Collocations are verb + noun or verb + adjective combinations that make an expression. They are one of the keys to learning to speak English well. This list has been compiled over many years of teaching ESL and includes over 80 collocations. Enjoy!
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The big list of collocations
To be
To be scared.
To be in a hurry.
To be hot/cold.
To do
To do homework.
To do housework.
To do a job.
To do your best.
To do research.
To do an investigation.
To do the shopping
To do the dishes
To do the washing
To make
To make sense
To make progress
To make an appointment
To make the bed
To make a change
To make a choice
To make a decision
To make a discovery
To make your escape
“The thief made his escape down a ladder.”
To make a fortune.
To make an arrangement.
To make a list.
To make a noise.
To make a living.
To make a mistake.
To make a phone call.
To make a promise.
To make a request.
To make a speech.
To make an announcement.
To make an effort.
To make trouble.
To make an offer.
To make an excuse.
To make an impression.
To make a pact.
To make a reservation.
To give
To give someone a hand.
To give an example
To give a kiss.
To give a hug.
To give someone a fright.
To go
To go bad
To go bankrupt
To go broke
To go bald
To go blind
To go deaf
To go mouldy
To go lame
To go wrong
To go on strike
To go out of date
To go viral
To have
To have a good time.
To have food and drink (breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee)
To have a party.
To have an argument.
To have an affair.
To pay
To pay a visit.
To pay attention.
To take
To take place.
To take into account.
To take for granted, to assume.
To take a look.
To take charge.
To take turns.
To take an order.
To take a risk.
To take for granted.
To take something seriously.
To take a photo.
To take a day off.
To take a day off sick.
To tell
To tell the time.
To tell a secret.
To tell a joke.
To tell a lie.
To be able to tell.
More collocations
To call a meeting
To hold an election/ referendum
To run a company
To go on a diet
To go on strike
To take an exam
To commit a crime
To bring up a subject
To show a film
To pack/unpack a suitcase or bag
To ask a question
To run a bath
