Word Focus: Bank

Intermediate

Posted on: 03 Jul, 2009 07:28 PM

I'm a big fan of using collocations to help expand vocabulary. A quick definition for collocation is: 'words that go together'. I'd like to focus on the noun 'bank' today. There are a number of phrases and word combinations that are commonly used with the noun 'bank'. Let's explore:

Types of banks

commercial banks

international banks

investment banks

issuing banks

national banks

reserve banks

savings banks

It's common to keep personal accounts at a savings bank. If you're a corporation you might go to a commercial bank. If you are a multinational corporation, you'll probably also use an international bank to make banking abroad easy. We all know that a number of investment banks have created quite an economic mess over the past few years! The reserve bank makes sure the national economy doesn't fail. Finally, make sure that you don't get too many credit cards from issuing banks!

Bank Activities

banks charge fees

banks underwrite loans

banks issue credit and debit cards

banks lend money

banks provide financial commercial services

I'm sure you know that banks charge fees - too many in my opinion! If you are a commercial developer, you'll be happy to know that banks underwrite major loans. Most consumers turn to their bank to have a credit or debit card issued to them. Of course, banks lend money to consumers for house and auto loans as well. Finally, many banks provide a wide range of commercial and financial services.

Nouns and Verbs Used with Banks

account

balance

deposit

loan

statement

charges

fees

credit

manager

teller

withdraw

ATM (Automated Teller Machine)

robber

I've opened an account at my local bank recently. The balance isn't nearly what I'd like. I try to deposit at least once a month to make sure I can pay back my loan. At the end of each month, I receive a statement that includes the various charges and fees to my account. If I need credit, I talk to the manager. If I need to withdraw money, I speak to a teller or use an ATM. I certainly hope I never see a robber in my bank!

RATE (?)

RESPOND

Maru

Submitted by Maru on 06 Jul, 2009 03:07 PM

Hi Maru,

Nice play on the words in this post! These posts will remain up for access any time, so you should be able to find it here. In any case, I've also put it up as a document as you requested.

Thanks so much Kenneth for uploading the file. I'm a 'paper person' I'm afraid. I learn better when I read something printed, so that I can highlight words, add notes, etc. Thank you so much.

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Kenneth

Submitted by Kenneth on 06 Jul, 2009 03:04 PM

Hi Kenneth
Learning words 'that go together' is one of the best ways to expand vocabulary.
By the way, could you 'deposit' this blog on EC as a doc file, so that I can 'withdraw' it later. It'll be good for increasing my 'vocabulary account'. Please, don't charge any fees for this -- I won't be able to pay back.

Hi Maru,

Nice play on the words in this post! These posts will remain up for access any time, so you should be able to find it here. In any case, I've also put it up as a document as you requested.

Reply to Comment >

Leslie

Submitted by Leslie on 04 Jul, 2009 04:22 PM

I think all of those different types of banks can be found in China. Among hundreds of banks, there are five most prominent banks. They are owned by the central government. I don't know if they can be categorized as national banks. Those five banks account for over half of the banking market in China. The services they provide cover all aspects of the banking industry. The latest Fortune 500 list that Forbes magazine released unveiled that ICBC (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China) became the biggest bank in the world according to the market capitalization. Besides, it seems the current financial crisis just has a small impact on the growth of those state-owned giant banks.

I learned a lot from this post. Thanks for writing such an informative blog.