This lesson practises 30 C2 collocations on Health & Medicine. Collocations are fixed word pairings that native speakers expect — Cambridge examiners test them in Use of English Part 1 and reward precise lexis in Writing. Run through the interactive drills first, then open this glossary to revise every item in the set. For question-by-question feedback, use Review mode after you finish the session.
shake off a cold
The patient needed a few days to shake off a cold.
side effects
The doctor explained the possible side effects before prescribing the tablets.
do sport
Many teenagers do sport after school to stay active.
build up resistance
Regular exposure to mild germs can help children build up resistance.
pretty fit
Despite his age, he remains pretty fit because he walks daily.
break into a run
When the race started, the athlete broke into a run.
come out of a coma
Doctors were relieved when he began to come out of a coma.
deathly hush
A deathly hush fell over the waiting room as the surgeon arrived.
be in poor health
The patient was in poor health when she arrived at the clinic.
gentle exercise
After the injury, the physiotherapist prescribed gentle exercise.
make a speedy recovery
Within just three weeks, he made a speedy recovery and was back on the tennis court.
rare illness
The clinic is researching a rare illness that affects the nervous system.
physical exertion
Lifting heavy boxes after surgery requires considerable physical exertion.
serious medical condition
The patient has a serious medical condition that requires monitoring.
untimely death
The community mourned the doctor's untimely death.
go on a diet
He decided to go on a diet after talking to his doctor.
run late
The clinic will run late after an emergency admission.
take an overdose
Emergency teams may treat people who take an overdose.
stick to a diet
He found it easier to stick to a diet when meals were planned ahead.
regain full mobility
With rehabilitation, she hopes to regain full mobility in her injured knee.
practise medicine
After years of training, she was licensed to practise medicine in the region.
run into trouble
The medical team could run into trouble when scan results are delayed.
foam at the mouth
During the seizure, the patient began to foam at the mouth.
build up their strength
After surgery, the patient needs time to build up their strength.
enjoy good health
The patient continued to enjoy good health after treatment.
massive overdose
The report documented a massive overdose, prompting an urgent review of medication safety.
not lose any sleep
The manager did not lose any sleep over the minor delay.
manage chronic pain
Specialist care can help people manage chronic pain.
fall into a coma
Victims of severe head trauma can fall into a coma.
do plenty of exercise
Doctors recommend that adults do plenty of exercise to support heart health.