Collocations for PSLE | 150 Natural Word Pairings

Collocations for PSLE are natural word partnerships such as make a decision, take responsibility, strong evidence and heavy rain. A pupil may know every word separately and still produce awkward English if the partnership is wrong. This guide gives 150 useful collocations for upper-primary composition, cloze, editing and oral English, then shows how to retrieve and transfer them under examination pressure.

Searches for collocations PSLE often sit beside PSLE vocabulary lists, composition phrases, vocabulary cloze, phrasal verbs and commonly confused words. The shared problem is fluency. Dictionaries tell us what words can mean; collocation tells us what words naturally keep company. That is why make progress sounds normal while do progress does not, even though both verbs are common.

Learn the whole chunk, then learn its boundaries. Retrieve one half from the other, paraphrase the meaning, and use the collocation in a fresh sentence. Use this page with the Singapore Vocabulary Guide and the eduKate Vocabulary Learning System for the wider P1-to-GP vocabulary estate.

Quick Read

150 collocations across verb, adjective, academic and social groups.
Store the whole chunk rather than isolated words.
Compare natural and unnatural alternatives.
Retrieve from one-half cues.
Transfer into composition, cloze, editing and oral answers.

The short answer

Collocations are conventional combinations. They are learned best as meaningful chunks, not as rules that can always be calculated. A learner should know the chunk, understand the meaning, notice the grammar, and be able to paraphrase it.

150 natural collocations for PSLE

Make

1. make a decision

Store make a decision as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

2. make an effort

Store make an effort as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

3. make a mistake

Store make a mistake as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

4. make progress

Store make progress as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

5. make a suggestion

Store make a suggestion as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

6. make a difference

Store make a difference as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

7. make a choice

Store make a choice as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

8. make a promise

Store make a promise as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

9. make an attempt

Store make an attempt as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

10. make a plan

Store make a plan as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

Take

11. take responsibility

Store take responsibility as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

12. take action

Store take action as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

13. take a break

Store take a break as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

14. take a risk

Store take a risk as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

15. take part

Store take part as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

16. take notes

Store take notes as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

17. take care

Store take care as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

18. take a look

Store take a look as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

19. take advantage

Store take advantage as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

20. take turns

Store take turns as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

Have

21. have difficulty

Store have difficulty as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

22. have a chance

Store have a chance as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

23. have an effect

Store have an effect as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

24. have an idea

Store have an idea as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

25. have access

Store have access as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

26. have confidence

Store have confidence as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

27. have patience

Store have patience as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

28. have permission

Store have permission as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

29. have experience

Store have experience as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

30. have a reason

Store have a reason as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

Give

31. give advice

Store give advice as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

32. give permission

Store give permission as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

33. give support

Store give support as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

34. give an example

Store give an example as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

35. give attention

Store give attention as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

36. give a warning

Store give a warning as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

37. give an explanation

Store give an explanation as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

38. give evidence

Store give evidence as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

39. give a speech

Store give a speech as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

40. give someone time

Store give someone time as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

Do

41. do homework

Store do homework as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

42. do research

Store do research as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

43. do one’s best

Store do one’s best as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

44. do damage

Store do damage as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

45. do exercise

Store do exercise as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

46. do a favour

Store do a favour as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

47. do the right thing

Store do the right thing as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

48. do business

Store do business as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

49. do a task

Store do a task as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

50. do well

Store do well as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

Keep

51. keep calm

Store keep calm as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

52. keep a promise

Store keep a promise as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

53. keep a secret

Store keep a secret as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

54. keep in touch

Store keep in touch as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

55. keep a record

Store keep a record as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

56. keep an eye on

Store keep an eye on as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

57. keep control

Store keep control as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

58. keep quiet

Store keep quiet as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

59. keep safe

Store keep safe as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

60. keep moving

Store keep moving as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

Adjective + noun

61. heavy rain

Store heavy rain as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

62. strong evidence

Store strong evidence as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

63. serious problem

Store serious problem as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

64. major decision

Store major decision as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

65. deep concern

Store deep concern as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

66. close friend

Store close friend as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

67. clear explanation

Store clear explanation as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

68. high priority

Store high priority as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

69. great effort

Store great effort as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

70. strict rule

Store strict rule as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

Adverb + adjective

71. deeply concerned

Store deeply concerned as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

72. genuinely grateful

Store genuinely grateful as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

73. highly anxious

Store highly anxious as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

74. pleasantly surprised

Store pleasantly surprised as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

75. bitterly disappointed

Store bitterly disappointed as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

76. deeply embarrassed

Store deeply embarrassed as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

77. truly delighted

Store truly delighted as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

78. slightly nervous

Store slightly nervous as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

79. visibly relieved

Store visibly relieved as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

80. perfectly calm

Store perfectly calm as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

Academic

81. draw a conclusion

Store draw a conclusion as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

82. raise a question

Store raise a question as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

83. reach an agreement

Store reach an agreement as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

84. conduct an experiment

Store conduct an experiment as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

85. analyse evidence

Store analyse evidence as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

86. identify a pattern

Store identify a pattern as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

87. support a claim

Store support a claim as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

88. provide an example

Store provide an example as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

89. consider a factor

Store consider a factor as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

90. solve a problem

Store solve a problem as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

Communication

91. ask a question

Store ask a question as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

92. answer clearly

Store answer clearly as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

93. express an opinion

Store express an opinion as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

94. raise a concern

Store raise a concern as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

95. offer an explanation

Store offer an explanation as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

96. make a request

Store make a request as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

97. issue a warning

Store issue a warning as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

98. deliver a speech

Store deliver a speech as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

99. hold a discussion

Store hold a discussion as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

100. share information

Store share information as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

Time

101. spend time

Store spend time as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

102. save time

Store save time as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

103. waste time

Store waste time as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

104. take time

Store take time as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

105. on time

Store on time as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

106. in time

Store in time as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

107. from time to time

Store from time to time as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

108. for the time being

Store for the time being as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

109. at the same time

Store at the same time as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

110. over time

Store over time as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

Change

111. bring about change

Store bring about change as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

112. undergo change

Store undergo change as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

113. adapt to change

Store adapt to change as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

114. make improvements

Store make improvements as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

115. show progress

Store show progress as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

116. recover quickly

Store recover quickly as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

117. reduce risk

Store reduce risk as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

118. increase awareness

Store increase awareness as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

119. develop skills

Store develop skills as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

120. build confidence

Store build confidence as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

Problem-solving

121. face a challenge

Store face a challenge as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

122. overcome an obstacle

Store overcome an obstacle as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

123. find a solution

Store find a solution as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

124. consider an option

Store consider an option as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

125. set a priority

Store set a priority as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

126. manage a risk

Store manage a risk as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

127. prevent damage

Store prevent damage as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

128. repair a mistake

Store repair a mistake as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

129. handle pressure

Store handle pressure as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

130. meet a need

Store meet a need as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

School

131. sit an examination

Store sit an examination as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

132. revise a topic

Store revise a topic as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

133. complete an assignment

Store complete an assignment as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

134. meet a deadline

Store meet a deadline as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

135. follow instructions

Store follow instructions as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

136. pay attention

Store pay attention as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

137. ask for help

Store ask for help as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

138. check an answer

Store check an answer as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

139. correct an error

Store correct an error as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

140. learn from feedback

Store learn from feedback as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

Social

141. show respect

Store show respect as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

142. build trust

Store build trust as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

143. offer help

Store offer help as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

144. accept responsibility

Store accept responsibility as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

145. resolve a conflict

Store resolve a conflict as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

146. keep a promise

147. share fairly

Store share fairly as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

148. listen carefully

Store listen carefully as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

149. work together

Store work together as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

150. support a friend

Store support a friend as one usable chunk. Paraphrase it in plain English, replace one component with a tempting alternative, and decide whether the new combination remains natural. Then write the correct collocation in a fresh sentence and retrieve it again after a delay.

Why collocation matters

Vocabulary accuracy is not only definition accuracy. “Heavy rain” and “strong rain” are understandable, but standard English strongly prefers the first. Collocation knowledge makes language sound more natural and speeds production because the learner retrieves a ready partnership instead of assembling every sentence from scratch.

Choose five collocations from different groups above and apply this principle. After studying them, close the page and write a short paragraph containing at least three naturally. Remove any chunk that sounds forced and explain why.

The Fencing Method

Fence each chunk with one natural neighbour and one unnatural alternative. “Reach a conclusion” can sit beside “draw a conclusion”; “make a conclusion” is usually not the standard choice. Contrast makes the boundary memorable.

Collocation in cloze

A cloze blank may have two options that both match the topic. The words immediately beside the blank can decide the answer. Ask what partnership the sentence expects, then test grammar and meaning.

Collocation in composition

Use collocations to make common ideas precise without sounding over-decorated. “Take responsibility” often does more useful work than a longer moral phrase because it names the exact action or attitude.

Collocation and register

Some chunks are conversational, some neutral, some more formal. A situational-writing request may need “raise a concern” rather than “complain about”; a personal dialogue may prefer ordinary language. Register is part of naturalness.

Retrieval

Cover the second half and retrieve it: make a ___, heavy ___, draw a ___. Then reverse the cue. Bidirectional retrieval strengthens access and catches partnerships that are only familiar when seen.

Transfer

Move the chunk through composition, oral, cloze and editing. Change the subject and tense while keeping the partnership stable. Transfer proves that the collocation belongs to the learner, not only to the original list.

Revision

If a sentence sounds strange, underline the verb-noun or adjective-noun partnership and test alternatives. Sometimes the grammar is correct and the collocation is the real problem.

30 transfer drills

Drill 1

Pick five collocations from different groups. Use one in a composition sentence, one in a cloze frame, one in a formal message, one in an oral answer and one in an academic explanation. Twenty-four hours later, retrieve the same five from one-word cues and create five new sentences.

Drill 2

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Frequently asked questions

Are collocations fixed expressions?

Some are very fixed; others allow limited variation. Learn the common partnership first, then notice acceptable alternatives in reading.

Should pupils memorise all 150?

No. Work in small sets and revisit them across tasks.

Can a dictionary show collocations?

Good learner dictionaries often provide common combinations and example sentences.

How do collocations help cloze?

They can eliminate options that fit meaning loosely but do not combine naturally.

How do collocations help composition?

They make common ideas precise and fluent without relying on ornate language.

Can collocations vary by register?

Yes. Formal and conversational contexts can prefer different combinations.

How should parents practise?

Give one half and ask for the partner plus a sentence.

What shows mastery?

Fast, accurate retrieval and natural use in unfamiliar sentences.

Final principle

Fluent vocabulary is relational. Learn words with the company they keep. The more accurately a pupil can retrieve and adapt those partnerships, the less writing feels like searching for individual pieces and the more it feels like choosing among meaningful chunks.

Continue through the Singapore Vocabulary Guide and eduKate Vocabulary Learning System.

eduKate SG

Collocations for PSLE: 150 Natural Pairings Markers Expect