Collocative words are words that often appear together due to their natural linguistic pairing. Understanding these word combinations can enrich your vocabulary and help you express yourself more fluently. Here are some examples of collocative words in sentences, along with their meanings:
1. Break the Ice
- Sentence: "He told a funny anecdote to break the ice at the beginning of the meeting."
- Meaning: To do or say something to ease tension or start a conversation in a social situation.
2. Catch Someone's Eye
- Sentence: "The vibrant colours of the painting caught my eye as I entered the gallery."
- Meaning: To attract someone's attention visually or make something noticeable.
3. Run a Business
- Sentence: "She successfully runs a business that specialises in handmade crafts."
- Meaning: To manage or operate a business.
4. Heavy Traffic
- Sentence: "I left early to avoid the heavy traffic during rush hour."
- Meaning: A large number of vehicles on the road, causing slow movement or congestion.
5. Bitterly Cold
- Sentence: "The wind made the winter day feel bitterly cold."
- Meaning: Extremely cold and unpleasantly chilly.
6. Make a Decision
- Sentence: "After careful consideration, she finally made a decision about her career."
- Meaning: To choose or come to a conclusion after evaluating options.
7. Sharp Contrast
- Sentence: "The modern architecture of the building stood in sharp contrast to the historic surroundings."
- Meaning: A distinct and noticeable difference between two things.
8. Raise Awareness
- Sentence: "The campaign aims to raise awareness about environmental conservation."
- Meaning: To draw attention to a particular issue or topic in order to inform or educate.
9. Take the Lead
- Sentence: "He always takes the lead in group projects, organising tasks, and delegating responsibilities."
- Meaning: To assume a leading or guiding role in a situation.
10. In Deep Thought
- Sentence: "She sat by the window, lost in deep thought about her future plans."
- Meaning: Engaged in intense thinking or contemplation.
11. Pay Attention
- Sentence: "During the lecture, it's important to pay attention to the key points the professor is making."
- Meaning: To focus one's mind on something and give it proper consideration.
12. Strongly Recommend
- Sentence: "I strongly recommend trying the new restaurant; the food is excellent."
- Meaning: To suggest something with a high level of enthusiasm and belief.
By incorporating collocative words into your vocabulary, you can enhance your language skills and communicate more naturally. Recognising these word combinations will not only help you understand the nuances of English expression but also enable you to use language more effectively in various contexts.
