Vocabulary and Collocations

What is a collocation?

A collocation is a group of words that usually go together. For example, in

English, we usually say 'heavy rain'. It's correct grammatically to say 'strong
rain' or 'big rain', but both of these sound completely strange. A native English
speaker would never say 'big rain'. If you use the normal collocation ('heavy
rain') your English will sound a lot better and more natural and it will be easier
for native speakers to understand you. Collocations are very, very important.

It's very difficult to give a list of collocations, because there are so many. In fact,
I think that almost every word in English has other words that it usually goes
with.

Set phrases, verb patterns, and idioms are really just strong examples of
collocations too. For example, in English, we say 'get married to someone'.
Many languages use 'with' after 'marry' (which certainly seems more logical!).
But this isn't the normal way in English. If you learn the whole phrase ('get
married to someone'), then you won't make this mistake.

How to improve your use of collocations:

1. Notice collocations. When you're reading, look at which words go together. If

you have to write about a topic, try to find a newspaper article or a magazine
article about that topic and look at the phrases that the journalist uses. You'll
often see the same phrases again and again. It's a good idea to learn these.
2. Use a collocation dictionary. I don't think there's one online, but the Oxford
Collocations Dictionary is a very useful book. You can look up any word and
see which other words are usually used with it.
3. If you don't have a collocation dictionary, a learner's dictionary (like this
one by Oxford, free online) will give you several good example phrases for each
word, as well as telling you which prepositions and so on the word is used with.
4. When you study vocabulary, learn whole phrases, not single words. For
example, it's better to learn 'to insist on doing something' rather than just
'insist'. If you need to learn 'effort', make sure you study 'make an effort'.

If you're interested in reading more about this, here's an academic paper on

the subject (in advanced English).
Learning vocabulary:

Hopefully I've convinced you that it's a good idea to learn phrases (groups of
words) rather than single words. But what's the best way to do this? When I ask
students how they learn vocabulary, they often say 'by reading' or 'by watching
TV'. That's not what I mean. It's true you can learn new words by seeing them
often when you read, but I think you should also study new words seriously.

1: Flashcards
I find this is really the best way to learn new words by a long way. You can use
paper flashcards (make or buy them) or a flashcard computer program. I
use Anki. Write the new English word (in a phrase, of course!) on one side and
either the translation in your language or the meaning in easy English on the
other side. Then test yourself often. It's best to look at the meaning and try to
remember the new phrase, rather than the opposite.

2: Record the words onto your computer or phone

If you learn well by listening, this might work for you. To record, say the
meaning in your language, then wait a few seconds, then say the English phrase.
When you play the CD you should try to say the English phrase in the space.
Then listen to check. (This does have a few problems. It's best if you can ask
someone to check your pronunciation, for example. Also usually you get to know
the words at the beginning better).

Learning vocabulary and collocations should help you improve your English
speaking and writing a lot. Good luck!

English Collocations
Collocations are very common in English, and learning them is important. A collocation is two or
more words that often go together, like "hard work" or "make a mistake". Collocations sound "right"
or "natural" to native speakers, so the more collocations you know and use, the more natural your
English will sound. The "father" of collocation is usually considered to be J.R. Firth, a British
linguist who passed away in 1960. It was he that first used the term "collocation" in its linguistic
sense.

An easy way to remember the meaning of collocation: think of "co-" (together) and "location"
(place) = place together, locate together, go together

Some definitions:

to collocate (verb): to appear with another word more frequently than by chance - The
word "white" collocates with "coffee".
collocation (noun): the combination of two or more words more frequently than by chance
a collocation (noun): an example of collocation - "White coffee" is a collocation.

Note also (non-linguistic senses):

 collocate (verb): place side by side or in relation
collocation (noun): the action of placing things side by side or in position
colocate/co-locate (verb): share a location or facility with someone or something

Here are a number of common collocations in English:

make the bed - I need to make the bed everyday.

do the homework - My son does his homework after dinner.
take a risk - Some people don't take enough risks in life.
give someone advice - The teacher gave us some advice on taking tests.

What are Collocations?

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It is important to learn collocations, because they are important for the naturalization of ones
speech. Besides, they broaden ones scope for expression. Collocation refers to how words go
together or form fixed relationships. A collocation is made up of two or more words that are
commonly used together in English. It is a combination of words that are usually used together;
other combinations that may mean the same thing would seem unnatural. Collocations include
noun phrases like stiff wind and weapons of mass destruction, phrasal verbs such as to get
together and other stock phrases such as the rich and famous

There are different kinds of collocations in English. Collocations may be strong or weak. Strong
collocations are where the link between the two words is quite fixed and restricted. Strong
collocations are word pairings that are expected to come together. Good collocation examples
of this type of word pairing are combinations with 'make' and 'do'. You make a cup of tea, but do
your homework. are where a word can collocate with many other words. Collocations are very
common in business settings when certain nouns are routinely combined with certain verbs or
adjectives. For example, draw up a contract, set a price, conduct negotiations, etc.

