Types of collocations + Practice Task

Using collocations will improve your style of written and spoken English, and knowledge of collocations is often tested in examinations such as Cambridge FCE, CAE, CPE and IELTS. Learning correct word combinations will also help you avoid common learner errors.

There are several different types of collocation made from combinations of verb, noun, adjective etc. Some of the most common types are:

Adverb + Adjective: completely satisfied (NOT downright satisfied)
Adjective + Noun: excruciating pain (NOT excruciating joy)
Noun + Noun: a surge of anger (NOT a rush of anger)
Noun + Verb: lions roar (NOT lions shout)
Verb + Noun: commit suicide (NOT undertake suicide)
Verb + Expression With Preposition: burst into tears (NOT blow up in tears)
Verb + Adverb: wave frantically (NOT wave feverishly)

Here're some more examples and I want you to make your own example for each type and share it with others.

1. adverb + adjective

Invading (to enter forcefully as an enemy) that country was an utterly stupid thing to do.
We entered a richly decorated room.


2. adjective + noun

The doctor ordered him to take regular exercise.
The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.


3. noun + noun
Let's give Mr Jones a round of applause.
The ceasefire agreement came into effect at 11am.


4. noun + verb

The lion started to roar when it heard the dog barking.
Snow was falling as our plane took off.

5. verb + noun

The prisoner was hanged for committing murder.
I always try to do my homework in the morning, after making my bed.

6. verb + expression with 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.

7. verb + adverb

She placed her keys gently on the table and sat down.
Mary whispered softly in John's ear.


Now, it's your turn. Your examples must be appeared as below,

1. (Adv+adj) Are you fully aware of the implications of your action?
2. (Adj+noun) He was writhing on the ground in excruciating pain.
3. (Noun+noun) Let's give Mr Jones a round of applause.
4. (Noun+verb) The bomb went off when he started the car engine.
5. (Verb+noun) He has been asked to give a presentation about his work.
6. (Verb+expression with preposition)Their behaviour was enough to drive anybody to crime.
7. (Verb+adverb) I vaguely remember that it was growing dark when we left.

Collocations

What is a collocation?

A collocation is two or more words that often go together. These combinations just sound "right" to native English speakers, who use them all the time. On the other hand, other combinations may be unnatural and just sound "wrong". Look at this example:

We often say: completely satisfied (NOT downright satisfied) or fast car (NOT quick car).

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Cheers
Michael