UNIT 4: TYPES OF COLLOCATION

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

A. Adjectives and 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

• 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

• 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

• 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[cite: 2]. [suddenly started crying][cite: 2]

E. Verbs and adverbs[cite: 2]

• She pulled steadily on the rope and helped him to safety[cite: 2]. [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]

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