Hello and welcome. Today’s lesson has two purposes:
- To explain collocations—words that commonly go together.
- To introduce alliteration—a writing technique where words begin with the same sound or letter.
These two features often overlap, and when they do, the combination is easier to remember and more stylish in writing. Let’s explore 11 collocations that also use alliteration.
What Are Collocations?
Collocations are natural pairings or groups of words. For example:
- You do homework (not make homework or take homework).
They reflect how native speakers naturally use the language. Some collocations are idiomatic (their meaning changes when words are paired), while others are simply common patterns.
What Is Alliteration?
Alliteration is when two or more words start with the same letter or sound, such as fast and furious or crystal clear. In writing, this creates rhythm, emphasis, and memorability.
11 Collocations with Alliteration
1. Feel Free
Meaning: “Go ahead,” “help yourself,” or “don’t hold back.”
- Can I use your computer? — Yes, feel free.
It’s a polite way of giving permission.
2. Crystal Clear
Meaning: Extremely clear or easy to understand.
- Is the explanation clear? — Yes, crystal clear.
Used for strong emphasis when there’s no doubt or confusion.
3. Special Someone
Meaning: A romantic partner such as a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife.
- She’s my special someone.
Note: Someone special can describe anyone with remarkable qualities, but special someone refers specifically to a close relationship.
4. Hot-Headed
Meaning: Quick-tempered; someone who gets angry very easily.
- He’s so hot-headed—say the wrong thing and he’ll explode.
Can also be shortened to hothead as a noun.
5. Mix and Match
Meaning: Combine different items freely.
- This store lets you mix and match any five items for $20.
Often used in shopping, clothing, or food choices.
6. Cold Calculation
Meaning: A decision made logically, without emotion or concern for others.
- The government’s decision to go to war was a cold calculation about resources and power.
Here, “cold” means unemotional, focused only on reason.
7. First and Foremost
Meaning: The most important point before anything else.
- First and foremost, children should avoid sugary drinks.
Useful in essays, speeches, or arguments to emphasize priority.
8. Pressure Point
Meaning 1: In massage therapy, specific spots on the body that affect other areas when pressed.
Meaning 2: In emotions, a sensitive area that triggers a strong reaction.
- Everyone has pressure points—push the wrong one and they’ll snap.
9. Rags to Riches
Meaning: A dramatic rise from poverty to wealth or from failure to success.
- His life is a true rags to riches story.
Often used for biographies of famous or successful people.
10. Safe and Sound
Meaning: Completely safe, unharmed, and healthy after a trip or situation.
- I arrived safe and sound—don’t worry.
Both “safe” and “sound” reinforce each other for reassurance.
11. Tall Tale
Meaning: An unbelievable or exaggerated story, often a lie.
- The excuse about the dog knocking over the couch was a tall tale.
Usually linked with children’s creative or exaggerated stories.
Why These Are Useful
- Alliteration makes collocations easier to remember.
- Collocations help your English sound more natural.
- Using both together improves writing style and fluency.
When writing essays or creative texts, try adding some alliteration for rhythm and style. And in speaking, learning collocations will make your English smoother and more native-like.
