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30+ Popular Adjective and Noun Collocations in English

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Adjective and noun collocations are a fundamental aspect of English language learning. As we progress in our language acquisition, we learn how to use adjectives to describe nouns in a way that makes our speech and writing more precise and expressive. However, it is important to note that not all adjectives can be used with all nouns.

Adjective and Noun Collocations

In English, adjectives and nouns often go together in specific ways. These combinations are called adjective and noun collocations. Understanding these collocations is essential for effective communication in English.

Some adjective and noun collocations are straightforward, such as “hot coffee” or “red car.” However, others can be more complex and require a deeper understanding of the language. For example, we say “heavy rain” but “strong wind.” Knowing which adjectives to use with which nouns can make a big difference in how well you communicate.

There are several types of adjective and noun collocations, including:

  • Adjectives that describe a quality or characteristic of a noun, such as “beautiful flowers” or “smart student.”
  • Adjectives that indicate a quantity or amount, such as “a few friends” or “many books.”
  • Adjectives that express an opinion or evaluation, such as “interesting movie” or “delicious food.”
  • Adjectives that convey a sense of size or dimension, such as “tiny apartment” or “huge building.”

It’s important to note that not all adjectives can be used with all nouns. For example, we say “strong coffee” but not “powerful coffee.” Similarly, we say “heavy rain” but not “big rain.” By understanding which adjectives can be used with which nouns, you can avoid making common mistakes and communicate more effectively.

In summary, understanding adjective and noun collocations is essential for effective communication in English. By knowing which adjectives can be used with which nouns, you can avoid common mistakes and express yourself more clearly and accurately.

Common Examples of Adjective and Noun Collocations

As writers, we know that using the right adjectives with the right nouns can make our writing more descriptive and engaging. In this section, we will explore some common examples of adjective and noun collocations that you can use in your writing.

Descriptive Adjectives and Nouns

Descriptive adjectives are used to describe the characteristics of a noun. When used with the right noun, they can create vivid images in the reader’s mind. Here are some examples of descriptive adjective and noun collocations:

Adjective Noun
Beautiful Scenery
Delicious Food
Spacious Room
Comfortable Bed

Quantitative Adjectives and Nouns

Quantitative adjectives are used to describe the amount or quantity of a noun. They are often used with measurements or numbers. Here are some examples of quantitative adjective and noun collocations:

  • A few books
  • Five apples
  • Two cups of coffee
  • Several people

By using these adjective and noun collocations, we can make our writing more descriptive and engaging. However, it is important to use them appropriately and avoid overusing them.

List of Adjective and Noun Collocations

Adjective + “Relationship”

  • Close
  • Strong
  • Weak
  • Paradoxical
  • Interdependent
  • Friendly
  • Good
  • Happy
  • Harmonious
  • Healthy
  • Broken
  • Failed
  • Fragile
  • Poor
  • Stormy
  • Strained
  • Uneasy
  • Troubled
  • Intense
  • Intimate
  • Special.

Adjective +”Rate”

  • High
  • Low
  • Increasing
  • Decreasing
  • Rapid
  • Sluggish
  • Slow
  • Fast
  • Average
  • Steady
  • Overall
  • Downward
  • Upward
  • Accelerating
  • Competitive
  • Cheap
  • Moderate
  • Reasonable

Adjective + “Role”

  • Key
  • Central
  • Important
  • Crucial
  • Vital
  • Insignificant
  • Significant
  • Minor
  • Major
  • Decisive
  • Leading
  • Positive
  • Prominent

Adjective + “Increase/decrease”

  • Big
  • Consider
  • Enormous
  • Exponential
  • Huge
  • Large
  • Major
  • Marked
  • Massive
  • Substantial
  • Vast
  • Moderate
  • Modest
  • Small
  • Apparent
  • Rapid
  • sharp
  • Steady
  • Fivefold
  • Overall
  • Slight
  • Gradual
  • Significant
  • Dramatic
  • Large
  • Surprising
  • Expected
  • Unexpected
  • Net
  • Corresponding
  • Staggering

Adjective + “Difference”

  • Slight
  • Subtle
  • Minor
  • Key
  • Insignificant
  • Large
  • Marked
  • Noticeable
  • Significant
  • Major
  • Important
  • Growing
  • Vital
  • Essential
  • Fundamental

Adjective + “Change”

  • Slight
  • Small
  • Minor
  • Major
  • Great
  • Significant
  • Noticeable
  • Abrupt
  • Fundamental
  • Dramatic
  • Profound
  • Gradual
  • Drastic
  • Sudden

Adjective+”Trend”

  • Upward
  • Downward
  • Growing
  • Short-Term
  •  Long-Term
  • Key
  • Overall
  • General
  • Underlying
  • Reserve
  • Accelerating
  • Predominant
  • Irreversible
  • Discernible

Adjective and Noun Combinations | Image

Adjective and Noun Collocations

ESLBUZZ

Sunil Ranjan

Wednesday 31st of August 2022

Commendable effort. Best wishes.