Collocation Definition and Examples: Types, Exercises

In English grammar, knowing individual words is not enough; instead, you also need to understand how those words naturally fit together. This is where collocation comes in. A collocation refers to a group of words that are commonly used together, forming natural-sounding phrases like strong coffee or take responsibility. By exploring the Collocation definition, types and examples, learners can improve their fluency, accuracy, and confidence in everyday communication.

Collocation Definition and Examples

To begin with, we have explained the collocation definition and examples in brief to help introduce this topic to you.

What is Collocation?

A collocation is a natural pairing or grouping of words that frequently appear together, forming combinations that sound right to native speakers and convey specific meanings. The partnerships of these words are so common that substituting one word for a synonym often makes the other phrase sound odd or incorrect. 

Examples of Collocation

Here are some common examples of collocation:

1. Deeply concerned
2. Highly recommended
3. Data analysis
4. Job interview
5. High temperature
6. Big mistake
7. Make a decision
8. Do homework
9. Drive carefully
10. Cry loudly

Also Read: What are Homophones? Understanding Words That Sound Alike (With Examples)

Types of Collocation: Definition with Examples

Collocations not only help in joining verbs with nouns, but they also come in many forms that make your English sound more natural. To better understand, let us explore the different types of collocations along with examples.

1. Adjective + Noun

An adjective describes a noun, and together they form a phrase that’s used often.

Collocation	Correct Example	Incorrect Alternative
Heavey Rain	The heavy rain made driving dangerous this morning.	The strong rain made driving dangerous this morning.
Strong Wind	The strong wind knocked down several trees in the park.	The powerful wind knocked down several trees in the park.

2. Noun + Verb

A noun is the subject or object of a verb, and this pairing is very common in English.

Collocation	Correct Example	Incorrect Alternative
Economy boomed	The economy boomed after the new policies were implemented.	The economy grew quickly after the new policies were implemented.
Bomb exploded	The bomb exploded near the city centre at midnight.	The bomb went off near the city centre at midnight.

3. Verb + Noun

A verb is followed by a noun, creating a phrase that is easily recognisable.

Collocation	Correct Example	Incorrect Alternative
Make a decision	We need to make a decision about our vacation plans today.	We need to do a decision about our vacation plans today.
Take a shower	I always take a shower before going to work each morning.	I always have a shower before going to work each morning.

4. Adverb+Adjective

An adverb modifies an adjective to make the description of the word more strong or more precise.

Collocation	Correct Example	Incorrect Alternative
Completely satisfied	The customers were completely satisfied with the excellent service provided.	The customers were utterly satisfied with the excellent service provided.
Deeply concerned	The parents are deeply concerned about their child’s academic performance.	The parents are highly concerned about their child’s academic performance.

5. Verb + Adverb

A verb is followed by an adverb that describes how the action is performed.

Collocation	Correct Example	Incorrect Alternative
Speak fluently	She can speak fluently in three different languages without difficulty.	She can speak well in three different languages without difficulty.
Drive carefully	Please drive carefully on the wet roads during this storm.	Please drive good on the wet roads during this storm.

6. Noun + Noun (Compound Nouns)

Two nouns come together to form a specific idea or thing.

Collocation	Correct Example	Incorrect Alternative
Traffic jam	The morning traffic jam delayed commuters for over two hours today.	The morning traffic block delayed commuters for over two hours today.
Tea break	The office workers enjoyed their afternoon tea break in the garden.	The office workers enjoyed their afternoon tea pause in the garden.

7. Less Common but Important Types of Collocation

Common collocations are often emphasised in language learning. However, exploring less common but important types of collocations can greatly enhance fluency.

Type of Collocation	Collocation	Correct Example	Incorrect Alternative
Adverb + Verb	Badly Need	The homeless shelter badly needs donations of warm clothing this winter.	The homeless shelter strongly needs donations of warm clothing this winter.
	Clearly state	The contract must clearly state all terms and conditions for agreement.	The contract must plainly state all terms and conditions for agreement.
Phrasal Verb + Noun	Carry out a task	The research team will carry out a task to analyse data.	The research team will perform a task to analyze data.
	Break down a barrier	We must break down a barrier between different cultural communities today.	We must smash a barrier between different cultural communities today.
Prepositional Phrases	Fond of	My grandmother is particularly fond of classical music and opera performances.	My grandmother is particularly fond with classical music and opera performances.
	Responsible for	The project manager is responsible for coordinating all team activities effectively.	The project manager is responsible with coordinating all team activities effectively.

Explore: What is Homograph? Definition, Examples, Exercises

Why are Collocation Important in English Grammar?

Collocation is important in English grammar as it makes your sentences more natural and helps in expressing ideas more clearly without any mistakes. To know more about the importance of collocation, let us explore how it improves fluency, adds meaning, and helps you communicate with confidence like a native speaker.

• Collocations help your English sound smooth and natural. For example, we say make a decision, not do a decision. We also say heavy rain, not strong rain. These word pairs are commonly used by native speakers. Using them makes your English feel more fluent and less awkward.

• Some collocations give a more exact meaning. For example, strong tea means tea with a bold taste. But powerful tea sounds strange. Deep sleep means restful sleep. But saying profound sleep does not sound right. These word pairs help you express the right idea.

• Collocations are like ready-made phrases. When you say things like break the news, catch a cold, or run out of time, people understand you quickly. You do not need to explain more. This makes talking and writing easier and faster.

• Sometimes, even correct grammar can sound odd if you use the wrong word pair. For example, we say make an effort, not do an effort. Learning collocations helps you avoid these small mistakes. It makes your English sound more natural.

• Some collocation lists of words are formal, and some are casual. For example conduct research sounds more professional. Do research is more casual. Totally agree is more relaxed, while completely agree is more formal. Using the right collocation in English grammar helps you speak or write correctly in different situations.

Also Read: Difficult Homonyms with Examples

Practice Exercise of Collocation

Instructions: Choose the correct word to complete each collocation. Circle the letter of your answer.

1. We need to _______ a decision about the new marketing strategy by Friday.

a) do

b) make

c) take

d) have

2. The _______ rain caused flooding in several areas of the city yesterday.

a) strong

b) powerful

c) heavy

d) hard

3. She has been working _______ to prepare for her final examinations.

a) strongly

b) hardly

c) powerfully

d) hard

4. The students must _______ attention during the important safety briefing.

a) give

b) make

c) pay

d) take

5. The economy _______ significantly after the government introduced new policies.

a) grew

b) boomed

c) increased

d) expanded

6. I am _______ concerned about the environmental impact of this project.

a) highly

b) strongly

c) deeply

d) very

7. The teacher asked us to _______ our homework before the next class.

a) make

b) do

c) perform

d) complete

8. The morning _______ jam delayed my arrival at the office by thirty minutes.

a) car

b) traffic

c) vehicle

d) road

9. After working overtime all week, I enjoyed a _______ sleep last Saturday night.

a) good

b) nice

c) sound

d) pleasant

10. The witness needs to _______ the truth about what happened that evening.

a) say

b) speak

c) talk

d) tell

Correct Answers

1. b) make

2. c) heavy

3. d) hard

4. c) pay

5. b) boomed

6. c) deeply

7. b) do

8.  b) traffic

9. c) sound

10. d) tell

FAQs

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