Collocations are words that frequently appear together and sound natural to native speakers. These word groupings or pairs are applied in particular situations and aid in expressing clear meanings. Useful phrases include “make a decision”, “strong coffee”, and “take a break.” Speaking and writing in English more clearly and fluently is made possible by knowing and appropriately utilizing collocations.
What is a Collocation?
Collocation is the term used to describe how words organically occur together in a language. For example, in English, expressions like “give a presentation” and “do research” are examples of collocations since they frequently contain words that seem natural and fluid when combined.
Language learners who comprehend collocations are better able to produce more precise and idiomatic speech and appreciate the subtleties of meaning. Collocations are quite essential for developing a more native-like command of a language since they mimic the rhythm and usage patterns of the target language.
Why Learn Collocations?
Learning collocations is essential for mastering a language because they make your speech and writing sound more natural and fluent. Collocations are word combinations that native speakers commonly use, and knowing them helps you avoid awkward or incorrect phrasing.
They also enhance your comprehension, as many phrases have meanings that can’t be easily deduced from the individual words only. By learning and using collocations, you can communicate more effectively and precisely, expanding your vocabulary in a way that makes it easier to recall and use words correctly.
Collocations with Do
Do (something) right/ wrong.
She did the math problem right on her first try.
Do (someone) a favor.
Can you do me a favor and pick up the mail?
Do good.
Volunteering at the shelter really does good for the community.
Do damage
The storm did a lot of damage to the coastal areas.
Do homework
I need to do my homework before I can go out with friends.
Do business
Our company does business with several international clients.
Do exercise
It’s important to do exercise regularly to stay healthy.
Do the dishes
After dinner, it’s my turn to do the dishes.
Collocations with Make
Make a break for
When the alarm went off, they decided to make a break for the exit.
Make a choice
You need to make a choice between the two job offers.
Make a deal
After some negotiation, they finally made a deal on the new contract.
Make a fuss
She made a fuss about the small mistake on the invoice.
Make a rude gesture
He made a rude gesture at the driver who cut him off.
Make a suggestion
I’d like to make a suggestion about how we can improve our workflow.
Make a mess
The kids made a mess while playing with their art supplies.
Make a noise
Please try not to make a noise while the baby is sleeping.
Make a sound
The door didn’t make a sound when it opened.
Make a wish
When you blow out the candles, you should make a wish.
Make plans
We need to make plans for our vacation next summer.
Make fun of somebody
It’s not nice to make fun of someone just because they’re different.
Collocations with Have
Have a conversation
Let’s have a conversation about the new project before the meeting.
Have a good time
I hope you have a good time at the party tonight.
Have a look
Could you have a look at this document and let me know if everything is correct?
Have a nap
I’m feeling a bit tired; I think I’ll have a nap this afternoon.
Have a break
Let’s have a break and grab a coffee before continuing with the project.
Have a dream
Last night, I had a dream that I was flying over a beautiful city.
Have an idea
I have an idea for how we can improve our marketing strategy.
Have an experience
Traveling to different countries can be a great way to have an experience.
Have a vacation
We’re planning to have a vacation in Italy next summer.
Have a suspicion
I have a suspicion that the meeting might be canceled.
Have a sense
I have a sense that this project will be very successful.
Collocations with Take
Take a break
Before you continue working, take a short break and relax.
Take a sip
Take a sip of your coffee and enjoy the rich flavor.
Take a train
The fastest way to get to the city is to take a train.
Take a responsibility
By reading the new project,you’ve taken on a significant responsibility.
Take a blood sample
The nurse will take a blood sample for your tests.
Take a rest
After that long walk, you should take a rest to recover.
Take a message
I will take a message for the manager and make sure she gets it.
Take a sample
We need to take a sample of the soil for the laboratory analysis.
Common English Collocations
Make a decision
I need to make a decision about which college to attend.
Take a shower
I usually take a shower in the morning before work.
Have a meal
Let’s have a meal together this weekend.
Break a habit
It’s difficult to break a habit like smoking.
Catch someone’s attention
The bright colors caught my attention.
Get a job
I am hoping to get a job in the marketing industry.
Give an answer
Can you give me an answer to the question?
Take a break
I need to take a break from work and go for a walk.
Make progress
I am making progress with my English language skills.
Do a favor
Can you do me a favor and pick up some groceries?
Keep in touch
Let’s keep in touch and catch up soon.
Pay attention
It’s important to pay attention during class.
Break the news
I had to break the news to her that the project was canceled.
Take an exam
I have to take an exam next week for my English class.
Make a mistake
Everyone makes mistakes sometimes.
Frequently Asked Questions About English Collocations
What are the 7 types of collocation?
In English, collocations can be classified into seven different categories:
adverb + adjective
adjective + noun
noun + noun
noun + verb
verb + noun
verb + expression with preposition
verb + adverb
What are 5 examples of commonly used collocations?
adverb + adjective: completely satisfied.
adjective + noun: excruciating pain.
noun + noun: a surge of anger.
noun + verb: lions roar.
verb + noun: commit suicide.
What are the rules for collocations?
A collocation is the arrangement of one or more words to convey a specific meaning. A term that pairs poorly with a lot of other words in the English language is called a weak collocation. At least one word that doesn’t go well with other words is part of a strong collocation.
Are idioms a type of collocation?
Idioms are phrases that, when combined, generate expressions, whereas collocations are words that naturally fit together.
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