1. Collocations: A Marriage Contract Between Words

2. A collocation refers to…
The way words are combined with each other.
They are a “marriage contract between words.”
Let’s look at some different types…

3. Adjective + Noun Combinations
Big stomach
Long legs
Tough decision
Rich dessert
Red wine

4. Verb + Noun Combinations
Provide a framework
Maintain a car
Throw a party
Accept responsibility
Ask a question

5. Verb + Adverb Combinations (Adverb +Verb)
Wait patiently
Speak fluently
Drive dangerously
Successfully complete
Highly appreciate
Really well

6. Phrasal Verbs Cut back Depend on Focus on Point out Take back Dress up
Finish
Move in/out

7. Prepositional Phrases
In any case
With regard to
In other words
Despite of
In spite of
On the whole

8. Why study collocations?
Increase written and oral fluency
Increase lexicon (vocabulary)
Provide clarity in writing and speaking
Stress and intonation improve

9. How do we learn collocations?
You must start to notice them as you read. Start to become more aware of the environment of words.
Notice patterns.
Read chunks or groups of words not single words.
Use a dictionary or concordance (a program that identifies patterns between words)