List of CollocationsSome common verbs

havedomake

have a bathhave a drinkhave a good timehave a haircuthave a holidayhave a problemhave a relationshiphave a resthave lunchhave sympathy

do businessdo nothingdo someone a favourdo the cookingdo the houseworkdo the shoppingdo the washing updo your bestdo your hairdo your homework

make a differencemake a messmake a mistakemake a noisemake an effortmake furnituremake moneymake progressmake roommake trouble

takebreakcatch

take a breaktake a chancetake a looktake a resttake a seattake a taxitake an examtake notestake someone's placetake someone's temperature

break a habitbreak a legbreak a promisebreak a recordbreak a windowbreak someone's heartbreak the icebreak the lawbreak the news to someonebreak the rulescatch a ballcatch a buscatch a chillcatch a coldcatch a thiefcatch firecatch sight ofcatch someone's attentioncatch someone's eyecatch the flu

paysavekeep

pay a finepay attentionpay by credit cardpay cashpay interestpay someone a complimentpay someone a visitpay the billpay the pricepay your respectssave electricitysave energysave moneysave one's strengthsave someone a seatsave someone's lifesave something to a disksave spacesave timesave yourself the trouble

keep a diarykeep a promisekeep a secretkeep an appointmentkeep calmkeep controlkeep in touchkeep quietkeep someone's placekeep the change

comegoget

come closecome complete withcome directcome earlycome firstcome into viewcome lastcome latecome on timecome preparedcome right backcome secondcome to a compromisecome to a decisioncome to an agreementcome to an endcome to a standstillcome to terms withcome to a total ofcome under attackgo abroadgo astraygo badgo baldgo bankruptgo blindgo crazygo darkgo deafgo fishinggo madgo missinggo on footgo onlinego out of businessgo overseasgo quietgo sailinggo to wargo yellowget a jobget a shockget angryget divorcedget drunkget frightenedget homeget lostget marriedget nowhereget permissionget pregnantget readyget startedget the impressionget the messageget the sackget upsetget wetget worried

Miscellaneous

TimeBusiness English

bang on timedead on timeearly 12th centuryfree timefrom dawn till duskgreat deal of timelate 20th centurymake time fornext few dayspast few weeksright on timerun out of timesave timespare timespend some timetake your timetell someone the timetime goes bytime passeswaste timeannual turnoverbear in mindbreak off negotiationscease tradingchair a meetingclose a dealclose a meetingcome to the pointdismiss an offerdraw a conclusiondraw your attention tolaunch a new productlay off staffgo bankruptgo into partnershipmake a lossmake a profitmarket forcessales figurestake on staff

