UNIT 4: TYPES OF COLLOCATION

There are many different types of collocations. Here are some examples.

A. Adjectives and nouns

Notice adjectives that are typically used with particular nouns.

• Jean always wears red or yellow or some other bright colour.
• We had a brief chat about the exams but didn't have time to discuss them properly.
• Unemployment is a major problem for the government at the moment.
• Improving the health service is another key issue for government.

B. Nouns and verbs

Notice how nouns and verbs often go together. The examples below are all to do with economics and business.

• The economy boomed in the 1990s. [the economy was very strong]
• The company has grown and now employs 50 more people than last year.
• The company has expanded and now has branches in most major cities.
• The two companies merged in 2003 and now form one very large corporation.
• The company launched the product in 2002. [introduced the product]
• The price increase poses a problem for us. [is a problem]
• The Internet has created opportunities for our business. [brought new opportunities]

C. Noun + noun

There are a lot of collocations with the pattern a ... of ....

• As Sam read the lies about him, he felt a surge of anger. [literary: a sudden angry feeling]
• Every parent feels a sense of pride when their child does well or wins something.
• I felt a pang of nostalgia when I saw the old photos of the village where I grew up.

D. Verbs and expressions with prepositions

Some verbs collocate with particular prepositional expressions.

• As Jack went on stage to receive his gold medal for the judo competition you could see his parents swelling with pride. [looking extremely proud]
• I was filled with horror when I read the newspaper report of the explosion[cite: 2].
• When she spilt juice on her new skirt the little girl burst into tears. [suddenly started crying][cite: 2]

E. Verbs and adverbs[cite: 2]

Some verbs have particular adverbs which regularly collocate with them[cite: 2].

• She pulled steadily on the rope and helped him to safety. [pulled firmly and evenly][cite: 2]
• He placed the beautiful vase gently on the window ledge[cite: 2].
• 'I love you and want to marry you,' Derek whispered softly to Marsha[cite: 2].
• She smiled proudly as she looked at the photos of her new grandson[cite: 2].

F. Adverbs and adjectives[cite: 2]

Adjectives often have particular adverbs which regularly collocate with them[cite: 2].

• They are happily married[cite: 2].
• I am fully aware that there are serious problems. [I know well][cite: 2]
• Harry was blissfully unaware that he was in danger. [Harry had no idea at all, often used about something unpleasant][cite: 2]