Vocabulary Builder
English Collocation Words List
Word combinations that naturally belong together in fluent English.
What is an English Collocation?
A collocation is a natural combination of words that closely and frequently occur together. Native speakers instinctively know that we say "make a mistake" (not "do a mistake") and "take a shower".
☕ Common Expressions with "Have"
have a bath / shower: Take personal hygiene bath.
have a break: Pause work or study to rest.
have a chat: Engage in an informal conversation.
have a headache: Suffer physical pain in the head.
have a good time: Enjoy an experience or party.
have sympathy: Feel compassion for someone's situation.
📸 Common Expressions with "Take"
take a photo / picture: Capture an image with camera.
take a chance / risk: Attempt something uncertain.
take notes: Record key points during lecture.
take someone's place: Substitute or step in for another.
take care of: Watch over and look after someone.
take a seat: Sit down politely.
⚖️ Make vs. Do Collocations
Collocations with "Make" (Creating / Producing)
- • make an effort / make an attempt
- • make a mistake / make an error
- • make money / make a fortune
- • make a decision / make a choice
- • make a promise / make an excuse
Collocations with "Do" (Tasks / General Actions)
- • do homework / do housework
- • do business with someone
- • do your best / do your duty
- • do someone a favor
- • do research / do an experiment
🎯 High-Frequency Adjective-Noun Collocations
Heavy rain: (Not "strong rain")
Strong coffee: (Not "powerful coffee")
Fast food: (Not "quick food")
Quick glance: (Not "fast glance")
Deep sleep: Sound, uninterrupted rest.
Bitter disappointment: Deep regret.
Golden opportunity: Perfect chance.
Harsh reality: Unpleasant truth.