Collocations
Collocations
Collocations
A collocation is made up of two or more words that are commonly used together in English.
Think of collocations as words that usually go together. It makes one sound more natural while
using English.
Can you correct the following sentences? (You can check your answers at the bottom of the
page)
I did a mistake.
I made a mistake.
1. Make a decision: "I need to make a decision about which college to attend."
2. Take a shower: "I usually take a shower in the morning before work."
3. Have a meal: "Let's have a meal together this weekend."
4. Break a habit: "It's difficult to break a habit like smoking."
5. Catch someone's attention: "The bright colors caught my attention."
6. Get a job: "I'm hoping to get a job in the marketing industry."
7. Give an answer: "Can you give me an answer to the question?"
8. Take a break: "I need to take a break from work and go for a walk."
9. Make progress: "I'm making progress with my English language skills."
10. Do a favor: "Can you do me a favor and pick up some groceries?"
11. Keep in touch: "Let's keep in touch and catch up soon."
12. Pay attention: "It's important to pay attention during class."
13. Break the news: "I had to break the news to her that the project was canceled."
14. Take an exam: "I have to take an exam next week for my English class."
15. Make a mistake: "Everyone makes mistakes sometimes."
16. Have fun: "I always have fun when I'm with my friends."
17. Give a speech: "The CEO will give a speech at the conference next month."
18. Take a risk: "Sometimes it's good to take a risk and try something new."
19. Make a plan: "Let's make a plan for the weekend."
20. Keep an eye on: "Can you keep an eye on my bag while I go to the restroom?"
By using these common collocations correctly, you can improve your English language skills and
become a more confident and fluent speaker and writer.
Learning collocations can be challenging for English language learners, but there are some tips
that can make the process easier:
1. Read extensively: Reading is one of the best ways to learn collocations. Read a variety of
materials, such as books, articles, and news reports, paying attention to the way words are
used together in phrases and expressions.
2. Keep a vocabulary journal: Keep a journal of new collocations that you come across
while reading or listening to English. Review your journal regularly to help reinforce
your learning.
3. Use flashcards: Create flashcards with collocations on one side and their meanings on the
other side. Review them regularly to help you memorize them.
4. Practice using them in context: Use the collocations you learn in context by writing
sentences and using them in conversation. This will help you to remember them better
and use them correctly.
5. Listen to native speakers: Listen to native speakers, paying attention to how they use
collocations. You can watch English movies, TV shows, and listen to English language
podcasts to help you practice listening and learn collocations at the same time.
6. Use a collocation dictionary: A collocation dictionary can be a valuable resource for
English language learners. Look up collocations related to a specific topic or word to help
expand your vocabulary and reinforce your learning.
7. Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice using collocations, the easier they will
become to remember and use correctly. So, practice as often as possible.
Examples
to feel free Please feel free to take a seat and enjoy the show.
to come prepared Make sure to come prepared for the test tomorrow.
to save time You'll save time if you turn off your smart phone and concentrate on the
lesson.
to do the washing I'll do the washing up and you can put Johnny to bed.
up
to key in a PIN Just key in your PIN at the ATM and you can make a deposit.
hard-earned money Once you get a job, you'll know what hard-earned money really is.
Common Expressions
Collocations are often used as short expressions to describe how someone feels about a situation.
In this case, collocations can be used in the adjective form, or also as emphatic expressions using
an intensifier and a verb. Here are a few examples using some common collocations:
positively encourage someone to do We'd like to positively encourage you to buy this
something stock.
deeply regret the loss of someone / I deeply regret the loss of your loved one.
something
to be in an utter fury over something Tom's in an utter fury over the misunderstanding
with his wife.
Verb collocations
have do make
come go get
come close go abroad get a job
come complete with go astray get a shock
come direct go bad get angry
come early go bald get divorced
come first go bankrupt get drunk
come into view go blind get frightened
come last go crazy get home
come late go dark get lost
come on time go deaf get married
come prepared go fishing get nowhere
come right back go mad get permission
come second go missing get pregnant
come to a compromise go on foot get ready
come to a decision go online get started
come to an agreement go out of business get the impression
come to an end go overseas get the message
come to a standstill go quiet get the sack
come to terms with go sailing get upset
come to a total of go to war get wet
come under attack go yellow get worried
Miscellaneous collocations