Collocations In the English Language: Types of Collocations with Examples

By Manik Joshi

Collocations Dictionary | 6000 Useful Collocations | Example Sentences of Collocations | Collocation exercises

A collocation is a combination of words that are often used together and sound natural together
J.R. Firth, a British linguist first used the term "collocation" in its linguistic sense. These combinations are natural and sound "right" to native English speakers. In contrast, other combinations may be unnatural and sound "wrong".

You should say "light rainfall" and not "skinny rainfall"
You should say "take a printout" and not "perform a printout"
You should say "dog barks” and not “dog yells”
You should say "don’t commit a crime” and not “don’t do a crime”
You should say "sweet memory” and not “syrupy memory”
You should say "strong criticism and not “muscular criticism”

Types of Collocations

Some verbs often have particular adverbs, nouns or prepositions which regularly collocate with them. Likewise, some adjectives often have particular adverbs, nouns or prepositions which regularly collocate with them. Similarly, some nouns often have particular adjectives, adverbs or prepositions which regularly collocate with them.

Following are the main types of collocations:

01. adjective + noun collocations (e.g.: bright future)

02. adjective + preposition collocations
(a). adjective + about (e.g.: sure about)
(b). adjective + at (e.g.: skilled at)
(c). adjective + by (e.g.: shocked by)
(d). adjective + for (e.g.: famous for)
(e). adjective + from (e.g.: different from)
(f). adjective + in (e.g.: fluent in)
(g). adjective + of (e.g.: aware of)
(j). adjective + on/upon (e.g.: intent on)
(i). adjective + to (e.g.: answerable to)
(j). adjective + with (e.g.: impatient with)

03. adverb + adjective collocations (e.g.: keenly awaited)

04. adverb + noun collocations (e.g.: timely justice)

05. adverb + preposition (from/of) collocations (e.g.: far from)

06. adverb + verb collocations (e.g.: legally entitle)

07. noun + adjective collocations (e.g.: disease-free)

08. noun + noun collocations (e.g.: awareness rally)

09. noun + preposition collocations
(a). noun + about (e.g.: confusion about)
(b). noun + against (e.g.: crime against)
(c). noun + at (e.g.: displeasure at)
(d). noun + between (e.g.: connection between)
(e). noun + for (e.g.: approval for)
(f). noun + from (e.g.: exclusion from)
(g). noun + in (e.g.: expert in)
(h). noun + into (e.g.: influx into)
(i). noun + on/upon (e.g.: consent on)
(j). noun + of (e.g.: decline of)
(k). noun + to (e.g.: attempt to)
(l). noun + towards (e.g.: tendency towards)
(m). noun + with (e.g.: discussion with)

10. noun + verb collocations (e.g.: lions roar)

11. verb + adverb collocations (e.g.: decide fast)
12. verb + noun collocations (e.g.: feed the bird)

13. verb + preposition collocations
(a). verb + about (e.g.: argue about)
(b). verb + against (e.g.: conspire against)
(c). verb + at (e.g.: excel at)
(d). verb + between (e.g.: mediate between)
(e). verb + by (e.g.: increase by)
(f). verb + for (e.g.: appear for)
(g). verb + from (e.g.: build from)
(h). verb + in (e.g.: dissolve in)
(i). verb + into (e.g.: carve into)
(j). verb + of (e.g.: disapprove of)
(k). verb + off (e.g.: drain off)
(l). verb + on/upon (e.g.: chew on)
(m). verb + out (e.g.: straighten out)
(n). verb + to (e.g.: apply to)
(o). verb + with (e.g.: bargain with)

14. other useful collocations
(a). adjective + adjective (e.g.: cool-headed)
(b). adjective + adverb (e.g.: close together)
(c). adverb + adverb (e.g.: almost certainly)
(d). noun + adverb (e.g.: environment-friendly)
(e). verb + adjective (e.g.: remain courageous)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Manik Joshi
• Release date: Apr 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463468876

