Have you ever heard of “collocation”? Collocation refers to the way words pattern together in speech and writing.

Here is an example of classical mistake Indonesians usually make related to collocation: make homework (membuat PR).

Literally, “make homework” sounds right because “make” = membuat; “homework” = PR (Pekerjaan Rumah). But actually it’s not.

Yes, the right one is “do homework” and that’s what collocation is. :) “@c_2L: do homework kah?”

Very good. :) “@Twinkletata: another example, nyari uang: make money.”

Collocations are not part of grammar, but they make use of grammar, and are part of what it means to use English naturally.

Examples of collocation: a bunch of flowers, take care, do homework, arrive at, go wrong. Who knows other examples? :)

Qs & As

Q: @mutheafajriah: what’s the different between collocation and idiom

A:

Q: @vitaliciouss: What’s the difference between collocation & phrasal verb?

A: 

Source: An A – Z of English Grammar & Usage by Geoffrey Leech et al.

Compiled and written by @NenoNeno at @EnglishTips4U on August 23, 2014