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heavy smoker — person who smokes a lot

collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon

A heavy smoker is someone who smokes cigarettes very often or in large amounts.

Say it like a native

Textbook He is an individual who consumes tobacco in large quantities.

Native He's a heavy smoker.

'A heavy smoker' is the fixed phrase; the paraphrase is laughable.

Pattern: a/an + heavy smoker

In use

  • My uncle is a heavy smoker and usually finishes a pack of cigarettes every day.health
  • In my opinion, being a heavy smoker can seriously affect your health and make it harder to quit later.IELTS speaking

Common mistake

✗ He is a strong smoker.

✓ He is a heavy smoker.

It's a 'heavy' smoker/drinker, not 'strong' or 'big'.

Common collocations

  • a heavy smoker — heavy, drinker, used to be, lifelong

Don't confuse it

A 'light smoker' is someone who smokes only a little.

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