Chapter: 03. The Overcoat
Word Wonder: Adjective-Noun Collocations (Self-Learning Explanation)
Collocations are words that often go together naturally in English. They sound “right” to native speakers, whereas other combinations, even if grammatically correct, might sound “unnatural” or “off.”
Adjective-Noun Collocations are a very common type of collocation where an adjective and a noun are frequently paired. They create a more precise or vivid meaning than if you just used the words separately or tried different combinations.
Why are they important for self-learning?
Sounding Natural: Using correct collocations makes your English sound more natural and fluent, like a native speaker. Accuracy & Precision: They help you express ideas more accurately. For example, while “strong coffee” is a common collocation, saying “powerful coffee” or “heavy coffee” might sound odd, even if coffee is indeed powerful or strong. “Heavy traffic” describes the volume and density of cars, while “big traffic” doesn’t convey the same meaning effectively. Vocabulary Expansion: Learning words in pairs or groups (collocations) rather than in isolation helps you expand your vocabulary more effectively and remember words better. Instead of just learning “gossip,” you learn “idle gossip” and understand its specific nuance. Improved Writing: Using appropriate collocations enhances the quality and impact of your written work, making it more engaging and professional. How to self-learn them:
Pay Attention: As you read or listen to English, notice which words often appear together. Keep a notebook for collocations. Context is Key: Always learn collocations in context. Don’t just memorize lists; try to understand why those words fit together. Practice: Actively try to use new collocations in your speaking and writing. Use a Collocation Dictionary: There are online dictionaries specifically designed to show collocations (e.g., , Oxford Collocations Dictionary). If you’re unsure if two words go together, check! The examples provided (“idle gossip,” “clever trick,” “strong coffee,” “chilly weather,” “rich vocabulary,” “heavy traffic”) illustrate this perfectly. You wouldn’t typically say “light gossip” or “smart trick” or “cold coffee” (unless referring to temperature). These specific adjective-noun pairings have become conventional and sound correct.
Match the columns to make suitable adjective-noun collocations.
c. big decision (e.g., “Making a big decision about your career requires careful thought.”) d. good idea (e.g., “It’s a good idea to save money for emergencies.”) b. bright future (e.g., “With hard work, she has a bright future ahead of her.”) f. tight schedule (e.g., “He has a tight schedule today with back-to-back meetings.”) a. rich culture (e.g., “India is known for its rich culture and diverse traditions.”) e. heavy rain (e.g., “We had to cancel the picnic due to the heavy rain.”) 
Word Wonder - Textbook
Answers: