- Are you unsure whether to say “make discrimination” or “practice discrimination”?
- Do you struggle to describe the different types of unfair treatment in a professional setting?
- Do you want to sound more natural when discussing social justice or workplace equality?
Mastering discrimination collocations is essential for any English learner aiming for fluency. In English, words don’t live in isolation; they travel in “word partnerships.” Using the correct combinations ensures your speech and writing sound natural, professional, and authoritative, helping you move beyond basic vocabulary to nuanced, high-level communication.
Essential Collocations using Discrimination as a Noun
In modern English, “discrimination” is a noun used to describe the unfair treatment of a person or group. Understanding which adjectives and verbs pair with it is key to accurate communication.
Adjectives Describing Types of Discrimination
These adjectives specify the grounds or the scale of the unfair treatment.
- Racial discrimination: Unfair treatment based on someone’s race.
Example: Many organizations are implementing new policies to root out racial discrimination. - Gender discrimination: Unfair treatment based on a person’s sex or gender identity.
Example: The lawsuit alleged gender discrimination regarding the company’s promotion structure. - Systemic/Institutional discrimination: Discrimination that is embedded as normal practice within an organization or society.
Example: Critics argue that systemic discrimination requires structural changes to overcome. - Age discrimination: Treating someone less favorably because of their age (often in employment).
Example: Age discrimination is a growing concern for workers over fifty in the tech industry. - Positive discrimination: (Mainly UK) The practice of favoring groups that have been discriminated against in the past. (US Equivalent: Affirmative action).
Example: The university was accused of positive discrimination during its latest intake of students.
Verbs for Taking Action Against Discrimination
These verbs are used when discussing laws, policies, or personal efforts to stop unfair treatment.
- Prohibit discrimination: To formally forbid it by law or rule.
Example: Federal laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. - Combat/Fight discrimination: To take active steps to reduce or end it.
Example: The NGO is working hard to combat discrimination in rural areas. - Eliminate discrimination: To remove it entirely.
Example: Our goal is to eliminate discrimination from the recruitment process. - Face/Experience discrimination: When a person is the victim of unfair treatment.
Example: Many immigrants still face discrimination when looking for housing.
Prepositional Collocations
Using the correct preposition is vital for grammatical accuracy.
- Discrimination against: (Most common) Focuses on the victim.
Example: There are strict laws against discrimination against minority groups. - Discrimination in: Focuses on the location or context.
Example: We must address discrimination in the workplace immediately. - Discrimination on the grounds of: A formal/legal way to state the reason.
Example: Discrimination on the grounds of religion is strictly forbidden.
The Master Summary Table
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Racial discrimination | Adjective + Noun | Unfairness based on race. |
| Face discrimination | Verb + Noun | To be a victim of unfair treatment. |
| Prohibit discrimination | Verb + Noun | To make discrimination illegal. |
| Unlawful discrimination | Adjective + Noun | Discrimination that breaks the law. |
| Discrimination against | Noun + Preposition | Specifying the group being mistreated. |
| End discrimination | Verb + Noun | To stop unfair practices completely. |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
Avoid literal translations from your native language. In English, “discrimination” has specific “partners” that cannot be easily swapped.
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| Make discrimination | Practice/Engage in discrimination |
| Have discrimination | Experience/Face discrimination |
| Discrimination for women | Discrimination against women |
| Total discrimination | Systemic/Widespread discrimination |
“The human resources manager emphasized that the company has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of workplace discrimination. She noted that while racial discrimination is often the most discussed, they also actively work to combat age discrimination. Employees who feel they have faced discrimination are encouraged to report it immediately, as the firm is committed to eliminating discrimination on the grounds of gender or sexual orientation.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Discrimination Collocations
Is it correct to say “discrimination towards”?
While “discrimination towards” is occasionally used, “discrimination against” is the standard and most natural preposition in both US and UK English. Using “against” clearly indicates the negative impact on the subject.
What is the difference between “direct” and “indirect” discrimination?
Direct discrimination occurs when someone is treated poorly specifically because of a protected characteristic. Indirect discrimination occurs when a rule or policy applies to everyone but has a worse effect on a specific group.
Can I use “discrimination” as a positive word?
In very formal or old-fashioned English, “discrimination” can mean having good taste or judgment (e.g., “a person of great discrimination”). However, in 2024, 99% of the time it is used to describe unfair treatment.
What is the difference between “discrimination” and “prejudice”?
Prejudice is a thought or opinion (pre-judging someone). Discrimination is the action or behavior based on that prejudice. You “hold a prejudice” but you “practice discrimination.”
