Collocations and Fixed Expressions in English: Definition, Examples, and Tips

Collocations and fixed expressions in English are word combinations that naturally go together, making your speech and writing sound more fluent. For instance, we say ‘strong coffee” but not ‘powerful coffee,” even though both words mean the same. Fixed expressions, like ‘break the ice” or ‘hit the sack,” are phrases with meanings beyond the individual words. Learning these helps you sound more natural and confident when communicating in everyday English.

What are Collocations in English?

Collocations are pairs or groups of words that are often used together in English. These combinations sound natural to native speakers. If you change the words, even slightly, the sentence might sound strange or wrong.

For example:

• We say ‘make a mistake”, not ‘do a mistake.”
• We say ‘strong coffee”, not ‘powerful coffee.”

These word pairs are commonly used and remembered as a set. Collocations help your English sound smooth, natural, and correct. They are important in speaking, writing, and even understanding others better.

There are many types of collocations in English, such as:

• Verb + Noun (e.g., take a break)
• Adjective + Noun (e.g., heavy rain)
• Noun + Noun (e.g., traffic jam)
• Verb + Adverb (e.g., speak loudly)

Types of Collocations in English

In English, some words naturally go together. These word pairs or groups are called collocations. Learning the different types of collocations can help you speak and write more fluently. Here is a table showing the main types of collocations along with simple examples for each:

Type of Collocation	Examples
Verb + Noun	make a decision, do homework, take a break, have a shower, catch a cold
Adjective + Noun	heavy rain, strong tea, fast food, great idea, high temperature
Noun + Verb	lions roar, dogs bark, birds fly, babies cry, engines start
Noun + Noun	traffic jam, student loan, peace agreement, table tennis, coffee shop
Verb + Adverb	speak clearly, run quickly, drive safely, work hard, behave badly
Adverb + Adjective	deeply sorry, fully aware, highly successful, seriously injured, totally wrong
Verb + Preposition	depend on, listen to, believe in, agree with, suffer from
Adjective + Preposition	afraid of, good at, proud of, angry with, interested in
Noun + Preposition	reason for, increase in, love for, solution to, demand for
Preposition + Noun	in trouble, on time, at risk, under pressure, by chance

Also Read: Difference Between Essay and Paragraph

What are Fixed Expressions in English?

Fixed expressions are groups of words that are always used together in a particular order and meaning. These phrases do not change and are used as a complete unit, just like a single word. Even if you understand each word, the meaning of the full expression might be different or special.

Fixed expressions are very common in English and can be formal, informal, or idiomatic. They help you sound more natural and fluent.

Examples of Fixed Expressions

Fixed Expression	Meaning
By the way	To add something or change the topic
As soon as possible	Do it quickly; without delay
At the moment	Right now; currently
Long time no see	Haven’t seen you in a while
In a nutshell	In short; briefly explained
To be honest	Speaking truthfully
First of all	To start with; introducing a first point
No wonder	It makes sense; not surprising

Impportant Features of Fixed Expressions

1. They are set phrases – You can’t usually change the words.
2. Their meaning is shared or well-known – Especially among native speakers.
3. They add style and fluency – Making your English more natural and expressive.
4. Some are idiomatic – Their meaning isn’t clear from the words used.

Types of Fixed Expressions in English

Fixed expressions come in different forms and are used for different purposes in English. Some are idiomatic, some are formal, and others are used in daily conversation. These expressions are often learned as full phrases because their meanings are already “set.”

Below are the main types of fixed expressions:

1. Idioms

Idioms are expressions where the meaning is different from the literal words. You cannot guess the meaning just by looking at each word.

• Examples:
  • Break the ice – Start a friendly conversation
  • Hit the nail on the head – Say something exactly right
  • Let the cat out of the bag – Reveal a secret

2. Phrasal Expressions / Sentence Starters

These are full phrases often used at the beginning or end of sentences, especially in writing and conversation.

• Examples:
  • By the way
  • In my opinion
  • To be honest
  • At the same time

3. Social and Polite Expressions

These expressions are used to be polite or friendly in social situations. They are common in greetings, farewells, and requests.

• Examples:
  • Nice to meet you
  • Take care
  • Have a good day
  • Excuse me

4. Collocations (Common Word Pairs)

These are fixed word combinations that are commonly used together. They sound ‘right” to native speakers.

• Examples:
  • Make a decision
  • Do homework
  • Catch a cold
  • Heavy rain

5. Prepositional Phrases

These are fixed groups of words that begin with a preposition and act like a unit in a sentence.

