100 Collocation Examples to Improve Your English Fluency

Collocations are an essential part of mastering any language, and English is no exception. If you want to sound natural and fluent, understanding and using collocation examples is key. In simple terms, collocations are combinations of words that are commonly used together and sound “right” to native speakers. For instance, native English speakers say “strong coffee” instead of “powerful coffee” or “make a decision” rather than “do a decision.”

Mastering collocations can greatly improve your fluency, making your speech and writing sound more natural and easier to understand. This article provides 100 collocation examples that will help you get a firm grasp on this vital aspect of English. But don’t just memorize them—use them in context, and you’ll be well on your way to sounding like a native speaker.

What are Collocations?

Before we dive into the examples, let’s clarify what collocations are. As mentioned earlier, collocations are word combinations that occur together naturally. Some collocations are fixed, meaning they rarely change, while others are more flexible. For example, we often say “take a break”, but you wouldn’t say “take a rest” in the same context.

Understanding collocations allows learners to:

• Sound more fluent and natural

• Avoid awkward or incorrect word choices

• Improve comprehension when listening to or reading English

Types of Collocations

Collocations come in various forms. Below are some of the most common types:

• Verb + Noun: These collocations involve a verb and a noun that often appear together. For example: “make a decision,” “take a risk,” and “catch a cold.”

• Adjective + Noun: These combinations consist of an adjective and a noun. Examples include “strong coffee,” “high expectations,” and “rich flavor.”

• Adverb + Adjective: These collocations are made up of an adverb modifying an adjective. Some examples are “extremely important,” “highly successful,” and “deeply concerned.”

• Noun + Noun: These are combinations of two nouns. Examples include “traffic jam,” “business meeting,” and “family member.”

 

100 Collocation Examples

Below is a curated list of collocation examples categorized by type. These examples are commonly used in everyday English, so understanding them will help you communicate more fluently.

Verb + Noun Collocations

1. Make a decision

2. Take a risk

3. Catch a cold

4. Give a presentation

5. Do homework

6. Make an effort

7. Take a break

8. Save money

9. Write a report

10. Give advice

Adjective + Noun Collocations

1. Strong coffee

2. Heavy rain

3. Bright idea

4. High hopes

5. Rich history

6. Big problem

7. Deep sleep

8. Cold weather

9. Loud noise

10. Tough decision

Adverb + Adjective Collocations

1. Highly successful

2. Extremely important

3. Perfectly balanced

4. Deeply concerned

5. Totally unexpected

6. Completely different

7. Barely visible

8. Really happy

9. Absolutely necessary

10. Very careful

Noun + Noun Collocations

1. Business meeting

2. Traffic jam

3. Family member

4. Project manager

5. Student loan

6. Movie ticket

7. Coffee break

8. Office building

9. Phone call

10. Birthday party

80 Collocations Examples And Their Sentences :

How to Learn Collocations Effectively

Understanding collocation examples is one thing, but mastering them is another. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to learn and incorporate collocations into your daily language use.

1. Read Extensively

Reading books, newspapers, and online articles exposes you to natural language use. This will help you notice which words are often used together. Whenever you encounter a new collocation, try to understand the context in which it is used.

2. Use Collocation Dictionaries

Specialized dictionaries like the Oxford Collocations Dictionary and Macmillan Collocations Dictionary can be a goldmine for finding common word pairings. These dictionaries provide real-world examples of collocations, making them an excellent resource.

3. Practice Regularly

Consistency is key. Incorporate new collocations into your daily writing and speaking. Whether you’re writing an essay, composing an email, or chatting with a friend, make it a habit to use these combinations. The more you practice, the more natural they’ll become.

4. Listen to Native Speakers

Listening to native speakers is a great way to internalize collocations. Watch movies, TV shows, or podcasts and pay attention to how they use collocations in different contexts. If you’re not sure about a particular combination, look it up or ask a native speaker.

5. Keep a Collocation List

As you encounter new collocations, write them down in a notebook or on your phone. Organize them into categories like Verb + Noun or Adjective + Noun to make it easier to review them later.

Conclusion On Collocation examples 

Mastering collocations is one of the most effective ways to sound more natural in English and improve your language skills overall. Whether you’re writing, speaking, or listening, understanding and using common collocations will make your communication more fluent and precise. By applying the strategies shared in this article—such as reading extensively, using collocation dictionaries, practicing daily, and listening to native speakers—you can quickly become more comfortable with these word pairings. So, start incorporating collocation examples into your daily practice, and watch your fluency soar!

FAQs On Collocations Examples in English

1. What are collocations in English?

Collocations are combinations of words that are often used together in natural English. They sound natural to native speakers but may not always follow logical rules of grammar. For example, we say “make a decision” instead of “do a decision,” or “strong coffee” rather than “powerful coffee.”

2. Why are collocations important in learning English?

Collocations are important because they help you sound more natural and fluent when speaking or writing in English. By learning common word combinations, you will be able to express yourself more clearly and with greater ease, making your communication more effective.

3. How can I learn collocations effectively?

To learn collocations effectively, read extensively in English, use collocation dictionaries, listen to native speakers, and practice regularly by writing and speaking. Grouping collocations by topics and using flashcards are also helpful techniques for retention.

4. What are some common examples of collocations in English?

Some common examples of collocations include:

• Make a decision

• Take a break

• Heavy rain

• Do homework

• Fast food

5. What mistakes should I avoid when using collocations?

Common mistakes include using incorrect verb-noun combinations, like saying “do a decision” instead of “make a decision,” or using adjectives that don’t naturally fit with the noun, like saying “heavy food” instead of “heavy meal.” Avoid relying solely on simple collocations and try to expand your vocabulary.