Top 20 Important Collocations for IELTS

Courtney Miller

7 min read

Updated On Nov 28, 2024

Collocations are crucial for mastering English, especially for IELTS Writing. If you want to boost your IELTS Writing score, check out the 20 essential collocations that can transform your essay and help you achieve a higher band in Task 2!

Collocations for IELTS and their Importance
Most Important Collocation Patterns for IELTS
20 Essential Collocations to Master for IELTS Writing
Common Errors While Using Collocations for IELTS
Tips on Using Collocations in IELTS Writing

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It is widely acknowledged that collocations play an important role in second language learning, particularly at the intermediate and advanced levels. However, it is noticeable that IELTS exam learners often face difficulties with collocations.

In this blog, we will learn what is collocation, common collocation structures and collocation words that will help you achieve Band 7 or above. So, mastering these essential collocations for IELTS Writing and Speaking can make all the difference!

Collocations for IELTS and their Importance

Collocations are the natural combination of words or the correct arrangement of words in a sentence. They enhance the improvement of learners’ oral communication, listening comprehension, and reading speed, and teaching collocation enables learners to be aware of language chunks used by native speakers in speech and writing. Native speakers use these combinations intuitively, so using them correctly can boost your writing score by making it sound more natural and advanced. For instance, instead of saying make a decision, using reach a decision or take a stance can elevate your response.

Collocations for IELTS show the examiner that you have a natural grasp of English. Collocations make your writing more fluid and professional, and help you achieve a higher IELTS band score, especially in the Lexical Resource category.

Most Important Collocation Patterns for IELTS

There are some specific patterns of collocation for IELTS that will not enhance your writing answers but also come in handy for your IELTS Speaking exam.

In the table below, we have listed the most important collocation patterns for IELTS preparation, categorized by their usage in speaking and writing tasks.

Collocation Pattern	Usage/Context	Examples
Verb + Noun	Used to express actions related to personal achievements, academic goals, and problem-solving scenarios.	Make a decision, Take a risk, Gain experience, Achieve success, Solve a problem
Adjective + Noun	Useful for describing trends, qualities, and evaluations in IELTS Writing Task 2 and Task 1.	Strong argument, Rapid growth, Significant improvement, High demand, Key factor
Noun + Noun	Commonly used in topics related to society, environment, and economics.	Crime rate, Education system, Job market, Cost of living, Climate change
Verb + Adverb	Essential for describing changes and performances in IELTS Writing Task 1 or Speaking.	Speak fluently, Perform well, Increase dramatically, Rise sharply, Function effectively
Adverb + Adjective	Adds precision and intensity to descriptions, useful in both writing and speaking.	Deeply concerned, Highly skilled, Extremely important, Widely accepted, Slightly higher
Preposition + Noun	Essential for structured arguments and cohesive writing in both tasks.	In conclusion, On purpose, At risk, By chance, Under pressure
Verb + Preposition	Explains relationships and dependencies in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3.	Depend on, Rely upon, Lead to, Result in, Cope with
Adjective + Preposition	Useful for opinions and discussions in Speaking and Writing.	Interested in, Concerned about, Familiar with, Responsible for, Capable of
Noun + Preposition	Perfect for describing trends and analyses in Writing Task 1 and Task 2.	A solution to, An increase in, A decrease in, The reason for, The effect of

20 Essential Collocations to Master for IELTS Writing

Here's the list of 20 collocations to boost your IELTS Writing Task 2 score and improve your overall writing score as well.

Collocation	Meaning/Usage	Example Sentence
To play/have a(n) important/key/vital/crucial role in (doing) something	To be essential or critical in achieving something.	University education plays a crucial role in improving the quality of the human workforce.
To make significant/substantial/valuable/great/outstanding contribution to something	To add value or improve something significantly.	The medical advances have made outstanding contributions to public health care.
To solve the problem	To find a solution to a specific issue.	Whoever created this problem should solve it.
To be key factors influencing something	To be the main causes affecting something.	The number of vehicles used is the key factor influencing pollution.
To reap the benefits (of something)	To gain advantages or profits from something.	The customers reap the benefits of globalization.
To be a contributing factor	To be one of the primary causes of something.	The vaccination program has been a contributing factor in the improvement of health standards.
To contribute to something	To cause or help bring about something.	Alcohol contributes to 100,000 deaths a year in the US.
To gain/derive benefit (from something)	To obtain an advantage or profit from something.	Many students derived enormous benefit from the course.
To have a right to do something	To be entitled to perform an action.	Everyone should have the right to freedom of expression.
To benefit greatly/enormously/considerably from something	To gain significant advantages from something.	Many thousands have benefited considerably from the new treatment.
To have/enjoy/achieve a huge/great success in doing something	To experience or accomplish significant achievements.	We want all our students to achieve huge success in the exam.
To launch a full-scale investigation into something	To begin an extensive inquiry into an issue.	The authorities are planning to launch a full-scale investigation into the crash.
To meet the need of/demand	To fulfill or satisfy a requirement or request.	The charity exists to meet the needs of elderly people.
To fulfil a role/duty/function/aim/goal/objective/dream/ambition/hope	To successfully perform or achieve something.	Visiting Disneyland has fulfilled a boyhood dream.
To fulfil a requirement/condition/obligation	To meet or satisfy a specific condition or duty.	Britain was accused of failing to fulfil its obligations under the EU Treaty.
To fulfil a promise/pledge	To keep a promise or commitment.	I’d like to see him fulfil his promise to reorganize the army.
To satisfy somebody’s needs/demands/desires/requirements	To meet someone’s expectations or desires.	The program is designed to satisfy the needs of adult learners.
To have/gain knowledge/understanding of something	To acquire information or comprehension about a subject.	There is a need to gain knowledge about birth control.
To have/make common cause (with/against)	To work together for a common goal or against a common issue.	Officials expect other Western governments to make common cause with them over the arrests.
To cause somebody to do something	To provoke or compel someone to take action.	What caused you to change your mind?

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Common Errors While Using Collocations for IELTS

Collocations are essential for achieving a high score in IELTS Writing and Speaking, as they demonstrate a strong grasp of natural English. However, incorrect use of collocations can affect coherence and lower your IELTS band score.

Below are common mistakes candidates make while using collocations, along with tips to avoid them.

Error	How to Avoid It	Example of Incorrect Usage	Example of Correct Usage
Using Incorrect Word Combinations	Certain collocations are fixed, and some words don't naturally pair together. Practice collocations in context.	Make a crime	Commit a crime
Overusing Basic Collocations	Repeated use of basic collocations (e.g., ‘very important’) can sound repetitive. Use more varied and advanced phrases.	The environment is very important. Pollution is a very big problem.	The environment plays a crucial role. Pollution poses a significant challenge.
Misusing Collocations in Context	Ensure that the collocation is suitable for the subject and context.	The government should reap the benefits of reducing unemployment.	The citizens should reap the benefits of government efforts to reduce unemployment.
Mixing Formal and Informal Collocations	Mixing informal (e.g., ‘loads of people’) with formal collocations can affect tone. Be mindful of the formality required in IELTS.	The data shows that loads of people face difficulties in finding a job.	The data shows that a significant number of people face difficulties in finding a job.
Overloading Sentences with Collocations	Using too many collocations in one sentence can make it sound unnatural. Focus on clarity and avoid over-complicating.	The government needs to take drastic measures to address the serious issues of rising unemployment and increasing inflation, which are causing numerous adverse effects on the economy.	The government must take decisive action to address unemployment and inflation, which significantly impact the economy.
Relying on Memorized Collocations Without Adaptation	Memorizing collocations without understanding how to apply them to different topics can lead to mistakes. Learn in context.	The graph plays a crucial role in human survival.	The graph illustrates a significant trend in population growth over time.

Tips on Using Collocations in IELTS Writing

Collocations for IELTS are essential aspects of IELTS vocabulary that will boost your score as well as improve your language skills in the long run. So, go through these tips to use the collocations for IELTS.

Collocations need to fit naturally within your topic. Practice using them in sample essays to get a feel for the context.
While collocations can boost your score, overusing them may sound forced. Aim for a balance—about 4-5 collocations in a Task 2 essay can work well.
Don’t rely on the same collocations in every essay. Practice and expand your list as much as possible to keep your writing varied and natural.
Noticing how high-scoring essays use collocations can inspire your own writing. Read widely to identify effective usage.

Take your IELTS Writing to the next level! Enroll in our IELTS online classes to build a strong vocabulary and achieve your target band score.

Mastering collocations is a surefire way to improve your IELTS Writing score. They demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of English, making your essay more engaging and convincing. Start incorporating these essential collocations in your practice essays, and with consistent effort, you'll see your writing improve significantly!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to use collocation in IELTS?

Using collocations correctly in IELTS can boost your band score. Practice incorporating them naturally into speaking and writing, focusing on common topics like education, health, the environment, and technology. Avoid basic phrases like ‘very important’ and use advanced collocations such as ‘crucial role’ or ‘significant impact’. Ensure your collocations match the tone and context of the question, and practice using them in various sentence structures to enhance fluency and coherence.

What are the 7 main types of collocation?

The 7 main types of collocations are:
Verb + Noun
Adjective + Noun
Noun + Noun
Adverb + Adjective
Verb + Preposition
Noun + Preposition
Adjective + Preposition

Why are collocations important for IELTS?

Collocations are important because they help you speak and write naturally, as native speakers do. Using them correctly can significantly improve your IELTS score by enhancing your fluency and coherence, particularly in the Speaking and Writing sections.

How can I learn collocations for IELTS?

The best way to learn collocations is to practice them in context. Read newspapers, academic articles, and sample IELTS materials to identify common word pairings. Use online resources, collocation dictionaries, and IELTS preparation books to study them.

Can I use any collocation in IELTS Speaking?

While you can use a wide range of collocations in IELTS Speaking, ensure they are appropriate for the context and tone of the conversation. Avoid overly formal collocations in casual questions, and vice versa.

How do collocations help improve IELTS Writing?

In IELTS Writing, using correct and varied collocations helps demonstrate your lexical resource and language proficiency. This can lead to higher marks, as it shows you can use advanced vocabulary naturally, making your writing sound more academic and fluent.

How do I avoid mistakes with collocations in IELTS?

To avoid mistakes, study collocations in depth and practice them regularly. Pay attention to context and ensure that you’re using the correct word combinations. Also, avoid overusing the same collocations and focus on diversifying your vocabulary.