Collocations

What is a collocation?

A collocation is two or more words that often go together. These combinations just sound "right"
to native English speakers, who use them all the time. On the other hand, other combinations
may be unnatural and just sound "wrong". Look at these examples: the fast train
fast food a quick shower a quick meal

Why learn collocations?

 Your language will be more natural and more easily understood.
 You will have alternative and richer ways of expressing yourself.
 It is easier for our brains to remember and use language in chunks or blocks rather than as
single words.

How to learn collocations

 Be aware of collocations, and try to recognize them when you see or hear them.
 Treat collocations as single blocks of language. Think of them as individual blocks or
chunks, and learn strongly support, not strongly + support.
 When you learn a new word, write down other words that collocate with it (remember
rightly, remember distinctly, remember vaguely, remember vividly).
 Read as much as possible. Reading is an excellent way to learn vocabulary and
collocations in context and naturally.
 Revise what you learn regularly. Practise using new collocations in context as soon as
possible after learning them.
 Learn collocations in groups that work for you. You could learn them by topic (time,
number, weather, money, family) or by a particular word (take action, take a
chance, take an exam).
 You can find information on collocations in any good learner's dictionary. And you can
also find specialized dictionaries of collocations.
Tell me who you go with and I'll tell you who you areSaying

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 in tears)
 verb + adverb: wave frantically (NOT wave feverishly)

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.

Collocations
Collocations are a pair or group of words that are often used together in
combination in the English language. Using collocations in speech or writing
makes the language seem more natural and fluid.

However, native speakers of the English language seem to know and use
collocations naturally and habitually, whereas, non-native speakers must be
careful in its usage The slightest difference in a collocation can change the
sense of the entire sentence. No word in a collocation can be replaced with
another synonym, or it will modify the meaning and gist of what is being said.

Example:
Correct Collocation Incorrect Collocation
fast food quick man
tall man high man
great man big man
strong tea powerful tea
burst into tears blow up into tears
It should also be remembered that certain collocations are always used in
particular circumstances and not used elsewhere, as they do not seem natural
otherwise.

Correct Collocation Incorrect Collocation

excruciating pain excruciating joy
feel free feel bound
catch a cold catch a-hot
The best way to learn correct collocations is to read and listen to native writers
and speakers use them.
Collocations can begin with adverbs, adjectives, nouns, or verbs. Here are
some common everyday collocations that begin with verbs.
Verb Collocations
make a mistake, make a promise, make a wish, make a
Make
difference, make one’s bed
catch a bus, catch a cold, catch a thief, catch a ball,
Catch
catch lire, catch someone’s attention
pay attention, pay the price, pay a visit, pay one’s
Pay
respects
Save save money, save energy, save time
take a bus (or a train, flight, taxi), take a look, take a
Take
break, take a picture
keep calm, keep in touch, keep quiet, keep the
Keep
change, keep a promise
get ready, get on, get off, get lost, get angry, get in,
Get
get out
do the dishes, do the laundry, do one’s hair, do one’s
Do
homework, do a favour
feel free, feel comfortable, feel happy (or proud,
Feel
nervous, sleepy)
have a bath, have faith, have breakfast (or lunch,
Have
dinner), have fun, have a party, have an excuse
here are some common everyday collocations that begin with adjective:
Adjective Collocations
deep thought, deep sleep, deep
Deep
trouble
heavy rain (or snow), heavy traffic,
Heavy
heavy smoker, heavy duty
High (or Low) high (or low) cost, self-esteem,
 energy, expectations
strong willed, strong smell, strong
Strong taste, strong tea (or coffee), strong
feeling
tali order, tall building, tall man, tall
Tall
glass
Care should be taken to always use the right collocation in the right situation.
If the collocation is used correctly but out of place, it is going to seem as
strange as if it were used incorrectly.