Fixed Expression

during the dayat nightin the meantimein the next few+NOUNfor the time beinga remote chanceIts not likely thatto quit a jobto remember to+INFto forget to+INFfor the most partmany years agoIts been a long time sinceIn my opinionUnder/given the circumstancesIm taken aback thatTo get the billAt full speedTo take ones time + gerundTo take responsibility forTo get/be accustomed/used toFor the sake ofIn order toTo hurry up andTo speed upTo slow downTo have money saved upTo be bored out of ones mindOut in the openIn secretTo be sure/certain ofWide openShut tightThe fact thatTo say the leastWatch out (for)!To be in trouble (with sbdy.)Sorry to bother/trouble you, butWould you mind if?To go wrongGo away!Lets get goingTo be short/missing aSomething is missing (from)In the middle of the nightTo be mistaken aboutLets check it outTo make sure thatTo be taken by surpriseTo strongly disagreeTo decide between (2 choices)To make up ones mind (about)To have plans (for)It isnt worth it!Its not worth the trouble (of/to+gerund)To take part in smthg.To have trouble+gerundOn the way toTo have time for smthg.For freeTo my amazementTo keep in mind thatTo relate to/with sbdy.To keep smthg.+adj.To have a hunch thatI cant help (doing it)To keep sthg up to dateTo have feelings forTo keep sbdy. Informed (of smthg.)To keep under controlTo keep track ofFor just a+time wordTo show up forTo show up early/lateTo have a knack forTo be partial toTo do away withFor exampleTo go over smtg (fig)To manage toTo take note ofTo take notice ofTo make up for smthg.To put stock inTo save up (for)At the time, I(that was)back whenBack then,For the record,For as long as I can remember,To lose sleep overOh, come on!Im just kidding!For what its worth,To be right/wrong aboutTit for tat/an eye for an eye, a tooth for a toothTo have a strong need forTo be nervous aboutTo be jealous ofTo be in doubt ofIf I were you, IIf I were in your shoes, IIt bothers me thatTo no endTo get involved withTo meddle in sbdys business/affairsSomething elseSomewhere elseSomeone elseSomething moreTo be a good deal ($)A good deal of...(part.)To be a good ideaTo be disgusted with/byTo be interested inEnough+nounEnough of+(part.)Adj+enoughTo worry about smthg.To be concerned withTo take smthg into considerationTo withhold informationTo reach an understanding (of)To reach/come to an agreementTo come to the conclusion thatTo strike a compromiseTo make friends withTo stand forTo stand up againstOnce in a whileTo start to+gerundTo stop quit+gerundTo be good for+gerundTo be qualified to...To go well withTo snack on smthg.To get ready forWith all ones mightTo be afraid ofOut of+emotionTo lose track ofTo have a taste forLack of+NOUNTendency for/towards/toTo sort outBehind sbdys backWithout warningFor funTo look up to sbdy.To look down on sbdy.To frown upon smthg.To turn onTo turn offTo get away with smthg.In all honesty,To tell the truthTo tell a lieTo brag aboutTo talk trash about sbdy.To help out with smthg.To give comfort toTo mistake smg/sby forConcrete detailsTo be uncomfortable with smthg.To hint at smthg.To be annoyed by smg.To save the best for lastFirst of allIn the futureIn the pastRight nowThe past few+time wordTo change ones mindTo switch+NOUN+with sbdy.To advise against smthg.To give good/bad adviceA detailed explanationI bet thatThe kind of thing thatAs an example ofAn (un)biased opinion aboutA beautiful view (of)To turn/hand in...Current eventsIt all happened so suddenlyTo bring aboutTo catch up withTo ask for helpTo make a soundTo be located in/at/etcA change of+NOUNTo find out aboutTo leave for+NOUNIn memory ofBefore longTo get ripped off (by)To go for a rideTo go for a walkWhy dont weTo get ahead (fig)To get ahead of ones self (fig)To be running ahead/behind (at)I used to+INFTo fall apartTo fall offIn denialTo get a second chanceOne more time/once moreTo beg forIt goes without saying thatTo hold ones breathOut of breathYoure gonna make itRest assured thatTo get hold of smg.To do ones dutyIn painTo lead astrayTo have a head/stomach acheSpare changePocket moneyTo take a break/restTime to killTo look like+NOUNIn mint conditionIn good/bad conditionIn powerTo rise to powerTo get a raise ($)The sun comes up/goes downTo have/get a flat tireTo break up with sbdy.To take off (clothing)To put onDown on ones luckTo wake upTo fall asleepTo have no idea aboutTo talk sbdy out of smg.It makes (no) senseTo say goodbyeThe right/wrong wayIts for the best thatSome dayTo be enough/not enoughHeres to(toast)To leave behindYou had betterTo pack ones bagsTo take forever (at)It seems likeTo take notesTo come for a visitTo take picturesTo make musicFirst things firstTo run into smthg.To give in (to)To have a hangoverUnder ones breathTo smell like+NOUNTo scream/yell at sbdy.Every minute/momentEvery day/week/monthOnce/twice per+TIMERight before ones eyesTo act as ifTo be happy/pleased with/aboutOtherwise,Off-roadTo get/turn off (of)To be related toTo have a good memoryA sense ofHard/easy to findIn jail/in prisonTo make progress (with)To work onTo find ones wayTo get lostNo more/anymoreTo slip and fall (on)On the weekendTo have/take a sick dayNo time forIn/out of touch withTo lose control ofOut of reachWithin reachTo spend the+TIME(+doing smg.)To be in luckA table for#To take it easyTo feel wrongedTo come/stop by (at)To pass through (smwr.)A friend of mine/his/etcOne of myA littleA lotIn piecesOn the mendTo return the favorTo do a favor forWithin rangeOut of the areaSmall townBig cityTo run up (a bill/tab)To get over+NOUNFew and far betweenTo look into smg. (fig)To feel sorry forTo pretend to+INFTo let go of smg. (lit/fig)To feel sorry forTo have fun+gerundTo have a good/bad timeGood night!To wish someone wellTo set freeLet go!Call me+adj. (e.g. crazy)Scared to deathTo go crazyTo have a problem withTo take turns (at)or(+gerund)The rest ofTo go for a hikeAll night longTo try to+INFTo be confused aboutTheres a chance thatThis is between (you and me)/(him and her)How comeTo make a fuss overTo know aboutTo know how toBy any means necessaryIn debt/indebted toA pile ofTo make good moneyAll over/around townOut of townTo take smg. SeriouslyAt face valueBy lawAccording toTo put up with smg.To deal withTo make clearIn bedAt the tableTo trust in sbdy.Topic of conversationTo have faith inTo take effectTo sign up forIn connection withTo come across asTo get a point acrossTo be ignorant ofIn the aftermath ofFor no reasonTo crash intoTo get into an accidentIn an emergencyTo have/get the feeling thatTo have the courage toA wide variety ofTo go on a date (with)To be married engaged toIts common senseTo keep a secretTo be in conflict withCompared to/withTo stop forOn the side of the roadTo feel threatened (by)To score a goal (sports)To apply for a jobReally?Out for lunch/dinnerTo fall in love withIn alphabetical orderTo fail at+gerundIt sounds good/badA turn for the worseTo make a difference(in)To finish+gerundTo succeed atTo be kicked out ofTo be good/bad atTo be based onTo refrain fromIn the way ofTo be ashamed ofTo be embarrassed byIn/out of fashion/styleTo take over+NOUNIn that case,In the event thatA long way to goTo sing to sbdy.To think aboutNot quite as+adj.+asIn silenceIn compliance withTo take care ofTo be impressed with/byTo take advantage ofOn a dietTo be homesickFrozen/fresh foodOn iceOn tapTo hope forTo give credit toTo disobey ordersAs usualTo allow sbdy. ToTo put/place emphasis onFor dinner/for breakfastThe cause forA strange turn of eventsTo make known thatTo work as a teamTo insist on+gerundPlenty ofAt midnightAt noonTo be close/nearbyTo offer a solutionTo travel the worldTo check forThats what I thoughtTo be cut off (from)To be prejudiced towardIn favor ofMore or lessToo much+NOUNWith careI guess/suppose thatUp to#amount(time, $, etc)Its up to youWhen it comes to,To show weakness/strengthTo give credit toTo take credit forTo be aware ofTo drive sbdy crazyUnder stressIt doesnt matter thatTo take offense (at)To have the courage toTo come to the rescue of sbdy.On purposeTo do the right/wrong thingTo make a decisionTo see what happensTo talk at great length aboutTo raise/lower taxes/prices/etc.To pay attention toFor the benefit ofIn the short/long termIn harms wayAs a matter of factIn demandA shortage ofTo take the blame forTo suffer the consequences forTo be attracted toThe whole story/pictureTo be drawn toward/toTo give someone the benefit of the doubtTo be of assistance (to)With the exception ofTo take placeTo take sides (with)For profitTo give smg a tryYou dont get itTo go blindTo turn a blind eye toTo the best of my knowledge,To a certain degree/extentTo go bankruptWithout a doubtTo believe in smg.To focus on smg.To be crazy about smg.To handle smthg well/badly (emotional)In a bindTo put into questionTo get dressedTo put onTo take offParalyzed with fearFor the good ofFor the greater goodIt will do you some good (to)To be in a rageTo get worked up (about)To confused smthg with smthg elseTo trip over smthg.In/out of line (with)Sense of decencyRight to privacyUnder attackTo take inventory (of)To make a list (of)To be charged withTo be (found) guilty (of)To put in jail/prisonTo be in charge (of)To take charge (of)To sentence sbdy toLife in prisonThe death penaltyTo be acquitted (of)To face factsTo be ignorant of...The reality (of the situation) isWhat about?Who is to blame (for)?At fault (for)At risk (of)To look out overTo dream of/aboutTo sympathize withTo take a liking toTo have a (firm) grasp ofNever againTo take it easyTo take it slowOnce again,For lack of better words,To play along withTo show ones true colors,at best,(to put) on the air (radio)to settle a/the matteronce and for allto decline an invitationto accept an invitationto refuse to+gerundto live up to smthg.To make smg better/worseTo leave smg aloneDrop it! (lit&fig)The damage is doneTo be in/out of luckFame and fortuneTo have high/low expectations (for)Regarding X matter,to put a dent in smthg.to barely/hardly be able to do smthg.To nearly/almost do somethingTo carry smthg outTo put into actionIn effectTo draw attention toTo admit defeatTo save/lose faceTo keep in touch with sbdy.To be out of touch with realityQualities in+NOUN(To use an) approach toTo fill in the blank(s)To fill up the tankTo run on emptyBecause of+NOUNTo have an eye/ear for smthg.To take a shot at smthg.Without regard forDifference of opinionConflict of interestsTo be attentive to detailsFor saleFor rentIn/out of useTo feel inferior toAt the moment,Living situationAt war withWhat to+INFIn/out of focusIn need ofThe ability toTo move on (from)Its a matter of+NOUNIn/out of shapeTo stay in shapeTo be accepted to/atTo resist temptationSometimes I wonder,To live in fear ofTheres no reason thatTo assert authorityTo have authority overIts not a big deal ifFull-time jobPart-time jobTo interview for a jobTo be represented byTo be a symbol ofTo compare smthg withTo agree on an issueTo go on a tripTo see the best inTo give in to (pressure)Under pressureFor the rest of the+TIMETo go abroadA change of plansIn the militaryIn a good/bad moodTo work for+NOUNTo get inspiration fromTo make a recording (of)To end up+gerundTo wish/hope forTo push for smthg.To face adversityHearing lossTo make smg officialProportionate toTo escape unharmedTo get away fromOver my dead body!To have good standing (in)To get a loan (from)By the timeTo keep a secretTo test ones luckTo be available forOn guard forAt leastAt the spur of the momentOn the spotDisregard forTake-out foodTo work through a problemUp for grabsOn a (adj.) basisOnly on the condition thatTo put effort into smthg.a+NOUN+like thatNot only,but alsoOn its own meritOut with the old, in with the newTo be compensated forTo spend the night (at)To stay with sbdy.To be such a...To make smg a priorityTo give a speech (about)To have an impact (on)To render sbdy. speechlessA shining example of...To meet in the middle (fig.)Set in ones waysTo right a wrongTo get even with sbdy.One thing left to doOut of+NOUN (lack)To refresh ones memoryTo turn up/down the volumeA wide variety ofYou dont belong here!To bring back to lifeAt a high/low pointOn ones ownFor personal gainTo come to the surfaceFor lifeFor good (final)Banned+NOUNTo starve to deathDying of thirstTo take an examTo pass a/the testTo stay in schoolPer hourPer dayBy the weekBy the monthTo vanish without a traceTo be prone toToo ADJ+for ones own goodTo see the point inThe point of smthg.A firm believer inTo set a good exampleTo set smthg in stoneA change of heartTo get a foot ones foot in the door (fig.)To feel dizzyTo feel drowsyAt seaOn landTo get sea-sickUp in the airTo have second thoughts about smthg.To breathe a sigh of relief (about)To gasp for airTo take the lead (in)To lead sbdy onTo not know any betterRight nowJust a minute agoas hard as one canto enjoy+GERUNDOn vacationTo be busy doing smg.Its up to youTo drive over/under the speed limitTo get pulled over by the policeTo get arrested (by)To not have a penny to ones nameTo stay awakeTo stay up lateTo get up earlyOn timeTo hold the door (for)In anticipation ofWhat do you make of this?One of lifes lessonsOne step at a timeAll at onceLittle by littleAt a glanceAt first glanceTo make excuses (for)To show respect (for)In the mailTo put to the sideOn the sideTo have good/bad mannersTo mind ones own business (about)A preconceived notion (about)before its too lateto see/recognize a pattern/trendto be in chaosto bring order toto trouble sbdy. for smg.To agree to do smthg.To go back on ones word (about)To turn someone in (THE LAW)Law and orderTo keep the peaceTo become obvious thatTo wish smg. on sbdy.To have legal troublesTo be held responsible (for)To be a big fan (of)To convince sbdy ofIn the streetsOut in the coldIn the sunIn the shadeIn the snowWhat is going on?In traffic/in a traffic jamTo get a ride to(work)Who knows?To get on/off (pub trans)To take time off (work)Leave of absenceOn callTo tie ones shoesAll the way toThe whole time...To be missingAn attempt at+gerundFigure of speechTo take pride inTo be proud ofTo manage to do smthg.A good nights sleepA night of drinkingTo be up all nightA hard days workTo find out for ones self (about)To find out thatTo be far along (with)A bundle ofTo sympathize withTo go shopping (for)To go hunting (for)To go fishing (for)to need a break (from)I cant tell if/whetherTo be obsessed withThe idea/notion thatTo show ones appreciation (for)To be skilled at/inTo be trained for/atTo be thankful forTo be obedient to (authority)To be confused aboutTo be out of breathTo condemn sbdy forTo say harsh words toTo bite the bullet andA snide remarkTo increase productivityAn unlikely scenarioTo have free timeTo surrender to smthg.In memory ofTo be getting lateTo be getting coldTo warm upTo cool down/offTo be freezingTo have hard feelings about smthg.To breed contemptTo have contempt forAll things consideredTo be better off+gerundTo commit a crimeTo swear an oath (to)To keep/break a promiseA means to do smthg.To come up with the money (for)to feel like doing smthg.A misguided effort (to)To keep a clean houseTo be brutally honestTo hurt sbdys feelingsApology accepted!To drag ones feet (fig)Out and aboutNever mind!To complain about smg.At odds with sbdy.To beat the oddsOn the coastTo go through customsTo make drama (about)A healthy environmentTo protect the environmentTo calm down (about)To consider every possibilityTo calm ones nervesTo be satisfied withTo conduct an interviewTo take smg for grantedTo be amused by smthg.to no endBack and forthTo no endTo let smthg happenTo get over smthg.To stand in the way of progressWork in progressIn the process ofIn the middle ofTo remind sbdy of smthg.A particular place and timeTo come to the aid/assistance ofTo come to the rescueTo refresh ones memoryA lack of common senseDue toTo make a good/bad impression on sbdy.Compared to/in comparison withTo have an advantage over sbdy.A first impression ofTo have power overIn publicTo get in the way (of)To take shots (alcohol)To be certain of smthg.To admit faultTo have a fight (with)To hold smthg against sbdy.To treat sbdy/smg likeTo be different fromThanks toBecause ofTo take a napOn top ofto wait in line (for)over and over (again)Its a tie!To have the right of wayOn the fence (fig)In search/pursuit ofIn the pastIn the present day and ageTo prove a pointTo prove ones worthIts a case ofThe right amountIt is beyond all understanding whyFull ofJust in time forTo pick sbdy up (from)To hand in (home)workTo hand smthg outTo do choresTo shoot at sbdy/smthg.To be in a hurryTo yell/scream at sbdy.Out loudTo let out a noise (sigh/laugh/scream/etc)To knock on a doorTo keep smthg/sbdy in mindA waste of timeTo know how to+INFTo spy on sbdy.To shed light on smthg. (fig.)How often?To demand restitutionIn courtOn trialTo lower ones standardsA sip ofA bite ofTo repair damageA giant+NOUNTo be critical ofTo go to bedTo get up in the morningThe answer to (a question)To promise to+INFOn displayThe meaning of smthg.To be mean to sbdy.To treat sbdy with kindness/crueltyTo give an explanation (of)To owe sbdy a favorTo lock ones self out (of)For the love ofTo go in the direction ofIts your turn!To get rid of smthg.To deprive sbdy of smg.To beg for forgivenessTo keep quietTo be upset about smg.To play in a bandThe/an opportunity toTo interact