Collocations in English | Defination, Types with Example

Collocations in English are a cornerstone of fluent, natural-sounding English. Whether you’re speaking or writing, using collocations appropriately makes you sound more like a native speaker. This article will guide you through the concept of collocations, why they are essential for effective communication, and how you can master them to enhance your English proficiency.

What are Collocations in English?

In simple terms, Collocations in English refer to combinations of words that are frequently used together in the English language. These combinations sound “right” to native speakers, but might not seem logical to non-native learners. The beauty of collocations is that they allow English speakers to express themselves more efficiently and naturally.

For example:

• “Fast food” is a common collocation.

• “Quick food” is not; it doesn’t sound as natural to native speakers.

Key Features of Collocations:

• Natural combinations: Some word pairs seem to “fit” together because they’ve been used together for so long.

• Unnatural combinations: Some word pairs may seem incorrect, even if they are grammatically sound. This happens when they do not follow typical collocation patterns.

• Idiomatic expressions: Many idioms are made up of collocations, adding an extra layer of meaning.

• • Make a photo → should be Take a photo

  • Do a test → should be Take a test

Heavy rain → should be Strong rain (Note: this is one of the rare exceptions)

Why Are Collocations Important?

1. Sound Natural: Native speakers often rely on collocations to express their ideas clearly and naturally. If non-native speakers don’t use them correctly, their language may sound awkward or forced.

2. Improve Fluency: Understanding and using common collocations can improve your ability to speak and write fluently. It helps you sound more confident and less mechanical.

3. Aid in Understanding: Collocations help listeners and readers understand the meaning of a phrase quickly and easily. They provide context and reduce ambiguity.

Different Types of Collocations in English

Collocations in English can appear in many forms, and understanding their different types is key to mastering the natural flow of the language. In this section, we will explore some of the most common types of collocations you will encounter.

1. Adverb + Adjective Collocations

An adverb + adjective collocation involves the use of an adverb that modifies an adjective. These combinations enhance the meaning of the adjective, adding more depth or intensity to it.

Examples:

• Completely satisfied (NOT downright satisfied)

• Highly recommended (NOT very recommended)

• Perfectly clear (NOT exactly clear)

These collocations are commonly used to provide emphasis or a clearer description.

2. Adjective + Noun Collocations

Adjective + noun collocations are among the most frequently used combinations. These pairings often appear when you are describing qualities or characteristics of things or people.

Examples:

• Heavy rain (NOT strong rain)

• A bitter disappointment (NOT sharp disappointment)

• A remarkable achievement (NOT striking achievement)

These phrases sound more natural to native speakers, and they help convey specific meanings without any ambiguity.

3. Noun + Noun Collocations

Noun + noun collocations are pairs of nouns that are commonly used together in the English language. These can sometimes create compound nouns that carry a new meaning when combined.

Examples:

• Flash of lightning (NOT rush of lightning)

• Sense of humor (NOT feeling of humor)

• Bucket of water (NOT pail of water)

Some noun combinations may be so ingrained in the language that they almost feel like one word. This is especially common with compound nouns like “ice cream,” “football,” or “credit card.”

4. Noun + Verb Collocations

Noun + verb collocations describe actions typically associated with certain nouns. These are often more intuitive, as native speakers know which verbs are typically paired with certain nouns.

Examples:

• Lions roar (NOT lions shout)

• Time flies (NOT time runs)

• The wind howled (NOT the wind screamed)

These combinations feel natural and help create a vivid image when used in writing or speech.

5. Verb + Noun Collocations

Verb + noun collocations often describe actions that can be performed with specific nouns. Certain verbs naturally go with particular nouns, making them sound familiar and easy to understand.

Examples:

• Make a decision (NOT do a decision)

• Take a chance (NOT do a chance)

• Break the silence (NOT do the silence)

These are typically more direct and easy to follow for any English speaker, making them an essential part of fluent language use.

6. Verb + Prepositional Phrase Collocations

Verb + prepositional phrase collocations are common combinations of verbs and prepositions that often define relationships between actions and time, place, or condition.

Examples:

• Run out of (e.g., run out of time or run out of money)

• Come up with (e.g., come up with an idea)

• Look forward to (e.g., look forward to meeting you)

These prepositional phrases are typically used in daily conversation, and they help convey actions more precisely.

7. Verb + Adverb Collocations

Lastly, verb + adverb collocations help to describe how an action is performed. These combinations not only describe the action but also add an extra layer of detail to how it happens.

Examples:

• Whisper softly (NOT whisper quietly)

• Run quickly (NOT run fast)

• Speak fluently (NOT speak easily)

The adverb modifies the verb and provides additional meaning, making the sentence more descriptive and engaging.

Examples of Common Collocations in English:

Here are some common collocations and how they might be used in context:

• Make + a mistake
  “I think I made a mistake in my calculations.”

• Take + a break
  “I need to take a break after working for two hours.”

• Do + homework
  “He does his homework every evening before dinner.”

• Have + a good time
  “We had a good time at the party last night.”

• Catch + a cold
  “I think I caught a cold from my friend.”

Common Collocation Mistakes to Avoid:

Sometimes learners make mistakes by using words that don’t commonly go together in English. For instance:

• Make a photo → should be Take a photo

• Do a test → should be Take a test

• Heavy rain → should be Strong rain (Note: this is one of the rare exceptions)

Tips for Learning Collocations in English:

1. Read and Listen: Regular exposure to natural English through books, podcasts, and TV shows will help you notice patterns in how words combine.

