Understanding Common Collocations: Examples and Meanings
Introduction to English Collocations
Collocations are a crucial aspect of the English language, helping learners speak more naturally and fluently. Collocations are combinations of words that frequently go together, creating expressions that sound right to native speakers. Learning these combinations can significantly improve your language skills, making your speech and writing more effective.
In this lesson, we will explore a comprehensive list of common English collocations. Each collocation is provided with its meaning and an example to illustrate its usage. By understanding and practising these collocations, learners will enhance their vocabulary, comprehension, and overall fluency.
Useful Vocabulary for Collocations:
- Collocation: A pair or group of words that are often used together.
- Fluency: The ability to speak or write a language easily and accurately.
- Comprehension: The ability to understand something.
Common Collocations List with Examples and Meanings
Collocations with "Have"
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Have a rest
- Meaning: To take a break or relax.
- Example 1: After working for hours, I decided to have a rest.
- Example 2: You should have a rest if you're feeling tired.
- Example 3: He had a rest after the long journey.
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Have sympathy
- Meaning: To feel compassion or understanding for someone.
- Example 1: I have sympathy for those affected by the disaster.
- Example 2: She had sympathy for her friend's loss.
- Example 3: They have sympathy for the homeless.
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Have lunch
- Meaning: To eat a meal in the middle of the day.
- Example 1: Let's have lunch together tomorrow.
- Example 2: I had lunch with my colleagues.
- Example 3: We usually have lunch at noon.
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Have a good time
- Meaning: To enjoy oneself.
- Example 1: We had a good time at the party.
- Example 2: Have a good time on your holiday!
- Example 3: They had a good time playing games.
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Have a dream
- Meaning: To experience thoughts, images, and sensations during sleep.
- Example 1: Last night, I had a strange dream.
- Example 2: She often has vivid dreams.
- Example 3: He had a dream about flying.
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Have a feeling
- Meaning: To sense or believe something without certain proof.
- Example 1: I have a feeling it will rain today.
- Example 2: She had a feeling something was wrong.
- Example 3: They have a feeling the project will succeed.
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Have fun
- Meaning: To enjoy oneself.
- Example 1: We had fun at the amusement park.
- Example 2: Have fun at the concert!
- Example 3: They had fun playing football.
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Have a relationship
- Meaning: To be involved romantically or socially with someone.
- Example 1: They have a good relationship with their neighbours.
- Example 2: She had a relationship with him for two years.
- Example 3: They have a close relationship.
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Have a haircut
- Meaning: To get one's hair cut.
- Example 1: I'm going to have a haircut tomorrow.
- Example 2: He had a haircut last week.
- Example 3: She has a haircut every month.
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Have a bath
- Meaning: To wash oneself in a bathtub.
- Example 1: I like to have a bath before bed.
- Example 2: He had a bath after his workout.
- Example 3: She always has a bath in the evening.
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Have a look at something
- Meaning: To glance at or examine something.
- Example 1: Can you have a look at my essay?
- Example 2: He had a look at the map.
- Example 3: She asked him to have a look at the problem.
Collocations with "Make"
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Make trouble
- Meaning: To cause problems or difficulties.
- Example 1: Don't make trouble in class.
- Example 2: He made trouble for everyone with his pranks.
- Example 3: They made trouble by breaking the rules.
-
Make furniture
- Meaning: To build or construct furniture.
- Example 1: He likes to make furniture in his free time.
- Example 2: They made all the furniture in their house.
- Example 3: She made a beautiful table.
-
Make a noise
- Meaning: To produce a loud sound.
- Example 1: The children made a lot of noise.
- Example 2: He made a noise with his drums.
- Example 3: She made a noise to get our attention.
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Make a mess
- Meaning: To create a disorderly or untidy state.
- Example 1: Don't make a mess in the kitchen.
- Example 2: The dog made a mess in the garden.
- Example 3: She made a mess while cooking.
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Make a point
- Meaning: To emphasize or stress something important.
- Example 1: He made a point about the need for honesty.
- Example 2: She made a point to arrive on time.
- Example 3: They made a point during the discussion.
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Make sense
- Meaning: To be logical or understandable.
- Example 1: This explanation makes sense.
- Example 2: It didn't make sense to go alone.
- Example 3: The instructions make sense now.
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Make a promise
- Meaning: To pledge or commit to doing something.
- Example 1: She made a promise to help him.
- Example 2: He made a promise to be there.
- Example 3: They made a promise to each other.
-
Make a profit
- Meaning: To earn more money than spent.
- Example 1: The company made a profit last year.
- Example 2: He made a profit from the sale.
- Example 3: They hope to make a profit soon.
-
Make progress
- Meaning: To advance or improve.
- Example 1: She made progress in her studies.
- Example 2: They are making progress with the project.
- Example 3: He made rapid progress in learning English.
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Make breakfast
- Meaning: To prepare the first meal of the day.
- Example 1: I'll make breakfast for us.
- Example 2: She made breakfast before leaving.
- Example 3: They made a big breakfast on Sunday.
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Make the bed
- Meaning: To arrange the bed neatly after getting up.
- Example 1: I make the bed every morning.
- Example 2: She made the bed before leaving the house.
- Example 3: He taught his children to make the bed.
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Make a decision
- Meaning: To choose or decide on something.
- Example 1: She made a decision to stay.
- Example 2: They made a decision together.
- Example 3: He needs to make a decision soon.
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Make an effort
- Meaning: To try hard to do something.
- Example 1: She made an effort to improve.
- Example 2: He made an effort to be friendly.
- Example 3: They made an effort to solve the problem.
Collocations with "Get"
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Get a job
- Meaning: To find employment.
- Example 1: He got a job as a teacher.
- Example 2: She got a job after graduation.
- Example 3: They got jobs in the city.
-
Get a life
- Meaning: To start living a more active and interesting life.
- Example 1: He needs to get a life and do something exciting.
- Example 2: She told him to get a life and stop complaining.
- Example 3: They decided to get a life and travel more.
-
Get divorced
- Meaning: To legally end a marriage.
- Example 1: They got divorced last year.
- Example 2: She decided to get divorced.
- Example 3: He got divorced after ten years of marriage.
-
Get permission
- Meaning: To receive approval to do something.
- Example 1: She got permission to leave early.
- Example 2: He got permission from his boss.
- Example 3: They got permission to use the hall.
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Get the picture
- Meaning: To understand something.
- Example 1: Do you get the picture now?
- Example 2: It took a while, but he finally got the picture.
- Example 3: She explained until they got the picture.
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Get started
- Meaning: To begin doing something.
- Example 1: Let's get started on the project.
- Example 2: She got started on her homework.
- Example 3: He got started early in the morning.
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Get lost
- Meaning: To become lost or go away.
- Example 1: They got lost in the city.
- Example 2: He told them to get lost.
- Example 3: She got lost while hiking.
-
Get fired
- Meaning: To lose one's job.
- Example 1: He got fired for being late.
- Example 2: She got fired after the mistake.
- Example 3: They got fired due to budget cuts.
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Get home
- Meaning: To arrive at one's residence.
- Example 1: I got home late last night.
- Example 2: She gets home by six o'clock.
- Example 3: They got home safely.
Collocations with "Break"
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Break a record
- Meaning: To surpass a previous achievement.
- Example 1: She broke the world record.
- Example 2: He broke the record for the fastest time.
- Example 3: They broke several records this year.
-
Break a leg
- Meaning: A way to wish someone good luck.
- Example 1: Break a leg in your performance!
- Example 2: He said "break a leg" before her speech.
- Example 3: They wished her to break a leg in the play.
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Break free
- Meaning: To escape from confinement.
- Example 1: The prisoner broke free.
- Example 2: She broke free from her captors.
- Example 3: He broke free of the chains.
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Break the law
- Meaning: To violate legal rules.
- Example 1: He broke the law by speeding.
- Example 2: They broke the law and got caught.
- Example 3: She broke the law without realizing it.
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Break the ice
- Meaning: To initiate conversation in a social setting.
- Example 1: He broke the ice by telling a joke.
- Example 2: She broke the ice at the meeting.
- Example 3: They broke the ice with some fun activities.
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Break a promise
- Meaning: To fail to keep a promise.
- Example 1: He broke his promise to help her.
- Example 2: She broke a promise to her friend.
- Example 3: They broke their promise and disappointed everyone.
-
Break the rules
- Meaning: To go against established guidelines.
- Example 1: He broke the rules of the game.
- Example 2: She broke school rules and got detention.
- Example 3: They broke the rules and were disqualified.
-
Break a neck
- Meaning: To work very hard or exert oneself.
- Example 1: He broke his neck to finish on time.
- Example 2: She broke her neck to make everything perfect.
- Example 3: They broke their necks to meet the deadline.
-
Break a glass
- Meaning: To accidentally shatter a glass object.
- Example 1: He broke a glass while washing dishes.
- Example 2: She broke a glass during the party.
