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Collocations are fixed word combinations that sound natural to native speakers. Learning how to use them correctly can make your English sound more fluent and native-like. But how do you remember and apply collocations effectively in the IELTS exam? Let’s explore IDP’s proven techniques to help you master English collocations with ease and lasting memory.

1. What Are Collocations?

Collocations are natural combinations of words that frequently go together in English, following specific patterns used by native speakers.

The meaning of collocations often cannot be guessed by translating each word separately.

For example, in Vietnamese we say “uống thuốc” (drink medicine), but in English, the natural way is “take medicine,” not “drink medicine.” Similarly, we say “deeply in love” instead of “strongly in love,” or “make a decision” instead of “do a decision.” These combinations help you sound more fluent and natural.

2. Types of Collocations in English

Collocations are diverse and can be categorized into several types:

Adverb + Adjective

Examples: heavily polluted, highly recommended, deeply moved

The speech at the ceremony left everyone deeply moved.

Adjective + Noun

Examples: crystal clear, pitch black, blood red

The room was pitch black, and I could not see anything.

Noun + Noun

Examples: computer science, traffic jam, public transport

I was stuck in a traffic jam for over an hour.

Noun + Verb

Examples: bomb goes off, snow falls

The snowfall was so mesmerizing that I wanted to go outside right away.

Verb + Noun

Examples: make a decision, take a break, give advice

He always gives great advice when I have a problem.

Verb + Preposition Phrase

Examples: apply for, look forward to, search for

I decided to apply for a scholarship to study abroad.

Verb + Adverb

Examples: take part in, carry out, come up with

Many students take part in extracurricular activities to improve their skills.

3. Common English Collocations You Should Know

Using collocations improves your IELTS Speaking and Listening scores. Here are some of the most common collocations:

Collocation

Meaning

Let one's hair down

Relax

Drop-dead gorgeous

Extremely attractive

Make headlines

Become important news

Take measures to

Take action

Speak highly of

Praise

Tight with money

Frugal

Peace of mind

Mental calm

Give someone a lift/ride

Give a ride

On purpose

Intentionally

By accident / by mistake

Accidentally

In terms of

Regarding

With a view to

With the aim of

Get straight to the point

Be direct

Take it for granted

Not appreciate

Make up one's mind

Decide

Pay attention to

Focus on

Sit for

Retake (an exam)

A good run for your money

Get value or joy from spending

Have a chance to

Have an opportunity

Hold good

Remain valid

Cause damage

Create harm

See eye to eye

Agree

Put a stop to

End something

Be out of habit

Lose a habit

Pick someone's brain

Ask for advice

To the verge of

On the brink of

Lay claim to

Claim ownership

Pour scorn on

Criticize

Be rushed off your feet

Extremely busy

Be under fire

Be criticized

Be at a loss

Be confused

Take to flight

Flee

Reduce someone to tears

Make someone cry

Take a fancy to

Start liking

Keep an eye on

Watch over

Kick up a fuss about

Complain

Come what may

No matter what

What is more

Moreover

Put all the blame on

Blame entirely

Make a go of something

Succeed in something

Make a fortune

Become rich

Rise to the occasion

Handle a difficult situation well

Cross one's mind

Occur to someone

Have full advantage

Benefit fully

Pat yourself on the back

Praise yourself

Make ends meet

Cover basic living expenses

4. How to Learn Collocations Effectively

To learn collocations effectively, consistency and practice are key. Try following these steps:

Step 1: Use a dedicated collocation dictionary

Get a reliable resource like the Oxford Collocations Dictionary. It contains thousands of common word combinations explained clearly.

Step 2: Take notes of collocations

Record new collocations in a notebook or sticky notes in visible places. Highlight key phrases with color and categorize them by topic.

Step 3: Apply them regularly

Practice using collocations in writing and speaking. The more you use them, the better you will remember them.

5. Collocation Practice with Answers

Exercise: Choose the correct phrase to complete each sentence.

Julie said: "That guy is so attractive. I really hope he __________ me out on a date."

A. is a dreamboat

B. is drop-dead gorgeous

C. would not notice

D. is playing hard to get

B

Both universities have spoken of __________ the student exchange program.

A. positively

B. strongly

C. loudly

D. haphazardly

C

When you buy this policy, you are purchasing __________.

A. joy

B. peace of mind

C. comfort

D. satisfaction

B

I read the contract __________ to avoid mistakes.

A. with a view to

B. by means of

C. in terms of

D. in response to

D

Please do not __________ a word about this—it is highly confidential.

A. speak

B. mutter

C. breathe

D. whisper

C

I feel completely __________ when the new year approaches.

A. disappointed

B. energized

C. gripped with excitement

D. gripped with fever

B

You really should __________ for your hard work.

A. praise yourself

B. criticize yourself

C. ignore yourself

D. be modest

A

When the new year comes, I am __________ with joy.

A. thrilled

B. gripped with fever

C. filled with dread

D. in a daze

D

The minister __________ for his poor planning.

A. was penalised

B. was acclaimed

C. was under fire

D. was praised → C

The thieves quickly __________ when the police arrived.

A. ran away

B. hid

C. ran towards

D. took away → D

Master Collocations with IDP

Mastering English collocations is a powerful way to improve your fluency and sound more natural. At IDP, we provide free study resources to help you learn and use collocations effectively. With these proven learning techniques, you’ll be well-prepared for your IELTS Speaking and Writing exams.

If you're preparing for the IELTS with IDP, choose computer-delivered IELTS at flexible test centers and schedules held weekly.

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About this Article

Published on 07 November, 2024

About this Author

One Skill Retake - IELTS Australia
Quynh Khanh

Tôi là Quỳnh Khanh - Content Writer có hơn 5 năm kinh nghiệm về lĩnh vực giáo dục