Reading: Vocabulary in Context (Nuance & Range)
B2 Lesson 3: Recognizing Collocations and Fixed Expressions
Words that are Friends
Fluent speakers don't think about single words; they think in "chunks" of language. These natural word partnerships3 are called collocations1. For example, we say `fast food`, not `quick food`. We `make a mistake`, not `do a mistake`.
Learning to recognize common collocations and fixed expressions2 will dramatically improve your reading speed and make your own English sound much more natural.
Part 1: Common Collocation Patterns
Collocations often follow patterns. Here are some of the most common ones.
Pattern 1: Verb + Noun
| Collocation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| make a decision | We need to make a decision about our holiday trip soon. |
| take a photo | Can you take a photo of me in front of the river? |
| save time | Taking the new bridge instead of the old one will save time. |
Pattern 2: Adjective + Noun
| Collocation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| strong coffee | I need a cup of strong coffee this morning. |
| heavy rain | Driving a moto during the heavy rain can be dangerous. |
| a major issue | Pollution in the river is a major issue for the community. |
Pattern 3: Adverb + Adjective
| Collocation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| highly successful | Her new restaurant in Kampot has become highly successful. |
| bitterly disappointed | He was bitterly disappointed when he learned the concert was cancelled. |
| fully aware | Are you fully aware of the risks? |
Part 2: Common Fixed Expressions
Some collocations are very "fixed" and act like a single vocabulary item.
- from time to time
Meaning: sometimes; occasionally.
Example: I don't go to Phnom Penh often, but I visit from time to time for work. - at the end of the day
Meaning: ultimately; in conclusion; the most important thing is...
Example: We can argue about the best solution, but at the end of the day, we must do something to solve the problem.
Your Turn! Complete the Collocation.
Practice Quiz
Choose the word that forms the most natural collocation.
1. To learn a new skill, you have to _______ an effort.
- A. do
- B. make
- C. take
Answer: B. make. The common collocation is "to make an effort."
2. I was running late, so I had to take a _______ shower.
- A. fast
- B. quick
- C) rapid
Answer: B. quick. While all mean fast, the most natural and common partnership is "a quick shower."
Vocabulary Glossary
-
Collocation (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការរួមតំរៀបពាក្យ
A natural combination of two or more words that are often used together (e.g., 'heavy rain'). ↩ back to text -
Fixed Expression (noun phrase)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ឃ្លាដែលប្រើក្នុងទម្រង់ថេរ ហើយមានអត្ថន័យជាក់លាក់ដូចជាពាក្យ idiom
A phrase that is used in a fixed form and has a specific meaning, like an idiom. ↩ back to text -
Word Partnership (noun phrase)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ភាពជាដៃគូនៃពាក្យ
Another term for a collocation; words that "work together" as a team. ↩ back to text
Homework Task
Go on a Collocation Hunt!
Read an English news article or blog post this week. Your goal is to find and write down three different collocations.
For each one, write the collocation and its pattern.
Example:
If you read the sentence, "The government hopes to attract foreign investment," you would write:
- attract investment (verb + noun)