collocation - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
collocation Word Meanings
- a commonly used word pair or sequence that sounds natural when used together
- the co-occurrence of words that tends to happen together in natural language
- the act or result of placing words or things next to each other in a fixed arrangement
collocation Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
collocation Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˌkɒl.əˈkeɪ.ʃən/
US
/ˌkɑː.ləˈkeɪ.ʃən/
collocation Word Etymology
Root decomposition: co- meaning together; loc- from Latin locus/place; -ation forms a noun. Historical origin: from Latin collocatio meaning placing together, from collocare; via Old French into English. Memory image: picture two words on a shelf that instinctively sit next to each other, forming a natural pair.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Collocation is a noun for the natural pairing of words that native speakers tend to use together. It covers two ideas: a commonly used word pair, and the fact that some words tend to co-occur more often than by chance. In everyday English, you learn collocations by exposure rather than by translating each word; you sound natural when you use phrase patterns like make a decision, take a break, or strong coffee, rather than literal translations. Explaining collocation helps learners decide which word fits with which partner, and why some combinations sound odd to non-native ears. Remember that collocation is about conventional usage, not a fixed rule for every context.
Usage Reminders
- Remember to learn phrases, not single words.
- Focus on verb-noun and adjective-noun patterns.
- Watch for cooccurrence and natural sound rather than literal translation.
- Use authentic materials to notice patterns like make a decision, take a break, strong coffee.
- Practice by replacing one word in a common collocation to test naturalness.
Common Misconceptions
- Collocations are random word pairs created by luck.
- Any two words can be paired naturally with each other.
- Collocation equals idiom or fixed phrase only.
- Learning collocations means memorizing long lists without context.
- Collocations never change with context or register.
Thinking Differences
English collocation relies on habitual word pairings and sound natural, which can differ from rule-based expectations in learners’ languages; learners often translate word-for-word or overgeneralize rules, producing awkward phrasing.
Learning Tips
- Build a personal collocation notebook by theme.
- Focus on common verb-noun and adjective-noun patterns.
- Read and listen to authentic materials to notice natural pairings.
- Practice by replacing one word in a collocation to test feel.
- Use corpora or phrase banks to verify usage.
- Compare translations with natural English equivalents to refine choices.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of collocation?
A.A formal agreement or contract between two parties
B.A habitual combination of words that commonly occur together in a language, like 'make a decision' or 'heavy rain'
C.A place where many people live together
D.The study of the origin and history of words
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word collocation correctly?
A.In English, 'make a decision' is a common collocation that native speakers use
B.The two companies signed a collocation to merge next year
C.She moved into a collocation near the university to save on rent
D.The teacher explained collocation as the process of changing word forms for tense
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar in meaning to collocation?
A.idiom
B.phrase
C.agreement
D.syntax
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is most opposite in meaning to collocation?
A.coherence
B.phrase
C.randomness
D.fixedness
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where knowledge of this concept would help you choose words more naturally?
A.Negotiating the terms of a business merger requires careful review of the contract details
B.Noticing that native speakers say 'strong tea' rather than 'powerful tea' when editing an article helps you pick more natural word combinations
C.Arranging furniture in a living room for better traffic flow helps guests feel comfortable
D.Learning verb conjugations for past and future tenses is essential for correct grammar
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