Have you ever thought about why we say “heavy rain” and not strong rain? Or why we say “make a decision” instead of do a decision? This happens because of collocations – words that naturally go together.
Collocations are word pairings that “just sound right” to native speakers. You could be using all the right grammar, but if your word choices don’t follow common collocation patterns, your English might still sound a bit off. That’s why understanding collocations is a major step toward sounding fluent and natural in English.
Think of collocations as the glue that holds natural speech together. They’re everywhere — in movies, books, business meetings, and casual conversations. Whether you’re preparing for the IELTS, improving your writing, or trying to sound more like a native speaker, collocations can level up your English in a big way.
What Is a Collocation?
A collocation is a group of two or more words that are often used together in a way that sounds natural to native speakers. These words typically form predictable patterns, and even if each word makes sense on its own, certain combinations are preferred over others.
For example:
Both “make” and “do” are correct verbs, but only “make a mistake” sounds right in English. That’s a collocation — a word partnership that’s formed through repeated use over time.
A Quick Definition:
Collocation: A natural combination of words that frequently occur together in English and sound correct to native speakers.
These are not grammar rules you can always reason out — they come from usage patterns. Learning collocations helps you speak and write English the way it’s actually used.
Why Learning Collocations Is Crucial
You might know hundreds of vocabulary words, but if you’re not putting them together naturally, your English may sound robotic or awkward. Here’s why collocations are essential:
They Make Your English Sound Natural
Native speakers don’t say “a powerful rain” — they say “a heavy rain.” Learning collocations keeps you from sounding like a dictionary exploded in your sentences.
They Speed Up Speaking and Writing
When you learn common word combinations, you don’t need to think too hard about sentence construction. It becomes automatic — you retrieve chunks of language instead of building everything from scratch.
They Improve Listening and Reading
Understanding collocations helps you catch meaning faster because you’re familiar with common patterns — you don’t get stuck decoding every single word.
They’re Essential for Exams and Academic English
If you’re prepping for IELTS, TOEFL, or academic writing, using the right collocations (like “draw a conclusion” or “conduct research”) can impress examiners and elevate your writing.
In short, mastering collocations is like upgrading your brain from typing words one letter at a time to using fast shortcuts and templates — it saves effort and makes everything flow better.
Types of Collocations (With Examples)
Collocations aren’t random — they follow certain patterns based on the parts of speech they involve. Learning these patterns will help you spot collocations more easily and use them more confidently in your speech and writing.
Below are the seven most common types of collocations in English, along with examples and clear explanations.
Adjective + Noun
This is one of the most common collocation types. Some adjectives are naturally used with specific nouns — even when others might seem to make sense grammatically.
Examples of Adjective + Noun Collocations
Here’s a list of common adjective + noun collocations, where the adjective naturally pairs with the noun.
| Adjective + Noun | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| strong coffee | I need a cup of strong coffee this morning. |
| heavy rain | We had heavy rain last night. |
| brief moment | There was a brief moment of silence. |
| high standards | She has high standards for her work. |
| deep sleep | He was in a deep sleep when the phone rang. |
| strong opinion | He has a strong opinion on this topic. |
| common sense | Use your common sense when making decisions. |
| real possibility | There’s a real possibility of success. |
| hard work | Success requires hard work and consistency. |
| close friend | She’s a close friend of mine. |
Noun + Noun
Sometimes one noun is used to modify another, creating a fixed or commonly accepted phrase. These aren’t just two nouns sitting together — they form a compound concept that native speakers recognize immediately.
Examples of Noun + Noun Collocations
Here’s a list of common noun + noun collocations.
| Noun + Noun | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| job interview | I have a job interview tomorrow. |
| traffic jam | We were stuck in a traffic jam for an hour. |
| data analysis | He specializes in data analysis. |
| customer service | Their customer service is excellent. |
| business plan | We need a strong business plan. |
| credit card | I paid with my credit card. |
| energy consumption | We should reduce energy consumption. |
| language skills | She wants to improve her language skills. |
| marketing strategy | They changed their marketing strategy. |
| user experience | The app has great user experience. |
Verb + Noun
These are collocations where a verb is paired with a noun, and this is where many learners make mistakes, especially with common verbs like make, do, give, or take.
Examples of Verb + Noun Collocations
These are some of the most frequent collocations English speakers use when performing actions or describing them.
| Verb + Noun | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| make a decision | It’s time to make a decision. |
| take a break | Let’s take a break after this meeting. |
| have a conversation | We had a deep conversation last night. |
| give advice | Can you give me some advice? |
| pay attention | Please pay attention to the instructions. |
| catch a cold | I think I’ve caught a cold. |
| save time | This shortcut will save you time. |
| break the rules | He often breaks the rules at work. |
| raise a question | She raised an important question. |
| run a business | They run a family business together. |
Using the wrong verb can make your English sound odd — even if the sentence is grammatically correct.
