Language of the Day: Collocations

What is a collocation?

A collocation is two or more words that often go together. These combinations just sound "right" to native English speakers, who use them all the time. On the other hand, other combinations may be unnatural and just sound "wrong". Look at these examples:

 

It’s natural English to say...

the fast train
fast food
a quick shower

But it’s unnatural English to say…

the quick train
quick food
a fast shower

 

Why learn collocations?

Collocations are a great way to make your English more easily understood. They also give you richer ways of expressing yourself. Plus, it is easier for our brains to remember and use language in chunks or blocks rather than as single words.

How to learn collocations

  • Be aware of collocations, and try to recognize them when you see or hear them.

  • Treat collocations as single blocks of language. Think of them as individual blocks or chunks, and learn strongly support, not strongly + support.

  • When you learn a new word, write down other words that collocate with it (remember rightly, remember distinctly, remember vaguely, remember vividly).

  • Read as much as possible. Reading is an excellent way to learn vocabulary and collocations in context and naturally.

  • Revise what you learn regularly. Practice using new collocations in context as soon as possible after learning them.

  • Learn collocations in groups that work for you. You could learn them by topic (time, number, weather, money, family) or by a particular word (take action, take a chance, take an exam).

  • You can find information on collocations in any good learner's dictionary. And you can also find specialized dictionaries of collocations, for example OZDIC

Types of collocation

There are several different types of collocation made from combinations of verb, noun, adjective etc. Some of the most common types are:

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

  • adjective + noun: excruciating pain (NOT excruciating joy)

  • noun + noun: a surge of anger (NOT a rush of anger)

  • noun + verb: lions roar (NOT lions shout)

  • verb + noun: commit suicide (NOT undertake suicide)

  • verb + expression with preposition: burst into tears (NOT blow up in tears)

  • verb + adverb: wave frantically (NOT wave feverishly)

Zach J