The Branches of Semantics "Collocation"

COLLOCATIONS

Collocation is two or more words that often go together. These combinations just sound "right" to native English speakers, who use them all the time. On the other hand, other combinations may be unnatural and just sound "wrong". A collocation is a familiar grouping of words, especially words that habitually appear together and thereby convey meaning by association.

Look at these examples :

NATURAL ENGLISH	UNNATURAL ENGLISH
the fast train	the quick train
fast food	quick food
a quick meal	a fast meal
a quick shower	a fast shower

The benefit of learn collocation :

a) Our language will be more natural and more easily understood.

b) We will have alternative and richer ways of expressing yourself.

c) It is easier for our brains to remember and use language in chunks or blocks rather than as single words.

How to learn collocations :

1) Be aware of collocations, and try to recognize them when you see or hear them.

2) Treat collocations as single blocks of language. Think of them as individual blocks or chunks, and learn strongly support, not strongly + support.

3) When you learn a new word, write down other words that collocate with it (remember rightly, remember distinctly, remember vaguely, remember vividly).

4) Read as much as possible. Reading is an excellent way to learn vocabulary and collocations in context and naturally.

5) Revise what you learn regularly. Practise using new collocations in context as soon as possible after learning them.

6) Learn collocations in groups that work for you. You could learn them by topic (time, number, weather, money, family) or by a particular word (take action, take a chance, take an exam).

7) You can find information on collocations in any good learner's dictionary. And you can also find specialized dictionaries of collocations.

  

There are several different types of collocation made from combinations of verb, noun, adjective etc. Some of the most common types are :

a) Adverb + Adjective : completely satisfied (NOT downright satisfied)

b) Adjective + Noun : excruciating pain (NOT excruciating joy)

c) Noun + Noun : a surge of anger (NOT a rush of anger)

d) Noun + Verb : lions roar (NOT lions shout)

e) Verb + Noun : commit suicide (NOT undertake suicide)

f) Verb + Expression With Preposition : burst into tears (NOT blow up in tears)

g) Verb + Adverb : wave frantically (NOT wave feverishly)

References :

http://semantic-introduction.weebly.com/collocations-fixed-expressions-and-idioms.html

http://grammar.about.com/od/c/g/collocationterm.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh8r9SDmHn4