What is a Collocation?

A collocation is a group of two or more words that are almost always put together to create a specific meaning. Using a different combination of words sounds unnatural or awkward.

When you eat at a quick-service restaurant, you are eating fast food. You wouldn’t say you went and got ‘quick food.’ That is because fast food is a collocation, or a pair or set of words that are commonly put together. In a collocation, if you replace one of the words with a synonym, it sounds unnatural to native English speakers. Knowing and recognizing common English collocations is an essential aspect of learning English, which is why it is often tested on English exams such as the CAE.

Look at these examples:

Why learn collocations?

Your language will be more natural and more easily understood. You will have alternative and richer ways of expressing yourself. It is easier for our brains to remember and use language in chunks or blocks rather than as single words.

Types of collocation

There are several different types of collocation. Collocations can be adjective + adverb, noun + noun, verb + noun, and so on. Below you can see seven main types of collocation in sample sentences.

1.adverb + adjective

Invading that country was an utterly stupid thing to do.

We entered a richly decorated room.

Are you fully aware of the implications of your action?

2. adjective + noun

The doctor ordered him to take regular exercise.

The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.

He was writhing on the ground in excruciating pain.

3.noun + noun

Let’s give Mr. Jones a round of applause.

The ceasefire agreement came into effect at 11 am.

I’d like to buy two bars of soap, please.

4.noun + verb

The lion started to roar when it heard the dog barking.

Snow was falling as our plane took off.

The bomb went off when he started the car engine.

5.verb + noun

The prisoner was hanged for committing murder.

I always try to do my homework in the morning, after making my bed.

He has been asked to give a presentation about his work.

6. verb + expression with a preposition

We had to return home because we had run out of money.

At first her eyes filled with horror, and then she burst into tears.

Their behavior was enough to drive anybody to crime.

7.verb + adverb

She placed her keys gently on the table and sat down.

Mary whispered softly in John’s ear.

I vaguely remember that it was growing dark when we left.