Nature Collocations: Describing the Outdoors in English

When we talk about nature, we use many words together in specific combinations.

These combinations are known as collocations.

Collocations are pairs or groups of words that are commonly used together and sound natural.

For example, we often say “strong wind” rather than “powerful wind.”

In this post, I will teach you some nature collocations that will help you describe the outdoors in English more easily and naturally.

1. Weather Collocations

The weather is a big part of nature, and we use many collocations when talking about it.

Here are some common weather collocations:

• Heavy rain – When the rain is falling in large amounts.
  Example: We had heavy rain all day yesterday.
• Light breeze – A gentle wind.
  Example: There was a light breeze during our picnic.
• Clear sky – A sky without any clouds.
  Example: The clear sky made it perfect for stargazing.
• Misty morning – When there is fog or a thin layer of water vapor in the air, especially in the morning.
  Example: The misty morning made everything look magical.
• Thunderstorm – A storm with thunder and lightning.
  Example: We had a thunderstorm last night, and the lightning was amazing.
• Scorching heat – Extremely hot weather.
  Example: The scorching heat made it hard to be outside for long.
• Freezing cold – Very cold weather.
  Example: The freezing cold made me want to stay inside all day.

2. Collocations for Plants and Trees

Nature includes many plants and trees. We use certain words together to describe them.

Here are some common collocations related to plants and trees:

• Tall trees – Trees that are high or have a lot of height.
  Example: The tall trees in the forest blocked the sunlight.
• Dense forest – A forest with many trees close together.
  Example: We took a walk through the dense forest and enjoyed the silence.
• Wildflowers bloom – Wildflowers that are blooming or opening up, usually in the spring.
  Example: The wildflowers bloom in colorful patches all over the field.
• Creeping vines – Vines that grow slowly and spread along the ground or up trees.
  Example: The house was covered in creeping vines that looked beautiful.
• Leafy trees – Trees with many leaves.
  Example: The leafy trees provided much-needed shade during our hike.
• Evergreen trees – Trees that stay green throughout the year.
  Example: The evergreen trees in the park look beautiful, even in winter.
• Flowering plants – Plants that have flowers.
  Example: The garden is full of flowering plants that attract bees and butterflies.

3. Nature Sounds Collocations

The outdoors is filled with sounds. We use collocations to describe them too.

Here are some examples:

• Birds chirp – The sound birds make, especially in the morning.
  Example: In the early morning, birds chirp and greet the new day.
• Leaves rustle – The sound leaves make when they move in the wind.
  Example: The leaves rustle in the wind, creating a peaceful sound.
• Waves crash – The sound of waves hitting the shore.
  Example: The waves crash against the rocks, making a loud noise.
• Water flows – The sound of water moving, such as in a river.
  Example: The sound of water flowing over the rocks is so relaxing.
• Thunder rumbles – The deep, low sound of thunder.
  Example: You could hear the thunder rumble in the distance before the storm arrived.
• Wind howls – The sound of wind moving quickly through trees or buildings.
  Example: The wind howls through the night, making it hard to sleep.

4. Collocations for Describing Landscapes

Nature also includes many different kinds of landscapes.

We use collocations to describe them. Here are some examples:

• Rolling hills – Hills that are gently sloping, often found in the countryside.
  Example: We drove past the rolling hills, which looked beautiful in the sunset.
• Rocky cliffs – Steep areas of land made of rock.
  Example: The rocky cliffs at the edge of the ocean are stunning to look at.
• Barren desert – A desert with little or no life, often dry and empty.
  Example: The barren desert stretched for miles, with no sign of water.
• Vast ocean – A large, wide area of water.
  Example: The vast ocean seemed endless, stretching to the horizon.
• Snow-capped mountains – Mountains with snow at the top.
  Example: The snow-capped mountains looked beautiful in the morning light.
• Lush green meadows – Meadows that are full of green plants and grass.
  Example: The lush green meadows were perfect for a picnic.
• Tranquil lake – A calm and peaceful lake.
  Example: We enjoyed a boat ride on the tranquil lake, surrounded by nature.

5. Animal Collocations

The outdoors is home to many animals, and we use collocations to talk about them too.

Here are some common ones:

• Wild animals – Animals that live in nature, not kept by people.
  Example: We saw many wild animals during our safari trip.
• Birds of prey – Birds that hunt other animals for food, like eagles and hawks.
  Example: Eagles and hawks are examples of birds of prey that can be seen in the mountains.
• Playful dolphins – Dolphins that enjoy playing and are friendly.
  Example: The playful dolphins swam around the boat, showing off their tricks.
• Nocturnal creatures – Animals that are active at night.
  Example: Owls and bats are nocturnal creatures that come out after dark.
• Endangered species – Animals or plants that are in danger of disappearing.
  Example: Many endangered species live in the rainforest, including tigers and rhinos.
• Gentle giants – Large animals that are kind and gentle, like elephants.
  Example: The gentle giants in the zoo were loved by everyone.

6. Collocations for Outdoor Activities

When we enjoy nature, we often engage in outdoor activities.

Here are some common collocations:

• Go hiking – To walk in nature, usually in a forest, mountains, or along a trail.
  Example: We decided to go hiking in the mountains during the weekend.
• Take a nature walk – A short walk in nature, often to observe plants and animals.
  Example: We took a nature walk through the park to see the fall colors.
• Go camping – To stay in a tent or camper in nature, usually in a forest or park.
  Example: Our family loves to go camping in the summer and enjoy the great outdoors.
• Go birdwatching – To observe birds in their natural habitat.
  Example: We spent the day going birdwatching by the lake.
• Do some fishing – To catch fish, often in a river, lake, or ocean.
  Example: He loves to do some fishing at the local river every weekend.
• Have a picnic – To eat a meal outside, often in a park or near the water.
  Example: We had a picnic by the lake and watched the sunset.

7. Environmental Collocations

Finally, we often talk about the environment and ways to protect nature.

Here are some important environmental collocations:

• Protect the environment – To keep the natural world safe and healthy.
  Example: We must do our part to protect the environment for future generations.
• Save endangered species – To help protect animals that are in danger of disappearing.
  Example: Many organizations work to save endangered species from extinction.
• Reduce pollution – To make less pollution by using cleaner energy and reducing waste.
  Example: We need to reduce pollution to keep our planet clean.
• Conserve energy – To use less energy in everyday life.
  Example: Turning off lights when not needed is a simple way to conserve energy.
• Preserve natural habitats – To protect places where animals and plants live.
  Example: We should preserve natural habitats so that wildlife can survive.

Conclusion

Nature is full of beautiful sights, sounds, and experiences.

Using nature collocations will help you describe the outdoors more naturally and effectively in English.

Whether you’re talking about the weather, plants, animals, landscapes, or activities, understanding these collocations will allow you to speak with confidence.

So next time you’re enjoying the beauty of nature, try using some of these collocations to bring your description to life!