Collocation Meaning and Examples in English Grammar for Maharashtra Board Class 9
You might have wondered that we say “strong coffee” and not “powerful coffee” or that we say “make a decision” instead of “do a decision”. This is because some words just naturally go together in English. This phenomenon is called collocation. A Collocation is a predictable or natural combination of words. Collocations are made up of adverbs, adjectives, nouns, prepositions and verbs. This article delves into Maharashtra Board Class 9 English grammar topic Collocation, its types, examples, question types and details and some practice questions.
- Types of Collocation
- Examples of Collocation
- Collocation Question Type and details
- Exercises on Collocation – Practice Questions
Types of Collocation
Broadly collocation can be classified into 6 main types:
1. Adjective + Noun
Certain adjectives are typically used with specific nouns to sound natural.
For example,
- bright colour – Emma always wears red or yellow or some other bright colour.
- brief chat – We had a brief chat about the exams but didn’t have time to discuss them properly.
2. Noun + Verb
Some nouns are commonly paired with specific verbs, especially in business and economics.
For example,
- The economy boomed – The economy boomed in the 1990s.
- The company has grown – The company has grown and now employs 50 more people than last year.
3. Noun + Noun
Many collocations follow the pattern a … of …
For example,
- a surge of anger – As Max read the lies about him, he felt a surge of anger.
- a sense of pride – Every parent feels a sense of pride when their child does well or wins something.
4. Verbs + Expressions with Prepositions
Some verbs collocate with particular prepositional phrases.
For example,
- swelling with pride – As Jack went on stage to receive his gold medal for the judo competition, you could see his parents swelling with pride.
- filled with horror – I was filled with horror when I read the newspaper report of the explosion.
5. Verb + Adverb
Certain verbs are often used with specific adverbs to sound more natural.
For example,
- pulled steadily – She pulled steadily on the rope and helped him to safety.
- placed gently – He placed the beautiful vase gently on the window ledge.
6. Adverb + Adjective
Some adjectives are frequently paired with specific adverbs.
For example,
- happily married – They are happily married.
- fully aware – I am fully aware that there are serious problems.
Examples of Collocation
The following are some examples of collocation:
- Highly impressed- The teacher was highly impressed with your piano recital.
- smiled proudly – She smiled proudly as she looked at the photos of her new grandson.
- burst into tears – When she spilt juice on her new skirt, the little girl burst into tears.
- key issue – Improving the health service is another key issue for the government.
- Side effects – A side effect of working from a desk is having a bad back.
- Make an effort – I like my friend, but she never makes an effort to see me.
Collocation Question Type and details
In examinations, questions on collocations are designed to assess a candidate’s understanding of natural word pairings in English. Common formats include:
1. Fill-in-the-Blank Questions: Students choose the appropriate word to complete a sentence naturally.
For Example,
“I was running late, so I only had time for a _______ shower.”
2. Phrase Replacement Questions: Students identify and replace incorrect word pairings with correct collocations.
For Example,
“She made a high effort to complete the project on time.”
Correction: Replace “made a high effort” with “made a great effort.”
3. Identification Questions: Students spot incorrect or the correct collocations within sentences.
For Example,
“He has a deep knowledge of computer programming.”
Exercises of Collocation – Practice Questions
Multiple Choice Questions- Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct collocation:
1. He had to _______ profusely after arriving late to the meeting.
a) apologize
b) request
c) insist
d) argue
2. The detective was able to _______ suspicion with his odd behavior.
a) suppress
b) arouse
c) diminish
d) calm
3. Losing 5 kg in a week is not an _______ goal.
a) excessive
b) attainable
c) impossible
d) unwanted
4. Which of the following is the correct collocation?
“He is an _______ golfer.”
a) eager
b) avid
c) casual
d) irregular
5. Encouragement can help _______ someone’s confidence.
a) boost
b) drop
c) ignore
d) reduce
6. Violating a signed contract results in a _______.
a) bridge of contract
b) breach of contract
c) break of contract
d) bargain of contract
7. Education helps to _______ barriers between different communities.
a) break down
b) tear off
c) throw over
d) build up
8. The company made a _______ purchase of raw materials to save costs.
a) tiny
b) bulk
c) minor
d) marginal
9. The _______ burst, causing prices to plummet.
a) soap
b) balloon
c) bubble
d) air
10. We need to give this issue some _______ consideration.
a) careful
b) reckless
c) distracted
d) mild
11. He is just a _______ acquaintance, not a close friend.
a) formal
b) casual
c) professional
d) intimate
12. I managed to _______ a glimpse of the celebrity at the airport.
a) catch
b) grab
c) hold
d) snatch
13. The politician _______ denied all the allegations.
a) slowly
b) categorically
c) generally
d) vaguely
14. The increasing number of cases is a major _______ for concern.
a) factor
b) statement
c) case
d) cause
15. Doctors are _______ optimistic about the patient’s recovery.
a) carelessly
b) cautiously
c) completely
d) totally
16. She was asked to _______ a meeting with senior officials.
a) chair
b) manage
c) lead
d) conduct
17. The project had a _______ defined goal.
a) highly
b) clearly
c) quickly
d) rarely
18. Each country has its own _______ advantage in trade.
a) competitive
b) economic
c) cumulative
d) comparative
19. He presented a _______ argument that convinced everyone.
a) powerful
b) weak
c) compelling
d) ordinary
20. His dog was his _______ companion during tough times.
a) temporary
b) constant
c) brief
d) occasional
21. It is a common belief based on _______ wisdom.
a) modern
b) conventional
c) changing
d) ancient
22. She managed to keep a _______ head in the crisis.
a) warm
b) cool
c) icy
d) calm
23. We _______ invite you to our annual celebration.
a) informally
b) casually
c) cordially
d) plainly
24. The government introduced _______ measures to fix the issue.
a) incorrect
b) corrective
c) abrupt
d) reckless
25. He sat in _______ thought, considering his options.
a) fast
b) deep
c) shallow
d) distracted
Answers:
1. a) apologize
2. b) arouse
3. b) attainable
4. b) avid
5. a) boost
6. b) breach of contract
7. a) break down
8. b) bulk
9. c) bubble
10. a) careful
11. b) casual
12. a) catch
13. b) categorically
14. d) cause
15. b) cautiously
16. a) chair
17. b) clearly
18. d) comparative
19. c) compelling
20. b) constant
21. b) conventional
22. b) cool
23. c) cordially
24. b) corrective
25. b) deep
Collocation Exercises
Multiple Choice Questions- Phrase Replacement
Identify and replace the incorrect collocation with the correct one:
