Grammatical Categories of Collocation

1- Verb + noun

2- Noun + verb

3- Noun + noun

• Noun + noun collocations used to describe groups or sets: -There’s been a spate of attacks/thefts in our area recently. [unusually large number happening in close succession] -The minister had to put up with a barrage of questions/insults from the angry audience. [unusually large number, happening at the same time] • Noun + noun collocations used with uncountable nouns: -By a stroke of luck I found my keys in the rubbish bin! [sudden, unexpected piece of luck] -She gave me a snippet of information which is top secret. [small piece of information]

4- Adjective + noun

-This is not an idle threat; I will call the police if this happens again! [simply a threat] -He waited in the vain hope that the minister would meet him. [unlikely to be fulfilled hope] -There is mounting concern/criticism/fury over the decision. [growing concern, etc.] -The simple/plain truth is that no one was aware of the problem.

5- Adverb + adjective

-The article provides an intensely personal account of the writer’s relationship with his sons. -Joe’s sister was a stunningly attractive woman.

6- Verb + adverb or prepositional phrase

-The teenager tried to persuade his mother that he was innocent but he failed miserably. -I don’t like to travel with my brother because he drives recklessly. [wildly, without care] -As soon as the singer came on stage she burst into song. -If your dog starts to foam at the mouth, you should take it to the vet immediately.

7- More complex collocations

-Mary was looking forward to retiring and taking it easy for a while. -It’s time you put the past behind you and started focusing on the future.