Collocations are common word combinations that sound ‘right’ to native English speakers. Examples are: chain smoker and burning desire.
There are numerous collocations in English. Some collocations are made by putting an adjective and adverb together. Some are made by putting two nouns together. Collocations can also be made using several other methods. Here is a list of some common collocations.
Adverb + adjective
Utterly stupid (NOT fully stupid)
- It was an utterly stupid thing to do.
Richly decorated
- We walked into the richly decorated auditorium.
Fully aware
- I am fully aware of the implications of my action.
2. Adjective + noun
Burning desire
- He has a burning desire to make it big in the showbiz.
Indulgent mother
- She is an indulgent mother.
Maiden voyage
- The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.
Excruciating pain
- She was suffering from excruciating pain.
Verb + noun
Commit murder / Commit suicide
- She committed suicide by hanging herself.
Make bed
- Can you make the bed after washing those plates?
Give a presentation, give a speech
- She will give a presentation about her work tomorrow.
Verb + expression with preposition
Run out of
- We cancelled the trip because we had run out of money.
Burst into tears
- She burst into tears when she heard the news.
Verb + adverb
Remember vividly / Remember vaguely
- I vaguely remember that she was working with my neighbor at that time.