Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[hanygeorge38]

Dear Teachers,

Could you please explaine to me what the collocation is with
some examples ?

Thanks
_________________
hany

[cgage]

Defination: act of placing together; arrangement
Example: The collocation of words in a sentence varies from language to language.

[advoca]

A collocation is a technical term used in linguistics to mean the way that some words occur regularly whenever another word is used.

For example, we talk about a burning desire (but not a blazing desire). We might say we had a blazing row with somebody (but not a burning row with somebody).

You can be a heavy smoker and a devoted friend (but not a devoted smoker or a heavy friend).

You can find a golden opportunity (but not a golden chance). You can change your mind (but not change your thoughts).

You can find learning grammar slightly annoying (but you could not find learning English slightly interesting).

You can feel a stiff breeze (but not a stiff wind).

You can rise to the occasion (but not get up to the occasion).

He might be a smooth talker (but he cannot be a smooth writer).

Collocations are simply conventional combinations, which most English-speaking persons feel sound natural.

[bigdave]

I never knew that...
what a clear explanation with great use of examples.
_________________
Sincerely,
David

P.S. Advice to students who are frustrated and unhappy with their progress in language learning. http://www.esl-education-network-online.com/SpeedEnglish

[missdaredevil]

Sorry,
Do you mind explaing "You can *rise* to the occasion'?

Thanks

[bud]

To rise to the occasion is used when a person very successfully completes a task for which he/she seemed incapable of completing.

Everyone was amazed that Bill was chosen to host the talent show. He is so shy that he hardly ever says a word to anyone. But he rose to the occasion, and even had everyone rolling in their seats (laughing uncontrollably) as he introduced each act.