1. He failed deeply in his attempt to win the race.
a) faced the facts
b) fighting chance
c) failed miserably
d) made a valiant effort
2. She maintained a delicate decision between the two proposals.
a) delicate balance
b) growing concern
c) gentle reminder
d) heartfelt apology
3. The teacher provided clear and detailed things about the upcoming exam.
a) detailed information
b) harsh criticism
c) fighting chance
d) humble beginnings
4. She decided to leave out of school after a difficult year.
a) face the facts
b) drop out of school
c) fully appreciate
d) exercise caution
5. It’s important to exercise attention when dealing with sensitive issues.
a) exercise caution
b) hold a grudge
c) face the facts
d) freely admit
6. You must face the now in order to improve your situation.
a) fail miserably
b) face the facts
c) humble beginnings
d) great admiration
7. They tried but failed badly at the task given.
a) deeply regret
b) failed miserably
c) face the facts
d) hold a grudge
8. He knew he had a poor chance of winning the game.
a) great admiration
b) heartfelt apology
c) delicate balance
d) fighting chance
9. The company had to apply for bankruptcy due to financial problems.
a) file for bankruptcy
b) great admiration
c) growing concern
d) first-hand account
10. She gave a first-hand experience of the accident that took place.
a) fully appreciate
b) first-hand account
c) gentle reminder
d) cool head
11. He freely said his mistakes during the interview.
a) freely admitted
b) heartfelt apology
c) face the facts
d) fail miserably
12. I fully grasp the effort that you are making.
a) harsh criticism
b) face the facts
c) fully appreciate
d) exercise cautions
13. There was a request for further talking in the meeting yesterday.
a) further action
b) fighting chance
c) face the facts
d) delicate balance
14. She’s gainfully employed at a prestigious law firm.
a) gainfully employed
b) deeply regret
c) face the facts
d) first-hand account
15. The teacher harshly reminded the students to submit their assignments.
a) growing concern
b) light lunch
c) clearly defined
d) gently reminded
16. He has great dislike for the dedication shown by the volunteers.
a) deeply admire
b) harsh criticism
c) great admiration
d) face the facts
17. There’s a growing fear about the environmental impacts of the project.
a) growing concern
b) gentle reminder
c) heartfelt apology
d) harsh criticism
18. She received harsh judgment for her decision to leave the company.
a) gentle reminder
b) first-hand account
c) face the facts
d) harsh criticism
19. I owe him a casual apology for not attending his wedding.
a) heartfelt apology
b) deeply apology
c) fighting chance
d) face the facts
20. The team had a hot argument about the strategy for the next quarter.
a) face the facts
b) heated debate
c) cool chat
d) fighting chance
21. There seems to be a hidden reason behind their recent actions.
a) hidden agenda
b) detailed information
c) deeply regret
d) harsh criticism
22. She still holds a dislike against her former colleague for betraying her.
a) deeply regret
b) exercise caution
c) hold a grudge
d) file for bankruptcy
23. His story came from humble origins, but he made it big.
a) humble beginnings
b) great admiration
c) cordially invite
d) first-hand account
24. The new policy had an immediate effect on the company’s operations.
a) immediate impact
b) harsh criticism
c) gainfully employed
d) gently remind
25. He had a light meal before heading to the office.
a) light lunch
b) humble beginnings
c) growing concern
d) deep thought
Answers:
1. c) failed miserably
2. a) delicate balance
3. a) detailed information
4. b) drop out of school
5. a) exercise caution
6. b) face the facts
7. b) failed miserably
8. d) fighting chance
9. a) file for bankruptcy
10. b) first-hand account
11. a) freely admitted
12. c) fully appreciate
13. a) further action
14. a) gainfully employed
15. d) gently reminded
16. c) great admiration
17. a) growing concern
18. d) harsh criticism
19. a) heartfelt apology
20. b) heated debate
21. a) hidden agenda
22. c) hold a grudge
23. a) humble beginnings
24. a) immediate impact
25. a) light lunch
Exercise- 1 Fill in the blanks
1. He made a ___ effort to finish the project on time.
2. The teacher asked the students to ___ their assignments by Friday.
3. She has a ___ admiration for his dedication to the job.
4. We need to exercise ___ when working with sensitive data.
5. There’s a growing ___ about the changes in the education system.
6. He was filled with ___ when he heard the news of the accident.
7. I had a ___ chat with my friend about the upcoming trip.
8. They had to ___ the event due to bad weather conditions.
9. The teacher gave us ___ information about the upcoming exam.
10. The child dropped out of ___ after struggling with his studies.
11. After the meeting, the manager decided to take ___ measures to address the issue.
12. It’s important to have a ___ balance between work and personal life.
13. I would like to ___ your hard work and dedication to the project.
14. She gave a ___ of her visit to the historical site.
15. The man had to ___ after his business failed.
16. He ___ that he had made a mistake during the meeting.
17. The committee has decided to ___ the proposal next week.
18. He had a ___ chance of winning the race despite the injury.
19. It’s crucial to ___ when dealing with potential risks.
20. The manager asked us to ___ about the challenges we faced in the project.
21. She is currently ___ in a local company and enjoying her work.
22. I will ___ to my supervisor about the delay in the project.
23. The team faced a ___ decision about the new project direction.
24. The CEO gave a ___ apology for the company’s past mistakes.
25. The company had to ___ after the economic downturn.
Answers:
1. He made a great effort to finish the project on time.
2. The teacher asked the students to submit their assignments by Friday.
3. She has a great admiration for his dedication to the job.
4. We need to exercise caution when working with sensitive data.
5. There’s a growing concern about the changes in the education system.
6. He was filled with horror when he heard the news of the accident.
7. I had a brief chat with my friend about the upcoming trip.
8. They had to cancel the event due to bad weather conditions.
9. The teacher gave us detailed information about the upcoming exam.
10. The child dropped out of school after struggling with his studies.
11. After the meeting, the manager decided to take corrective measures to address the issue.
12. It’s important to have a delicate balance between work and personal life.
13. I would like to fully appreciate your hard work and dedication to the project.
14. She gave a first-hand account of her visit to the historical site.
15. The man had to file for bankruptcy after his business failed.
16. He freely admitted that he had made a mistake during the meeting.
17. The committee has decided to postpone the proposal next week.
18. He had a fighting chance of winning the race despite the injury.
19. It’s crucial to face the facts when dealing with potential risks.
20. The manager asked us to report about the challenges we faced in the project.
21. She is currently gainfully employed in a local company and enjoying her work.
22. I will gently remind my supervisor about the delay in the project.
23. The team faced a difficult decision about the new project direction.
24. The CEO gave a heartfelt apology for the company’s past mistakes.
25. The company had to file for bankruptcy after the economic downturn.
Exercise- 2 Identify the collocation
Identify the collocation in the following sentences:
1. We were given a rough estimate of the costs for the project.
2. After a quick glance at the document, she could tell it needed further revisions.
3. The investigation uncovered the root cause of the production delays.
4. We hope everything will run smoothly during the event.
5. If you don’t follow the safety guidelines, you could run the risk of serious injury.
6. They were able to settle a dispute between the two parties without further escalation.
7. His constant doubts about the company’s future shook his confidence.
8. She just shook her head when she saw the unexpected results.
9. We sincerely hope you can join us for the celebration next weekend.
10. You should always seek sound advice before making such important decisions.
11. His sound judgment helped the team make the best decision under pressure.
12. Having a steady income provides financial security for the family.
13. The company is facing stiff competition in the market.
14. It’s strictly forbidden to bring outside food into the theater.
15. The manager gave me a straight answer when I asked about the project deadline.
16. She needed to take out a loan to fund her business expansion.
17. The new marketing strategies have started to show tangible results in customer engagement.
18. The field of technological advances is constantly evolving with new innovations.
19. It was a total shock to hear that the company was closing down.
20. He often gives unsolicited advice about how to improve my business.
21. The allegations were based on an unsubstantiated claim with no solid evidence.
22. She looked at the news in utter disbelief, unable to comprehend the tragedy.
23. The name sounded vaguely familiar, but I couldn’t remember where I’d heard it before.
24. During the meeting, he decided to voice his opinion about the recent changes in policy.
25. The vast majority of people supported the new initiative in the company.
Answers:
1. rough estimate
2. quick glance
3. root cause
4. run smoothly
5. run the risk
6. settle a dispute
7. shook his confidence
8. shook her head
9. sincerely hope
10. sound advice
11. sound judgement
12. steady income
13. stiff competition
14. strictly forbidden
15. straight answer
16. take out a loan
17. tangible results
18. technological advances
19. total shock
20. unsolicited advice
21. unsubstantiated claim
22. utter disbelief
23. vaguely familiar
24. voice his opinion
25. vast majority
Conclusion
Mastering collocations is an important skill for enhancing fluency and accuracy in both written and spoken English. By practicing common word pairings, such as those used in everyday situations and professional contexts, students can improve their language skills. This article provides you with a detailed account of collocations, their types, examples, question types, and practice question to improve your grasp and understanding of common and natural word pairings, i.e, collocations.