The use of the right collocation in the right situation can only come from
practice.
Use of a few collocations in sentences;
o I will not give you breakfast until you make your bed.
o Don’t disturb John. He seems to be in a deep thought.
o Please feel free to contact me if you have any further queries.
o He married Sharon against everyone’s advice and now he’s paying the price.

Collocations

What is a collocation?

A collocation is two or more words that often go together. These combinations just sound "right"
to native English speakers, who use them all the time. On the other hand, other combinations
may be unnatural and just sound "wrong". Look at these examples:

natural English... unnatural English...

the fast train the quick train

fast food quick food

a quick shower a fast shower

a quick meal a fast meal

Why learn collocations?

 Your language will be more natural and more easily understood.

 You will have alternative and richer ways of expressing yourself.
  It is easier for our brains to remember and use language in chunks or blocks rather than as
single words.

How to learn collocations

 Be aware of collocations, and try to recognize them when you see or hear them.
 Treat collocations as single blocks of language. Think of them as individual blocks or
chunks, and learn strongly support, not strongly + support.
 When you learn a new word, write down other words that collocate with it (remember
rightly, remember distinctly, remember vaguely, remember vividly).
 Read as much as possible. Reading is an excellent way to learn vocabulary and
collocations in context and naturally.
 Revise what you learn regularly. Practise using new collocations in context as soon as
possible after learning them.
 Learn collocations in groups that work for you. You could learn them by topic (time,
number, weather, money, family) or by a particular word (take action, take a chance,
take an exam).
 You can find information on collocations in any good learner's dictionary. And you can
also find specialized dictionaries of collocations.

Sample Collocations There are several different types of collocation.

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.

Collocation types and examples

There are lots of collocation types in English. However, I want to tell you about these five
combinations that are used most commonly. I’ve written common collocations and their
examples in each section. Take a look at them below.

1) Adverb + adjective collocations

2) Adjective + noun collocations

3) Noun + noun collocations

4) Verb + noun collocations

5) Verb + preposition collocations

1) Adverb + adjective collocations

Absolutely delighted Rae was absolutely delighted to win first prize.

Perfectly clear It was perfectly clear that Dale disapproved of Winston.

Reasonably priced Houses in this area are reasonably priced.

Fully aware I’m fully aware you fancy Sam. It’s pretty obvious.

Eternally grateful They’re eternally grateful for your help.

Deadly serious I’m deadly serious. I’m not laughing about it.
Deeply regret She deeply regrets saying that to you.

Strictly forbidden It is strictly forbidden to enter this property.

Utterly stupid We feel utterly stupid for not getting the question right.

Highly impressed The teacher was highly impressed with your piano recital.

2) Adjective + noun collocations

Nasty habit Continuously lying is a nasty habit.

Key/main issue The key issue here is that our investors aren’t willing to listen.

Mixed feelings I have mixed feelings about leaving to move to Spain.

Absolute agony I have a headache, and I’m in absolute agony.

Common knowledge It’s common knowledge we need oxygen to breathe.

Weak point My weak point is that I talk a lot.

Soft spot I have a soft spot for him.

Steady job Burt is doing really well. He has a new house, a dog, and a steady job too

Important thing An important thing to remember is to always be polite.

Excruciating pain He was in excruciating pain after falling off his bike.

3) Noun + noun collocations

Abuse of power Abuse of power in the workplace is illegal.

Spice rack The spice rack in my kitchen is full. I have over 200 jars.

Sense of pride They felt a sense of pride in their country.

Board game Board games are a great way to spend time with family and friends.

Round of applause The audience gave a round of applause after the speech.

Hand towel Use a hand towel after washing your hands.

Pang of nostalgia As I entered my primary school, I felt a pang of nostalgia.

Withdrawal
She’s getting withdrawal symptoms from playing The Sims.
symptom

Side effects A side effect of working from a desk is having a bad back.

Keep the receipts of your travel expenses. You will get a reimbursement
Travel expenses
later.

