Which of the following is an example of a strong collocation?

Which of the following is an example of a strong collocation?

• A. Take a break
• B. Make a decision
• C. Do a favor
• D. Have a problem

Answer: (B)

The choice "Make a decision" is a strong collocation because the verb "make" is commonly used with "decision" to convey the action of coming to a conclusion or choosing from options. This pairing is widely accepted in English, and using "do" or "take" in this context would sound unnatural to native speakers. While other options may seem plausible, they are generally considered weaker collocations. For example, "Take a break" is used frequently, but not as universally recognized as a strong collocation compared to "make a decision." Similarly, "Do a favor" is used, but it does not carry the same strength in collocation, and "Have a problem" is more flexible, lacking the specificity and common acceptance of "make a decision." Therefore, "Make a decision" stands out as the example of a strong collocation in this context.

The choice "Make a decision" is a strong collocation because the verb "make" is commonly used with "decision" to convey the action of coming to a conclusion or choosing from options. This pairing is widely accepted in English, and using "do" or "take" in this context would sound unnatural to native speakers.

While other options may seem plausible, they are generally considered weaker collocations. For example, "Take a break" is used frequently, but not as universally recognized as a strong collocation compared to "make a decision." Similarly, "Do a favor" is used, but it does not carry the same strength in collocation, and "Have a problem" is more flexible, lacking the specificity and common acceptance of "make a decision." Therefore, "Make a decision" stands out as the example of a strong collocation in this context.