Manik Joshi

Manik Joshi was born on January 26, 1979, at Ranikhet, a picturesque town in the Kumaon region of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. He is a permanent resident of the Sheeshmahal area of Kathgodam located in the city of Haldwani in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand in India. He completed his schooling in four different schools. He is a science graduate in the ZBC – zoology, botany, and chemistry – subjects. He is also an MBA with a specialization in marketing. Additionally, he holds diplomas in “computer applications”, “multimedia and web-designing”, and “computer hardware and networking”. During his schooldays, he wanted to enter the field of medical science; however, after graduation he shifted his focus to the field of management. After obtaining his MBA, he enrolled in a computer education center; he became so fascinated with working on the computer that he decided to develop his career in this field. Over the following years, he worked at some computer-related full-time jobs. Following that, he became interested in Internet Marketing, particularly in domaining (business of buying and selling domain names), web design (creating websites), and various other online jobs. However, later he shifted his focus solely to self-publishing. Manik is a nature-lover. He has always been fascinated by overcast skies. He is passionate about traveling and enjoys solo-travel most of the time rather than traveling in groups. He is actually quite a loner who prefers to do his own thing. He likes to listen to music, particularly when he is working on the computer. Reading and writing are definitely his favorite pastimes, but he has no interest in sports. Manik has always dreamed of a prosperous life and prefers to live a life of luxury. He has a keen interest in politics because he believes it is politics that decides everything else. He feels a sense of gratification sharing his experiences and knowledge with the outside world. However, he is an introvert by nature and thus gives prominence to only a few people in his personal life. He is not a spiritual man, yet he actively seeks knowledge about the metaphysical world; he is particularly interested in learning about life beyond death. In addition to writing academic/informational text and fictional content, he also maintains a personal diary. He has always had a desire to stand out from the crowd. He does not believe in treading the beaten path and avoids copying someone else’s path to success. Two things he always refrains from are smoking and drinking; he is a teetotaler and very health-conscious. He usually wakes up before the sun rises. He starts his morning with meditation and exercise. Fitness is an integral and indispensable part of his life. He gets energized by solving complex problems. He loves himself the way he is and he loves the way he looks. He doesn’t believe in following fashion trends. He dresses according to what suits him and what he is comfortable in. He believes in taking calculated risks. His philosophy is to expect the best but prepare for the worst. According to him, you can’t succeed if you are unwilling to fail. For Manik, life is about learning from mistakes and figuring out how to move forward.

Book preview

A collocation is a combination of words that are often used together and sound natural together.

Or

Collocations are the typical or common combinations of words we use together.

Or

Collocations are two or more words that are used together very often and more frequently than would happen by chance.

Or

A collocation simply means words that often go together.

Collocation is a noun while Collocate is a verb.

Collocate (verb): to appear with another word(s) very often and more frequently than by chance.

The word cloudy collocates with sky.

The word watch collocates with a movie.

Learning about collocation helps us speak more fluent English. J.R. Firth, a British linguist first used the term collocation in its linguistic sense. These combinations are natural and sound right to native English speakers. In contrast, other combinations may be unnatural and sound wrong.

Examples:

You should say light rainfall and not skinny rainfall.

You should say take a printout and not perform a printout.

Some more examples of natural and unnatural English:

01. Natural/Right: bitter tears | Unnatural/Wrong: sour tears

02. Natural/Right: She cooked lunch | Unnatural/Wrong: She manufactured lunch.

03. Natural/Right: Dog barks. | Unnatural/Wrong: Dog yells.

04. Natural/Right: They cracked jokes. | Unnatural/Wrong: They spoke jokes.

05. Natural/Right: Don’t commit a crime. | Unnatural/Wrong: Don’t do a crime.

06. Natural/Right: Blonde hair | Unnatural/Wrong: Yellow hair

07. Natural/Right: Sweet memory | Unnatural/Wrong: Syrupy memory

08. Natural/Right: High temperature | Unnatural/Wrong: Tall temperature

09. Natural/Right: Fast food | Unnatural/Wrong: Quick food

10. Natural/Right: Blind faith | Unnatural/Wrong: Sightless faith

11. Natural/Right: Deep thought | Unnatural/Wrong: Large thought

12. Natural/Right: Fresh vegetables | Unnatural/Wrong: New vegetables

13. Natural/Right: Quiet life | Unnatural/Wrong: Soundless life

14. Natural/Right: Serious injury | Unnatural/Wrong: Sober injury

15. Natural/Right: Strong criticism | Unnatural/Wrong: Muscular criticism

STRONG AND WEAK COLLOCATIONS

Strong Collocations -- The link between the two words is quite fixed and restricted. A word can collocate with only a few words. For example, the word carnival’ can collocate with only a few words. Therefore, ‘carnival’ is said to be a strong collocator.