4) Verb + noun collocations

Break a promise You broke your promise and told people my secret.

Get the message He finally got the message and went away.

Go bankrupt I went bankrupt 20 years ago.

Make an effort I like my friend, but she never makes an effort to see me.

She’s acting weird, but I have sympathy for her. She is having a
Have sympathy
hard time.

Pay/give someone a
I paid Joni a compliment, and she said thanks.
compliment

Make progress The teacher said I was making progress with my English.

Break the news I was the journalist that broke the news that day.

Have a rest I am so tired. I’m going to have a rest.

Catch a bus I catch the bus to work every day.

5) Verb + preposition collocations

Associate
I do not want to associate with my ex-classmate as he is not nice.
with

Deal with He doesn’t know how to deal with his finances. He needs help.

Refer to Please use my name when referring to me.

Specialise in I specialise in mechanics.

Rely on They rely on AI too much to do their work.

Suffer from I suffer from terrible hay fever in spring.

Worry about Don’t worry about it. You didn’t do it on purpose.

The English students marvelled at how many compound nouns there were in
Marvel at
English; they couldn’t believe it.

Glance at He glanced at his homework and decided not to do it.

Dream about I dreamt about my horse.

Types of English Collocations

There are several different types of collocations made from combinations of verb, noun,
adjective, etc. Some of the most common types are:

 Adverbs & Adjectives

 Adjectives & Nouns
 Nouns & Nouns
 Verbs & Verbs
 Verbs & Prepositions
 Verbs & Adverbs
 Nouns & Prepositions
 Adjectives & Prepositions

Adverbs and Adjectives | Collocations Examples

Adverb + Adjective Collocation Examples:

 Ben and Jane are happily married.

 You are fully aware that there are serious problems.
 George was blissfully unaware that he was in danger.
 It’s deeply competitive and transparent.
 I’m deeply worried about you.
 The train system has been deeply affected.
 I was deeply unhappy.
 It is highly unlikely that he’ll be late.
 The restaurant comes highly recommended.
 It was ridiculously long, absurdly perfect, and alarmingly beautiful.
 He’s been actively involved in politics for 30 years.

Adjectives & Nouns | Collocations Examples

Adjective + Noun Collocation Examples:

 Joe always wears blue or white or some other bright color.

 We had a brief chat about Iraq but didn’t have time to discuss it properly.
  Unemployment is a major problem for the government these days.
 Jake was my big brother and I admired him.
 His dying was not any big surprise.
 This audition is a big deal for Joey.
 The nonprofit shelters often seem like a big improvement.
 John won big money in Vegas last year.
 The news had put him in a bad mood.
 This is the first direct flight to Tokyo.
 Women demanded equal rights.
 A gust of wind blew the front door shut.
 He would describe it in great detail.
 It has been widely praised for reducing heavy traffic in the city.
 We aim to maintain high standards of customer care.
 I first met Jennifer a long time ago.
 Good legal advice can be expensive.
 The company made a net profit of $10.5 million.
 I was having a nice time here for about three days.
 You should be given a private locker to store your personal belongings.
 It’s a cold rainy day in October.
 A rich person is seldom in want of a friend.
 It’s a group of young people.

Nouns & Nouns | Collocation Examples

Noun + Noun Collocation Examples:

There are a lot of collocation with pattern a … of …

 Let’s give Mr. Jones a round of applause.