- Example 3: They broke a glass and cleaned up the mess.
Collocations with "Catch"
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Catch a thief
- Meaning: To apprehend someone who steals.
- Example 1: The police caught the thief.
- Example 2: She helped to catch a thief.
- Example 3: They caught the thief red-handed.
-
Catch some rays
- Meaning: To sunbathe.
- Example 1: They went to the beach to catch some rays.
- Example 2: She caught some rays by the pool.
- Example 3: He loves to catch some rays during summer.
-
Catch a ball
- Meaning: To grab a ball that has been thrown or hit.
- Example 1: He caught the ball in the game.
- Example 2: She caught the ball with one hand.
- Example 3: They caught the ball together.
-
Catch a cold
- Meaning: To become ill with a cold.
- Example 1: He caught a cold from his friend.
- Example 2: She caught a cold after the rain.
- Example 3: They caught a cold during winter.
-
Catch a glimpse
- Meaning: To see something briefly.
- Example 1: She caught a glimpse of the celebrity.
- Example 2: He caught a glimpse of the parade.
- Example 3: They caught a glimpse of the new movie trailer.
-
Catch a chill
- Meaning: To become cold or get a mild illness due to exposure to cold.
- Example 1: He caught a chill after being out in the rain.
- Example 2: She caught a chill waiting for the bus.
- Example 3: They caught a chill during their walk in the park.
-
Catch the flu
- Meaning: To contract the influenza virus.
- Example 1: He caught the flu during the winter.
- Example 2: She caught the flu from a colleague.
- Example 3: They caught the flu despite getting vaccinated.
-
Catch one's breath
- Meaning: To rest and recover normal breathing after physical exertion.
- Example 1: He stopped to catch his breath after running.
- Example 2: She needed a moment to catch her breath.
- Example 3: They paused to catch their breath after climbing the stairs.
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Catch someone's eye
- Meaning: To attract someone's attention.
- Example 1: The beautiful painting caught his eye.
- Example 2: She caught his eye across the room.
- Example 3: The advertisement caught their eye.
Collocations with "Do"
-
Do your best
- Meaning: To try as hard as possible.
- Example 1: She always does her best in exams.
- Example 2: He did his best to help.
- Example 3: They do their best in every task.
-
Do the dishes
- Meaning: To wash the dirty dishes.
- Example 1: I need to do the dishes after dinner.
- Example 2: She did the dishes before bed.
- Example 3: He always does the dishes on weekends.
-
Do harm
- Meaning: To cause damage or injury.
- Example 1: Smoking does harm to your health.
- Example 2: She wouldn't do harm to anyone.
- Example 3: He did harm without meaning to.
-
Do someone a favour
- Meaning: To help someone.
- Example 1: Can you do me a favour?
- Example 2: She did him a favour by driving him home.
- Example 3: They did a favour for their neighbour.
-
Do some work
- Meaning: To perform tasks related to one's job or studies.
- Example 1: He needs to do some work before the meeting.
- Example 2: She did some work on her project.
- Example 3: They did some work over the weekend.
-
Do nothing
- Meaning: To be idle or inactive.
- Example 1: He did nothing all day.
- Example 2: She enjoys doing nothing on her day off.
- Example 3: They did nothing but relax.
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Do your hair
- Meaning: To style or arrange your hair.
- Example 1: She needs to do her hair before the event.
- Example 2: He does his hair every morning.
- Example 3: They spent time doing their hair.
Collocations with "Come"
-
Come to an agreement
- Meaning: To reach a mutual decision.
- Example 1: They came to an agreement after the meeting.
- Example 2: He came to an agreement with his boss.
- Example 3: She hopes to come to an agreement soon.
-
Come close
- Meaning: To almost reach a particular point.
- Example 1: He came close to winning the race.
- Example 2: She came close to the goal.
- Example 3: They came close to finishing the project.
-
Come early
- Meaning: To arrive before the expected time.
- Example 1: He came early to the event.
- Example 2: She came early to prepare.
- Example 3: They came early to avoid the rush.
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Come in first
- Meaning: To win or be the first to finish.
- Example 1: She came in first in the competition.
- Example 2: He came in first in the race.
- Example 3: They came in first in the quiz.
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Come late
- Meaning: To arrive after the expected time.
- Example 1: He came late to the meeting.
- Example 2: She came late because of traffic.
- Example 3: They came late and missed the start.
-
Come to an agreement
- Meaning: To reach a mutual decision or understanding.
- Example 1: They came to an agreement after negotiations.
- Example 2: He came to an agreement with his partner.
