While many dictionaries focus on what words mean, this resource focuses on how words are used in real-world contexts, particularly in academic and professional settings. What is the Macmillan Collocations Dictionary?
Writing like a native English speaker involves more than just knowing a lot of words; it requires knowing which words "fit" together naturally. This linguistic glue is known as . For learners, students, and professionals aiming for high-level accuracy, the Macmillan Collocations Dictionary Online is a premier tool designed to bridge the gap between basic vocabulary and natural-sounding English. macmillan collocations dictionary online
: Every entry is derived from a two-billion-word corpus of modern English, ensuring the combinations provided are actually used by native speakers today. While many dictionaries focus on what words mean,
: Collocations aren't just listed alphabetically; they are grouped by meaning. For example, if you look up the word "employment," the dictionary groups verbs like "look for" and "seek" separately from "create" or "promote". This linguistic glue is known as
: A significant portion of the headwords are drawn from the Academic Word List, making it an essential companion for university students writing essays or research papers. How to Use the Dictionary Effectively
The Macmillan Collocations Dictionary (MCD) is a corpus-based resource that identifies over for 4,500 key headwords. Unlike a standard dictionary, it is specifically built to meet "productive needs"—meaning it helps you generate language rather than just understand it.
: The dictionary includes Usage Notes (often highlighted in pink or grey) that offer grammatical advice, such as whether a verb is typically used in the passive voice or a noun is usually plural.