What Are Collocations?
Collocations are words that naturally go together. Native speakers use them instinctively, and using them makes your English sound natural.
Example: We say "make a decision" (not "do a decision"), "heavy rain" (not "strong rain").
In IELTS, using correct collocations shows advanced vocabulary.
Essential IELTS Collocations
- Make a decision (not do)
- Make progress (not do)
- Make a mistake (not do)
- Do research (not make)
- Do an exam (not make)
- Do homework (not make)
Make vs Do
- Strong argument (not big argument)
- Heavy rain (not strong rain)
- Deep impact (not big impact)
- High standards (not tall standards)
- Strict rules (not hard rules)
- Close relationship (not near relationship)
Adjective + Noun Collocations
- Commit a crime (not do)
- Conduct research (not make)
- Reach an agreement (not make)
- Draw a conclusion (not make)
- Pay attention (not give)
- Keep a promise (not make... actually "make a promise" is also correct)
Verb + Noun Collocations
- Sound natural (not look natural)
- Feel confident (not be confident... both work but "feel" is more natural)
- Run a business (not work a business)
- Raise awareness (not increase awareness)
- Gain experience (not get experience... both work)
Verb + Adjective Collocations
- Save time (not keep time)
- Spend time on (not do time on)
- Waste time (not lose time)
- Take time (not give time)
- Kill time (not waste... actually "waste" is more common)
Time Collocations
- Earn money (not win... "win" is for lottery)
- Save money (not keep money)
- Spend money on (not waste... both work)
- Make money (not do money)
- Cost a lot (not spend a lot... depends on context)
Money Collocations
How to Learn Collocations
Method 1: Learn in chunks
Instead of learning "decision" alone, learn "make a decision."
Method 2: Topic lists
Build collocation lists by IELTS topic:
Method 3: Use in context
Write 5 sentences daily using new collocations.
Practice
Learn 5 collocations daily. Use each in a sentence out loud. After 2 weeks, your English will sound much more natural.
Practice on Our Portal
Our Grammar Portal at grammar.bharatdn.com has collocation exercises organized by IELTS topics. Practice daily for best results.
🎯 Practice What You Learned
Put these tips into action with our student practice portals:
Both portals are Available for enrolled students — login required. Students who practice daily score 0.5–1.0 band higher!
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