English Vocabulary & Language 30 flashcards ~15 min

Common English Collocations

About this deck

Sounding natural in English requires more than knowing individual words — it requires knowing which words habitually go together. Collocations are combinations of words that native speakers use together so consistently that alternatives, even if grammatically correct, sound unnatural or "off." Mastering collocations is one of the fastest ways to sound fluent and is heavily rewarded in IELTS and TOEFL speaking and writing scores.

This deck covers verb + noun collocations (make a decision, take a risk), adjective + noun collocations (heavy rain, strong coffee), adverb + adjective collocations (highly unlikely, deeply concerned), and common prepositional collocations. Each card explains why certain combinations are standard while similar alternatives are not. Based on the Oxford Collocations Dictionary and standard ESL teaching resources.

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The correct collocation for deciding something. "After weeks of thinking, she finally made a decision about the job offer."

The standard collocation for accepting danger or uncertainty. "Investors who take risks can earn higher returns."

The correct verb for helping someone with a small task. "Could you do me a favour and pick up some milk?"

The standard collocation for trying hard. "She made a real effort to improve her pronunciation."

The correct collocation for photography. "Can you take a photo of us?"

Natural collocation for intense rainfall. "Heavy rain caused flooding across the city." Similarly: heavy traffic.

Natural collocation for intensely brewed coffee. "I need a strong coffee this morning." Similarly: strong wind.

Natural adverb-adjective pairing for worry. "Scientists are deeply concerned about melting ice caps."

Natural collocation for improbability. "It's highly unlikely the flight will be delayed."

Natural collocation for extreme cold. "It was bitterly cold on the summit." Similarly: bitterly disappointed.

Natural collocation for common knowledge. "It is widely known that smoking causes cancer."

Natural collocation meaning completely conscious of something. "She was fully aware of the risks."

Standard collocation for focusing. "Please pay attention during the briefing."

Natural collocation for arriving at a decision after discussion. "The two sides finally reached an agreement."

Natural collocation for bringing up an issue. "He raised an important question."

Standard collocation in athletics. "She set a new world record in the 100m."

Natural, idiomatic collocation for becoming ill. "I caught a cold after standing in the rain."

Natural collocation for fulfilling a commitment. "He always keeps his promises."

"Break" collocates with law, rule, record, promise, heart. "Speeding breaks the law."

"Save" collocates with resources conserved. "Working from home saves commuting time."

"Spend" collocates with resources deliberately used. "They spent a fortune renovating the house."

"Waste" collocates with resources used unproductively. "Don't waste this opportunity."

Formal idiomatic collocation meaning to remember. "Bear in mind the store closes early on Sundays."

Natural collocation for forming a judgement. "We can draw the conclusion that sales are declining."

"Meet" collocates with obligations to be satisfied. "The team worked overtime to meet the deadline."

"Run" collocates with managing or completing an endurance event. "She has run her own bakery for a decade."

"Hold" collocates with events and beliefs. "The board will hold a meeting next Tuesday."

"Face" collocates with difficulties to confront. "Small businesses face significant challenges."

Idiomatic collocation meaning to reduce a difference. "The policy aims to bridge the gap between rich and poor."

Natural collocation for finding a middle ground. "It's important to strike a balance between work and life."