What are collocations in IELTS Speaking vocabulary, and which types should I know for my exam?
Collocation means two or more words used together so that they sound correct. Common types are noun plus noun, noun plus verb, adjective plus noun, adverb plus adjective, and verb plus adverb. Using them well helps you express ideas convincingly, and you learn them through exposure and practice.
A collocation is a group of two or more words that are used together so that they sound correct. Using collocations properly helps you express ideas more convincingly and coherently in IELTS Speaking.
Types of Collocations
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Noun + Noun | Ceasefire agreement |
| Noun + Verb | The plane took off |
| Adjective + Noun | Excruciating pain |
| Adverb + Adjective | Fully satisfied |
| Verb + Adverb | Whispered softly |
Common Collocation Examples
- Make: make a choice, make a wish, make a point, make friends.
- Have: have fun, have lunch, have dinner, have a shower.
- Keep: keep moving, keep in touch, keep walking.
My Advice
There is no logic behind collocations, so learn them in whole phrases rather than single words. Idioms and phrasal verbs are also useful for Speaking, and you can check the official IELTS descriptors for how vocabulary is marked.
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