Languages › English as a Second Language Vocabulary Building With Collocation Lists of Sports Share Flipboard Email Print Paul Bradbury / Getty Images English as a Second Language Vocabulary Basic Conversations for English Language Learners Pronunciation & Conversation Writing Skills Reading Comprehension Grammar Business English Resources for Teachers By Kenneth Beare Kenneth Beare English as a Second Language (ESL) Expert TESOL Diploma, Trinity College London M.A., Music Performance, Cologne University of Music B.A., Vocal Performance, Eastman School of Music Kenneth Beare is an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher and course developer with over three decades of teaching experience. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on June 28, 2017 01 of 06 Introduction to Collocation Lists HeroImagesCLOSED/Getty Images Vocabulary is generally used in groups of words that go together. This is often referred to as 'chunking', another common term for this is collocation. Think about the noun 'money': 'Money' combines with verbs: save moneyspend moneypay moneyetc. Money combines with adjectives: prize moneyplay moneypocket moneyetc. Money combines with other nouns: money managementmoney supplymoney orderetc. Here's a page for more information on collocations with money as well as example sentences to provide context. This article provides collocation lists for nouns related to sports using three common collocations in each category for each noun. You will find collocation lists with the following sports: SkiingSoccerTennisGolfBasketball 02 of 06 Skiing simonkr / Getty Images 3 Verbs + Skis put onremoverent Example Sentences: Let's put on the skis and hit the slope.I removed my skis and went into the lodge.I rented skis for the weekend. 3 Adjectives + Skis alpineback-countrypowder Example Sentences: Most alpine skis are expensive.Back-country skis are not very common these days.You should buy powder skis if you plan to ski off the groomed trails. Ski + 3 nouns poleresortslope Example Sentences: Make sure your ski poles are long enough.We've never been to that ski resort before.Let's go over to that ski slope and give it a try. 03 of 06 Soccer Paul Bradbury / Getty Images 3 Verbs + Soccer playwatchenjoy Example Sentences: He doesn't play soccer.They like watching soccer on the weekends.Do you enjoy soccer? 3 Adjectives + Soccer amateurprofessionalyouth Example Sentences: Amateur soccer is extremely popular in the US.Professional soccer has yet to become successful in the US.Are there any youth soccer teams in this town? Soccer + 3 Nouns ballfieldfan Example Sentences We need a new soccer ball.The soccer field was very muddy.The soccer fan sold his car to buy tickets to the World Cup. 04 of 06 Tennis Iv?n Ram?rez / Getty Images 2 Verbs + Tennis playwatch Example Sentences: I've played tennis for more than twenty years.When I watch tennis, I usually want to go play. 3 Adjectives + Tennis doublessinglescompetitive Example Sentences: I play doubles tennis on Wednesday evenings.Most singles tennis is more exciting to watch than doubles tennis.Not everyone who plays competitive tennis earns money. Tennis + 3 Nouns ballracketcourt Example Sentences: I'll buy a new can of tennis balls for the match.Peter usually needs to buy a few tennis rackets every year.Have you booked the tennis court for tomorrow? 05 of 06 Golf PBNJ Productions / Getty Images 3 Verbs + Golf playtake upwatch Example Sentences: Jerry has played golf since he was ten years old.I took up golf three years ago.I love watching golf on TV on the weekends. 3 Adjectives + Golf minichampionshippro Example Sentences: Most people play mini golf with children.Championship golf is only for the very rich.Pro golf is extremely popular in South Africa. Golf + 3 Nouns courseclubglove Example Sentences There are four golf courses within five miles of our house.Golf clubs can be very expensive.Make sure to wear a golf glove when you play. 06 of 06 Basketball KidStock / Getty Images 3 Verbs + Basketball playcoachwatch Example Sentences: Jane played on her high school basketball team.Have you ever coached basketball?My family enjoys watching basketball on TV. 3 Adjectives + Basketball collegeprovarsity Example Sentences: College basketball is extremely competitive in the US.Pro basketball players can earn millions of dollars per season.Varsity basketball teams receive a lot more money than junior-varsity basketball teams. Basketball + 3 Nouns courtplayerteam Example Sentences: Our high-school has a new basketball court.The basketball player was traded to a different team.The local basketball team is awful. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Beare, Kenneth. "Vocabulary Building With Collocation Lists of Sports." ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/collocation-lists-sports-1211737. Beare, Kenneth. (2020, August 27). Vocabulary Building With Collocation Lists of Sports. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/collocation-lists-sports-1211737 Beare, Kenneth. "Vocabulary Building With Collocation Lists of Sports." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/collocation-lists-sports-1211737 (accessed March 30, 2023). copy citation