Top 15 Collocations Every Learner Should Know
Sound more natural and fluent in English by learning words that go perfectly together.
If you want to speak English more naturally, collocations are your secret weapon.
They’re the word partnerships that native speakers use automatically — combinations like make a decision, do homework, or take a break.
Learning collocations helps your English sound smooth, accurate, and confident — not “translated.”
Here are 15 essential collocations every learner should know, with examples to help you remember them.
💼 1. Make a decision
“It’s time to make a decision about your new job.”
(Not “do a decision.”)
🗝️ Use “make” with choices, plans, or judgments.
📖 2. Do homework
“I can’t go out tonight — I have to do my homework.”
🗝️ We use “do” for tasks or work, not “make.”
☕ 3. Take a break
“Let’s take a break after this meeting.”
🗝️ “Take” is used with rest, pauses, and opportunities.
💬 4. Have a conversation
“We need to have a conversation about next week’s project.”
🗝️ Use “have” for social activities: have a chat, have a meeting, have lunch.
✈️ 5. Miss a flight / bus / train
“We left late and missed our flight.”
🗝️ Use “miss” for transport or opportunities.
📈 6. Run a business
“She runs a small business selling handmade jewellery.”
🗝️ This means to manage or operate a business.
🎯 7. Set a goal
“I’ve set a goal to pass my C1 English exam.”
🗝️ Common with “targets,” “objectives,” and “deadlines.”
💡 8. Come up with an idea
“He came up with a brilliant idea during the meeting.”
🗝️ A natural way to say “think of” or “create.”
🗓️ 9. Meet a deadline
“We worked hard to meet the deadline.”
🗝️ Common in business or study situations — don’t confuse with “finish a deadline.”
🗣️ 10. Give a presentation
“She’s giving a presentation on Friday.”
🗝️ Not “make” or “do” — always “give.”
🧠 11. Keep in mind
“Keep in mind that the exam starts at 9 a.m.”
🗝️ Means “remember” or “consider.”
🔊 12. Raise your voice
“He raised his voice when he got angry.”
🗝️ Means to speak louder — often emotionally.
🧩 13. Pay attention
“Please pay attention to the teacher’s instructions.”
🗝️ Common in classrooms, meetings, and training sessions.
💵 14. Save money
“I’m trying to save money for a holiday.”
🗝️ Other examples: save time, save energy.
💬 15. Make progress
“You’ve made great progress this term!”
🗝️ Common with “progress,” “improvement,” and “effort.”
🧠 How to Learn Collocations Effectively
Notice them when you read or listen — highlight useful phrases.
Record them in a notebook, not as single words but as pairs.
Practise using them in sentences and conversations.
Review them often — collocations need repetition to stick.
💡 Tip: Learn words in context, not alone. “Take a risk,” “make a mistake,” or “get better” are all more useful than just “risk,” “mistake,” or “better.”
Want to Take Your English Further?
Grammar like collective nouns can seem small — but it makes a big difference to how natural your English sounds.
Work with us one-to-one or in a focused small group and start speaking with real confidence.