Imagine this: You are in a bustling marketplace, surrounded by stalls offering a diverse range of products. Your senses are being stimulated at every corner, but it’s the touch, the texture, that captures your attention the most. From the smooth surface of a ceramic pot to the coarse grain of a wooden table, the world around us is a symphony of textures. Much like how texture adds depth and richness to our tangible experiences, texture-related collocations can bring your English communication to life. How? Well, let’s find out!
Today, we are going to learn 37 texture-related English collocations that will add another layer of depth to your English speaking and writing skills.
1. Smooth transition: A change that goes smoothly and effortlessly.
Example: The company ensured a smooth transition during the restructuring process.
2. Rough estimate: An approximate calculation.
Example: The architect gave a rough estimate of the renovation cost.
3. Hard evidence: Proof that is extremely convincing.
Example: The lawyer provided hard evidence to win the case.
4. Soft landing: A situation in which a negative occurrence happens gently or mildly.
Example: The government introduced measures to ensure a soft landing in the housing market.
5. Flat denial: Complete and outright rejection of an accusation.
Example: He gave a flat denial to the allegations against him.
6. Sharp criticism: Intense and harsh disapproval.
Example: His novel received sharp criticism from the reviewers.
7. Fine print: The part of a document, especially a contract, that contains important details written in small, often difficult to read, type.
Example: Make sure you read the fine print before signing the contract.
8. Smooth sailing: A situation where progress is made quickly and easily.
Example: Once we finished the project proposal, it was smooth sailing.
9. Rough justice: Punishment that is slightly more severe than the crime deserves.
Example: The media claimed it was rough justice when he was fined for a minor offense.
10. Solid ground: A position where you are safe, or feel confident and sure.
Example: After months of research, I feel like I’m on solid ground with this topic.
11. Hard truth: An uncomfortable fact or issue that is difficult to accept or handle.
Example: The hard truth is that not everyone will like your work.
12. Thick-skinned: Not easily affected by criticism.
Example: To be a politician, you need to be thick-skinned.
13. Smooth operator: Someone who accomplishes tasks efficiently, often by manipulating others subtly.
Example: He is such a smooth operator when it comes to negotiation.
14. Flat broke: Having no money at all.
Example: I was flat broke after paying my university fees.
15. Rough draft: The first version of a piece of writing.
Example: I’ve completed a rough draft of the essay.
16. Solid Evidence: Evidence that is reliable, substantial, and likely to be believed.
Example: The detective was looking for solid evidence to solve the case.
17. Fine line: A subtle distinction or difference.
Example: There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance.
18. Sharp contrast: A very noticeable difference.
Example: There’s a sharp contrast between his public and private persona.
19. Smooth talker: Someone who speaks convincingly but often insincerely.
Example: Be wary of smooth talkers when making business deals.
20. Flat tire: A tire that has lost all of its air.
Example: I got a flat tire on the way to the meeting.
21. Rough around the edges: Not refined, polished, or finished.
Example: His first book was a bit rough around the edges, but he’s improved since then.
22. Solid gold: Pure gold or high quality.
Example: That necklace is solid gold, it’s worth a lot.
23. Hard copy: A printed version of a digital document.
Example: Please submit a hard copy of your assignment.
24. Thick fog: Dense fog that makes it difficult to see.
Example: The thick fog made driving conditions dangerous.
25. Sharp turn: A turn or change of direction that is sudden and swift.
Example: The road ahead has a sharp turn, so drive carefully.
26. Smooth ride: A journey or experience that is very relaxed and without any problems.
Example: Thanks to our guide, it was a smooth ride through the process.
27. Flat rate: A charge that is the same in all cases, not varying in proportion with something.
Example: The taxi operates on a flat rate.
28. Rough diamond: Someone or something having potential or worth but lacking refinement or polish.
Example: He’s a rough diamond, but his talent is undeniable.
29. Solid performance: A performance that is reliable or dependable.
Example: She delivered a solid performance in the competition.
30. Hard feelings: Resentment or anger.
Example: I hope there are no hard feelings over the disagreement.
31. Fine dining: A style of eating that usually takes place in expensive restaurants where good quality food is served.
Example: For our anniversary, we’re going to a fine dining restaurant.
32. Sharp increase: A rapid and steep rise in quantity or volume.
Example: There has been a sharp increase in the cost of living.
33. Smooth texture: A surface that is even and has no roughness.
Example: The smooth texture of the silk was comforting.
34. Flat response: A lackluster or unenthusiastic reaction.
Example: His joke received a flat response from the audience.
35. Rough cut: The first preliminary version of a film or audio recording.
Example: The director released a rough cut for the audience to review.
36. Solid foundation: A basis or groundwork that is strong and dependable.
Example: A good education provides a solid foundation for future success.
37. Hard sell: Aggressive insistence on the part of a salesperson.
Example: I don’t respond well to a hard sell, I prefer to make up my own mind.
Mastering these texture-related English collocations not only will enrich your vocabulary but also will make your English more descriptive and interesting. Learning and using them will surely give a new dimension to your English conversations and writings.