B1 Collocation Neutre 2 min de lecture

health care

Medical services

Use `health care` to discuss the systems, professionals, and services that maintain physical and mental well-being.

En 15 secondes

  • Refers to all medical services provided by professionals.
  • Used for systems, insurance, and general medical industry topics.
  • Can be written as one word or two words.

Signification

This phrase refers to the entire system of doctors, nurses, and hospitals that keep people healthy. It covers everything from getting a check-up to having a major surgery.

Exemples clés

3 sur 6
1

Discussing a new job

Does your new job offer good health care benefits?

Does your new job offer good health care benefits?

💼
2

Complaining about costs

The cost of health care is getting ridiculous these days!

The cost of health care is getting ridiculous these days!

😊
3

In a formal meeting

We need to improve access to health care in rural areas.

We need to improve access to health care in rural areas.

👔
🌍

Contexte culturel

The phrase has evolved from a simple description of medical aid to a massive political and economic pillar. In the United States, it is deeply tied to the 'Affordable Care Act,' while in the UK, the 'NHS' is the primary symbol of health care. It reflects a society's priorities regarding the well-being of its citizens.

💡

One word or two?

You can use `healthcare` (one word) or `health care` (two words). Both are fine! The two-word version is slightly more common in the US.

⚠️

Don't say 'a health care'

It is an uncountable noun. Don't say 'I need a health care.' Instead, say 'I need health care' or 'I need a health care provider.'

En 15 secondes

  • Refers to all medical services provided by professionals.
  • Used for systems, insurance, and general medical industry topics.
  • Can be written as one word or two words.

What It Means

Health care is a big, umbrella term. It describes the organized provision of medical services. It is not just about being sick. It is about the whole industry of staying well. Think of it as the 'maintenance' for your body. Just like a car needs a mechanic, humans need health care professionals.

How To Use It

You can use it as a noun. It often acts like a single concept. You will see it used to describe services or costs. For example, you might talk about health care quality. You can also use it as an adjective. In this case, you might say health care worker. It is very versatile in daily life.

When To Use It

Use it when talking about the medical system. It is perfect for discussing insurance or doctor visits. Use it when chatting about your job if you work in a clinic. It fits well in news discussions about government policy. It is also common when comparing different countries. You might say, "The health care here is great!"

When NOT To Use It

Do not use it for simple hygiene. Washing your hands is not health care. That is just personal cleanliness. Also, do not use it for fitness alone. Going to the gym is 'exercise', not health care. Avoid using it when you mean a specific medicine. If you need an aspirin, don't ask for health care. Ask for the pill!

Cultural Background

In many English-speaking countries, this is a hot topic. In the US, it is often linked to jobs and insurance. In the UK or Canada, it is seen as a public right. People have very strong feelings about how it is paid for. It is a frequent subject of political debates. It is more than just medicine; it is a social value.

Common Variations

You will often see it written as one word: healthcare. Both are correct, but health care is more traditional. You might hear primary care for your regular doctor. Universal health care means everyone gets it for free. Mental health care focuses on the mind and emotions. These variations help you be more specific.

Notes d'usage

This is a neutral, highly versatile phrase. Be careful not to use it as a countable noun; use 'services' or 'providers' if you need to talk about specific units.

💡

One word or two?

You can use `healthcare` (one word) or `health care` (two words). Both are fine! The two-word version is slightly more common in the US.

⚠️

Don't say 'a health care'

It is an uncountable noun. Don't say 'I need a health care.' Instead, say 'I need health care' or 'I need a health care provider.'

💬

The 'Insurance' Confusion

In the US, people often say `health care` when they actually mean `health insurance`. They are different, but people use them interchangeably in casual talk!

Exemples

6
#1 Discussing a new job
💼

Does your new job offer good health care benefits?

Does your new job offer good health care benefits?

Refers to the insurance plan provided by an employer.

#2 Complaining about costs
😊

The cost of health care is getting ridiculous these days!

The cost of health care is getting ridiculous these days!

A common conversational complaint about medical expenses.

#3 In a formal meeting
👔

We need to improve access to health care in rural areas.

We need to improve access to health care in rural areas.

Used in a policy or professional planning context.

#4 Texting a friend about a doctor's visit
😊

Just at the health care clinic for a quick checkup.

Just at the health care clinic for a quick checkup.

Informal shorthand for a medical facility.

#5 A humorous observation
😄

My health care plan is basically just eating an apple a day and hoping for the best.

My health care plan is basically just eating an apple a day and hoping for the best.

A joke about the high cost or complexity of the system.

#6 Expressing concern for a relative
💭

I just want my grandmother to have the best health care possible.

I just want my grandmother to have the best health care possible.

Shows emotional investment in someone's medical treatment.

Teste-toi

Choose the best word to complete the sentence about medical systems.

Many people believe that ___ should be a basic human right.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : health care

`Health care` is the standard noun phrase for the system of medical services.

Identify the correct adjective usage.

She is a dedicated ___ worker who helps patients every day.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : health care

In this context, `health care` acts as an adjective modifying the word 'worker'.

🎉 Score : /2

Aides visuelles

Formality of 'Health Care'

Informal

Talking to friends about a doctor visit.

My health care is pricey.

Neutral

General discussions or news reports.

Health care is changing.

Formal

Policy documents or medical research.

The health care infrastructure requires investment.

Where to use Health Care

Health Care
💼

At the Office

Discussing insurance benefits.

🏥

At the Hospital

Talking about patient services.

🗳️

In Politics

Debating system reforms.

🏠

At Home

Planning a family check-up.

Questions fréquentes

12 questions

Both are correct. Health care is more common in formal writing, while healthcare is becoming the standard in modern digital media.

Not exactly. You would say health care provider or health care professional to refer to a person like a doctor or nurse.

It is neutral. You can use it with your best friend or in a professional presentation without any issues.

It refers to a system where every citizen has access to medical services, often funded by the government through taxes.

No, that sounds unnatural. You would say I am receiving health care or I work in health care.

Yes, they are very similar. Health care is a broader term that includes prevention, while medical care often implies treating an existing illness.

You can use phrases like health care costs or health care expenses to discuss the money side of things.

Usually, yes. However, in many countries, dental care is discussed separately from general health care because of different insurance rules.

This is the collection of all organizations, people, and actions whose primary intent is to promote, restore, or maintain health.

Yes, it is perfectly fine. You might text a friend, "My job has awesome health care!"

This refers to the first point of contact you have with the system, like your family doctor or a local clinic.

No, it is almost always used in the singular form. You wouldn't say 'health cares'.

Expressions liées

Medical insurance

A type of insurance coverage that pays for health care expenses.

Public health

The science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities.

Patient care

The services provided by medical professionals to a specific person.

Well-being

The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.

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