The Most Common English Collocations and How to Use Them Correctly (2024)

Collocations are words that commonly go together to form phrases. They are an important aspect of English language learning, as they can help to improve your fluency and accuracy in the language.

Why do we recommend learning collocations?

As an online English speaking course in India, we encourage students to learn collocations because they are an essential part of natural and fluent English language communication. Using collocations correctly can help students sound more fluent and natural in their speech and writing. Collocations also make it easier for students to convey their intended meanings effectively and precisely.

Furthermore, learning collocations can help students to improve their vocabulary and grammar skills. By learning the common word combinations that native speakers use, students can expand their vocabulary and become more proficient in using the language. Collocations also provide context for grammar rules and help students to use them correctly.

Overall, our online English tutors believe that encouraging students to learn collocations is a great way for students to become more fluent, natural, and effective communicators in English. By focusing on these essential language elements, students can develop the skills they need to succeed in academic, professional, and personal contexts.

Collocations are essential for online English classes to teach, as they play a significant role in the fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension of the language. By helping students to master collocations, online English teachers can help their students become more proficient and confident English language speakers and writers.

What are collocations?

Collocations are groups of words that frequently appear together in a language and are commonly used by native speakers. In English, collocations are words that naturally and commonly go together, forming a phrase or expression that is commonly used and understood by native speakers.

For example, the words "strong" and "coffee" naturally go together as a collocation in English, forming the phrase "strong coffee." Similarly, "take" and "a shower" form the collocation "take a shower," and "make" and "a decision" form the collocation "make a decision."

Learning collocations is important for English language learners because it helps them to speak and write more fluently and naturally. Knowing which words typically go together and in what order can help learners avoid common mistakes and improve their overall communication skills in the language.

Common English collocations

Here are some of the most common English collocations and how to use them correctly:

1. Make a decision: "I need to make a decision about which college to attend."
2. Take a shower: "I usually take a shower in the morning before work."
3. Have a meal: "Let's have a meal together this weekend."
4. Break a habit: "It's difficult to break a habit like smoking."
5. Catch someone's attention: "The bright colors caught my attention."
6. Get a job: "I'm hoping to get a job in the marketing industry."
7. Give an answer: "Can you give me an answer to the question?"
8. Take a break: "I need to take a break from work and go for a walk."
9. Make progress: "I'm making progress with my English language skills."
10. Do a favor: "Can you do me a favor and pick up some groceries?"
11. Keep in touch: "Let's keep in touch and catch up soon."
12. Pay attention: "It's important to pay attention during class."
13. Break the news: "I had to break the news to her that the project was canceled."
14. Take an exam: "I have to take an exam next week for my English class."
15. Make a mistake: "Everyone makes mistakes sometimes."
16. Have fun: "I always have fun when I'm with my friends."
17. Give a speech: "The CEO will give a speech at the conference next month."
18. Take a risk: "Sometimes it's good to take a risk and try something new."
19. Make a plan: "Let's make a plan for the weekend."
20. Keep an eye on: "Can you keep an eye on my bag while I go to the restroom?"

1. Read extensively: Reading is one of the best ways to learn collocations. Read a variety of materials, such as books, articles, and news reports, paying attention to the way words are used together in phrases and expressions.
2. Keep a vocabulary journal: Keep a journal of new collocations that you come across while reading or listening to English. Review your journal regularly to help reinforce your learning.
3. Use flashcards: Create flashcards with collocations on one side and their meanings on the other side. Review them regularly to help you memorize them.
4. Practice using them in context: Use the collocations you learn in context by writing sentences and using them in conversation. This will help you to remember them better and use them correctly.
5. Listen to native speakers: Listen to native speakers, paying attention to how they use collocations. You can watch English movies, TV shows, and listen to English language podcasts to help you practice listening and learn collocations at the same time.
6. Use a collocation dictionary: A collocation dictionary can be a valuable resource for English language learners. Look up collocations related to a specific topic or word to help expand your vocabulary and reinforce your learning.
7. Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice using collocations, the easier they will become to remember and use correctly. So, practice as often as possible.

By using these tips, you can learn collocations more easily and become more proficient in using the English language. Remember that learning takes time and effort, but with consistent practice and dedication, you can master collocations and become a confident and fluent English speaker.

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