Types of collocation
There are several different types of collocation made from combinations of
verb, noun, adjective etc. Some of the most common types are:
● adverb + adjective: completely satisfied (NOT downright satisfied)
● adjective + noun: excruciating pain (NOT excruciating joy)
● noun + noun: a surge of anger (NOT a rush of anger)
● noun + verb: lions roar (NOT lions shout)
● verb + noun: commit suicide (NOT undertake suicide)
● verb + expression with preposition: burst into tears (NOT blow up in
tears)
● verb + adverb: wave frantically (NOT wave feverishly)
Sample Collocations
There are several different types of collocation. Collocations can be
adjective + adverb, noun + noun, verb + noun and so on. Below you can see
seven main types of collocation in sample sentences.
1. adverb + adjective
● Invading that country was an utterly stupid thing to do.
● We entered a richly decorated room.
● Are you fully aware of the implications of your action?
2. adjective + noun
● The doctor ordered him to take regular exercise.
● The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.
● He was writhing on the ground in excruciating pain.
3. noun + noun
● Let's give Mr Jones a round of applause.
● The ceasefire agreement came into effect at 11am.
