| British English | American English | | :--- | :--- | | Have a shower/take a bath | / Take a bath | | Write to me | Write to me (formal) / Write me (informal US) | | Different to | Different from (or "than" in casual US) | | At the weekend | On the weekend | | Do maths | Do math |
While English is a global language, it is not monolithic. Collocations are one of the most significant areas of divergence between American and British English. If you download a generic list, you might find yourself using British phrasing in an American setting. common collocations in american english pdf
Most common collocations in the U.S. revolve around a few high-frequency verbs. Master these, and you'll immediately sound more authentic: : Use this for creating something or reaching a result. Make a decision : "I need to make a decision about my job". Make a phone call : Never "do" a call—always Make progress making progress in her English classes". : Use this for tasks, jobs, or obligations. Do homework : "Did you do your homework Do a favor : "Could you do me a favor Do the dishes : A classic daily chore. : Common for actions that involve time or movement. Take a break : Essential for any office environment. Take a nap : Very common in American casual speech. Take a seat : A polite way to ask someone to sit. : The "Swiss Army Knife" of American verbs. : "He finally at the bank". : "I need 20 minutes to Get married : "They're planning to get married next summer". Common Ground International Slang & Casual American Pairings If you want to sound like you’re actually | British English | American English | |