withTo inform sbdy aboutTo be allowed to+INFTo be eager to+INFTo eagerly await smthg.To do nothing butTo have good/bad social skillsTo be knowledgeable aboutTo be skilled atTo take sbdy hostageA day off workTo sign up for smthg.To make fun of smthg.To run out of timeTime is running outTo be available forTo make comments aboutIn/out of contextTo make up for lost timeIts nice to.for a changeA change of sceneryTo lose ones train of thoughtThe majority ofTo make up for lost timeTo have good/bad intentionsTo culminate in+NOUNTo have (no) patience forTo suffer fromTo kick/punch sbdy in the(body part)To drop sbdy off atIn the wildInstead of+gerundTo apologize forFor the duration ofTo talk on the phone (with sbdy.)To be angry with sbdy.In good/bad tasteTo have good taste (in)To say smthg without thinkingwithout giving a thought toTo think smthg throughTo react to smthg/sbdy.On ones kneesOn footIn good/bad healthTo go barefootA sense of decencyIt is a sign thatTo be opposed toBack then,In a nutshell,To lay down ones life (for)To be plagued by guiltTo be a metaphor forTo climb treesTo climb up a (specific) treeLand/sea/forest-dwelling animalTo jump off a building/bridgeTo go to a meetingIn a war zoneThe height of smg.The width of smg.The length of smg.X+measurement+high/wide/longAt the height of+NOUN (an empire/an age/etc)What color is?As punishmentTo spend money onTo have the potential to/forTo wreak havoc onTo come up with/devise a planTo lift weightsTo share smg with sbdy.At all/not at allTo suffer the consequences (for)Of X heritage (e.g. Scottish)To be honest with ones selfTo step outside for some fresh airTo follow ones instinctsTo devote ones self toTo step asideTo dampen sbdys spiritsTo make a/the prediction thatTo spend ones life doing smthg.On the verge of+gerundThe thing is,It depends onTo look forward toAt the thought ofTo pride ones self in/onTo lose consciousnessTo knock sbdy unconsciousTo lead a (ADJ) lifeTo flip a coin (for)To roll the dice (for)To proceed with cautionA stack/pile ofA deck of cardsTo play cardsAt willAt randomOn commandAt a lossIn a state ofIn crisisTo perform surgeryTo perform a playA work of artTo go on a rampageTo throw a partyTo throw a temper tantrumI welcome the opportunity toTo accept a/the challengeA set ofTo play poolTo play chessTo play dartsTo play X-ballTo swim laps (in pool)A jack of all tradesBy professionTo lend ones support toTo plan on+gerundTo smell likeFrom now on,To get straight to the point (of)To lose focus (of)The main idea (of)To recommend smg to sbdy.To keep on scheduleTo gain/lose weightTo have a preference forI would rather.To dress up asTo win a prizeTo get exerciseTo make a connection betweenTo mix 2 things togetherOf special interest (to)To bring smg to a boilTo have an air of+QUALITYA wad/clump ofResulting in+EFFECTTo set sail (on)The high seasTo force sbdy to+INFTo be suspected of+gerundTo catch sbdy off guard (at/while)In hindsightWell-disciplinedTo have no disciplineIn slow motionTo be kicked out of/expelled fromTo get fired (from)To be open/closed-mindedTo be disappointed byTo take smthg at face valueFrom what I can tell,To be caught in a vicious circleTo pollute the environmentTo contribute to smthg.What kind ofis X?In/out of tuneTo sing off keyTo apply for a jobA positive/negative environmentTo be considerate/act considerately towardTo care about smthg.The way of the worldTo play an instrumentTo strum onTo have talent (for)To be mindful ofTo make a transition toTo invite sbdy toTo get a flat tireTo have a spare/extra+NOUNTo step on the accelerator/gasTo step on the brakesTo fall victim toTo watch a movieTo look after (children)To mow the lawn/grassTo set smg apart from smg elseTo stand in for sbdy.To find a replacement forTo have down-timeTo pass out while/in the middle ofTo stay awake for smthgIn advance (of)Over time,To have unintended consequencesIn/with regards to smg.To reduce smg to smg.To turn smg into smg (else)To hold on toTo receive preferential treatment (for)Thats (not) my first choiceLend me your ear!It will only take a moment/minute/secondIn the scheme of things,To scheme/plot to do smthg.To keep smg as a petTo prevent firesTo put out a fireTo keep/prevent smthg from happening (to)To happen to sbdy.The moral of the story isTo make/lose a betTo declare warTo go to churchTo go to war