Collocations: words that go together
make a decision, take a photo, heavy rain, strong coffee, pay attention.
A collocation is a combination of words that sounds natural to a native speaker. Other combinations may be understandable but sound «wrong».
| Natural English | Unnatural | Note |
|---|---|---|
| make a decision | do a decision | take a decision: formal UK |
| take a photo | make a photo | — |
| pay attention | make / give attention | — |
| heavy rain | strong rain | also heavy traffic, heavy snow |
| strong coffee | heavy coffee | also strong wind, strong tea |
| go for / take a walk | make a walk | — |
| ask a question | make a question | pose a question: formal |
| take / sit an exam | make / give an exam | pass = succeed |
| a heavy smoker | a big smoker | also a heavy drinker |
| commit a crime | do a crime | also commit suicide, commit an offence |
Test yourself
-
Complete: Please ___ attention.
Show answer
pay -
Complete: There was ___ rain last night.
Show answer
heavy -
Complete: I ___ my driving test yesterday, and I passed!
Show answer
took -
Complete: We need to ___ a decision quickly.
Show answer
make