Speak Like a Native: Master 100+ Common Collocations in English

What Are Collocations?

In English, a collocation is a natural combination of two or more words that frequently occur together and sound “right” to native speakers. The meaning or usage of these word pairings often differs when words are paired, compared to using them separately.

For example:

• make a decision (not do a decision)
• heavy rain (not strong rain)

These combinations are not random; they are fixed patterns that native speakers use instinctively. Instead of translating word by word, you begin to recognize and use the natural building blocks of English.

Common Types of Collocations

Collocations may sound technical at first, but they simply describe the way words tend to stick together in English. Each type follows a predictable pattern, and once you see how they work, the idea becomes much clearer.

• Adjective + Noun: An adjective frequently combines with a specific noun, fixed by usage, not grammar rules.
  Example: “strong coffee,” “heavy traffic.”
• Adverb + Adjective: An adverb often intensifies or modifies an adjective.
  Example: “deeply concerned,” “highly effective.”
• Noun + Noun: Two nouns can form a compound-like phrase.
  Example: “job interview,” “language barrier.”
• Noun + Verb: A noun typically acts as the subject of a verb. The verb choice is rarely interchangeable.
  Example: “dogs bark,” “alarms ring.”
• Verb + Noun: A verb naturally pairs with a particular object.
  Example: “make a mistake,” “save time.”
• Verb + Adverb: A verb is often followed by an adverb that describes how the action is done.
  Example: “whisper softly,” “drive carefully.”

Once you get familiar with the logic behind them, collocations become much easier to learn and use naturally.

100+ Common Collocations in English

To sound natural in English, it’s not enough to know single words; you need to know how they go together. That’s where common collocations come in. Below is a carefully selected list of 100 everyday collocations.

Once you are comfortable with them, it’s worth expanding into another key area of vocabulary such as common phrasal verbs. Together, collocations and phrasal verbs form the backbone of natural English expression.

Useful Exercises to Practice Common Collocations

Learning common collocations is about training your brain to notice and reproduce natural word partnerships. The more actively you work with them, the faster they become part of your everyday English. 

Here are some effective ways to practice:

• Read with intention: When reading books, news, or articles, underline collocations you notice. Pay attention to patterns like “take responsibility” or “strong evidence.”
• Keep a collocation journal: Instead of writing single words, record new collocations you come across, along with an example sentence.
• Play with substitution: Take one collocation and see how far it stretches. For instance, from “make a decision” you can branch into “make an effort” or “make progress”, but you’ll quickly see why “make homework” doesn’t work.
• Use them in speaking and writing: Make a conscious effort to include collocations in daily conversation, essays, or emails. This active use helps fix them in memory.
• Do matching or gap-fill exercises: Create (or find) exercises where you pair verbs with nouns, or fill in blanks with the correct collocation.

When practiced consistently, these activities shift collocations from something you study into something you own.

Conclusion

Collocations are the key to sounding natural in English, but it’s the mastery of common phrasal verbs that truly unlocks fluency. Learning these 100+ examples will make your speech more authentic and effortless. And if you want to keep pushing your English further, explore more in-depth guides at Gurulango.