- Do you struggle to choose the right words to talk about `society` naturally in English?
- Are you unsure whether to say “develop society” or “improve society”?
- Do you want to sound more fluent and confident when discussing social issues?
Mastering collocations, which are words that commonly go together, is a crucial step towards sounding like a native English speaker. It’s not just about knowing individual words; it’s about knowing how they connect and interact to form natural phrases. For a word as fundamental as ‘society’, understanding its collocations will significantly enhance your accuracy and fluency, helping you express complex ideas with ease and confidence.
Essential Collocations using SOCIETY as a Noun
The word ‘society’ predominantly functions as a noun in modern English, referring to people living together in organized communities, often sharing laws, traditions, and values. Understanding its role as a noun is key to mastering its collocations.
Types and Characteristics of Society
These collocations describe different kinds or aspects of human organization and interaction.
- Civil society: The part of society that is distinct from government and business, comprising organizations like charities, community groups, and NGOs.
Example: Non-governmental organizations play a vital role in strengthening civil society.
- Global society: Refers to the interconnectedness of people and nations across the world.
Example: Climate change is a challenge that affects the entire global society.
- Modern society: Describes contemporary human civilization with its current values, technologies, and social structures.
Example: Privacy concerns are a significant issue in modern society.
- Traditional society: A society characterized by long-standing customs, beliefs, and ways of life, often with less technological advancement.
Example: Many ancient traditions are preserved in remote traditional societies.
- Consumer society: A society where people’s lives are greatly influenced by their ability to buy goods and services.
Example: Advertising plays a huge role in driving desires within a consumer society.
- Knowledge society / Information society: A society where the creation, distribution, and use of information and knowledge are the most important economic and cultural activities.
Example: Access to education is fundamental in shaping a successful knowledge society.
- Open society: A society in which the government is transparent, and citizens are free to express their opinions and participate in public life.
Example: Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of an open society.
Problems and Challenges in Society
These phrases describe issues that affect communities and groups of people.
- Social problems / Societal problems: Issues that negatively affect members of a society (e.g., poverty, crime, inequality).
Example: Governments are continually working to address pressing social problems.
- Society’s ills: A more general term for the various problems or evils that exist within a society.
Example: Education is often seen as a powerful tool against society’s ills.
- Breakdown of society: A situation where the normal rules and structures of society stop working effectively.
Example: Periods of war often lead to a breakdown of society.
Influence and Role of Society
These collocations discuss how society impacts individuals or how individuals/groups relate to society.
- Shape society: To influence or determine the form and character of a society.
Example: Technological advancements continue to shape society in profound ways.
- Benefit society: To be advantageous or helpful to the community as a whole.
Example: Medical research aims to develop treatments that will ultimately benefit society.
- Serve society: To work for the good or welfare of the community.
Example: Many dedicated individuals choose professions that directly serve society.
- Contribute to society: To give something (time, effort, ideas) that helps or improves the community.
Example: Volunteering is an excellent way to contribute to society.
- Impact on society: The effect or influence that something has on the community.
Example: The rise of social media has had a significant impact on society.
- Integrate into society: To become a full and accepted member of a community or group.
Example: Newcomers often face challenges when trying to integrate into society.
Groups and Structures within Society
These phrases refer to the components and layers that make up a community.
- Fabric of society: The basic structure or fundamental elements that hold a society together.
Example: Trust and cooperation are essential for maintaining the fabric of society.
- Pillars of society: People, institutions, or principles that are considered to be very important for the strength and stability of a society.
Example: Education and justice are often regarded as the pillars of society.
- Segments of society: Different groups or parts within a larger community.
Example: Policies must consider the needs of all segments of society.
The Master Summary Table
Here’s a quick reference to some of the most important collocations with ‘society’.
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| civil society | Adjective + Noun | Non-governmental community organizations |
| global society | Adjective + Noun | The interconnected world community |
| modern society | Adjective + Noun | Contemporary human civilization |
| consumer society | Adjective + Noun | Society driven by buying goods/services |
| social problems | Adjective + Noun | Issues negatively affecting communities |
| society’s ills | Noun + Noun (possessive) | General problems within a society |
| shape society | Verb + Noun | To influence how society develops |
| benefit society | Verb + Noun | To be good for the community |
| contribute to society | Verb + Preposition + Noun | To give something helpful to the community |
| impact on society | Noun + Preposition + Noun | The effect something has on the community |
| fabric of society | Noun + Preposition + Noun | The basic structure holding society together |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
Avoid direct translations that might sound awkward or incorrect to a native speaker. Focus on using the established collocations.
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| improve society (too general, often implies making it better ‘mechanically’) | benefit society, shape society, contribute to society (more specific, natural) |
| society questions | social problems, societal issues |
| the society (unless referring to a specific group, e.g., ‘The Historical Society’) | society (as a general concept, no ‘the’) |
| give to society | contribute to society |
| develop society | advance society, progress society, shape society |
In today’s modern society, digital literacy is crucial. Many initiatives are designed to help citizens integrate into society, ensuring everyone can contribute to society effectively. Addressing social problems like inequality is essential to strengthen the fabric of society and foster an open society where everyone can thrive. New technologies continue to shape society, having a profound impact on society in various ways.
