GRAMMAR FOCUS:

What is a collocation?
A collocation is two or more words that often go together. These combinations just sound "right" to native English speakers, who use them all the time. On the other hand, other combinations may be unnatural and just sound "wrong". 
Natural English:   Unnatural English:
the fast train             the quick train
fast food                     quick food
a quick shower             a fast shower
a quick meal          a fast meal


Types of Collocation
There are several different types of collocation. The most common types are:
Adverb + Adjective: completely satisfied (NOT downright satisfied)
Adjective + Noun: excruciating pain (NOT excruciating joy)
Noun + Noun: a surge of anger (NOT a rush of anger)
Noun + Verb: lions roar (NOT lions shout)
Verb + Noun: commit suicide (NOT undertake suicide)
Verb + Expression With Preposition: burst into tears (NOT blow up in tears)
Verb + Adverb: wave frantically (NOT wave feverishly)


Sample Collocations
1. adverb + adjective
Invading that country was an utterly stupid thing to do.
We entered a richly decorated room.


2. adjective + noun
The doctor ordered him to take regular exercise.
The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.


3. noun + noun
Let's give Mr Jones a round of applause.
The ceasefire agreement came into effect at 11am.


4. noun + verb
The lion started to roar when it heard the dog barking.
Snow was falling as our plane took off.


5. verb + noun
The prisoner was hanged for committing murder.
I always try to do my homework in the morning, after making my bed.


6. verb + expression with preposition
We had to return home because we had run out of money.
At first her eyes filled with horror, and then she burst into tears.


7. verb + adverb
She placed her keys gently on the table and sat down.
Mary whispered softly in John's ear.