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 fast food | the |
| a quick shower a quick meal | a a |
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. Practice 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.
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
downrightsatisfied) - adjective + noun: excruciating pain (NOT excruciating
joy) - noun + noun: a surge of anger (NOT a
rushof anger) - noun + verb: lions roar (NOT lions
shout) - verb + noun: commit suicide (NOT
undertakesuicide) - verb + expression with a preposition: burst into tears (NOT
blow up intears) - verb + adverb: wave frantically (NOT wave
feverishly)
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 a 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 behavior 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.
List of Most Common Collocations
These are the most common collocations, they have been divided by the verb they usually accompany to make learning them easier.
Collocations with Have and Do
These are some of the most common collocations in English with have and do
| have | do |
| have a bath | do business |
| have a drink | do nothing |
| have a good time | do someone a favour |
| have a haircut | do the cooking |
| have a holiday | do the housework |
| have a problem | do the shopping |
| have a relationship | do the washing up |
| have a rest | do your best |
| have lunch | do your hair |
| have sympathy | do your homework |
Collocations with Take and Break
These are some of the most common collocations in English with Take and Break
| take | break |
| take a break | break a habit |
| take a chance | break a leg |
| take a look | break a promise |
| take a rest | break a record |
| take a seat | break a window |
| take a taxi | break someone’s heart |
| take an exam | break the ice |
| take notes | break the law |
| take someone’s place | break the news to someone |
| take someone’s temperature | break the rules |
Collocations with Pay and Save
These are some of the most common collocations in English with pay and save
| pay | save |
| pay a fine | save electricity |
| pay attention | save energy |
| pay by credit card | save money |
| pay cash | save one’s strength |
| pay interest | save someone a seat |
| pay someone a compliment | save someone’s life |
| pay someone a visit | save something to a disk |
| pay the bill | save space |
| pay the price | save time |
| pay your respects | save yourself the trouble |
Collocations with Come and Go
These are some of the most common collocations in English with come and go
| come | go |
| come close | go abroad |
| come complete with | go astray |
| come direct | go bad |
| come early | go bald |
| come first | go bankrupt |
| come into view | go blind |
| come last | go crazy |
| come late | go dark |
| come on time | go deaf |
| come prepared | go fishing |
| come right back | go mad |
| come second | go missing |
| come to a compromise | go on foot |
| come to a decision | go online |
| come to an agreement | go out of business |
| come to an end | go overseas |
| come to a standstill | go quiet |
| come to terms with | go sailing |
| come to a total of | go to war |
| come under attack | go yellow |
Collocations with Make and Keep
These are some of the most common collocations in English with make and keep
| make | keep |
| make a difference | keep a diary |
| make a mess | keep a promise |
| make a mistake | keep a secret |
| make a noise | keep an appointment |
| make an effort | keep calm |
| make furniture | keep control |
| make money | keep in touch |
| make progress | keep quiet |
| make room | keep someone’s place |
| make trouble | keep the change |
Collocations with Catch and Get
These are some of the most common collocations in English with catch and get
| catch | get |
| catch a ball | get a job |
| catch a bus | get a shock |
| catch a chill | get angry |
| catch a cold | get divorced |
| catch a thief | get drunk |
| catch fire | get frightened |
| catch sight of | get home |
| catch someone’s attention | get lost |
| catch someone’s eye | get married |
| catch the flu | get nowhere |
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