• Examples:
  • On time
  • In trouble
  • At risk
  • Under pressure

6. Time and Sequence Expressions

Used to talk about time, order, and events. These are very common in writing and storytelling.

• Examples:
  • As soon as possible
  • At the moment
  • From time to time
  • First of all

7. Cause and Effect Expressions

Used to show reason, result, or connection between ideas. Very useful in formal writing.

• Examples:
  • As a result
  • Because of that
  • Due to
  • In conclusion

8. Common Response Phrases

These are set expressions we often use to reply to someone politely or naturally.

• Examples:
  • No problem
  • That’s fine
  • I’m afraid not
  • Sounds good

Also Read: Difference Between Phrases and Idioms

Difference Between Collocations and Fixed Expressions

When learning English Grammar, you will also come across two useful terms: collocations and fixed expressions. Both involve groups of words that go well together, but they are different in how they work and what they mean. Here is a simple table to understand the important differences between collocations and fixed expressions:

Aspect	Collocations	Fixed Expressions
Definition	Words that often go together naturally and are commonly paired in English	Set phrases used with fixed wording, often with special or idiomatic meanings
Flexibility	Slightly flexible (some words can be changed)	Not flexible — words and order usually must remain exactly the same
Meaning	Usually literal or easy to understand	Often idiomatic or different from the literal meaning
Examples	make a decision, do homework, heavy rain, catch a cold	by the way, once in a blue moon, break the ice, at the end of the day
Use in Speech/Writing	Common in both formal and informal contexts	Common in casual speech, idiomatic talk, and structured writing (essays, emails)
Learning Method	Best learned through reading and exposure to natural English	Best learned as full phrases or chunks
Main Use	To sound natural and fluent	To express fixed ideas, emotions, politeness, or special meanings clearly
Examples of Type	Verb + Noun, Adjective + Noun, Noun + Noun, etc.	Idioms, polite phrases, prepositional phrases, social expressions

Also Read: Difference Between an Author and a Writer?

Tips to Improve Usage of Collocations and Fixed Expressions in English

Learning collocations and fixed expressions can greatly improve your English fluency. These tips will help you use them correctly and confidently in speaking and writing.

1. The best way to learn natural word combinations is through real examples. Read storybooks, news articles, or watch English shows, movies, and YouTube videos.

Listen for phrases like:

• Make a choice
• At the same time
• On the other hand

2. Don’t learn words one by one. Learn them as part of a group. This will help you understand collocations and fixed expressions in English easily.

Example: Instead of just learning ‘decision,” learn ‘make a decision.” This helps you remember correct usage and speak more naturally.

3. There are special dictionaries and apps that show which words go together. 

Example: Oxford Collocations Dictionary, Macmillan Collocations, or mobile apps like ‘English Collocations.”

4. Write down new collocations and fixed expressions in a notebook or digital note. Include:

• The phrase
• Its meaning
• One example sentence

5. Make your own examples using new expressions. For example:

• She made a promise to help me.
• We met by chance at the market.

6. Online games, flashcards, or matching exercises can help you remember better.

7. The more you use them, the more confident you become. Try including fixed phrases and collocations when talking or writing. 

• Example in speaking: ‘To be honest, I didn’t like the movie.”
• Example in writing: ‘In conclusion, we must take action immediately.”

8. Focus on popular types of collocations:

• Verb + Noun: take a break
• Adjective + Noun: strong coffee
• Fixed expressions: as a matter of fact, take it easy

9. If you use a wrong phrase, it’s okay! Correct it and remember the right one. Use it again soon so your brain remembers it well.

10. Use colorful charts or posters with collocations and fixed expressions around your study area to help you memorize them naturally.

Also Read: Difference between Adjective and Noun

Exercise on Collocations and Fixed Expressions

I’ll give you a series of sentences with a blank. Your task is to choose the most appropriate word or phrase from the given options to complete the sentence, keeping in mind both collocations and fixed expressions.

Instructions:

For each sentence, choose the best option (a, b, c, or d).