- Example 3: She hopes they can come to an agreement soon.
-
Come on time
- Meaning: To arrive at the expected time.
- Example 1: Please come on time for the appointment.
- Example 2: She always comes on time.
- Example 3: They came on time and were ready to start.
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Come into view
- Meaning: To appear or become visible.
- Example 1: The ship came into view on the horizon.
- Example 2: He came into view as he approached.
- Example 3: The building came into view as they turned the corner.
Collocations with "Save"
-
Save time
- Meaning: To do something in a way that reduces the amount of time needed.
- Example 1: Taking the shortcut saved time.
- Example 2: She saved time by preparing in advance.
- Example 3: They save time with efficient methods.
-
Save space
- Meaning: To use space efficiently.
- Example 1: Folding clothes can save space.
- Example 2: She saved space by organizing her room.
- Example 3: They saved space with compact furniture.
-
Save money
- Meaning: To spend less money.
- Example 1: They saved money by shopping wisely.
- Example 2: He saves money every month.
- Example 3: She saved money on the sale.
-
Save someone's life
- Meaning: To prevent someone from dying.
- Example 1: The doctor saved his life.
- Example 2: She saved the child's life.
- Example 3: They saved many lives during the rescue.
-
Save one's strength
- Meaning: To conserve energy for later.
- Example 1: He saved his strength for the final push.
- Example 2: She saved her strength by resting.
- Example 3: They saved their strength for the competition.
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Save something to a disk
- Meaning: To store information on a computer disk.
- Example 1: He saved the document to a disk.
- Example 2: She saved her work to a disk.
- Example 3: They saved the data to a disk for backup.
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Save someone a seat
- Meaning: To reserve a place for someone.
- Example 1: Please save me a seat at the front.
- Example 2: She saved him a seat next to her.
- Example 3: They saved a seat for their friend.
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Save energy
- Meaning: To use less energy.
- Example 1: Turn off lights to save energy.
- Example 2: She saved energy by using efficient appliances.
- Example 3: They saved energy by insulating their home.
-
Save electricity
- Meaning: To use less electrical power.
- Example 1: They saved electricity by using LED bulbs.
- Example 2: He saved electricity by turning off devices.
- Example 3: She saved electricity by reducing her usage.
Collocations with "Pay"
-
Pay attention
- Meaning: To focus or listen carefully.
- Example 1: Please pay attention to the instructions.
- Example 2: She pays attention in class.
- Example 3: They paid attention to the details.
-
Pay interest
- Meaning: To make regular payments for borrowed money.
- Example 1: He pays interest on his loan.
- Example 2: She paid interest on her mortgage.
- Example 3: They pay interest monthly.
-
Pay a fine
- Meaning: To give money as a penalty for breaking a law or rule.
- Example 1: He had to pay a fine for speeding.
- Example 2: She paid a fine for parking illegally.
- Example 3: They paid a fine for late payment.
-
Pay a visit
- Meaning: To visit someone.
- Example 1: She paid a visit to her grandmother.
- Example 2: He paid a visit to his old school.
- Example 3: They paid a visit to the museum.
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Pay a compliment
- Meaning: To express praise or admiration.
- Example 1: She paid him a compliment on his work.
- Example 2: He paid her a compliment on her dress.
- Example 3: They paid compliments to each other.
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Pay the price
- Meaning: To face the consequences of an action.
- Example 1: He paid the price for his mistakes.
- Example 2: She paid the price for ignoring the warnings.
- Example 3: They paid the price for their actions.
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Pay wages
- Meaning: To give someone their salary.
- Example 1: The company pays wages weekly.
- Example 2: She pays wages to her employees.
- Example 3: They paid wages on time.
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Pay by credit card
- Meaning: To make a payment using a credit card.
- Example 1: He paid by credit card at the store.
- Example 2: She prefers to pay by credit card.
- Example 3: They pay by credit card for online purchases.
Summary and Takeaways
This lesson on common collocations is designed to help ESL and TEFL learners improve their fluency and comprehension by understanding how words naturally go together in English. We covered collocations with various verbs such as "have," "make," "get," "break," "catch," "do," "come," and "save," providing detailed meanings and practical examples for each.
Learners should practice these collocations regularly to become more comfortable and natural in their use. Key phrases like "have a rest," "make a noise," and "get started" will enhance your ability to communicate effectively in English.
To reinforce your learning, you can create sentences using these collocations, participate in speaking and writing activities, and use flashcards to test your memory. Regular practice will help you retain these collocations and use them confidently in your daily conversations.
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