 The ceasefire agreement came into effect at 11 am.
 I’d like to buy two bars of soap.
 Do you know your exact departure time?
 We interviewed the head teacher of the local school.
 Banks get paid retailers each time a debit card is used.
 Young people have gone away to college and taken desk jobs.
 The company now owns the ABC television network, a cash cow.
 It turned out to be a case study in how to win.
 Child care centers don’t necessarily hire the most qualified teachers.
 We cannot afford to have anyone operating in a comfort zone.
 The discount rate stands at a record low 0 . 5 percent.
 Taylor declined to speculate whether the illness could hurt the electronics industry.
 In factory farming, the breeder hens do not stay with the chicks.
 He decreased the hours of work and increased salaries and fringe benefits.
  The first new major gold mine in the Northern Territory in the past 10 years will begin
production within the next week.
 Forensic science is a growth industry.
 They get the bulk of their money from the special interest groups.
 They are jacking up the liquor license all in one sum.
 This road is closed to motor vehicles.
 I like to work outdoors, but my brother prefers an office job.
 I just kept hearing all the gunshots and the pipe bombs.
 He worked as a senior probation officer and was born in 1942.
 His father signed his report card.
 I want Benjamin to grow up with his own grandparent security blanket.
 It is worn with a shoulder strap and sits on the hip.
 My friend really loves sports car.
 I have two suggestions for the summit meeting organizers.
 An existing floor will also be converted to become a trading floor.
 Police massed in the city and turned water cannons on the crowd.

Nouns & Verbs | English Collocations

Noun + Verb Collocation Examples:

 The economy boomed in 2002.

 The company has grown and now employs over 30 people.
 The company has expanded and now has branches in most major countries.

Verbs Collocations | English Collocations

Verb + Noun (Verb Collocations) Examples:

 They launched the production 1998.

 The price increase poses a problem for them.
 The internet has created opportunities for his company.
 I like to sit down and do the crossword.
 It’s been a pleasure to do business with you.
 Did the flood do much damage?
 I really enjoy doing exercise everyday.
 In my business, we have to do experiments everyday.
 She loves to do laundy.
 My mother and dad taught me never to tell a lie.
 If I get an award I’ll tell your name first on the stage.
 The movie was so boring that I came close to walking out of the cinema.
 The movie starts at 9 am. Please come on time.
 I have just come to a realization!
 He had to figure out how to come to terms with her.
  They’ll get a shock when they get this bill.
 We cast our net wide to get the right person for the job.
 I got divorced when I was about 31.
 He’s getting old and his hearing isn’t very good.
 We couldn’t wait to get started on the next job.
 He couldn’t get to sleep because he was too excited.
 You get wet in the rain.
 The noise was giving her a headache.
 John gave Iceland as an example of a cold country.
 She’s given notice that she intends to leave.
 This book can and will give hope to the hopeless.
 You must give way to any pedestrians on the crossing.
 She should make a right choice.
 I’d just like to make a comment.
 Later, when they go to let her out, they make a discovery.
 She is making a list of everyone who has expressed an interest.
 My mother likes to keep control of everything.
 Please, keep quite when I’m on the phone.
 You must learn to keep your balance in skating.
 If you have time, pay a visit to the local museum.
 We should go over and pay our respects to the new neighbors.
 Afterward, they pay interest at a rate of 6.65 percent.
 He’d never say a word to me.
 Let me say something before we go.
 Why should I say sorry when it’s not my fault?
 …

Verbs & Prepositions | English Collocations

Verb + Preposition Collocation Examples:

 As Bob went on stage to receive his medal you could see his sister swelling with pride.
 I was filled with horrorwhen I read the newspaper report of the war.
 When she spilt apple-juice on her new blue skirt the little girl burst into tears.
 He works for an engineering company.
 I want to apologize for my mistakes.
 I must write and thank Mary for the present.
 A hotel room is being prepared for them.
 I always ask for an extra tomato sauce on my pizza.
 He admitted to being late three times.
 Chris attended to doing the grocery shopping.
 The boy confessed to stealing the apple.
 Can you explain Andrew to me?
 I congratulate you on your new job!
  I insist on Peter’s studying every day for two hours.
 She is working on a new novel.
 I want to apologize for my mistakes.
 He doesn’t care for playing golf.
 Your good marks count for 50% of your grade.
 I can vouch for her ability to work hard.
 She shut her eyes and wished for him to get better.
 The car collided with a truck and blocked traffic.
 I confronted Vivian with the evidence.
 It was hard to distinguish one twin from the other.
 The children were expelled from school for their bad behavior.
 That year, the athletes graduated from amateur to professional status in the
competition.
 Nothing can rescue us from the ravages of time.
 The poor results stem from his lack of experience.
 John succeeded in getting a new job.
 Please don’t involve me in this mess.
 John believes in oat bran.