In short, A collocation is two or more words that often go together. On the other hand, other

combinations may be unnatural and just sound "wrong".

Look at these examples:

Natural English Unnatural English

the fast train the quick train
fast food quick food
a quick shower a fast shower
a quick meal a fast meal

Why learn collocations?

Your language will be more regular and more effortlessly 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.
Examples of Collocations
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Here is a list of collocations to help get started:

Collocations starting with the verb do

o Do me a favour
o Do the cooking
o Do the housework
o Do the shopping
o Do the washing up
o Do your best
o Do your hair
o Do business
o Do nothing
o Do your best
o Do your hair

Collocations with the verb have

o Have a good time

o Have a bath
o Have a drink
o Have a haircut
o Have a holiday
o Have a problem
o Have a relationship
o Have lunch
o Have sympathy

Collocations with the verb break

o Break the law

o Break a leg
o Break a promise
o Break a record
o Break someone's heart
o Break the ice
o Break the news to someone
o Break the rules

Collocations with the verb take

o Take a break
o Take a chance
o Take a look
o Take a rest
o Take a seat
o Take a taxi
o Take an exam
o Take notes
o Take someone's place

Collocations with the verb make

o Make a difference
o Make a mess
 o Make a mistake
o Make a noise
o Make an effort
o Make money
o Make progress
o Make room
o Make trouble

Collocations with the verb catch

o Catch the bus

o Catch a ball
o Catch a cold
o Catch a thief
o Catch fire
o Catch sight of
o Catch someone's attention
o Catch someone's eye
o Catch the flu

Collocations with the verb pay

o Pay respect
o Pay a fine
o Pay attention
o Pay by credit card
o Pay cash
o Pay interest
o Pay someone a visit
o Pay the bill
o Pay the price
o Pay your respects

Collocations with the verb keep

o Keep the change

o Keep a promise
o Keep a secret
o Keep an appointment
o Keep calm
o Keep in touch
o Keep quiet
o Keep someone's place

Collocations with the verb save

o Save yourself the trouble

o Save electricity
o Save energy
o Save money
o Save someone a seat
o Save someone's life
o Save something to a disk
o Save time
o Save space

Collocations with the verb go

 o Go bald
o Go abroad
o Go astray
o Go bad
o Go bankrupt
o Go blind
o Go crazy
o Go fishing
o Go on foot
o Go yellow
o Go mad
o Go missing
o Go online
o Go out of business
o Go overseas
o Go quiet
o Go sailing
o Go to war

Collocations with the verb come

o Come under attack

o Come close
o Come direct
o Come early
o Come first
o Come into view
o Come complete with
o Come last
o Come late
o Come on time
o Come prepared
o Come right back
o Come to a decision
o Come to an agreement
o Come to an end
o Come to a standstill
o Come to terms with
o Come to a total of

Collocations with the verb get

o Get the sack

o Get the message
o Get a life
o Get a job
o Get a shock
o Get angry
o Get divorced
o Get drunk
o Get frightened
o Get home
o Get lost
o Get married
o Get permission
o Get ready
o Get started
o Get the impression
o Get upset
o Get wet
 o Get worried

Collocations related to time

o Bang on time
o Dead on time
o Free time
o From dawn till dusk
o Great deal of time
o Early/late 15th century
o Make time for
o Next few days
o Past few weeks
o Right on time
o Run out of time
o Time goes by
o Time passes
o Waste time
o from dawn till dusk
o
o save time
o spare time
o spend some time
o take your time
o tell someone the time

Collocations related to business English

o Annual turnover
o Keep in mind
o Break off negotiations
o Close a deal
o Close a meeting
o Come to the point
o Dismiss an offer
o Draw a conclusion
o Draw your attention to
o Launch a new product
o Go bankrupt
o Go into partnership
o Make a profit/loss
o bear in mind
o cease trading
o chair a meeting
o draw your attention to
o launch a new product
o lay off staff
o sales figures
o take on staff

Classifiers

o a ball of string
o a bar of chocolate
o a bottle of water
o a bunch of carrots
o a cube of sugar
o a pack of cards
o a pad of paper
Types of Collocations
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There are several different types of collocation made from combinations of verb,
noun, adjective etc. Some of the most common types are:

o adverb + adjective: completely satisfied (NOT downright satisfied)

o adjective + noun: excruciating pain (NOT excruciating joy)
o noun + noun: a surge of anger (NOT a rush of anger)
o noun + verb: lions roar (NOT lions shout)
o verb + noun: commit suicide (NOT undertake suicide)
o verb + expression with preposition: burst into tears (NOT blow up in tears)
o verb + adverb: wave frantically (NOT wave feverishly)

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 John a round of applause.

