List of Most Common Collocations
A word or phrase that is often used with another word or phrase, in a way that sounds correct to people who have spoken the language all their lives.
It is important to use collocations because it will help you understand how to use vocabulary words in a sentence correctly.
There are thousands of collocations and it impossible to know them all. Most student don’t take time to memorize since learning as you read and listen to them is easier.
There are 7 types of collocations made from combinations of verbs, nouns and adjectives:
- adverb + adjective: Fully Aware
- adjective + noun: Regular Exercise
- noun + noun: Ceasefire Agreement
- noun + verb: Plane took off
- verb + noun: Commit Murder
- verb + expression with preposition: Run out of Gas
- verb + adverb: Whisper Softly
These are example of collocation used in sentences:
- I found a replacement
- She wants to make money
- I am going to close the deal
Phrasal verbs are not collocations since phrasal verbs are made up of a verb + a preposition which usually changes the meaning from that of the original verb.
List of Most Common Collocations
These are the most common collocations, they have been divided by the verb they usually to make learning them easier.
Collocations with Have and Do
These are some of the most common collocations in English with have and do
| have | do |
| have a bath | do business |
| have a drink | do nothing |
| have a good time | do someone a favour |
| have a haircut | do the cooking |
| have a holiday | do the housework |
| have a problem | do the shopping |
| have a relationship | do the washing up |
| have a rest | do your best |
| have lunch | do your hair |
| have sympathy | do your homework |
Collocations with Take and Break
These are some of the most common collocations in English with Take and Break
| take | break |
| take a break | break a habit |
| take a chance | break a leg |
| take a look | break a promise |
| take a rest | break a record |
| take a seat | break a window |
| take a taxi | break someone’s heart |
| take an exam | break the ice |
| take notes | break the law |
| take someone’s place | break the news to someone |
| take someone’s temperature | break the rules |
Collocation with Pay and Save
These are some of the most common collocations in English with pay and save
| pay | save |
| pay a fine | save electricity |
| pay attention | save energy |
| pay by credit card | save money |
| pay cash | save one’s strength |
| pay interest | save someone a seat |
| pay someone a compliment | save someone’s life |
| pay someone a visit | save something to a disk |
| pay the bill | save space |
| pay the price | save time |
| pay your respects | save yourself the trouble |
Collocation with Come and Go
These are some of the most common collocations in English with come and go
| come | go |
| come close | go abroad |
| come complete with | go astray |
| come direct | go bad |
| come early | go bald |
| come first | go bankrupt |
| come into view | go blind |
| come last | go crazy |
| come late | go dark |
| come on time | go deaf |
| come prepared | go fishing |
| come right back | go mad |
| come second | go missing |
| come to a compromise | go on foot |
| come to a decision | go online |
| come to an agreement | go out of business |
| come to an end | go overseas |
| come to a standstill | go quiet |
| come to terms with | go sailing |
| come to a total of | go to war |
| come under attack | go yellow |
Collocation with Make and Keep
These are some of the most common collocations in English with make and keep
| make | keep |
| make a difference | keep a diary |
| make a mess | keep a promise |
| make a mistake | keep a secret |
| make a noise | keep an appointment |
| make an effort | keep calm |
| make furniture | keep control |
| make money | keep in touch |
| make progress | keep quiet |
| make room | keep someone’s place |
| make trouble | keep the change |
Collocation with Catch and Get
These are some of the most common collocations in English with catch and get
| catch | get |
| catch a ball | get a job |
| catch a bus | get a shock |
| catch a chill | get angry |
| catch a cold | get divorced |
| catch a thief | get drunk |
| catch fire | get frightened |
| catch sight of | get home |
| catch someone’s attention | get lost |
| catch someone’s eye | get married |
| catch the flu | get nowhere |
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Additional Resources
These are some additional resources to help you learn more about collocation such as list, worksheets, quizzes and dictionaries.
