What Exactly Are English Collocations?

Collocations are simply words that frequently appear together. They sound ‘right’ to native English speakers. Other combinations might be grammatically correct but sound unnatural or strange.

Think of it like this: you can say fast car, but you wouldn’t usually say quick car, even though ‘fast’ and ‘quick’ have similar meanings. Fast car is a common collocation.

Why Are Collocations Important for B2 English Learners?

For B2 learners, understanding collocations is vital for several reasons:

• Sound More Natural: Using correct collocations makes your English sound more authentic and less like a direct translation from your first language.
• Improve Fluency: When you know common word pairs, you don't have to think about each word individually, which speeds up your speaking and writing.
• Boost Your Vocabulary: Learning words in groups helps you remember them better and understand their specific usage.
• Excel in Exams: Exams like the B2 First (FCE) often test your knowledge of collocations in reading, writing, and use of English sections. Demonstrating this knowledge shows a higher level of proficiency.

Common Types of Collocations

Collocations come in many forms. Here are some of the most common types:

• Adjective + Noun: An adjective often pairs with a specific noun.
  Example: heavy rain (not strong rain), strong coffee (not powerful coffee)
• Verb + Noun: A verb and a noun frequently appear together.
  Example: make a decision (not do a decision), take a photo (not make a photo)
• Adverb + Adjective: An adverb modifies an adjective.
  Example: fully aware, highly successful
• Noun + Noun: Two nouns can form a common pair.
  Example: a round of applause, a sense of humour
• Verb + Adverb: A verb is often followed by a particular adverb.
  Example: study hard, drive carefully

How to Learn and Remember Collocations

Learning collocations takes practice, but it's very rewarding:

• Read Extensively: Pay attention to how words are used together in English books, articles, and online content.
• Listen Actively: Notice word combinations in movies, TV shows, podcasts, and conversations.
• Keep a Notebook: When you learn a new word, don't just write the word itself. Write down its common collocations too. For example, for 'decision', write make a decision.
• Practice Regularly: Try to use new collocations in your speaking and writing. The more you use them, the more natural they will become.

Examples

• She always tries to make a good impression.
• I need to take a break from work.
• It was a truly memorable experience.
• He made a fortune in the stock market.
• The heavy traffic caused a long delay.
• They have a strong accent.

Practice

Common mistakes for Spanish speakers

Spanish speakers often make direct translations that result in incorrect collocations. Here are some common examples:

• Incorrect: make a question
  Correct: ask a question
• Incorrect: do a party
  Correct: have a party
• Incorrect: strong rain
  Correct: heavy rain
• Incorrect: put attention
  Correct: pay attention
• Incorrect: take an exam (meaning 'to have an exam')
  Correct: sit an exam or have an exam (if you are the one receiving it). Take an exam means you are the student doing the exam.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest way to learn collocations?

The easiest way is to learn new vocabulary in context, not as single words. When you encounter a new word, always try to find out which other words it commonly goes with. For example, if you learn 'opportunity', also learn take an opportunity or miss an opportunity.

Can I just translate collocations directly from my language?

No, this is a common mistake. Direct translation often leads to unnatural-sounding English. For example, in Spanish, you might 'make a photo' (hacer una foto), but in English, we take a photo. Always check how words combine naturally in English.

How do collocations appear in the B2 First (FCE) exam?

Collocations are frequently tested in the B2 First exam, especially in the 'Use of English' paper (Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4). For example, Part 1 (Multiple-choice cloze) often requires you to choose the correct word that collocates with others in the sentence. In Part 4 (Key word transformations), you might need to rephrase a sentence using a specific collocation. They are also important for sounding natural in the Speaking and Writing papers.

Related lessons

• Collocations