Collocations are natural combinations of words that commonly appear together in English. These word partnerships help your speaking and writing sound more fluent, precise, and natural.
Start with Collocations in English for the meaning, main patterns, and examples. You can then explore detailed lessons on verb-noun, adjective-noun, noun-noun, verb-preposition, adjective-preposition, adverb-adjective, and adverb-verb collocations.
Collocations with give are common English word combinations such as give advice, give permission, give someone a chance, and give a presentation. In these expressions, give does not always mean handing something to another person. You can give someone information,…
Collocations with have are familiar English word combinations such as have breakfast, have a conversation, have a chance, and have trouble doing something. The verb have doesn’t always mean owning or possessing something. It can also describe an activity, an…
Collocations with take are common English word combinations in which take appears with particular nouns or other words. Examples include take a break, take notes, take responsibility for, and take part in. The meaning of take changes with the expression.…
English uses make and do in many familiar word combinations called collocations. We say make a decision, make progress, and make a mistake, but do homework, do research, and do your best. A useful starting point is that do often…
A noun + preposition collocation is a familiar combination in which a noun is followed by a particular preposition. Common examples include reason for, solution to, increase in, and effect on. The preposition connects the noun to another part of…
An adverb + verb collocation is an established combination in which an adverb modifies a verb. Common examples include strongly recommend, deeply regret, firmly believe, and closely monitor. The adverb can express the strength of an opinion, the depth of…
An adjective + preposition collocation is a familiar combination in which an adjective is followed by a particular preposition. Common examples include interested in, afraid of, good at, and responsible for. The preposition connects the adjective to a person, thing,…
A noun + noun collocation is an established combination of two nouns that commonly occur together, such as traffic jam, market research, or bus stop. In many combinations, the second noun identifies what the expression refers to, while the first…
An adverb + adjective collocation is an established combination in which an adverb modifies an adjective. Common examples include deeply concerned, highly unlikely, and perfectly clear. The adverb can change more than the strength of a description. It may express…
A verb + preposition collocation is a familiar combination in which a verb regularly appears with a particular preposition. Common examples include depend on, listen to, believe in, and apologise for. The preposition connects the verb to another part of…
An adjective + noun collocation is an established word combination in which an adjective commonly describes a particular noun. Examples include heavy traffic, narrow escape, and compelling evidence. Some combinations are easy to predict. Others are established through usage and…
A verb + noun collocation is an established combination of a verb and a noun, such as settle a bill, keep a secret, or grant permission. These expressions are common in English, but choosing the right verb isn’t always straightforward.…