VIDEOS49: Collocations

Collocations in Eglish by Kasia (Oxford Online English)

Collocation: A combination of words in a language that happens very often and more frequently than would happen by chance. ‘Resounding success’ and ‘crying shame’ are English. Thus, a part of the meaning of a word is the fact that it collocates with another word.

Some other examples:

• Early riser
• To come prepared
• To find a replacement
• Deep feeling/sleep
• Heavy traffic
• Strong denial
• Make money
• Key in a PIN
• Close a deal

VERB COLLOCATIONS

SAVE

• Save electricity
• Save energy
• Save money
• Save one’s strength
• Save a seat
• Save someone’s life
• Save space
• Save time
• Save yourself the trouble

DO

• Do business
• Do nothing
• Do someone a favor
• Do the cooking
• Do the washing up
• Do your best
• Do your hair

TAKE

• Take a break
• Take a chance
• Take a look
• Take a seat
• Take a taxi
• Take an exam
• Take notes
• Take someone’s place 

CATCH

• Catch a ball
• Catch a bus
• Catch a chill
• Catch a cold
• Catch a thief
• Catch fire
• Catch sight of
• Catch someone’s attention
• Catch someone’s eye
• Catch the flu 

HAVE

• Have a bath
• Have a drink
• Have a good time
• Have a haircut
• Have a holiday
• Have a problem
• Have a relationship
• Have a rest
• Have lunch
• Have sympathy 

BREAK

• Break a leg
• Break a habit
• Break a record
• Break a promise
• Break a window
• Break someone’s heart
• Break the ice
• Break the law 

PAY

• Pay a fine
• Pay attention
• Pay by credit card
• Pay cash
• Pay interest
• Pay the bill
• Pay the price
• Pay your respects
• Pay a visit
• Pay a compliment 

MAKE

• Make a difference
• Make a mess
• Make a mistake
• Make a noise
• Make an effort
• Make furniture
• Make money
• Make progress
• Make room
• Make trouble