Technical English: Unit 2
What is Collocation?
A familiar grouping of words which appears together because of their habitual
use and thus creating the same meaning is called collocation. Suppose, when
we say big / strong rain instead of heavy rain, it conveys the meaning that it is
raining heavily.
Although in the above example strong rain or the big rain conveys the same
meaning. But, the use of big rain or strong rain will sound strange. Thus, we
use heavy rain to sound natural and a lot better English.
Similarly, there are many such examples where we use a particular set of
groups of words to sound naturally correct. A group of words that are expected
to be together can also be defined as collocations.
Some more examples of collocations are - to do homework, to make the bed,
to take a risk, etc.
Besides the reasons mentioned above, there are reasons as well for using
collocations. These are:
Making the use of the English language natural and interesting
As it follows a particular order, it helps in adhering to pre-decided
and a proper structure of the English language
Helps in beautifying the language
Make better use of words or group of words by presenting it in
better form
It enhances the use of language and thereby comparatively leads to
innovation of the English language
1
, Types of Collocations
1. Verb Collocations
The collocations which are used commonly, tend to involve verb + noun
formation in the day-to-day situations. Here are some of the examples of
these words for you to understand them better. In each of these examples the
verb has other meanings as well, but combining it with the words will result in
a group of words.
To save time
You will save a lot of your time if you concentrate on your studies rather than
browsing through the internet.
To come prepared
You have a presentation tomorrow, so make sure that you come prepared.
To find a replacement
Indian team needs to find a replacement for Sachin as soon as possible.
Verb + preposition is also used in our routine life.
For example: made of, give up, throw out, attend to, care for, recover from,
provide with ……
The table is made of teak wood.
Never give up.
He recovers from his illness.
2
What is Collocation?
A familiar grouping of words which appears together because of their habitual
use and thus creating the same meaning is called collocation. Suppose, when
we say big / strong rain instead of heavy rain, it conveys the meaning that it is
raining heavily.
Although in the above example strong rain or the big rain conveys the same
meaning. But, the use of big rain or strong rain will sound strange. Thus, we
use heavy rain to sound natural and a lot better English.
Similarly, there are many such examples where we use a particular set of
groups of words to sound naturally correct. A group of words that are expected
to be together can also be defined as collocations.
Some more examples of collocations are - to do homework, to make the bed,
to take a risk, etc.
Besides the reasons mentioned above, there are reasons as well for using
collocations. These are:
Making the use of the English language natural and interesting
As it follows a particular order, it helps in adhering to pre-decided
and a proper structure of the English language
Helps in beautifying the language
Make better use of words or group of words by presenting it in
better form
It enhances the use of language and thereby comparatively leads to
innovation of the English language
1
, Types of Collocations
1. Verb Collocations
The collocations which are used commonly, tend to involve verb + noun
formation in the day-to-day situations. Here are some of the examples of
these words for you to understand them better. In each of these examples the
verb has other meanings as well, but combining it with the words will result in
a group of words.
To save time
You will save a lot of your time if you concentrate on your studies rather than
browsing through the internet.
To come prepared
You have a presentation tomorrow, so make sure that you come prepared.
To find a replacement
Indian team needs to find a replacement for Sachin as soon as possible.
Verb + preposition is also used in our routine life.
For example: made of, give up, throw out, attend to, care for, recover from,
provide with ……
The table is made of teak wood.
Never give up.
He recovers from his illness.
2
