Collocation

Collocations

Vocabulary is a crucial part of any language. That is why, while learning any language, higher importance is given to understanding and learning of the vocabulary. The habitual juxtaposition of a particular word with another word or words with a frequency greater than chance. A pair or group of words that are habitually juxtaposed.

What is Collocation?

A collocation is two or more words that often go together because of their habitual use . These combinations just sound "right" to native English speakers, who use them all the time. On the other hand, other combinations may be unnatural and just sound "wrong". Look at these examples:

the fast train

fast food

not

the quick train

quick food

and 

a quick shower

a quick meal

not

a fast shower

a fast meal

When we say heavy rain instead of big or strong rain, it conveys the meaning that it is raining heavily.

Although in the above example strong rain or the big rain conveys the same meaning. In fact, both of them are also grammatically correct. But, the use of big rain or strong rain will sound strange. Thus, we use heavy rain to sound natural and a lot better English.

Why we learn collocations?

• Your language will be more natural and more easily understood.

• You will have alternative and richer ways of expressing yourself.

• It is easier for our brains to remember and use language in chunks or blocks rather than as single words.

• As it follows a particular order, it helps in adhering to pre-decided and a proper structure of the English language

• Helps in beautifying the language

• It enhances the use of language and thereby comparatively leads to innovation of the English language

Types of collocation

There are several different types of collocation made from combinations of verb, noun, adjective etc. Some of the most common types are:

1) adverb + adjective: completely satisfied (NOT downright satisfied)

• Invading that country was an utterly stupid thing to do.

• We entered a richly decorated room.

• Are you fully aware of the implications of your action?

2) adjective + noun: excruciating pain (NOT excruciating joy)

• The doctor ordered him to take regular exercise.

• The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.

• He was writhing on the ground in excruciating pain.

3) noun + noun: a surge of anger (NOT a rush of anger)

• Let's give Mr Jones a round of applause.

• The ceasefire agreement came into effect at 11am.

• I'd like to buy two bars of soapplease.

4) noun + verb: lions roar (NOT lions shout)

• The lion started to roar when it heard the dog barking.

• Snow was falling as our plane took off.

• The bomb went off when he started the car engine.

5) verb + noun: commit suicide (NOT undertake suicide)

• The prisoner was hanged for committing murder.

• I always try to do my homework in the morning, after making my bed.

• He has been asked to give a presentation about his work.

6) verb + expression with preposition: burst into tears (NOT blow up intears)

• We had to return home because we had run out of money.

• At first her eyes filled with horror, and then she burst into tears.

• Their behaviour was enough to drive anybody to crime.

7) verb + adverb: wave frantically (NOT wave feverishly)

• She placed her keys gently on the table and sat down.

• Mary whispered softly in John's ear.

• I vaguely remember that it was growing dark when we left.

Sample Collocations

Verb Collocations

The collocations which are used extensively tend to involve verb + noun formation in the day to day situations. Here are some of the examples of these words for you to understand them better. In each of these examples the verb has other meanings as well, but combining it with the words will result in a group of words.

• To save time

You will save a lot of your time if you concentrate on your studies rather than browsing through the internet.

• To come prepared

You have a presentation tomorrow, so make sure that you come prepared.

• To find a replacement

Indian team needs to find a replacement for Sachin as soon as possible.

Adjective Collocations

Many collocations can be formed when you add adjectives with noun and adverbs. 

• Deep: Deep feeling, deep pockets, deep sleep, deep trouble.

• Heavy: Heavy rain, heavy sleeper, a heavy drinker, heavy snow, heavy traffic.

• Strong:  Strong smell, strong sense, strong denial.

Noun Collocations

In this type of collocations, you can use a verb as well as a noun to form the group of words.

Service industry, tea leaf, dogs bark, water flows, paper flutters, blurred vision, critical analysis.

Business Collocations

Mostly, the use of collocations is critical in various types of businesses and work situations. Some of the important business collocations are:

Security blanket

Opinion poll

Forgive a debt

Cash flow

Make money

Counterfeit money

Key in a PIN

GO bankrupt

Hard-earned money

Close a deal

Annual turnover

Cease to trade

Deposit a check

Open an account