deal with

take action

采取行动

Meaning: to do something to deal with a problem

Examples
  • The government must take action on climate change.
  • It's time to take action.
  • They took swift action to stop the leak.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "采取行动"不要说 "make action" / "do action" ❌,固定是 take action。
Alternatives:take steps,take measures,act on something

make an effort

努力 / 下功夫

Meaning: to try hard to do something

Examples
  • You need to make an effort to be on time.
  • She made a real effort to be friendly.
  • I'll make every effort to help.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "努力"不要说 "do an effort" / "take an effort" ❌,固定是 make an effort。
Alternatives:put in effort,try hard,go the extra mile

have a cold

感冒了

Meaning: to be sick with a cold

Examples
  • I have a bad cold.
  • She's had a cold for a week.
  • I think I'm catching a cold.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "感冒了"不要说 "get a cold sickness" ❌,固定是 have a cold / catch a cold。
Alternatives:catch a cold,come down with a cold

take medicine

吃药

Meaning: to swallow or use medicine

Examples
  • Don't forget to take your medicine.
  • I take this medicine twice a day.
  • She refused to take any medicine.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "吃药"不要直译成 "eat medicine" ❌,英文用 take medicine,跟"吃"没关系。
Alternatives:take a pill,take a tablet

make a phone call

打电话

Meaning: to call someone on the phone

Examples
  • I need to make a phone call.
  • She made several phone calls this morning.
  • Can I make a quick call?
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "打电话"不要说 "play a phone call" / "hit a phone" ❌(中文"打"不是 hit),固定是 make a call。
Alternatives:give someone a call,call someone up,ring someone (BrE)

have lunch

吃午饭

Meaning: to eat the midday meal

Examples
  • Let's have lunch together tomorrow.
  • I usually have lunch at noon.
  • We had a long lunch with the client.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "吃午饭"是 have lunch,不要说 "eat lunch" 也行但远不如 have lunch 自然(英美日常优先 have)。
Alternatives:eat lunch,grab lunch (informal),do lunch (informal)

take a shower

洗澡(淋浴)

Meaning: to wash oneself under a shower

Examples
  • I take a shower every morning.
  • She took a quick shower before work.
  • I'm going to take a shower.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "洗澡"不要说 "wash a shower" / "do a shower" ❌,固定是 take a shower(AmE)/have a shower(BrE)。
Alternatives:have a shower,hop in the shower (informal)

do exercise

锻炼 / 做运动

Meaning: to engage in physical activity

Examples
  • You should do more exercise.
  • She does exercise every morning.
  • Regular exercise is good for you.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "锻炼"是 do exercise,不要说 "make exercise" ❌。注意"运动比赛"用 sport,不是 exercise。
Alternatives:get exercise,work out,exercise (as verb)

make money

赚钱

Meaning: to earn money

Examples
  • He makes a lot of money as a lawyer.
  • It's hard to make money these days.
  • She's making good money in finance.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "赚钱"不要说 "earn money" 也对但远不如 make money 高频,"挣钱"日常英文就是 make money。
Alternatives:earn money,bring in money,rake it in (informal)

have fun

玩得开心

Meaning: to enjoy oneself

Examples
  • Have fun at the party!
  • The kids had so much fun at the zoo.
  • We're having a lot of fun.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "玩得开心"不要说 "play happy" / "make fun" ❌(make fun of sb. 是嘲笑某人,意思完全不同),固定是 have fun。
Alternatives:enjoy oneself,have a good time,have a blast (informal)

make a noise

发出噪音

Meaning: to produce sound (usually unwanted)

Examples
  • Don't make so much noise!
  • The kids were making a lot of noise.
  • Something is making a strange noise in the engine.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "发出噪音"不要说 "do noise" ❌,固定是 make a noise。
Alternatives:make a sound,make a racket (informal)

tell the truth

说实话

Meaning: to say what is true

Examples
  • Always tell the truth.
  • To tell the truth, I'm tired.
  • He's not telling the whole truth.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "说真话"不要说 "say the truth" ❌(say 后面常跟原话或抽象内容),固定是 tell the truth / tell a lie。
Alternatives:speak the truth,come clean (informal),be honest

tell a lie

说谎

Meaning: to say something false

Examples
  • He told a lie to avoid trouble.
  • Don't tell lies to your parents.
  • She told a small lie about her age.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "说谎"是 tell a lie,不是 "say a lie" / "speak a lie" ❌。注意 tell 跟 truth/lie/joke/story 搭。
Alternatives:lie (as verb),fib,be dishonest

do the dishes

洗碗

Meaning: to wash dirty plates and cutlery

Examples
  • Whose turn is it to do the dishes?
  • I hate doing the dishes.
  • I'll cook if you do the dishes.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "洗碗"不要直译 "wash the dishes" 虽然语法对,但日常英美口语是 do the dishes 更高频自然。
Alternatives:wash the dishes,wash up (BrE)

make the bed

铺床 / 整理床铺

Meaning: to arrange the sheets and blankets neatly

Examples
  • I make my bed every morning.
  • Don't forget to make the bed before guests arrive.
  • My mom taught me to make the bed when I was five.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "整理床铺"不要说 "do the bed" / "fold the bed" ❌,固定就是 make the bed。
Alternatives:straighten the bed,tidy up the bed

catch a bus

赶公交 / 坐公交

Meaning: to board a bus

Examples
  • I caught the last bus home.
  • You can catch a bus at the corner.
  • She caught the 7:30 bus to work.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "坐公交"不要说 "sit a bus" ❌(sit on/in the bus 是已经在车上的状态),"乘坐 / 赶"用 catch / take。
Alternatives:take a bus,get on a bus,board a bus

pass an exam

通过考试

Meaning: to do well enough on an exam to succeed

Examples
  • She passed her driving exam.
  • I passed all my exams this semester.
  • Did you pass the math exam?
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "通过考试"是 pass an exam;"参加考试"是 take an exam。两个不要混 ❌:take ≠ pass。
Alternatives:get through an exam,ace an exam (= pass with top score)

take an exam

参加考试

Meaning: to sit for an examination

Examples
  • I have to take three exams this week.
  • She took the entrance exam yesterday.
  • I'm taking my final exam tomorrow.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "考试"这个动作是 take an exam(参加)或 sit an exam(BrE),不是 "do an exam" 或 "join an exam" ❌。
Alternatives:sit an exam (BrE),sit for an exam

tell a joke

讲笑话

Meaning: to say something funny to make people laugh

Examples
  • He told a funny joke at dinner.
  • She tells the best jokes.
  • Let me tell you a joke.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "讲笑话"不要说 "say a joke" ❌(say 后面跟引语,讲故事/笑话用 tell),固定是 tell a joke。
Alternatives:crack a joke,make a joke

tell a story

讲故事

Meaning: to narrate events to someone

Examples
  • Grandpa told us a story before bed.
  • She tells stories that make everyone laugh.
  • Don't tell me a story — just give me the facts.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "讲故事"是 tell a story,不是 "say a story" / "speak a story" ❌。
Alternatives:narrate a story,share a story,spin a yarn (informal)

keep a promise

遵守承诺

Meaning: to do what you said you would do

Examples
  • He always keeps his promises.
  • She kept her promise to call every day.
  • It's important to keep promises to children.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "遵守承诺"不要说 "obey a promise" / "follow a promise" ❌,固定是 keep a promise。"违背承诺"是 break a promise。
Alternatives:honor a promise,stick to a promise

break a promise

违背承诺

Meaning: to fail to do what you said you would do

Examples
  • He broke his promise again.
  • Don't make promises you can't keep.
  • She felt terrible for breaking her promise.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "违背承诺"不要直译 "destroy a promise" ❌(中文"违背"≠ destroy),固定是 break a promise。
Alternatives:go back on a promise,fail to keep a promise

lose weight

减肥 / 减重

Meaning: to become thinner

Examples
  • I'm trying to lose weight.
  • She lost ten kilos in three months.
  • It can be hard to lose weight after 40.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "减肥"不要说 "reduce weight" ❌(reduce 是中翻英),也不要说 "decrease weight"。固定是 lose weight。
Alternatives:shed pounds,slim down,drop weight

gain weight

增重 / 长胖

Meaning: to become heavier

Examples
  • I've gained five pounds over the holidays.
  • He needs to gain some weight — he's too thin.
  • It's easy to gain weight in winter.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "长胖"不要说 "grow fat" ❌(粗鲁且不自然),固定是 gain weight / put on weight。
Alternatives:put on weight,pack on the pounds (informal)

reach an agreement

达成协议

Meaning: to come to a shared decision

Examples
  • The two sides reached an agreement late last night.
  • We couldn't reach an agreement on the price.
  • They've reached a tentative agreement.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "达成协议"不要说 "arrive an agreement" 漏 at ❌,要 arrive at an agreement / reach an agreement。
Alternatives:come to an agreement,arrive at an agreement,strike a deal

draw a conclusion

得出结论

Meaning: to form an opinion based on evidence

Examples
  • It's too early to draw any conclusions.
  • The study drew several important conclusions.
  • Don't draw conclusions before you have all the facts.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "得出结论"不要说 "get a conclusion" / "make a conclusion" ❌,学术英文固定是 draw a conclusion。
Alternatives:come to a conclusion,reach a conclusion,arrive at a conclusion

play a role

起作用 / 扮演角色

Meaning: to have an influence or function in something

Examples
  • Diet plays a key role in health.
  • He played a major role in the company's success.
  • Technology plays an important role in education.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "起作用"不要说 "act a role" / "do a role" ❌,固定是 play a role / play a part。
Alternatives:play a part,have an influence on,contribute to

make a contribution

做出贡献

Meaning: to add something valuable

Examples
  • She made a major contribution to the project.
  • Every team member made a contribution.
  • He made a small contribution to the charity.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "做贡献"不要说 "do a contribution" / "give a contribution" ❌(give a contribution 偏向"捐款"),正式贡献是 make a contribution。
Alternatives:contribute to,add value,play a part

pose a threat

构成威胁

Meaning: to be a danger to someone or something

Examples
  • Climate change poses a serious threat to coastal cities.
  • The new virus poses a threat to public health.
  • These weapons pose a threat to global security.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "构成威胁"雅思托福高分搭配,不要说 "make a threat" ❌(make a threat 是"发出威胁/恐吓")。
Alternatives:present a threat,represent a threat,be a threat to

raise a question

提出问题

Meaning: to bring up a question for discussion

Examples
  • This raises an important question.
  • The report raises many questions about safety.
  • May I raise a question about the budget?
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "提出问题"在书面英语里用 raise 比 ask 更正式;"问问题"日常是 ask a question。两者别混 ❌。
Alternatives:bring up a question,pose a question,put forward a question

meet a deadline

赶上截止日期

Meaning: to finish something by the required date

Examples
  • We have to meet the deadline next Friday.
  • She always meets her deadlines.
  • I'm worried about meeting the deadline.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "赶 deadline"不要说 "catch a deadline" ❌(catch 不跟 deadline 搭),固定是 meet a deadline。"错过"是 miss a deadline。
Alternatives:hit a deadline,beat a deadline (finish early)

win a prize

赢得奖项

Meaning: to be awarded a prize

Examples
  • She won first prize in the competition.
  • I've never won a prize in my life.
  • He won the Nobel Prize last year.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "得奖"是 win a prize,不是 "get a prize" ❌(get 太弱)或 "earn a prize"。
Alternatives:take home a prize,be awarded a prize

face a problem

面临问题

Meaning: to encounter a difficulty

Examples
  • We're facing a serious problem.
  • The company is facing financial problems.
  • Many students face the same problem.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "面对问题"不要说 "meet a problem" ❌(meet a person 才地道),英文用 face / encounter a problem。
Alternatives:encounter a problem,run into a problem,come up against a problem

take a risk

冒风险

Meaning: to do something that might be dangerous or fail

Examples
  • Investors who take risks can earn more.
  • She took a big risk by quitting her stable job.
  • I'm not willing to take that risk.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "冒风险"是 take a risk,不要说 "do a risk" / "make a risk" ❌。run a risk 也对(run the risk of doing)。
Alternatives:run a risk,take a chance,take a gamble

give an example

举例子

Meaning: to mention a specific case to illustrate a point

Examples
  • Can you give an example?
  • Let me give you a concrete example.
  • The teacher gave several examples to explain the rule.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "举例子"是 give an example,不要说 "make an example"(make an example of sb. 是"拿某人杀鸡儆猴",意思完全不同)❌。
Alternatives:provide an example,cite an example,set an example (= 树榜样)

pay a compliment

称赞 / 夸奖

Meaning: to say something nice about someone

Examples
  • He paid her a nice compliment on her presentation.
  • It's polite to pay a compliment now and then.
  • She paid me a compliment about my cooking.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "夸奖某人"是 pay sb. a compliment,不要说 "give a praise" / "do a compliment" ❌。
Alternatives:give a compliment,praise someone,flatter someone

do research

做研究

Meaning: to study a subject in detail to discover facts

Examples
  • She does research on renewable energy.
  • I need to do more research before deciding.
  • The team is doing research into new materials.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "做研究"是 do research(research 不可数,不加 s ❌:不要说 "do researches"),"做调查"是 conduct a survey。
Alternatives:conduct research,carry out research,look into

make a suggestion

提建议

Meaning: to offer an idea for consideration

Examples
  • May I make a suggestion?
  • She made a helpful suggestion at the meeting.
  • He made several suggestions about the design.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "提建议"是 make a suggestion / put forward a suggestion,不要说 "give a suggestion" 也有人用,但 make a suggestion 更标准 ❌。
Alternatives:put forward a suggestion,offer a suggestion,propose an idea

take a seat

就座 / 坐下

Meaning: to sit down

Examples
  • Please take a seat.
  • She took a seat near the window.
  • Take a seat — the doctor will see you shortly.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "请坐"礼貌说法是 take a seat / have a seat,不要说 "sit your seat" / "sit down please" 偏生硬 ❌。
Alternatives:have a seat,sit down,be seated

set a record

创纪录

Meaning: to achieve the best performance ever recorded

Examples
  • She set a new world record in the 100 meters.
  • The company set a record for quarterly sales.
  • He set a record that stood for twenty years.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "创纪录"是 set a record;"打破纪录"是 break a record。两个动词别混 ❌:set ≠ break。
Alternatives:break a record,achieve a record,establish a record

break a record

打破纪录

Meaning: to beat the best previous performance

Examples
  • He broke the national record last weekend.
  • The film broke box-office records.
  • She broke her own record by two seconds.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "打破纪录"是 break a record,不要说 "destroy a record" / "beat a record"(beat a record 偏弱,正式用 break)❌。
Alternatives:beat a record,smash a record,shatter a record

take a nap

小睡 / 打个盹

Meaning: to sleep for a short time during the day

Examples
  • I usually take a short nap after lunch.
  • The baby took a long nap this afternoon.
  • He likes to take a nap on weekends.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "打个盹"是 take a nap / have a nap,不要说 "sleep a nap" / "do a nap" ❌。
Alternatives:have a nap,catch some sleep,grab forty winks (informal)

