Collocations or co-occurring words

A collocation is a group of words that usually go together. For example, in English, we usually say 'heavy rain'. It is correct grammatically to say 'strong rain' or 'big rain', but both of these sound completely strange. A native English speaker would never say 'big rain'. If you use the normal collocation ('heavy rain') your English will sound a lot better and more natural and it will be easier for native speakers to understand you. Collocations are very, very important.

It's very difficult to give a list of collocations, because there are so many. In fact, every word in English has other words that it usually goes with. Set phrases, verb patterns, and idioms are really just strong examples of collocations too. For example, in English, we say 'get married to someone'. Many languages use 'with' after 'marry'. But this isn't the normal way in English.

If you learn the whole phrase ('get married to someone'), then you won't make this mistake. To improve grip upon the usage of collocations, notice them first. When you're reading, look at which words go together. Use a collocation dictionary. The Oxford Collocations Dictionary is a very useful book. You can look up any word and see which other words are usually used with it.

When you study vocabulary, learn whole phrases, not single words. For example, it's better to learn 'to insist on doing something' rather than just 'insist'. If you need to learn 'effort', make sure you study 'make an effort'.

Small Talk:
Work wonders!
Murali We are very content with our various latest lines of products, and we want to promote them into the world market.
Sreelola The very idea about it makes me excited.
Murali You would be more excited if you knew who would be assigned to attend the fair.
Sreelola Oh, my goodness! Are you serious? Do you mean it?
Murali Certainly I mean it! You will be responsible for the exhibition this year. You've been working so hard trying to promote the new lines, and you did great. You deserve this.
Sreelola Thank you so much, Mr.Murali, for supporting me all the time. I'll do my best! I believe our products will work wonders.

Notes: Do / work wonders - To have a very good effect

Example:
Doctors have discovered that keeping a pet can do wonders for the improvement of your health.
Know Your Vocabulary
Choose the closest meaning and tick it.
1. foundry
a) factory b) activity c) good deed
2. nutritious
a) orderly arrangement b) good for nothing c) valuable as food
3. scandalize
a) offend by wrongdoing b) argue insistently c) persuade effectively
4. idolize
a) make bright b) admire much c) decorate elaborately
5. nomad
a) dwarf b) warrior c) wanderer
6. reliability
a) attention b) endurance c) trustworthiness
7. clarify
a) explain b) disprove c) solve
8. petite
a) shy b) unique c) little
9. resolute
a) determined b) fearful c) complacent
10. coax
a) bury b) punish c) persuade

Key:
1-a; 2-c; 3-a; 4-b; 5-c; 6-c; 7-a; 8-c; 9-a; 10-c