A collocation is two or more words that often go together. These combinations just sound 'right' to native English speakers, who use them all the time. On the other hand, other combinations may be unnatural and just sound 'wrong'.
He loves fast food. - correct
He loves quick food. - not correct
In English, collocations are widely used and carry the meaning. It is also the way native speakers speak.
There are several different types of collocation made from combinations of verb, noun, and adjectives, and they are widely tested in the FCE.
It is important to notice how the verb after a collocation sometimes changes into the ING form.
Here is a list of some common collocations used for the FCE:
TAKE INTO ACCOUNT - CONSIDER
INSTEAD OF - IN PLACE OF
FAR AS I AM CONCERNED - IN MY OPINION
LOSE MY TEMPER - GET ANGRY
AT LEAST - AS A MINIMUM
KNOW HOW TO - BE ABLE TO
GET IN TOUCH WITH - CONTACT
GET USED TO - COMFORTABLE WITH
HAVE TROUBLE - FIND DIFFICULT
HAVE DIFFICULTY - HAVE PROBLEMS WITH
FIND YOUR WAY BACK - RETURN
MEAN TO - INTENTIONAL
MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR - FACILITATE
LIKE TO KNOW - UNDERSTAND
MAKE ANY SENSE - BE LOGICAL
PAY ATTENTION TO - FOCUS ON
WOULD YOU MIND - DO YOU CARE
NO POINT - UNNECESSARY
NO CHANCE - NO POSSIBILITY
NOTHING APART FROM - EXCEPT FOR
NOTHING LEFT - FINISHED
UNDER CONTROL - NOT FREE
NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN - THE SAME
NO COMPARISON BETWEEN - DIFFERENT
FINISHED BY - THE LAST ACTION
Considering that Luke is so young, you must admit he's making excellent progress as a musician.
ACCOUNT
If you (1) young Luke is, you must admit he's making excellent progress as a musician.
He didn't buy a present for her, but he gave her some money.
INSTEAD
He gave her some money (2) present.
In my opinion, they're the best band in the world.
CONCERNED
They're the best band in the world as (3) .
I got angry because of the assistant's attitude.
MADE
The assistant's attitude (4) temper.
There are a minimum of seven classes a week during the course.
LEAST
The course consists (5) seven classes a week.
My sister can't drive so she hasn't got her own car.
KNOW
My sister (6) drive so she hasn't got her own car.
I regret not contacting Brian when I was in Dublin.
TOUCH
I wish that I (7) Brian when I was in Dublin.
Are you familiar with his teaching style yet?
USED
Have you (8) his teaching style yet?
I find it difficult to follow the instructions.
TROUBLE
(9) the instructions.
Mary didn't find it difficult to pass her driving test.
DIFFICULTY
Mary (10) driving test.
We got lost coming home from the leisure centre.
WAY
We couldn't (11) from the leisure centre.
Luke knocked over the old lady's bicycle by accident.
MEAN
Luke (12) knock over the old lady's bicycle.
I've already planned my next holiday.
MADE
I've already (13) my next holiday.
John is interested in knowing more about astronomy.
LIKE
John (14) more about astronomy.
I couldn't understand the instructions for my new DVD player.
SENSE
The instructions for my new DVD player didn't (15) .
Dan never takes any notice of my advice.
ATTENTION
Dan never (16) my advice.
I'm sorry, could you wait for a moment, please?
MIND
I'm sorry, (17) for a moment, please?
I'd rather you didn't use that mobile phone in here,' said the librarian.
MIND
'Would (18) that mobile phone in here?' said the librarian.
The film will have started, so it's not worth going to the cinema now.
POINT
The film will have started, so (19) in going to the cinema now.
'We really don't need to leave early,' said Elena.
POINT
'There's really (20) early,' said Elena.
/ 0034 616 39 58 80
contact@englishaula.com