Collocations in English: The art of natural expression

What are collocations

Collocations are fixed word pairs or phrases that native speakers use habitually, creating natural-sounding expressions. For example, "heavy rain" (not "strong rain") combines "heavy" (intense) with "rain" to describe a downpour. Similarly, "make a decision" (not "do a decision") pairs "make" (to create) with "decision" (choice) to denote finalizing a choice. Another example, "break the ice" (not "crack the ice"), uses "break" (disrupt) and "ice" (tension) to describe initiating conversation. These combinations rely on conventional usage rather than literal meaning, making them predictable to fluent speakers but often illogical to learners.

Collocations differ by grammatical structure and formality. They're categorized as verb-noun ("take a shower"), adjective-noun ("strong coffee"), adverb-verb ("deeply regret"), or noun-verb ("eagle flies"). Some are flexible ("run a business" vs. "manage a business"), while others are fixed ("foot the bill"). Regional variations also exist: British English uses "have a bath," whereas American English prefers "take a bath."

Some most common uses of collocations in English

Below are some most frequent used English collocations.

"make a mistake"

"catch a cold"

"save time"

"take a break"

"heavy traffic"

"bright idea"

"strong accent"

"keep a secret"

"pay attention"

"break the news"

Formal collocations like "conduct research" (vs. "do research"), "submit a proposal" (vs. "send a proposal"), or "attain a goal" (vs. "reach a goal") suit academic or professional contexts. Informal pairs include "grab a bite" (eat quickly), "hit the road" (leave), or "chill out" (relax). Regionally, British English says "have a row" (argument), while American English uses "have a fight." Another example is "queue jumper" (UK) vs. "line cutter" (US), both describing someone who skips ahead.

When to use collocations

Collocations enhance clarity in everyday speech ("take a photo"), formal writing ("draw a conclusion"), and emotional expression ("burst into tears"). In professional settings, "submit a report" (not "send a report") ensures precision. Informal chats use phrases like "catch a movie" (watch) or "spill the beans" (reveal secrets). For instructions, "follow steps" (not "do steps") is standard. In storytelling, "break the silence" adds vividness.

Misuse causes confusion. Saying "do a mistake" (instead of "make a mistake") signals non-native fluency. Using "strong rain" (not "heavy rain") feels awkward. Avoid over-literal translations: "I have a hot temperature" (correct: "I have a fever"). In technical contexts, precise terms override collocations: "perform surgery" (not "do surgery") in medical writing.

How to evaluate my knowledge on collocations

Collocations can differ in complexity and usage based on a person's English level. Beginner English students may be introduced to simpler ones, such as "The little girl played with her doll", while intermediate and advanced learners may be exposed to more complex ones, like "Despite facing numerous challenges, he persevered and achieved his goals". Native speakers often have an intuitive understanding of collocations and can use most common ones effortlessly, while others can have a hard time to guess which words best fit toguether in their speech. Non-native speakers may need more practice and study to fully master these expressions.

One simple way to check your current knowledge level of collocations is by testing your skills. Try out to guess what are the expressions on the sentences gaps below:

1. It's pouring _____ outside.

2. Can you _____ a photo?

3. She _____ a cold last week.

4. The scandal _____ their reputation. (tarnished)

5. She _____ her temper during the meeting. (lost)

6. They _____ an agreement after hours. (reached)

7. The melody wafted through the _____.

8. The painter applied the vivid hues onto the _____.

9. The musician skillfully plucked at the _____.

Sentences from 1 to 3 uses beginner level collocations. Their answers are: 1. heavily; 2. take; 3. caught. Sentences 4 to 6 are intermediate level, their answers are: 4. tarnished; 5. lost; 6. reached. Sentence 7 to 9 are advanced level, their answers are: 7. air; 8. canvas; 9. strings. Check how much you guessed right on each level and you will have a clue on how much you know and which is your current knowledge level on collocations. Of course this is a very simple test and it is very high biased. You should take a longer test, using a wide range of collocations to have a more accurate score.

Ways to improve my knowledge on collocations

To master collocations, read extensively - novels expose verb-noun pairs ("cast a shadow"), while newspapers offer formal phrases ("forge a partnership"). Keep a journal noting common pairs like "run errands" or "file a complaint." Practice rewriting sentences: replace "get angry" with "lose your temper." Engage in role-plays using situational collocations ("book a ticket" for travel scenarios). Use flashcards grouping related terms ("make a wish," "take a chance"). Participate in writing groups to receive feedback on naturalness. Listen to native speakers in interviews or podcasts, noting phrases like "strike a balance." Regularly test yourself with cloze exercises to reinforce retention.

You could learn them by listening to podcasts, watching videos on youtube or reading online news focused on the audience you are looking to be part of. Focusing situations and audience will shrink the amount of common used collocations you have to learn. Don't be afraid on not kowing all of things you hear or read. Don't be afraid to ask or search online the meaning of new expressions. Ask natives: Clarify new words you hear in conversations. Stay curious: Note down unfamiliar words in a "expression diary." Finally, embrace mistakes: Misusing it can become a funny learning moment!"

Learninn is a great way to get in touch with English collocations. Articles and videos hosted on our platform include most common collocations, if not all existent ones. Every content consumed on our platform is recorded and used in the future for your learning.