- Do you ever wonder why your English sounds unnatural, even when your grammar is correct?
- Are you struggling to use the word “resolution” confidently in different contexts like goal-setting or problem-solving?
- Do you want to move beyond basic vocabulary and speak English with native-like fluency and precision?
Welcome to translateen.com! Understanding collocations is a game-changer for English learners. Collocations are simply words that naturally go together. When you learn them, you stop translating word-for-word and start sounding more fluent, confident, and natural. Today, we’re diving deep into the powerful word “resolution” and its most common companions.
Essential Collocations using Resolution as a Noun
The word “resolution” primarily functions as a noun in modern English, carrying several distinct meanings. Mastering its collocations will significantly enhance your English proficiency.
Collocations for Making and Keeping Decisions
When “resolution” refers to a firm decision or a strong intention, often personal goals:
- Make a resolution: To decide firmly to do something.
Example: “I always make a resolution to exercise more, but I rarely stick to it.”
- Keep a resolution: To succeed in doing what you firmly decided.
Example: “This year, she’s determined to keep her resolution to read 50 books.”
- Stick to a resolution: Similar to ‘keep a resolution,’ emphasizing persistence.
Example: “It takes strong willpower to stick to a resolution for an entire year.”
- Break a resolution: To fail to do what you firmly decided.
Example: “I often break my resolutions by the second week of January.”
- New Year’s resolution: A common personal commitment made at the start of a new year.
Example: “Many people make New Year’s resolutions related to health and finances.”
- Firm resolution: A strong, unwavering decision or intention.
Example: “She approached the challenge with a firm resolution to succeed.”
Collocations for Solving Problems and Disputes
When “resolution” refers to the act of resolving an issue, a conflict, or finding a solution:
- Reach a resolution: To achieve a formal agreement or solution to a problem or dispute.
Example: “After hours of negotiation, both parties finally reached a resolution.”
- Find a resolution: To discover or come up with a solution to a problem.
Example: “We need to work together to find a resolution to this technical issue.”
- Seek a resolution: To actively look for a solution or an end to a conflict.
Example: “The mediator was brought in to help the warring factions seek a resolution.”
- Come to a resolution: To arrive at an agreement or conclusion (similar to ‘reach a resolution’).
Example: “It’s crucial for the team to come to a resolution by the end of the meeting.”
- Conflict resolution: The process of resolving disputes or disagreements.
Example: “Effective conflict resolution skills are vital in any workplace.”
- Dispute resolution: A formal process for resolving disagreements, often legal or contractual.
Example: “The company offers various methods for dispute resolution for its customers.”
- Peaceful resolution: A solution achieved without violence or aggression.
Example: “The international community called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.”
Collocations for Clarity and Detail (Technical Context)
When “resolution” refers to the clarity or detail of an image, display, or measurement:
- High resolution: Referring to an image or display with great clarity and detail.
Example: “The new monitor boasts stunning high resolution graphics.”
- Low resolution: Referring to an image or display with poor clarity and less detail.
Example: “The old camera could only capture images in low resolution.”
- Screen resolution: The number of pixels on a display, determining its clarity.
Example: “You can adjust the screen resolution in your computer’s display settings.”
- Image resolution: The level of detail in a digital image.
Example: “For printing, you usually need a much higher image resolution than for web display.”
Collocations for Formal Decisions or Statements
When “resolution” refers to a formal expression of opinion or intention by a legislative body or committee:
- Pass a resolution: To formally approve a statement or decision, usually by a vote.
Example: “The UN Security Council voted to pass a resolution condemning the aggression.”
- Adopt a resolution: To formally accept and approve a proposal or statement.
Example: “The committee decided to adopt a resolution supporting the new policy.”
- Draft a resolution: To prepare the preliminary version of a formal statement.
Example: “Representatives worked late into the night to draft a resolution acceptable to all members.”
Master Summary: Essential Resolution Collocations
Here’s a quick overview of the most crucial collocations with “resolution” to help you review and retain them.
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Make a resolution | Verb + Noun | To decide firmly on a goal or plan |
| Stick to a resolution | Verb + Noun | To maintain a firm decision or goal |
| Break a resolution | Verb + Noun | To fail to keep a firm decision or goal |
| Reach a resolution | Verb + Noun | To find an agreement or solution to a problem |
| Conflict resolution | Noun + Noun | The process of solving disputes peacefully |
| High resolution | Adjective + Noun | Very clear and detailed (for images/screens) |
| Pass a resolution | Verb + Noun | To formally approve a statement or decision |
| Firm resolution | Adjective + Noun | A strong and determined decision |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your English sounds truly natural when using “resolution.”
