A collocation is when two or more words often go together. For example, in English we usually say use the verb ‘strike’ before the noun ‘deal’. So the collocation is ‘strike a deal’ which means to succeed in securing a deal with a company. Although you could say we ‘hit a deal’ it sounds unnatural, when to ‘strike a deal’ is a natural example. Some common verbs used in collocations are: have, go, make, do, take, break, catch, save, keep, pay, among many others.
Don’t forget to download your free Collocations Cheat Sheet at the bottom of the blog!
What’s the difference between a collocation and a phrasal verb?
As stated in the first paragraph, a collocation is a group of words that naturally go together. Some examples include: ‘make a mistake’, ‘take a break’, ‘break a record’, etc.
A phrasal verb is very close to a collocation but the main difference is the way it is formed. A phrasal verb is made up of a verb + preposition. For more information about phrasal verbs, check out our blog.
It is important to remember that the meaning of a phrasal verb is different to the original verb. For example: ‘Look after’ means to care for someone whilst ‘look’ means to use your eyes to see something.
A note on ‘have’ and ‘make’
We typically use the verb ‘have’ when we’re talking about possession/ownership. For example: I have a dog. (The dog belongs to me. / I own the dog.)
When we use collocations, ‘have’ is typically used when we talk about fixed events, such as a meeting. For example: Let’s have a meeting. / We’re having a meeting. You can find more collocations about meetings over at the meetings course.
We typically use the verb ‘make’ when we talk about creating something. For example: I’m going to make you a promise. (I’m going to create a promise for you.)
When we use collocations with ‘make’ we’re usually talking about planned activities. For example: I made an appointment with the doctor.
Natural v Unnatural
Let’s start by looking at some more examples of natural collocations versus unnatural ones.
Have a rest (natural).
Do a rest (unnatural).
Make a noise (natural).
Make a haircut (unnatural).
Commit a crime (natural).
Commit a goal (unnatural).
Fast food (natural).
Quick food (unnatural).
Examples
Below are a few examples of collocations. A comprehensive list would be the length of an entire book so I’ve just gathered a few ideas here.
take, break, catch, save, keep, pay, catch
Have | Make |
Have children | Make a mess |
Have surgery | Make a noise |
Have a good time | Make a fuss |
Have difficulty | Make a fool of yourself |
Have a feeling / Have a funny feeling | Make a cup of tea / make some food |
Have breakfast / lunch / dinner | Make friends |
Have no fear | Make a profit |
Have a bite | Make a phone call |
Have a busy day | Make a comment |
Go | Do |
Go on through | Do the ironing |
Go on an adventure | Do the dishes |
Go out of business | Do some research /work |
Go to the beach / cinema | Do my hair |
Go figure | Do (someone) a favour |
Go bankrupt | Do nothing |
Go through me | Do over |
Go on holiday | Do without |
Go to university | Do my best |
Break | Take |
Break a habit | Take a bow |
Break a promise | Take a look |
Break the law / rules | Take a message |
Break even | Take a photograph |
Break loose | Take a nap |
Break new ground | Take a risk |
Break a window | Take an opportunity |
Break (someone’s) heart | Take (good) care of |
Break free | Take part |
Exercise
Match the words to form natural collocations.
Make | a photograph |
Have | the dishes |
Do | part |
Take | a crime |
Fast | a habit |
Commit | over |
Do | bankrupt |
Take | a fuss |
Break | food |
Go | a rest |
Answers
Make | a fuss |
Have | a rest |
Do | over |
Take | a photograph |
Fast | food |
Commit | a crime |
Do | the dishes |
Take | part |
Break | a habit |
Go | bankrupt |
Bonus Exercise
Create ten sentences using a collocation in each. You can then book a lesson with one of our teachers to discuss your sentences.
Grab your free downloadable collocations cheat sheet right here!
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