Collocations

Certain words ‘go together’. Such ‘word friends’ are called collocations. The collocation of a word is ‘the company it keeps’.

For example, look at the paired sentences and phrases below. Which is a common collection, and which one is odd? Strike out the odd sentence or phrase.

(a) ● How old are you?

● how young are you?

(b) ● a pleasant person

● a pleasant pillow

A. Here are some nouns from the text.

Culture monks surprise experience weather tradition

Work with a partner and discuss which of the nouns can collocate with which of the adjectives given below. The first one has been done for you.
Unique terrible unforgettable serious ancient wide sudden

(i) culture: unique culture, ancient culture

(ii) monks:

(iii) surprise:

(iv) experience:

(v) weather:

(vi) tradition: