There are many different types of collocation. Here are some examples.
A-Adjectives and nouns Notice adjectives that are typically used with particular nouns. -Emma always wears red or yellow or some other bright colour. -We had a brief chat about the exams but didn’t have time to discuss them properly. -Unemployment is a major problem for the government at the moment. -Improving the health service is another key issue for government.
B-Nouns and verbs Notice how nouns and verbs often go together. The examples below are all to do with economics and business. -The economy boomed in the 1990s. [the economy was very strong] -The company has grown and now employs 50 more people than last year. -The company has expanded and now has branches in most major cities. -The two companies merged in 2013 and now form one very large corporation. -The company launched the product in 2012. [introduced the product] --The price increase poses a problem for us. [is a problem] -The internet has created opportunities for our business. [brought new opportunities]
C-Noun + noun There are a lot of collocations with the pattern a … of … . -As Max read the lies about him, he felt a surge of anger. [literary: a sudden angry feeling] -Every parent feels a sense of pride when their child does well or wins something. -I felt a pang of nostalgia when I saw the old photos of the village where I grew up.
D-Verbs and expressions with prepositions Some verbs collocate with particular prepositional expressions. -As Jack went on stage to receive his gold medal for the judo competition you could see his parents swelling with pride. [looking extremely proud] -I was filled with horror when I read the newspaper report of the explosion. -When she spilt juice on her new skirt the little girl burst into tears. [suddenly started crying]
E-Verbs and adverbs Some verbs have particular adverbs which regularly collocate with them. -She pulled steadily on the rope and helped him to safety. [pulled firmly and evenly] -He placed the beautiful vase gently on the window ledge. -‘I love you and want to marry you,’ Dylan whispered softly to Madison. -She smiled proudly as she looked at the photos of her new grandson.
F-Adverbs and adjectives Adjectives often have particular adverbs which regularly collocate with them. -They are happily married. -I am fully aware that there are serious problems. [I know well] -Harry was blissfully unaware that he was in danger. [Harry had no idea at all, often used about something unpleasant]
-English Collocations in Use Intermediate
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