Collocation

Collocation Lists - Introduction


.Vocabulary is generally used in groups of words that go together. This is often referred to as 'chunking', another common term for this is collocation. Think about the noun 'money':

'Money' combines with verbs:
save money
spend money
pay money

Money combines with adjectives:
prize money
play money
pocket money
etc.

Money combines with other nouns:
money management
money supply
money order
etc.


3 Verbs + Skis

put on
remove
rent

Example Sentences
Let's put on the skis and hit the slope.

I removed my skis and went into the lodge.

I rented skis for the weekend.



3 Adjectives + Skis

alpine
back-country
powder

Example Sentences

Most alpine skis are expensive.
Back-country skis are not very common these days.
You should buy powder skis if you plan to ski off the groomed trails.


Ski + 3 nouns

pole
resort
slope

Example Sentences

Make sure your ski poles are long enough.

We've never been to that ski resort before.

Let's go over to that ski slope and give it a try.


3 Verbs + Soccer


play
watch
enjoy

Example Sentences

He doesn't play soccer.

They like watching soccer on the weekends.

Do you enjoy soccer?



3 Adjectives + Soccer

amateur
professional
youth

Example Sentences

Amateur soccer is extremely popular in the US.

Professional soccer has yet to become successful in the US.

Are there any youth soccer teams in this town?



Soccer + 3 Nouns

ball
field
fan

Example Sentences

We need a new soccer ball.

The soccer field was very muddy.

The soccer fan sold his car to buy tickets to the World Cup.


2 Verbs + Tennis


play
watch

Example Sentences

I've played tennis for more than twenty years.

When I watch tennis, I usually want to go play.


3 Adjectives + Tennis

doubles
singles
competitive


Example Sentences

I play doubles tennis on Wednesday evenings.

Most singles tennis is more exciting to watch than doubles tennis.

Not everyone who plays competitive tennis earns money.


Tennis + 3 Nouns

ball

racket

court

Example Sentences


I'll buy a new can of tennis balls for the match.

Peter usually needs to buy a few tennis rackets every year.

Have you booked the tennis court for tomorrow?


3 Verbs + Golf


play
take up
watch



Example Sentences

Jerry has played golf since he was ten years old.

I took up golf three years ago.

I love watching golf on TV on the weekends.



3 Adjectives + Golf

mini
championship
pro


Example Sentences

Most people play mini golf with children.

Championship golf is only for the very rich.

Pro golf is extremely popular in South Africa.



Golf + 3 Nouns

course
club
glove

Example Sentences


There are four golf courses within five miles of our house.

Golf clubs can be very expensive.

Make sure to wear a golf glove when you play.


3 Verbs + Basketball


play
coach
watch


Example Sentences

Jane played on her high school basketball team.

Have you ever coached basketball?

My family enjoys watching basketball on TV.



3 Adjectives + Basketball

college
pro
varsity

Example Sentences
College basketball is extremely competitive in the US.

Pro basketball players can earn millions of dollars per season.

Varsity basketball teams receive a lot more money than junior-varsity basketball teams.



Basketball + 3 Nouns

court
player
team

Example Sentences

Our high-school has a new basketball court.

The basketball player was traded to a different team.

The local basketball team is awful.