Strong, fixed and

Ex: I was walking to and fro (= I was

Weak collocations
walking in one direction and then in the
opposite direction, a repeated number of
times).
 Idioms (are focused on in “English
Idioms in Use).
C. Weak collocations
- This type is made up of words that
collocate with a wide range of other
A. Strong collocations words.
- A strong collocations is one in which the
words are very associated with each Ex: You are in broad agreement with
other. someone (= generally in agreement with
them).
Ex: “mitigating” almost always collocates
with “circumstances” or “factors”  However, “broad” con also be used with a
Although she was found guilty, the jury felt number of other words: a broad avenue, a
there were mitigating circumstances. broad smile, broad shoulders, a broad accent
(a strong accent), a broad hint (a strong hint)
collocation comment and so on.
Inclement (very formal) = unpleasant
weather was weather.
expected.
She has auburn “auburn” only collocates with
hair. words connected with hair (e.g.
curls, tresses, locks).
I felt = extremely happy
deliriously
happy.
The chairperson = have a pause/ rest during a
adjourned the meeting/ trial.
meeting.
EXCERCISES:
B. Fixed collocations Ex 2.1.
- Fixed collocations are the collocations
- a broad accent
so strong that they cannot be changed in
any way. - in broad agreement
- mitigating circumstances
- mitigating factors
- auburn hair
- deliriously happy
 - a broad smile
- a picturesque location
- adjourn a meeting
- a picturesque town
- adjourn a trial
- inclement weather
Ex 2.2.
- Melissa has quite a broad Scottish
accent,
- Inclement weather led to the cancellation
of the President’s garden party.
- We were all deliriously happy when we
heard we’d won the award.
- Their new home was in a picturesque
location.
- Because there were mitigating
circumstances, the judge let him off with
a warning.
- I think we should adjourn the meeting
now and continue it tmr.
- She had a broad smile on her face when
she arrived.
- She had lovely auburn hair.
- I think we’re in broad agreement as to
what should be done.
EX 2.3.
1. Extremely hot/ tired/ expensive (W)
2. Make/ require/ be an effort (S)
3. Cancel a class/ a meeting/ a match/ an
agreement (W)
4. Deliver a letter/ a warning/ a baby/ goods
(W)
5. Earn/ make/ scrape a living (S)