catch a cold

着凉 / 感冒

Meaning: to become ill with a cold

Examples
  • Wear a coat or you might catch a cold.
  • I caught a cold on the trip.
  • She catches a cold every winter.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "感冒了"动作是 catch a cold,状态是 have a cold。不要说 "get a cold sick" ❌。
Alternatives:come down with a cold,get a cold

place an order

下订单

Meaning: to ask a company to supply goods or food

Examples
  • I'd like to place an order for ten units.
  • She placed an order online last night.
  • You can place an order over the phone.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "下订单"是 place an order,不要说 "make an order" 偏弱 / "do an order" ❌。"点菜"用 order(动词)。
Alternatives:put in an order,submit an order

run a business

经营公司 / 做生意

Meaning: to manage a company

Examples
  • They run a small family business.
  • It's not easy to run a business in this economy.
  • She runs a successful online business.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "经营公司"是 run a business,不要说 "operate a business" 也对但 run 更口语自然,"do a business" ❌。
Alternatives:operate a business,manage a company,own a business

make an appointment

预约

Meaning: to arrange a time to meet someone

Examples
  • I need to make an appointment with the dentist.
  • She made an appointment for next Tuesday.
  • Can I make an appointment to see the manager?
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "预约"是 make an appointment,不要说 "book an appointment" 也对(BrE 常用),但 "do an appointment" ❌。
Alternatives:book an appointment,schedule an appointment,set up a meeting

give birth

生孩子 / 分娩

Meaning: to produce a baby

Examples
  • She gave birth to a healthy boy.
  • The cat gave birth to four kittens.
  • She gave birth at home.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "生孩子"是 give birth (to),不要说 "born a baby" / "make a baby" ❌(be born 是"被生下来",主语是婴儿)。
Alternatives:have a baby,deliver a baby (medical)

take a trip

去旅行

Meaning: to make a journey

Examples
  • We took a trip to the coast last summer.
  • She's taking a trip to Japan next month.
  • They took a short trip over the holidays.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "去旅行"是 take a trip / go on a trip,不要说 "make a trip" 也对但偏"特地跑一趟",日常用 take/go on ❌。
Alternatives:go on a trip,make a trip,take a journey

hold a record

保持纪录

Meaning: to be the current best performer

Examples
  • She holds the record for the fastest time.
  • He still holds the school record.
  • The team holds the record for most wins.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "保持纪录"是 hold a record;"创纪录"是 set a record。注意 hold(持续保持)≠ set(刚创造)❌。
Alternatives:keep a record,maintain a record

pay the bill

付账单

Meaning: to settle an amount owed

Examples
  • I'll pay the bill this time.
  • They forgot to pay the electricity bill.
  • Who is going to pay the bill?
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "付账"是 pay the bill,不要说 "pay the check"(AmE 餐厅可以,英式用 bill) / "give the bill" ❌。
Alternatives:settle the bill,foot the bill,pick up the tab (informal)

make a profit

盈利 / 赚取利润

Meaning: to earn more than you spend

Examples
  • The company made a healthy profit last year.
  • We didn't make a profit in the first quarter.
  • They sold the house and made a big profit.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "盈利"是 make a profit;"亏损"是 make a loss / run at a loss。不要说 "get a profit" ❌。
Alternatives:turn a profit,earn a profit,make money

tell the difference

分辨 / 看出区别

Meaning: to recognize how two things are different

Examples
  • I can't tell the difference between the two brands.
  • Can you tell the difference between butter and margarine?
  • It's hard to tell the difference in the dark.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "看出区别"是 tell the difference,不要说 "see the difference" 也对但"分辨"动作固定 tell ❌。
Alternatives:spot the difference,distinguish between

take a message

记口信 / 转告

Meaning: to write down a message for someone who is unavailable

Examples
  • He's not here — can I take a message?
  • The receptionist took a message for me.
  • I'll take a message and pass it on.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "帮你记口信"是 take a message(接电话方),"留口信"是 leave a message(打电话方)。两个动词别反 ❌。
Alternatives:leave a message,pass on a message

make a difference

产生影响 / 有所不同

Meaning: to have a noticeable effect

Examples
  • A small change can make a big difference.
  • Volunteers really make a difference in the community.
  • Does it make any difference if I come early?
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "产生影响 / 有用"是 make a difference,不要说 "do a difference" / "have a difference" ❌(have a difference 偏"有分歧")。
Alternatives:have an impact,make an impact,count

do harm

造成伤害 / 有害

Meaning: to cause damage or injury

Examples
  • Too much sun can do harm to your skin.
  • A little criticism does no harm.
  • The chemicals did serious harm to the river.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "造成伤害"是 do harm (to);"伤害感情"用 hurt。不要说 "make harm" ❌。"无害"是 do no harm。
Alternatives:cause harm,cause damage,do damage

make sense

说得通 / 有道理

Meaning: to be logical or understandable

Examples
  • That explanation makes sense.
  • It makes no sense to leave now.
  • Does this sentence make sense to you?
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "说得通 / 有道理"是 make sense,不要说 "have sense"(have the sense to do 是"明智地做") / "make reason" ❌。
Alternatives:add up,hold water,stand to reason

give a hand

帮忙 / 搭把手

Meaning: to help someone (also: to applaud)

Examples
  • Can you give me a hand with these boxes?
  • She always gives a hand when needed.
  • Let's give the performers a big hand!
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "帮忙"是 give sb. a hand,不要说 "give a help" ❌。注意 give a hand 还有"鼓掌"的意思。
Alternatives:lend a hand,help out,pitch in

make a fortune

发大财

Meaning: to earn a very large amount of money

Examples
  • He made a fortune in real estate.
  • You can make a fortune if the idea takes off.
  • She made a small fortune selling crafts online.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "发大财"是 make a fortune,不要说 "earn a fortune" 也对但 make 更地道,"get a fortune" ❌。
Alternatives:make a killing (informal),strike it rich,rake in money

take a step

迈出一步 / 采取措施

Meaning: to make a movement, or to take action toward a goal

Examples
  • She took a step forward.
  • The government took steps to reduce pollution.
  • This is the first step toward recovery.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "采取措施"是 take steps (to do),不要说 "make a step" / "do steps" ❌。"迈步"物理动作也是 take a step。
Alternatives:take measures,take action,move forward

make a reservation

订位 / 预订

Meaning: to arrange to have a table, room, or seat kept for you

Examples
  • I'd like to make a reservation for two.
  • She made a reservation at the hotel.
  • Did you make a reservation for dinner?
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "订位"是 make a reservation / book a table,不要说 "do a reservation" / "make a booking seat" ❌。
Alternatives:book a table,reserve a table,make a booking

Adj + Noun (63)

heavy rain

大雨

Meaning: rain falling in large amounts

Examples
  • Heavy rain is expected this weekend.
  • The match was canceled due to heavy rain.
  • We drove through heavy rain for hours.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "大雨"不要直译 "big rain" ❌,英文用 heavy(强调量大、密集)。"大雪"同理是 heavy snow。
Alternatives:pouring rain,torrential rain,a downpour

fast food

快餐

Meaning: food that is prepared and served quickly

Examples
  • I try not to eat fast food.
  • There's a fast food restaurant on every corner.
  • Fast food is cheap but unhealthy.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "快餐"固定 fast food,不要写 "quick food" ❌(quick 不跟 food 搭)。注意"垃圾食品"是 junk food。
Alternatives:quick meal,takeout food,junk food (negative connotation)

strong coffee

浓咖啡

Meaning: coffee with a powerful flavor

Examples
  • I need a strong coffee this morning.
  • She likes her coffee strong and black.
  • This is the strongest coffee I've ever had.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "浓咖啡"是 strong coffee,不是 "thick coffee" / "heavy coffee" ❌。注意"浓茶"也是 strong tea。
Alternatives:bold coffee,rich coffee,a stiff coffee

deep sleep

深度睡眠

Meaning: a sound, undisturbed sleep

Examples
  • He fell into a deep sleep.
  • Babies need plenty of deep sleep.
  • I was in a deep sleep when the phone rang.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "深度睡眠"是 deep sleep,不是 "heavy sleep" ❌(heavy sleeper 是"睡得沉的人",但 sleep 本身用 deep)。
Alternatives:sound sleep,restful sleep

broad knowledge

广博的知识

Meaning: extensive knowledge across many areas

Examples
  • She has a broad knowledge of history.
  • The job requires broad knowledge of finance.
  • He has broad knowledge but no depth.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "广博的知识"是 broad knowledge,不要说 "wide knowledge" ❌(wide 不太跟 knowledge 搭)或 "big knowledge"。
Alternatives:extensive knowledge,wide-ranging knowledge,comprehensive knowledge

high price

高价 / 昂贵

Meaning: a price that is expensive

Examples
  • Houses in this area come with a high price.
  • He paid a high price for the antique.
  • We can't afford the high prices.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "价格高"是 high price / low price,不是 "expensive price" ❌(expensive 形容物,不形容价格本身)。
Alternatives:steep price,hefty price,premium price

low price

低价

Meaning: a price that is inexpensive

Examples
  • We sell quality goods at low prices.
  • The low price made it an easy decision.
  • You won't find a lower price anywhere.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "价格低"是 low price,不是 "cheap price" ❌(cheap 形容物;cheap price 算 cliché 错搭)。
Alternatives:bargain price,rock-bottom price,budget price

a serious illness

严重的疾病

Meaning: an illness that is dangerous

Examples
  • He's recovering from a serious illness.
  • The diagnosis revealed a serious illness.
  • Many serious illnesses can be prevented.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "严重的病"是 serious illness / serious disease,不要说 "heavy illness" ❌。注意"重感冒"才用 heavy(heavy cold)。
Alternatives:severe illness,major illness,life-threatening illness

a heavy cold

重感冒

Meaning: a bad cold with strong symptoms

Examples
  • I've got a heavy cold and can't go to work.
  • She caught a heavy cold last week.
  • He's still recovering from a heavy cold.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: 注意区分:重感冒 = heavy cold(BrE),AmE 更常说 bad cold。"严重的疾病"才是 serious illness,不要乱套 ❌。
Alternatives:bad cold,nasty cold,a stinker of a cold (informal BrE)

strong tea

浓茶

Meaning: tea with intense flavor

Examples
  • I like my tea strong.
  • This is a very strong tea.
  • Strong tea keeps me awake at night.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "浓茶"是 strong tea,不要直译 "thick tea" ❌。"淡茶"是 weak tea。
Alternatives:robust tea,bold tea

weak tea

淡茶 / 茶水兑得很淡

Meaning: tea with little flavor

Examples
  • This tea is too weak for me.
  • He prefers weak tea in the afternoon.
  • She made the tea weak so the kids could drink it.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "淡茶"是 weak tea,不要说 "light tea" / "thin tea" ❌(light tea 通常指茶颜色浅,不指浓度)。
Alternatives:watery tea,diluted tea

a busy day

忙碌的一天

Meaning: a day full of activity

Examples
  • I had a busy day at work.
  • Tomorrow's going to be a busy day.
  • After a busy day, all I want is to sleep.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "忙碌的一天"是 busy day,不要说 "full day" 也对但意思偏向"完整一天/排满的一天",感觉不一样。
Alternatives:hectic day,full day,packed day

high standards

高标准

Meaning: demanding levels of quality

Examples
  • The school has very high standards.
  • She sets high standards for herself.
  • Maintaining high standards is essential.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "高标准"是 high standards,不要说 "tall standards" / "big standards" ❌。
Alternatives:exacting standards,rigorous standards,top standards

bad luck

坏运气

Meaning: misfortune

Examples
  • I've had a lot of bad luck recently.
  • It was just bad luck — nothing you could do.
  • What bad luck to break your leg on holiday!
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "运气不好"是 bad luck,不要说 "no luck" ❌(no luck 是"没成功"的意思,不是"运气坏")。
Alternatives:hard luck,tough luck,misfortune

good luck

好运

Meaning: fortune; or a wish for success

Examples
  • Good luck with your interview!
  • It was pure good luck that we found the place.
  • I wish you the best of luck.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "祝好运"是 good luck,不要说 "wish luck" ❌,要 wish someone luck / good luck。
Alternatives:best of luck,all the best,fingers crossed

a major problem

严重问题

Meaning: a serious or large problem

Examples
  • Pollution is a major problem in many cities.
  • We're facing a major problem with funding.
  • This is a major problem that needs immediate attention.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "大问题"不要说 "big problem"(口语可以,但书面英文偏弱),正式英语是 major / serious problem。
Alternatives:serious problem,significant problem,major issue

close friend

亲密的朋友

Meaning: a friend you are very close to

Examples
  • He's a close friend of mine.
  • She invited only close friends to the wedding.
  • I don't have many close friends.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "亲密的朋友"是 close friend,不要说 "near friend" / "tight friend" ❌(tight 后者口语行,但正式 close)。
Alternatives:best friend,good friend,intimate friend

heavy traffic

交通拥堵

Meaning: many vehicles on the road

Examples
  • I'm stuck in heavy traffic.
  • Heavy traffic delayed us by an hour.
  • Avoid the highway — there's heavy traffic.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "车流大 / 堵车"是 heavy traffic,不要说 "big traffic" / "many traffic" ❌(traffic 不可数)。
Alternatives:dense traffic,congested traffic,a traffic jam

bright future

光明的未来

Meaning: a future full of promise

Examples
  • She has a bright future ahead of her.
  • The company has a bright future.
  • I see a bright future for this team.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "光明的未来"是 bright future,不要说 "light future" / "shining future" ❌。
Alternatives:promising future,rosy future

a strong argument

有力的论点

Meaning: a convincing argument

Examples
  • She made a strong argument for the policy.
  • It's a strong argument, but I disagree.
  • The lawyer presented a very strong argument.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "有力论点"不要说 "powerful argument" ❌(powerful 太强烈,不自然),正式英语是 strong argument。
Alternatives:compelling argument,convincing argument,solid argument

fresh air

新鲜空气

Meaning: clean outdoor air

Examples
  • I need some fresh air.
  • Let's go outside and get some fresh air.
  • The mountain has the freshest air.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "新鲜空气"是 fresh air,不要说 "new air" ❌(new 不跟 air 搭)。
Alternatives:clean air,crisp air

a tough decision

艰难的决定

Meaning: a difficult choice

Examples
  • It was a tough decision, but I had to make it.
  • She's facing a tough decision about her career.
  • Leaving was the toughest decision of my life.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "艰难的决定"是 tough / hard / difficult decision,不要说 "hard-to-make decision" ❌(冗长)。
Alternatives:hard decision,difficult decision,tough call

a key factor

关键因素

Meaning: a critical contributing element

Examples
  • Price is a key factor in our decision.
  • Education is a key factor in reducing poverty.
  • Several key factors contributed to the failure.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "关键因素"是 key factor,不要说 "important factor"(可以但弱) 或 "main reason"(用 main reason 更口语)。学术写作 key factor 最准。
Alternatives:crucial factor,critical factor,major factor

a global issue

全球性问题

Meaning: a problem that affects the whole world

Examples
  • Climate change is a global issue.
  • Hunger remains a global issue.
  • This requires a global issue response.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "全球性问题"是 global issue,不要说 "world problem" / "earth issue" ❌。global 是雅思托福高分词。
Alternatives:worldwide issue,international issue,global challenge

a vast majority

绝大多数

Meaning: an overwhelming proportion

Examples
  • The vast majority of students passed.
  • A vast majority of voters supported the bill.
  • The vast majority of accidents happen at home.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "绝大多数"是 vast majority,不要说 "big majority" ❌。雅思托福写作高分搭配。
Alternatives:overwhelming majority,large majority

a common mistake

常见错误

Meaning: a frequently-made error

Examples
  • That's a common mistake — don't worry about it.
  • This is the most common mistake students make.
  • It's a common mistake to assume the past tense follows did.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "常见错误"是 common mistake,不要说 "usual mistake" / "popular mistake" ❌(popular 是"流行/受欢迎",意思不同)。
Alternatives:frequent mistake,typical mistake

mass production

大规模生产

Meaning: producing goods in large quantities

Examples
  • Mass production made cars affordable.
  • The factory uses mass production techniques.
  • Mass production reduced the cost per unit.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "大规模生产"是 mass production,不要说 "large-scale produce" / "big production" ❌。
Alternatives:large-scale production,bulk production

a hot topic

热门话题

Meaning: a subject being widely discussed

Examples
  • AI is a hot topic right now.
  • Immigration has become a hot topic.
  • Let's not get into that hot topic at dinner.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "热门话题"是 hot topic,不要说 "popular topic" 也对但偏弱;hot topic 更地道。
Alternatives:trending topic,burning issue,talking point

a complete waste

完全浪费

Meaning: something entirely wasteful

Examples
  • That movie was a complete waste of time.
  • It's a complete waste of money.
  • The meeting was a complete waste.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "完全浪费"是 complete / total waste,不要说 "all waste" / "100% waste" ❌(后者太中式)。
Alternatives:total waste,utter waste,sheer waste

a long way

很远 / 还有很长的路

Meaning: a great distance, literal or metaphorical

Examples
  • It's a long way from here to Beijing.
  • We've come a long way since last year.
  • There's still a long way to go before we finish.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "还有很长的路要走"是 a long way to go,不要说 "a far way" ❌(far 不跟 way 这么搭)。
Alternatives:a great distance,far to go

free time

空闲时间

Meaning: time when you have no obligations

Examples
  • What do you do in your free time?
  • I don't have much free time these days.
  • She spends her free time painting.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "空闲时间"是 free time,不要说 "empty time" / "blank time" ❌。
Alternatives:spare time,leisure time,downtime

huge success

巨大成功

Meaning: a very successful outcome

Examples
  • The film was a huge success.
  • Their album was a huge success worldwide.
  • The product became a huge success overnight.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "巨大成功"是 huge / great / big success,不要说 "large success" ❌(large 不太跟 success 搭)。
Alternatives:great success,massive success,roaring success

utter nonsense

一派胡言 / 纯属胡说

Meaning: complete rubbish or nonsense

Examples
  • That's utter nonsense.
  • He spoke utter nonsense for twenty minutes.
  • Calling it a scientific theory is utter nonsense.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "完全胡说"是 utter nonsense / complete nonsense,不要说 "totally nonsense" 缺冠词 ❌。
Alternatives:complete nonsense,total rubbish,sheer nonsense

wild guess

瞎猜 / 胡乱猜测

Meaning: a guess made with no information

Examples
  • I'll take a wild guess — Tuesday?
  • It's just a wild guess on my part.
  • At a wild guess, I'd say 40 percent.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "瞎猜"是 wild guess,不要说 "blind guess" / "random guess" ❌(后者也可以但远不如 wild guess 高频)。
Alternatives:rough guess,shot in the dark,stab in the dark

pure coincidence

纯属巧合

Meaning: a coincidence that nothing caused

Examples
  • It was pure coincidence that we met.
  • By pure coincidence, we were both in Paris that week.
  • I assure you, it's pure coincidence.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "纯属巧合"是 pure coincidence,不要说 "simple coincidence" / "only coincidence" ❌。
Alternatives:sheer coincidence,mere coincidence

a tight schedule

日程紧张

Meaning: a schedule with little spare time

Examples
  • I'm on a tight schedule today.
  • She has a tight schedule this week.
  • We're working to a tight schedule.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "日程紧"是 tight schedule,不要说 "narrow schedule" / "busy schedule"(busy 偏向忙,tight 强调没缝隙)。
Alternatives:packed schedule,busy schedule,hectic schedule

a steep increase

急剧上升

Meaning: a sharp rise

Examples
  • There's been a steep increase in housing prices.
  • The chart shows a steep increase in sales.
  • We saw a steep increase in users this month.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "急剧上升"雅思图表作文高频:steep / sharp / dramatic increase,不要说 "fast increase" ❌(fast 不跟 increase 这么搭)。
Alternatives:sharp increase,dramatic increase,a surge

a slight difference

细微差别

Meaning: a small difference

Examples
  • There's a slight difference between the two versions.
  • I noticed a slight difference in tone.
  • It's only a slight difference, but it matters.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "细微差别"是 slight difference / subtle difference,不要说 "little difference" 也对但不如 slight 精准。
Alternatives:subtle difference,minor difference,small difference

a valuable lesson

宝贵的教训

Meaning: an important lesson learned

Examples
  • I learned a valuable lesson from that mistake.
  • It was a valuable lesson in patience.
  • She taught me a valuable lesson about kindness.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "宝贵的教训"是 valuable lesson,不要说 "precious lesson" ❌(precious 偏向"珍贵物品",感情味重)。
Alternatives:important lesson,meaningful lesson

heavy snow

大雪

Meaning: snow falling in large amounts

Examples
  • Heavy snow closed the airport.
  • We woke to heavy snow this morning.
  • Heavy snow is forecast for the mountains.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "大雪"是 heavy snow,不要直译 "big snow" / "strong snow" ❌。跟"大雨 heavy rain"同一逻辑。
Alternatives:a heavy snowfall,a blizzard

strong wind

大风

Meaning: wind blowing with great force

Examples
  • Strong winds knocked down several trees.
  • A strong wind blew my hat off.
  • Sailing is dangerous in strong winds.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "大风"是 strong wind,不要说 "big wind" / "heavy wind" ❌(注意"风"用 strong,"雨/雪"用 heavy)。
Alternatives:high winds,a gale,gusty wind

a heavy smoker

烟瘾很大的人

Meaning: a person who smokes a lot

Examples
  • He used to be a heavy smoker.
  • Her father was a heavy smoker for thirty years.
  • Heavy smokers face higher health risks.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "烟瘾大"是 heavy smoker / heavy drinker,不要说 "big smoker" / "strong smoker" ❌(heavy 表"程度重")。
Alternatives:a chain smoker,a habitual smoker

a light meal

便餐 / 清淡的一餐

Meaning: a small or simple meal

Examples
  • I just want a light meal tonight.
  • They served a light meal before the show.
  • A light meal is best before exercise.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "清淡 / 简单的一餐"是 light meal,不要说 "small eat" / "thin meal" ❌。重餐是 heavy meal。
Alternatives:a snack,a bite to eat,a light bite

a narrow escape

死里逃生 / 险些遇难

Meaning: a situation where you only just avoided danger

Examples
  • We had a narrow escape on the icy road.
  • It was a narrow escape — the car missed us by inches.
  • He had a narrow escape from the fire.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "死里逃生 / 险些"是 narrow escape,不要说 "thin escape" / "close run" ❌(close call 也对)。
Alternatives:a close call,a close shave,a near miss

a heated debate

激烈的辩论

Meaning: an argument full of strong, angry feelings

Examples
  • The proposal sparked a heated debate.
  • There was a heated debate about the budget.
  • The meeting turned into a heated debate.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "激烈辩论"是 heated debate / heated argument,不要说 "hot debate"(hot 指话题热门,heated 指情绪激烈)❌。
Alternatives:a fierce debate,a lively debate,a fierce argument

a balanced diet

均衡饮食

Meaning: a diet with the right mix of nutrients

Examples
  • A balanced diet keeps you healthy.
  • Doctors recommend a balanced diet and exercise.
  • Children need a balanced diet to grow.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "均衡饮食"是 balanced diet,不要说 "even diet" / "average diet" ❌。雅思健康类作文高频。
Alternatives:a healthy diet,a nutritious diet,a well-rounded diet

a warm welcome

热烈欢迎

Meaning: a friendly and enthusiastic reception

Examples
  • They gave us a warm welcome.
  • The new students received a warm welcome.
  • Thank you for the warm welcome.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "热烈欢迎"是 warm welcome,不要说 "hot welcome" / "heated welcome" ❌(warm 指热情)。
Alternatives:a hearty welcome,a friendly reception

a deep impression

深刻的印象

Meaning: a strong, lasting effect on someone

Examples
  • The trip left a deep impression on me.
  • Her speech made a deep impression on the audience.
  • The book left a deep impression.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "留下深刻印象"是 leave / make a deep impression,不要说 "deep print" / "give a deep impression" ❌。
Alternatives:a lasting impression,a strong impression,a profound impression

a minor injury

轻伤

Meaning: a small, not serious injury

Examples
  • He suffered only minor injuries in the crash.
  • It was a minor injury, nothing serious.
  • The players had minor injuries after the match.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "轻伤"是 minor injury;"重伤"是 serious / severe injury。不要说 "small injury" / "light injury" ❌。
Alternatives:a slight injury,a small injury

a heavy burden

沉重的负担

Meaning: a difficult responsibility or load

Examples
  • Debt is a heavy burden on the family.
  • She carries a heavy burden of responsibility.
  • The tax is a heavy burden for small businesses.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "沉重负担"是 heavy burden,不要说 "big burden" / "strong burden" ❌(burden 用 heavy)。
Alternatives:a great burden,a huge burden

a brief summary

简短的总结

Meaning: a short account of the main points

Examples
  • Give me a brief summary of the report.
  • Here's a brief summary of what we discussed.
  • She wrote a brief summary at the end.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "简短总结"是 brief summary,不要说 "short summary"(也对)but "small summary" / "little summary" ❌。
Alternatives:a short summary,a quick overview,a brief overview

a heavy workload

繁重的工作量

Meaning: a large amount of work to do

Examples
  • Nurses often have a heavy workload.
  • A heavy workload left her exhausted.
  • The heavy workload caused a lot of stress.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "工作量大"是 heavy workload,不要说 "big workload"(口语可以)/ "much work load" ❌。
Alternatives:a demanding workload,a punishing workload

a sharp rise

急剧上升

Meaning: a sudden, large increase

Examples
  • There was a sharp rise in fuel prices.
  • The chart shows a sharp rise in temperature.
  • We saw a sharp rise in demand this year.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "急剧上升"雅思图表词:sharp / steep / dramatic rise,不要说 "fast rise" / "quick rise" ❌。
Alternatives:a steep rise,a dramatic rise,a surge

a gradual decline

逐渐下降

Meaning: a slow, steady decrease

Examples
  • There has been a gradual decline in sales.
  • The data shows a gradual decline over ten years.
  • We saw a gradual decline in attendance.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "逐渐下降"是 gradual / steady decline,不要说 "slow down decline" / "small decline" ❌。雅思图表高频。
Alternatives:a steady decline,a slow decline,a downward trend

a fair chance

公平的机会 / 相当大的可能

Meaning: a reasonable opportunity or likelihood

Examples
  • Everyone deserves a fair chance.
  • There's a fair chance of rain tomorrow.
  • Give the new plan a fair chance.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "公平的机会"是 fair chance,不要说 "just chance" / "equal chance" ❌(equal chance 偏"同等几率")。
Alternatives:a reasonable chance,an even chance,a fighting chance

a rough estimate

粗略估计

Meaning: an approximate calculation

Examples
  • Can you give me a rough estimate of the cost?
  • At a rough estimate, it'll take three days.
  • That's just a rough estimate, not the final price.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "粗略估计"是 rough estimate,不要说 "raw estimate" / "approximate guess" ❌。
Alternatives:a ballpark figure,an approximate figure

a strong accent

很重的口音

Meaning: a very noticeable way of pronouncing words

Examples
  • She speaks English with a strong French accent.
  • His strong accent made him hard to understand.
  • He still has a strong regional accent.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "口音很重"是 strong / thick accent,不要说 "heavy accent"(也可以)but "big accent" ❌。
Alternatives:a thick accent,a heavy accent,a pronounced accent

a heavy accent

浓重的口音

Meaning: an accent that is very strong and obvious

Examples
  • He spoke with a heavy German accent.
  • Her heavy accent slowly faded after years abroad.
  • The actor used a heavy accent for the role.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "浓重口音"heavy / thick / strong accent 都对,但 "big accent" / "deep accent" ❌。
Alternatives:a thick accent,a strong accent,a broad accent

a vicious circle

恶性循环

Meaning: a situation where one problem causes another, making things worse

Examples
  • Debt and stress can become a vicious circle.
  • It's a vicious circle: less sleep, more mistakes, more stress.
  • Poverty and poor education form a vicious circle.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "恶性循环"是 vicious circle / vicious cycle,不要直译 "bad circulation" / "evil loop" ❌。
Alternatives:a vicious cycle,a downward spiral

a sound investment

稳健的投资

Meaning: a wise and safe investment

Examples
  • Property is usually a sound investment.
  • Advisers called it a sound investment.
  • Education is a sound investment in your future.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "稳健投资"是 sound investment(sound = 可靠的),不要说 "safe investment"(也对)but "healthy investment" ❌。
Alternatives:a wise investment,a safe investment,a smart investment

a heavy fine

高额罚款

Meaning: a large amount of money to pay as punishment

Examples
  • He received a heavy fine for speeding.
  • The company faces a heavy fine for pollution.
  • A heavy fine was imposed on the driver.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "高额罚款"是 heavy / hefty fine,不要说 "big fine"(口语可)/ "high fine" ❌。
Alternatives:a hefty fine,a stiff fine,a steep fine

mutual respect

相互尊重

Meaning: respect that two sides feel for each other

Examples
  • Their friendship is built on mutual respect.
  • A good team needs mutual respect.
  • We work together with mutual respect.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "相互尊重"是 mutual respect,不要说 "each other respect" / "double respect" ❌。
Alternatives:shared respect,reciprocal respect

a steady job

稳定的工作

Meaning: a regular, secure job

Examples
  • He finally found a steady job.
  • A steady job gives you peace of mind.
  • She gave up acting for a steady job.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "稳定的工作"是 steady / stable job,不要说 "fixed job" / "firm job" ❌。
Alternatives:a stable job,a secure job,a permanent job

Verb + Prep (63)

depend on

取决于 / 依赖

Meaning: to be decided by; to rely on

Examples
  • It depends on the weather.
  • Children depend on their parents.
  • Success depends on hard work.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "取决于"是 depend on,不要说 "depend of" / "depend from" ❌。这是中国学生最高频介词错误之一。
Alternatives:rely on,count on,be contingent on

consist of

由…组成

Meaning: to be made up of

Examples
  • The team consists of ten members.
  • Water consists of hydrogen and oxygen.
  • The course consists of twelve lessons.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "由…组成"是 consist of,不要说 "consist in" / "consist from" ❌(consist in = 在于,意思完全不同)。
Alternatives:be made up of,be composed of,comprise

look after

照顾

Meaning: to take care of

Examples
  • She looks after her grandmother.
  • Who's looking after the kids tonight?
  • He looks after the family business.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "照顾"是 look after,不要说 "look for"(寻找)或 "care of" ❌。look after = take care of。
Alternatives:take care of,care for,watch over

care about

在乎 / 关心

Meaning: to feel concern for

Examples
  • I really care about my friends.
  • He doesn't care about money.
  • She cares deeply about the environment.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "在乎"是 care about,"照顾"是 care for / take care of。两个别混 ❌:care about ≠ care for。
Alternatives:be concerned about,mind,give a damn (informal)

suffer from

患有 / 受…困扰

Meaning: to be affected by an illness or hardship

Examples
  • He suffers from migraines.
  • Many people suffer from anxiety.
  • The region suffered from drought.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "患有"是 suffer from,不要说 "suffer of" / "suffer by" ❌。
Alternatives:be afflicted with,struggle with,be plagued by

belong to

属于

Meaning: to be the property of

Examples
  • This book belongs to me.
  • She belongs to a tennis club.
  • These ideas belong to a different era.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "属于"是 belong to,不要说 "belong of" / "belong with" ❌(belong with 是"跟…放在一起" — 物品归类)。
Alternatives:be owned by,be the property of

apply for

申请(职位、签证等)

Meaning: to make a formal request for

Examples
  • I applied for the job last week.
  • She applied for a student visa.
  • You need to apply for permission first.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "申请职位"是 apply for a job,不要说 "apply a job" 漏 for ❌。"申请大学"也是 apply for / apply to。
Alternatives:put in for,submit an application for

agree with

同意(某人的观点)

Meaning: to share an opinion with someone

Examples
  • I agree with you completely.
  • She agrees with the proposal.
  • I don't agree with his approach.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "同意你"是 agree with you;"同意做某事"是 agree to do sth.;"同意某计划"是 agree to / on a plan。介词别乱换 ❌。
Alternatives:concur with,see eye to eye with

agree on

就…达成一致

Meaning: to reach mutual agreement about a topic

Examples
  • We agreed on the price.
  • Can we all agree on a date?
  • They couldn't agree on a name for the baby.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对某事达成一致"用 agree on + 话题;"同意做某事"用 agree to + do。介词换了意思全变 ❌。
Alternatives:come to an agreement on,see eye to eye on

listen to

听

Meaning: to pay attention to sound

Examples
  • I love listening to music.
  • Listen to me carefully.
  • She listens to podcasts on the train.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "听音乐"是 listen to music,不要漏 to(说 "listen music" ❌)。听 = listen + to + 宾语。
Alternatives:hear out,pay attention to

wait for

等待

Meaning: to stay until something arrives or happens

Examples
  • I've been waiting for an hour.
  • Wait for me!
  • She's waiting for the results.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "等某人"是 wait for sb.,不要漏 for(说 "wait me" ❌)。注意 await sb. 不加 for(await 较正式)。
Alternatives:await (formal, no preposition),hang on for

arrive at

到达(小地点)

Meaning: to reach a small place

Examples
  • We arrived at the station at 9 am.
  • She arrived at the airport early.
  • They arrived at the hotel late at night.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "到达"区分:小地点用 arrive at(车站、机场、酒店),大地点用 arrive in(城市、国家)。"到北京"是 arrive in Beijing,不要说 "arrive Beijing" ❌。
Alternatives:get to,reach (no preposition),make it to

arrive in

到达(大地点)

Meaning: to reach a city or country

Examples
  • We arrived in Tokyo yesterday.
  • They arrived in France last week.
  • I'll arrive in Beijing on Friday.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "到达大地点"用 arrive in,不要说 "arrive to" / "arrive at" Beijing ❌(at 用于小地点)。
Alternatives:get to,reach

pay for

为…付钱

Meaning: to give money for something

Examples
  • I'll pay for dinner tonight.
  • Who paid for the tickets?
  • He paid for everyone's drinks.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "付钱买某物"是 pay for sth.;"付钱给某人"是 pay sb.。漏 for 容易出错 ❌:不要说 "pay the bill for" 错位。
Alternatives:cover the cost of,foot the bill for

think about

考虑 / 想着

Meaning: to consider; to have on your mind

Examples
  • I'm thinking about quitting my job.
  • What are you thinking about?
  • He's been thinking about her all day.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "想某事"区分:think about(考虑/想着,常持续)vs. think of(想起来,常瞬间)。两者细微但有别 ❌。
Alternatives:consider,reflect on,mull over

look forward to

期待 / 盼望

Meaning: to anticipate with pleasure

Examples
  • I'm looking forward to the weekend.
  • She looks forward to seeing him.
  • We look forward to your reply.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "期待做某事"是 look forward to + doing,不是 to do ❌(因为这里 to 是介词,不是不定式标志)。"期待见到你" = look forward to seeing you。
Alternatives:anticipate,can't wait for

deal with

处理 / 应对

Meaning: to handle or take action on

Examples
  • I'll deal with this problem tomorrow.
  • She knows how to deal with difficult clients.
  • We have to deal with the consequences.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "处理"是 deal with,不要说 "deal of" / "deal to" ❌。"跟…交涉"也是 deal with sb.。
Alternatives:handle,cope with,tackle

rely on

依靠 / 信赖

Meaning: to trust and depend on

Examples
  • I rely on my team.
  • You can rely on her to keep a secret.
  • Don't rely on luck.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "依靠"是 rely on,不要说 "rely of" / "rely to" ❌。跟 depend on 同义。
Alternatives:depend on,count on,lean on

focus on

专注于

Meaning: to direct attention to

Examples
  • Focus on what you can control.
  • I need to focus on my studies.
  • The article focuses on climate change.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "专注于"是 focus on,不要说 "focus in" / "focus to" ❌。
Alternatives:concentrate on,zero in on,home in on

participate in

参加

Meaning: to take part in

Examples
  • She participates in many sports.
  • All students must participate in the event.
  • He refused to participate in the discussion.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "参加"是 participate in,不要说 "participate to" / "join in to" ❌。"加入团队"是 join the team(不加 in)。
Alternatives:take part in,be involved in,join in

protect from

保护…不受…

Meaning: to keep safe from

Examples
  • Sunscreen protects you from UV rays.
  • Parents try to protect children from harm.
  • This software protects your computer from viruses.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "保护免受"是 protect sb. from sth.,不要说 "protect of" / "protect against" ❌(against 也可以但 from 更高频)。
Alternatives:shield from,guard against,defend from

concentrate on

专心于

Meaning: to give full attention to

Examples
  • I can't concentrate on my work.
  • Concentrate on the road.
  • She concentrated on her breathing.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "专心"是 concentrate on,不要说 "concentrate in" / "concentrate to" ❌。
Alternatives:focus on,pay attention to

apologize for

为…道歉

Meaning: to say sorry for

Examples
  • I apologize for being late.
  • She apologized for her behavior.
  • He never apologizes for anything.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "为…道歉"是 apologize for + sth.;"向某人道歉"是 apologize to sb.。两个介词不要混 ❌。
Alternatives:say sorry for,express regret for

complain about

抱怨…

Meaning: to express dissatisfaction about

Examples
  • He's always complaining about the food.
  • She complained about the service.
  • Don't complain about things you can change.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "抱怨某事"是 complain about,不要说 "complain on" / "complain for" ❌(complain of + 病症 = 诉说症状,如 complain of a headache)。
Alternatives:grumble about,moan about,gripe about

object to

反对

Meaning: to express opposition to

Examples
  • I object to your proposal.
  • She objected to the new rules.
  • Nobody objected to the plan.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "反对"是 object to,不要说 "object on" / "object against" ❌。注意 to 后面跟名词或 doing。
Alternatives:oppose (no preposition),be against,protest against

refer to

提及 / 指的是

Meaning: to mention; to indicate

Examples
  • He referred to the report several times.
  • The pronoun refers to the noun.
  • Please refer to the manual for details.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "提到 / 指的是"是 refer to,不要说 "refer of" / "refer on" ❌。
Alternatives:mention,allude to,point to

recover from

从…恢复

Meaning: to get well after illness or hardship

Examples
  • She recovered from her surgery quickly.
  • He's still recovering from the breakup.
  • The economy is recovering from the recession.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "从…恢复"是 recover from,不要说 "recover of" ❌。"康复"动词固定搭 from。
Alternatives:get over,bounce back from,heal from

translate into

翻译成

Meaning: to convert from one language to another

Examples
  • The book has been translated into 30 languages.
  • Can you translate this into English?
  • Her words translated into action.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "翻译成"是 translate into,"从…翻译"是 translate from。中翻英 = translate from Chinese into English,介词别错 ❌。
Alternatives:render into,convert to

compare to

比作 / 比喻为

Meaning: to liken to

Examples
  • Life is often compared to a journey.
  • He compared her smile to the sun.
  • She compares her boss to a tyrant.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "比作"是 compare to;"比较两者"是 compare with。意思完全不同,介词别乱换 ❌。
Alternatives:liken to,equate with

compare with

与…相比较

Meaning: to examine differences and similarities

Examples
  • Compare this version with the original.
  • How does the new model compare with the old one?
  • Her work compares favorably with the best in the field.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "作对比"是 compare with(找异同);"比作"是 compare to(打比方)。两个英文母语者也常混,但写作里要分清 ❌。
Alternatives:contrast with,set against

congratulate on

为…祝贺

Meaning: to express joy at someone's success

Examples
  • I congratulated her on her promotion.
  • We congratulate you on your engagement.
  • He congratulated me on passing the exam.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "祝贺某人某事"是 congratulate sb. on sth.,不要说 "congratulate for" / "congratulate to" ❌。
Alternatives:compliment on,praise for

borrow from

从…借入

Meaning: to take something from someone temporarily

Examples
  • I borrowed this book from the library.
  • Can I borrow some money from you?
  • She borrowed an idea from her teacher.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "向…借"是 borrow from,"借给…"是 lend to。中文一个"借",英文必须分方向 ❌。
Alternatives:take a loan from,get on loan from

differ from

与…不同

Meaning: to be unlike something else

Examples
  • This species differs from others in size.
  • Her opinion differs from mine.
  • The two designs differ slightly from each other.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "与…不同"是 differ from,不要说 "differ with"(后者意思偏"意见不合") / "differ of" ❌。
Alternatives:be different from,vary from

benefit from

从…受益

Meaning: to gain advantage from

Examples
  • Students benefit from small class sizes.
  • The economy will benefit from the new policy.
  • I really benefited from your advice.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "从…受益"是 benefit from,不要说 "benefit of" / "benefit by" ❌(get the benefit of 才用 of)。
Alternatives:profit from,gain from

result in

导致

Meaning: to cause something to happen

Examples
  • The accident resulted in three injuries.
  • Hard work resulted in success.
  • Poor planning resulted in delays.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "导致"是 result in;"由…引起"是 result from。方向相反,别用反 ❌。
Alternatives:lead to,cause,bring about

result from

由…引起

Meaning: to be caused by

Examples
  • The injuries resulted from the crash.
  • Many diseases result from poor diet.
  • The delays resulted from technical issues.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "由…引起"是 result from(原因在 from 后);result in 则是"导致…结果"。两个介词,意思完全相反 ❌。
Alternatives:stem from,arise from,be caused by

remind of

使想起

Meaning: to make someone think of something or someone

Examples
  • This song reminds me of my childhood.
  • She reminds me of my sister.
  • The smell reminds me of grandma's kitchen.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "让我想起"是 remind sb. of sth.;"提醒某人做事"是 remind sb. to do。介词不一样,意思不同 ❌。
Alternatives:bring to mind,call to mind

thank for

为…感谢

Meaning: to express gratitude for

Examples
  • Thank you for your help.
  • She thanked me for the gift.
  • I want to thank everyone for coming.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "为某事感谢"是 thank sb. for sth.,不要说 "thank for to" / "thank of" ❌。注意 for 后面跟名词或 doing。
Alternatives:express thanks for,be grateful for

consist in

在于 / 存在于

Meaning: to have as its essence

Examples
  • True happiness consists in helping others.
  • The challenge consists in finding a balance.
  • His greatness consists in his humility.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: 注意区分:consist of = 由…组成(物理构成),consist in = 在于(抽象本质)。两个意思完全不同 ❌。
Alternatives:lie in,reside in

insist on

坚持(要求)

Meaning: to demand something firmly

Examples
  • She insisted on paying for dinner.
  • He insists on doing it his own way.
  • They insisted on an apology.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "坚持要"是 insist on + doing/名词,不要说 "insist to do" ❌(on 后跟动名词,不跟不定式)。
Alternatives:demand,be adamant about

succeed in

成功做到

Meaning: to achieve something you tried to do

Examples
  • She succeeded in passing the exam.
  • They succeeded in reducing costs.
  • He finally succeeded in quitting smoking.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "成功做某事"是 succeed in + doing,不要说 "succeed to do" ❌(succeed to 是"继承"职位)。
Alternatives:manage to,pull off

believe in

相信 / 信仰

Meaning: to trust in the existence or value of something

Examples
  • I believe in you.
  • She believes in working hard.
  • Do you believe in ghosts?
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "信任 / 信仰"是 believe in;"相信某话属实"是 believe sb./sth.(不加 in)。两者意思有别 ❌。
Alternatives:have faith in,trust in

specialize in

专门从事 / 擅长

Meaning: to focus on one particular area

Examples
  • She specializes in family law.
  • The shop specializes in rare books.
  • He specializes in heart surgery.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "专门从事"是 specialize in,不要说 "specialize on" / "specialize at" ❌。
Alternatives:focus on,be an expert in

derive from

源自 / 来源于

Meaning: to come from or originate in something

Examples
  • The word derives from Latin.
  • She derives great pleasure from gardening.
  • Many medicines are derived from plants.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "源自"是 derive from,不要说 "derive of" / "derive by" ❌。be derived from 同样搭 from。
Alternatives:stem from,originate from,come from

cope with

应对 / 妥善处理

Meaning: to deal successfully with a difficult situation

Examples
  • How do you cope with stress?
  • She copes well with pressure.
  • It's hard to cope with the loss of a pet.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "应对困难"是 cope with,不要说 "cope to" / "cope of" ❌。比 deal with 更强调"扛住压力"。
Alternatives:deal with,handle,manage

long for

渴望 / 盼望

Meaning: to want something very much

Examples
  • She longs for a quiet life.
  • After months at sea, they longed for home.
  • He longs for the day he can retire.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "渴望"是 long for,不要说 "long to"(long to do 也对,但跟名词时用 for)❌。
Alternatives:yearn for,crave,pine for

account for

占(比例) / 解释

Meaning: to make up a proportion; to explain

Examples
  • Exports account for 60% of sales.
  • How do you account for the missing money?
  • Three factors account for the delay.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "占比例 / 解释原因"是 account for,不要说 "account of"(give an account of 才用 of)❌。雅思图表高频。
Alternatives:make up,explain,be responsible for

approve of

赞成 / 认可

Meaning: to think something is good or acceptable

Examples
  • Her parents don't approve of her boyfriend.
  • I approve of the new policy.
  • The committee approved of the plan.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "赞成"是 approve of;"正式批准"是 approve(不加 of)。两者意思不同 ❌:approve a budget ≠ approve of a budget。
Alternatives:be in favor of,support,endorse

deprive of

剥夺

Meaning: to take something away from someone

Examples
  • The prisoners were deprived of sleep.
  • War deprived them of their homes.
  • Don't deprive yourself of rest.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "剥夺某人某物"是 deprive sb. of sth.,不要说 "deprive from" / "deprive to" ❌。
Alternatives:strip of,rob of

accuse of

指控 / 控告

Meaning: to say someone has done something wrong

Examples
  • They accused him of stealing.
  • She was accused of lying.
  • He accused me of breaking the vase.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "指控某人做某事"是 accuse sb. of doing,不要说 "accuse sb. for" / "accuse to" ❌(charge sb. with 用 with)。
Alternatives:charge with,blame for

blame for

把…归咎于

Meaning: to say someone is responsible for something bad

Examples
  • They blamed him for the accident.
  • Don't blame me for your mistakes.
  • She blamed the weather for the delay.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "因某事责怪某人"是 blame sb. for sth.;"把某事归咎于某人"是 blame sth. on sb.。两个介词别用反 ❌。
Alternatives:hold responsible for,fault for

warn against

警告不要

Meaning: to advise someone not to do something

Examples
  • The doctor warned him against smoking.
  • She warned us against the dangers of the road.
  • Experts warn against panic buying.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "警告不要做某事"是 warn sb. against doing,不要说 "warn from" / "warn to not" ❌。
Alternatives:caution against,advise against

comment on

评论 / 对…发表意见

Meaning: to express an opinion about something

Examples
  • She refused to comment on the rumors.
  • He commented on the quality of the work.
  • Critics commented favorably on the film.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "评论某事"是 comment on,不要说 "comment about" / "comment for" ❌。
Alternatives:remark on,give an opinion on

cooperate with

与…合作

Meaning: to work together with someone

Examples
  • The two countries agreed to cooperate with each other.
  • She cooperated fully with the police.
  • We need to cooperate with the new team.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "与…合作"是 cooperate with,不要说 "cooperate to" / "cooperate together" ❌(cooperate 本身含"共同")。
Alternatives:collaborate with,work with,team up with

devote to

把…奉献给 / 专注于

Meaning: to give all your time or effort to something

Examples
  • She devoted her life to teaching.
  • He devotes weekends to his family.
  • They devoted years to the research.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "致力于"是 devote sth. to + doing/名词,不要说 "devote to do" ❌(to 是介词,后跟动名词)。be devoted to 同理。
Alternatives:dedicate to,commit to,give over to

adapt to

适应

Meaning: to change so as to suit a new situation

Examples
  • It took time to adapt to the new culture.
  • Animals adapt to their environment.
  • She quickly adapted to working from home.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "适应"是 adapt to,不要说 "adapt with" / "adapt on" ❌。注意 adapt(适应)≠ adopt(收养/采纳)。
Alternatives:adjust to,get used to,acclimatize to

contribute to

促成 / 为…做贡献

Meaning: to help cause something; to give to a common effort

Examples
  • Stress can contribute to heart disease.
  • Everyone contributed to the success of the event.
  • She contributed to the discussion.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "促成 / 贡献"是 contribute to,不要说 "contribute for" / "contribute in" ❌(to 后跟名词或动名词)。
Alternatives:add to,play a part in,help cause

react to

对…作出反应

Meaning: to behave in a particular way because of something

Examples
  • How did she react to the news?
  • The crowd reacted angrily to the decision.
  • Some people react badly to the medicine.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…作出反应"是 react to,不要说 "react on" / "react with"(react with 是化学"与…反应")❌。
Alternatives:respond to,reply to

subscribe to

订阅 / 赞同

Meaning: to pay to receive something regularly; to agree with

Examples
  • I subscribe to several magazines.
  • She subscribes to a streaming service.
  • I don't subscribe to that theory.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "订阅"是 subscribe to,不要说 "subscribe for"(subscribe for shares 才用 for,日常订阅用 to)❌。
Alternatives:sign up for,agree with (for opinions)

inquire about

询问

Meaning: to ask for information about something

Examples
  • I called to inquire about the job.
  • She inquired about the train times.
  • He inquired about the cost of the course.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "询问某事"是 inquire about,不要说 "inquire for"(inquire after sb. 是"问候某人")❌。
Alternatives:ask about,enquire about (BrE),check on

distinguish between

区分

Meaning: to recognize the difference between two things

Examples
  • It can be hard to distinguish between the two species.
  • Children learn to distinguish between right and wrong.
  • Can you distinguish between the twins?
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "区分 A 和 B"是 distinguish between A and B,或 distinguish A from B,不要说 "distinguish A and B" 漏 between ❌。
Alternatives:tell apart,differentiate between

prevent from

阻止 / 防止

Meaning: to stop something from happening

Examples
  • The rain prevented us from going out.
  • Nothing can prevent her from succeeding.
  • Vaccines prevent people from getting sick.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "阻止某人做某事"是 prevent sb. from doing,不要说 "prevent to do" / "prevent doing" 漏 from ❌。stop sb. from 同理。
Alternatives:stop from,keep from,hinder

comply with

遵守 / 服从

Meaning: to obey a rule or request

Examples
  • All staff must comply with the rules.
  • The factory failed to comply with safety standards.
  • He refused to comply with the order.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "遵守规定"是 comply with,不要说 "comply to" / "comply on" ❌。比 follow 更正式。
Alternatives:conform to,abide by,adhere to

Noun + Prep (57)

increase in

…的增长

Meaning: a rise in something

Examples
  • There's been an increase in housing prices.
  • The data shows an increase in temperature.
  • We saw a sharp increase in users last month.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "…的增长"是 increase in + 名词,不要说 "increase of" 也对但远不如 increase in 自然 ❌(of 偏向数学倍数,in 偏向某项指标)。
Alternatives:rise in,growth in,surge in

decrease in

…的下降

Meaning: a fall in something

Examples
  • There's been a decrease in unemployment.
  • The decrease in sales worries us.
  • A 10% decrease in costs is impressive.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "下降"是 decrease in + 名词,不要说 "decrease of" 偏向数值降幅,描述某项下降用 in ❌。
Alternatives:drop in,decline in,fall in

interest in

对…的兴趣

Meaning: a feeling of wanting to know about

Examples
  • She has a great interest in art.
  • I lost interest in the book halfway through.
  • His interest in cars started young.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…感兴趣"是 interest in,不要说 "interest on" / "interest to" ❌(interest on 是"利息收益")。
Alternatives:enthusiasm for,passion for,curiosity about

reason for

…的原因

Meaning: an explanation for something

Examples
  • What's the reason for the delay?
  • There's no reason for concern.
  • She gave several reasons for her decision.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "…的原因"是 reason for,不要说 "reason of" / "reason to" ❌(reason to + do = 做某事的理由,不一样)。
Alternatives:explanation for,cause of,motive for

lack of

缺乏…

Meaning: an absence of

Examples
  • There's a lack of evidence.
  • The lack of sleep is affecting her work.
  • A lack of funding killed the project.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "缺乏"是 lack of + 名词,不要说 "lack in" / "lack for" ❌(lack 作动词时不加 of:lack money,加 of 时是名词)。
Alternatives:shortage of,absence of,deficit of

cause of

…的原因

Meaning: something that produces a result

Examples
  • What was the cause of the fire?
  • Smoking is a major cause of cancer.
  • The cause of the accident is still unknown.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "…的原因"是 cause of,不要说 "cause for" ❌(cause for + 情绪 = 造成情绪的理由,如 cause for concern;具体事件原因用 cause of)。
Alternatives:source of,origin of,reason behind

solution to

…的解决方案

Meaning: an answer to a problem

Examples
  • We need a solution to this problem.
  • There's no easy solution to climate change.
  • She found a clever solution to the puzzle.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "…的解决方案"是 solution to,不要说 "solution of" / "solution for" ❌(数学答案用 solution to 也对)。
Alternatives:answer to,fix for,remedy for

access to

获取…的途径

Meaning: the right or ability to use

Examples
  • Students need access to the library.
  • Not everyone has access to clean water.
  • You need a password to gain access to the system.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "获取…的途径"是 access to,不要说 "access of" ❌。
Alternatives:entry to,admission to

attitude towards

对…的态度

Meaning: a way of thinking about something

Examples
  • Her attitude towards work is positive.
  • What's your attitude towards risk?
  • Their attitude towards us has changed.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…的态度"是 attitude towards / to,不要说 "attitude for" / "attitude of"(后者是"…态度的"另一意思)❌。
Alternatives:attitude to,approach to,view on

effect on

对…的影响

Meaning: an impact on something

Examples
  • Sugar has a bad effect on teeth.
  • The medicine had no effect on his condition.
  • Her speech had a big effect on the audience.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…的影响"是 effect on,不要说 "effect to" ❌(affect 是动词,effect 是名词,注意拼写)。
Alternatives:impact on,influence on

impact on

对…的冲击 / 影响

Meaning: a strong effect on

Examples
  • Climate change has a huge impact on agriculture.
  • Social media has an impact on mental health.
  • The new policy will have an impact on small businesses.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "冲击 / 重大影响"是 impact on,不要说 "impact to" / "impact for" ❌。impact 比 effect 强度更大。
Alternatives:effect on,influence on,consequence for

demand for

对…的需求

Meaning: a desire to buy or have

Examples
  • There's strong demand for electric cars.
  • Demand for housing is rising.
  • The demand for skilled workers is high.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "…的需求"是 demand for,不要说 "demand of" ❌。"需求量大"是 high demand。
Alternatives:need for,appetite for,requirement for

difference between

…之间的区别

Meaning: the way two things are unlike

Examples
  • What's the difference between these two?
  • There's a big difference between knowing and doing.
  • I can't see the difference between the colors.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "两者之间的区别"是 difference between A and B,不要说 "difference of" / "difference from" ❌(difference from 是"与…不同")。
Alternatives:distinction between,contrast between

advantage of

…的优势

Meaning: a beneficial feature

Examples
  • What are the advantages of this approach?
  • The main advantage of cycling is the exercise.
  • She listed the advantages of moving abroad.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "…的优势"是 advantage of;"利用…"是 take advantage of。"对…有利"是 advantage over。介词随意境变,别错 ❌。
Alternatives:benefit of,merit of,plus of

disadvantage of

…的缺点

Meaning: a negative feature

Examples
  • The disadvantages of online learning are real.
  • One disadvantage of the city is the noise.
  • She listed the disadvantages of the plan.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "…的缺点"是 disadvantage of,不要说 "disadvantage on" / "disadvantage in" ❌。
Alternatives:drawback of,downside of,minus of

change in

…的变化

Meaning: an alteration in something

Examples
  • There's been a change in temperature.
  • A change in attitude is needed.
  • We noticed a change in his behavior.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "…的变化"是 change in,不要说 "change of"(后者偏向"更换" — change of clothes / change of address)❌。
Alternatives:shift in,alteration in

experience in

在…方面的经验

Meaning: knowledge gained from doing something

Examples
  • She has years of experience in marketing.
  • Do you have experience in this field?
  • He has no experience in management.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "在…领域的经验"是 experience in;"…的经历"是 experience of。"experience with" 用于跟某物 / 某人打交道的经验 ❌。
Alternatives:expertise in,background in

concern about

对…的担忧

Meaning: worry about something

Examples
  • There's growing concern about pollution.
  • Her concern about her son is understandable.
  • They expressed concern about the new policy.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…担忧"是 concern about / over;"关心某人"是 concern for sb.。两个介词,意思不同 ❌。
Alternatives:worry about,anxiety about,unease about

belief in

对…的信念

Meaning: confidence that something exists or is true

Examples
  • She has a strong belief in God.
  • My belief in the team never wavered.
  • A belief in equality drives our work.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…的信念"是 belief in,不要说 "belief of" / "belief for" ❌(believe in 同样,搭配 in)。
Alternatives:faith in,confidence in,trust in

lack of confidence

缺乏自信

Meaning: low self-assurance

Examples
  • Her lack of confidence held her back.
  • His lack of confidence is obvious in interviews.
  • A lack of confidence often comes from inexperience.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "缺乏自信"是 lack of confidence,不要说 "no confidence" 也对但偏弱,描述"缺"用 lack of ❌。
Alternatives:low self-esteem,self-doubt

need for

对…的需要

Meaning: a requirement for something

Examples
  • There's a need for more nurses.
  • I feel a need for change in my life.
  • The need for action is urgent.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…的需要"是 need for,不要说 "need of" 也用但语境不同(in need of 是"需要"短语,有 need of 偏弱)❌。
Alternatives:demand for,requirement for,desire for

response to

对…的回应

Meaning: a reply or reaction to

Examples
  • What was his response to the news?
  • In response to your email, here's my answer.
  • The response to the policy was mixed.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…的回应"是 response to,不要说 "response of" / "response for" ❌(response of sb. 是"某人的回应",不一样)。
Alternatives:reaction to,reply to,answer to

pride in

为…感到自豪

Meaning: satisfaction in achievement

Examples
  • She takes pride in her work.
  • They have great pride in their children.
  • He takes pride in being honest.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "为…自豪"是 pride in / take pride in,不要说 "pride of" / "pride for" ❌(pride of place 是固定短语 = 最显眼的位置)。
Alternatives:satisfaction in,fulfillment in

shortage of

…的短缺

Meaning: an insufficient supply of

Examples
  • There's a shortage of teachers.
  • A water shortage is affecting the region.
  • We have a shortage of staff this week.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "…短缺"是 shortage of,不要说 "shortage in" / "shortage for" ❌。
Alternatives:lack of,scarcity of,deficit of

rise in

…的上升

Meaning: an increase in something

Examples
  • There's been a rise in unemployment.
  • A rise in temperature is expected.
  • The data shows a steady rise in users.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "…上升"是 rise in,不要说 "rise of" 也对但偏向"…的崛起 / 兴起"(the rise of AI = 人工智能的崛起)❌。
Alternatives:increase in,growth in,surge in

fall in

…的下降

Meaning: a decline in something

Examples
  • There's been a fall in prices.
  • The report shows a fall in productivity.
  • A sharp fall in demand worries us.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "…下降"是 fall in,不要说 "fall of"(后者偏向"…的覆灭/陷落",如 the fall of Rome)❌。
Alternatives:drop in,decline in,decrease in

