Using Collocations In IELTS: Top 5 Collocations Types For IELTS Writing

Are you worried that your written and spoken English do not flow and might affect your IELTS performance? Well, you might not be using collocations while speaking or writing.

Collocation Meaning

It is the assembly of written information into a standard order. These include two or three words that are usually placed together and sound just right to the native speaker. An essential part of the English language, collocations are vital for anyone trying to understand the language or working on their vocabulary. Using the right words together allows you to convey your message correctly.

Advantages of Using Collocations 

Avoiding Mistakes 

One of the easiest traps learners of the English language can fall into is using a poor choice of words. You can avoid that by using collocations. For instance, it is more appropriate to use ‘domestic tourism’ instead of ‘home tourism.’

Provide Precision Within Your Written and Spoken English 

Collocations are all about using the right words or phrases in a sentence. That is because particular words when used in combination, not only sound professional but also enhance the overall impact. For example: ‘There is a chance that I’ll get a high score’. If I add the word ‘strong’ before chance, it would definitely enhance the impact of chance making the sentence more precise. All in all, collocations are vital for formal speech, informal speech, and academic papers.

Reasons why Collocations are important for IELTS

The examiners for IELTS especially look out for collocations while marking the tests of candidates. That is why candidates use them to their advantage to boost their IELTS scores for Lexicon Resource.

Using collocations correctly will allow you to speak and write like a native speaker. They’ll give your speech a natural flow that will help enhance your score. The knowledge of collocations often reveals which candidate has advanced English skills and who’s still an intermediate.

Can I learn Collocations For IELTS? 

Collocations aren’t something that one should sit down to learn. When you learn a new word, you should also grasp the words commonly used in combination with it. Memorising words on their own can be a waste of time. The best way to learn and study collocations is by listening. Additionally, reading and making your own sentences also helps. While preparing for collocations, you can write your sentences in a personal IELTS writing/grammar book. Review them regularly and put them into practice every day. All in all, make them a part of your vocabulary-building process in your vocabulary book. Also Read: IELTS Essay Topics

Patterns of Collocations For IELTS 

Here are some of the collocation patterns.

• Verb + Adverb
• Verb + Noun
• Noun + Adjective
• Adjective + Adverb
• Noun + Noun

Example Sentences of Different Collocations 

Verb + Adverb Collocations For IELTS 

1. Two children were severely injured in the accident. 2. The girl blatantly refused to change seats. 3. After some time, he deeply regretted his actions. 4. The doctor firmly believes in the advantages of a healthy diet. 5. The Stylist completely understood why the customer was annoyed.

Verb + Noun Collocations For IELTS 

1. On her 18th birthday, she decided to throw a party. 2. He decided to break a habit in the new year. 3. She made an appointment to see the gynaecologist. 4. The professor paid her a compliment about her well-written essays. 5. The government is giving priority to the issue of potholes in the city.

Noun + Adjectives Collocations For IELTS 

1. There’s been heavy rain in the state of Kerala. 2. He had a tedious day at the office yesterday. 3. She shows a keen interest in going to Harvard to become a Lawyer. 4. He was given invaluable advice by his mentor. 5. I’m under serious pressure to finish the task this month.

Adjective + Adverb Collocations For IELTS 

1. His parents were utterly shocked by his behaviour. 2. It’s critically important to learn collocations for IELTS. 3. She was terribly sorry to disturb him at midnight. 4. The Principal was fully satisfied with his explanation. 5. It was utterly stupid of them to not show up for their legal hearing.

Noun + Noun Collocations For IELTS 

1. She received a round of applause after her speech from the IELTS examiners.

2. He generally drinks a pint of beer when he goes out.

3. That couple works in the service industry.

4. Everyone needs a building permit to build a house.

5. I bought a can of Pepsi from the local shop.

List of Vital Collocations Example Sentences For IELTS To Boost Your Word Power 

To derive/gain benefits

– Many professors derived benefits from the new curriculum.

To meet the demand/need of 

– That NPO exists to meet the needs of economically backward people.

To fulfil a pledge/promise

– She’d like to see them fulfil their promise of moving back in.

To come of age

– They are throwing a party for their daughter who’s coming of age.

To take pride in

– She takes great pride in making it to the Forbes 30 under 30 lists.

To gain/have knowledge of something 

– He needs to gain knowledge about vitamins and minerals.

To have a sense of accomplishment 

– She got a sense of accomplishment after finishing the task.

To contribute to something 

– That organisation contributes to air pollution every year.

To fulfil a dream/a goal/ an ambition 

– John fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a Doctor.

To have/get second thoughts 

– The examiner was having second thoughts about taking the IELTS examination.

Common Mistakes Related To Collocation in IELTS Writing Test 

So-So 

While it is all right to use this term in casual chat, using it in the IELTS writing task can harm your score. Try to replace it with uninspiring or ordinary.

Idioms 

You must not use idioms in the IELTS written exam as they are considered informal. That said, using them in the speaking tests is completely fine.

Good 

The issue with this word is that it sounds rather basic. Instead, try using its synonyms like excellent or exceptional. These will illustrate the respective sceneries in a better way. Common words like bad and something should also be avoided.

Kids 

Kids can sound rather vague. That is why you should try replacing it with more specific words. These can be youth, adolescents, teenagers, or infants.

Conclusion

If you want to deeply understand the concept of collocations and practise exercises for the same, getting the book ‘English Collocations in Use’ from Cambridge can be of great help or join our IELTS Prep Crash Course.

Related Articles: 

• Grammar for IELTS: Guide & Rules to Follow
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Vocabulary For Band Score 8, 9
• IELTS Writing Practice Tests, Tips & Questions