Examples of collocations with the word ‘carnival’ -- local carnival, carnival atmosphere

Weak Collocations -- The link between the two words is not quite fixed or restricted. A word can collocate with many other words. For example, the word high can collocate with hundreds of words. Therefore, ‘high’ is said to be a weak collocator.

Examples of collocations with the word ‘high’ -- high wall, high branch, high level, high hopes, high degree, high ideals, high opinions, high noon, high speed, high security, high quality, high priced, high capacity, high altitude

(B). Types of Collocations

Some verbs often have particular adverbs, nouns or prepositions which regularly collocate with them. Likewise, some adjectives often have particular adverbs, nouns or prepositions which regularly collocate with them. Similarly, some nouns often have particular adjectives, adverbs or prepositions which regularly collocate with them.

Following are the main types of collocations:

01. adjective + noun collocations (e.g.: bright future)

02. adjective + preposition collocations

(a). adjective + about (e.g.: sure about)

(b). adjective + at (e.g.: skilled at)

(c). adjective + by (e.g.: shocked by)

(d). adjective + for (e.g.: famous for)

(e). adjective + from (e.g.: different from)

(f). adjective + in (e.g.: fluent in)

(g). adjective + of (e.g.: aware of)

(j). adjective + on/upon (e.g.: intent on)

(i). adjective + to (e.g.: answerable to)

(j). adjective + with (e.g.: impatient with)

03. adverb + adjective collocations (e.g.: keenly awaited)

04. adverb + noun collocations (e.g.: timely justice)

05. adverb + preposition (from/of) collocations (e.g.: far from)

06. adverb + verb collocations (e.g.: legally entitle)

07. noun + adjective collocations (e.g.: disease-free)

08. noun + noun collocations (e.g.: awareness rally)

09. noun + preposition collocations

(a). noun + about (e.g.: confusion about)

(b). noun + against (e.g.: crime against)

(c). noun + at (e.g.: displeasure at)

(d). noun + between (e.g.: connection between)

(e). noun + for (e.g.: approval for)

(f). noun + from (e.g.: exclusion from)

(g). noun + in (e.g.: expert in)

(h). noun + into (e.g.: influx into)

(i). noun + on/upon (e.g.: consent on)

(j). noun + of (e.g.: decline of)

(k). noun + to (e.g.: attempt to)

(l). noun + towards (e.g.: tendency towards)

(m). noun + with (e.g.: discussion with)

10. noun + verb collocations (e.g.: lions roar)

11. verb + adverb collocations (e.g.: decide fast)

12. verb + noun collocations (e.g.: feed the bird)

13. verb + preposition collocations

(a). verb + about (e.g.: argue about)

(b). verb + against (e.g.: conspire against)

(c). verb + at (e.g.: excel at)

(d). verb + between (e.g.: mediate between)

(e). verb + by (e.g.: increase by)

(f). verb + for (e.g.: appear for)

(g). verb + from (e.g.: build from)

(h). verb + in (e.g.: dissolve in)

(i). verb + into (e.g.: carve into)

(j). verb + of (e.g.: disapprove of)

(k). verb + off (e.g.: drain off)

(l). verb + on/upon (e.g.: chew on)

(m). verb + out (e.g.: straighten out)

(n). verb + to (e.g.: apply to)

(o). verb + with (e.g.: bargain with)

14. other useful collocations

(a). adjective + adjective (e.g.: cool-headed)

(b). adjective + adverb (e.g.: close together)

(c). adverb + adverb (e.g.: almost certainly)

(d). noun + adverb (e.g.: environment-friendly)

(e). verb + adjective (e.g.: remain courageous)

01. Adjective + Noun

List of ‘adjective + noun’ collocations:

1. abandoned factory / 2. abject misery / 3. abortive bid / 4. absolute agony / 5. absorbent paper / 6. abstract principles / 7. abundant success / 8. abusive comments / 9. academic achievement / 10. accumulated anger / 11. acting chairman / 12. active ingredient / 13. actual fact / 14. adhesive quality / 15. adjoining banks / 16. administrative error / 17. admissible evidence / 18. adolescent boys / 19. advancing age / 20. adventurous mind / 21. adverse circumstances / 22. advertising campaign / 23. advisory committee / 24. aerial firing / 25. affordable housing / 26. ageing machines / 27. agile mind / 28. agitated mob / 29. agitating employees / 30. agrarian revolution / 31. agricultural land / 32. ailing student / 33. alarming challenges / 34. alienated spirit / 35. alphabetical order / 36. alternative energy / 37. alternative medicine / 38. amateur photographer / 39. ambitious project / 40. ample hint / 41. analytical survey / 42. ancient civilization / 43. ancillary services / 44. anesthetized patient / 45. animated cartoons / 46. annual budget / 47. anxious face / 48. apocalyptic moment / 49. apolitical organizations / 50. appreciable steps / 51. apprehended litigation / 52. aquatic animal / 53. arbitrary parking / 54. arduous task / 55. armed conflict / 56. aromatic fragrance / 57. artificial fertilizer / 58. artificial limb / 59. aspiring policeman / 60. assumed name / 61. astronomical price / 62. atomic energy / 63. attempted robbery / 64. auspicious moment / 65. authoritarian government / 66. autonomous province / 67. bacterial growth / 68. bad breath / 69. bad habit / 70. bad mood / 71. bad temper / 72. balanced diet / 73. barbed fences / 74. baseless assumptions / 75. basic facilities / 76. basic pay / 77. basic principles / 78. basic right / 79. bawling creatures / 80. bearded man / 81. beatific smile / 82. befitting tribute / 83. begging bowl / 84. behavioral changes / 85. berserk mob / 86. bestselling author / 87. big deal / 88. big decision / 89. big disappointment / 90. big dreamer / 91. big improvement / 92. big mistake / 93. big surprise / 94. bigoted sentiments / 95. bilateral relations / 96. bilingual education / 97. biometric attendance / 98. bitter dispute / 99. black spot / 100. blaring music / 101. blind faith / 102. blind obedience / 103. blocked street / 104. blurred image / 105. blurred vision / 106. blustery winds / 107. bold decision / 108. bonded laborers / 109. booming business / 110. botched operation / 111. bottled water / 112. bountiful supply / 113. bragging rights / 114. brainstorming conclave / 115. branded goods / 116. breakthrough moment / 117. brief description / 118. bright color / 119. bright future / 120. bright ideas / 121. broad forehead / 122. broken glass / 123. broken home / 124. budding researches / 125. bumper harvest / 126. bureaucratic hurdles / 127. burgeoning population / 128. burial site / 129. burning effigy / 130. butchering implements / 131. caged animal / 132. calamitous floods / 133. calloused feet / 134. cancerous tumors / 135. canvassing material / 136. casual clothes / 137. casual meeting / 138. casual relationship / 139. catchy phrase / 140. cavalier attitude / 141. celebratory firing / 142. certified copy / 143. challenging time / 144. charismatic leader / 145. charitable deed / 146. cheering supporters / 147. childlike simplicity / 148. chilling breeze / 149. chilly night / 150. choked voice / 151. choppy waters / 152. chronological order / 153. civic issue / 154. classified documents / 155. clean energy / 156. clerical staff / 157. climatic changes / 158. climatic factors / 159. clinching evidence / 160. clogged drains / 161. cloudy morning / 162. coarse manners / 163. coastal path / 164. cobbled streets / 165. coercive action / 166. collaborative effort / 167. collapsible chair / 168. collective responsibility / 169. combustible material / 170. commercial establishment / 171. common language / 172. communal harmony / 173. communicable disease / 174. competitive education / 175. composite culture / 176. comprehensive policy / 177. compulsive spending / 178. concerted effort / 179. concessionary rates / 180. concluding session / 181. conclusive proof / 182. concrete evidence / 183. condemnable act / 184. confessional statement / 185. confident demeanor / 186. confidential documents / 