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What Are Collocations?

Collocations are words that naturally go together in English. They are combinations that native speakers use automatically, but learners must memorize. Using correct collocations makes your English sound natural and fluent.

Why Collocations Matter
You might know all the words, but if you combine them incorrectly, you'll sound unnatural:

✗ Do a mistake (grammatically possible but wrong)
✓ Make a mistake (natural collocation)

✗ Strong tea vs ✓ Strong coffee
(For tea, we say "strong" too, but the intensity varies by context!)

Types of Collocations

1. Verb + Noun

make a decision, take a break, have a look

2. Adjective + Noun

heavy rain, strong coffee, close friend

3. Noun + Verb

prices rise, the sun sets, dogs bark

4. Adverb + Adjective

completely satisfied, deeply sorry, highly recommended

5. Verb + Adverb

whisper softly, smile broadly, apologize sincerely

6. Verb + Preposition

depend on, believe in, apologize for

💡 Learning Collocations
The best way to learn collocations is to:
• Read extensively and notice word combinations
• Keep a collocation notebook organized by topic
• Learn words in context, not in isolation
• Practice using them in sentences
• Use a collocation dictionary

Verb + Noun Collocations

The most common type: make a decision, take a shower, catch a cold

Verb + Noun Collocations Intermediate

Verb + noun collocations are the most important to learn. Certain verbs naturally pair with certain nouns. You can't always translate directly from your language – you must learn the English combinations.

Common Verb + Noun Patterns

MAKE collocations:
• make a decision
• make a mistake
• make progress
• make an effort
• make money
• make a promise
• make a suggestion
TAKE collocations:
• take a break
• take a chance
• take a look
• take care
• take a shower/bath
• take notes
• take a seat
HAVE collocations:
• have a conversation
• have breakfast/lunch/dinner
• have a good time
• have a look
• have fun
• have a party
• have a meeting
CATCH collocations:
• catch a cold/flu
• catch a bus/train
• catch fire
• catch someone's attention
• catch someone's eye
• catch sight of
PAY collocations:
• pay attention
• pay a visit
• pay a compliment
• pay respect
• pay the price
• pay a fine
GIVE collocations:
• give advice
• give a presentation
• give permission
• give someone a hand
• give priority
• give birth

Example Sentences

Using Verb + Noun Collocations

I need to make a decision about my career.

Let's take a break for 10 minutes.

We had a great conversation about politics.

I think I'm going to catch a cold.

Please pay attention to the instructions.

Can you give me some advice?

Common Mistakes

Wrong Verb Choices
✗ INCORRECT
I need to do a decision.
✓ CORRECT
I need to make a decision.
✗ INCORRECT
Let's make a break.
✓ CORRECT
Let's take a break.
More Wrong Combinations
✗ INCORRECT
I made breakfast this morning.
✓ CORRECT
I had breakfast this morning.
✗ INCORRECT
Please give attention to me.
✓ CORRECT
Please pay attention to me.

Adjective + Noun Collocations

Describing nouns naturally: heavy rain, strong coffee, close friend

Adjective + Noun Collocations Intermediate

Certain adjectives naturally pair with certain nouns. While the grammar might allow other combinations, native speakers consistently use specific pairings that sound most natural.

Intensity & Strength Collocations

Adjective Common Nouns Example
heavy rain, snow, traffic, smoker There was heavy rain last night.
strong coffee, tea, wind, smell, feeling I need a <span class="