2. Use Collocation Dictionaries: These are resources dedicated to listing common collocations in English, providing examples and context for better understanding.

3. Practice: The best way to become comfortable with collocations is by using them in your speech and writing. Try using a new collocation every day.

4. Be Context-Sensitive: Some collocations are more commonly used in specific contexts. For instance, “strong tea” might be common in one region, while “rich tea” is used in another.

Advanced Collocations in English

As you advance in your English proficiency, you’ll encounter more complex and less obvious Collocations in English. These often involve phrases that may not seem like natural word combinations to a beginner but are deeply ingrained in native speech. Mastering these advanced collocations will give you an edge in achieving fluency and natural expression in English.

Common Advanced Collocations

1. Verb + Preposition + Noun:

   • Put up with + something (endure or tolerate something)
     “I can’t put up with the noise in this city anymore.”

   • Come up with + an idea (create or think of something)
     “She came up with a great idea for the new project.”

2. Noun + Verb:

   • The alarm rang (not the alarm called)
     “The alarm rang just as I was leaving for work.”

   • A plan backfired (not a plan failed)
     “The plan backfired, and we lost all the data.”

3. Adjective + Preposition:

   • Concerned about + something (worried or anxious about something)
     “She was concerned about the future of her business.”

   • Accustomed to + something (used to something)
     “He is accustomed to waking up early in the morning.”

4. Collocations with Modals and Idiomatic Expressions:

   • Could not care less (indifferent or unconcerned)
     “I couldn’t care less about the weather right now.”

   • Be at a loss (be unsure or confused about what to do)
     “I was at a loss for words when she told me the news.”

Collocations in Business English

In professional settings, Collocations in English are crucial in maintaining clear and efficient communication. Business English includes many specific collocations that native speakers routinely use in corporate environments.

1. Verb + Noun:

   • Make a profit (not do a profit)
     “Our company made a significant profit this quarter.”

   • Close a deal (not finish a deal)
     “They closed a major deal with an international client.”

2. Adjective + Noun:

   • Huge success (not big success)
     “The event was a huge success, and everyone enjoyed it.”

   • Major challenge (not big challenge)
     “This project presents a major challenge for our team.”

3. Noun + Preposition:

   • In charge of + something (responsible for something)
     “He is in charge of the marketing department.”

   • On behalf of + someone (representing someone)
     “I’m writing this letter on behalf of my manager.”

Collocations in Academic English

Collocations in English are essential in academic writing, where precision and clarity are highly valued. Certain word combinations are more common in academic contexts, and using them properly will improve your academic style.

1. Verb + Noun:

   • Conduct research (not do research)
     “She is conducting research on renewable energy.”

   • Present findings (not show findings)
     “The team will present their findings at the conference.”

2. Adjective + Noun:

   • Extensive knowledge (not big knowledge)
     “He has extensive knowledge of computer science.”

   • Thorough analysis (not deep analysis)
     “The report provided a thorough analysis of the situation.”

3. Noun + Verb:

   • The study reveals (not the study shows)
     “The study reveals important trends in the industry.”

   • A theory holds (not a theory stands)
     “This theory holds up in various experimental conditions.”

Idiomatic Collocations in English

Idiomatic collocations are combinations of words that have a figurative or metaphorical meaning, making them more challenging for learners. These collocations cannot be understood by analyzing the individual words and require familiarity with their context.

1. Get the ball rolling (to start something)
   “Let’s get the ball rolling on this project so we can meet the deadline.”

2. Burn the midnight oil (to work late into the night)
   “She had to burn the midnight oil to finish the report before the presentation.”

3. Throw in the towel (to give up or quit)
   “After several attempts, he finally threw in the towel and admitted defeat.”

4. Bite the bullet (to do something difficult or unpleasant)
   “Sometimes, you just have to bite the bullet and deal with the problem head-on.”

Collocation Variations in Different English Dialects

While some collocations are universally accepted in English, certain combinations might be more common in different dialects or regional varieties of the language. For example:

• British English:

  • At the weekend (instead of on the weekend)

  • In hospital (instead of in the hospital)

• American English:

  • On the weekend (instead of at the weekend)

  • In the hospital (instead of in hospital)

• Australian English:

  • Have a drink (instead of have a beverage)

  • Give it a go (instead of try it out)

Tips for Mastering Collocations in English

1. Identify Patterns: As you read or listen to native English content, pay attention to patterns in word combinations. For instance, notice how verbs like “make,” “take,” or “do” are used in various contexts.

2. Use Language Learning Apps: Some apps, like Anki or Quizlet, offer flashcards for collocations. They can be particularly helpful for memorizing and practicing them in context.

3. Keep a Collocation Journal: When you encounter a new collocation, write it down along with an example sentence. Review your journal regularly to reinforce your learning.

4. Test Yourself: Practice using collocations in your writing or speaking. Try to use new ones in your conversations or essays to help solidify them in your memory.

Conclusion on Collocations in English

Collocations are an essential component of fluent and natural English. Whether you’re learning the basics or refining your advanced skills, understanding how words combine will significantly enhance your communication. With practice and exposure, you’ll find that collocations become second nature, helping you speak and write more like a native speaker.

By actively engaging with and using collocations, you’ll improve both your understanding and your ability to express yourself in English with clarity, accuracy, and confidence. Keep exploring new word combinations, and soon, you’ll notice how much more natural your English becomes!