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| Do a resolution | Make a resolution |
| Get a resolution (for a dispute) | Reach a resolution or Find a resolution |
| Strong resolution (for determination) | Firm resolution or Show resolution |
| Solve resolution (a problem) | Find a resolution or Reach a resolution |
| Low-resolution (for a lack of determination) | Lack resolution |
“The team had been struggling with a complex project for weeks. Sarah knew they needed to find a resolution quickly. She decided to make a firm resolution to tackle the toughest problems first. During the meeting, she encouraged everyone to work towards a peaceful resolution for their internal disagreements, reminding them that effective conflict resolution was key to progress. By the end of the day, they managed to reach a resolution on the main technical hurdle, a truly encouraging step forward for their high-stakes task.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Resolution Collocations
Here are some common questions English learners have about using “resolution.”
How is “resolution” different from “decision”?
While similar, “resolution” often implies a stronger, more formal, or more determined commitment than “decision.” A decision can be a simple choice, while a resolution typically involves a firm intention to act or a formal settlement. For example, you might make a “decision” about what to eat, but you “make a resolution” to lose weight.
Can “resolution” be plural?
Yes, “resolution” can be plural. For example, “New Year’s resolutions” or “The committee passed several resolutions.” It is countable when referring to specific decisions, solutions, or formal statements.
What prepositions are commonly used with “resolution”?
Common prepositions include:
- to a resolution: “They came to a resolution.”
- for a resolution: “They are seeking for a resolution to the dispute.”
- with resolution: “She tackled the task with resolution.”
- of resolution: “A lack of resolution.”
What’s the difference between “New Year’s resolution” and other types?
“New Year’s resolution” is a specific type of personal resolution made at the beginning of a calendar year, usually for self-improvement. Other resolutions can be made at any time for any purpose (e.g., a personal resolution to save money) or can be formal statements made by groups (e.g., a UN resolution).
Is “high resolution” only for screens and images?
While “high resolution” is most commonly used for screens, images, and printing, it can sometimes be used more broadly to describe a high degree of detail or clarity in scientific instruments, measurements, or data analysis (e.g., “high-resolution microscopy”). However, for general English learners, focusing on its use with visual media is most practical.
This article is going straight into my 'must-read-again' folder! So practical.
I confuse 'resolution' with 'resolve' sometimes. The noun 'resolve' means determination, right? How does it differ from 'resolution' in this context?
Another fantastic question, Jin! Yes, 'resolve' as a noun indeed means firm determination or steadfastness. While 'resolution' (as a decision/intention) is often an *outcome* of resolve, 'resolve' itself refers to the *quality* or *strength* of that determination. For example, 'He showed great resolve in sticking to his resolution.' They are closely related but distinct in usage. You're thinking like a linguist!
Are there any common adjectives that go with 'resolution'? Like 'strong resolution' or 'personal resolution'?
Excellent question, Maria! Yes, absolutely. 'Strong resolution,' 'firm resolution,' 'personal resolution,' and 'New Year's resolution' are all very common and natural collocations. You might also hear 'unwavering resolution' for a very determined commitment. Adding adjectives helps to specify the nature of the resolution!
The intro about sounding unnatural even with correct grammar hit me hard! This is exactly my problem. Collocations truly are the key.
I sometimes use 'determine' instead of 'make a resolution'. Is 'I determined to learn Spanish' natural, or is 'I made a resolution to learn Spanish' much better?
That's a good distinction to explore, Chloe! While 'determine' means to decide firmly, saying 'I determined to learn Spanish' is grammatically correct but less common than 'I *decided* to learn Spanish' or, for a stronger commitment, 'I *made a resolution* to learn Spanish.' 'Made a resolution' specifically implies a firm, often self-imposed, commitment. Keep up the excellent critical thinking!
Very helpful article! Thank you!
I loved the example 'she's determined to keep her resolution to read 50 books.' Can we get more like this, perhaps with other common verbs besides 'read' for keeping resolutions?
Learning collocations has been a real breakthrough for my fluency. This article on 'resolution' highlights exactly why they are so important. My English feels so much more natural now.
What about 'break a resolution'? Is that a common collocation too, or would you typically say 'fail to keep a resolution'?
Excellent point, Anya! Yes, 'break a resolution' is absolutely a common and natural collocation, meaning to fail to keep it. For example, 'I broke my resolution to avoid sugar just two days into the new year.' It's often used interchangeably with 'fail to keep' or 'not keep' a resolution. Thanks for bringing that up!
Is 'make a resolution' considered formal or informal? Can I use it in daily casual conversation, or should I prefer 'make a decision'?
Great question about register, Marco! 'Make a resolution' is perfectly suitable for both casual and more formal contexts, especially when talking about personal goals or firm intentions. 'Make a decision' is broader and can refer to any choice, while 'resolution' implies a stronger, often personal, commitment. So yes, you can definitely use 'make a resolution' in daily chats!