What are collocations? (and how do I use them?)

2022-01-13 18:00:00

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

HaveMake
Have childrenMake a mess
Have surgeryMake a noise
Have a good timeMake a fuss
Have difficulty Make a fool of yourself
Have a feeling / Have a funny feelingMake a cup of tea / make some food
Have breakfast / lunch / dinnerMake friends
Have no fearMake a profit
Have a bite Make a phone call
Have a busy day Make a comment
GoDo
Go on throughDo the ironing
Go on an adventureDo the dishes
Go out of businessDo some research /work
Go to the beach / cinemaDo my hair
Go figureDo (someone) a favour
Go bankruptDo nothing
Go through meDo over
Go on holidayDo without
Go to university Do my best
BreakTake
Break a habitTake a bow
Break a promiseTake a look
Break the law / rulesTake a message
Break even Take a photograph
Break loose Take a nap
Break new groundTake a risk
Break a window Take an opportunity
Break (someone’s) heartTake (good) care of
Break freeTake part

Exercise

Match the words to form natural collocations.

Makea photograph
Have the dishes
Do part
Take a crime
Fast a habit
Commitover
Do bankrupt
Takea fuss
Break food
Goa rest

Answers

Make a fuss
Havea rest
Doover
Takea photograph
Fast food
Commita crime
Dothe dishes
Takepart
Breaka habit
Gobankrupt

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!

Learn more useful grammar tips and tricks in the Fast Grammar course in the Intrepid English Academy. Not an Intrepid English Member yet? Book a trial lesson today and talk to an experienced and friendly Intrepid English teacher and find out if online English lessons are for you.