The ceasefire agreement came into effect at 11 am.
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 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 behaviour was enough to drive anybody to crime.
7. verb + adverb

She placed her keys gently on the table and sat down.
Mario whispered softly in Jamie's ear.
I vaguely remember that it was growing dark when we left.

How to learn Collocations

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If we look deeper into collocations, we find that not only do the words "go together" but there is a
degree of predictability in their association. Usually, in any collocation, one word will "call up"
another word in the mind of a native speaker.

How to learn Collocations:

1. Try to recognize collocations when you see or hear them.

2. Treat collocations as single blocks of language. Consider them as individual blocks or
chunks, and learn strongly support, not strongly + support.
3. When you learn a new word, write down other words that collocate with it (remember
rightly, remember vaguely, remember distinctly, remember vividly).
4. Reading is an excellent way to learn vocabulary and collocations in context and
naturally.
5. Revise and Practise using new collocations in context as soon as possible after learning
them.
6. You could learn collocations by topic (time, number, weather, money, family) or by a
particular word (take action, take a chance, take an exam).
7. You can find information on collocations in specialized dictionaries of collocations.

Collocations Exercise
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Fill in the blanks with appropriate Time and do/make Collocations and complete
the quiz.

1. You'll forget it _________ by.

2. My husband __________ the grocery shopping.
3. What do you do in your __________ time?
4. What do yo__________ u for a living?
5. Can you __________ for me this weekend?
6. They have no time. They work __________ dusk.
7. We couldn't finish because we __________ time
8. Have you __________ your homework yet?
9. The Internet was developed in the __________ century.
10. There have been several burglaries in the __________ weeks.
11. Have you __________ a decision yet?
12. I __________ time, and now doth time waste me.
13. Amber __________ badly in her geography exam.
14. If we take this short cut we'll __________ some time.
15. The children __________ a mess in the kitchen.
16. We are having guests tonight, so please __________ your bed.
17. I only __________ one mistake in my English test.
18. I'd like to ask you to __________ me a favour.
19. He arrived exactly at 11am, __________ on time.
Common Collocations
On this page you can find a few short lists of common collocations to
give you more of an idea about them. Many good learner's
dictionaries show collocations associated with specific words. There
are also dictionaries of collocations, though these are more difficult to
find.

Verb collocations

have do make

have a bath do business make a difference

have a drink do nothing make a mess
have a good time do someone a favour make a mistake
have a haircut do the cooking make a noise
have a holiday do the housework make an effort
have a problem do the shopping make furniture
have a relationship do the washing up make money
have a rest do your best make progress
have lunch do your hair make room
have sympathy do your homework make trouble

take break catch

take a break break a habit catch a ball

take a chance break a leg catch a bus
take a look break a promise catch a chill
take a rest break a record catch a cold
take a seat break a window catch a thief
take a taxi break someone's heart catch fire
take an exam break the ice catch sight of
take notes break the law catch someone's
take someone's place break the news to someone attention
take someone's break the rules catch someone's eye
temperature catch the flu

pay save keep

 pay a fine save electricity keep a diary
pay attention save energy keep a promise
pay by credit card save money keep a secret
pay cash save one's strength keep an appointment
pay interest save someone a seat keep calm
pay someone a compliment save someone's life keep control
pay someone a visit save something to a disk keep in touch
pay the bill save space keep quiet
pay the price save time keep someone's place
pay your respects save yourself the trouble keep the change

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

Time Business English Classifiers

bang on time annual turnover a ball of string

dead on time bear in mind
early 12th century break off negotiations a bar of chocolate
Time Business English Classifiers

free time cease trading

from dawn till dusk chair a meeting a bottle of water
great deal of time close a deal
late 20th century close a meeting a bunch of carrots
make time for come to the point
next few days dismiss an offer a cube of sugar
past few weeks draw a conclusion
right on time draw your attention to a pack of cards
run out of time launch a new product
save time lay off staff a pad of paper
spare time go bankrupt
spend some time go into partnership
take your time make a loss
tell someone the time make a profit
time goes by market forces
time passes sales figures
waste time take on staff