Verbs & Adverbs | English Collocations

Collocation Examples:

 He pulled steadily on the rope and helped her to safety.

 She placed the beautiful jar gently on the window ledge.
 ‘I love you and want to marry you,’ Michael whispered softly to Clare.

Nouns & Prepositions | English Collocations

Noun + Preposition Collocation Examples:

 What’s the reason for your unhappiness?

 Nobody seems to have responsibility for the budget.
 The police inquiry into the theft continues.
 His fear of flying made travel difficult.
 I have only a limited understanding of French.
 One major disadvantage of the area is the lack of public transport.
 He was the first to see the possibilities of the plan.
 I have an open invitation to visit my friend in Korea.
 I have no desire to discuss the matter further.
 What he said has no direct relevance to the matter in hand.
 I’ve got a dinner date with Tommy on Saturday.
 My relationship with John is wonderful.
 I’ve got a meeting with Mr Thomas this afternoon.
  I bid £3 000 for the painting.
 There are strong arguments for and against euthanasia.
 The demand for this new generation of mobile phone cannot be satisfied.
 Many people expressed a strong preference for the original plan.
 The children in this deprived area show a real thirst for learning.
 He took a photograph of the mountains.
 We went to see an exhibition of Viking jewellery.
 For this job you need some knowledge of Portuguese.
 He was the first to see the possibilities of the plan.
 The committee has little or no understanding of the problem.
 I’m not happy with this way of working.
 I don’t see the relevance of your question.
 I’d like to do a course in computer programming.
 Do your parents take an interest in your friends?
 The club encourages participation in sporting activities.
 Working has a very important place in all our lives.

Adjectives & Prepositions | English Collocations

Adjective + Preposition Collocation Examples:

 The town is famous for its cheese.

 I’m quite good at English but I’m bad at maths and I’m terrible at physics.
 You’ll be responsible to the head of the Finance department.
 Some among us were talented in hunting.
 They were successful in winning the contract.
 I don’t feel comfortable in high heels.
 He’s very experienced in looking after animals.
 He’s usually quite polite in my presence.
 My mother is very skilled in dressmaking.
 He was quite certain about his attacker’s identity.
 He’s excited about his birthday party next week.
 Consumers are very nervous about the future.
 I’m very sorry about losing your book.
 You were wrong about Tom; he’s not married after all.
 I’m awful at names.
 They are excellent at planning fun parties.
 My mother is very skilled at dressmaking.
 Dustin is terrible at texting.
 She is known for her dirty tricks.
 The army are said to be ready for action.
 Are you thirsty for a soda? I am!
 I’d be absolutely delighted to come.
 People are scared to use the buses late at night.
 A lot of people nowadays have become addicted to the internet.
 He remained faithful to the ideals of the party.
 I’m not ashamed of what I did.
 It was several weeks before he was completely free of pain.
 We are in charge of the party arrangements.
 A crane is a kind of bird with very long legs and neck.
 It’s very selfish of him to just expect that Polly will do all the childcare.
 The cancer risks associated with smoking have been well documented.
 My mother is very clever with her hands.
 The airport is crowded with stranded travelers.
 He’s too free with his opinions.
 You should be generous with your time.
 Be patient with her – she’s very young.
 There’s something wrong with the printer.
 The book was inspired by a real person.
 The teacher was surprised by the student’s question.
 I don’t feel comfortable in high heels.
 He’s usually quite polite in my presence.
 Some among us were talented in hunting.