Recommended level: Intermediate (B1)
This page features a list of English noun and preposition collocations. Collocations are words which commonly go together. In plain language, you can also think of them as "word combinations."
Why is it important to learn collocations? Because first-language speakers use them all the time, and if you use the wrong preposition with a noun, for instance, it can sound strange to a first-language speaker. Many of them are also quite logical, while others are not.
The list below is alphabetized by preposition. Keep in mind that prepositions need objects, so all of the phrases below must be followed by something. Also, many nouns have multiple collocations. I have done my best to select the most common combinations. Finally, I have added indefinite articles in front of the majority of phrases to remind learners that determiners (a, an, the, my, your, this, that, etc.) are necessary for singular countable nouns. I hope you find this list of noun and preposition collocations--and the example sentences!--useful.
50 Noun and Preposition Collocations
ABOUT
an argument about
"They had an argument about money." (It's also common to use the verb and preposition collocation, "argue about.")
(a) concern about
"People in our neighbourhood have expressed some concerns about the new condo units which are being built around the corner."
confusion about
"There has been some confusion about the work schedule."
a conversation about
"We had a conversation about Mina's school grades."
a decision about
"We haven't made a decision about whether or not we're going to sell the house."
a story about
"She wrote a story about her childhood."
a question about
"The employees have been asking questions about their holiday bonuses."
BETWEEN
a conflict between
"How long has the conflict between the two countries been going on?"
a connection between
"Is there a family connection between you two? You look exactly alike!"
a difference between
"There's a difference between knowing what to do and actually doing it."
a distance between
"There's a massive distance between the two cities."
a gap between
"The gap between the rich and the poor gets bigger and bigger."
a link between
"There's a proven link between smoking and lung cancer."
a relationship between
"What's the relationship between Edna and Rodrigo?"
FOR
a basis for
"What's the basis for your conclusion?" (also: basis of)
a cure for
"Researchers are still trying to find a cure for cancer."
a demand for
"There's no demand for this product right now."
an explanation for
"We'll need to provide an explanation for this mistake."
a need for
"Our hospitals have a growing need for skilled doctors."
a reason for
"She couldn't give me a good reason for her lateness."
room for
"We need to make room for Agatha's luggage."
IN
a belief in
"He has a strong belief in the value of hard work and consistency."
a change in
"Have you noticed any changes in his behaviour?"
confidence in
"She doesn't have much confidence in the company's integrity."
a decrease in
"The mayor's policies have led to a decrease in violent crime."
an increase in
"Recently, we have seen a significant increase in sales."
an interest in
"Jodi has taken an interest in drawing."
success in
"Have you had any success in convincing George to join us?"
OF
an advantage of
"The advantages of working from home are many."
a chance of
"My weather app says there's a sixty percent chance of snow this afternoon."
the cost of
"People don't often think about the cost of freedom."
a lack of
"There's a severe lack of resources at this school." ("a lack of" means "an absence of")
the meaning of
"Do you know the meaning of this word?"
a photo of
"Can we get a photo of the whole family? Come over here, everyone!"
a possibility of
"The possibility of war is quite low, but we should still pay attention."
ON
a ban on
"The province has decided to place a ban on cellphones in classrooms."
a [book/article/essay] on
"I read an essay on this topic last week." (also: a [book/article/essay] about)
a comment on
"I left a comment on her blog."
an effect on
"Insults have no effect on me. They say more about the other person than me."
an impact on
"My aunt had a major impact on my taste in movies when I was younger."
pressure on
"Her boss is putting a lot of pressure on her this month."
an update on
"Have you received any update on the file?" (also: an update about)
TO
attention to
"You need to pay attention to your mother's health."
a reaction to
"He has a bad reaction to the sleeping medication."
a solution to
"Have you figured out a solution to the problem?"
a threat to
"Do you believe that he's a threat to democracy?"
WITH
an appointment with
"Have you made an appointment with the lawyer yet?"
experience with
"Do you have any experience with animals?"
a problem with
"They're having some problems with their new car."
trouble with
"I'm having some trouble with my insurance company."
Thank you for learning English with me. If this list was useful to you, consider buying a PDF, e-Book, or paperback version of one of my books to continue boosting your English vocabulary. You will also help me to continue making quality learning resources for English learners and teachers. Thank you for your support! Until next time, I wish you much success!
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