What verb should I use for legal contexts?
In legal and HR contexts, the most common verbs are “prohibit,” “outlaw,” “allege,” or “constitute.” For example, “This behavior constitutes discrimination under the Equality Act.”
What's the difference between 'institutional discrimination' and 'systemic discrimination'? They seem very similar.
Marko, you've hit upon an important distinction, though they are often used interchangeably. 'Institutional discrimination' typically refers to unfair treatment embedded within the policies, practices, and culture of specific institutions (like a school, company, or government agency). 'Systemic discrimination' is a broader term, encompassing institutional discrimination but also extending to the overall societal system and its interconnected institutions, implying a more pervasive, society-wide issue. Both are significant, but 'systemic' often suggests a larger scale. Great question!
This article is a lifesaver for someone like me who needs to write reports on workplace diversity. I always worried about using the wrong verb or adjective.
Priya, we're so happy to hear that! Clarity and accuracy are crucial in reports on workplace diversity. Mastering these collocations will undoubtedly boost your confidence and authority in your writing. Keep referring back to the article as you draft your reports!
I'm curious about the historical usage of 'discrimination.' Was it always negative, or did it have other meanings?
Nadia, that's a fascinating linguistic journey! Historically, 'discrimination' could also mean the ability to discern, perceive, or make fine distinctions – a neutral or even positive quality, as in 'having a discriminating taste in art.' However, over time, its primary meaning, especially in social and legal contexts, shifted to refer almost exclusively to 'prejudicial treatment' or 'unfair distinction.' This shift highlights how language evolves with societal changes. A great point about word history!
Are there any less formal ways to talk about discrimination, or is it always a serious, professional topic?
David, while the topic of 'discrimination' itself is inherently serious and often discussed in formal contexts, you might find people using less formal phrasing to describe the *experience* of it. For instance, instead of 'experiencing gender discrimination,' someone might say 'they were treated unfairly because of their gender.' However, the term 'discrimination' itself generally maintains a more formal and precise tone, especially when discussing policy or legal matters.
The article emphasizes sounding natural. I think practicing these collocations in role-playing conversations could be a great way to improve. What do you think?
Chloe, that's a brilliant idea! Role-playing conversations is an incredibly effective method for internalizing new vocabulary and collocations, making them feel more natural in real-time communication. It helps move the phrases from passive understanding to active use. We wholeheartedly encourage this approach!
I sometimes hear 'positive discrimination'. Is that a real term, and does it mean the opposite of what's described here?
Sophie, that's an excellent observation! 'Positive discrimination' is indeed a term, though it's more commonly known as 'affirmative action' in American English. It refers to policies or practices designed to favor individuals belonging to groups known to have been discriminated against previously, to redress past imbalances. It's controversial and conceptually distinct from the negative 'unfair treatment' sense of discrimination discussed in the article, which is the primary modern use of the word.
Are there any other adjectives besides racial, gender, systemic, and institutional that commonly describe discrimination? I'm thinking about age or disability.
Absolutely, Omar! You're thinking critically about the breadth of this topic. Other common and important adjectives include 'age discrimination,' 'disability discrimination,' 'religious discrimination,' 'sexual orientation discrimination,' 'ethnic discrimination,' and 'linguistic discrimination.' Each specifies a particular ground for unfair treatment. Your proactive learning is impressive!
This article is very clear and concise! As a non-native English speaker working in HR, it's vital for me to use these terms correctly. The examples for gender and racial discrimination are perfect.
Maria, we're delighted to know this resource is directly beneficial for your professional role in HR! Accuracy in such sensitive and important contexts is paramount, and mastering these collocations is a huge step towards that. Keep up the great work in ensuring fair and equitable workplaces!
I often mix up 'prejudice' and 'discrimination'. Are they interchangeable, or is there a distinct difference that I should be aware of when using these collocations?
Hi Kenji! This is a fantastic question and a common point of confusion. 'Prejudice' refers to a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience, often a negative feeling or attitude towards a group. 'Discrimination,' on the other hand, is the *action* or *behavior* resulting from prejudice – the unfair treatment itself. So, while prejudice is an internal attitude, discrimination is an external act. Understanding this difference will significantly enhance your precision!
Could you provide an example sentence for 'root out racial discrimination' that's different from the one in the article? I'm trying to internalize these phrases.
Certainly, Elena! Here's another example: 'The new task force was formed with the primary objective to root out racial discrimination that had long plagued the company's hiring practices.' This phrase emphasizes getting rid of something completely, like pulling a plant out by its roots. Excellent initiative to practice with new sentences!