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0 Collocations : Definition & identification , Types of collocations
What are Collocations?
When two or more words frequently appear together in a way that sounds natural to native speakers of English, we refer to them as collocations.
Identification:
Think of finding collocations like recognizing faces in a crowd – there are some telltale signs:
Idiomatic Feel: A good collocation should sound right and natural to people who have spoken English all their lives.
Grammatical Fit: The words fit together grammatically and form a complete phrase with meaning.
Dictionary Check: Some dictionaries may show common word combinations for particular entries although this won’t always be the case.
Types of Collocations:
Word classes can combine in various ways within collocational partnerships; here are just a few examples:
Verb + Noun:
Make a decision, do research, take a shower
Adjective + Noun:
Heavy rain, deep sleep, strong coffee
Noun + Noun:
Slice of cake, cup of tea, bunch of flowers
Adverb + Adjective:
Extremely important, perfectly clear, absolutely delicious
Examples:
We’ll use some examples now so you can see how they work:
It would sound odd (rather than awkward) if someone said ‘commit an error’ – ‘make mistake’ is the correct way.
Tips to Master Collocations:
- Read Extensively:Redding would definitely help you to master the use of collocations
- Pay Attention: Pay attention how the native speakers use collocations for different situations and try to use it.
- Online Resources: There are plenty of online resources available.
Solutions :
1. At the networking event, I tried to break the ice by telling a funny anecdote about my experiences in the industry.
2. If you don’t wear a jacket, you might catch a cold in this chilly weather.
3. As I walked through the forest, I suddenly caught sight of a rare bird perched on a branch.
4. The speaker used captivating visuals to catch the audience’s attention during the presentation.
5. The dry leaves in the yard can easily catch fire if we’re not careful with our outdoor activities.
6. Let’s come to the point and discuss the main issues without further delay.
7. We need to hurry; otherwise, we might run out of time to complete the project before the deadline.
8. Despite the rainy weather, we managed to have a good time at the outdoor music festival.
9. Since I was a teenager, I’ve made it a habit to keep a diary to document my thoughts and experiences.
10. The subtle nod from my colleague was enough for me to get the message about the upcoming changes in the project.
11. In a crisis, it’s essential to keep cool and make rational decisions rather than panicking.
12. Please ensure to keep an appointment with the client; it’s crucial for our business relationship.
13. I’d like to draw your attention to the new policies that have been implemented in the workplace.
14. By using shortcuts and efficient tools, we can save time in our daily tasks and boost productivity.
15. Despite the initial awkwardness, our conversation eventually helped us break the ice and connect on a personal level.
16. Be sure to wear a jacket; otherwise, you might catch a cold in this chilly weather.
17. As we were hiking, we suddenly caught sight of a breathtaking view of the valley below.
18. The colourful advertisement was designed to catch fire on social media and go viral.
19. The captivating presentation managed to catch the audience’s attention from the very beginning.
20. Without proper precautions, the dry grass in the field could easily catch fire.
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