What is a collocation?
A collocation is a pair or group of words that are often used together. These combinations sound
natural to native speakers, but students of English have to make a special effort to learn them
because they are often difficult to guess. Some combinations just sound "wrong" to native
speakers of English. For example, the adjective fast collocates with cars, but not with a glance.
Learning collocations is an important part of learning the vocabulary of a language. Some
collocations are fixed, or very strong, for example take a photo, where no word other than take
collocates with photo to give the same meaning. Some collocations are more open, where several
different words may be used to give a similar meaning, for example keep to the rules / stick to
the rules. Here are some more examples of collocations:
You must make an effort and study for your exams. (NOT do an effort)
Did you watch TV last night? (NOT look at TV)
This car has a very powerful engine. It can do 200 km an hour. (NOT strong engine)
There are some ancient monuments nearby. (NOT antique monuments)
Sometimes, a pair of words may not be absolutely wrong, and people will understand what is
meant, but it may not be the natural, normal collocation. If someone says I did a few mistakes,
they will be understood, but a fluent speaker of English would probably say I made a few
mistakes.
Why learn collocations?
Learning collocations will ...
make your English sound more natural.
help you to express yourself in a variety of ways.
help you to write better English.
Types of collocation
There are several different types of collocation made from combinations of verb, noun, adjective
etc. Some of the most common types are:
adverb + adjective: completely satisfied (NOT downright satisfied)
adjective + noun: excruciating pain (NOT excruciating joy)
noun + noun: a surge of anger (NOT a rush of anger)
noun + verb: lions roar (NOT lions shout)
verb + noun: commit suicide (NOT undertake suicide)
verb + expression with preposition: burst into tears (NOT blow up intears)
Sample Collocations
There are several different types of collocation. Collocations can be adjective + adverb, noun +
noun, verb + noun and so on. Below you can see seven main types of collocation in sample
sentences.
1. adverb + adjective
Invading that country was an utterly stupid thing to do.
We entered a richly decorated room.
Are you fully aware of the implications of your action?
2. adjective + noun
The doctor ordered him to take regular exercise.
The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.
He was writhing on the ground in excruciating pain.
3. noun + noun
Let's give Mr Jones a round of applause.
The ceasefire agreement came into effect at 11am.
I'd like to buy two bars of soap please.
4. noun + verb
The lion started to roar when it heard the dog barking.
Snow was falling as our plane took off.
The bomb went off when he started the car engine.
5. verb + noun
The prisoner was hanged for committing murder.
I always try to do my homework in the morning, after making my bed.
He has been asked to give a presentation about his work.
6. verb + expression with preposition
We had to return home because we had run out of money.
At first her eyes filled with horror, and then she burst into tears.
Their behaviour was enough to drive anybody to crime.
7. verb + adverb
She placed her keys gently on the table and sat down.
Mary whispered softly in John's ear.
I vaguely remember that it was growing dark when we left.
