Here is a series on collocations with examples from major newspapers and magazines. I will keep writing more articles on interesting collocations in the future as well. So, watch this space with interest if you want to grasp this idea.

Let us first begin with the recent earthquake and the resulting Tsunami in Indonesia.

A massive tsunami triggered by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit Palu, an Indonesian city, today. Strong aftershocks continued to hit the city throughout the day.

It was not just a tsunami (noun) but a MASSIVE (adjective) tsunami. As you know, collocations are used to emphasize something about a noun. Similarly, the nature of aftershocks (noun) was that they were STRONG (adjective).

Let us read a bit more about the Tsunami mentioned above:

We are yet to receive comprehensive reports about the extent of the damage. But, we are sure that the communications are cut and there has been an extensive damage to the property. The people are being treated in the makeshift medical camps.

Again, note that the nature of reports (noun) is that they are COMPREHENSIVE (adjective). Moreover, the area suffered EXTENSIVE (adjective) damage (noun). Here’s a long collocation – MAKESHIFT (adjective – temporary structure), MEDICAL (adjective), camps (noun).

Let us now come to another news:

The U.S government has recently suffered the first crash in its hugely expensive F-35 fighter jet program. The pilot managed to safely eject and there were no injuries. This is one of the most advanced jets in the world and its advanced stealth allows it to avoid radar.

There are FIVE beautifully constructed collocations in this paragraph. You can use them in speaking as well as writing module.

RECENTLY (adverb) is used qualify the verb – suffered. When did the US suffer? Recently. That’s the time element.

What is the nature of F-35 (noun)? Hugely (adverb) expensive (adjective). It is not just expensive, it is HUGELY expensive. That’s a qualifier to a qualifier.

The pilot could eject (verb – to safely leave a place) in time. What was the nature of eject? SAFELY (adverb).

Similarly, this jet (noun) is not only advanced (adjective) but MOST (adverb) ADVANCED (adjective). What is the nature of stealth (noun – something that can’t be seen easily)? Its ADVANCED (adjective).

Previous Lesson: Lessons in Speaking– Collocations.

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