Frequently Asked Questions about Society Collocations
What’s the difference between “social” and “societal”?
While often used interchangeably, “social” tends to describe things relating to human society or its organization (e.g., social media, social skills). “Societal” often refers to things on a larger, more abstract scale, related to society as a whole system or its fundamental structures (e.g., societal norms, societal change). Both are generally acceptable when discussing issues or aspects of society.
Can I use “the society” when talking about society in general?
Generally, no. When referring to society as an abstract concept, a collective of people, or human civilization, we usually omit the article “the” (e.g., “Poverty affects society.”). You would use “the society” if you were talking about a specific, named organization or group (e.g., “The local historical society meets monthly.”) or if you’ve already specified which society you’re referring to in context.
Are there any common prepositions used with “society”?
Yes, several prepositions are very common. Some key examples include: in society (e.g., “gender roles in society”), for society (e.g., “acting for the good of society”), to society (e.g., “contribute to society”), and within society (e.g., “different groups within society”). The correct preposition often depends on the verb or noun it accompanies.
How can I avoid language anxiety when using collocations?
Start small! Focus on learning a few key collocations for words you use frequently. Don’t aim for perfection immediately. Read a lot in English – newspapers, articles, books – and pay attention to how words are naturally grouped. Practice using new collocations in your speaking and writing, even if you make mistakes. Mistakes are learning opportunities. The more you expose yourself to natural English, the more intuitive collocations will become, reducing your anxiety.
Is “society’s values” the same as “societal values”?
Yes, they are largely interchangeable and both correct. “Society’s values” uses the possessive form, while “societal values” uses the adjective form. Both refer to the shared principles and beliefs of a community. Choose whichever sounds more natural in your sentence, though “societal values” is often preferred in formal academic or sociological contexts.
Beyond 'civil' and 'global,' are there other common 'types of society' collocations that ESL learners should prioritize? Perhaps 'post-industrial society' or 'agrarian society'?
You're thinking ahead, Wei! Yes, 'post-industrial society' (a society characterized by a shift from manufacturing to services) and 'agrarian society' (one based on farming) are indeed excellent examples of other 'types of society' collocations. Others include 'consumer society,' 'technological society,' or 'classless society.' These terms help describe societal structures based on economic, technological, or social organization, and are valuable for academic discussions!
Can I say 'the society' when talking generally, or is it usually 'society' without 'the'?
Great question, Anya! When referring to society in a general, abstract sense (e.g., 'Society benefits from education'), we usually omit 'the'. We use 'the society' when referring to a specific, defined group of people, often with a modifying phrase (e.g., 'the society of ancient Rome', or 'the local historical society'). So, for general discussions, stick with just 'society'!
This is a brilliant resource for my advanced students who are working on academic writing. The focus on natural language is key for their fluency development.
Is there a difference in nuance between 'modern society' and 'contemporary society'? Both seem to refer to current times.
That's a very good question, Kai, and they are indeed very close! 'Modern society' often implies a longer historical period, generally from the industrial revolution onwards, focusing on characteristics like industrialization, urbanization, and individualism. 'Contemporary society' is more specific to the *very present* or recent past. While often used interchangeably, 'contemporary' is slightly more immediate. Think of 'modern art' spanning a century, versus 'contemporary art' being what's happening *right now*.
The explanation of collocations is so clear! I used to just memorize individual words, but now I understand why phrases are important. Amazing!
Can you give another example for 'global society' in a sentence? I'm trying to get a clearer picture.
Certainly, Omar! Here's another example for 'global society': 'Addressing climate change requires coordinated efforts from the entire global society.' This highlights how worldwide cooperation is essential for universal challenges. Hope that helps!
What about phrases like 'high society' or 'polite society'? Do those also fall under 'types and characteristics' or are they a different category of collocation? I find them quite interesting historically.
Excellent observation, Isabella! 'High society' and 'polite society' are indeed fascinating collocations that describe specific, often historical or hierarchical, segments of society. While 'civil society' and 'global society' describe broad organizational types, phrases like 'high society' categorize by social status or etiquette. They are a subset of collocations that define particular social groups or classes within the broader concept of 'society'. We're glad you brought them up!
I used to always say 'make society better' instead of 'improve society,' and people would understand me, but it never felt quite right. This article explains exactly why! Thank you!
The article emphasizes 'society' as a noun. Are there common adjectival forms or verb forms related to 'society' that also have interesting collocations? Like 'social responsibility' vs 'societal responsibility'?
That's a very insightful question, Lars! While this article focused on 'society' as a noun, you're right to point out 'social' and 'societal' as important related adjectives. 'Social responsibility' is very common, referring to a duty to act for the benefit of society as a whole. 'Societal responsibility' exists but is less common and often emphasizes the responsibility *of* society or a collective. We will definitely cover adjectival forms like 'social' and 'societal' in more detail soon!
So, 'global society' means people around the world connected, right? Not just one country?
Absolutely right, Ahmed! 'Global society' refers to the interconnectedness and interdependence of people, cultures, and nations across the entire world, acknowledging shared challenges and responsibilities that transcend national borders. Great job confirming your understanding!