What are Collocations in English? Meaning, Types, and Usage
Learn about collocations and natural word combinations that enhance fluency. Check its types, examples, and tips to use them effectively in spoken and written English.
Muskan Verma1 Feb, 2025
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Language is not just about knowing words; it’s about understanding how they naturally fit together. This is where collocations play a crucial role. Collocations are word combinations that commonly appear together, making speech and writing more fluent and natural. For non-native speakers, learning collocations can significantly improve their English proficiency and confidence.
In this blog, we will learn what collocations are, their types, examples, and why they are essential for effective communication.What is a Collocation?
A collocation is a combination of two or more words that are frequently used together in a particular language. These word pairs or groups of words "sound right" to native speakers because they are commonly used in everyday conversations. For example: Strong coffee (Not powerful coffee ) Make a decision (Not do a decision ) Heavy rain (Not big rain ) Even though other combinations might be grammatically correct, they sound unnatural because they are not commonly used.Why Are Collocations Important?
Below we've mentioned why its is important Enhance Fluency – Using collocations makes language sound natural. Improve Writing and Speaking – Helps in forming structured and meaningful sentences. Avoid Common Mistakes – Reduces awkward phrasing. Increase Comprehension – Makes reading and listening easier. Boost Confidence – Helps learners sound more like native speakers.Types of Collocations
Collocations can be formed using different combinations of verbs, nouns, adjectives, and adverbs. Here are some common types with examples:Adverb + Adjective
Completely satisfied (Not fully satisfied ) Highly unlikely (Not very unlikely ) Deeply disappointed (Not badly disappointed )Adjective + Noun
Excruciating pain (Not very strong pain ) Heavy traffic (Not big traffic ) Fast food (Not quick food )Noun + Noun
A surge of anger (Not a wave of anger ) Round of applause (Not set of applause ) Sense of humor (Not feeling of humor )Noun + Verb
Lions roar (Not lions shout ) Dogs bark (Not dogs yell ) Water flows (Not water moves )Verb + Noun
Commit suicide (Not do suicide ) Give advice (Not provide advice ) Pay attention (Not give attention )Verb + Preposition
Burst into tears (Not explode into tears ) Succeed in life (Not succeed at life ) Apologize for mistakes (Not apologize about mistakes )Verb + Adverb
Wave frantically (Not wave crazily ) Whisper softly (Not whisper quietly ) Complain bitterly (Not complain sadly )Business Collocations
They are widely used in professional and business settings. Here are some common business-related collocation:- Make Money
- Go bankrupt
- Close a deal
- Cash flow
- Deposit a check
- Annual turnover
- Cease to trade
- Hard-earned money
How to Learn and Use Collocations Effectively
Below we've mentioned how to learn and us Collocations Effectively:Read and Listen to English Regularly
Reading books, newspapers, and articles helps in recognizing common collocation. Listening to native speakers also improves understanding.Use Collocation Dictionaries
Collocation dictionaries, such as the Oxford Collocation Dictionary, can help learners find the correct word pairings.Practice with Exercises
Doing fill-in-the-blank exercises and making sentences using collocation helps reinforce learning.Keep a Collocation Notebook
Writing down new collocation and using them in sentences helps in remembering them.Speak and Write Regularly
Using collocation in conversations and writing will make them a natural part of language use.Common Mistakes with Collocation
Below we've mentioned common mistakes with collocation:Using Incorrect Word Combination
Make homework → Do Homework Strong tea → Strong tea ( Correct! ) Completely happy → Totally happyTranslating Directly from Another Language
Some collocations may not have direct translations. It’s best to learn them as they are.Overusing Certain Collocations
Using the same collocation repeatedly can make writing sound repetitive. Variety is key. Collocation are essential for mastering English fluency. They help in forming natural sentences, improving comprehension, and enhancing communication skills. Learning collocation requires practice, but with consistent effort, they become a natural part of language use. Join PW Commerce Online Course and unlock your potential with quality education and dedicated learning support.What are Collocations in English FAQs
What is a collocation in English?
A collocation is a combination of words that frequently appear together in a language. These word pairs or groups sound natural to native speakers, such as "heavy rain" instead of "big rain" or "make a decision" instead of "do a decision".
Why are collocations important in English?
Collocations help in making speech and writing more natural and fluent. They enhance vocabulary, improve comprehension, and help learners sound more like native speakers. Using correct collocations also prevents awkward phrasing and grammatical errors.
How can I learn collocations effectively?
To learn collocations, you can:
Read books, newspapers, and articles in English.
Listen to native speakers in conversations, movies, or podcasts.
Use collocation dictionaries.
Practice writing and speaking using new collocations.
Keep a notebook to record and review common collocations.
Are collocations only used in spoken English?
No, collocations are used in both spoken and written English. They are essential in academic writing, business communication, and everyday conversations. For example, business collocations like "close a deal" and "annual turnover" are commonly used in professional settings.
Can collocations be different in British and American English?
Yes, some collocations vary between British and American English. For example:
"Take a holiday" (British) vs. "Go on vacation" (American)
"Have a shower" (British) vs. "Take a shower" (American)
Although both versions are correct, they follow the collocational patterns of their respective dialects.
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