Exercise 1: Collocations and Fixed Expressions

1. She always tries to _________ a good impression on her new boss. 

a) make 

b) do 

c) give 

d) create

2. After hours of searching, they finally _________ a solution to the complex problem. 

a) found 

b) discovered 

c) hit upon 

d) came across

3. It’s important to _________ attention in class if you want to understand the lesson. 

a) pay 

b) give 

c) take 

d) put

4. He was so tired that he _________ asleep immediately after lying down. 

a) fell 

b) went 

c) got 

d) became

5. The new policy will _________ a significant impact on the company’s profits. 

a) make 

b) do 

c) have 

d) give

6. I’m sorry, I can’t come out tonight. I’m feeling a bit _________ the weather. 

a) under 

b) beneath 

c) below 

d) down

7. Could you _________ me a favor and pick up my dry cleaning? 

a) make 

b) do 

c) give 

d) take

8. Don’t _________ a promise you can’t keep. 

a) break 

b) damage 

c) crack 

d) ruin

9. She always _________ her best to help others. 

a) makes 

b) does 

c) gives 

d) takes

10. We need to _________ a decision about our holiday destination soon. 

a) make 

b) do 

c) take 

d) give

11. It’s _________ cats and dogs outside! I’m completely soaked. 

a) snowing 

b) pouring 

c) raining 

d) dripping

12. He finally _________ the beans about their secret project. 

a) spilled 

b) poured 

c) dropped 

d) emptied

13. I’m afraid we’ve _________ out of milk. Could you buy some more? 

a) gone 

b) run 

c) ended 

d) finished

14. Getting that promotion was a _________ of cake for her. 

a) slice 

b) piece 

c) bit 

d) chunk

15. They managed to _________ even after all their financial difficulties. 

a) break 

b) make 

c) come 

d) get

Answer Key for Exercise 1: 

1. make 
2. hit upon
3. pay 
4. fell
5. have 
6. under
7. do 
8. break 
9. does
10. make 
11. raining
12. spilled
13. run 
14. piece
15. break

Also Read: 50+ Questions of Sentence Completion

Exercise 2: Choose the Best Collocation/Fixed Expression

Instructions: For each sentence, choose the best option (a, b, c, or d).

1. The project is still in its early _________, so there’s a lot of work to do. 

a) stages 

b) phases 

c) steps 

d) beginnings

2. I think you’ve _________ the nail on the head with that observation. 

a) hit 

b) struck 

c) knocked 

d) touched

3. The politician refused to _________ comments on the ongoing scandal. 

a) make 

b) do 

c) give 

d) express

4. After the accident, he was in _________ pain. 

a) strong 

b) big 

c) heavy 

d) excruciating

5. She tried to _________ her temper when she heard the bad news. 

a) hold 

b) keep 

c) control 

d) master

6. I’m really _________ forward to my holiday next month. 

a) seeing 

b) looking 

c) waiting 

d) anticipating

7. He always _________ the blame for his team’s mistakes. 

a) takes 

b) gives 

c) carries 

d) gets

8. It’s time to _________ the table for dinner. 

a) arrange 

b) put 

c) set 

d) lay

9. Don’t worry, it’s just a storm in a _________. 

a) teacup 

b) mug 

c) bowl 

d) glass

10. The company needs to _________ a new strategy to boost sales. 

a) devise 

b) invent 

c) find 

d) generate

Answer Key for Exercise 2:

1. stages
2. hit
3. make
4. excruciating
5. keep
6. looking
7. takes
8. set
9. teacup
10. devise

Exercise 3: Complete the Sentence with a Collocation/Fixed Expression

Instructions: Complete the following sentences using an appropriate collocation or fixed expression. You may need to change the form of the verb if necessary.

1. She needs to _________ a good _________ on her resume if she wants to get that job. (Hint: something you do on a document)
2. The company decided to _________ an _________ to improve customer service.
3. After working all day, I just want to _________ a _________ and relax.
4. He always _________ _________ about his achievements, which can be annoying. (Hint: talk about yourself in a proud way)
5. The new project _________ _________ after months of planning. (Hint: finally started successfully)
6. I’m trying to _________ _________ of sugar, so I’m avoiding desserts. (Hint: reduce consumption)
7. Don’t _________ _________ to conclusions; let’s gather all the facts first.
8. He was so angry, he almost _________ _________ tears.
9. It’s very important to _________ _________ _________ when you’re driving in bad weather.
10. I can’t _________ _________ a cold; I’ve been sneezing all day. (Hint: get infected with)

Answer Key for Exercise 3: 

1. make, impression 

2. make, effort

3. have, rest

4. blows his own trumpet 

5. got off the ground

6. cut down

7. jump to 

8. burst into 

9. pay close attention 

10. shake off 

Also Read: Collocation Exercises with Answers: Download Free PDF

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