雅思口语常见惯用搭配错误

从小学英文，我们最常问英文老师“为什么”，老师最常回复的一句是“没有为什么，固定搭配”，所以每次我们一听到固定搭配，就忍不住翻白眼。

固定搭配，或者说惯用搭配，英文是collocation，到底什么是collocation，也就是听起来放在一起觉得对的词（words that just sound good together）。

以前有外国朋友跟我说“达成习惯”，我说你不能这么说，听起来怪怪的，你应该说“养成习惯”，他问“为什么”，我把听了二十来年的“没有为什么”还给了他。。。

下面就是我们在口语中常见的搭配错误，不要问为什么！因为听起来怪怪的。

a slight decrease / increase NOT a little decrease / increase

a substantial decrease / increase NOT a strong decrease / increase

Exports were five times greater than imports. Exports were five times larger than imports.

He has high computer skills.	He has good / advanced computer skills.
He has a high education.	He is highly educated. He has a good level of education.
A secretary with high qualification is required.	A well-qualified secretary is required. A secretary with good qualification is required.
He has a high knowledge of English.	He has a good / an advanced knowledge of English.

He has a large knowledge of all subjects.	He has an extensive / a comprehensive knowledge of all subjects.
He has big / great / wide experience of teaching.	He has considerable experience of teaching.
He managed to get a good relationship with his boss.	He managed to establish / develop a good relationship with his boss.
Mr. Day is a very appreciated member of staff.	Mr. Day is a highly valued member of staff.

I hope I didn’t bring you any trouble.	I hope I didn’t cause you any trouble / put you to any trouble.
I’m very looking forward to seeing you.	I’m really / very much looking forward to seeing you.
I strongly hope you will apologize.	I sincerely / very much hope you will apologize.
It’s a big pleasure to hear from you again.	It’s a great pleasure to hear from you again.