Noun + Verb
These collocations describe what actions are commonly done by certain nouns (subjects). Often used in writing or more descriptive language.
Examples of Noun + Verb collocations
Here’s a list of most common “noun + verb” collocations, where the noun naturally pairs with the verb to form common, fluent English expressions.
| Noun + Verb Collocation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Birds sing | Birds sing beautifully in the early morning. |
| Dogs bark | Dogs bark when strangers approach the house. |
| Phones ring | Phones ring constantly in the office. |
| Winds blow | Strong winds blow during the storm. |
| Bells chime | The bells chime every hour in the tower. |
| Lions roar | Lions roar loudly in the wild. |
| Engines start | The engine starts with a push of a button. |
| Leaves fall | In autumn, leaves fall all over the yard. |
| Snow falls | Every winter, snow falls in the mountains. |
| Alarms go off | The alarm goes off at 6 a.m. every day. |
Adverb + Verb
In this type of collocation, the adverb describes how the action (verb) is done.
Below are most common adverb + verb collocations — these are natural-sounding phrases where the adverb comes before the verb, which is common in both spoken and written English.
| Adverb + Verb Collocation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Gently touch | She gently touched the newborn’s hand. |
| Carefully listen | Please carefully listen to the instructions. |
| Quietly leave | He quietly left the room so he wouldn’t wake her. |
| Quickly run | They quickly ran away when it started to rain. |
| Eagerly wait | The fans eagerly waited for the concert to start. |
| Sincerely apologize | I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. |
| Loudly laugh | She loudly laughed at the comedian’s joke. |
| Angrily react | He angrily reacted to the unfair decision. |
| Boldly speak | The activist boldly spoke about human rights. |
| Rapidly grow | The company rapidly grew in its first year. |
Adverb + Adjective
Here, the adverb intensifies or qualifies the adjective that follows. Saying “very successful” works, but “highly successful” sounds more natural in English — especially in professional or academic contexts.
Adverb + Adjective Collocations
Here’s a list of most common “adverb + adjective” collocations that help you intensify or qualify your descriptions.
| Adverb + Adjective | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| deeply concerned | I’m deeply concerned about the environment. |
| fully aware | She’s fully aware of the consequences. |
| absolutely necessary | It’s absolutely necessary to submit the report. |
| highly recommended | That book is highly recommended. |
| incredibly difficult | This task is incredibly difficult. |
| painfully obvious | It was painfully obvious he was lying. |
| completely satisfied | I’m completely satisfied with the results. |
| strongly opposed | The committee is strongly opposed to the plan. |
| terribly sorry | I’m terribly sorry for the mistake. |
| quite common | That’s a quite common expression. |
Verb + Preposition
These are combinations where certain verbs are commonly paired with specific prepositions, and they form natural expressions in English. These combinations can be tricky because the preposition is often not intuitive, especially for learners whose native language uses different structures.
Examples of Verb + Preposition Collocations
Here is the list of most common verb + preposition collocations with example sentences.
| Verb + Preposition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| depend on | You can depend on him in a crisis. |
| believe in | She believes in working hard. |
| apologize for | He apologized for being late. |
| agree with | I agree with your opinion. |
| focus on | Let’s focus on the solution, not the problem. |
| deal with | She knows how to deal with stress. |
| belong to | This book belongs to me. |
| result in | The changes resulted in higher profits. |
| rely on | Don’t rely on luck alone. |
| complain about | He complained about the food. |
Grammatical vs. Lexical Collocations
When linguists and advanced learners talk about collocations, they often split them into two main types: grammatical collocations and lexical collocations. Don’t worry — the difference isn’t complicated, and understanding it can help you recognize patterns faster.
What Are Grammatical Collocations?
Grammatical collocations are combinations of a content word (like a noun, verb, or adjective) and a grammatical word, such as a preposition or an article. These often follow specific rules that might not be obvious to learners.
Examples:
- interested in (not interested on)
- capable of (not capable to)
- depend on
- fond of
Here, the focus is on the correct preposition that follows the adjective or verb. It’s not just about vocabulary — it’s about using the right word in the right grammatical structure.
What Are Lexical Collocations?
Lexical collocations, on the other hand, are pairings of two or more content words (like adjectives, nouns, verbs, or adverbs) that naturally go together. These are more about usage and fluency than grammar rules.
