Manjula Ranasinghe Academy of English & Trainings

COLLOCATIONS
Collocation are the most important vocabulary needed for IELTS writing and speaking. These are
essential when expanding your vocabulary. Basically, collocations are 2 or 3 words that commonly go
together and sound just right to a native speaker.
The correct use of collocations is an essential part of improving your English level and boosting your
IELTS score. Using collocations correctly allows you to write and speak more like a native speaker and
they are also one of the things that examiners look out for when marking your tests.

WHAT IS A COLLOCATION?

A collocation is two or more words that often go together. These combinations just sound "right" to
native English speakers, who use them all the time. On the other hand, other combinations may be
unnatural and just sound "wrong". Look at these examples:

NATURAL ENGLISH... UNNATURAL ENGLISH...

The fast train The quick train
fast food quick food
A quick shower A fast shower
a quick meal a fast meal

How Can Collocations Improve My IELTS Score?

IELTS examiners will be listening out for effective use of collocations when you are doing your
speaking test. They will also look for good use of them in your writing test. In short, appropriate
and accurate use of them will help boost your score.

In IELTS ,Below topics are in the syllabus.

1. VERB COLLOCATIONS
2. COMMEN COLLOCATIONS
3. TYPES OF COLLOCATIONS
4. LIST OF COLLOCATION FOR THE EXAMINATION

(1) VERB COLLOCATIONS

HAVE DO MAKE
Have a bath Do business Make a difference
have a drink do nothing make a mess
have a good time do me a favour make a mistake
have a haircut do the cooking make a noise

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have a holiday do the housework make an effort
have a problem do the shopping make furniture
have a relationship do the washing up make money
have a rest do your best make progress
have lunch do your hair make room
have sympathy do your homework make trouble
TAKE BREAK CATCH
Take a break Break a habit Catch a ball
take a chance break a leg catch a bus
take a look break a promise catch a chill
take a rest break a record catch a cold
take a seat break a window catch a thief
take a taxi break someone's heart catch fire
take an exam break the ice catch sight of
take notes break the law catch someone's attention
take someone's place break the news to someone catch someone's eye
take someone's temperature break the rules catch the flu
PAY SAVE KEEP
Pay a fine Save electricity Keep a diary
pay attention save energy keep a promise
pay by credit card save money keep a secret
pay cash save one's strength keep an appointment
pay interest save someone a seat keep calm
pay someone a compliment save someone's life keep control

pay someone a visit save something to a disk keep in touch

pay the bill save space keep quiet
pay the price save time keep someone's place
pay your respects save yourself the trouble keep the change
COME GO GET
Come close Go abroad Get a job
come complete with go astray get a shock
come direct go bad get angry
come early go bald get divorced
come first go bankrupt get drunk
come into view go blind get frightened
come last go crazy get home
come late go dark get lost
come on time go deaf get married
come prepared go fishing get nowhere
come right back go mad get permission
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come second go missing get pregnant
come to a compromise go on foot get ready
come to a decision go online get started
come to an agreement go out of business get the impression
come to an end go overseas get the message
come to a standstill go quiet get the sack
come to terms with go sailing get upset
come to a total of go to war get wet
come under attack go yellow get worried

(2) COMMEN COLLOCATIONS FOR IELTS

(1)BIG-The word big is often used in collocations with a happening or event.

 a big accomplishment
 a big decision
 a big disappointment
 a big failure
 a big improvement
 a big mistake
 a big surprise

(2)GREAT-The word great is often used in collocations with feelings or qualities.

Great + feelings Great + qualities
great admiration great power
great anger   great pride

great enjoyment great sensitivity

great excitement great skill
great fun great strength
great happiness great understanding
great joy great wisdom
    great wealth

(3)LARGE-The word large is often used in collocations involving numbers and

measurements.

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 A large amount
 A large collection
 A large number (of)
 A large population
 A large proportion
 A large quantity
 A large scale

(4)STRONG-The word strong is often used in collocations with facts and opinions:

STRONG + FACTS/OPINIONS

 Strong argument
 Strong evidence
 A strong commitment
 Strong criticism
 A strong feeling
 A strong opinion (about something)
 Strong resistance

STRONG + SENSES
 A strong smell
 A strong taste

(5)DEEP -The word deep is used for some strong feelings:

 Deep depression
 Deep devotion

It is also used in these expressions:

 In deep thought
 In deep trouble
 In a deep sleep (when the person won’t wake up easily)

(6)HEAVY-Heavy is used for some weather conditions…

 heavy rain
 heavy snow
 heavy fog

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***The word heavy is also used for people with bad habits:

 a heavy drinker
 a heavy smoker
 a heavy drug user
There’s also the expression “a heavy sleeper” – that’s not someone who sleeps a lot; instead, it’s
a person who doesn’t wake up easily when sleeping.

***The word heavy is also used in collocations with two unpleasant things: TRAFFIC and
TAXES!

 heavy traffic
 heavy taxes

(3) TYPES OF COLLOCATIONS

(A)Adverbs and Adjectives

ADVERB + ADJECTIVE 

 He and I are  happily married.

 You are  fully aware  that there are serious problems.
 He was blissfully unaware that he was in danger.
 It’s  deeply competitive and transparent.
 I’m deeply worried about  you.
 The train system has been  deeply affected.
 I was deeply unhappy.
 It is highly unlikely that he’ll be late.
 The restaurant comes highly recommended.
 It was  ridiculously long, absurdly perfect, and alarmingly beautiful.
 He’s been  actively involved in politics for 30 years
 I am deeply ashamed of what I have done.

(B)Adjectives & Nouns

ADJECTIVE + NOUN 

 She always wears blue or white or some other bright color.

 We had a brief chat about that issue but didn’t have time to discuss it properly.
 Unemployment is a major problem for the government these days.
 Kumara was my big brother and I admired him.
 His dying was not any big surprise.
 This audition is a big deal for Joey.
 The nonprofit shelters often seem like a big improvement.
 John won big money in Vegas last year.
 The news had put him in a bad mood.
 This is the first direct flight to Tokyo.
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 Women demanded equal rights.
 A gust of wind blew the front door shut.
 He would describe it in great detail.
 It has been widely praised for reducing heavy traffic in the city.
 We aim to maintain high standards of customer care.
 I first met Jennifer a long time ago.
 Good legal advice can be expensive.
 The company made a net profit of $10.5 million.
 I was having a nice time here for about three days.
 You should be given a private locker to store your personal belongings.
 It’s a cold rainy day in October.
 A rich person is seldom in want of a friend.
 It’s a group of young people.

Verbs & Prepositions

VERB + PREPOSITION 

 As Bob went on stage to receive his medal you could see his sister swelling with pride.
 I was filled with horror when I read the newspaper report of the war.
 When she spilt apple-juice on her new blue skirt the little girl burst into tears.
 He works for an engineering company.
 I want to apologize for my mistakes.
 I must write and thank Mary for the present.
 A hotel room is being prepared for them.
 I always ask for an extra tomato sauce on my pizza.
 He admitted to being late three times.
 Chris attended to doing the grocery shopping.
 The boy confessed to stealing the apple.
 Can you explain Andrew to me?
 I congratulate you on your new job!
 I insist on Peter’s studying every day for two hours.
 She is working on a new novel.
 I want to apologize for my mistakes.
 He doesn’t care for playing golf.
 Your good marks count for 50% of your grade.
 I can vouch for her ability to work hard.
 She shut her eyes and wished for him to get better.
 The car collided with a truck and blocked traffic.
 I confronted Vivian with the evidence.
 It was hard to distinguish one twin from the other.
 The children were expelled from school for their bad behavior.
 That year, the athletes graduated from amateur to professional status in the competition.
 Nothing can rescue us from the ravages of time.
 The poor results stem from his lack of experience.
 John succeeded in getting a new job.
 Please don’t involve me in this mess.
 John believes in oat bran

Nouns & Prepositions

NOUN + PREPOSITION 
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 What’s the reason for  your unhappiness?

 Nobody seems to have responsibility for  the budget.
 The police inquiry into the theft continues.
 His fear of flying made travel difficult.
 I have only a  limited understanding of French.
 One major  disadvantage of the area is the lack of public transport.
 He was the first to see the possibilities of  the plan.
 I have an open invitation to visit my friend in Korea.
 I have no  desire to  discuss the matter further.
 What he said has no direct relevance to the matter in hand.
 I’ve got a dinner date with Tommy on Saturday.
 My relationship with John is wonderful.
 I’ve got a meeting with  Mr Thomas this afternoon.
 I  bid £3 000 for the painting.
 There are strong  arguments for  and against euthanasia.
 The demand for this new generation of mobile phone cannot be satisfied.
 Many people expressed a strong preference for the original plan.
 The children in this deprived area show a real  thirst for learning.
 He took a  photograph of  the mountains.
 We went to see an  exhibition of  Viking jewellery.
 For this job you need some  knowledge of Portuguese.
 He was the first to see the possibilities of  the plan.
 The committee has little or no understanding of the problem.
 I’m not happy with this  way of working.
 I don’t see the  relevance of  your question.
 I’d like to do a  course in  computer programming.
 Do your parents take an  interest in your friends?
 The club encourages participation in sporting activities.
 Working has a very important  place in all our lives.

Adjectives & Prepositions

ADJECTIVE + PREPOSITION 

 The town is famous for its cheese.

 I’m quite good at English but I’m bad at maths and I’m terrible at physics.
 You’ll be responsible to the head of the Finance department.
 Some among us were talented in hunting.
 They were successful in winning the contract.
 I don’t feel comfortable in high heels.
 He’s very experienced in looking after animals.
 He’s usually quite polite in my presence.
 My mother is very skilled in dressmaking.
 He was quite certain about his attacker’s identity.
 He’s excited about his birthday party next week.
 Consumers are very nervous about the future.
 I’m very sorry about losing your book.
 You were wrong about Tom; he’s not married after all.
 I’m awful at names.

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 They are excellent at planning fun parties.
 My mother is very skilled at dressmaking.
 Dustin is terrible at texting.
 She is known for her dirty tricks.
 The army are said to be ready for action.
 Are you thirsty for a soda? I am!
 I’d be absolutely delighted to come.
 People are scared to use the buses late at night.
 A lot of people nowadays have become addicted to the internet.
 He remained faithful to the ideals of the party.
 I’m not ashamed of what I did.
 It was several weeks before he was completely free of pain.
 We are in charge of the party arrangements.
 A crane is a kind of bird with very long legs and neck.
 It’s very selfish of him to just expect that Polly will do all the childcare.
 The cancer risks associated with smoking have been well documented.
 My mother is very clever with her hands.
 The airport is crowded with stranded travelers.
 He’s too free with his opinions.
 You should be generous with your time.
 Be patient with her – she’s very young.
 There’s something wrong with the printer.
 The book was inspired by a real person.
 The teacher was surprised by the student’s question.
 I don’t feel comfortable in high heels.
 He’s usually quite polite in my presence.
 Some among us were talented in hunting.

(4) LIST OF COLLOCATION FOR THE EXAMINATION

1 above average -more than average, ( in amount, age, height, weight etc.)
2 absolutely necessary-totally or completely necessary
3 abuse drugs-to use drugs in a way that's harmful to yourself or others
4 abuse of power-the harmful or unethical use of power
5 accept a challenge-to agree to do something difficult or dangerous
6 aches and pains-mild pains that come and go, esp. from physical work or old age
7 achieve a goal-to do what you'd planned or hoped to do
8 act suspiciously-to behave in a way that makes people suspicious
9 active ingredient-the chemical in a drug, medicine or pesticide that makes it work
10 against the law-illegal
11 all alone-completely alone, or without friends or people you know
12 all over-completely finished
alternative medicine-medical treatments using natural substances and traditional knowledge instead of
13 pharmaceutical drugs and modern surgery
14 any more (1)-more of something you've already had or got
15 any more (2)-any longer, or as in the past or previously
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16 apply for a job-to ask to be considered for a job you'd like to get
17 arrive on time-to arrive exactly when expected or scheduled to
18 ask a favour-to ask someone to do something for you because you need their help
19 ask for advice-to ask someone what they think you should do
20 ask for directions-to ask someone to tell you the way to a place
21 ask permission-to ask your boss, teacher, parent, etc. if you can do something
23 back road-a small country road
24 back street-a street in a town or city that's away from major roads or central areas
25 bad diet-an unhealthy diet
26 bad habit-a habit that badly affects you or other people, or that others think is wrong or bad
27 bad loser-someone who gets upset or angry when they lose
28 bad mood-a mood in which you're easily annoyed or angered
29 bad temper-a tendency to become angry quickly and easily
30 badly damage-to do a lot of damage to something
31 badly hurt-seriously injured
32 balance a budget-to make income and expenditure equal in a budget
33 balanced diet-a diet with the proper amounts of all necessary nutrients
34 basic right-a fundamental right that we all share, or that all animals share
35 become increasingly-become more and more
36 best ever-best until now
37 big deal-something that's very important or very special
38 big decision-very important decision
39 big money-a lot of money
40 bitterly cold extremely cold, of weather, wind, rain, etc.
41 bitterly disappointed-extremely disappointed
42 blind faith-unquestioning belief in something, even when it's unreasonable or wrong
43 blind loyalty-unquestioning support under any circumstances
44 blind obedience-unquestioning obedience, even when you're told to do something you know is wrong
45 blissfully ignorant-unaware of something that might sadden or disturb you if you knew about it
46 break a law-to do something illegal
47 break a promise-to fail to do what you promised to do
48 breaking news-current news that a media organization gives special or live coverage to
49 broken home-a family in which the parents have separated or divorced
50 call a meeting-to order or invite people to hold a meeting
51 can't afford-unable to buy or do something because it's too expensive or problematic
52 can't help-unable to stop yourself doing something you shouldn't do
53 cast a vote-to vote in an election or a poll
54 cast doubt-to make something seem less believable or less reliable
55 cause trouble (1)-to create problems or difficulties for somebody or something
56 cause trouble (2)-to start fights or incite violence
57 centre of attention-the main focus of interest or attention
58 certain amount-some, or not very much but more than very little
59 clean energy-energy or power supply that doesn't pollute or damage environments in its production or use
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60 clear understanding-an understanding that's free of confusion or doubt
61 close the gap-to reduce the difference between people or things
62 come to an end-to finish, of an event, a performance, a meeting, etc.
63 come true-to become real, or what you'd hoped for
64 comfort food-food you eat to make yourself feel better, esp. food you liked as a child
65 commit suicide-to deliberately kill oneself
66 completely different-totally different
67 conduct research-to organize and carry out research into something
68 crystal clear (1)-completely clear or transparent
69 crystal clear (2)-easy to understand or very obvious
70 cut costs-to reduce costs
71 fall asleep-to go to sleep
72 fall in love-to suddenly feel love for someone you're attracted to
73 far more-much more, or to a much greater degree

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