awareness of

对…的意识

Meaning: knowing about something

Examples
  • Public awareness of the issue is growing.
  • She has a strong awareness of her surroundings.
  • We need to raise awareness of mental health.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…的意识"是 awareness of,不要说 "awareness for" ❌。"提高意识"是 raise awareness of。
Alternatives:consciousness of,understanding of

a sense of

一种…感

Meaning: a feeling of something

Examples
  • She has a great sense of humor.
  • I felt a sense of relief.
  • There was a sense of urgency in the room.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "一种…感"固定 a sense of,不要说 "a feeling for"(意思偏"对…有感觉/天分")❌。"幽默感" = sense of humor。
Alternatives:a feeling of,a sensation of

an opportunity to

…的机会

Meaning: a chance to do something

Examples
  • This is a great opportunity to learn.
  • She had the opportunity to travel.
  • Don't miss the opportunity to apply.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "…的机会"是 opportunity to + do,不要说 "opportunity of doing" 不太自然 ❌。"机会 + 名词"用 opportunity for。
Alternatives:chance to,opening to

a love of

对…的热爱

Meaning: a strong liking for

Examples
  • She has a deep love of music.
  • His love of nature inspired the book.
  • They share a love of cooking.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…的热爱"是 love of,不要说 "love for"(也对,但 love of 更书面文雅 — love of God / love of country)❌。
Alternatives:love for,passion for,affection for

point of view

观点 / 角度

Meaning: a particular way of considering something

Examples
  • From my point of view, the plan is fine.
  • She sees it from a different point of view.
  • Try to consider the customer's point of view.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "从…角度看"是 from the point of view of,不要说 "from the angle of" ❌(literal,不自然)。
Alternatives:perspective on,standpoint on,angle on

a way of

…的方式

Meaning: a method or manner of doing

Examples
  • It's a way of saying I love you.
  • There must be a way of solving this.
  • Her way of teaching is unique.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "…的方法"是 way of doing 或 way to do。"用…方式"是 in a … way,介词不要随便混 ❌。
Alternatives:method of,manner of,approach to

a chance of

…的可能性 / 几率

Meaning: a probability of something happening

Examples
  • There's a 70% chance of rain.
  • We have a good chance of winning.
  • There's little chance of success.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "…的几率"是 chance of doing / chance of + 名词,不要说 "chance for doing" ❌。"做某事的机会"用 chance to do。
Alternatives:probability of,likelihood of,odds of

fear of

对…的恐惧

Meaning: an emotion of dread of something

Examples
  • She has a fear of spiders.
  • A fear of public speaking is common.
  • His fear of failure paralyzed him.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…的恐惧"是 fear of,不要说 "fear to" ❌(fear to do 是动词不定式,意思不一样)。
Alternatives:phobia of,dread of,terror of

an answer to

…的答案 / 回答

Meaning: a response to a question or problem

Examples
  • I don't know the answer to your question.
  • There's no simple answer to this problem.
  • She gave a clear answer to the judge.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "…的答案"是 answer to,不要说 "answer of" / "answer for"(answer for 是"对…负责")❌。
Alternatives:solution to,reply to,response to

an attack on

对…的攻击

Meaning: an act of violence or strong criticism against

Examples
  • The article was an attack on the government.
  • There was an attack on the embassy.
  • It felt like a personal attack on her character.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…的攻击"是 attack on,不要说 "attack to" / "attack against" ❌(attack against 冗余)。
Alternatives:assault on,criticism of

a ban on

对…的禁令

Meaning: an official rule that forbids something

Examples
  • There's a ban on smoking in restaurants.
  • The government imposed a ban on plastic bags.
  • A ban on imports hurt the economy.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…的禁令"是 ban on,不要说 "ban of" / "ban for" ❌。"实施禁令"是 impose a ban on。
Alternatives:prohibition on,restriction on

a cure for

…的疗法 / 解决办法

Meaning: a medicine or treatment that ends an illness

Examples
  • There's still no cure for the common cold.
  • Scientists are searching for a cure for cancer.
  • Exercise is a good cure for stress.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "…的疗法"是 cure for,不要说 "cure of"(the cure of a disease 偏旧式)/ "cure to" ❌。
Alternatives:remedy for,treatment for,solution to

a threat to

对…的威胁

Meaning: a danger to someone or something

Examples
  • Pollution is a threat to public health.
  • The virus poses a threat to the elderly.
  • Climate change is a threat to coastal cities.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…的威胁"是 threat to,不要说 "threat for" / "threat on" ❌(make a threat against sb. 才用 against)。
Alternatives:danger to,risk to,menace to

a contribution to

对…的贡献

Meaning: something added to help a cause or field

Examples
  • She made a great contribution to science.
  • His contribution to the team was huge.
  • They made a generous contribution to charity.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…的贡献"是 contribution to,不要说 "contribution for" / "contribution of"(contribution of money 是"…的捐款")❌。
Alternatives:input to,addition to

a relationship with

与…的关系

Meaning: the way two people or groups connect

Examples
  • She has a close relationship with her sister.
  • The company built a strong relationship with clients.
  • He has a difficult relationship with his boss.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "与某人的关系"是 relationship with;"…之间的关系"是 relationship between。介词随对象变 ❌。
Alternatives:connection with,bond with,rapport with

an exception to

…的例外

Meaning: something that does not follow the general rule

Examples
  • There is always an exception to the rule.
  • She is the exception to every rule.
  • No exception to the policy will be made.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "…的例外"是 exception to,不要说 "exception of" / "exception for" ❌。"以…为例外"是 with the exception of。
Alternatives:departure from

an alternative to

…的替代方案

Meaning: a different choice from the one mentioned

Examples
  • Cycling is a healthy alternative to driving.
  • We need an alternative to this plan.
  • Solar power is an alternative to fossil fuels.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "…的替代方案"是 alternative to,不要说 "alternative of" / "alternative for" ❌。
Alternatives:substitute for,replacement for,option instead of

a substitute for

…的替代品

Meaning: something used instead of another thing

Examples
  • Honey can be a substitute for sugar.
  • There's no substitute for hard work.
  • They used a substitute for butter in the recipe.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "…的替代品"是 substitute for,不要说 "substitute of" / "substitute to" ❌(substitute A for B = 用 A 代替 B)。
Alternatives:replacement for,alternative to

a desire for

对…的渴望

Meaning: a strong wish for something

Examples
  • She has a strong desire for success.
  • His desire for power grew over time.
  • A desire for freedom drove the movement.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…的渴望"是 desire for + 名词,不要说 "desire of" / "desire to" + 名词 ❌(desire to do 跟不定式才对)。
Alternatives:longing for,craving for,wish for

a focus on

对…的关注 / 侧重

Meaning: special attention given to something

Examples
  • The course has a strong focus on grammar.
  • There's a new focus on customer service.
  • Her focus on detail makes her work excellent.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…的侧重"是 focus on,不要说 "focus of"(focus of attention 偏"注意力的焦点")/ "focus in" ❌。
Alternatives:emphasis on,attention to,concentration on

an emphasis on

对…的强调

Meaning: special importance given to something

Examples
  • The school places great emphasis on sports.
  • There's too much emphasis on exam results.
  • They put an emphasis on teamwork.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "强调"是 emphasis on,不要说 "emphasis of" / "emphasis to" ❌。"强调…"动词是 emphasize(不加 on)。
Alternatives:stress on,focus on,importance attached to

control over

对…的控制

Meaning: the power to direct or manage something

Examples
  • She has full control over the project.
  • He lost control over the car.
  • Parents want more control over what their kids watch.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…的控制"是 control over,不要说 "control on" / "control of"(control of 也用,但 over 更强调"掌控权")❌。
Alternatives:command over,authority over,grip on

an influence on

对…的影响

Meaning: the power to affect something

Examples
  • Teachers have a big influence on students.
  • The weather has an influence on our mood.
  • She was a major influence on his career.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…的影响"是 influence on,不要说 "influence to" / "influence for" ❌。"受…影响"是 under the influence of。
Alternatives:effect on,impact on,bearing on

a tax on

对…的税

Meaning: money paid to the government on something

Examples
  • The government introduced a tax on sugary drinks.
  • There's a high tax on cigarettes.
  • A new tax on imports was announced.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…征税"是 tax on,不要说 "tax for" / "tax of" ❌。
Alternatives:duty on,levy on,charge on

a comment on

对…的评论

Meaning: a spoken or written opinion about something

Examples
  • She made a comment on the new design.
  • He had no comment on the rumors.
  • Her comments on the essay were helpful.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…的评论"是 comment on,不要说 "comment about"(口语可)/ "comment to" ❌。
Alternatives:remark on,observation on

a request for

对…的请求

Meaning: an act of asking for something

Examples
  • We received a request for more information.
  • Her request for leave was approved.
  • They made a request for funding.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…的请求"是 request for,不要说 "request of" / "request to" + 名词 ❌(request to do 跟不定式才对)。
Alternatives:demand for,application for,call for

a search for

对…的搜寻

Meaning: an attempt to find something

Examples
  • The search for survivors continued all night.
  • Their search for a new home took months.
  • The search for truth never ends.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…的搜寻"是 search for,不要说 "search of"(in search of 是"寻找"短语)/ "search to" ❌。
Alternatives:hunt for,quest for,pursuit of

a contrast between

…之间的对比

Meaning: a clear difference between two things

Examples
  • There's a sharp contrast between the two cities.
  • The contrast between rich and poor is striking.
  • Note the contrast between his words and actions.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "两者之间的对比"是 contrast between;"与…对比"是 contrast with / in contrast to。介词随语境 ❌。
Alternatives:difference between,distinction between

a link between

…之间的联系

Meaning: a connection between two things

Examples
  • Studies show a link between diet and health.
  • There's a clear link between the two events.
  • Researchers found a link between stress and illness.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "两者之间的联系"是 link between A and B,不要说 "link of" / "link with"(link with 偏"与…挂钩")❌。
Alternatives:connection between,relationship between,correlation between

a demand on

对…的要求 / 占用

Meaning: something that requires time, energy, or resources

Examples
  • The job makes heavy demands on my time.
  • There are many demands on a teacher's patience.
  • The new project placed demands on our budget.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "对…的占用 / 要求"是 demand on(make demands on sb.);"对…的需求"是 demand for。两个介词意思不同 ❌。
Alternatives:pressure on,strain on,claim on

a key to

…的关键

Meaning: the most important factor in achieving something

Examples
  • Hard work is the key to success.
  • Communication is the key to a good relationship.
  • Patience is the key to learning a language.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "…的关键"是 the key to,不要说 "key of"(key of a door 是实体钥匙)/ "key for" ❌。
Alternatives:the secret to,the path to

Adv + Adj (42)

highly recommended

强烈推荐

Meaning: strongly suggested

Examples
  • This restaurant is highly recommended.
  • The book comes highly recommended.
  • She is highly recommended by her teachers.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "强烈推荐"是 highly recommended,不要说 "strongly recommended" 也对但 highly 更高频自然 ❌。
Alternatives:strongly recommended,warmly recommended,come well-recommended

deeply concerned

深感担忧

Meaning: very worried

Examples
  • I'm deeply concerned about her health.
  • The minister is deeply concerned about the situation.
  • We are deeply concerned by these developments.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "深感担忧"是 deeply concerned,不要说 "very concerned" 也对但 deeply 更正式 ❌。
Alternatives:extremely concerned,gravely concerned,profoundly worried

widely accepted

广泛接受

Meaning: agreed by many people

Examples
  • This theory is widely accepted in physics.
  • It's widely accepted that exercise is healthy.
  • The new method has been widely accepted.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "广泛接受"是 widely accepted,不要说 "broadly accepted" 也对但 widely 更高频 ❌。
Alternatives:generally accepted,broadly accepted,universally accepted

completely different

完全不同

Meaning: entirely unlike

Examples
  • Our backgrounds are completely different.
  • The two cultures are completely different.
  • He's a completely different person now.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "完全不同"是 completely / totally different,不要说 "very different" 弱化 ❌。
Alternatives:totally different,entirely different,wholly different

absolutely necessary

绝对必要

Meaning: essential

Examples
  • It's absolutely necessary to bring your ID.
  • These precautions are absolutely necessary.
  • A passport is absolutely necessary for the trip.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "绝对必要"是 absolutely necessary,注意 absolutely + 极端形容词搭配("very absolutely" ❌)。
Alternatives:utterly necessary,totally essential,a must

perfectly fine

完全没问题

Meaning: completely acceptable

Examples
  • It's perfectly fine to ask questions.
  • I'm perfectly fine, thank you.
  • That arrangement is perfectly fine with me.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "完全没问题"是 perfectly fine,不要说 "very fine" / "totally fine" 也对但 perfectly fine 最自然 ❌。
Alternatives:totally fine,completely fine,absolutely OK

utterly impossible

绝对不可能

Meaning: totally impossible

Examples
  • It's utterly impossible to finish in one day.
  • The task seemed utterly impossible.
  • What you're asking is utterly impossible.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "绝对不可能"是 utterly impossible,注意 utterly 多配负面绝对形容词(impossible / absurd / ridiculous) ❌。
Alternatives:completely impossible,totally impossible,beyond impossible

fully aware

完全意识到

Meaning: completely conscious of

Examples
  • I'm fully aware of the risks.
  • She is fully aware of her responsibilities.
  • We are fully aware of the deadline.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "完全意识到"是 fully aware,不要说 "completely aware" 也对但 fully aware 更高频 ❌。
Alternatives:well aware,completely aware,totally cognizant

strongly opposed

强烈反对

Meaning: firmly against

Examples
  • She is strongly opposed to the plan.
  • Many residents are strongly opposed to the development.
  • The party is strongly opposed to tax increases.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "强烈反对"是 strongly opposed,不要说 "hardly opposed" ❌(hardly = 几乎不,意思反了)。
Alternatives:firmly opposed,vehemently opposed,dead set against

closely related

密切相关

Meaning: connected very directly

Examples
  • These two issues are closely related.
  • The languages are closely related.
  • Their work is closely related to ours.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "密切相关"是 closely related,不要说 "near related" / "deeply related" ❌。
Alternatives:intimately related,directly related

badly damaged

严重损坏

Meaning: severely harmed

Examples
  • The car was badly damaged in the crash.
  • Several buildings were badly damaged by the storm.
  • His reputation has been badly damaged.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "严重损坏"是 badly damaged,不要说 "heavily damaged" 也对但 badly 是最自然搭配 ❌。
Alternatives:severely damaged,heavily damaged,extensively damaged

totally exhausted

筋疲力尽

Meaning: completely tired out

Examples
  • I'm totally exhausted after the marathon.
  • She felt totally exhausted by the end of the day.
  • We were totally exhausted but happy.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "筋疲力尽"是 totally / completely exhausted,不要说 "very exhausted" ❌(exhausted 本身就是极端形容词,加 very 弱化)。
Alternatives:completely exhausted,utterly exhausted,dead tired

