English Grammar Lesson

Words that belong together.

Unlock the secret to natural-sounding English. Learn how to combine words perfectly, inspired by the "Messaging Through Time" lesson.

What is a Collocation?

A collocation is a pair or group of words that are often used together in a way that sounds correct to native speakers.

Unnatural (Wrong)

"I did a mistake."

"Quick food"

Natural (Collocation)

"I made a mistake."

"Fast food"

From "Messaging Through Time"

The text about the history of communication is full of rich collocations. Using these specific combinations makes your storytelling more vivid and precise.

Dawn of time

The beginning of history.
"Since the dawn of time, people have communicated..."

Deliver a message

To take a message to someone.
"Methods of delivering messages..."

Come to light

To become known or revealed.
"Happier stories have also come to light."

Face-to-face

In person, directly.
"Forget how to communicate face-to-face."

Lesson Focus: Contact & Touch

Based on Exercise 2, here are the key verbs that go with "Contact" and "Touch".

Establish contact
Maintain contact
Lose contact / touch
Pass on a message
Interactive Zone

Test Your Knowledge

Scroll down to complete both challenges below!

Challenge 1: Word Matcher

Connect the words that belong together.

Instructions

Tap a word on the left, then tap its partner on the right.

Matches Found: 0 / 6

Challenge 2: Context Quiz

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

Fill in the Blanks

Question 1/5

Expand Your Vocabulary

Master these common combinations to sound more like a native speaker. We've categorized them to help you memorize them easily.

MAKE
Creating & Causing "Make a..."
  • Make a mistake
  • Make an effort
  • Make a decision
  • Make noise
  • Make friends
  • Make a plan
  • Make progress
  • Make a difference
DO
Tasks & Activities "Do the/your..."
  • Do your best
  • Do damage
  • Do homework
  • Do a favor
  • Do the laundry
  • Do business
  • Do nothing
  • Do the dishes
HAVE/TAKE
Common Actions Active verbs
  • Have a chat
  • Have fun
  • Take a break
  • Take a chance
  • Take a seat
  • Have a good time
  • Take notes
  • Have a problem
GO / GET
Changes & Movement Becoming something
  • Go abroad
  • Get ready
  • Go crazy
  • Get married
  • Get lost
  • Go missing
  • Get started
  • Go bankrupt
PAY/KEEP
Responsibility Abstract actions
  • Pay attention
  • Keep a secret
  • Pay a fine
  • Keep in touch
  • Keep a promise
  • Pay respect
  • Keep calm
  • Pay cash
BREAK/CATCH
Events & Incidents Sudden actions
  • Break a leg
  • Catch a cold
  • Break the ice
  • Catch the bus
  • Break a habit
  • Catch fire
  • Break the law
  • Catch someone's eye