Mastering Adverb-Verb Collocations in English
Introduction to Adverb-Verb Collocations
Adverb-verb collocations are pairs of words that naturally go together in English, helping to create more vivid, precise, and fluent expressions. These collocations enhance the way we speak and write, making our language sound more natural and engaging. Adverbs modify verbs by providing more information about how an action is performed, such as “quickly,” “carefully,” or “easily.” When paired with specific verbs, these adverbs can transform simple sentences into more detailed and expressive ones.
In this lesson, you will explore a wide range of adverb-verb collocations, learn how to use them correctly in various contexts and understand their impact on communication. By the end of the lesson, you will be able to recognise and use these collocations confidently, enhancing both your spoken and written English.
This lesson provides detailed explanations of each collocation, accompanied by numerous examples to help you master their use in everyday English. You’ll be equipped with the tools to express yourself more fluently and naturally, whether you’re engaging in casual conversation or writing formally.
Useful Vocabulary for Adverb-Verb Collocations
Below is a list of common adverb-verb collocations with their meanings and examples. Each term is clearly explained to ensure you understand how to use these pairs effectively in various contexts.
Adverb-Verb Collocations and Examples
- Deeply Regret
Meaning: To feel a strong sense of remorse or sadness about something that happened.- I deeply regret not attending the meeting yesterday.
- She deeply regrets the decisions she made in her youth.
- He deeply regretted missing the opportunity to study abroad.
- They deeply regret their involvement in the failed project.
- Thoroughly Enjoy
Meaning: To take great pleasure in an activity or experience.- I thoroughly enjoy reading a good book on a rainy day.
- She thoroughly enjoyed the concert last night.
- We thoroughly enjoy spending time with family and friends.
- He thoroughly enjoyed the delicious meal prepared by his friend.
- Completely Agree
Meaning: To fully share the same opinion as someone else.- I completely agree with your assessment of the situation.
- She completely agrees that we should proceed with caution.
- He completely agreed with the proposed changes to the plan.
- They completely agree that this is the best course of action.
- Strongly Recommend
Meaning: To advocate firmly for something, often because it is highly valued or beneficial.- I strongly recommend trying the new Italian restaurant in town.
- She strongly recommends reading this book for better insights.
- He strongly recommended that we attend the seminar.
- They strongly recommend booking your tickets in advance.
- Barely Survive
Meaning: To just manage to live through a difficult situation.- He barely survived the harsh winter conditions.
- She barely survived the rigorous training program.
- They barely survived the financial crisis that hit the company.
- The plant barely survived without water for weeks.
- Rapidly Grow
Meaning: To increase in size, amount, or importance very quickly.- The company's profits rapidly grew in the last quarter.
- Her skills in English rapidly grew after attending the course.
- The city's population is rapidly growing due to migration.
- The demand for electric cars is rapidly growing.
- Happily Accept
Meaning: To willingly take or agree to something with a positive attitude.- She happily accepted the job offer.
- They happily accepted the invitation to the wedding.
- He happily accepted the award on behalf of his team.
- The children happily accepted the gift from their grandparents.
- Eagerly Await
Meaning: To look forward to something with great interest or excitement.- We eagerly await the arrival of our new puppy.
- She eagerly awaited the release of the new movie.
- He eagerly awaits his results after the final exams.
- The fans eagerly await the band's next performance.
- Badly Hurt
Meaning: To be significantly injured or affected negatively by something.- He was badly hurt in the car accident.
- She was badly hurt by his harsh words.
- The company was badly hurt by the recent financial downturn.
- His feelings were badly hurt when he was ignored.
- Gently Touch
Meaning: To touch something or someone with light pressure, often with care or affection.- She gently touched the baby's face with her hand.
- He gently touched the delicate flower petals.
- The nurse gently touched the patient's arm while speaking.
- The artist gently touched the canvas with her brush.
- Highly Appreciate
Meaning: To value something or someone very much; to be grateful.- We highly appreciate your help with the project.
- She highly appreciates the support she received from her family.
- He highly appreciates the efforts of his colleagues.
- The students highly appreciate the teacher's dedication.
- Quickly Realise
Meaning: To become aware of something suddenly or in a short time.- He quickly realised his mistake and corrected it.
- She quickly realised that she was on the wrong bus.
- They quickly realised the importance of the new strategy.
- He quickly realised that the task was more challenging than expected.
- Closely Monitor
Meaning: To observe or check something with great attention or care.- The doctors closely monitor the patient's condition.
- She closely monitors the progress of her students.
- The company closely monitors market trends.
- He closely monitors his investments.
- Vividly Remember
Meaning: To recall something clearly and in great detail.- She vividly remembers her first day at school.
- He vividly remembers the moment they met.
- They vividly remember the beautiful sunset from their vacation.
- I vividly remember the sound of the waves crashing on the shore.
- Constantly Change
Meaning: To frequently or continuously undergo alterations or adjustments.- The weather in this region constantly changes.
- Technology constantly changes and evolves.
- He constantly changes his mind about the project.
- Fashion trends constantly change every season.
Lesson Summary: Understanding Adverb-Verb Collocations
This lesson provides a detailed overview of common adverb-verb collocations, their meanings, and usage in everyday English. By mastering these collocations, learners can improve their fluency and expressiveness, making their communication more dynamic and precise.
Key Phrases Learnt:
Learners have encountered key phrases like "deeply regret," "thoroughly enjoy," and "strongly recommend," which are essential for enhancing verbal and written communication skills.
Practice Exercises:
Encourage practising these collocations through daily conversations, writing exercises, and speaking activities. Use them in sentences to solidify your understanding and boost your confidence in using these pairs naturally.
Tips for Remembering:
Use flashcards, group similar collocations, and associate each with personal experiences or visual imagery. Regular practice and repetition will help embed these collocations in your memory.
Further Lessons:
Explore additional lessons on learningenglishfree.co.uk to continue expanding your vocabulary and improving your English language skills.