Collocation In English

AdminLeave a comment

In English, collocation is two or more words that go together naturally.  Collocation makes your English sound fluent and natural. It is like a firm handshake between two people.

How Collocation Works

Collocation: Big

The word BIG is often used alongside happenings or events. For example:

A big decision

A big disappointment

A big surprise

A big failure

A big improvement

 

Collocation: Great

The word GREAT is often used along with feelings or qualities.

Great + Feelings

Great admiration

Great excitement

Great joy

Great anger

Great improvement

Great accomplishment

Great + Qualities

Great power

Great wealth

Great understanding

Great wisdom

In great detail

Great skill

Collocation: Large

The word LARGE goes with words that have to do with numbers and measurements.

A large proportion

A large number

A large scale

A large quantity

A large population

Collocation: Heavy

HEAVY is used with some weather conditions:

Heavy rain

Heavy fog

Heavy snow

Heavy is also used with other words to describe people with bad habits.

A heavy drug user

A heavy smoker

A heavy drinker

A heavy sleeper

Note: The expression “a heavy sleeper” is not someone who sleeps a lot instead it’s a person who doesn’t wake up easily when sleeping.

In addition, HEAVY is used in collocation with two unpleasant things:

Heavy traffic

Heavy taxes

Collocation: Deep

The word DEEP is used together with words that express some strong feelings:

Deep depression

Deep devotion

Deep is also used in these expressions:

In deep trouble

In deep thought

In a deep sleep

Collocation: Strong

Strong connects with words that express opinions and senses:

A strong smell

A strong taste

Strong + Facts/opinions

Strong argument

Strong evidence

Strong emphasis

A strong commitment

Strong denial

Strong resistance

Now, why not try this quiz to see how much you understand the topic

Collocations Quiz

Click 'Next' to begin!

The contract was a _______ accomplishment for the company.
Water covers a _______ portion of earth’s surface.
My sister got herself in _______ trouble.
The defender put up a _______ resistance.
According to the tradition, the first son gets a ________ proportion of the business.
The news caused _______excitement among her friends and family.
Vick was awarded scholarship because of her ________ skill in the field.
There’s _________evidence that the accuser was involved in the crime.
A _______ number of our employees have post graduate diploma.
Practicing spoken English everyday has resulted to a ______ improvement to my accent.
Everyone expected a _______ rain this morning.
The outcome of the exam was a ________ surprise to all.
Tola was promoted as a result of her _______ devotion to the company.
The market women were not comfortable with the _______taxes from the government.
I have ________ respect for people who keep to their words.
A _______ number of pupils attended the seminar organised by the school.
The manager was stuck in________ traffic.
I can assure you, she spoke with ______emphasis, the figures are correct.
The man who died was known for his ________ wealth.

Thank you for taking Collocations Quiz.

Click 'Submit' to see your scores!



Name
Email