Vocabulary is an important aspect of any language. That is why, while learning any language, higher importance is given to understanding and learning of the vocabulary.

As learning a lot of words and phrases is crucial for an IELTS speaking test, today we will focus mainly on collocations for IELTS. We will start with the basics of collocations, and then see various examples of collocations.

What is a collocation?

A collocation is the combination of words that should be commonly used together.

Examples:

• Make a mistake

Do a mistake

• Make a mess

Cause a mess

• Make a difference

Bring a difference

What are the types of collocations?

Verb Collocation

More examples:

• To make a mistake
• To take a break
• To pay a fine
• To do a favour

I made a mistake last time.
They need to take a break after such an exhaustive work.
She had to pay a fine of INR 23,000 for breaking the law.
Could you please do me a favour?

Adjective Collocation

More examples:

• Strong smell
• Heavy rain
• Deep trouble

This perfume has a strong smell.
Our school remained close because of the heavy rain.
We need to find a solution for this deep trouble.

Noun collocation

More examples:

• Tea leaf
• Paper flutters
• Critical analysis

More examples of collocations

Collocations starting with the verb ‘do‘

• Do me a favour
• Do the cooking
• Do the housework
• Do shopping

Collocations starting with the verb ‘have‘

• Have a good time
• Have a bath
• Have a drink
• Have a haircut
• Have a holiday

Collocations starting with the verb ‘break‘

• Break the law
• Break a leg
• Break a promise
• Break a record

Collocations starting with the verb ‘take‘

• Take a break
• Take a chance
• Take a look
• Take a rest
• Take a seat

Collocations starting with the verb ‘make‘

• Make a difference
• Make a mess
• Make a mistake
• Make a noise
• Make an effort

• Catch sight of
• Catch (on) fire
• Catch a ball
• Catch a bus/ a train
• Catch a chill
• Catch a cold
• Catch a glimpse
• Catch a thief
• Catch a whiff
• Catch sight of
• Catch someone’s attention
• Catch someone’s eye
• Catch the flu
• Catch You Later!
• Catch your breath

Collocations starting with the verb ‘pay‘

• Pay respect
• Pay a fine
• Pay attention
• Pay by credit card
• Pay cash

Collocations starting with the verb ‘keep‘

• Keep the change
• Keep a promise
• Keep a secret
• Keep an appointment
• Keep calm

Collocations starting with the verb ‘go‘

• Go bald
• Go abroad
• Go astray
• Go bad
• Go bankrupt
• Go blind
• Go crazy
• Go fishing

• Come under attack
• Come close
• Come direct
• Come early
• Come first
• Come into view
• Come last
• Come late
• Come on time

• Get the sack
• Get a life
• Get a job
• Get a shock
• Get angry
• Get divorced
• Get drunk
• Get frightened

Collocations starting with the verb ‘save‘

• Save yourself the trouble
• Save electricity
• Save energy
• Save money
• Save someone a seat

Collocations related to time

• Bang on time
• Dead on time
• Free time
• From dawn till dusk
• A great deal of time
• Early/late 15th century
• Make time for
• Next few days
• Past few weeks

Collocations related to business English

• Annual turnover
• Keep in mind
• Break off negotiations
• Close a deal
• Close a meeting
• Come to the point
• Dismiss an offer
• Draw a conclusion