fully booked

订满了

Meaning: with no places left

Examples
  • The hotel is fully booked tonight.
  • The flight is fully booked.
  • I'm fully booked this week.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "订满了"是 fully booked,不要说 "all booked" / "completely booked" 也对但 fully booked 最自然 ❌。
Alternatives:completely booked,sold out,booked solid

bitterly cold

严寒刺骨

Meaning: extremely cold

Examples
  • It's bitterly cold outside.
  • The wind was bitterly cold.
  • We trekked through a bitterly cold winter.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "严寒"是 bitterly cold,不要说 "very cold" 弱化,文学/天气描写用 bitterly cold ❌。
Alternatives:freezing cold,icy cold,piercingly cold

painfully aware

痛切地意识到

Meaning: aware in a way that causes discomfort

Examples
  • I'm painfully aware of my mistakes.
  • She was painfully aware of the silence.
  • We are painfully aware of the cost.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "痛切意识到"是 painfully aware,这种 adv+adj 搭配很地道,中翻英很难想到 ❌。
Alternatives:acutely aware,keenly aware

fundamentally different

本质上不同

Meaning: different at the core

Examples
  • These two approaches are fundamentally different.
  • Our values are fundamentally different.
  • The two cultures are fundamentally different.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "本质上不同"是 fundamentally different,不要说 "essentially different" 也对但 fundamentally 更地道 ❌。
Alternatives:essentially different,radically different,inherently different

increasingly popular

日益流行

Meaning: becoming more popular over time

Examples
  • Online learning is increasingly popular.
  • These cars are becoming increasingly popular.
  • Plant-based diets are increasingly popular.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "日益流行"是 increasingly popular,不要说 "more and more popular" 口语行,书面 increasingly 更精炼 ❌。
Alternatives:ever more popular,growing in popularity

environmentally friendly

环保的

Meaning: not harmful to the environment

Examples
  • We use environmentally friendly products.
  • The new packaging is environmentally friendly.
  • Bikes are an environmentally friendly transport option.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "环保的"是 environmentally friendly / eco-friendly,不要说 "environment friendly"(漏 ly)❌。
Alternatives:eco-friendly,green,sustainable

extremely rare

极其罕见

Meaning: very uncommon

Examples
  • This bird is extremely rare.
  • Such cases are extremely rare.
  • The disease is extremely rare in adults.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "极其罕见"是 extremely / exceptionally rare,不要说 "very rare" 程度弱 ❌。
Alternatives:exceedingly rare,exceptionally rare,incredibly rare

remarkably similar

惊人相似

Meaning: similar to a notable degree

Examples
  • The two stories are remarkably similar.
  • Their results were remarkably similar.
  • The siblings are remarkably similar in appearance.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "惊人相似"是 remarkably / strikingly similar,不要说 "very similar" 平淡 ❌。
Alternatives:strikingly similar,amazingly similar,uncannily similar

easily accessible

易于获取的

Meaning: reachable without difficulty

Examples
  • The data is easily accessible online.
  • The mountain is not easily accessible by car.
  • Make the information easily accessible to all users.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "易于获取的"是 easily accessible,不要说 "easy accessible"(漏 ly)❌。
Alternatives:readily accessible,within easy reach

particularly important

尤其重要

Meaning: especially important

Examples
  • This rule is particularly important for beginners.
  • It is particularly important to check the spelling.
  • Sleep is particularly important for teenagers.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "尤其重要"是 particularly / especially important,不要说 "specially important" ❌(specially = 特地/专门,意思不同)。
Alternatives:especially important,crucially important,vitally important

highly unlikely

极不可能

Meaning: very improbable

Examples
  • It's highly unlikely to rain tomorrow.
  • A repeat is highly unlikely.
  • He's highly unlikely to apologize.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "极不可能"是 highly unlikely,不要说 "very impossible" ❌(impossible 已是绝对,不需要 very)。
Alternatives:extremely unlikely,most improbable

happily married

婚姻幸福

Meaning: enjoying a successful marriage

Examples
  • They've been happily married for 20 years.
  • She's happily married with two kids.
  • Most of our friends are happily married.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "婚姻幸福"是 happily married,不要说 "happy married"(漏 ly)❌。
Alternatives:blissfully married,contentedly married

deeply rooted

根深蒂固

Meaning: firmly established and hard to change

Examples
  • The tradition is deeply rooted in their culture.
  • These beliefs are deeply rooted.
  • Prejudice can be deeply rooted in society.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "根深蒂固"是 deeply rooted,不要说 "deep rooted"(漏 ly,虽然 deep-rooted 作复合形容词可)❌。
Alternatives:firmly rooted,well established,ingrained

widely available

广泛可得

Meaning: easy to find or get in many places

Examples
  • The vaccine is now widely available.
  • These tools are widely available online.
  • Fresh produce is widely available in summer.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "广泛可得"是 widely available,不要说 "broadly available"(也对但 widely 更高频)/ "wide available" ❌。
Alternatives:readily available,generally available

highly likely

极有可能

Meaning: very probable

Examples
  • It's highly likely that prices will rise.
  • A delay is highly likely.
  • She is highly likely to win.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "极有可能"是 highly likely,不要说 "high likely" / "very likely"(也对但 highly 更正式书面)❌。反义是 highly unlikely。
Alternatives:very likely,extremely likely,most probable

firmly believe

坚信

Meaning: to believe something very strongly

Examples
  • I firmly believe that honesty matters.
  • She firmly believes in equality.
  • We firmly believe this is the right choice.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "坚信"是 firmly believe,不要说 "strongly believe"(也对)but "hardly believe" 意思反了(几乎不信)❌。
Alternatives:strongly believe,truly believe,genuinely believe

totally agree

完全同意

Meaning: to agree completely

Examples
  • I totally agree with you.
  • We totally agree on this point.
  • She totally agrees that we should leave early.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "完全同意"是 totally / completely agree,不要说 "very agree" ❌(agree 是动词,不用 very 修饰,要用 totally)。
Alternatives:completely agree,fully agree,wholeheartedly agree

strictly forbidden

严禁

Meaning: completely not allowed

Examples
  • Smoking is strictly forbidden here.
  • Photography is strictly forbidden in the gallery.
  • Eating is strictly forbidden in the lab.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "严禁"是 strictly forbidden / strictly prohibited,不要说 "hardly forbidden" / "strongly forbidden" ❌。
Alternatives:strictly prohibited,absolutely forbidden

highly skilled

技术高超

Meaning: having a very high level of skill

Examples
  • The job requires highly skilled workers.
  • She is a highly skilled surgeon.
  • They hired a team of highly skilled engineers.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "技术高超"是 highly skilled,不要说 "high skilled"(漏 ly)/ "strongly skilled" ❌。
Alternatives:highly trained,highly qualified,expert

deeply moved

深受感动

Meaning: feeling strong emotion

Examples
  • She was deeply moved by the letter.
  • The audience was deeply moved by his story.
  • We were all deeply moved by the ceremony.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "深受感动"是 deeply moved / deeply touched,不要说 "deeply emotional"(意思偏"情绪化")/ "strongly moved" ❌。
Alternatives:deeply touched,profoundly moved

seriously injured

严重受伤

Meaning: badly hurt

Examples
  • Two people were seriously injured in the crash.
  • He was seriously injured but survived.
  • No one was seriously injured, thankfully.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "严重受伤"是 seriously / badly injured,不要说 "heavily injured" / "strongly injured" ❌。
Alternatives:badly injured,severely injured,critically injured

widely used

广泛使用

Meaning: used by many people or in many places

Examples
  • English is widely used in business.
  • This software is widely used worldwide.
  • The method is widely used in schools.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "广泛使用"是 widely used,不要说 "broadly used"(也对但 widely 更高频)/ "wide used" ❌。
Alternatives:commonly used,extensively used

perfectly clear

非常清楚

Meaning: completely clear and easy to understand

Examples
  • The instructions are perfectly clear.
  • Let me make this perfectly clear.
  • Her meaning was perfectly clear to everyone.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "非常清楚"是 perfectly / crystal clear,不要说 "very clear"(也对但弱)/ "completely clear" ❌。
Alternatives:crystal clear,completely clear,abundantly clear

genuinely interested

真正感兴趣

Meaning: sincerely interested

Examples
  • She's genuinely interested in your work.
  • He seemed genuinely interested in the topic.
  • Are you genuinely interested, or just being polite?
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "真正感兴趣"是 genuinely / truly interested,不要说 "real interested"(漏 ly,口语错)/ "very genuine interested" ❌。
Alternatives:truly interested,sincerely interested

highly controversial

极具争议

Meaning: causing a lot of disagreement

Examples
  • The decision was highly controversial.
  • It's a highly controversial topic.
  • The film proved highly controversial.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "极具争议"是 highly controversial,不要说 "very controversy"(controversy 是名词)/ "strongly controversial" ❌。
Alternatives:extremely controversial,deeply controversial

readily available

随手可得 / 容易获得

Meaning: easy to get without delay

Examples
  • The information is readily available online.
  • Spare parts are readily available.
  • Help is readily available if you need it.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "随手可得"是 readily available,不要说 "easy available"(漏 ly)/ "ready available" ❌。
Alternatives:easily available,widely available,on hand

mentally prepared

做好心理准备

Meaning: ready in your mind for something

Examples
  • You need to be mentally prepared for the change.
  • She was mentally prepared for the worst.
  • Athletes must be mentally prepared, not just physically.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "做好心理准备"是 mentally prepared,不要说 "heart prepared" / "mind prepared" ❌(中式直译)。
Alternatives:psychologically prepared,mentally ready

physically demanding

体力要求高的

Meaning: requiring a lot of physical effort

Examples
  • Farming is physically demanding work.
  • The training is physically demanding.
  • It's a physically demanding job.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "体力要求高"是 physically demanding,不要说 "body demanding" / "physical demanding"(漏 ly)❌。
Alternatives:physically tough,strenuous

reasonably priced

价格合理

Meaning: not too expensive

Examples
  • The restaurant is reasonably priced.
  • They sell reasonably priced furniture.
  • It's a reasonably priced hotel near the center.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "价格合理"是 reasonably priced,不要说 "reasonable priced"(漏 ly)/ "cheap priced" ❌。
Alternatives:fairly priced,moderately priced,affordable

utterly ridiculous

荒唐至极

Meaning: completely absurd

Examples
  • That's an utterly ridiculous idea.
  • The price is utterly ridiculous.
  • It seems utterly ridiculous now.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "荒唐至极"是 utterly / absolutely ridiculous,注意 utterly 多配负面绝对形容词。不要说 "very ridiculous" 偏弱 ❌。
Alternatives:absolutely ridiculous,completely absurd,totally absurd

Idiomatic (36)

kill two birds with one stone

一石二鸟 / 一举两得

Meaning: to achieve two things with one action

Examples
  • I'll go shopping after my dentist appointment — kill two birds with one stone.
  • By cycling to work, I exercise and commute, killing two birds with one stone.
  • Combining the meetings will kill two birds with one stone.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "一举两得"地道说法,不要直译"one action two results" ❌。这是 idiom,要整体记。
Alternatives:hit two targets with one arrow,multitask

a piece of cake

小菜一碟 / 很简单

Meaning: something very easy to do

Examples
  • The exam was a piece of cake.
  • For her, public speaking is a piece of cake.
  • Don't worry — fixing this is a piece of cake.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "小菜一碟"地道说法,不要直译"small dish" ❌。a piece of cake 是固定 idiom。
Alternatives:a walk in the park,easy as pie,a breeze

under the weather

身体不适 / 不舒服

Meaning: slightly unwell

Examples
  • I'm feeling a bit under the weather today.
  • She's under the weather, so she stayed home.
  • He's been under the weather all week.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "身体不舒服"地道说法,不要直译"under bad weather" ❌。under the weather 是委婉的"生病了"。
Alternatives:feeling unwell,feeling poorly,a bit off

break the ice

打破僵局 / 缓和气氛

Meaning: to start a conversation in an awkward situation

Examples
  • She told a joke to break the ice.
  • Asking about hobbies is a good way to break the ice.
  • Someone needs to break the ice at this meeting.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "打破僵局"地道说法,不要直译"break the bad situation" ❌。break the ice 是固定 idiom。
Alternatives:get the ball rolling,set things in motion

hit the books

开始用功学习

Meaning: to study hard

Examples
  • I need to hit the books — finals are next week.
  • She's been hitting the books since 8 am.
  • Time to hit the books and stop watching TV.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "开始啃书 / 用功学习"地道 idiom,不要直译"strike the books" ❌。hit 在这里 = 开始投入做某事。
Alternatives:crack the books,burn the midnight oil,study hard

cost an arm and a leg

价格昂贵 / 花一大笔钱

Meaning: to be very expensive

Examples
  • That bag cost an arm and a leg.
  • Going to college costs an arm and a leg these days.
  • Don't buy it — it'll cost you an arm and a leg.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "花一大笔钱"地道 idiom,不要直译"cost arm and leg" 漏冠词 ❌。固定是 cost AN arm and A leg。
Alternatives:cost a fortune,cost a pretty penny,break the bank

spill the beans

泄露秘密 / 说漏嘴

Meaning: to reveal a secret

Examples
  • Who spilled the beans about the party?
  • Don't spill the beans — it's a surprise.
  • She finally spilled the beans about her new job.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "说漏嘴"地道 idiom,不要直译"pour the beans" ❌。spill the beans 才是。
Alternatives:let the cat out of the bag,give away the secret

in the same boat

同病相怜 / 处境相同

Meaning: in the same difficult situation

Examples
  • We're all in the same boat — no internet today.
  • I'm broke too. We're in the same boat.
  • Lots of students are in the same boat right now.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "处境相同"地道 idiom,不要直译"in the same situation" 也对但 in the same boat 更生动 ❌。
Alternatives:in the same situation,all in this together

a blessing in disguise

因祸得福 / 塞翁失马

Meaning: something that seems bad but turns out good

Examples
  • Losing that job was a blessing in disguise.
  • Missing the train turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
  • The breakup was a blessing in disguise — I met my wife after.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "塞翁失马"地道英文 idiom,不要逐字翻 ❌。a blessing in disguise 是固定表达。
Alternatives:silver lining,a stroke of good fortune

on the same page

看法一致 / 达成共识

Meaning: in agreement; understanding the same things

Examples
  • Let's make sure we're on the same page before the meeting.
  • Are we on the same page about the budget?
  • The team needs to get on the same page.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "看法一致"地道 idiom,不要直译"on the same opinion" ❌。on the same page 是商务高频。
Alternatives:see eye to eye,be in agreement

pull yourself together

振作起来 / 控制情绪

Meaning: to regain composure

Examples
  • Pull yourself together — we have a meeting in five minutes.
  • She tried to pull herself together after the bad news.
  • Pull yourself together! Crying won't help.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "振作起来"地道 idiom,不要直译"pull your body together" ❌。pull yourself together 即可。
Alternatives:get a grip,snap out of it,compose yourself

