Collocation Words 50 Examples with Sentences
There’s a list of 50 advanced collocations with their meanings and examples:
Collocations with “Make”
Make a decision
Meaning: Decide something.
Example: She made a decision to move abroad.
Make progress
Meaning: Improve or move forward.
Example: He’s making progress in learning French.
Make an effort
Meaning: Try hard to do something.
Example: You should make an effort to arrive on time.
Make a mistake
Meaning: Do something wrong.
Example: We all make mistakes; it’s okay.
Make a difference
Meaning: Have an important effect.
Example: Helping others can make a difference in their lives.
Make a promise
Meaning: Commit to doing something.
Example: He made a promise to never lie again.
Make a complaint
Meaning: Officially express dissatisfaction.
Example: You can make a complaint to the manager.
Make an impression
Meaning: Leave a strong effect on someone.
Example: Her speech made a great impression on everyone.
Make sense
Meaning: Be logical or understandable.
Example: This idea doesn’t make sense to me.
Make a suggestion
Meaning: Offer an idea or proposal.
Example: May I make a suggestion about this project?
Collocations with “Take”
Take responsibility
Meaning: Accept that you are in charge of something.
Example: She took responsibility for the team’s failure.
Take a risk
Meaning: Do something that might fail.
Example: Sometimes you need to take a risk to succeed.
Take action
Meaning: Do something to deal with a problem.
Example: It’s time to take action against climate change.
Take advantage of
Meaning: Use a situation for your benefit.
Example: Let’s take advantage of the sunny weather and go to the beach.
Take care of
Meaning: Look after something or someone.
Example: I’ll take care of your plants while you’re away.
Take a break
Meaning: Pause from work or activity.
Example: Let’s take a break and have some coffee.
Take part in
Meaning: Join or participate.
Example: She took part in the dance competition.
Take notes
Meaning: Write down important information.
Example: Please take notes during the lecture.
Take pride in
Meaning: Feel proud of something.
Example: He takes pride in his cooking skills.
Take it seriously
Meaning: Treat something as important.
Example: You need to take this job seriously.
Collocations with “Have”
Have a conversation
Meaning: Talk with someone.
Example: We had a long conversation about our future plans.
Have a good time
Meaning: Enjoy yourself.
Example: Did you have a good time at the party?
Have a problem
Meaning: Face a difficulty.
Example: I’m having a problem with my laptop.
Have an opportunity
Meaning: Get a chance.
Example: I had an opportunity to work abroad.
Have an impact on
Meaning: Affect something or someone.
Example: This decision will have a big impact on the economy.
Have a habit of
Meaning: Regularly do something.
Example: He has a habit of arriving late.
Have a laugh
Meaning: Enjoy a funny moment.
Example: We had a good laugh during the meeting.
Have second thoughts
Meaning: Doubt your earlier decision.
Example: I’m having second thoughts about this job offer.
Have access to
Meaning: Be able to use or enter something.
Example: Students have access to free online resources.
Have patience
Meaning: Stay calm when waiting or dealing with problems.
Example: You need to have patience with small children.
Collocations with “Do”
Do homework
Meaning: Complete schoolwork at home.
Example: He always does his homework after dinner.
Do a favor
Meaning: Help someone.
Example: Can you do me a favor and lend me your book?
Do your best
Meaning: Try as hard as you can.
Example: Just do your best in the exam.
Do research
Meaning: Investigate or study something.
Example: She’s doing research on renewable energy.
Do the dishes
Meaning: Wash the plates, glasses, etc.
Example: I’ll do the dishes after dinner.
Do damage
Meaning: Cause harm.
Example: The storm did a lot of damage to the houses.
Do business
Meaning: Engage in commerce or trade.
Example: We’ve been doing business with them for years.
Do well
Meaning: Perform successfully.
Example: She’s doing well in her new job.
Do harm
Meaning: Cause injury or problems.
Example: Smoking can do a lot of harm to your health.
Do a job
Meaning: Complete a task or work.
Example: He did a fantastic job on the presentation.
Miscellaneous Collocations
Break the ice
Meaning: Make people feel more comfortable.
Example: The host told a joke to break the ice.
Catch attention
Meaning: Make people notice you.
Example: Her colorful dress caught everyone’s attention.
Give advice
Meaning: Offer suggestions.
Example: My teacher gave me advice on my career.
Pay attention
Meaning: Focus on something.
Example: Please pay attention to the instructions.
Save time
Meaning: Use less time for something.
Example: Online shopping saves time.
Set a goal
Meaning: Decide on something you want to achieve.
Example: You should set a goal to exercise daily.
Keep a promise
Meaning: Do what you said you would do.
Example: Always keep your promises to others.
Lose control
Meaning: Be unable to manage something.
Example: He lost control of his emotions during the argument.
Reach an agreement
Meaning: Come to a mutual decision.
Example: After long talks, they reached an agreement.
Run a business
Meaning: Manage a company or shop.
Example: She runs a small bakery in the city.