Examples:
- break the news
- make an effort
- strong opinion
- utter silence
These collocations are learned through exposure and repetition — they’re the phrases that “sound right” because that’s how native speakers use them every day.
Quick Comparison Table:
| Feature | Grammatical Collocations | Lexical Collocations |
|---|---|---|
| Involves | Word + preposition (or similar grammar element) | Word + word (noun, verb, adjective, adverb) |
| Focus | Correct grammatical pairing | Natural sounding vocabulary combinations |
| Examples | afraid of, keen on, good at | fast food, take a break, bitter truth |
| Learner Tip | Watch for correct prepositions | Notice what “sounds right” in real English |
Knowing whether you’re dealing with a grammatical or lexical collocation can help you avoid common mistakes. For example:
- Saying “interested on” instead of “interested in” is a grammatical mistake.
- Saying “do a decision” instead of “make a decision” is a lexical error.
Both sound awkward — but for different reasons.
Regional and Idiomatic Collocations
Not all collocations are universal. Just like pronunciation and vocabulary, collocations can differ depending on the region, culture, or dialect of English you’re using. Whether you’re learning American English, British English, or another variation like Australian or Indian English, the collocations you use might change.
Understanding these differences helps you sound more natural in a particular context — and avoids confusion.
What Are Regional Collocations?
Regional collocations are word combinations that are common in one variety of English but not necessarily in another. They’re grammatically correct and make sense, but their usage might raise eyebrows in another country.
British vs. American Collocations
| British English | American English | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| have a bath | take a bath | To wash yourself in a bathtub |
| take a decision | make a decision | To decide something |
| go to hospital | go to the hospital | To receive treatment at a hospital |
| in future | in the future | Starting from now |
| at the weekend | on the weekend | During the weekend |
| do a runner | skip out / take off | Leave quickly to avoid paying or trouble |
These subtle variations are often idiomatic — shaped by regional habits rather than formal grammar rules.
Idiomatic Collocations
Idiomatic collocations are expressions that don’t always make literal sense, but are used so often together that native speakers recognize and accept them as normal. They add color, culture, and natural rhythm to the language.
| Idiomatic Collocation | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| hit the sack | Go to bed | “I’m exhausted. I’m gonna hit the sack.” |
| spill the beans | Reveal a secret | “Who spilled the beans about the surprise?” |
| break the ice | Start a conversation in a social setting | “He told a joke to break the ice.” |
| bite the bullet | Do something painful or difficult | “I had to bite the bullet and apologize.” |
| pull someone’s leg | Tease or joke with someone | “Relax, I’m just pulling your leg!” |
| throw in the towel | Give up | “After three failed attempts, he threw in the towel.” |
| hit the books | Study hard | “Finals are next week—time to hit the books.” |
| on cloud nine | Extremely happy | “She’s been on cloud nine since the wedding.” |
Idiomatic collocations often carry emotional or cultural weight, and they’re one of the reasons English sounds “natural” or expressive to native speakers.
If you’re writing for an American company, stick with American English collocations. Same goes for UK-based firms.
Using the right collocation for the region helps build trust and relatability. It can be the difference between sounding fluent and sounding like a textbook. Plus, idiomatic expressions add a natural, native-like flair to your speaking and writing.
Collocations in Spoken vs. Written English
Collocations show up everywhere in English, but how we use them in speaking and writing isn’t always the same. Spoken English tends to be more casual, fast-paced, and idiomatic. Written English, especially in formal or academic contexts, is more structured and precise.
Knowing when and how to use collocations depending on the context can help you sound natural in conversation and polished in writing.
Differences in Tone and Register
| Spoken English | Written English |
|---|---|
| Casual tone, often emotional or idiomatic | Formal tone, objective or informative |
| Uses phrasal verbs and informal expressions | Uses academic collocations or technical phrases |
| Focus on speed and clarity in conversation | Focus on structure and clarity in writing |
| Shorter, simpler collocations | Longer, more complex collocations |
Common Spoken English Collocations
These are often heard in day-to-day conversations. They’re short, friendly, and easy to process in real-time.
| Collocation | Example in Conversation |
|---|---|
| grab a bite | “Wanna grab a bite after class?” |
| run late | “Sorry, I’m running late!” |
| hang out | “Let’s hang out this weekend.” |
| hit the road | “Time to hit the road.” |
| make a call | “I’ll make a quick call before we leave.” |
| chill out | “Just chill out, everything’s fine.” |
| come over | “Can you come over later?” |
| have fun | “We had so much fun last night!” |
| take care | “Take care! See you soon.” |
| feel like (doing) | “I feel like watching a movie.” |
These are perfect for casual conversation, friendly messages, or even informal emails.
