SpeakUp

Grammar fix

heavy smoker

person who smokes a lot

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

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • 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

Fix the pattern

Pattern: a/an + heavy smoker

WrongHe is a strong smoker.

RightHe is a heavy smoker.

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

Patterna/an + heavy smoker

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

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

Natural He's a heavy smoker.

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

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • a heavy smoker
    heavydrinkerused to belifelong

Don't confuse it

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

Try it in Daily Speak →