beat around the bush

拐弯抹角 / 说话绕圈子

Meaning: to avoid getting to the point

Examples
  • Stop beating around the bush — what do you want?
  • She kept beating around the bush instead of answering.
  • Don't beat around the bush; tell me directly.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "拐弯抹角"地道 idiom,不要直译"beat the bush around" 词序错 ❌。固定是 beat around the bush。
Alternatives:mince words,beat about the bush (BrE)

once in a blue moon

千载难逢 / 难得一次

Meaning: very rarely

Examples
  • I only see him once in a blue moon.
  • She visits her hometown once in a blue moon.
  • Such an opportunity comes once in a blue moon.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "难得一次"地道 idiom,不要直译"once a thousand years" ❌。once in a blue moon 强调极罕见。
Alternatives:hardly ever,rarely,every now and then

when pigs fly

决不可能 / 太阳从西边出来

Meaning: never; impossible

Examples
  • He'll apologize when pigs fly.
  • Will she clean her room? When pigs fly!
  • I'll trust him again when pigs fly.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "绝不可能"地道 idiom,中文"太阳从西边出来"英语就用 when pigs fly,直译反而怪 ❌。
Alternatives:never in a million years,not a chance

cut to the chase

直奔主题 / 别废话

Meaning: to get to the main point quickly

Examples
  • Let's cut to the chase — how much does it cost?
  • She cut to the chase and asked for a raise.
  • I'll cut to the chase: you're fired.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "直奔主题"地道 idiom,不要直译"cut to the topic" ❌。cut to the chase 来自电影术语。
Alternatives:get to the point,come straight to the point

speak of the devil

说曹操,曹操到

Meaning: used when a person you mentioned appears

Examples
  • Speak of the devil — there's John now!
  • We were just talking about you. Speak of the devil!
  • Speak of the devil, here comes the boss.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "说曹操,曹操到"对应英文 idiom 是 speak of the devil,直译完全行不通 ❌。
Alternatives:talk of the devil,as if on cue

the ball is in your court

该你出招了 / 决定权在你

Meaning: it is your turn to act or decide

Examples
  • I've sent the offer — now the ball is in your court.
  • We've done our part; the ball is in their court.
  • The ball is in your court — what do you want to do?
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "该你出招"地道 idiom 来自网球,不要直译"球在你场地" 中式 ❌。
Alternatives:your move,up to you,over to you

go the extra mile

加倍努力 / 多做一步

Meaning: to put in more effort than is expected

Examples
  • She always goes the extra mile for her clients.
  • If you want to succeed, you've got to go the extra mile.
  • He went the extra mile to make sure everything was perfect.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "加倍努力"地道 idiom,不要直译"walk one more mile" ❌。go the extra mile 是商务/写作高频。
Alternatives:put in extra effort,go above and beyond

bite the bullet

咬牙挺过 / 硬着头皮做

Meaning: to endure a difficult situation bravely

Examples
  • I had to bite the bullet and tell her the truth.
  • Just bite the bullet and get it over with.
  • Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and accept change.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "硬着头皮"地道 idiom,不要直译"bite the iron" ❌。bite the bullet 源自旧战场。
Alternatives:grin and bear it,tough it out

sit on the fence

骑墙观望 / 不表态

Meaning: to remain neutral or undecided

Examples
  • Stop sitting on the fence — pick a side.
  • He's been sitting on the fence about the job offer.
  • Voters who sit on the fence often decide elections.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "骑墙不表态"地道 idiom,不要直译"sit on the wall" ❌。fence 是栅栏,固定不能换。
Alternatives:be on the fence,remain neutral,be undecided

the last straw

最后一根稻草 / 忍无可忍

Meaning: the final problem that makes a situation unbearable

Examples
  • His rude comment was the last straw.
  • Losing my keys was the last straw after such a bad day.
  • When he lied again, that was the last straw.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "压垮骆驼的最后一根稻草"地道说法是 the last straw,不要直译"the last grass" ❌。
Alternatives:the final straw,the breaking point

once and for all

一劳永逸 / 彻底地

Meaning: finally and completely, so it never needs doing again

Examples
  • Let's settle this once and for all.
  • I want to quit smoking once and for all.
  • We need to fix this once and for all.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "一劳永逸 / 彻底解决"地道说法是 once and for all,不要直译"one time forever" ❌。固定词序不能换。
Alternatives:for good,conclusively,definitively

get cold feet

临阵退缩 / 打退堂鼓

Meaning: to suddenly become too nervous to do something planned

Examples
  • He got cold feet just before the wedding.
  • I was going to ask for a raise, but I got cold feet.
  • Don't get cold feet now — you've trained for months.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "临阵退缩"地道 idiom 是 get cold feet,不要直译"冷脚" ❌,跟脚冷无关。
Alternatives:chicken out,lose one's nerve,back out

the tip of the iceberg

冰山一角

Meaning: a small visible part of a much bigger problem

Examples
  • These complaints are just the tip of the iceberg.
  • The reported cases are the tip of the iceberg.
  • What you see is only the tip of the iceberg.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "冰山一角"地道说法是 the tip of the iceberg,不要直译"a corner of ice mountain" ❌。
Alternatives:just the beginning,the surface of the problem

a storm in a teacup

小题大做 / 茶杯里的风暴

Meaning: a lot of fuss about something unimportant

Examples
  • The argument was just a storm in a teacup.
  • Don't worry — it's a storm in a teacup.
  • The whole scandal turned out to be a storm in a teacup.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "小题大做"地道英式 idiom 是 a storm in a teacup(AmE 用 a tempest in a teapot),不要直译 ❌。
Alternatives:a tempest in a teapot (AmE),much ado about nothing,a fuss over nothing

jump on the bandwagon

随大流 / 赶时髦

Meaning: to join an activity that has become popular

Examples
  • Many companies jumped on the bandwagon and went green.
  • Don't just jump on the bandwagon — think for yourself.
  • Investors jumped on the bandwagon when prices rose.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "随大流 / 赶时髦"地道 idiom 是 jump on the bandwagon,不要直译"跳上货车" ❌。
Alternatives:follow the crowd,go with the flow,follow the trend

a wake-up call

警钟 / 警醒事件

Meaning: an event that makes people realize they must act

Examples
  • The accident was a wake-up call for the whole town.
  • His heart attack was a wake-up call to change his lifestyle.
  • The report served as a wake-up call about climate change.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "警钟 / 警醒"地道说法是 a wake-up call(本意"叫醒电话"),不要直译"醒来铃声" ❌。
Alternatives:a warning sign,an eye-opener

cross that bridge when you come to it

船到桥头自然直 / 到时候再说

Meaning: to deal with a problem only when it actually happens

Examples
  • We don't have a plan yet — we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
  • Stop worrying; let's cross that bridge when we come to it.
  • If they say no, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "到时候再说"地道 idiom 是 cross that bridge when you come to it,不要直译 ❌,整句固定。
Alternatives:deal with it later,take it as it comes

the best of both worlds

两全其美

Meaning: the advantages of two different things at once

Examples
  • Working from home gives you the best of both worlds.
  • With this plan, you get the best of both worlds.
  • A hybrid car offers the best of both worlds.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "两全其美"地道说法是 the best of both worlds,不要直译"两个世界的好处" ❌。
Alternatives:a win-win,have your cake and eat it too

add fuel to the fire

火上浇油

Meaning: to make a bad situation worse

Examples
  • His apology only added fuel to the fire.
  • Shouting back just adds fuel to the fire.
  • Don't add fuel to the fire by bringing up old arguments.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "火上浇油"地道 idiom 是 add fuel to the fire(或 add fuel to the flames),中英刚好对应,但 fuel 不能换成 oil ❌。
Alternatives:add fuel to the flames,make matters worse,pour oil on the flames

see eye to eye

看法一致 / 意见相同

Meaning: to agree completely with someone

Examples
  • We don't always see eye to eye, but we respect each other.
  • They finally see eye to eye on the budget.
  • My boss and I rarely see eye to eye.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "意见一致"地道 idiom 是 see eye to eye,不要直译"眼对眼" ❌。常用否定:don't see eye to eye。
Alternatives:be on the same page,agree,be in agreement

let the cat out of the bag

泄露秘密 / 走漏风声

Meaning: to reveal a secret by accident

Examples
  • She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
  • Don't let the cat out of the bag before the announcement.
  • He accidentally let the cat out of the bag.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "泄露秘密"地道 idiom 是 let the cat out of the bag,不要直译"放猫出袋" ❌,整句固定。
Alternatives:spill the beans,give the game away,blow the secret

burn the midnight oil

熬夜苦干 / 开夜车

Meaning: to work or study late into the night

Examples
  • She burned the midnight oil to finish the report.
  • I've been burning the midnight oil all week.
  • Students often burn the midnight oil before exams.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "开夜车 / 熬夜"地道 idiom 是 burn the midnight oil,不要直译"烧午夜油" ❌。
Alternatives:pull an all-nighter,work late,stay up late

a piece of advice

一条建议

Meaning: one specific suggestion

Examples
  • Let me give you a piece of advice.
  • Here's a useful piece of advice.
  • That was the best piece of advice I ever received.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: advice 不可数,不能说 "an advice" / "advices" ❌,数"一条建议"要说 a piece of advice。
Alternatives:a bit of advice,a word of advice,a tip

face the music

承担后果 / 直面问题

Meaning: to accept the unpleasant results of your actions

Examples
  • He made a mistake and now he has to face the music.
  • Sooner or later you'll have to face the music.
  • She decided to face the music and apologize.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "承担后果"地道 idiom 是 face the music,不要直译"面对音乐" ❌,跟音乐无关。
Alternatives:take the consequences,own up,pay the price

better late than never

迟到总比不到好 / 亡羊补牢

Meaning: doing something late is better than not doing it at all

Examples
  • Sorry I'm late with the gift — better late than never!
  • He finally apologized. Better late than never.
  • She started learning piano at 60. Better late than never.
Common Chinese-speaker mistake: "迟到总比不到好"地道说法是 better late than never,这是固定谚语,不要改词序 ❌。
Alternatives:at least it got done,late is better than never

What this tool does

A hand-curated English collocations dictionary for Chinese learners, ESL teachers, and content writers. 200+ high-frequency collocations across six categories: verb + noun (make a decision / take a chance), adjective + noun (heavy rain / strong coffee), verb + preposition (depend on / consist of), noun + preposition (interest in / lack of), adverb + adjective (highly recommended / deeply concerned), and idiomatic phrases (piece of cake / under the weather).

Every entry shows the collocation itself, the Chinese translation, a plain-English meaning, 2–3 natural example sentences, the most common mistake Chinese students make ("do a decision" / "drink a strong coffee" / "depend of"), and a list of synonymous collocations so you can vary your writing. Search across English and Chinese in the same box; filter by collocation type with one click.

Collocation choices were checked against the BNC / COCA top frequency bands and against the Oxford Collocations Dictionary — not generated by an LLM. A bad collocation list is worse than no list, because students memorize "fast food / strong coffee" as the pattern and then write "fast coffee" forever. Every entry here is one a real native speaker would actually use.

100% client-side, no signup, ~28 kb in the page bundle. Useful for IELTS / TOEFL writing prep, CET-4 / CET-6 revision, business English emails, or just to stop sounding like a translation.

Tool details

Input
Text
The page exposes text boxes, numeric controls, file pickers, or structured inputs depending on the tool.
Output
Live result + Preview
The result area focuses on usable output, with copy, download, or preview actions when supported.
Privacy
Browser-side processing
The main tool logic does not call an external API, so inputs normally stay in the current tab.
Save / share
No account required
Open the page and use it; whether results survive refresh depends on the tool.
Performance budget
Initial JS <= 28 KB
No WASM budget is declared, keeping the tool quick to open on mobile.
Best fit
Text · Student
Category and role tags drive related tools, internal links, and quick fit checks.

How to use

  1. 1. Input

    Paste or drop your content into the tool panel.

  2. 2. Process

    Click the button. All processing is local in your browser.

  3. 3. Copy / Download

    Copy the result or download to disk in one click.

How English Collocations fits into your work

Use it to clean, compare, reshape, or extract plain text before it goes into a document, CMS, spreadsheet, or prompt.

Text jobs

  • Removing repetitive cleanup work from everyday writing and operations.
  • Making text easier to compare, paste, publish, or feed into another tool.
  • Working with content locally when the text is private or unfinished.

Text checks

  • Scan for unintended whitespace, duplicate lines, and lost punctuation.
  • For long text, test the first few lines before applying the whole change.
  • Copy the final output only after checking the preview.

Good next steps

These links move the current task into a more complete workflow.

  1. 1 Typing Speed Test Typing speed test — WPM, accuracy, real-time mistakes, English + Chinese pinyin modes. Open
  2. 2 English Vocabulary Test English vocabulary test — estimate your vocab size in 5 minutes, levels CET-4 / CET-6 / IELTS / TOEFL / GRE. Open
  3. 3 English Grammar Rules Reference English grammar rules reference — 60+ core grammar rules with side-by-side examples, common mistakes, bilingual explanations. Open

Real-world use cases

  • Cutting "Chinese-English" smell out of an IELTS Task 2 essay

    You wrote "do a contribution to society" and "give a big effect on the economy" in a band-5.5 essay. Search "contribution" and "effect" here, swap in "make a contribution" and "have a major effect", and the same 250 words read a band higher. Examiners score lexical resource on collocation accuracy, not word count.

  • Drafting a business email that doesn't sound translated

    You need to write "we attach great importance to this" but your instinct is "we very care about this". Look up "importance" to get "attach importance to / place a high priority on", and "concern" to get "raise a concern / address a concern". Five minutes of swaps turns a clunky email into one a native colleague would send.

  • Pre-teaching a collocation set before an ESL writing class

    You teach 18 CET-6 students who all write "depend of" and "consist in". Filter to verb + preposition, pull "depend on / consist of / result in / account for", and project the common-mistake column so they see the wrong form next to the right one. The L1-interference note explains exactly why the whole class makes the same slip.

  • Varying repeated wording in a 2000-word article

    Your draft says "very important" eight times. Search "important" and the synonymous-collocations list gives you "crucial / vital / of paramount importance / a key factor", each with an example so you pick the one that fits the register. You stop sounding like a thesaurus dump and start sounding deliberate.

Common pitfalls

  • Treating every synonym as interchangeable. "Strong coffee" is right but "strong rain" is wrong (it's "heavy rain"); always read the example before swapping.

  • Memorizing the collocation without its preposition. "Depend" alone is useless; the entry to keep is "depend on", because "depend of" is the actual band-killer.

  • Copying the Chinese-mistake column by accident. The 中国学生易错 tag shows the WRONG form on purpose, so quote the green correct form, not the labeled trap.

Privacy

Everything runs in your browser. The 200+ collocations ship inside the page bundle, so your search keywords and type filters are matched locally and never sent to a server. Your selected filter does sync into the URL so you can share a filtered view (for example a verb + preposition list); the search text you type does not go into the URL. No login, no logging, no upload of anything you type.

FAQ

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Made by Toolora · 100% client-side · Updated 2026-06-13