Common Written English Collocations
Written collocations tend to be more precise, especially in academic, business, or professional settings. These are ideal for essays, reports, and formal communication.
| Collocation | Example in Writing |
|---|---|
| conduct research | “The team will conduct research on climate change.” |
| provide information | “This brochure provides information on our services.” |
| reach an agreement | “Both parties finally reached an agreement.” |
| adhere to guidelines | “Please adhere to the guidelines provided.” |
| play a vital role | “Nutrition plays a vital role in child development.” |
| present findings | “The report presents key findings from the study.” |
| implement a strategy | “We must implement a new strategy for growth.” |
| raise awareness | “Campaigns help to raise awareness about the issue.” |
| launch an initiative | “They recently launched a new initiative.” |
| meet expectations | “The product failed to meet expectations.” |
These collocations elevate your writing and help you sound more professional and competent in formal situations.
Why This Matter?
If you mix formal collocations into casual speech, it might sound odd or forced. For example:
On the flip side, if you use overly casual collocations in academic writing, your tone might not fit the context:
Common Collocation Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Many English learners get tripped up by collocations. Why? Because many combinations that sound “logical” in your native language just don’t work in English. These subtle mistakes can make your speech or writing sound awkward — even if your grammar is perfect.
Here’s a breakdown of the most frequent collocation mistakes, why they happen, and how to avoid them.
1. Using the Wrong Verb
One of the most common errors is pairing a noun with the wrong verb — especially with general verbs like do, make, take, or have.
Fix it: Study common verb + noun collocations and learn them in full phrases. The more you see them used correctly in context, the more natural they’ll feel.
2. Using Literal Translations from Your Native Language
A phrase might be perfectly logical in your first language but sound unnatural in English.
Fix it: Use authentic English sources (TV shows, books, native conversations) and train your ear to what sounds “normal” in English, not what translates directly.
3. Mixing Up Similar Collocations
Some words collocate with different partners in different situations — and mixing them up can lead to confusion.
Fix it: Learn collocations in context and notice who is performing the action.
Overusing Safe but Boring Words
Some learners overuse words like “very,” “good,” or “bad” instead of natural collocations.
Fix it: Upgrade your vocabulary by replacing weak combinations with stronger, more natural alternatives.
5. Forgetting Prepositions in Grammatical Collocations
Prepositions are small but powerful — and often misused.
Fix it: Pay special attention to adjective + preposition or verb + preposition pairs. Memorizing them as fixed phrases will help you get them right more often.
FAQs About Collocations
Here are some frequently asked questions about collocations—answered clearly and simply to help you lock in your understanding.
What is a collocation in English grammar?
A collocation is a natural combination of words that native speakers tend to use together. These word pairs or groups “sound right” together, such as: make a decision, fast food and strong coffee. They’re not based on grammar rules but on common usage.
How can I learn collocations more effectively?
Here are some simple strategies:
- Read and listen to real English (books, shows, podcasts)
- Keep a collocation notebook
- Use collocation dictionaries (like Oxford or Macmillan)
- Practice by making sentences
- Learn by topic or verb/noun pairs to make them easier to remember
Is there a difference between idioms and collocations?
Yes. Here’s the difference:
- Collocations are natural word pairings (e.g. take a risk)
- Idioms are fixed phrases whose meanings aren’t literal (e.g. kick the bucket = to die)
Some collocations can be idiomatic, but not all are idioms.
Do collocations exist in all languages?
Yes, most languages have their own collocations. For example, in French, they say prendre une décision (literally “take a decision”), while in English we say “make a decision.” Learning the correct collocation is key to sounding fluent in any language.
Can I make up my own collocations?
Not really. Collocations are based on real usage, not creativity. Native speakers will instantly notice if something “doesn’t sound right.” It’s best to learn them as set patterns and use them as they are.
Are collocations the same in British and American English?
Mostly, yes—but there are some regional differences:
- UK: have a nap
- US: take a nap
So it’s important to learn the collocations that are appropriate for your target audience or dialect.
Are phrasal verbs collocations?
Phrasal verbs (like give up, look after, run into) can be considered a type of collocation, especially when they’re fixed and commonly used. They’re often grouped separately because they follow specific grammar rules, but yes—they’re a type of verb-based collocation.
Is it okay to use synonyms in collocations?
Not always. That’s the tricky part! Even if two words are synonyms, they may not form the same collocations:
So always learn collocations as fixed combinations, not just by substituting similar words.