In our previous lesson, we introduced the concept of collocations: groups of two or more words that are commonly-used together. We also discussed how English collocations are largely idiomatic. A collocation is considered “correct” only because its use has been widely-accepted by native English speakers.

 

In this lesson, we’re going to examine the parts of speech that make up English collocations. While it’s true that the specific words used in collocations do not follow any particular set of “rules,” the types of words used have a finite series of combinations.

 

The Grammar of Collocations

English collocations typically follow one of the following seven grammatical structures. These seven structures are listed below, along “correct” and “incorrect” examples of each.

• adverb + adjective
  • Correct: fully aware
  • Incorrect: outright aware
• adjective + noun
  • Correct: deep sleep
  • Incorrect: low sleep
• noun + noun
  • Correct: round of applause
  • Incorrect: group of applause
• noun + verb
  • Correct: cats purr, dogs bark
  • Incorrect: cats bark, dogs purr
• verb + noun
  • Correct: give a speech
  • Incorrect: send a speech
• verb + expression with preposition
  • Correct: run out of time
  • Incorrect: speed out of time
• verb + adverb
  • Correct: speak loudly
  • Incorrect: speak blaringly

 

Collocation Examples

Here are some more examples of common English collocations:

 

adverb + adjective	adjective + noun	noun + noun	noun + verb
Absurdly easy	Deep sleep	Bar of soap	Cats purr
Fully aware	Low/high cost	Business English	Dogs bark
Painfully slow	Maiden voyage	Round of applause	Engines roar
Widely believed	Rich history	Surge of energy	Snakes hiss
Utterly appalled	Strong coffee	Trade agreement	Snow falls
verb + noun	verb + expression with preposition	verb + adverb
Break a leg	Burst into tears	Act rashly
Get the message	Filled with awe	Clean thoroughly
Give a speech	Roped into helping	Criticize harshly
Keep a secret	Put off the decision	Speak loudly
Make the bed	Run out of time	Walk softly