- Why Collocations Matter
Collocations are word pairs that native speakers use together naturally. Learning them helps you:
- Sound more fluent and natural
- Avoid awkward word combinations
- Speak more confidently
- Essential Collocation Types
- Verb + Noun Combinations
|
Collocation |
Example |
|
Make a decision |
“I need to make a decision soon.” |
|
Take a shower |
“I take a shower every morning.” |
|
Do homework |
“She’s doing her homework now.” |
Common Mistakes:
❌ “Make homework” (Incorrect)
✅ “Do homework” (Correct)
- Adjective + Noun Pairs
|
Collocation |
Example |
|
Heavy rain |
“There was heavy rain last night.” |
|
Strong coffee |
“I prefer strong coffee in the morning.” |
|
Bitter cold |
“The bitter cold made us stay inside.” |
Note: We say “heavy rain” not “strong rain”
- Adverb + Adjective
|
Collocation |
Example |
|
Highly recommended |
“This book is highly recommended.” |
|
Deeply concerned |
“Parents are deeply concerned.” |
|
Ridiculously expensive |
“These shoes are ridiculously expensive.” |
- Common Collocation Mistakes
Arabic Speakers Often:
- Say “make a photo” ❌ (Correct: “take a photo”)
- Say “open the light” ❌ (Correct: “turn on the light”)
- Say “do a mistake” ❌ (Correct: “make a mistake”)