Collocation is a group of words that usually go together.
For example, in English, we usually say “heavy rain”. It’s correct grammatically to say “strong rain” or “big rain”, but both of these sound completely strange. A native English speaker would never say “big rain”. If you use the normal collocation (“heavy rain”) your English will sound a lot better and more natural and it will be easier for native speakers to understand you.
Collocations are very important. It is very difficult to give a list of collocations, because there are so many. In fact, almost every word in English has other words that it usually goes with.
Set phrases, verb patterns, and idioms are really just strong examples of collocations too. For example, in English, we say “get married to someone”. Many languages use “with” after “marry” (which certainly seems logical). But this isn’t normal way in English. If you learn the whole phrase (“get married to someone”), then you won’t make this mistake.
Complete each sentence by choosing the word that collocates with the word in CAPITALS.
1. Aren’t you a … OLD to be wearing that?
a) bit
b) lot
c) deal
Correct Answer – a) bit
2. She was given a … OPPORTUNITY to travel.
a) single
b) lone
c) unique
Correct Answer – c) unique
3. Their kitchen had just been installed – it was … NEW.
a) actual
b) perfect
c) brand
Correct Answer – c) brand
4. He tried to pass his exams but … SUCCESS.
a) losing
b) without
c) missing
Correct Answer – b) without
5. Come on – it’s … the EFFORT.
a) worth
b) merited
c) valued
Correct Answer – a) worth
6. She’s very analytical and can … PROBLEMS quickly.
a) answer
b) conclude
c) solve
Correct Answer – c) solve
7. The men were acquitted and SET … .
a) free
b) away
c) clear
Correct Answer – a) free
8. If you … a CRIME, you will be punished.
a) commit
b) make
c) create
Correct Answer – a) commit
9. The company … its HOPES on getting new orders.
a) put
b) pinned
c) positioned
Correct Answer – b) pinned
10. As the sun rose, the island … into VIEW.
a) appeared
b) came
c) arrived
Correct Answer – b) came
11. We are not satisfied and will PURSUE the … further.
a) event
b) affair
c) matter
Correct Answer – c) matter
12. The politician’s speech got a MIXED … .
a) reaction
b) result
c) reply
Correct Answer – a) reaction
13. I thought that information was … KNOWLEDGE.
a) common
b) familiar
c) known
Correct Answer – a) common
14. He was completely ABSORBED … his book.
a) to
b) in
c) at
Correct Answer – b) in
15. I’m BORED … tidying up.
a) in
b) for
c) with
Correct Answer – c) with
16. “Is he coming?” “I BELIEVE …”.
a) so
b) such
c) that
Correct Answer – a) so
17. The hotel has … to RECOMMEND it – it’s terrible!
a) few
b) less
c) little
Correct Answer – c) little
18. Nowadays we live with very high NOISE … .
a) levels
b) sounds
c) grades
Correct Answer – a) levels
19. I … NEED a new car.
a) completely
b) badly
c) totally
Correct Answer – b) badly
20. He should … the BLAME for the delay.
a) take
b) do
c) have
Correct Answer – a) take
21. Their business plan makes sense – I think they’re a … RISK.
a) good
b) safe
c) well
Correct Answer – a) good
22. The war had a DAMAGING … on the economy.
a) effect
b) result
c) outcome
Correct Answer – a) effect
23. The Canary Islands get sunshine all YEAR … .
a) through
b) round
c) alone
Correct Answer – b) round
24. You must do your best to … out of TROUBLE.
a) keep
b) go
c) run
Correct Answer – a) keep
25. My response varies … on the SITUATION.
a) depending
b) relying
c) resting
Correct Answer – a) depending
26. I was … AMAZED when he got the job!
a) deeply
b) absolutely
c) very
Correct Answer – b) absolutely
27. We’re trying to … MONEY for the local hospital.
a) support
b) increase
c) raise
Correct Answer – c) raise
28. We all WISH you … in your new career.
a) well
b) good
c) fine
Correct Answer – a) well
29. I don’t know what the FUTURE … for us.
a) has
b) holds
c) gets
Correct Answer – b) holds
30. Do you mind if I … a SUGGESTION?
a) put
b) make
c) do
Correct Answer – b) make
31.The task …the students OCCUPIED or hours.
a) hold
b) kept
c) stayed
Correct Answer – b) kept
32. Are you lost? Would you like me to …you the WAY?
a) make
b) offer
c) show
Correct Answer – c) show
33. People tell so many different stories , it’s hard to get a TRUE …
a) description
b) view
c) picture
Correct Answer – c) picture
34. The boss was very dismissive and TREATED his suggestion…
a) with
b) as
c) to
Correct Answer – a) with
35. He has made a …DEAL of money.
a) huge
b) large
c) great
Correct Answer – c) great
36. She has made herself ill with ANXIETY … her exam.
a) for
b) about
c) with
Correct Answer – b) about
37. Do you mind if I …a QUESTION at this stage?
a) put
b) raise
c) set
Correct Answer – b) raise
38. Can you EXPLAIN …you got there?
a) that
b) why
c) how
Correct Answer – c) how
39. I think it shows …JUDGEMENT to invest in training.
a) secure
b) right
c) sound
Correct Answer – c) sound
40. If I give you the camera , make sure you …it to good USE.
a) put
b) do
c) enter
Correct Answer – a) put
41. She doesn’t ….any INTEREST in her job.
a) make
b) give
c) show
Correct Answer – c) show
42. I’m …DISAPPOINTED with such poor results.
a) totally
b) bitterly
c) exactly
Correct Answer – b) bitterly
43. It was a wonderful holiday –we …an excellent TIME.
a) passed
b) did
c) had
Correct Answer – c) had
44. Don’t panic –you must …CALM.
a) hold
b) keep
c) rest
Correct Answer – b) keep
45. They have …a lot of CHANGES to the way they live.
a) done
b) put
c) made
Correct Answer – c) made
46. If you have made a mistake ,you must …MATTERS right.
a) put
b) make
c) save
Correct Answer – a) put
47. That information should be published because it is in the PUBLIC ….
a) advantage
b) interest
c) benefit
Correct Answer – b) interest
48. We examined the body for … of LIFE.
a) notices
b) signs
c) clues
Correct Answer – b) signs
49. It was the first thing that …into my MIND.
a) come
b) arrived
c) got
Correct Answer – a) come
50. You need to …yourself a GOAL.
a) set
b) make
c) do
Correct Answer – a) set
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