187. conflicting answers / 188. congenial atmosphere / 189. congenital liar / 190. consensual approach / 191. constitutional rights / 192. constructive debate / 193. consultative meeting / 194. contagious disease / 195. contaminated water / 196. contentious issue / 197. contingency fund / 198. contorted cheeks / 199. contrary opinions / 200. controversial issue / 201. conventional weapons / 202. convincing argument / 203. cookery contests / 204. cordial atmosphere / 205. corporate strategy / 206. correctional facility / 207. corrective measure / 208. corresponding period / 209. courageous decision / 210. courageous fight / 211. cowardly nature / 212. cracked walls / 213. creaking infrastructure / 214. creative thinking / 215. credible inputs / 216. criminal investigation / 217. crippling infrastructure / 218. crooked teeth / 219. crucial factor / 220. cruel joke / 221. crumbling walls / 222. crumpled clothes / 223. crushing season / 224. culinary skills / 225. cultivable land / 226. cultural inheritance / 227. cupped palms / 228. curly hair / 229. curved dagger / 230. custodial interrogation / 231. customary visit / 232. daily life / 233. dairy products / 234. damaged doors / 235. damaging effects / 236. damning report / 237. daredevilry acts / 238. dashed hopes / 239. daunting challenges / 240. daunting task / 241. deadly weapon / 242. deafening silence / 243. decaffeinated coffee / 244. decennial census / 245. deep breath / 246. deep depression / 247. deep devotion / 248. deep feeling / 249. deep river / 250. deep roar / 251. deep sleep / 252. deep thought / 253. deep trouble / 254. deep understanding / 255. deep wound / 256. deepening crisis / 257. defeated candidate / 258. defective transformers / 259. deflated balloon / 260. deft politician / 261. delaying tactics / 262. delectable cuisine / 263. deleterious effect / 264. delicate issue / 265. democratic traditions / 266. demographic factors / 267. demonic figure / 268. demonstrable steps / 269. demoralizing blow / 270. dense fog / 271. depressing thought / 272. deranged person / 273. derogatory remarks / 274. desolate place / 275. despairing depositors / 276. desperate attempt / 277. despicable politics / 278. detachable beards / 279. detailed analysis / 280. detective stories / 281. devastating blow / 282. devotional music / 283. diagnostic services / 284. dietary factors / 285. digging tools / 286. digitized records / 287. dignified manner / 288. dilapidated pavements / 289. diligent student / 290. diplomatic asylum / 291. direct action / 292. direct flight / 293. direct hit / 294. direct question / 295. direct route / 296. dirty laundry / 297. disadvantaged people / 298. discarded books / 299. discordant words / 300. discounted fares / 301. disfigured body / 302. disheveled state / 303. displaced population / 304. disposable income / 305. disruptive elements / 306. dissenting voices / 307. distant relative / 308. distinguishing features / 309. distorted history / 310. divergent views / 311. diverse factors / 312. divisive forces / 313. doctored videotapes / 314. dodgy deal / 315. dogmatic groups / 316. domestic dispute / 317. domestic flights / 318. domesticated animals / 319. draconian law / 320. dramatic developments / 321. drastic changes / 322. dreaded gangster / 323. dreamy world / 324. dreary winter / 325. dual nationality / 326. dubious distinction / 327. dumping ground / 328. dusky complexion / 329. dynamic entrepreneurs / 330. dynastic politics / 331. dystopian future / 332. early age / 333. early days / 334. early riser / 335. early start / 336. earnest discussion / 337. earthmoving equipment / 338. easy life / 339. easy manner / 340. easy money / 341. easy question / 342. eating joints / 343. economic reform / 344. educational technology / 345. elaborate arguments / 346. elected representative / 347. electric fencing / 348. elementary education / 349. elevated grounds / 350. eloquent oratory / 351. eloquent speech / 352. eminent personalities / 353. emotional blackmail / 354. emotive issue / 355. empty promise / 356. encouraging reports / 357. endangered species / 358. enlightened soul / 359. enormous courage / 360.

Reviews for Collocations In the English Language

[JuAN · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

this is a must have book regarding collocations in english language